There are five branches of the Rollenhagen family that settled in the United States. Presently, it is unknown how closely the branches are related. The Michigan and Wisconsin Rollenhagens are known to come from the same part of Prussia, from near Stargard in what is now northwest Poland. The New York/New Jersey branch came from near Berlin, which is only about 60 km west of Stargard, so they too may connect. The origins of the other branches is as yet unknown.

The five branches are as follows:

-The Michigan Branch has the most descendants, all of whom are related through Martin Friedrich Rollenhagen (born 1774 in Prussia). About seven or eight of his grandsons arrived in the 1860s through 1880s. Some lived for a short time in Erie County, New York, All eventually settled in Ottawa County and Muskegon County, Michigan, where many of their descendants are found today. Some of Martin's grandchildren remained in the Stargard area, and the Rehling, Bayern Rollenhagens are some of their descendants.

-The Wisconsin Branch was established by Peter Rollenhagen (b. 1805) and Wilhelm Rollenhagen (b. 1827). Peter was from Falkenberg, Kreis Naugard, Pommern, Prussia and Wilhelm is probably his nephew or cousin. They settled in Marathon County, Wisconsin and their descendants lived there and in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin.

- The Minnesota Branch was established by Friedrich Rollenhagen (b. 1837) and Johann Rollenhagen (b. 1840). These two were probably brothers and arrived together in 1870, settling in Faribault County, Minnesota. Their family continues in that area today.

- The Kansas and Colorado Branch was established by Carl Rollenhagen (b. circa 1823) who came to the United States in 1869. His family settled first in Pottowatomie County, Kansas and later moved to Sedgwick County, Colorado. Members live in both areas.

- The New York and New Jersey Branch are descendants of the children and grandchildren of Johann Rollenhagen (born in 1840). He remained in Germany, while members of his family arrived in the late 1890s.

Sources of Information

An attempt has been made to document every fact reported here. The main sources of information have been United States Census records (from 1860 through 1920), birth and death data found in the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) found online on the Internet, Civil War pension records found at the National Archives in Washington, D. C., and data collected in Marathon County, Wisconsin by researcher Shelley Green. Emmy Rollenhagen provided data on her family in New York and New Jersey. Further work is planned!

Peter Rollenhagen was born on 4 March 1805 in Prussia. Peter, listed as "knecht," was married on 6 February 1832 in Falkenberg, Prussia to "Jungfrau" [young virgin] Auguste Henriette Brummond [1]. Auguste was born on 22 February 1811 in Prussia. They lived in Falkenberg in the 1830s and probably in or near Hermelsdorf, Kreis Naugard in the late 1830s to the 1850s. The Rollenhagens had emigrated to the United States between 1854 and 1857. On 18 July 1860, Peter and Augusta were living in Berlin, Marathon County, Wisconsin. Peter's real estate was valued at $800 and his personal property at $120. Six of their children were living with them (August, Franz, Friederike, Emilia, Augusta, and Louisa) [2]. In 1868, Peter was named the Sealer of Weights and Measures in Marathon County, Wisconsin [3]. In 1870, Peter and Augusta lived with their son Franz and his wife in Berlin [4].

Peter died on 20/22 October 1877 in Marathon County, Wisconsin from "weaknis" (sic) [5]. Auguste died on 2 October 1887. Peter and Auguste are buried in the Town of Berlin Cemetery, Marathon Co., Wisconsin.[6]

Children

Karl Friedrich August Rollenhagen was born on 4 February 1836 in Falkenburg, Prussia, son of Peter Rollenhagen and Auguste Henriette Brummund. He was baptised on 7 February 1836. August emigrated to the United States in 1857, moving to Marathon County, Wisconsin [7]. He served in Company D of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry during the Civil War. While in service, he was injured on 28 May 1862 at Corinth, Mississippi by a stampede of the mules of the regimental train. The mules became frightened when Confederate shells began exploding at the rear of the line of battle, where the mules were corralled. August was working as a teamster. After his injury, he served as an ambulance driver. His enlistment papers describe August as being 5 ft 7 1/2 inches tall, dark complexion, gray hair, and light hair. At the time of his enlistment he was a lumberman.

