Dinkel Family Photo

Circa 1905

Back Row: John H. Dinkel, Helen M. Dinkel, Louis Benjamin Dinkel, Theresa Elizabeth Dinkel, Frank Benjamin, Allminia B. "Minnie" Dinkel
Front Row: George Henry Dinkel, Frederic Dinkel, Clementine Dinkel, Isabella Dinkel, and Anna Margaret (Pontius) Dinkel

Theresa Dinkel's Pedigree

Theresa Dinkel

Theresa Elizabeth Dinkel's life in Census Records

1895 Minnesota Census, Hartford Township, Todd County, Minnesota, Roll V290_100.

Theresa's father, Fredrick Dinkel, was 41 years old. He was born in Prussia. Fred had been a resident of Minnesota for 19 years and 7 months and he had been a resident of the enumeration district for 16 years and 2 months. He was a farmer by trade and was employed all 12 months of the year. Both of his parents were of foreign birth.

Theresa's mother, Anna M. Dinkel, was 34 years old. She was born in Illinois. Both of her parents were of foreign  birth.

 Theresa's brother, John B. Dinkel, was 13 years old. He was born in Minnesota.

Theresa's brother, Frank B. Dinkel, was 12 years old and was born in Minnesota.

Theresa's sister, Lena Dinkel, was 10 years old and was born in Minnesota.

Theresa's brother, Louis P. Dinkel, was 9 years old and was born in Minnesota.

Tracy E. Dinkel (Theresa) was 5 years old and was born in Minnesota.

Theresa's three younger sisters, Minnie B. Dinkel (4 years old), Clementine Dinkel (2 years old), and Mary (1 month), were all born in Minnesota.

1900 U.S. Federal Census, Hartford, Todd County, Minnesota, Roll: T623_794; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 193.

Theresa's father, Fritz, was born March 1854 (46 years) in Germany, which was also the birthplace of both of his parents. He was a white male and had immigrated to America in 1874. Fritz was a farmer by trade and he owned his morgaged farm. He could read, write, and speak English. He had married his wife, Mary in 1879.

Mary A. Dinkel, Theresa's mother, was born July 1860 (39 years) in Illinois. Her parents had been born in Germany. She was a white female who had given birth to 10 children, 7 of which were still living. She was not able to read or write English, but she did speak English.

Theresa and her siblings in 1900 are as follows:

John B. Dinkel was born June 1881 (18 years) in Minnesota, he worked on his fathers farm. He could read, write, and speak English.

Frank B. Dinkel was born March 1887 (17 years) in Minnesota. He also worked on his father's farm. He could read, write, and speak English.

Lena L. Dinkel was born July 1884 (15 years) in Minnesota. She could read, write, and speak English.

Luis B. Dinkel was born April 1886 (14 years) in Minnesota. He attended school and could read, write, and speak English.

Lizza T. Dinkel (Theresa) was born June 1889 (10 years) in Minnesota. She was attending school and could read, write, and speak English.

Allvinia B. Dinkel was born May 1891 (10 years) in Minnesota. She was attending school.

Clementina K. Dinkel was born February 1897 (7 years) in Minnesota. She was attending school.

1905 Minnesota State Census, Hartford Township, Todd County, Minnesota, page 134, line number 332, film number 928819, image 00214. Taken 7 June 1905.

Fred Dinkel and his family all lived on RFD 1. He was 51 3/12 years old and gave his birthplace as Germany. Both of his parents were born in Germany as well. He had lived in Minnesota for 30 years and had lived in this enumeration district for 26 years. Fred was a farmer.

Anna M. Dinkel was 44 10/12 years old. She listed that she was born in Germany, as was both of her parents. She had been living in Minnesota for 34 years and 7 months. She had been living in the enumeration district the same length of time. She worked on the farm.

Frank B. Dinkel was 22 3/12 years old. He was born in Minnesota and had lived in Minnesota and the enumeration district his entire life. He was a farm laborer. 

Louis B. Dinkel was 19 2/12 years old. He was born in Minnesota and had lived in Minnesota and the enumeration district his entire life. He was also a farm laborer.

Elisabeth T. Dinkel was 15 11/12 years old. She was born in Minnesota and had lived her entire life there. She was a farm laborer.

Allvina B. Dinkel was 14 1/12 years old. She was born in Minnesota and had lived her entire life there. She was a farm laborer.

