In a single photograph, nine individuals stand frozen in time, their faces telling a story of German immigration, American dreams, and family perseverance. This remarkable image captures my 3x great-grandparents, Frederick and Augusta Mahlman, seated dignifiedly, surrounded by their seven children: Mary, Martha, Amelia, William, Clara, Frederick Jr., and Ida. Recently restored by my daughter Onyka, this photograph serves as a window into a pivotal era of American history, when German immigrants helped shape the cultural and agricultural landscape of Minnesota.
Early Lives
Frederick Mahlman's Early Years (1850-1875)
Frederick's story begins in Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany, where he was born on April 24, 1850, to Henry Mahlman and Fredrika Brinkman. His early years coincided with a period of significant political and social change in Germany, as the country moved toward unification under Otto von Bismarck. The agricultural society he grew up in was transforming due to mechanization, and many farmers and craftsmen struggled to maintain their traditional livelihoods. Economic challenges and political uncertainty led many Germans to seek opportunities elsewhere during this time.
At age 16, Frederick made the life-changing journey to America with his mother and two sisters in 1866. The absence of his father in immigration records suggests the family might have been seeking new opportunities following the loss of their patriarch. Their arrival during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era placed them in a nation rebuilding and expanding westward. Initially settling in Minneapolis, Frederick found himself in a rapidly growing city that had expanded from just 2,564 residents in 1860 to over 13,000 by 1870. He joined a thriving German immigrant community, complete with German-language newspapers and churches, all amid the city's booming lumber and flour milling industries.
Augusta Jaroshefske's Early Years (1852-1875)
Augusta's journey began in Colonie Brunsk, Western Prussia, where she was born on August 24, 1852, to Johann Daniel Jaroshefske (Braun) and Eva Rosina Julia Miller. Unlike Frederick, who immigrated as a teenager, Augusta's American story started at age four when she arrived on December 13, 1856, aboard the ship William and Jane with her parents.
The family's initial settlement in Wisconsin was brief before they established their permanent home in Holden Township, Goodhue County, Minnesota. Growing up in rural Minnesota during the Civil War era, Augusta experienced a religious conversion in her youth under the guidance of Rev. Stovhmeier, as noted in her obituary. She became an active member of the Evangelical Association, a commitment that would shape her entire life.
Building a Life Together in Minnesota
Frederick and Augusta's paths converged on July 29, 1875, when they married in Goodhue County, Minnesota. Together, they established themselves as farmers in the Prairieville community, located between the towns of Kenyon and Faribault.
Their farming years from 1880 to 1905 saw dramatic changes in American agriculture. New technologies transformed farming practices, while expanding railroads opened new market opportunities. The family also weathered the economic depression of 1893, adapting to the transition from wheat-focused farming to more diversified agriculture. Their daily life revolved around the rhythms of farm work, with tasks illuminated by kerosene lamps, water drawn from hand pumps, and food preserved in ice houses.
The couple had ten children in total, though only seven reached adulthood:
Ida R. (1877-1960)
Emelia Lydia "Mollie" (1879-1977)
twins Mary Marie (1883-1916) and Martha Amanda (1883-1963)
Frederick Emil Jr. (1885-1960)
Clara A. (1889-1944)
and William Henry (1890-1958).
Census records show them consistently in Richland Township, Rice County, indicating their stability and commitment to their farming enterprise.
Around 1905, Frederick and Augusta made the decision to sell their farm to their daughter Martha and her husband, Samuel Wunderlich, ensuring the property remained in the family. They moved to Kenyon, where they continued to be active in their community and church.
Their partnership ended with Augusta's death on June 8, 1912. Her funeral at the Evangelical Association church in Prairieville drew attendees from across the region, reflecting the deep connections she had fostered throughout her life. She was remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and woman of faith who had helped build their community from its pioneer days.
