The Eilers Family Genealogy

Some Interesting Information can be found at the end of this page.

Sorted by First Name:

Aleta Marie Eilers Allen, Texas, USA, e-mail

My family history as far back as I know it on the Eilers side:

Charles Eilers (born ?) married Josephine Dillon (born ?) and came to the US from ??, Germany. They had 5 children in this order:

James J. Eilers married Dorothy Viola Ramos (born January 11, 1923). They had 4 children in this order:

James Jay Eilers married Roberta Lee Smith (born April 18, 1951) on September 12, 1970. They had 4 children in this order:

Can anyone help me with Charles or any of his children?


Bernard Eilers, South Holland, Netherlands, e-mail

I am married with Anja Eilers - van der Spek and have 4 children:

Cornelis (also on this site) is a half brother of mine and Marcel Alain (also on this site) is a cousin. Cornelis and Sandra have made a study of the genealogy of our branch of the family and they have found information until 1815 and almost certain until 1590.


Beth Eilers, Massachusetts, USA, e-mail

I am originally from Queens, New York, USA. My father's name is Richard and my grandfather's name is Louis. My grandfather, who would be in his 80's now if he was alive, grew up in Brooklyn, New York, USA. His side of the family has been mostly German.


Bruce Dean Eilers, Iowa, USA, e-mail, home page

Brother to James Richard Eilers, Illinois, USA - see genealogy information


David Henry Eilers, Illinois, USA, e-mail

My father (who is still living) is Henry Edward Eilers of Arizona, USA.


David Lee Eilers, Utah, USA, e-mail

A brief history of Anton Eilers lineage (I have much more information on the entire family):

Frederic 'Anton' Eilers was born in Laufenselden, Nassau, Germany in 1839 to Julius Adolph Frederic Eilers and his wife Elizabeth (?). Anton came to the U.S. in 1859. Anton traveled all over the U.S. during the latter half of the 19th century in a variety of capacities. He had homes in New York (Long Island), Ohio, Denver, and Salt Lake City. He was at the forefront of mining and smelting technology/knowledge/business for most of his life, eventually melding his businesses into the giant smelting and refining conglomerate known as ASARCO in 1899. His son Karl Emrich spent the majority of his life in New York, working in an executive capacity with ASARCO and then as the chairman of Lennox Hill Hospital. During the 1930's Karl 'Fritz' moved his family to Salt Lake and then eventually to Northern Idaho. Fritz's three sons, and their families, are spread out around the Northwest. I am currently in Utah working on a graduate degree.


Dave Thoma, Washington, USA, e-mail

My grandmother's maiden name is Elisibeth Eilers. She was from Geddes, South Dakota, and moved to Lebanon, Oregon in the 1930's. My great grandfather was Frank Eilers. He married Clara. My grandmother's married name is Anderson. My mother's name is Joyce Thoma.


Detlef Eilers, Niedersachsen, Germany, e-mail

The history of our family:

My Father in Law, Gerhardt Eilers, was born in 1931 in Hamburg. He married Adeline Eilers (born as Stelljes) in 1958. They both have three girls: Renate, Dagmar, and Claudia. Renate and Dagmar changed their names through marriage. Just Claudia, my wife, is carrying the Eilers name now, because I changed my name. We have two kids Annika (born 1988) and Janik (born 1992).


Dietrich Eilers, Hessen, Germany, e-mail

My father Klaus Eilers is a teacher, my mother a secretary. I have one sister (Christiane) and one brother (Matthias W. - also on this site). I studied Mathmatics in Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany and now I'm working in a bank in Frankfurt (Landesbank Hessen-Thueringen, Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany).

I am 29 years old and married with Monika; we have one daughter Deborah Christiane.

Here is some more information about my family:

Konrad Eilers (? ?, 1720 - January 2, 1784), Wageleben near Halberstadt, Soldier


Dirk Eilers, Tokyo, Japan, e-mail

Living in Tokyo and born in Delmenhorst, Germany in 1955. Married with Christine Eilers with four kids:

Brother: Hans Georg Eilers
Sister: Susanne Eilers
Father: Adolf Eilers, born in Hasbergen, Germany in 1923
Mother: Herma Eilers geb. Oekermann
Grandfather: Dietrich Eilers
Grandmother: Meta Eilers


Elizabeth Sue Cronin, Minnesota, USA, e-mail

Elizabeth Sue (Eilers) Cronin, born June 6, 1969, married June 26, 1993
Dennis James Cronin, born October 11, 1965, married June 26, 1993
Nicole Erin Cronin, born April 14, 1997

Elizabeth is the daughter of Delos Alan Eilers (Minnesota, USA) who is brother to James Eilers (Illinois, USA - also on this site), Bruce Eilers (Iowa, USA - also on this site), and David Eilers (North Carolina, USA).


