Listed on this page are our direct Bender ancestors or their spouses who served or were killed in the many German wars who were born in Rettigheim or lived in a nearby village. It is not intended to list any of the many courageous ancestors that were born here in America that may have served or died in those same wars.

While our Bender history starts in 1580, this list of our German soldier ancestors or their spouses, dead, wounded or survivor starts over 200 years ago with the second partition of Poland and our Bender ancestors that joined Napoleon in his invasion of Russia.  The known Bender ancestors born in Rettigheim that served in the American Civil War are also listed.

Never have I heard of one family that has lost so many sons in war all from a very small German farming village by the name of Rettigheim or a nearby village. One of our Bender ancestor families alone lost four sons of their 16 total children in The Great War.

Most of our Bender family immigrants from Rettigheim ended up in Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota but also in Canada and Mexico. Some went south to South America and some went east to Serbia and Hungary and some went north to Poland. Many of our ancestors listed here died in battle in little known places all over Europe.

Theresia Blaies, nee Bender, 1833--1898, was my great grandmother.

Mickel Blaies and Theresia Bender, photo taken c. 1896.

The Population Density over time for the Village of Rettigheim [courtesy of Hubert Kamuf]
Year	# of Families	Village Population	Average size of family
1600	20	100	5
1658	20	78	3.9
1726	50	248	4.9
1802	85	368	4.3
1900	120	600	5
2000	500	2100	4.2

All individuals or their spouses listed below are related to us and almost all come from the very small Baden farming villages of Obergrombach, Rauenberg or Rettigheim 20 miles south of Heidelberg.

All this information in this site was made possible by the extraordinary work of Herbert Kamuf who is a native of Rettigheim and wrote the history of Rettigheim in two books, Rettigheim Familienbuch Vol I and Vol II and by Bernhard Strominski who did the Familienbuch for the villages of Mingolsheim, Rettigheim and Rauenberg/Rotenberg.  Judy Linenfelser translated Herbert's books to English. Judy's husband, Charles Linenfelser is my Bender-Blaies generation's 8th cousin.

Here are the totals for our Bender ancestors who served or were killed in the many wars, some in far off mysterious places in Russia and France that at the time a hard working German farmer might have had trouble pronouncing. The key here is to remember that they all came from the small village of Rettigheim or its neighboring villages.

Our Bender ancestors or their spouses that served in or died in the German wars from the village of Rettigheim and neighboring villages
The German Wars	Total Bender Ancestors or spouses that served in the war
Uprising of German Knights 1522 - 1523
German peasants war 1524 - 1525
Turks lay siege to Vienna - 1529
Thirty Years War 1618 - 1648
Repulsion of the 2nd Turkish attack on Vienna 1683
Silesian Wars between Prussia & Austria 1740 - 1745
The Seven Years War, Prussia against Austria, Russia, France and Sweeden 1756 - 1763
Prussia's rise to power, 1793 - 1807 & Partitions of Poland	1
Napoleon's Invasion of Russia 1812	12
Post Napoleon Era	1
German 1848 Revolution [starts in 1844]	5
American Civil War 1860 - 1865	5
Austro-Prussian War of 1866
Franco-Prussian War of 1870	2
The Great War 1914 - 1918	54
WW II 1939 - 1947	121
Total Bender ancestors	201

Some but not all of our Bender ancestors killed in The Great War  and  WW II are on the two plaques in the entrance hall of St Nickolas Catholic Church in Rettigheim. In the early years of our Bender family history the threat of invasion by the Turks was very real and lasted till well after 1683. Rettighem was not that far from Vienna which was where the Turks were stopped.

The boldface number before each individual is their ID number in the two main Bender family histories.

Below are all our main web sites for the four European family histories; Fries, Lucash, Blaies and Bender.

Fries family: http://mctiernan.com/frihis.htm
Lucash family: http://mctiernan.com/luchis1.htm
Blaies family: http://mctiernan.com/bhis1.htm
Bender family: http://mctiernan.com/benhis.htm

Many of our American relatives and ancestors also served in both World Wars. Due to the lack of complete documentation they are not listed on this page as the scope of this effort is to list only our German born Bender ancestors that served or were killed in the many German wars and how each relates to my Bender / Blaies generation.

Our Bender ancestors are listed under the specific war.

Uprising of German Knights 1522 - 1523, no Bender ancestors found as yet

German peasants war 1524 - 1525, no Bender ancestors found as yet

Turks lay siege to Vienna - 1529, no Bender ancestors found as yet

Thirty Years War 1618 - 1648, no Bender ancestors found as yet

Repulsion of the 2nd Turkish attack on Vienna 1683, no Bender ancestors found as yet

Silesian Wars between Prussia & Austria 1740 - 1745, no Bender ancestors found as yet

The Seven Years War, Prussia against Austria, Russia, France and Sweden 1756 - 1763, no Bender ancestors found as yet

Prussia's rise to power & the partitions of Poland.  1793 - 1807

1.4.7.2.2.4.  Andreas Menges, 1-14-1764-->1803, the fourth of five children of Simon Menges and Anna Maria Wachter born in Rauenberg and died sometime after 1803 in Südpreußen [South Prussia].  On 4-8-1793 in Rauenberg, Andreas Menges married Maria Eva Bergmaier, 12-6-1760-->1803, who was born in Rauenberg and died in Südpreußen.  Andreas was a soldier in the Army stationed in Südpreußen in 1787.  Südpreußen was a province of the State of Prussia existing from 1793 to 1807. It was established on the largest part of the areas acquired with the second division of Poland  Andreas Menges is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 6 generations removed. 

War against Revolutionary France 1792 - 1815; Napoleon's invasion of Russia, 1812 - 1813 http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~jrubarth/gslis/lis385t.16/Napoleon

1.1.1.3.2.7.5.2. Christophor Katzenberger, 6-14-1786--6-10-1835, the second of ten children of Maria Christina Ringer and Johann Katzenberger born and died in Rettigheim. Christophor was a master barrel maker (Küfermeister).  Christophor's brother, Johann Michael Katzenberger probably fell in the Napoleon's Russian campaign 1812/1813. Christophor Katzenberger participated likewise and returned. He received the active service honor in 1830 presented by the Badish [Baden] Grand Duke. Christophor Katzenberger is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 4 generations removed.

1.1.1.3.2.7.5.3. Johann Michael Katzenberger, 10-13-1788--c. 1812, the third of ten children of Maria Christina Ringer and Johann Katzenberger born in Rettigheim. Johann Michael Katzenberger probably fell in the Napoleon's Russian campaign 1812/1813; his brother Christoph participated likewise and returned where he received the active service honor in 1830 by the Badish [Baden] Grand Duke. Johann Michael Katzenberger is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 4 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.4.6.2.  Leonhard Drcher, 7-24-1799--10-15-1820, the second of five children of Anna Maria Bender and Gregor Drcher born in Östringen.  Leonhard Drcher was a German soldier in the Infantry Regiment of Steckborn and died in a military hospital in Karlsruhe, Baden most likely from wounds received in the past Napoleonic Wars. Leonhard Drcher is my Bender / Balies 5th cousin 5 generations removed.

