An Immigrant Story - Mathias Lenz

Mathias and Anna Lenz arrived in New York aboard the American Eagle with daughters Anna, Anna Maria, and Maria.

The American Eagle Passenger List Arrival in New York: September 25, 1865. Image courtesy of NARA.

The unification of Germany began in 1865, the same year that Mathias and Anna Lenz left their homeland. Arriving in New York aboard the "American Eagle" in September, they made their way west to the Copper Country with their three younger children, daughters Anna, Anna Maria, and Maria.

 

Mathias Lenz's grave marker at Irish Hollow Cemetery in Rockland in need of some care.

NPS Photo

Mathias had been a farmer in Germany, but we learn from the 1870 census that in Rockland, MI Mathias was working as a laborer. He and Anna are both buried at Irish Hollow Cemetery in Rockland. What prompted Mathias and Anna to bring their family so far?