Harry Metzler, Florida, USA, e-mail

My mother was Loretta Catherine Eilers, she had a brother Louis, sisters Florence whom I believe was the eldest, also Julia who married one George Eisele. Nettie married a Frazer Tatten and lived in Falmouth, Kentucky, USA. Florence was married to a Joseph Carey. They all had offsprings, with the exception of myself being the only product of my parents. More info can be given in reference to their childrens' name. All are in New York City, New York, USA.


James Richard Eilers, Illinois, USA, e-mail, home page

My earliest known Eilers ancestor was Johann Setje Eilers, whose son Oltmann Setje Eilers was married in Edewecht, Niedersachen, Oldenburg, Germany in 1846 to Anna Maria Sophia Strodtmann. Anna was born in Germany in 1820 and died in Gladbrook, Iowa, USA in 1898. My records do not show when or where Oltmann died.

Their son was also named Oltmann Setje Eilers (born in 1857 in Westerscheps, Niedersachsen, Oldenburg, Germany and died in 1921 in Gladbrook, Iowa, USA). He was married to Anna Katherina Sophia Mertens (1848-1926), the daughter of Johann Georg Mertens (1817-?) and Anna Stamer (1826-?). Anna was born in Zwischenahn, Oldenburg, Germany. Anna and Oltmann were married in Edewecht in 1884.

Oltman and Anna emigrated to Gladbrook, Iowa, USA, where they had two children, Carl Otto (1886-1966) and Minnie Alvina (1889-?). The Eilers then emigrated to somewhere in western Canada to homestead. Minnie married Engelbert Taphorn (1889-1934) and raised a family there. Oltman, Anna, and Carl returned to Gladbrook, Iowa, USA.

Carl was married to Laura Ann Herbster (1883-1953). They had six children:


James Thomas Eilers, California, USA, e-mail

I have an older brother, Edward Lloyd Eilers (wife: Nanette Troxel Eilers), who lives in Nappanee, Indiana, USA, and a younger brother, Dennis Raymond Eilers (wife: Diane Eilers), who lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA. We are the sons of Thomas John Eilers and Ethel Ruth McColley Eilers. Thomas John Eilers, from Montague, Michigan, USA, was the son of Barney and Theresa Eilers, one of their twelve children. Edward Lloyd Eilers has five children: Michelle Eilers Metzler, Cindy Eilers Shephard, Brian Paul Eilers, Susan Eilers Plake, Theresa Eilers Ramer, all of whom live in Indiana, USA.

I am descended from a woman whose husband died near Westphalia, Germany. Then she came with her two sons to Michigan, USA. I think it is uncanny how people from Europe sought out the same climates that they came from. I suppose the Eilers may have been people they knew on that German/Holland border. I know they, Newhouses, were adopted by the Eilers family they met. My father, descended from those Newhouse Eilers, had about ten brothers and three sisters. The homeplace was outside Montague, Michigan, USA. One of the sisters, Marguerite, married a man who became City Manager (Mayor) of Muskegon, Michigan, USA. Some of my father's other siblings were Josie, Dan, Bob, Paul.

Barney Eilers was born on February 26, 1863, in Posen, Germany. He died in April, 1952 in Montague, Michigan, USA. He had married Theresa Rager (who had a twin sister) on November 12, 1889. Theresa Rager was born on September 23, 1871, in Claybanks, Michigan, USA. Her father was Christopher Rager. Barney and Theresa Eilers' children included, not necessarily in order of birth: Paul Eilers, who married Frances and lived in Harvey, Illinois, USA; Tom Eilers (my father), who married Ethel Ruth McColley and lived in northern Indiana, USA; Charles (Charlie) -- a merchant marine who never married; Simon; Albert (Bert) who married and lived in South Dakota, USA; Dan (whose wife was Ruth; his children: Marge, Nancy, Barbara) who continued to live near Montague, Michigan, USA, as did Bob (who married Millie); Leo (whose wife was Vera) who lived in Mobile, Alabama, USA; Anthony; Eugene (Gene) lives in Muskegon, Michigan, USA; Marguerite Eilers Liddle; Josie Eilers Fournier; and Viola. I believe that Viola died young and that one of the children, a boy, was adopted by Dan and Ruth. My older brother, Edward Lloyd Eilers, has spent much more time with the Eilers around Montague, Michigan, USA.


