More of the American Riedesel emigrants at least passed through this Clinton County, Iowa, community than any other. The first generation arrived early enough to acquire excellent farmland that set them apart from later arrivals in terms of their socioeconomic standing. Hard work and good luck mattered too. Clicking on a picture will open a larger version.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1861, the St. Paul’s German Reformed Church in Wheatland had a commemorative booklet published. Few of the founding immigrants were still alive, but the group pictures included many Riedesels and close kin.
Henry F. Riedesel (1865-1932) who came from the house in Wunderthausen known as Försters hinter der Huthe. He was a member of the church council at the time.
Edward J. Riedesel (1875-1923), a son of the immigrant George Riedesel from Haase Haus in Wunderthausen. He was a member of the church council.
Theodor Riedesel (1859-1941), a son of the immigrant L. Henry Riedesel from Haase Haus in Wunderthausen. He was a member of the church council.
Frank Riedesel (1877-1950). He was a member of the church council and a son of emigrant Henry D. Riedesel.
George Ott (1866-1940), husband of George Riedesel's daughter Lisetta Riedesel (1969-1930). He was a member of the church council.
August Kramer (1856-1948) husband of George Riedesel's daughter Mary Jane Riedesel (1861-1947). He was a member of the church council.
Albert Dickman (1862-1925), husband of George Riedesel's daughter Anna (1863-1848). He was a member of the choir.
Elisabeth (Knoche) Riedesel (1835-1923), the Wunderthausen-born wife of immigrant John Riedesel (Haase Haus). She is pictured in the booklet as one of the founding members.
Flora (Schneider) Riedesel (1841-1920). This is a tentative identifcation. Her picture is included on the page of founding members but is not in the group picture. She and her late husband Henry Riedesel (1834-1898) from Bergmanns Haus in Wunderthausen had moved to the Lanesboro, IA, area.
Aunt Susie Riedesel (1847-1942), another founding member and the daughter of immigrant J. Ludwig Riedesel from Haase Haus in Wunderthausen. She was not living in Wheatland at the time, but eventually returned.
Esther (Riedesel) Dennie (1890-1969). She was daughter of Theodor Riedesel (see above) and was pictured both with the choir and the Martha's Aid society.
Reuben Riedesel (1892-1988). He was a son of Theodor Riedesel and was pictured as a member of the choir.
The full text and translations of this booklet are available on this page.
Main street in Wheatland, Iowa, 1915
Edward Riedesel (1875-1923) and one of the Otts operated a grocery store in Wheatland. This jug was probably a promotional item, but is valued at over $1,000 today!
St. Paul's German Reformed Church, "new" building in 1878
St. Paul's today (Now affiliated with the United Church of Christ)