August was married in October 1867 in Burlington, Iowa to Catherine Herr. She was born in 1848/1849 in Darmstadt. They were the parents of three sons. In 1870, the Rollenhagens lived in the town of Maine, Marathon County, Wisconsin. August was a lumber dealer and Catherine kept house [8]. In 1880 the Rollenhagens lived on Clarke Street in Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin [9]. August was working as a logger, Catherine was keeping house and caring for Paul, the oldest two boys were at school.

He moved to Saint Louis County, Minnesota in 1893 and then to the National (Soldier's) Home in Milwaukee in Virginia, Saint Louis County, Minnesota.

August died on 23 September 1913 at the Northwestern Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer soldiers. Catherine had preceded him in death.

Children

Robert Rollenhagen was born in August 1868 in Wisconsin, son of August and Catherine Herr Rollenhagen. Robert was married to Mary. Mary was born in 1874. Robert died in 1932. Mary died in 1940.

Franz Friedrich Rollenhagen was christianed on 1 July 1838 (1880 census says 1845) at Hermelsdorf, Prussia, son of Peter and Auguste Brummond Rollenhagen. He was married on 16 December 1869 in Berlin, Marathon County, WI to Christiana Romke [10]. Christiana was born in 1855/1856 in Mecklenburg, daughter of Christian Romke and Christiene Blum. The wedding was performed by Wm. Hudloff, a Evangelical Lutheran pastor in Berlin. It was witnessed by Gottfried Stubbe and Wm. Rollenhagen. In 1870, Franz's parents lived with the couple on their farm in Berlin. Franz's real estate was valued at $3000 and his personal property at #292 (he had probably purchased his father's farm) [11].

In 1880, they were living next door to August Rollenhagen on Clarke Street in Wausau, Wisconsin [12]. At that time Frank was in the hospital, Christiana was keeping house, children Emma and Martha were at school, and son Henry was at home.

Children

Bertha Sophie E Rollenhagen was christianed on 11 July 1841 at Hermelsdorf, daughter of Peter Rollenhagen and Auguste Drummond. Sophia was married by Justice of the Peace I. E. Thayer on 5 May 1860 at the residence of A. Young in Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin to John Snider [14]. John was born in Germany, son of William and Margaret Snider. He was a blacksmith in Wausau at the time of his marriage.

Friederike Ernestine Rollenhagen was born on 11 June 1856, daughter of Peter and Auguste Brummond Rollenhagen. She was christianed on 28 June 1846 at Hermelsdorf. She emigrated with her parents to the United States in 1856, settling in Berlin, Marathon County, Wisconsin.

Frederika was married on 4 September 1866 in Berlin at her father's home to August Edward Nass [15]. Edward was born on 1 July 1842 in Hohenshenen, Prussia, son of O. E. Nass and Friederike Fiebelkorn. A Lutheran pastor, J. Jacob Hoffman performed the ceremony, which was witnessed by Carl Neumann and Frantz Rollenhagen. Edward served in Company A of the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry during the Civil War. In 1870, the Nass family lived in Berlin, Marathon County, Wisconsin. Edward farmed and Frederika kept house [16].

Edward died on 10 November 1917. Fredericka died on 25 November 1927 in Berlin at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Herman Kilian. The Wausau Record Herald reported: Mrs. Fredricka Nass, nee Rollenhagen, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Herman Kilian of the town of Berlin, yesterday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock after an illness of five weeks. The body is to be buried Tuesday afternoon following funeral services at the residence at 1:30 o'clock and at the Grace Lutheran church of the town of Berlin at 2:00 o'clock, the Rev. August Bergman officiating. Burial will be in the town of Berlin cemetery.

The deceased was born June 11, 1846, in Germany and came to America in 1856, settling in the town of Berlin. She was one of the earliest settlers in that township, having lived there for seventy-one years. She was married to Edward Nass September 4, 1866, in the town of Berlin. Her husband died ten years ago. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Herman Kilian of the town of Berlin: eleven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.Edward and Frederika are buried in the Town of Berlin Cemetery.