Johann Eilers, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, e-mail

Johann Eilers was born on October 7, 1963 in Aurich, Germany. He married Ute (Mueller) on November 21, 1996. Their children are:

He has a brother and three sisters: His father, Gerhard Eilers, was born February 17, 1937 in Aurich, Germany. He married Annemarie (Dirks) who was born on October 15, 1941. His grandfather was Gerhard Eilers (1907 - 1995) who lived in Aurich, Germany.


Juan Ricardo Eilers, Valparaiso, Chile, e-mail

I was born in Santiago de Chile on October 18, 1966. My father's name is Walter Enrique Eilers and my mother's name is Ursula Friebel Wunder.

I have a sister, Karin Eilers Friebel, living in Temuco, Chile. She was born on February, 5, 1965. Her children are:

My other sister, Marion Eilers Friebel, was born on November 10, 1962. She has one daugther:


Kenneth R. Eilers, Massachusetts, USA, e-mail

The following information is from a wide variety of sources. I have also added a small amount of information about the BORCHERS family.

*1. Eilerdt Nagel, b. Helle, Oldenburg, Germany 1680 d. Helle 22 November 1719; m Helle 1714 Anne _____ b. Oldenburg d. Germany; children:

#2. JOHANN NAGEL EILERS (Eilerdt), m GEBKE HOLLANDERF, children: +3. EILERD EILERS I (Johann, Eilerdt), m. ANNA PETERS, children: =4. EILERD EILERS II (Eilerd, Johann, Eilerdt), m. GEBKE _______, children: **5. EILERD DIEDRICH EILERS III (Eilerd, Eilerd, Johann, Eilerdt) m. TALKE HELENE HELMERS, children: (@)6. FREDRICH EILERS (Eilerd, Eilerd, Eilerd, Johann, Eilerdt) m. MARIE JANSSEN (Johnson), children: ##7. FRED ERNEST EILERS (Fredrich, Eilerd, Eilerd, Eilerd, Johann, Eilerdt) m. FRIEDA HELENE BORCHERS, children: 8. ROBERT WARREN EILERS (Fred, Fredrich, Eilerd, Eilerd, Eilerd, Johann, Eilerdt) m. LUCILLE AUDREY STROMERT; children: 9. KENNETH ROBERT EILERS (Robert, Fred, Fredrich, Eilerd, Eilerd, Eilerd, Johann, Eilerdt) m. ROXANNE MARIE RIPLEY; children: Notes:

*1. Our branch of the Eilers Family can be traced back to 1680, beginning with Eilerdt Nagel and his wife Anna. There are only a few records of these people and no records of who their parents were. They lived at Helle, just north of Zwischenahner Meer in Oldenburg, Land of Lower Saxony, in the country of Germany. We do know they lived on the farm of a man named ___ Reiners and they belonged to St. John Lutheran Church at Bad Zwischenahn. Eilerdt is buried at Bad Zwischenahn cemetery. No information on Anne is given.

#2. Johann was known as Johann Eilers or Nagel, the Eilers from the first name of his father, Eilerdt, and the Nagel from his father's last name. This was a common practice at the time. After Johann, only the last name Eilers was used. It is very likely that Johann had several other children, quite possibly younger sisters.

(+)3. All that is known about Eilerd Eilers I and his wife Anna Peters, is that they grew up around Westerstede and lived in the town later in their lives. The belonged to St. Peter Lutheran Church at Westerstede and they are buried at Westerstede cemetery.

(=)4. They spent all their lives in Westerstede. After their marriage, they owned a house and lot in town. In all the records he was listed as a Hauermann, which means hay maker. They belonged to St. Peters Lutheran Church at Westerstede and are buried in the cemetery at Westerstede.

