On June 16 1908, Henry G. Vonderhaar married Anna Wellman at St. Mary’s Church in West Point, Iowa. Anna Wellman was Walt’s first cousin twice removed.

Henry Vonderhaar was the son of John Bernard and Elizabeth Peterschmidt Vonderhaar. He was born on March 30, 1883 in West Point, Iowa. His parents had immigrated from Germany only a couple of years earlier.

Anna Wellman was born to Bernard and Elizabeth Terborg Wellman on November 27, 1884 in West Point. Bernard has also come over just a year previously.

It is somewhat difficult to read, but I found the recording of their marriage. Henry was living in Fort Madison and working as a librarian. Anna was living in West Point. One of the witnesses was Joseph Wellman, Anna’s brother. I could not read the other witness’ name. They were married by John Jacoby at St. Mary’s.

In 1910, they were living in Fort Madison, next door to Henry’s parents. Henry was working as a machinist at the railroad. Their son Alvin was less than a year old.

Henry registered for the draft in World War I and I found his draft card.

In 1920, Henry and Anna were still living in Fort Madison, but now next door to Henry’s brother Theodore. Henry and Anna had 3 children by now.

By 1940, two of their children had moved out. Rosanna was working as a typist at a pencil company. Henry was still working as a machinist at the Santa Fe railroad.

In 1950, Henry and Anna were still in Fort Madison. Henry had retired. Their daughter Mildred was working as a kindergarten teacher. Rosanna had married Paul Bartlett and they had 3 children. They all lived together at 2423 Avenue H.

Henry died on May 29, 1950. Anna lived until June 5, 1985. I have more about Anna in this post.