Children

Emilie Rollenhagen was born in 1853/1854 in Prussia, daughter of Peter Rollenhagen and Auguste Drummond. Emilie was married on 25 February 1876 to Wilhelm Harden (or Harder?) [17]. W. Hudloff, pastor at the Evangelical Lutheran church in Berlin, performed the ceremony, which was witnessed by Emilie's brother-in-law Edward Nass and Fred Uecke (perhaps Youker). Wilhelm was the son of John Harden and Johana Uecker (Youker?) and was a farmer living in Stettin, Marathon County, Wisconsin.

Daniel Friedrich (Fred) Rollenhagen was born on 31 January 1836 in Kilzeig, County Saatzig, Prussia, the son of Anna Sophia Rollenhagen [18]. He was baptised into the Evangelical (Lutheran) church on 7 February 1836.

Fred emigrated to the United States around 1857 (per 1920 census, naturalized in 1860). He served in Company K of the 51st Wisconsin Infantry during the Civil War, enlisting on 6 April 1865 in Berlin, Marathon County, Wisconsin and being discharged on 21 August 1865 in Madison, Wisconsin [19]. His enlistment papers descibe his as being 5 ft 4 inches tall, dark complexion, brown eyes, brown hair, and working as a laborer.

Fred lived in Berlin, Marathon County, Wisconsin from 1865 until December 1886. He was married first on 6 April 1863 in Berlin township to Louise Rollenhagen Welch [20]. Louisa was born on 10 December 1832 in Prussia (probably Falkenberg), daughter of Peter and Auguste Brummond Rollenhagen. Minister J. Jacob Hoffman performed the ceremony, which was witness by Mr. and Mrs. F. Rollenhagen.

Louise had been married first on 18 April 1859 in Wausau to Joseph Welch [21]. A Justice of the Peace, Burton Hillard, performed the ceremony, which was witnessed by R. F. Manson and A. Poor. They were apparently divorced prior to April 1863 (perhaps as early as prior to July 1860). Louisa may have had a son, Wilhelm, born in November 1859.

In 1870, Fred and Louisa farmed in Berlin twp. Fred's farm was valued at $400 and his personal property at $168 [22]. Louisa died on 9 May 1875. She is buried in the Town of Berlin Cemetery, Marathon County, Wisconsin.

Fred soon remarried on 13 November 1875 in Marathon County, Wisconsin to Maria Ernestine Huehnerfuss [23]. She was born in March 1849 in Liebenow, Brandenburg, daughter of Wilhelm and Christina Bertha Huhnerfuss (emigrated to the United States in 1867 per 1920 census). Wilhelm Rollenhagen and Robert Heyse (or Weyse) witnessed the marriage, which was performed by Reverand Wm. Hudloff of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1870 through 1872, Frederick Rollenhagen was the Berlin town chairman and in 1878, F. D. Rollenhagen was the town assessor [24].

In 1880 they were living in the town of Berlin, Marathon County, Wisconsin. Fred was farming, Ernestine keeping house, and Mathilde, Emielie, and Julius were at school. The youngest three children; Martha, Emma, and Bertha were at home, along with Ernestine's mother [25]. In 1890, Fred lived in Eau Claire, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. Ten years later Frederick and Ernestine were living in Ludington, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. Fred was farming, their four surviving children lived at home, and his daughter Ricka lived next door [26]. In 1915, he was living in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. In 1920, Fred and Ernestine lived with their sons Ernest and Frederick in Ludington twp, Eau Claire County [27].

Fred died on 9 April 1924 in Ludington, Wisconsin. Ernestine died on 23 August 1938 in Fall Creek, Wisconsin.

Children

Louisa's first child, father unknown

by Friedrich and his wives

Frederike E. (called Ereka or Ricka) Rollenhagen was born on 9 October 1863, daughter of Daniel Friedrich Rollenhagen and Louisa Rollenhagen. She married in 1877 to Herman A. Huehnerfuss [35]. Huehnerfuss was born in August 1859 in Germany, son of Wilhelm Huehnerfuss and Christine Uecker. Wm. Hudloff, pastor at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Berlin, performed the ceremony, which was witnessed by Friedrich Sabattke and Albert Garske. In 1900, the Huehnerfuss family lived next door to her father Fred Rollenhagen in Ludington, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin [36]. Herman was a farmer and son Albert worked as a day laborer.