**5. Eilerd Diedrich III was known as Diedrich. He was the fifth of seven children. Talke Helene's parents were Renke HELMERS b. Hollwege 7 April 1786 d. Hollwege 19 October 1848 m. Hollwege 7 June 1817 Gebke DIERKS b. Hollwege 4 November 1798 d. Hollwege 13 January 1848. The parents of Gebke Dierks were Dierk DIERKS III b. Hollwege 24 November 1752 d. Hollwege 5 May 1798 m. Hollwege 16 November 1797 Wubke KRUSE b. Hollwege 7 January 1771 d. Hollwege 24 December 1848.

Diedrich and Helene emigrated to America in 1853 with four children under the age of ten. The youngest only a few months old. They settled in Mt. Olive, Illinois. Three of their seven children were born in America.

(@)6. Fredrich, the second son of Diedrich and Helene, was born in Westerstede, Oldenburg, Germany seven years before moving to America. His wife, Marie Janssen (later changed to Johnson because of poor German-American relationships) was also born in Germany. She was one of eight children born to Harm Janssen and Henrietta(Etta) ____. She came to Illinois when she was four years old. Fredrich and Marie were married in Illinois on March 1, 1873, when he was twenty-seven years old. The marriage is recorded in the Montgomery County Courthouse at Hillsboro, Illinois and the record indicates that the marriage was performed by D. Kothe, a Catholic priest. Fredrich and Marie were farmers at Mt. Olive, Litchfield, and at Harvel, Illinois. Most of their children were born at Harvel. Fredrich was short and stout, Marie was tall. Their son, Meint, was the first of their children to venture to Iowa and was followed by Herman, Gerhard, and John. They apparently influenced their parents to move to Iowa and John returned to Illinois to help them move. They moved to Sioux County in 1902 and bought a farm 2 1/2 miles north of Craig, Iowa. They retired from farming, bought a house in Le Mars, Iowa, and moved there in 1919. Their house caught on fire on a Sunday morning while most of the family was attending church. It was in the wintertime. Fredrich later became ill, probably because of over exertion, and died of pneumonia not too long after the fire. He is buried in the Le Mars Memorial Cemetery. His six sons were pall bearers. Marie bought another house in Le Mars. When Marie died, she was also buried in Le Mars Memorial Cemetery. Her six sons were also her pall bearers.

(<)6i. Elizabeth Husman was the third child of five born to John and Helene Husman. b. Germany 16 January 1859. John Husman was born in Germany in 1849. He was the fifth of nine children born to Richard Henry HUSMAN and Elizabeth ___. Richard Henry Husman was born on 4 November 1819 and died on 14 April 1880. Richard and Elizabeth are both buried at Raymond, Illinois.

(>)6ii. Meint (Mike) and Minnie made their home on a farm three miles south and one mile west of Craig, Iowa. They had no children. Minnie's mother, Anke Margaretha TADDIKEN Borchers b. 16 February 1842 d. 18 October 1915, came to live with them the year of 1906. Anke Margaretha was the wife of Bernhard BORCHERS b. 5 February 1836 d. Akron, Iowa 28 November 1900.

BERNHARD and ANKE BORCHERS:

Bernhard Gerhard Borchers was the first child of Henrich Karsten Borchers and his wife Anke nee Behrens of Oldenburg, Germany. Bernhard had three sisters. He married Anke Margaretha Taddiken on June , 1863.

Anke Margaretha Taddiken was the youngest daughter of Henrich Taddiken and his wife Anke Marie nee (Gray Burin) of Kirchspiel, Schortens Amt Herzothur, Oldenburg, Germany. Bernard and Anke Borchers were blessed with eleven children. Two sons, Henry and Gerhard were born in Oldenburg, Germany. Five sons and one daughter were born in Will County, Monee, Illinois: Gerhard, Anke Marie, Bernhard, August, Lewis and William. One son and two daughters were born in Plymouth County - Le Mars and Akron, Iowa: John, Anna and Minnie.(See 6ii above.) Bernhard and Anke received their education in the public schools. When Bernhard was twenty-seven and Anke was twenty-one, they were married. They continued to reside in the land of their nativity where Bernhard was engaged as a laborer.