1.1.2.2.12.5.5. Johann Wendelin Bender, 10-16-1799--12-29-1821, the fifth child of Franz Bender and Maria Catharina Kamuf who was born in Rettigheim, Baden. Johann never married and was a soldier GroBherzogl. most likely during the end of the Napoleonic Wars or soon thereafter. Johann Wendelin Bender is my Bender / Blaies generation's 2nd  cousin, 5 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.1.1. Maria Juliana Wagner, nee Bender, 8-24-1758--3-25-1834, the first of fourteen and only child of Johann Georg Bender by Maria Anna Bender. Maria Juliana was born and died in Rettigheim. Maria Juliana married Johann Wagner, 1-27-1756--12-16-1813, in Rettigheim on 3-1-1778. Johann Wagner was the son of Christoph Wagner and Maria Deschner. Johann was born and died in Rettigheim. The family book notes say that Maria Juliana's husband, Johann Wagner, 1756--1813, participated in Napoleon's Russian campaign in 1812 and was listed as "is fallen". He died in Rettigheim the following year so "is fallen" most likely meant that he was wounded and sent home to die. Maria Juliana Wagner, nee Bender is my Bender / Blaies generation's 3rd cousin, 5 generations removed.

1.1.1.3.3.3.3.  Johann Christoph Müller, 7-1-1758--8-15-1834, the third of ten children of Katharina Föerderer and Martin Müller born and died in Rettigheim.  On 5-25-1784 in Rettigheim, Johann Christoph Müller married  1.2.2.1.4.9. Maria Margarete Neff, 12-4-1758--12-8-1819, the ninth of nine children of Johann Neff and Anna Maria Rudolf born and died in Rettigheim.  Johann Christoph Müller was a farmer and lived at Malscher Str. 10 and later at Östringer Str. 6.  Johann Christoph and his brother Franz Georg participated in Napoleon's Russia campaign 1812/13 and received in 1830 the active service honor by the Badish Grand Duke. Johann Christoph Müller is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 5 generations removed.

1.1.2.1.3.9.2. Franz Georg Bender, 5-13-1792--7-26-1868, Franz Anton Bender and Veronica Jung's second child of 13, born and died in Rettigheim, Baden. Franz Georg Bender wife's name was Maria Theresia Schmidt, 9-8-1794--1-21-1861, born and died in Rettigheim and the daughter of Franz Schmitt and Maria Brückmann. They were married in Rettigheim on 4-15-1818. He was a master linen weaver and lived at Oestringer Str. 9/11. Franz was also a German soldier in 1818 in the Grossherzoglicehn Linien Infantry, Regiment Glockhorn. Franz Georg Bender most likely fought in the great Napoleonic wars that ended in 1815. Franz Georg Bender is my Bender / Blaies generation's 3rd cousin, 5 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.6. Maria Anna Antoni, nee Dumbeck, nee Friedrich, nee Werstein, 4-5-1794--9-20-1844, born in Rettigheim and died in Rotenberg. The fifth of seven children of Franz Kasper Werstein and Maria Anna Müller. Maria Anna Werstein married three times. Her first husband was Lutz Friedrich who was a NCO in Grossherz. Badish Regiment, Reichgraf von Hochberg. Lutz Friedrich died between 1816 and 1820, most likely in Napoleon's war against Russia.  Maria Ann Werstein is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 5 generations removed. 

1.1.4.3.3.5.2. Johann Thaddeus Wagner, 12-23-1786--1-3-1877, the second of four children of Johann Georg Wagner and Maria Catharina Bender born and died in Rettigheim. On 5-28-1811 in Rettigheim, Johannes Thaddeus Wagner married 1.1.2.1.6.1.3.1. Maria Juliana Metzger, 1-20-1791--7-14-1875, who was born and died in Rettigheim, the daughter of Johann Michael Metzger and Maria Anna Werstein. Johann Thaddäus Wagner participated in the Russian campaign of Napoleon 1812/13 and in 1830 received the field service award through the Grand Duke of Baden. Johannes Thaddeus Wagner is my Bender / Blaies generation's 2nd cousin, 5 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.1.1.5.  Josef Wagner, 5-20-1790--c. 1812, the fifth of six children of Maria Juliana Bender and Johann Wagner, born in Rettigheim and died in Russia.  Josef was a soldier in Napoleon's invasion of Russia and died during the campaign. Josef Wagner is my Bender / Blaies' 4th cousin 4 generations removed.

1.2.2.1.4.9.4. Georg Michael Müller, 10-5-1790--, the fourth of eleven children of Johann Christoph Müller and Maria Margarete Neff born in Rettigheim and died somewhere in Russia. Georg Michael Müller was killed in Napoleon's 1812 Russian campaign. Georg Michael Müller is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 4 generations removed.

1.4.3.2.3.3.3. Matthias Eschbaumer, 3-21-1788--c. 1812, the third of six children of Maria Catharina Wittmayer and Johannes Adam Eschbaumer born in Rettigheim. He participated in Napoleon's 1812 Russian campaign and died in that invasion.  Matthias Eschbaumer is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 5  generations removed.

Georg Michael Reiss, 8-11-1791--, the fifth of nine children of Johann Michael Reiss and Katharina Schrod born in Rettigheim. Georg Michael Reiss participated in Napoleon's 1812 Russian campaign and most likely died in that invasion. There is no blood relationship between Georg Michael Reiss and my Bender / Blaies generation.

German Revolution of 1848  [starting in 1844 ? ]

1.4.7.2.2.3.2.4.  Daniel Greulich, 2-12-1822--10-14-1844, the fourth of eight children of Catharina Franziska Bergmaier and Jakob Greulich born in Rauenberg and died in Gottesau.  Daniel Greulich was a German soldier [Artileryman] in the Großherzogl, Badische Artileriebrigade who was killed in 1844. Most likely Daniel was killed in the battles leading up to the 1848 revolution.  Daniel Greulich is my Bender / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 4 generations removed. 

1.2.3.4.8.6.2.3. Sebastian Werstein, 1-19-1829--6-15-1849, the third of six children of Franz Martin Werstein and Creszentia Reiss. Sebastian fell as a soldier with the meetings in Großsachen during the German revolution of 1848/49. Sebastian Werstein is my Bender / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.4.3.2.3.2.1.6. Josef Reiss, 6-17-1820--7-30-1849, the sixth of eleven children of Catharina Barbara Wittmeier and Johann Christoph Reiss born in Rettigheim and died in Heidelberg. Josef died as a soldier at the Akademischen Anstalt Heidelberg probably from an injury. He most likely was involved in the 1848 revolution in Germany. Josef Reiss is my Bender / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 4 generations removed.

1.2.2.1.4.3.11.6. Andreas Schmitt, 12-31-1823-->1861, the sixth of eight children of Maria Cäzilia Neff and Peter Schmitt born in Rettigheim. Andreas was a soldier and user in the revolution of 1848/49, went then in 1861 to America. This revolution started in France and spread across Europe and was one of the major causes of emigration as it was for my four direct European families as they all immigrated to America between 1848 and 1856. Andreas Schmitt is my Bender / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.1.2.1.6.2.5.4. Friedrich Linenfelser, 4-1-1821--10-27-1865, the fourth child of eight children of Margaretha Holzinger and Johann Friedrich Linenfelser born in Östringen and died in St. Louis, St. Louis Co., MO. Östringen is a beautiful village. On 10-2-1849 in St. Louis, St. Louis Co., MO, Friedrich Linenfelser married Mary Ann Ketterer, 1816--, whose maiden name was Baker or Becker. Mary Ann had been married previously and had seven children by her husband Kitterer and three children by Friedrich Linenfelser. Helmut Zondler translated from German: "1-4-1821, at 8 pm gave birth Margaretha born Holzinger, the wife of ...master linen weaver Friederich Linenfelser to a child of male sex... name Friderich. Wittnesses Anton Hoffmann the young, 32 years old and Jacob Linenfelser 38 years old."