Children (1900 census says Ricka had 9 children, 2 deceased).

Wilhelm Rollenhagen was born on 26 September 1827 in Prussia (Wilhelm is probably a cousin or nephew of Peter Rollenhagen). He was married in 1858 in Ripon, Wisconsin to Friederike Sann. Friederike was born on 28 September 1829 (or 1830) in Prussia. Friederike emigrated to the United States in 1856(or 1857 per 1900 census) and moved to Ripon, where she met Wilhelm. Two years after their marriage they moved to Berlin twp, Marathon Co., Wisconsin. In 1860, Wilhelm was living and farming next door to the Peter and Augusta Rollenhagen family. Wilhelm's real estate was valued at $70 and his personal property at $15 [37]. In 1870, Wilhelm farmed in Berlin township while Friederike kept house. Their farm was valued at $500 and their personal property at $204. Son Herman was attending school, learning to read and write [38].

Wilhelm witnessed Fred Rollenhagen's wedding to Ernestine Huhnerfuss in Marathon County, Wisconsin in 1875. In 1880, Wilhelm was living near Fred in Berlin township [39]. Wilhelm worked as a farmer, Friederike was keeping house, three children, Herman, Emielie, and three-year-old Heinrich, were at home; another two children, Wilhelm and Bertha, were at school. A boarder named Wilhelm Hinz lived with the family.

Wilhelm died on 17 April 1888 [40]. Fredericka was living with her son Herman in 1900 [41]. Fredericka died on 15 February 1915 in Stettin, Marathon County, Wisconsin at the home of her son Herman. The Wausau Pilot reported: Mrs. Fredericka Rollenhagen, a resident of the town of Berlin for fifty-seven years, passed away at the home of her son, Herman Rollenhagen, of the town of Stettin, early Sunday morning, February 14, 1915. Deceased received a broken leg through an accident on June 13, 1914 and had been ill since that time. Mrs. Rollenhagen was born in Germany, September 28, 1930, being eighty-four years, four months and seventeen days of age. She came to America in the year 1856 and went directly to Ripon, Wis., where she lived for two years and where she was also married in 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Rollenhagen went from Ripon to the town of Berlin, where deceased had lived for fifty-seven years, being one of the first residents of that place. Mr. Rollenhagen preceded her in death. The funeral takes place Thursday afternoon at one o'clock from the home and at two o'clock at the Immanuel church, the Rev. Koepp will have charge of the services. Burial will be in the town of Berlin cemetery. The following children survive, Herman Rollenhagen and Mrs. Carl Hintze of the town of Easton, Mrs. Albert Bothner of the town of Berlin and Mrs. William Bartman of Irma [42].

cemetry photo, submitted by Nicole J (Sann) Loomis

obits, submitted by Nicole J (Sann) Loomis

Children

Herman Rollenhagen was born in 1859 in Wisconsin, son of Wilhelm and Frederike Sann Rollenhagen. On 22 May 1886 Herman was married to Anna Maria Steffenhagen. Anna was born in April 1868 in Germany and emigrated to the United States in 1878 (she and Herman had no children). In 1900, Herman was a farmer in Berlin, Marathon County, Wisconsin. His mother and brother Henry (Heinrich)  lived with Herman and Anna that year. Herman was a Marathon County supervisor in 1897, 1898, 1902, and 1903. Herman also worked as a saloon keeper and lived in Merrill, Lincoln County, Wisconsin. Herman died from cardiac exhaustion on 16 February 1944. Anna died in 1956. They are buried in Big Hill Cemetery in Berlin twp, Marathon County, Wisconsin.

Wilhelm Rollenhagen was born in December 1865 (1866 per 1900 census) in Wisconsin, son of Wilhelm and Frederike Rollenhagen. Wilhelm was married circa 1896 to Ida Plisch. Ida was born in January 1878 in Wisconsin, daughter of Robert Plisch. In 1900, the Rollenhagens lived in Berlin, Marathon County where Wilhelm worked as a blacksmith. The family lived in Easton, Marathon County in 1910 Wilhelm running a blacksmith "country shop". In 1920, they remained there, with children Martin, Violet, and Eldred living at home. Violet was working as a waitress in 1920.