Many of their neighbors and countrymen had come to the United States where they were making homes for themselves and their families. The German economy was poor and famine had struck three years in a row. Their success caused Bernhard and Anke to leave the land of their birth and sail for America. Their two sons, Henry, born February 18, 1864 and Gerhard, born in 1865, crossed with them. They left in 1867 and crossed the ocean in a sail boat on a voyage which took seven weeks and four days. There was also a water shortage on the boat at that time.

Gerhard died, April 15, 1867, aboard the sailboat and was buried in the ocean.

The arrived in Will County, Monee, Illinois in 1867 and for one year after their arrival, they worked at whatever they could find to do. They then rented a small tract of land and engaged in farming on a small scale. This they continued to do for thirteen years.

While they lived in Monee, Illinois, they had five sons and one daughter:

In February of 1881, they moved to Iowa. They came by train to Plymouth County, Le Mars, Iowa. There was four feet of snow on the level. They stayed in the hotel at Le Mars and a son was born there February 16, 1881 whom they named John Friedrich.

As the snow left, they moved from Le Mars to a farm place which was located one half mile south and one and a quarter miles east of the hundred and sixty acre farm he purchased in Preston Township - Section 27, Plymouth County, Akron, Iowa. He paid six dollars per acre. This land had no buildings so Bernhard built buildings on this one hundred and sixty acres and later moved there with his family.

He donated two acres of the ground on the southwest corner where the first church and parsonage, a 28' by 52' structure, was dedicated in 1889. Their first resident pastor was Rev. R. Lorenz.

The second pastor was Rev. Theo Meyer who had arrived in America from Germany on May 23, 1891. He served the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church from 1891 to 1939, forty eight years less one month. After his arrival in Preston Township, they needed more land for the church, so three more acres were sold for church property on the Borchers land.

Mr. Borchers was a firm believer in thorough cultivation and soon had his farm under a high state of improvement and development of both the township and the county.

He and his wife were most estimable people and were held in highest regard by all who knew them. They were married thirty seven years.

Bernhard died a sudden death with one week illness. Anke died with complications of diabetes, a lingering illness.

(~)7. Fred Ernest was the youngest of thirteen children born to Fredrich and Marie. Only nine of the children survived childbirth. Fred was only nine years old when his parents moved to Sioux County, Iowa. His older brothers had been living in northwest Iowa for several years. On July 17, 1915 Fred enlisted in the United States Army. He was to serve in the American European Forces from October 17, 1918 to January 5, 1919, during World War I. When he enlisted at the age of twenty-two, his occupation was listed as lumberman. When he was discharged on January 18, 1919, he had obtained the rank of Corporal. Fred Ernest was 5'7" tall, with gray eyes and brown hair. On February 9, 1921, Fred and Frieda Borchers were married in Le Mars, Iowa. Fred worked for Le Mars Livestock at that time. They had four children, two sons and two daughters.

They later moved to Ireton, Iowa and in 1947 to Willmar, Minnesota where Fred was a police officer. After Fred's death, Frieda returned to Le Mars. They are both buried in Le Mars city cemetery.


Kurt Thomas Eilers, Minnesota, USA, e-mail

This is what I know as of today about my family.

Harry Greenlief Eilers, Sr. of Steamboat Rock, Iowa married Maudie Alfleta Spencer of Enid, Oklahoma. They gave birth to one son, Harry Greenlief Eilers, Jr. of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Harry married Hope Elizabeth Dahlen of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both Harry and Hope now live in Sarasota, Florida.

Harry, Jr. and Hope gave birth to two boys. Mark William of Edina, Minnesota and Kurt Thomas also of Edina, Minnesota. Mark is married to Deborah and they have a son named Magnus Walter Eilers of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Kurt is not married and currently lives in the Edina area as well.


Lawrence J. Eilers, Iowa, USA, e-mail

My family's history as I have it:

Lived in and around Westerstede, Germany

# Born, lived & died near Westerstede (West of Oldenburg), Germany.

~ Born in Germany, moved to near Mt. Olive, Illinois, USA, & died there.

^ Born in Germany, moved to near Mt. Olive, Illinois, USA, then to near Ulm, Arkansas, & died there.

