-My DNA profile says I’m 21% German but those German roots cover a number of different geographic areas. The Zimmer(Simmer -Semmer) families are from, Luxembourg, specifically Dalheim, Remich, Grevenmacher. This is rich farm country and this was the Simmer occupation and the occupation Peter Simmer took up when he settled in Manitowoc WI
Zimmer COA, Dalheim countryside

John Simmer Bio
John was born in Dalheim, Remich, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg on July 30, 1843. He emigrated to America with his family in 1857 at age 14 settling in Manitowoc Wisconsin. His family became farmers. In 1861 John enlisted in the Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Company F. He served for over three years ( An interesting note: John’s Civil War service in found under the name “John Seymore” the error was not discovered until he applied for his pension) After returning from the war, John married Barbara Steffes and the had 11 children and continued to live in Manitowoc and became a saloon keeper. He was active in Civil War reunions and wad proud of his service he died June 15, 1922, the last civil war veteran of the county

Tina Anima — sister, daughter, friend and teacher — passed away August 1, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. She was 45.

A beloved sixth-grade teacher at Seattle’s McClure Middle School, she was genuinely kind and upbeat, young at heart, honorable and quick to forgive, enraptured with life and with people — especially her nieces, who brought her much joy.

She graduated from UCLA and initially worked as a journalist, writing for the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, the Seattle Times and the Modesto (Calif.) Bee. While covering education for the Press-Democrat, she realized she’d rather work with students, not just report about them. She married in 1996, moved to Seattle and earned her master’s in education from the University of Washington, fighting through her initial diagnosis of breast cancer in 1997.

She joined the staff at McClure Middle School as a language arts and social studies instructor soon after, employing a mix of tough love, empathy and sheer enthusiasm. She saw the best in her students, building a culture of trust and safety in her classroom and feeling the joys of their successes and the pains of their struggles.

Rap was among her favorite teaching devices; years later, former students told her how they still recalled the names and roles of Greek gods because of the “Olympic Rap” she’d written. She loved music and especially loved to dance, from lindy-hop lessons to the choreographed bits she did with fellow teachers at McClure assemblies.

When her cancer recurred in early 2014, she rallied her tribe’s support with her positive attitude and ongoing concern for others. She continued to do what brought her joy – dancing at a Marymoor Park concert in July; hosting book club meetings; gathering with and traveling with old friends; striving to maintain the independence she treasured. She lived every day to the fullest, grateful for the life she had and surrounded by the love she gave to all.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Bob Duncan of Vacaville, Calif., nieces Devon and Paden; her mother, Betty; and her ex-husband, Marc Ramirez of Dallas.

On this the 150th anniversary oh the end of the Civil War, we honor our family’s Civil War veteran great great grand uncle John Simmer. He was in the volunteer Wisconsin 15th Infantry Company F of the Union Army. This Unit was made up of all men from Manitowoc. One of the main battles this unit took part in was the Battle of Chickamaunga. Pictures include the Company F Flag, a rendering of their camp, pictures of an 1880 and 1917 Reunion and the obit of John Simmer

Veteran Newspaperman Is Dead
Editor Aron Edstrom, Nestor of Swedish-American newspapermen died last Friday, February 2, at his home in this city, at the age of seventy-six. His health had been declining for some time, and Friday morning he was found dead in bed.

Edstrom was born in Edstorp, in the province of Dalsland, Sweden, on January 6, 1847. As a boy he showed an unusual interest in books and in learning. Through self-study he learned English and German, and by the time he was fifteen he had advanced so far in mathematics that his teacher was unable to follow him. However, circumstances did not permit further formal schooling, and at the age of sixteen he went to work in a lumbermill.

In 1869, Edstrom came to America, and settled near Marine, Minnesota, where 2he had some relatives. For three years, he worked hard on jobs in lumbermills, railroad construction gangs, etc. He finally decided to try farming, and took a homestead in Polk County, Wisconsin.

In August, 1872, he had an accident causing the loss of his left hand while working in a sawmill. This marked a turning point in his life. His old desire to study was still strong within him, and he entered St. Ansgar Academy at Carver, Minnesota, the forerunner of the present Gustavas Adolphus College in St. Peter. In 1875, he was admitted to the freshmen class of Augustana College in Rock Island, and he graduated from that school in 1879. The following year, he got on the staff of the Skaffaren in St. Paul, which is now being published under the name the Minnesota Stats Tidning. Eventually, he became its editor.

In 1883 he became associate editor of Hemlandet, of Chicago, and, except for 3a short period in 1890 when he was editor of Nordens Medborgare of Manistee, Michigan, he was on the editorial staff of Hemlandet until that paper was consolidated with Svenska Amerikanaren.

In 1882, Edstrom married Anna C. Greek of Trade Lake, Wisconsin, who died in 1898. They had seven children.

During his more than thirty years as a newspaperman, routine work consumed most of Edstrom’s time. But he did find time to write numerous sketches and short stories, which were published in Hemlandet and in Prarieblomman.

He was a religious man, good-humored and tolerant. All who came to know him well are certain to remember him as a faithful friend and a good man.

Another great genealogy find. Payroll roster for my grandfather from Northwestern Railroad. At 26 he worked as a laborer for the railroad. He mad 17 1/2 cents per hour. He worked 84 hours and made $14.70. $.50 was taken out for healthcare.(3.5%) No taxes were taken out. His first check was $14.20

More of Nonno’s story in Dominico Lorenzo

As the weather heats up and all thoughts are of the backyard BBQ remembering all those great family BBQ’s hosted by my Uncle Benny~BBQer par excellence 

I had 7 cousins~my children have 15 cousins & 15 C1R~A look at part of the gang

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