Henry Peter Ratz (1867-1937)

1930s and 40s Funeral Costs - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 14)

1930s and 40s Funeral Costs - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 14)

How much did a funeral cost in 1930s and 1940s? These documents from my 2nd great grandparents, Henry Peter Ratz (1867-1934) and Fannie Schmidt Ratz (1870-1944), give us an idea.

Naturalization Record for Henry Peter Ratz (1867-1934) - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 12)

Naturalization Record for Henry Peter Ratz (1867-1934) - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 12)

This is the Certificate of Naturalization for my 2nd great grandfather, Heinrich (Henry) Peter Ratz (1867-1934). It was signed on Monday, February 18, 1895 by Robert H. Shields, the County Clerk in Houghton County, Michigan.

Peter Heinrich Ratz (1867-1934), Kingdom of Württemberg, Renounces German Citizenship

Peter Heinrich Ratz (1867-1934), Kingdom of Württemberg, Renounces German Citizenship

This document pertains to my 2nd great grandfather, Peter Heinrich “Henry” Ratz (1867-1934). He renounced his German Citizenship in 1883 so he could emigrate to America. This is part of his story.

German Birth and Baptismal Record of Peter Heinrich Ratz (1867-1935)

German Birth and Baptismal Record of Peter Heinrich Ratz (1867-1935)

Every once in awhile I stumble into an amazing genealogical find. This one pertains to my 2nd great grandfather from Germany, Peter Heinrich Ratz (1867-1934).

,

Genealogy Blogging and the Brick Wall Busting Discovery of My Schmidt Family

,
Genealogy Blogging and the Brick Wall Busting Discovery of My Schmidt Family

Genealogy blogging led me to the discovery of this beautiful photograph of my 3rd great grandparents, Carl Schmidt and Ernestina Zenner Schmidt (d. 1922), and their 8 children. Here is how.

,

Alma Ratz Hanley (1894-1979): A Photo Essay

,
Alma Ratz Hanley (1894-1979): A Photo Essay

Alma Ratz Hanley (1894-1979) was one of my paternal great grandmothers. She is also the subject of this 49th installment of my 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks family history blogging challenge. I hope you enjoy this photo essay about her life.

,

"Nothing but the choicest meats" - Henry Peter Ratz (1867-1934)

,
"Nothing but the choicest meats" - Henry Peter Ratz (1867-1934)

My 2nd great grandfather, Henry Peter Ratz (1867-1934), was a butcher. Though, as you'll learn, perhaps not a very successful one. This is his story.