I've spent some time researching my family's genealogy and though I'd put this collection together so I can share it with my family. Here's what I've learned about my Great-Great Grandfather and Great-Great Grandmother.
At sometime during the year of 1893, Wilhelm Jorns, from Hamburg, Germany, embarked on his journey to America from the Port of Wilhelmshaven. On October 27, 1893, at the age of 28, he arrived in New York with intentions of going to Cleveland, Ohio.
January 18, 1895 || Wilhelm applies for United States citizenship in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
January 18, 1895 || Declaration of Intention
November 3, 1899 || Wilhelm is granted naturalization/citizenship.
The City of Cleveland reassigned street names and numbers, and 15 Claremont Street became 1313 89th Street. Below is a photo of the home that Wilhelm was living in when he was granted citizenship.
October 7, 1903 || Wilhelm Jorns and Isabella Parks marry in Cleveland, Ohio.
Between 1903 and 1904, William and Isabella moved from Cleveland to Orrville, Ohio.
July 19, 1904 || William and Isabella had their first child, a son, William Fredrick Jorns.
July 7, 1905 || William worked with A. J. Shantz, whose company, The Shantz Organ Company, is still operating out of Orrville, Ohio.
January 12, 1906 || Although no longer living in Cleveland, William still owned property in the city.
February 3, 1907 || Baby Gertrude Jorns was born in Orrville, Ohio.
January 1, 1909 || William and Isabella built a home in Orrville, Ohio in 1908.
1910 Census Record
November 20, 1911 || At the age of three, Baby Gertrude passes away. She is laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery.
November 24, 1911 || The Town of Orrville is notified of Gertrude's death.
August 30, 1912 || Isabella gives birth to a Baby Girl. Sadly, she lives only one day. She is laid to reset at Crown Hill Cemetery as well.
October 8, 1912 || I was so happy to learn where William and Isabella lived! Their home address was 723 Mill Street, also known as South Mill Street.
November 5, 1912 || William has purchased property in Wiggins, Mississippi.
January 10, 1913 || The town is notified of births from the previous years. Baby Jorns was included in the list, although she only lived for one day.
July 21, 1913 || Isabella cared for some out of town visitors.
October 27, 1913 || Isabella gives birth to their third child, Mary Jorns. She doesn't survive the day of her birth.
November 14, 1916 || Isabella gives birth to her fourth daughter.
November 14, 1916 || Isabella gives birth to her fourth daughter.
November 30, 1916 || Baby Mrytle Jorns passes away at 16 days old.
In 1918, the family moved to Mississippi. (See final photo for record.)
The census of 1920 documents that William, Isabella, and Willie, live in Forrest County, Mississippi. There is no mention of their third daughter.
December 11, 1926 || We learn that Isabella dies in Mississippi. She was 48 years old. It is still unclear as to where she was buried.
The census of 1930 shows William is widowed and his son, William Fredrick, is living with him.
The census of 1940 shows us that William is now living with his Son and Daughter-in-Law.
May 3, 1943 || William was selected as a juror.
May 3, 1943 || William was selected as a juror.
October 10, 1957 || William dies in Mississippi. He is laid to rest at Highland Cemetery in Hattiesburg.
I was so happy to be able to find these items and will do my best to keep looking for more info!