Ida died on 7 November 1944 in Marathon County, Wisconsin from heart failure. William died in 1950. Ida is buried in Restlawn Cemetery in Wausau.

Children

Arnold G Rollenhagen was born on 6 January 1896, son of Wilhelm and Ida Rollenhagen. Arnold served in the army during World War I. Arnold was married circa 1917/1918 to Norma M(?). Norma was born on 25 October 1896 in Wisconsin. In 1920, they lived in Texas township in Marathon County. Arnold worked in a paper mill. Normadied in 1975. Arnold died on 8 January 1958. Norma died in May 1975 in Marathon County. They are buried in Restlawn Memorial Park.

Child

Frances Rollenhagen was born in October 1877 in Wisconsin (parents born in Germany). In 1900, she was working as a waitress in the Hotel Belvedere in Racine, Racine County, Wisconsin.

Fred Rollenhagen was born in January 1837 in Prussia. He was married circa 1864/1865 to Friederika Ganzow. Friederika was born in November 1843 in Prussia. They emigrated to the United States, arriving on 2 May 1870 aboard the Ocean Queen. The ship traveled from Swinemunde, Copenhagen, and Christiansand to New York City. Friedrich and Friedericke were accompanied by their two children and by Johann Rollenhagen, a 31-year-old laborer who may have been Friedrich's brother. Fred was later a naturalized U.S. citizen.

In 1880, the family lived in Dunbar twp, Faribault County, Minnesota. Fred was farming, Friederika was keeping house, and their oldest daughter, Amelia, was working in the house. In 1900, Fred and Fredricka were still farming in Dunbar twp. They lived with six of their children and a servant, William Fuchs.

Fred died between 1900 and 1910. In 1920, his widow managed the farm, living with four of her children. Friederika lived with her son Fred and his wife Addie in 1920.

Children (one child died prior to 1900)

Herman Rollenhagen was born in April 1871 in Minnesota, son of Fred and Friederika Ganzow Rollenhagen. He was married around 1898 to Louisa. Louisa was born in October 1879 in Iowa (parents were German). In 1900, the family lived in Dunbar twp, Faribault County, where Herman farmed.

William Rollenhagen was born in September 1873 in Minnesota, son of Fred and Friederika Ganzow Rollenhagen. William was married circa 1903 to Anna. Anna was born in 1878/1879 in Germany. In 1910, the Rollenhagens farmed in Dunbar twp, Faribault County. They continued to operate their farm there in 1920.

Children

August Rollenhagen was born on 20 November 1878 in Minnesota, son of Fred and Friederika Ganzow Rollenhagen. August was married circa 1903/1904 to Lillie. Lillie was born in 1878 in Minnesota (parents born in Minnesota). In 1910, they farmed in Dunbar twp, Faribault County. They were still farming there in 1920. August died in December 1972 in Faribault County, Minnesota.

Children

Rudolph Rollenhagen was born on 31 August 1889 in Minnesota, son of Fred and Friederika Ganzow Rollenhagen. Rudolph was married prior to 1915 to Julia. Julia was bornon 2 February 1890 in Minnesota (parents were German). In 1920, the Rollenhagens farmed in Dunbar twp, Faribault County. Rudolph died in May 1973 in Faribault County, Minnesota. Julia died in June 1975 in Faribault County, Minnesota.

Children

Frederick Rollenhagen was born on 31May 1892 in Minnesota, son of Fred and Friederika Ganzow Rollenhagen. Fred was married to Addie. Addie was born on 4 March 1894 in Minnesota (parents German). Fred was a farmer in 1920, living in Dunbar twp with his wife and mother. Frederick died in April 1985 in Faribault County. Addie died in August 1985 in Faribault County, Minnesota.

William P Rollenhagen was born on 17 August 1908 in Minnesota, son of William and Anna Rollenhagen. William was married on 4 November 1938 at Northwood, Worth County, Iowa to Margaret Crumb. Margaret was born on 16 December 1917 at New Richland, Freeborn County, Minnesota, daughter of Winfred and Mary Crumb. She died on 15 July 1981 at Wells, Faribault County. William died there in May 1983.

