An Immigrant Story - Eliza Wegelin Preiss

The August Preiss plot is in the Rose Cemetery in Rockland.

NPS Photo/ L. Webber

August Preiss and Eliza Wegelin came to the United States from Prussia and the Kingdom of Bavaria, independent countries which are now part of Germany. They arrived in Rockland around 1860 and became a lasting part of the community. This is a part of their immigrant story.

 

1882 Ontonagon County probate record from the estate of August Preiss. This granted legal guardianship of his children to their mother, Eliza.

Image Courtesy of Ontonagon County Probate Court

Eldest son Herman was born in 1862, while his father was working as a laborer for the Minesota Mine. By 1880, the family owned hundreds of acres of land in the area, and had opened a saloon on National Avenue (US-45). When August passed away in 1881 at the age of 59, five of his children were still considered minors (under the age of 21). His wife, their mother Eliza, petitioned and won legal guardianship over her family.

 

A page from the Honor Roll of Ontonagon County 1917-1918-1919, which features both Milton and Harold Preiss.

Image Courtesy Ontonagon Township Library

Grandsons Harold and Milton Preiss were among Rockland's many ardent patriots. Both fought and were wounded in France during World War I; Milton paid the ultimate price. Descriptions from the Ontonagon County Honor Roll 1917-1918 tell of their service:

Harold W. Preiss of Rockland, Michigan. Entered army May 25, 1918, and was assigned to Company "I" 338th Infantry of the 85th Division. Went overseas with this division and was shortly afterwards transferred to Company "B" 38th Infantry. Served with this organization in the battle of St. Mihiel and was wounded in the battle of the Argonne on October 15, 1918. From this date he was in the hospital until discharged from the service, on Feb. 8, 1919.

Milton G. Preiss of Rockland, Michigan. Entered army May 25, 1918, and was assigned to Company "I." 338th Infantry, 85th Division. Went overseas with this division and was then transferred to Company "B" 38th Infantry of the 3rd Division. Served with this company in the battle of St. Mihiel and also in the Argonne, where he was wounded in the back, by a machine gun bullet, on October 22, 1918. He died November 18, 1918 from the effects of the wound, and was buried in the cemetery at Base Hospital Number 218, at Poitiers Vienne, France.

 

Harold and Milton G. Preiss of Rockland, MI.

Image Courtesy of Ontonagon Township Library

The Rockland American Legion post 92 is named in honor of Milton G. Preiss. Other local descendants of August and Eliza Preiss include members of the Preiss, Davey, Floyd, and Bebeau families.