Family of Harry Hand and Angeline Zahler

Third Generation




Angeline Zehler was born in June 1872 35, in Big Rapids, Michigan, the first child of Martin Zehler and Mary Veit.  She grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she received her education.  On August 3, 1892134, Angeline married Harry L. Hand.  Harry was born on December 21, 187140, in Grand Rapids, the son of Lewell G. Hand and Elizabeth Stewart.  Harry and Angeline lived in Grand Rapids for much of their lives.

Harry worked as a Clerk for the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad 35,128,129, which was organized in 1854, and largely served as transportation for the lumber industry and tourists.  In all likelihood, Harry started with the railroad before his marriage and continued as a Clerk until he retired.  In 1918, the company was sold to the Pennsylvania Railroad and Harry continued as a Clerk with the new company at least until 1930130.  However, by 1938, the City Directory no longer lists his occupation, indicating he had retired131.  Harry died on August 28, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas132.  He had either moved to Texas after retirement or was visiting his son, who lived in San Antonio.  Angeline died in 195840.

The children of Harry and Angeline are:

Fourth Generation


i. Ledyard M. Hand Ledyard was born on March 12, 189311, and he died on May 20, 1966132.  Ledyard married Tecla Yanina Jakobowski.
ii. Ruth A. Hand Ruth was born on in March 189535, and she died on August 19, 1972133.  Ruth married Robert H. Lewis.
iii. Harry Morgan Hand Morgan was born on July 9, 189711, and he died on August 3, 191211.
iv. Darius M. "Doris" Hand Doris was born on May 17, 190011, and she died on June 12, 190011.
v. Dorothy H. Hand Dorothy was May 17, 190036, and she died on January 12, 195636.  Dorothy married (1) Charles H. Bradfield and (2) Leo E. Conklin.



Ledyard Hand

Ledyard M. Hand was born on March 12, 189311, the first child of Harry Hand and Angeline Zehler.  He grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and in 1910, he was working there as a Stenographer35.

Our next glimpse of Ledyard comes from the 1930135.  At that time his was living in the Bankhead Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama, working as radio technician.  He was also married to Tecla Yanina Jakobowski, whom he married about 1919135.  Tecla was born in Poland, in about 1896135.  Finally, at the time of his death on May 20, 1966, Ledyard lived in San Antonio, Texas132.  His occupation is listed as Engineer.  Tecla died in San Antonio on July 25, 1985132.  They had no children.




Ruth Hand:

Ruth A. Hand was born in March 189535, the second child of Harry Hand and Angeline Zehler.  She grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  On September 17, 1921, Ruth married Robert H. Lewis, in Grand Rapids134.  Robert was born on September 10, 189818, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Albert Lewis and Sadie E. Middleton.  At the time of his marriage, he was working in Grand Rapids as a reporter134.

After their marriage, Robert and Ruth moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where their children were born40.  Then in the 1930's, Robert and Ruth moved to Washington, D.C.141, where Robert eventually served as the Advertising Director of the Washington Gas and Electric Co.133  During World War II, Ruth was employed by the American Red Cross141.  After his retirement in 1970, Robert and Ruth moved to Tiburon, Marin county, California133.  Ruth died on August 19, 1972141, and Robert died on April 26, 197818.

The children of Robert and Ruth are:

Fifth Generation


i. Sally Lewis Sally was born on July 18, 192336, in Pennsylvania, and she died on February 28, 198336.  Sally married William H. Ewen.  William was born on December 29, 191036, and he died on December 15, 198436.
ii. Roberta Lewis Roberta was born on July 18, 192518, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and she died on January 31, 199318, in San Rafael, California.  Roberta married Joseph E. Jenkins.



Dorothy Hand:

Dorothy G. Hand was born on May 17, 190035, the fifth child of Harry Hand and Angeline Zehler.  She grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  On June 18, 1921, Dorothy married Charles H. Bradfield, in Grand Rapids134.  Charles was born about 1898, the son of James H. Bradfield and Jessie Densmore134.

About 1921, Dorothy married Leo E. Conklin.  It is not known whether Charles had died or the couple were divorced.  Leo and Dorothy initially lived in Grand Rapids, however, in 1935 they were in Columbus, Ohio269, and in 1940 they were living near San Antonio, Texas269.  Leo was working as the proprietor of a vacuum clearer business. Finally, sometime after 19490, they moved to California.  Dorothy died there on January 12, 195636, and Leo died January 4, 197536.  Leo and Dorothy had four children.


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