Clementine Dinkel was 12 4/12 years old. She was born in Minnesota and had lived her entire life there. She also worked  on the farm.

George H. Dinkel was 4 6/12 years old. He was born in Minnesota and lived there his whole life.

Isabella was 2 8/12 years old. She was born in Minnesota and lived there her whole life.



1910 U.S. Census, Sauk Centre Ward 1, Stearns County, Minnesota, Roll T624_727, Page 13B, ED 0163, Image 446, Family 121.



C. F. Botz (Conrad) was 29 years old. He had been married for 2 years. He was born in Minnesota. Both of his parents were born in Germany. He spoke English and was a Blacksmith by trade. He was working of his own accord and was employed the entire year. He was able to both read and write. He rented his home.

Tracy (Theresa) Botz was 20 years old. She had given birth to 1 child, which was still living. She was born in Minnesota, her father was born in Germany, and her mother was born in Illinois. She spoke English and was unemployed. She could read and write.

Margaret L. Botz was 1 6/12 years old. She was born in Minnesota.

1920 U.S. Census, Sauk Center Ward 1, Stearns County, Minnesota; Roll T625_863; Page 15B; ED 216; Image 516; Family 51, Dwelling 51

Conrad Botz, 38 years old, owned his own home. He was able to read and write. Conrad was born in Minnesota and spoke English. His father was born in Germany and spoke German, his mother was born in Michigan. He was a stock farmer and was employed on his own accord.

Theresa Dinkel, 30 years old, was able to read and write. She was born in Minnesota and spoke English. Her father was born in Germany and spoke German, her mother was born in Illinois. She was unemployed.

Margaret, 11 years old, attended school. She was able to read, write, and speak English. She was born in Minnesota and was unemployed.

Sylvester, 9 9/12 years old, attended school. He was born in Minnesota, spoke English, and was unemployed.

Raymond, 8 7/12 years old, attended school. He was born in Minnesota, spoke English and was unemployed.

Lawrence, 5 3/12 years old, was not attending school. He was born in Minnesota.

Loretta, 3 6/12 years old, was not attending school. She was born in Minnesota.

Norbert, 1 7/12 years old, was not attending school. He was born in Minnesota.

1930 U.S. Census, Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minnesota; Roll 1131; Page 6A; ED 70; Image 524; Dwelling 67, Family 75

Conrad Botz 49 years old, owned his own home. His family lives on a farm and did not own a radio set. He was 28 when he married Theresa. He was not attending school, but could read and write. He was born in Minnesota, his father born in Germany, and his mother was born in Michigan. He was a general farmer by occupation and was working on his own account. He was not a veteran.

Theresa Botz was 40 years old and was born in Minnesota. She was 19 when she married Conrad. She was not attending school, but could read and write. Both of her parents are listed as having been born in Minnesota as well. She was unemployed.

Sylvester Botz was 20 years old and was born in Minnesota. He was attending school and could read and write. He was able to speak English and was a general laborer by trade, and worked for wages.

Raymond Botz was 19 years old and was born in Minnesota. He was not attending school and could read and write. He spoke English and was a store clerk by trade. He worked for wages.

Lawrence Botz was 16 years old and was born in Minnesota. He was attending school and could read and write. He could speak English and was unemployed.

Loretta Botz was 14 years old and was born in Minnesota. She was attending school and could read and write. She could speak English and was unemployed.

Norbert Botz was 12 years old and was born in Minnesota. He was attending school and could read and write. He could speak English and was unemployed.

Ruth Botz was 10 years old and was born in Minnesota. She was attending school and could read and write. She could speak English and was unemployed.

Conrad Botz was 8 years old and was born in Minnesota. He was attending school.

Richard Botz was 5 years old and was born in Minnesota.

Ruth Marie Botz Timeline

26 Sep 1920 born in Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN to Conrad Francis BOTZ and Theresa Elizabeth DINKEL

7 Jun 1922 brother Conrad George BOTZ is born in Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN (1 year old)

30 Jul 1924 brother Richard Peter BOTZ is born in Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN (3 years old)

25 Apr 1930 appears in the 1930 census with father, Conrad BOTZ; mother, Theresa (DINKEL) BOTZ; siblings, Sylvester John BOTZ, Raymond Fredrick BOTZ, Lawrence Francis BOTZ, Lauretta Theresa BOTZ, Norbert Louis BOTZ, Conrad George BOTZ and Richard Peter BOTZ in Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN (9 years old)