1.1.3.3.1.14.1.1. Emilie Breitner, nee Heinzmann, 7-15-1829--4-3-1873, the first of six children of Johannes Martin Heinzmann and Maria Anna Hoffmann born in Üstringen and died in Riga, Lenawee Co., MI. On 2-4-1855 in Monroe, Monroe Co., MI at St. Michael's Catholic Church., Emilie Heinzmann married Peter Breitner, 1830--10-1-1887, who was born in Östringen and the son of Joseph Breitner and Maria Pfeiffer. Peter enlisted in the American Civil War on 8-15-1862 in Riga, Michigan. At the time of his enlistment, he was 33 years old and served with the Michigan Volunteers until his honorable discharge on 10-6-1864 from injuries. He died on 1-10-1887 from ingesting Paris Green. He served with Co. C-18th Infantry Regiment. Peter was born, est. 3-18-1827 (30) in Baden, Germany and emigrated to the US on 2-10-1854, arriving at New York harbor on the ship Mercury from La Harve, France. Peter married Louisa Kornmeier-Merx on 4-1-1875 in Riga, MI. He has gray eyes and brown hair."

1.4.3.3.6.5.2.7. Valentin Bender, 2-10-1827--8-5-1886, the seventh of eight children of Maria Caecilia Bös and Matthäus Bender born in Rettigheim and died in Walldorf, Germany. As seen in the Familienbuch "Der Vater nimmt laut Grundbuch 1817 300 Gulden Geld auf. Sohn Valentin stirbt in Walldorf als "amerikanischer Invalid" u. Witwer, vielleicht war er Teilnehmer am Amerikanischen Bürgerkrieg 1864." and roughly translated as "The father takes according to land register 1817 300 guldens cash up. Son Valentin dies in Walldorf as "American Invalid" and a widower, perhaps he was wounded in the American civil war 1864. Valentin Bender is my Bender / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.1.2.2.5.3.2.3.6. Wendelin Bender, 12-20-1834--3-22-1902, was the sixth child of Georg Franz Bender, 1801--1838, and Maria Elizabeth Bender, nee Herrmann, 1805--1870. Wendell emigrated to America c.1854. Wendelin married Elizabeth Wolff, 1838--3-28-1907, on 1-8-1867, in St. Louis County, Missouri. Elizabeth was born in Reibach, Germany. Wendell was 5'9", brown hair, blue eyes, with a light complexion. He was living in St. Louis in 1861, and listed his occupation as a farmer on the enlistment papers for the Union Army.

On October 16, 1861, Wendell enlisted in the Union Army in Battery "C", 2nd Regt', Missouri Light Artillery. He was 27 at the time. Company 'C" was stationed at Cape Girardeau, Mo. On 8-24-1863, Wendell was discharged as a Corporal.

Other legal papers have Wendel enlisting in a different Union Army unit at the same time. On January 9, 1865, Wendell enlisted in the 39th Regt', Missouri Volunteer Infantry. This was a six month tour of duty. He was discharged a Private on 5-17-1865, at Benton Barracks in St. Louis, Mo. Benton Barracks is now known as Fairgrounds Park in St. Louis. Benton Barracks was named after Missouri's Senator Benton, who was famous during America's westward expansion and funded the famous Lewis and Clark Exposition. Wendell may also have served in the 117th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His time in the 117th is not verified by the member list. For his service time in the Union Army, Wendell received $ 8 per month as a pension. Wendelin Bender is my Bender / Blaies generation's Great Grand Uncle.

1.1.2.2.5.3.2.3.5. Theresia Blaies, nee Bender, 4-1-1833--2-24-1898, was the fifth child of Georg Franz Bender, 1801--1838, and Maria Elizabeth Bender, nee Herrmann, 1805--1870. Theresia emigrated to America late in 1855 or early in 1856. Theresia Bender married Jean Michel Blaies, 1823--1902, on May 22, 1856, at The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Arnold, Mo. Theresia was 23 and Jean Michel Blaies was 34 years old at the time of the wedding. Jean Michel Blaies, most likely, emigrated when he was about 33 years old. In the Blaies history

Jean Michel Blaies, 1823--1902, is listed as -5.2.2.3.3.8.6. in the Blaies history. Jean Michel Blaies and his brother-in-law, 1.1.2.2.5.3.2.3.6. Wendel Bender, 1834--1902, served in the same Union Army unit during the Civil War. Jean Michel Blaies, 1823--1902, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on October 8, 1863, in Company H of the 80th Regiment of Enrolled Missouri Militia that was organized in Jefferson Co. Missouri. Michel was discharged in 1864 by Special Order 126. Special order 126 seems to be a discharge order due to the Union officer failing to take some type of oath and having it filed with the Missouri Adjutant General's Office. Michel may not have taken the oath or did take it but failed to have it filed on time. None the less, he and 60 other officers were relieved of their commands.

In May 1864, Michel enrolled from Carondelet in the 2nd Regiment, Enrolled Missouri Militia as a private. The active service began on Sept. 27, 1864 and ended on November 5, 1864. Michel was put on sick furlough. Michel Blaies, the husband of Theresia Bender is my generation's Great Grandfather.

Austro-Prussian War of 1866,  no Bender ancestors found as yet

Franco-Prussian War of 1870

1.4.3.2.3.2.2.3.2. Johann Thaddäus Wagner, 3-21-1847--9-30-1874, the second of five children of Maria Anna Neff and Georg Josef Wagner born and died in Rettigheim. On 1-11-1872 in Rettigheim, Johann Thaddäus Wagner married Justine Bergmeier, 11-9-1846--, who was born in Rauenberg, Baden. He was a Geraman soldier in 1870 and 1871 during the war with France and later was a farmer and lived at Rotenberger Str. 34., Johann may have been the largest man of the army of Baden. Johann Thaddäus Wagner is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.1.4.3.3.5.2.2.6.  Reinhard Reiss, 9-21-1846--4-27-1933, the sixth of nine children of Katharina Wagner and Anton Reiss born and died in Rettigheim. On 8-22-1872 in Rettigheim, Reinhard Reiss married 1.1.2.1.6.1.3.9.7.  Anna Juliana Kamuf, 1-7-1850--1-16-1923, the seventh of eight children of Johann Ulrich Kamuf and Maria Josefa Östringer born and died in Rettigheim.  Anna Juliana Kamuf died of the flu.  He was a farmer and lived at Östringer Str. 10.  Reinhard was a participant in the French campaign in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/1871 and was with the so-called "Grossherzogdgetreuen".  Reinhard Reiss is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 3 generations removed.