After Augusta's passing, Frederick briefly relocated to Montana during the "Second Great Dakota Boom" (1906-1915), showing his continuing pioneer spirit even in his later years. He eventually returned to Kenyon, Minnesota, where he lived at 533 Forest Street until his death on October 5, 1931. His obituary noted him as an 81-year-old pioneer of the community, survived by six children, fourteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His funeral service at the German Evangelical Church was officiated by Rev. Link, and he was laid to rest in the Prairieville United Methodist Cemetery, reunited with Augusta.
The Next Generation
Mary Marie Mahlman (1883-1916)
Standing at the far left of the photo, Mary was one of a set of twins born on October 7, 1883. She married Frank William Meese in 1906 and lived in various locations throughout Rice and Goodhue Counties. Her life was cut tragically short when she passed away on April 21, 1916, at just 32 years old.
Martha Amanda Mahlman (1883-1963)
Standing next to Mary is my great-great-grandmother Martha, Mary's twin sister. On November 26, 1903, she married Samuel F. Wunderlich, and they took over the family farm in Richland Township. Martha was known for her domestic skills, particularly her craftwork in making rag rugs and patchwork quilts. She was also remembered for her culinary talents, especially her mock angel food cake and coconut cream pie. After her husband's death in 1948, she moved to Faribault, where she lived until her passing in 1963.
Emelia Lydia "Mollie" Mahlman (1879-1977)
Third from the left is Emelia, known as "Mollie," who worked as a dressmaker before her marriage to Christian Albert Mund in 1907. She lived the longest of all the siblings, passing away in 1977 at the age of 97, having witnessed nearly a century of American progress, from the first airplanes to moon landings.
William Henry Mahlman (1890-1958)
William, standing in the center, attended Faribault Business & Normal College in 1909. He served in World War I as part of the Camp Exchange Detachment and later worked as an assistant office manager for Nutting Truck Co. and as a salesman for Faribault Broom Co. In his later years, he managed the Mahlman Apartments.
Clara A. Mahlman (1889-1944)
Next to William is Clara, who married William J. Pickett in 1909. She lived in various places throughout her life, including Montana and California, where she passed away in Los Angeles County General Hospital in 1944 due to complications from high blood pressure.
Frederick Emil Mahlman Jr. (1885-1960)
Second from the right is Frederick Jr., who became a prominent business owner in Kenyon. He married Esther N. Eigenbrodt on October 7, 1909, in Rice County, Minnesota. He owned a tire shop during the early days of automobiles and was known for his skill in repairing bicycle tires. His shop near the Kenyon Public Library was a haven for local children with punctured bicycle tires.
Ida R. Mahlman (1877-1960)
Standing at the far right is the eldest child, Ida, who worked as a dressmaker. She never married and lived with various family members throughout her life, including time spent with her sister Martha. She passed away in 1960 and was buried in Meadow Ridge Memorial Park.
A Legacy Preserved
This remarkable family photo, carefully restored by my daughter Onyka, captures a moment just before significant changes would affect the family. Augusta would pass away the following year, and the children would scatter to pursue their various paths in life. Yet their story - one of immigration, farming, faith, and family - represents the broader American experience of countless German immigrant families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Mahlmans witnessed and participated in significant historical events, from the mechanization of agriculture to World War I and the Great Depression. Their lives were shaped by their Lutheran faith, their commitment to community, and their dedication to family - values that continue to resonate through the generations.
At Beyond Generations Genealogy, we specialize in bringing your family history to life. From photo restoration to in-depth genealogical research, our services are designed to preserve and celebrate your family's unique story. Let us help you uncover the tales of your ancestors and create a legacy for future generations. Contact us today to begin your journey through time.
Sources:
Frederick Mahlman obituary - Red Wing Republican Daily
Multiple U.S. Census records (1880-1940)
Minnesota State Census records (1885-1905)
Minnesota County Marriage Records
Ship passenger records for the William and Jane
Local historical accounts of Kenyon and Rice County, Minnesota
Personal family records and oral histories
Church records from the Evangelical & United Brethren Church
Photo restoration by Onyka at Beyond Generations Genealogy. For inquiries about genealogical research or photo restoration services, please contact Beyond Generations Genealogy.
Great post. So lucky you have those Photo!