* Born in Germany, moved to near Mt. Olive, Illinois, USA, then to near Ulm, Arkansas, and finally to near Ireton, Iowa where he is buried.

% Born near Mt. Olive, Illinois, buried at Ireton, Iowa.

$ Born near Ulm, Arkansas, then moved to near Ireton, Iowa where he is buried.

& Born near Ireton, Iowa, and buried there.

@ First Wife (died in 1967), born in Decorah, Iowa.

+ Second wife, born in Hawarden, Iowa.


Lee R.A. Eilers, Florida, USA, e-mail

My father was from Waterloo, which according to my info, was the homestead location of the family coming over from Germany. I have a family tree book that was published back in 1980 by my Aunt in Waterloo, Sandy Eilers, that is about 1.5 inches thick with photos, that dates back to 1780. If any of this is of any interest, let me know.


Lee William Eilers, Louisiana, USA, e-mail

Lee William Eilers was born on September 25, 1962 in New Orleans, Louisiana. His father is Lee S. Eilers and his mother is Elizabeth Ann Kost Eilers (both on this site). He has two sisters, Laura Beth Eilers (also on this site) and Sarah Ruth Eilers.


Lynn Eilers, New York, USA, e-mail

My husband Richard's grandparents came from Germany... Walsemann on his mother's side, Eilers, on his father's.


Marthinus Johannes Eilers, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, e-mail

I was born in Kimberley in the Republic of South Africa on June 14, 1949. I am a minister of religion in the Full Gospel Church. My great-grandfather was from Hanover, Germany. There are only a few Eilers families in South Africa and all are related.


Matthew E. Eilers, Texas, USA, e-mail

My grandfather was Henry Eilers, of Mullin, Mills County, Texas, USA. He was married to Malinda Nauert, and had seven children:

Henry Eilers died in a car accident in 1959, leaving Malinda alone (now in Goldthwaite, Texas, USA) to run a farm and take care of seven children.

What I remember being told previously (and I do not know its credibility) was that there were two Eilers brothers (if true, one of which must be the father or grandfather of Henry) who came to Texas from Germany in the 1880's or 1890's. They had a "falling out" and went their separate ways: one brother settled in the Mullin/Goldthwaite area, and the other in the Bastrop/Austin area.

Here in Austin, Texas, there is an Eilers Park, an Eilers Avenue, and an old office building on Congress Avenue (financial district) named "McKean-Eilers," all of which are in different parts of the town. Despite living here, I know little of the Eilers branch here. There is also another attorney named Theresa Eilers (apparently never married) whom I've never communicated with.


Patti Hutterli, Oregon, USA, e-mail

I have Engel Sophie Dorothee Eilers/Ehlers, born in 1745 (location unknown) and died October 11, 1809 in Seelze, Germany. She married a Johann Heinrich (Dietrich) Winkelmann. So, the one and only Eiler name I have in our family tree so far ends there. Other descendants along that line are Meyer, Gewecke, and Ahlbrecht. Some of the Albrechts emigrated to USA about 1903.


Peter Joseph Eilers, Queensland, Australia, e-mail

My mother, Aleida Eilers (born August 5, 1921) and my father, Bernardus Johannes Eilers (born October 13, 1915) were born in Steenwykerwold, Netherlands. I have 11 brothers and sisters. The older 6 were born in Steenwykerwold, Netherlands and the younger 6 children (including myself - born February 9, 1959) were born in Queensland, Australia. My parents and brothers and sisters moved to Australia in 1952/53.


Stephen Michael Crist Eilers, Washington, USA, e-mail, home page

My father's great-grandfather was Barney Eilers (February 26, 1863) from Posen, Germany. Before that, our name was Newhouse from North Rhine - Westphalia in West Germany. Someone was adopted by an Eilers family and took their name.

My father and mother are Michael Joseph Eilers (March 19, 1942) and Joan Edna (Roland) Eilers (June 1, 1944). They were later divorced and my father married Nancy (DeJong) Eilers (July 21, 19??). All three live in Michigan where most of the respective relatives live.


Stuart Sampson, Oregon, USA, e-mail

Fritz Eilers - born November 21, 1854. Married Helene Janssen, in or near Oldenburg, Oldenburg Province around 1879...exact time and place unknown. Emigrated to America most likely in 1891 but possibly in 1893. Farmed in Iowa for about 25 years and moved to Zillah (or Buena) Washington in 1917 or 1918. Helene died there in 1929 or 1930...Fritz died in Buena, Washington on September 19, 1931.