-5.2.2.3.3.8.4.1. Jean Blaies, 11-23-1842--2-4-1871, Conrad Blaies and Anne Marie Bonnert's first child born in Hellimer but died in Paris. Jean was in the French Army in the war of 1870 against Germany. The records state that he was a soldier in the 4th Regiment de Zouaves. He died of Typhoid Fever in the military hospital of Grob Caillou in Paris at 29 years of age. Strange how in history class you do not pay much attention to the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 between Germany and France. It was the foundation for The Great War in 1914 and also began the industrial age. Jean Blaies is a 1st cousin, 2 generations removed to my generation that descends from Theresia Bender and Mickel Blaies. (from Blaies history) Jean Blaies is not included in the total for those Bender ancestors from Rettigheim who served in the wars.

The Great War, 1914 - 1918

A total of 32 men are listed on the below plaque from the entrance hall of the St Nickolas Catholic Church in Rettigheim as having been killed in The Great War. At this point in time, almost all of those were our Bender ancestors.  A total of 54 of our Bender ancestors fought in The Great War.

All of our Bender ancestors listed below were killed in The Great War and are on the plaque in St Nickolas Catholic Church displayed on the Rettigheim village church wall.

1.1.1.3.2.6.11.4.  Christian Förderer, 8-29-1817--3-29-1913, the fourth of eight children of Vinzens Förderer and  Maria Josefa Baumeiste born in Rettigheim and died in Pforzheim.  Christian is listed as a German soldier in the records and might have been killed during The Great War, but he would have been 95 years old at the time.  Christian Förderer is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 4 generations removed.

1.4.6.1.5.1.8.8.1.6.  Franz Klee, 5-29-1891--8-9-1914, the sixth of ten children of Luise Wipfler and Josef Klee born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War.  In June of 1914, Germany declares war on neutral Belgium and invades in a right flanking move designed to defeat France quickly. This violates a treaty signed by Prussua respecting Belgian neutrality. As a result of this invasion, Britain declares war on Germany and Austria-Hungary. Canada follows suit and joins the war. U.S President Woodrow Wilson declares policy of American neutrality. The record states Franz Klee's place of death as Muhlhausen but also list it as Alsace [Elsaß].  Franz Klee may have been wounded in Alsace and then died in Muhlhausen. Franz Klee is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.1.4.3.3.5.2.2.6.4.  Johann Augustin Reiss, 5-29-1884--8-22-1914, the fourth of four children of Reinhard Reiss and Anna Juliana Kamuf born in Rettigheim and died as a German soldier in Donon/Schirmeck, Alsace, France during The Great War.  On 6-8-1911 in Rettigheim, Johann Augustin Reiss married 1.1.2.1.6.1.3.5.17.1.  Elisabeth Metzger, 6-23-1889--6-9-1969, who was born and died in Rettigheim. Johann Augustin was a farmer and lived at Rotenberger Str. 20.  Johann Augustin Reiss is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.3.9.9.5.9.  Karl Friedrich Menges, 5-14-1883--8-22-1914, the ninth of thirteen children of Friedrich Menges and Elisabeth Knab born in Rauenberg and died unmarried as a soldier in the German Army in Raon sur Plaine, Alsace, France. Karl Friedrich Menges is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 3  generations removed. 

1.2.2.1.4.3.12.1.2.5. Ignaz Wittmeier, 5-1-1892--8-24-1914, the fifth of five children of Jakob Wittmeier and Sophia Kamuf born in Rettigheim. Ignaz was a soldier in the German Army in The Great War and was killed in Lothringen which is Lorraine as in Alcace-Lorraine, France or Germany depending on the year. The former Duchy of Lothringen (Lorraine) became a French province in 1766. Later the German-speaking area of Lorraine became part of Elsass-Lothringen. In the First World War 1914-1918 Lorraine was the main theater of war.  Ignaz Wittmeier is my Bender / Blaies generations 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.3.2.3.2.1.3.5.5. Jakob Kamuf, 5-6-1884--8-26-1914, the fifth of ten children of Johann Kamuf and Maria Josefa Göbel born in Rettigheim. On 7-8-1911 in Rettigheim, Jakob Kamuf married 1.1.1.1.4.1.5.3.3.3.4.  Ottilie Kamuf, 11-26-1885--7-18-1936, the fourth of four children of Josefine Wittmeier and Sebastian Kamuf born and died in Rettigheim.  Jakob was a factory leader and lived at Mascher Str. 29. He died at Ban de Sapt/Lothr. [Lorraine]  as a German soldier in The Great War.  The French War Office has announced [7-25-1914] that they have captured some very powerful German defensive organizations in the Ban-de-Sapt region of the Vosges Mountains.  More than 800 prisoners and 6 machine guns were taken.  Jakob Kamuf is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 2 generations removed. Jakob Kamuf's name is on on the plaque in St Nickolas Catholic Church displayed on the Rettigheim village church wall. 

1.2.3.7.1.6.2.2.1.9. Adam Dumm, 10-7-1889--9-25-1914, the ninth of sixteen children of Franz Martin Dumm and Maria Sauer born in Rettigheim. Adam Dumm like his three brothers was a soldier in the German Army in The Great War and was killed in France. Adam was a shoemaker and never married. Adam Dumm is with those names of the village displayed on the Rettigheim village church wall.   Adam Dumm is my generations 6th cousin, 1 generation removed. 

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.4.2.4. Josef Kleinlagel, 5-17-1895--10-10-1914, born in Rettigheim but died in Sarrburg, Germany in The Great War. The fourth of five children of Eduard Kleinlagel and Karoline Werstein. Josef lived in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland. Josef Kleinlagel's name is on the plaque in St Nickolas Catholic Church displayed on the Rettigheim village church wall.   Josef Kleinlagel is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.2.3.4.2.2.6.  Nikolaus Kurz, 10-3-1890--1-25-1915, the sixth of eleven children of Friedrich Kurz and Elisabeth Knörr born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War at Auchy-les-la-Bassée, France.  Marshall Joffre's plan was brutally simple. The strong German positions would be crushed by 4 days continuous bombardment, with a 4-hour final crescendo before the infantry attacked. The latter would be arrayed in great depth, each Division placing no more than half of two Brigades in the first line. A constant flow of men would follow, as would the reserves behind the assaulting Divisions. All other Armies from the coast to Switzerland would be ready to move forward as the enemy were destroyed in Artois.  The key features of the battlefield are: The Bethune to La Bassée road, running roughly parallel with the canal through the village of Cambrin and just to the north of the miners community of Auchy-les-la-Bassée, now called Auchy-les-Mines.  Nikolaus Kurz is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed. 

1.2.3.4.8.6.2.1.3.1. Johann Josef Kretz, 7-8-1886--5-2-1915, born in Rettigheim, Baden. The first child of Ida Werstein and Josef Kretz. Johann Josef died as a soldier in The Great War at Apremont Forest NW of Toul, France. The American Artillery and infantry lent assistance to the French in a raid today. [5-10-1915] Johann Josef Kretz never married.  Johann Josef Kretz is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed. 

1.1.2.1.5.1.2.1.6.1.8.  Gottfried Laier, 11-30-1892--5-8-1915, the eighth of ten children of Franziska Wipfler and Johann Laier born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War in Pilkam, Belgium and as his brothers did became part of the mystique of The Great War, falling at the famous battleground of 2nd battle of Ypres.  Ypres a small flemish market town, just over the border from France, quite siminlar to many market towns in Blegium, that was until 1914 [the outbreak of the First World War].  The town of Ypres was the scean of some of the worst fighting of the war.  Ypres was described as being all the horrors of the Somme and the hell of Verdun.  The consequences were drastic with 500,000 dead in an aea of 25 square kilometers. Gottfried Laier is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generations removed.