1930 Ruth has an appendectomy (9 years old)

28 Oct 1933 sister Margaret Ann BOTZ marries Clarence William GOUDE (13 years old)

15 Oct 1935 brother Slyvester John BOTZ marries Marina Veronica MEYER in Meire Grove, Stearns Co., MN (15 years old)

21 Jan 1937 grandmother Anna Margaret (PONTIUS) DINKEL dies in Todd Co., MN (16 years old)

21 Jul 1937 grandmother Elizabeth (WOLTER) BOTZ dies in Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN (16 years old)

27 Dec 1939 grandfather Jacob BOTZ dies Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN (19 years old)

1940 Ruth graduated from St. Cloud Teacher's College and got her first job in Duelm, Benton Co., MN (20 years old)

3 Jan 1942 sister Lauretta Theresa BOTZ marries Julius Edward KORF in Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN (21 years old)

2 Nov 1943 brother Norbert Louis BOTZ marries Irene Evelyn THOMPSON in Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN (23 years old)

7 Jul 1945 brother Raymond Fredrick BOTZ marries Abbie Mae WOOD in Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN (24 years old)

12 Jan 1946 marries Basil Adolph HERBST in Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN (25 years old)

11 May 1946 brother Richard Peter BOTZ marries Veronica Kathrine LAIS (25 years old)

19 Dec 1946 son Gerald Emmett HERBST born in St. Cloud, Stearns Co., MN (26 years old)

10 Apr 1948, daughter Jeanne Marie HERBST born in St. Cloud, Stearns Co., MN (27 years old)

30 Apr 1949 brother Conrad George BOTZ marries Evelyn Mary SCHIEFFER in Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN (28 years old)

30 Jan 1953 son Laurel Alan HERBST born in Princeton, Mille Lacs Co., MN (32 years old)

24 Aug 1954 daughter Pamela Ann HERBST born in Fargo, Cass Co., ND (33 years old)

27 Mar 1962 daughter Teresa Jo HERBST born in Fargo, Cass Co., ND (41 years old)

19 Sep 1963 father Conrad Francis BOTZ dies in Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN (42 years old)

23 Jan 1971 daughter Jeanne Marie HERBST marries Artwin Eugene ZEMPLE in Brainerd, Crow Wing Co., MN (50 years old)

22 Dec 1972 daughter Pamela Ann HERBST marries Steven Dale NELSON in Watertown, Codington Co., SD) (52 years old)

29 Sep 1973 granddaughter Sheila Marie ZEMPLE born in Crosby, Crow Wing Co., MN (53 years old)

12 Jan 1974 son Larry Alan HERBST marries Barbara Jean WELZANT in Brainerd, Crow Wing Co., MN (53 years old)

27 Mar 1974 granddaughter Michelle Leah HERBST born in Brainerd, Crow Wing Co., MN (53 years old)

5 Feb 1976 granddaughter Jamie Marie HERBST born in Langdon, Cavalier Co., ND (55 years old)

22 Aug 1976 granddaughter Rebecca Ann NELSON born in Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., MN (55 years old)