Their children:

I was told to contact St. Vitus church in Oldenburg because they have some good records of the Eilers name, but I haven't been able to get the address....and I don't speak German....


Thomas Johannes Maria Eilers, North Holland, Netherlands, e-mail

I am Thomas (Tom) Johannes Maria Eilers (13 dec 1954). I have 2 brothers, Paul (October 31, 1948) and Jos (February 17, 1951). Our father was Gerard Johannes Maria Eilers born May 3, 1911 in Heereveen, a Village in Friesland, a province of the Netherlands. He had 1 brother, Leo, born in Heereveen (June 26, 1916) no childeren, Mia (February 4, 1913) no children, Agnes (November 7, 1914) 6 children (Marian, Rita, Agnes, Hetty, Leo, Annet). My grandfather was Jozef Heinrich Eilers (April 4, 1877) I think born in Rodde bei Rheine Westfalia Germany. He had 16 brothers and sisters.


Todd Eilers, Colorado, USA, e-mail

I was born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA and went to high school in Jefferson City, Missouri, USA. I am currently working in the United States Air Force. I attended the United States Air Force Academy, and I played football for the Academy. My parents are Bruce and Cheryl Eilers of Jefferson City, Missouri, USA.


Victor Hugo Mendes Eilers, Bahia, Brazil, e-mail

I was born in Cacapava do Sul, Estate of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It's a litle city near the border to Uruguay. I'm 32 years old and I'm Resources of Water's engineer. I've a master degree in water. I'm married to Carla Ferreira and I don't have children. My father, Otelo Eilers, was born in 1938 and he lives in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. My grandfather, Ismael Eilers, was born in 1911 in Cacapava do Sul and died in 1988. The grandfather of my grandfather was a Germany engineer. He lived in Cacapava do Sul, where he married and raised his family. There are few Eilers in Brazil, I don't meet anyone outside of my family. My grandfather was looking for relatives, but it was not easy in a little town and he didn't have the Internet in his time.


William Eilers IV, Louisiana, USA, e-mail

Our family records have been very "sketchy" at best. We do know that William Frederick Eilers (known as VonEilers before he came over) came to New Orleans, Louisiana, USA in the 1880's. He married Anna McKigney, who came from Ireland, and he founded the Germania lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons. If anyone could shed some life on his family in Germany, his birthdate (which is a mystery) and maybe some more family history, such as who his parents were, etc. This information would greatly be apreciated. Thank You.

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Interesting Information:

Eilers Piano House, est 1899

R. Warren Brown from Pennsylvania, USA writes:

This is a long story, and is only a bit related to your genealogy interests, but nevertheless a fascinating one.

Good friends, Major Paul and his wife Cathy Pusecker, while at the United States Military Academy at West Point, mentored my son Matthew Warren Brown, a 1997 graduate of the Academy.

The Puseckers, now at Fort Hood, Texas, USA are antique collectors. At a antique shop near West Point they purchased an upright piano. After bringing it home and stripping off several coats of house paint, they uncovered solid oak. Now restored, it's the centerpiece of their living room. Clearly, the piano was made to very high standards. It has held up extremely well considering its age and travel.

The name plate inside says it was made by Hy Eilers of "Eilers Piano House, est. 1899. Surplus and capital of $400,000.00." It's interesting that a net worth statement would be included on the identifying plate. I'm sure it represented an unusually great financial strength.

It has a serial number of #44540. Inside the works was found a very clean, apparently uncirculated 1918 penny.

Larry Ashley, publisher of the Pierce Piano Atlas in Long Beach, California, USA, tells me Eilers Pianos were manufactured in Portland, Oregon, USA from 1899 to about 1920, and that this particular model according to the serial number would have been built in 1911.

Can anyone in the Eilers family tree tell me about Hy Eilers and his company? Was he the actual craftsman? Are there any records of his company still in existence? It would be interesting to know how a piano manufactured in Oregon would end up in New York, actually Texas today.

Thank you very much for your assistance. I will be glad to forward whatever we can uncover to Paul and Cathy.

Sincerely,
R. Warren Brown

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