The Pilkem ridge lies to the north-east of Ypres; an area that was contested in 1914, 1915 and 1917. Goumier Farm blockhouse still stands, one of several large German constructions in this area. It was an objective of 153rd Brigade of 51st (Highland) Division on 31 July 1917, and fell to the 1/6th Black Watch. Despite being registered by every German gun, it proved to be a useful shelter and landmark for the tens of thousands of men who would pass this way as the line slogged its way up to Langemarck and beyond. This site has more information http://www.1914-1918.net/sacredground/ypres/pilkem.htm

1.1.2.1.5.1.2.1.6.1.7.  Bernhard Laier, 5-22-1891--5-9-1915, the seventh of ten children of Franziska Wipfler and Johann Laier born in Rauenberg and died at Loos, France as a German soldier in The Great War. Bernhard Laier is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.6.1.5.1.8.8.1.1.   Franz Jakob Klee, 8-10-1882--5-11-1915, the first of ten children of Luise Wipfler and Josef Klee born in Rauenberg and died in The Great War in Frankreich [France] as a soldier in the German Army.  Before the War, Franz was a mason. On 5-5-1906 in Rauenberg, Franz Jakob Klee married Maria Baumann, 10-25-1885--5-10-1969, who was born in Odenheim and died in Rauenberg. On 5-9-1915 the second Battle of Artois begins. Franz Jakob Klee is my Bender / Blaies generations 8th cousin, 2 generations  removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.8.6.10.  Johann Laier V, 1-3-1878--5-12-1915, the tenth of thirteen children of Johann Laier and Balbina Stier born in Rauenberg.  Johann Laier died in Klewa, Poland as a German soldier during The Great War. Johann Laier married Sophia Schafer, 12-11-1878--4-1-1917, who was born and died in Rauenberg. Johann Laier is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 3 generations removed. 

1.4.7.2.2.1.8.7.4.2.  Josef  Bergmaier, 4-23-1890--5-21-1915, the second of ten children of Sophia Zotz and Jakob Bergmaier born in Rauenberg.  Josef  Bergmaier was a soldier in the German Army in The Great War and died at Notre Dame de Loretto, Italy.  Some exerts from German Army diaries from that area at the time: In the morning of May 11 we were strafed by terrible artillery fire. At 4 o'clock PM the French stormed again. I can't understand how we repelled them, but after a savage fight we still stood among heaps of bodies. 9 out of 10 of us were killed, the rest wounded. Two hours later another storm - and we could not resist. The enemy rolled on up to the eastern slope where we survivors dug in. At dawn dusk of 13 May 1915 - the black day at Loretto - an unprecedented artillery fire swept over our troops. All officers and most of the rank and file were killed by the time the French stormed in the evening. They were bloodily beaten back. The 8th Co. had fallen silent... The night on the Chapel hill was spent waiting for death. Josef  Bergmaier is my Bender / Blaies generations 8th cousin, 2 generations  removed. 

1.2.2.1.4.3.1.3.7.9. Johann Barth, 8-7-1894--6-12-1915, the ninth of nine children of Johannes Barth and the seventh by Juliana Werstein born in Rettigheim but died as a German soldier in France during The Great War. Johann Barth never married. Johann Barth is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.3.9.2.3.10.3.  Josef Wendelin Lädel, 11-21-1896--7-29-1915, the third of eight children of Valentin Lädel and Rosa Lechner born in Rauenberg but died as a German soldier in The Great War. Josef never married. Josef Wendelin Lädel is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.1.2.2.5.12.4.5.4.1. Josef Reiss, 11-24-1895--8-12-1915, the first of ten children of Augustin Reiss and Ida Sieber born in Rettigheim and died in France as a German soldier in The Great War. Josef Reiss is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.1.4.4. Karl Johann Kleinlagel, 8-18-1895--9-19-1915, born in Rettigheim. The fourth of 13 children of Gregor Kleinlagel and Florentine Bender. He never married and was a buyer. Karl's place of death is unknown as he died as a German soldier in The Great War. Karl Johann Kleinlagel is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.3.9.6.6.14.  Emil Greulich, 11-22-1885--10-17-1915, the fourteenth of fifteen children of Balbina Laier and Friedrich Greulich born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War.  Where Emil died is unknown. In Octoebr 1915 the Battles of Artois & Champagne ends. The Battle of Loos ends. Austro-German-Bulgarian forces invade Serbia, expelling the Serbian army from the country. Emil Greulich is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.3.3.4. Friedrich Bender, 2-18-1890--5-7-1916, the fourth of seven children of Friedrich Bender and Cäzilia Müller born in Rettigheim but died as a German soldier in France in The Great War. On 5-20-1914 in Rettigheim, Friedrich Bender married Anna Hartlieb, 3-27-1892--, who was born in Östringen. He was a decoration painter. Friedrich Bender is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.2.1.4.3.1.3.7.4. Valentin Barth, 9-23-1886--6-23-1916, the fourth of nine children of Johannes Barth and the second by Juliana Werstein born in Rettigheim but died in France as a German soldier during The Great War. Valentin Barth is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.8.7.2.1.  Emil Josef Zotz, 11-22-1894--7-1-1916, the first of five children of Johann Zotz and Frieda Bellemann born in Rauenberg but died in France as a German soldier during The Great War.  Emil died at the village of Fricourt which was part of  the famous battle of Somme, France.   Fricourt is around three miles due east of Albert, and was towards the southern part of front on which the British attacked on the 1st of July 1916. Emil Josef Zotz is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2  generation removed. 

1.4.7.2.3.9.6.2.10.  Wilhelm Klefenz, 1-7-1879--7-2-1916, the tenth of ten children of Bertha Laier and Konrad Klefenz born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War in La Boiselle, France.  According to the Diary of the British 102nd Field Ambulance, July 1st 1916 was clear, bright and warm. Thus began the first day of the famous Battle of the Somme. At the end of the first day [7-1-1916], the British General Rawlinson was given a casualty figure of 16,000, but it was not until the 1920's that the full numbers were calculated. It would appear that 57,470 men, half the British attacking force, were killed, wounded or captured. 30,000 had been lost in the first hour. Kitchener's New Army, which had taken two years to create, was destroyed in twelve hours, 30,419 of the volunteers being casualties. On the other side, the Germans lost some 8,000 men, although this was to rise later.  Wilhelm Klefenz is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 3 generation removed.

