Michael Zehler
Michael Zehler was born in Bennington, Wyoming County, New York in 1861. In 1888, he married Mary Phillips at Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Bennington.
The children of Michael and Mary are:
Fourth Generation
| i. | George J. Zehler | George was born November 6, 18882, and he died August 17, 19192. George was a veteran of World War I. |
| ii. | Edward Peter Zehler | Edward was born July 17, 18902, and he died December 30, 1931267. Edward married Florence T. Distler. |
| iii. | Benjamin George Zehler | Benjamin was born June 9, 18922, and he died September 13, 19628. Benjamin married Helena G. Weldgen. |
| iv. | Frank Edward Zehler | Frank was born April 2, 18942, and he died February 11, 19502. Frank married Jennie Tretter. |
| v. | Walter Nicholas Zehler | Walter was born January 6, 18962, and he died February 28, 194841. Walter married Clara A. Becker. |
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| Michael Zehler's Portable Sawmill |
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| Mary Phillips |
Michael Zehler was born November 20, 18611, the second child of Peter Zehler and Mary Differt. He grew up in Bennington on the family farm where he was exposed to the life of farming and operating a sawmill.
On January 18, 18882, Michael married Mary Phillips, the daughter of John Phillips and Elizabeth Gebel. The Phillips family belonged to Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Bennington, and Elizabeth Gebel's ancestors were early members of the German community which centered on St. Cecilia's parish.
In January 1889, Michael, along with brother John, purchased the Mill Lot from his father for $1,800, starting Michael on a life as a sawyer17. Then in 1902, Michael paid John $1,200 for his share of the Mill Lot, becoming the sole owner17. Michael continued to operate the sawmill well into the 20th century. After Michael's death on December 23, 1936, Mary sold the mill lot to the actor William R. Hardie for $117. The small parcel was no longer of value. Mary died over ten years later on November 23, 1947. Michael and Mary are buried in the Sacred Heart of Jesus cemetery in Bennington.
Edward Zehler:
Wedding of Edward Zehler and Florence Distler
August 26, 1919
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| Edward Zehler |
Edward Peter Zehler was born July 17, 18902, the second son of Michael Zehler and Mary Phillips. Edward was raised on the family farm in Bennington, New York. He, along with three brothers served in the U,S, Army during World War I.
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| Florence Distler |
On August 26, 1919, he married Florence T. Distler, at Our Lady Help for Christians Roman Catholic Church in East Bennington, New York. Florence was born February 1, 189318, the daughter of John Distler and Elizabeth Todt. Edward and Florence resided in Niagara Falls, New York, where Edward worked as a cashier at Railway Express53,54. They initially rented an apartment in the city, before purchasing their own residence. Edward and Florence had a family of four sons, all born in Niagara Falls.
After Edward's untimely death in 1931, Florence moved to Buffalo, New York, where she continued to raise her sons by taking in sewing to support the family. Florence died in March of 197918.
Edward Zehler and his Sons
about 1930
Benjamin Zehler:
Benjamin George Zehler was born June 9, 18922, the third son of Michael Zehler and Mary Phillips. Benjamin was raised on the family farm in Bennington, New York . He, along with three brothers served in the U,S, Army during World War I. In 1920, Benjamin was living with his parents and working as a thresher49.
On January 7, 1920, Benjamin married Helena Geraldine Weldgen at Batavia, New York. Helena was born on July 14, 1898 in Bennington, New York, the daughter of John Weldgen and Catherine Leveque. Benjamin and Helena are seen in the picture above, taken at the wedding of his brother, Edward. Benjamin and Helena settled in Batavia, New York, where they raised their family of two sons and two daughters. In 1930, they owed their home and Benjamin was working as a machinist in a farm implement factory55. Tragically, their youngest child, William, was killed by train at the age of ten56.
Benjamin died on September 13, 19628, and Helena died September 29, 1989.
Frank Zehler:
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| Frank Zehler |
Frank Edward Zehler was born April 2, 18942, the fourth son of Michael Zehler and Mary Phillips. Frank was raised on the family farm in Bennington, New York. He, along with three brothers served in the U,S, Army during World War I. In 1920, Frank was living with his parents and working on the family farm49.
On April 8, 1926, Frank married Jennie Tretter in Buffalo, New York. Jennie was born on January 16, 189918, in the Town of Alabama, Genesee County, the daughter of Jacob Tretter and Elizabeth Mathias. They settled in Bennington, New York, where they raised a family of four sons and one daughter. In 1930, Frank owned the family farm on Allegany Road57. Frank died February 11, 19502, and Jennie died September 24, 198332.
Walter Zehler:
Walter Nicholas Zehler was born January 6, 18962, the fifth son of Michael Zehler and Mary Phillips. Walter was raised on the family farm in Bennington, New York. In 1920, he was living with his brother, Edward, in Niagara Falls, New York, and working as a laborer in a paper factory53.
On April 27, 1921, Walter married Clara Anastasia Becker at St. Cecelia's Roman Catholic Church in Sheldon, New York1. Clara was born on February 7, 189818, the daughter of Frank Becker and Julia Goebel. Walter and Clara settled in Bennington, New York, where they raised a family of three sons and seven daughters. By 193057, they owned their farm on Burroughs Road. Walter died on February 28, 194841, and Clara died in November 198718.
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