13 Nov 1978 granddaughter Elissa Jeanne NELSON born in Virginia, Saint Louis Co., MN (58 years old)

21 Feb 1979 mother Theresa Elizabeth (DINKEL) BOTZ dies in Morris, Stevens Co., MN (58 year old)

21 Oct 1979 granddaughter Stephanie Jo HEBST born in Grand Rapids, Itasca Co., MN (59 years old)

7 Jan 1981 grandson Gregory Eugene ZEMPLE born in Ramsey Co., MN (60 years old)

18 Jul 1981 son Gerald Emmett HERBST marries Mary Ann WEDD in Russell, Russell Co., KS (60 years old)

2 Jun 1982 granddaughter Barbara Ruth HERBST born in Hays, Ellis Co, KS (61 years old)

5 Oct 1983 grandson Lance Alan HERBST born in Crow Wing Co., MN (63 years old)

19 Jan 1984 grandson Lorenz Basil HERBST born in Hays, Ellis Co., KS (63 years old)

17 Oct 1990 brother Raymond Fredrick BOTZ dies in Long Prairie, Todd Co., MN (70 years old)

10 Nov 1990 daughter Teresa Jo HERBST marries Brett George KING in Brainerd, Crow Wing Co., MN (70 years old)

3 Apr 1992 brother Slyvester John BOTZ dies in St. Cloud, Stearns Co., MN (71 years old)

25 Apr 1994 grandson Alexander Logan KING born in Anoka Co., MN (73 years old)

20 Dec 1996 husband Basil Adolph HERBST died in Brainerd, Crow Wing Co., MN (76 years old)

28 Apr 1998 brother Richad Peter BOTZ dies in New Prague, Scott Co., MN (77 years old)

1 May 1998 great-grandson Blake Austin HERBST born in Crow Wing Co., MN (77 years old)

20 Jun 1998 grandson Jacob Conner KING born in Anoka Co., MN (77 years old)

18 Sep 1999 granddaughter Rebecca Ann NELSON marries Randall J. HAUG

3 May 2000 great-granddaughter Kiley HERBST born (79 years old)

30 Sep 2001 great-grandson Ryan Jamison MILLER in Crow Wing Co., MN (81 years old)

22 May 2002 granddaughter Rebecca Ann NELSON divorces Randall J. HAUG

4 Dec 2002 sister Margaret Ann (BOTZ) GOUDE dies (82 years old)

29 Aug 2003 brother Norbert Louis BOTZ dies (82 years old)

19 Nov 2005 granddaughter Rebecca Ann NELSON marries Daniel KUROWSKI

3 May 2006 great-granddaughters Breanna Claire & Lillian Rose KUROWSKI born in Fargo, Cass Co., ND (85 years old)

Jun 2007 great-grandaughter Chloe MCDONALD born (86 years old)

1. Birth Certificate for Ruth Marie Botz, 26 September 1920, File No. 34615, Minnesota Department of Health. Certified copy in possession of author.
2. Minnesota Birth Certificates Index. http://people.mnhs.org/bci. Accessed 12 January 2008.
3. Minnesota Death Certificates Index. http://people.mnhs.org/dci. Accessed 12 January 2008.
4. Basil & Ruth Herbst, January 12, 1946-1996. Booklet made to commemorate 50th wedding anniversary.
5. Birth Certificate for Gary Emmett Herbst, 19 December 1946, File No. 3250, Minnesota Department of Health. Certified copy in possession of author.
6. Minnesota Birth Index, 1935-2002 database on Ancestry.com. Accessed 12 January 2008.
7. Herbst, Mildred Caroline. “Ancestral Chart of Lorenz W. Herbst.” 1970.
8. Minnesota Marriage Collection, 1958-2001 database on Ancestry.com. Accessed 12 January 2008.
9. Marriage Certificate for Gary E. Herbst and Mary Ann Wedd, 18 July 1981. Certified copy in possession of author.
10. Birth Certificate for Barbara Ruth Herbst, 2 June 1982, File No. 015909, Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Certified copy in possession of author.
11. Herbst, Barbara Ruth. Personal knowledge. 2007.
12. Death Certificate for Basil Adolph Herbst, 20 December 1996, File No. 033281, Minnesota Department of Health. Certified copy in possession of author.
13. Social Security Death Index. http://ssdi.rootsweb.com/. 2007.
14. Kurowski, Rebecca. “Family of Four” Sweet Mary Sunshine. http://sweetmarysunshine.blogspot.com. 4 May 2006 .
15. Kurowski, Rebecca. “Opposites and Extremes” Sweet Mary Sunshine. http://sweetmarysunshine.blogspot.com. 24 June 2007 .
16. Kurowski, Rebecca. Facebook message. 8 Nov 2007.
17. Botz, Paschel Robert. "Grandchildren of Jacob and Elizabeth (Wolter) Botz. Booklet. Received from Ruth Marie Herbst.
18. 1930 Federal Census, Sauk Centre, Stearns Co., MN, 1131, Page 6A, ED 70. Ancestry.com
19. The Life and Times of C.F. Botz: collected memories of the Botz children. (Booklet). ca. 1980

The George Dinkel Family

In 1865 Michael and George Dinkel settled in Todd County, Minnesota (brothers?). 1
 
In 1870 the following people were in the George Dinkel household: George (b. 1835), John (b.1793 or 1853 -either 17 or 77), and Joseph Butcher (b. 1838). George and John were born in Germany, Joseph Butcher was born in Austria. George was a carpenter, John worked on a farm, and John Butcher was a hunter (?).2

In 1873 M. Dinkel was the sheriff of Todd County, MN. 5

25 September 1874 Geroge Dinkel was granted 160 arcres in the following area: 7

Section	Twp	Range	Meridian	Counties
11	129-N	33-W	5th PM	Todd
12	129-N	33-W	5th PM	Todd