1.2.3.7.1.6.2.2.1.13. Vinzenz Dumm, 1-24-1895--7-7-1916, the 13th of sixteen children of Franz Martin Dumm and Maria Sauer born in Rettigheim. Vinzenz like his three brothers was a soldier in the German Army in The Great War and was killed in Russia. Vinzenz never married. He was a teacher in Helmsheim. Vinzenz Dumm is my generations 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.4.6.1.3.  Karl Anton Laier, 7-15-1884--7-7-1916, the third of four children of Juliana Reiss and Julius Laier born in Rotenberg, Baden, Germany. Karl Anton Laier died as a German soldier in The Great War.  Karl Anton Laier is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4 th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.8.6.13.  Heinrich Laier, 10-13-1882--8-10-1916, the thirteenth of thirteen children of Johann Laier and Balbina Stier born in Rauenberg and died in Vilna, [Vilnius] Lithuania as a German soldier during The Great War. Heinrich Laier is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.1.6.2.2.1.14. Valentin Dumm, 3-6-1896--3-4-1917, the fourteenth of sixteen children of Franz Martin Dumm and Maria Sauer born in Rettigheim. Valentin was a farmer and never married.  Like his three brothers was a soldier in the German Army in The Great War and was killed in Verdum, France. Valentin Dumm is my Bender / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.7.1.14.5.6.3.  Otto Dumm, 2-4-1886--3-6-1917, the third of eleven children of Ferdinand Dumm and Juliana Weik born in Rettigheim and died as a German soldier at one of the more well known battles in The Great War at Verdun, France. At home, he was a cigar maker and never married. Otto was my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.3.9.4.5.4.1.  Karl Viktor Fischer, 4-7-1895--3-9-1917, the first of thirteen children of Anton Fischer and Barbara Reiser born in Rauenberg but where he died is unknown as he died a German soldier in The Great War. Karl Viktor Fischer is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.1.4.8.4.4. Stefan Bender, 9-6-1876--6-14-1917, the fourth of Rupert Bender's and Apollonia Förderer's five children born in Rettigheim but died as a German soldier in The Great War in Ailles, France. He was a farmer and lived at Malscher Str. 6. Stefan Bender married 1.2.3.4.8.6.2.1.1.4. Karoline Kretz on 9-27-1906 in Rettigheim. Karoline Kretz, 1-6-1878--6-8-1951, was born and died in Rettigheim. Her parents were Franz Kretz and Margarete Werstein. Stefan was buried in a "lug". Stefan Bender is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 2 generations removed. 

1.1.2.1.5.1.2.1.6.1.3.  Karl Laier, 10-23-1885--6-16-1917, the third of ten children of Franziska Wipfler and Johann Laier born in Rauenberg and died in Moorslede, Flanders, Belgium as a German soldier in The Great War becoming part of  history as dying in the historically revered Flanders Fields.  On 11-11-1911 in Rot, Karl Laier married Margarethe Geider, 5-21-1887--5-6-1924, who was born in Rot and died in Rauenberg.  After Karl was killed in The Great War, Margarethe married his brother 1.1.2.1.5.1.2.1.6.1.6. Hermann Laier. Karl Laier is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.7.1.14.5.4.7. Anton Dumm, 9-30-1897--8-9-1917, the seventh of eight children of Wilhelm Dumm and Maria Theresia Wagner born in Rettigheim and was a baker. Anton died as a German soldier in The Great War on the fields of France. He had been a baker. Anton Dumm is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.2.3.4.2.2.3.  Ludwig Kurz, 9-20-1886--9-12-1917, the third of eleven children of Friedrich Kurz and Elisabeth Knörr born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War at Poelcappelle, France. The battle of Poelcappelle was the fourth of a series of “bite and hold” battles launched by General Herbert Plumer during the third battle of Ypres. The first three such battles (Menin Road Ridge, Polygon Ridge and Broodseinde) had each achieved their objectives, biting chunks out of the German line and then defending those gains against any counterattacks. Each of the attacks had been supported by a well directed artillery bombardment that had isolated the part of the German front line as well as by a creeping barrage that had protected the advancing soldiers.

On 11-12-1910 in Rauenberg, Ludwig Kurz married 1.4.6.1.5.1.8.7.1.6.  Maria Elisabeth Kurz, nee Salomon, nee Greulich, 4-2-1886--3-19-1971, the sixth of ten children of Wendelin Greulich and Anna Eva Stier born and died in Rauenberg.  Maria Elisabeth Greulich had a total of seven children, three by Ludwig Kurz and four by Ferdinand Salomon.  Ludwig Kurz is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.6.1.4.8.3. Josef August Reiss, 11-2-1896--12-31-1917, the third of eight children of Augustin Reiss and Sabine Hotz born in Rettigheim and died in Villers Guislain, France as a German soldier during Germany's invasion of France in The Great War. Villers-Guislain was occupied by Commonwealth forces from April 1917 until the German counter attacks (in the Battle of Cambrai) at the end of November 1917. It was lost on 30 November and retained by the Germans on 1 December in spite of the fierce attacks of the Guards Division and tanks. The village was finally abandoned by the Germans on 30 September 1918, after heavy fighting. Gauche Wood, to the west of the village, was taken by the Guards Division, Indian cavalry and tanks on 1 December 1917. It was obstinately defended by the South African Brigade on 21 March 1918 during the German spring offensive. Josef never married. Josef August Reiss is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.4.8.6.2.1.3.3. Franz Jakob Kretz, 7-27-1889--c. 1917, born in Rettigheim, Baden. The third child of Ida Werstein and Josef Kretz. Franz Jakob Kretz is listed on the Rettigheim plaque for those that died in The Great War. Franz Jakob Kretz is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.2.1.4.9.3.3.4.4. Wendelin Müller, 11-17-1898--4-11-1918, the fourth of seven children of Theodor Müller and Maria Heinzmann born in Rettigheim and died as a German soldier in Armentieres, France during The Great War.  LONDON, April 10.--In heavy fighting lasting all day the British troops have been forced back by a new German attack north of Armentieres to a line running through Wytschaete [five miles south of Ypres] along the Messines Ridge to Ploegsteert [about three miles north of Armentieres.]  Wendelin Müller never married. Wendelin Müller is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.8.7.4.5.  Viktor Bergmaier, 5-27-1895--4-19-1918, the fifth of ten children of Sophia Zotz and Jakob Bergmaier born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War in Saint Hilaire au Temple, France. On the 20 and October 21 [1918] to Holy Hilaire to the temple.  There it comes to an end the bloody and glorious epic of the famous battle, the MARNE. Saint Hilaire au Temple  is in the area called The Ardenne. Viktor Bergmaier is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.2.6.3. Alfons Kleinlagel, 3-29-1898--4-26-1918, born in Rettigheim but died as a German soldier in The Great War in France. The third child of Friedrich Kleinlagel and Luise Schardel. Alfons was missing and then declared dead - he died as a soldier and was never married. Alfons Kleinlagel is my Bender / Blaies generation's 9th cousin.