Children

Frank Rollenhagen was born in 1861/1862 in Germany. He emigrated to the United States (perhaps in 1869?). Frank was married prior to 1887 to Gerta. Gerta was born in 1861/1862 in Germany. She had emigrated in 1884. In 1910, they lived with their six children next door to Friederika Rollenhagen in Dunbar twp, Faribault County.

Children (one child died prior to 1910)

Johann (John) Rollenhagen was born in April 1840 in Germany. He emigrated to the United States on 2 May 1870, arriving with Friedrich and Friederike Rollenhagen aboard the Ocean Queen, which sailed from Swinemunde, Copenhagen, and Christiansand, Denmark. Later Johann became a naturalized citizen. He was married circa 1883/1884 to Bertha. Bertha was born in April 1866 in Germany. She emigrated in 1883. In 1900, they lived on a farm next door to Fred Rollenhagen in Dunbar twp, Faribault County, Minnesota. In 1920, Bertha and son Herman lived ona farm in Clark twp, Faribault County.

Children (three children died prior to 1900)

Carl Rollenhagen was born circa 1823/1824. He was married prior to 1854 to Dora. Dora was born in October 1830 in Germany. The couple arrived in New York City aboard the ship Holsatia, on 1 June 1869, traveling from the ports of Hamburg and Havre. With them were their two sons. Carl was reported to be a laborer. In 1900 Dora reported that she was widowed, she was living with her son Franz.

Children

Frank Rollenhagen was born in December 1857 in Germany, son of Carl and Dora (XXX) Rollenhagen. Frank emigrated to the United States in 1878 and was a naturalized citizen.He was married circa 1884 to Mary. Mary was born in April 1866 in Hesse, Germany and emigrated in 1882, becoming a U.S. citizen in 1887. In 1900, the Rollenhagens and their seven children, along with Frank's mother Dora lived on a farm in Lone Tree twp, Pottawatomie County, Kansas. Frank died between 1910 and 1920. In 1920, Mary and the family lived in Sedgwick County, Colorado. Mary ran the family farm, with the help of the children.

Children

Carl J. Rollenhagen was born on 17 May 1887 in Kansas, son of Frank and Mary Rollenhagen. He was married circa 1914 to Ella. Ella was born on 19 May 1889 in Kansas (parents were German). In 1920, Carl farmed near his mother in Sedgwick County, Colorado. Carl died in July 1967 in Sedgwick County, Colorado. Ella died in April 1981 in Sedgwick County, Colorado.

Child

Friedrich Johann Albert Rollenhagen was born on 24 July 1840. He was married to Wilhelmine Charlotte. Friedrich died on 15 April 1918.

Children

Carl Johann (Charles) Rollenhagen was born in 1881/1882 near Berlin, Germany. He emigrated to the United States in 1896 and was naturalized in 1903. Charles was married circa 1903 to Augusta von Minden. Augusta was born on 1 July 1880 in Germany, daughter of Teresa von Minden (Teresa was born circa 1858 and was widowed by 1920, she emigrated in 1889). Augusta emigrated to the United States in 1889, probably with her parents, and was naturalized in 1903. The family lived in New York circa 1904/1905. In 1920, Charles managed a raw hide firm in Hoboken, Hudson County, New Jersey. His sister Charlotte lived with the family, as did his mother-in-law. Auguste died in February 1969 in Hudson County, New Jersey.

Children

Max Rollenhagen lived in Germany (also Brooklyn, New York?).

Children

Frederick von Minden Rollenhagen was born on 3 October 1904 in New York, son of Charles Rollenhagen and Augusta von Minden Frederick was married first to Margaret Lindeman. After she died, he was married to Emmy Marcasiano. Emmy was born on 10 June 1906. Frederick died in April 1971 in Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey. Emmy died in November 1985 in Guildford, Brattleboro, Vermont.

Child

1 Trauregster Hinterpommern, Kreis Naugard- information from Claus Rollenhagen's website