In 1875 the following people were in the George Dinkel household: George (b. 1823), Mary A. (b. 1823), Fred (b. 1853), Baptist (b.1856), Catharine (b. 1858 ), Barbara (b. 1860) and Pankratz (b. 1863). All were born in Bavaria.3

In 1880 the following people were in the George Dinkel household: George (b. 1822 ), Anna (b.1822), John (b. 1858 ), and Barrey (b. 1866) . All were born in Prussia. George was a farmer, and his two sons, John and Barrey, were farm laborers.4

In 1885 the following people were in the Mary Dinkel household (I believe George had died):  Mary (b. 1820), Pankratz (b. 1863), Mary (b. 1879). The eldest two were both born in Bavaria, while Mary, who was 6, was born in Minnesota. 6


1. Fuller, Clara K. History of Morrison and Todd Counties, Minnesota: Their People, Industries and Institutions. Indianapolis, IN: B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc. 1915. 
2. 1870 Federal Census. Long Prairie, Todd County, Minnesota; Roll  M593_11; Image: 509.
3. 1875 Minnesota Territorial and State Census. Long Prairie, Todd County, Minnesota. Roll MNSC_16. Family 17.
4. 1880 Federal Census. Long Prairie, Todd County, Minnesota. Roll  T9_635; Family History Film: 1254635; Page: 319.3000; Enumeration District: 136; Image: 0647.
5. Sheriff's office. Todd County Home. http://www.co.todd.mn.us/HTML_Files/Departments/sheriff_history.html. 2008.
6. 1885 Minnesota Territorial and State Census. Long Prairie, Todd County, Minnesota. Roll MNSC_43; Family 96
7. Ancestry.com. U.S. General Land Office Records, 1796-1907 [database on-line]. George Dinkel, 25 September 1874, Minnesota, Accession Number: MN1930__.465, Document Number 1988.

Fred Dinkel's Death Certificate

After 10 days of anticipation, my great-great grandfather's death certificate arrived in the mail today. It confirms my suspicion that his parents were George Dinkel and Mary A. Hammer, both born in Germany. He was born 15 March 1854 in Germany and was a farmer by trade. He died 2 April 1917 in Todd County, Hartford Township, Minnesota. His death was due to carcinoma pylorus.

George Dinkel - Land Patent

I found my great-great-great grandfather, George Dinkel's, land patent at the Bureau of Land Management - General Land Office Records. The area described is in Todd County, Minnesota.

"To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:  Whereas, there has been deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at St. Cloud, Minnesota, whereby it appears that pursuant to the Act of Congress approved 20th May 1862, "To secure homesteads to actual settlers on the public domain," and the acts supplemental thereto, the claim of George Dinkel has been established and duly consummated in conformity to law for the North half of the south east quarter of section eleven, and the north half of the sourth west quarter of section tweleve, in township one hundred and twenty nine, of range thirty three, in the district of lands subject to sale in St. Cloud, Minnestoa, containing one hundred and sixty acres according to the offical plat of the survey of the said land returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General.

Now know ye, that there is therefore granted by the United States unto the said George Dinkel the tract of land above described: To have and to hold the said tract of land, with the appurtenances thereof, unto the said George Dinkel and to his heirs and assigns forever.

In testimony whereof, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of America, have caused these letters to be made patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.

Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the twenty fifth day of September, in the year of Our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and seventy four, and of the Independence of the United States the ninety ninth.

By the President: U. S. Grant
By S. D. Williamson, Sec'y
S. K. Sippineott, Recorder of the General Land Office.

Black Sheep - George Dinkel

Many thanks to the Tom Wood for pointing me towards this interesting, but sad, story.

My great-great-great grandfather, George Dinkel, committed suicide by drinking rat poison after a night of drinking and beating up his wife, Mary A. Hammer. After a bit of digging around, I found a page from the 21 August 1884 edition of the  St. Paul Daily Globe.

"George Dinkel of Long Prairie committed suicide the other by by taking poison. He was a drunkard, and had fearfully beaten and buried his wife before to took himself off."

According to Tom, when his friends went to bury him, the priest stood at the gate of the cemetary and wouldn't let him be buried.  His friends returned later that night and buried him in the corner of the Catholic cemetary in Long Prarie.