1.1.2.1.5.1.5.5.4.2.6.  Emil Simon, 4-23-1899--5-28-1918, the sixth of nine children of Sophia  Roßrucker and Josef Simon born in Rauenberg and died unmarried as a German soldier in The Great War in Courville, France.  Marfaux village was captured by the Germans in May 1918, and retaken, after severe fighting, on the 23rd July, by the 51st (Highland) and 62nd (West Riding) Divisions and the New Zealand Cyclist Battalion. The Marfaux  cemetery was begun after the Armistice by the concentration of graves from the battlefields and from other Military Cemeteries in the Marne;  the majority are those of soldiers who fell in the months from May to August 1918. Courville Military Cemetery, in S. part of village: 22, May-June 1918 (and 250 French and 130 German). Emil Simon is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.6.3.7. Franz Bender, 12-7-1898--6-1-1918, born in Rettigheim but died as a soldier in the German invasion of France at Verneux, France in The Great War. The seventh of eight children of Franz Bender and Ida Förderer. Franz never married and was a cigar maker. Franz Bender is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.3.9.6.2.3.7.  Anton Stier, 1-19-1899--6-11-1918, the seventh of nine children of Balbina Stier and Ferdinand Stier born in Rauenberg but died as a German soldier in The Great War.  Where Anton died is unknown. Anton Stier is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.3.9.6.4.7.2.  Nikolaus  Klefenz, 1-14-1897--7-15-1918, the second of seven children of Bertha Laier and Jakon Klefenz born in Rauenebrg but died as a German soldier in The Great War at the famous battle of Chateau-Thiery. Chateau-Thierry formed the tip of the German advance towards Paris, some 50 miles south-west.  The battle ran from 6-26 June and by its end saw U.S. forces suffer 9,777 casualties, of which 1,811 were fatal.  The number of German casualties is not known, although some 1,600 troops were taken prisoner. Fiercely defended by the Germans, the wood was first taken by the Marines (and Third Infantry Brigade), then ceded back to the Germans - and again taken by the U.S. forces a total of six times before the Germans were finally expelled.  More critically, the combined Chateau-Thierry/Belleau Wood action brought to an end the last major German offensive of the war.  Nikolaus  Klefenz is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.8.7.2.3.  Franz Xaver Zotz, 10-10-1898--7-26-1918, the third of five children of Johann Zotz and Frieda Bellemann born in Rauenberg but died as a German soldier in The Great War. Where Franz was killed is unknown. Franz Xaver Zotz is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.1.4.4.3.2.5. Franz Hermann Kamuf, 4-5-1897--8-23-1918, the fifth of ten children of Katharina Bender and Leander Kamuf born in Rettigheim and died as a German soldier in The Great War in Esmery/Hallon, France which was on the south flank of the famous battlefield Somme. He was a cigar maker and never married.  Franz Hermann Kamuf is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin 2 generations removed. 

1.2.3.7.5.7.6.2.6. Karl Barth, 9-17-1896--9-17-1918, the sixth of Karl Barth's and Rosa Fellhauer's eight children born in Rettigheim and died as a German soldier in The Great War in France. Karl never married. Karl Barth is my Bender / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.6.1.1.6.1.2.5.  Andreas Anton Seitz, 1-13-1894--9-24-1918, the fifth of five children of Andreas Seitz and Maria Karntel born in Mannheim and died as a German soldier in The Great War in France.  Andreas Anton Seitz is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin 2 generations removed.

1.1.1.1.2.3.4.6.2.2.7.  Josef Brückmann, 3-1-1890--10-6-1918, the sevnth of nine children of Josef Brückmann and Amalie Dumm born in Rettigheim.  Josef Brückmann never married and died as a German soldier in The Great War in Frankfort, Germany. Josef Brückmann is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.1.2.2.5.12.5.3.4.4. Josef Menges, 1-4-1898--10-19-1918, the fourth of seven children of Lina Geiss and Wendlelin Menges born in Rotenberg, Baden and died as a German soldier in Beffu [Beffu-et-le-Morthomme], Ardennes, France in The Great War.   Josef Menges is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.2.8. Josef Kleinlagel, 3-16-1870--10-22-1918, born in Rettigheim. He was a cigar maker and lived at Rotenberger Str. 12. He died as a soldier in Lörrach/Lazarett in The Great War. Lazarett is German for Field Hospital so Josef died in a German Field Hospital in the town of Lörrach, Baden. The eighth of 13 children of Joseph Kleinlagel and Anna Maria Kamuf. Josef Kleinlagel married Karolina Knab, 3-1-1874--11-28-1958, who was born and died in Rettigheim. He was a cigar maker and lived at Rotenberger Str. 12.  Josef Kleinlagel is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.1.10.1.1.  Monika Beigel, nee Rößler, nee Menges, 8-6-1891--10-26-1971, the first of nine children of Ferdinand Menges and Anna Eva Kloe born  in Rauenberg and died in Karlsruhe.  On 11-28-1916 in Rauenberg, Monika Menges married Wilhelm Martin Beigel, 11-13-1886--10-8-1918, who was born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in the Great War in Brancourt, France.  Wilhelm was a sargent attendent in Württemb wheel load company 2.  Monika Beigel, nee Menges is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.1.2.2.5.12.4.5.9.  Anton Reiss, 1-16-1878--10-27-1918, the ninth of ten children of Cazilia Bender and Johann Reiss born in Rettigheim and died of pneumonia in Lörrach/Lazarett as a German soldier in The Great War.  Lazarett is German for Field Hospital so Anton died of pneumonia in a German Field Hospital in the town of Lörrach, Baden. He was a farmer and lived at Östringer Str. 21. On 4-20-1908 in Rettigheim, Anton Reiss married Maria Rosa Hillenbrand, 7-28-1888--10-10-1969, who was born in Balzfeld, Germany and died in Rettigheim. Anton Reiss is my Bender / Blaies generation's 3rd cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.4.3.2.3.2.1.4.8.1. Konrad Rühl, 1-16-1896--10-29-1918, born in Rettigheim and died in Lazaret/Rastatt, Germany. Lazarett is German for Army Field Hospital so Konrad died in a German Field Hospital in the town of Rastatt, Baden located on the Murg River. Konrad was a German soldier in The Great War. The first of five children of Ernestine Reiss and Sebastian Rühl. Konrad never married and was a house shoemaker. Konrad Rühl is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.3.2.3.2.1.4.8.3. Friedrich Rühl, 7-10-1899--2-14-1920, born and died in Rettigheim. The third of five children of Ernestine Reiss and Sebastian Rühl. Friedrich never married and was a cooper [barrel maker] apprentice. Friedrich Rühl is listed on the plaque for those that died in The Great War.  Due to the location where Friedrich died he most likely died of his wounds after the war was over. Friedrich Rühl is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

WW II, 1939 - 1947

A total of 65 men are listed on the below plaque in the entrance hall of the St Nickolas Catholic Church in Rettigheim as having been killed in WW II. 

Our list of ancestors killed in WW II is longer than the list on the church plaque as some of our ancestors were from other villages close by Rettigheim hence not listed. The top right corner is difficult to read.  I have listed our ancestors below by year first and then by earliest killed in that specific year.

1.1.4.3.3.5.1.3.1.6.3. Karl Hugo Bender, 3-16-1916--8-1-1940, the third child of Serafine Östringer and Johann Bender born in Rettigheim but died in Zabern, Alsace, France as a German soldier during WW II. Karl Hugo Bender is my Bender / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.6.1.1.4. Ludwig Kretz, 9-20-1912-->1940, born in Rettigheim. The fourth of six children of Sofie Bender and Johann Kretz. Ludwig was a soldier and went missing in WW II. He was a farmer and lived at Östringer Str. 9. On 11-18-1939 in Rettigheim, Ludwig Kretz married 1.2.3.4.8.6.5.3.3.2.3. Josefine Elisabeth Reiss, 3-12-1918--, who was born in Rettigheim. Ludwig Kretz is my Bender / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.3.2.3.2.3.1.7.6.2. Eugen Förderer, 6-30-1922-->1940, the second of six children of Christian Förderer and Maria Hotz born in Östringen. Eugen never married and died as a German soldier in WW II. Eugen Förderer is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1941, 13 of our Bender ancestors or their spouses killed in the war

1.4.3.2.3.2.1.3.5.3.8. Gottlieb Kamuf, 2-23-1920--7-2-1941, the eighth of nine children of Michael Kamuf and Juliana Hoffmann born in Rettigheim. Gottlieb died with an antinode bulge shot at his chest - in the military hospital in Jakobstadt, Germany of a breast and belly shot. He never married and was a carpenter and died as a German soldier in WW II. Gottlieb Kamuf is my Bender / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.7.1.4.10.2.4.6. Maria Ida Benz, nee Karolus, 7-30-1914--, the sixth of six children of Sebastian Karolus and Anna Rühl born in Rettigheim. Maria Ida Karolus married  Wademar Heinrich Benz on 11-21-1940 in Rettigheim. Wademar Heinrich Benz, 10-25-1915--7-10-1941, was born in Neulussheim, Germany and was a German soldier killed in action during WW II. Wademar Heinrich Benz is listed on the St. Nicolas Church WWII plaque in Rettigheim. Maria Ida Benz, nee Karolus is my Bender / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.1.2.2.5.12.4.5.3.7. Barbara Fischer, nee Müller, nee Reiss, 2-10-1908--6-24-1983, known as Babett, the seventh of seven children of Lorenz Reiss and Anna Bender born and died in Rettigheim. On 7-18-1936 in Nussbach/Oberkirch, Baden, Barbara Reiss married Eugen Müller,  8-19-1908--8-6-1941, who was born in Nussbach/Oberkirch, Baden and died in Rettigheim. He was a merchant and lived at Gotthard Schuler Str. He died in the early part of WW II in a plane attack.  After Eugen died, on 7-9-1948 in Brünn/Rettigheim, Baden,  Barbara Reiss married Johann Fischer, 4-23-1910--4-29-1988, who was born in Brünn and died in Heidelberg, Baden. Barbara Fischer, nee Müller, nee Reiss is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.5.5.4.7.9.2.4.7.  Georg Ambrosius Greulich,  5-23-1912--9-9-1941, the seventh of nine children of Josef Sebastian Greulich and Agathe Brenzinger born in Roteneberg and died as a German soldier in WW II.    On 7-59-1939 in Stift Neuburg, Georg Ambrosius Greulich married Elisabeth Wagner, 2-11-1909--, who was born in Muhlhausen.  Georg Ambrosius Greulich is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.5.7.6.2.2.2. Karl Einsiedler, 4-7-1918--10-10-1941, the second of three children of Rosa Barth and Theodor Einsiedler born in Rettigheim. He never married and was a worker. Karl died as a German soldier in WW II in Wjasma, Russia on the way to Moscow. October 7, 1941: On the central and southern fronts, German forces capture Wjasma, Berdjansk and Mariupol. Finland rejects a British demand to cease fighting the Soviet Union. Karl Einsiedler is my Bender / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.4.8.6.10.3.6.3. Heinrich Reiss, 9-17-1912--11-22-1941, the third of six children of Lorenz Reiss and Maria Helene Wittmeier born in Rettigheim and died in Sewastopol, Crimea. Heinrich never married and was a painter. He died as a German soldier in WW II. Heinrich Reiss is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.9.2.3.4.  Karl Friedrich Link, 5-17-1917--3-27-1942, the fourth of five children of Johann Link and Rosa Göbel born in Rauenberg but died as a German soldier in WW II in Russia during the German invasion of that country. Karl Friedrich Link is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin 2 generations  removed.

1.2.3.4.8.6.1.4.8.1.2. Friedrich Reiss, 4-14-1921--7-12-1942, the second child of Ferdinand Reiss and Katharina Metzger born in Rettigheim but died in Iwanoka, Russia as a German soldier during Germany's invasion of Russia in WW II. Leopold lived probably also in Schwäbisch Gmünd.  Friedrich never married and was a butcher. Friedrich Reiss is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin.

1.4.3.2.3.3.4.4.2.8.3. Ignaz Wittmeier, 6-26-1923--9-3-1942, the third of five children of Elisabeth Metzger and Herman Jakob Wittmeier born in Rettigheim and died in Russia as a German soldier during WW II. Ignaz Wittmeier is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.1.2.3.4.8.3.4.4.3.6. Wilhelm Burkhard, 8-26-1911--9-4-1942, the sixth of eight children of Bernhard Burkhard and Elisabeth Becker born in Rettigheim. Wilhelm is described as a sound good worker. Wilhelm died as a German soldier in WW II at Mojdock, Russia.Wilhelm Burkhard is buried in Predmostnyj. Wilhelm Burkhard is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.4.8.6.8.1.11.5. Augustin Josef Kretz, 6-5-1916--9-16-1942, the fifth of eight children of Anna Östringer and August Kretz born in Rettigheim and died as a German soldier in WW II in Pampino, Russia. Augustin never married and was a butcher. Augustin Josef Kretz is my Bender / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1  generation removed.

1.1.2.2.5.12.5.8.1.3.  Alfons Greulich, 11-19-1909--12-28-1942, the third of ten children of Theresia Lena Klein and Franz Greulich born in Muhlhausen and died as a German soldier in WW II in Russia during the German invasion.  He was a master locksmith. Alfons Greulich is my Bender / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2  generations removed.

General George Crook hired him to be Chief of Scouts in 1871 for much of the Apache Wars. He participated in Crook's Tonto (Apache) campaign (1871-1873). When the Camp Verde reservation was closed, Sieber was told to move Yavapais and Tonto Apaches to San Carlos Reservation in the middle of winter. He remained employed there and participated in several engagements with Apache groups that had left the reservation.

In 1883 Crook went into the Sierra Madre of Mexico following Geronimo. Sieber was Crook's lead civilian scout. Sieber was in the field but not present when Geronimo surrended to Lt Gatewood and General Nelson Miles in 1886. Sieber was shot while on the job in 1887 trying to prevent an outbreak from the reservation. However, he was not happy with the treatment of the Apaches at San Carlos and resumed prospecting in 1891.

1.4.3.2.3.2.2.3.5.1.2. Theodor Förderer, 1-19-1910-->12-24-1944, the second of seven children of Franz Förderer and Anna Schäffner born in Rettigheim and died somewhere in Russia as a soldier in the German Army during the invasion of that country in WW II. Theodor was missing in Russia in WW II. He was an electrician and lived at malscher Str. 40. On 10-2-1939 in Rettigheim, Theodor Förderer married 1.4.3.2.3.2.1.3.5.5.1. Maria Josefine Kamuf, 5-9-1912--3-6-1997, who was born in Rettigheim and died in Ettlingen, Baden. Theodor Förderer is my Bender / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.3.2.1.3.1.1.6. Lina Steeb, nee Epp, 1900--8-16-1988,  the sixth of seven children of Emil Epp and Karoline Seiler born in Karlsruhe and died in Bruchsal. Lina Epp married Heinrich Steeb, --1944, who died as a soldier in the German Army in WW II.  Lina Steeb, nee Epp is my Bender / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.5.3.7.6.1. Edwin Josef Kamuf, 2-15-1924--c. 1944, the first of seven children of Alois Kamuf and Maria Becker born in Rettigheim. Edwin was missing in action or killed as a German soldier in WW II. Edwin Josef Kamuf is my Bender / Blaies generation's 9th cousin.

Josef Kamuf, --1944, from Rettigheim but not yet connected to our Bender family.