Christian Albert Diem ('Chris')[1][2]
was born about 5 April 1858
in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania,[3][4]
to William Diem and Maria Moyers.[5][6][7]
According to his death certificate,[7] he was born on 5 April 1860, and the stone on his grave reports his birth year as 1860.[8]
But the 1860 census claims he was 2, and his reported age in the other censuses and his marriage license application is consistent with that.[4][5]
Since the evidence that he was born in 1858 is earlier than the evidence he was born in 1860, and probably came from sources with more direct knowledge of his birth, he was probably born in 1858.
But not certainly; the census enumerator could have reported his age in months without indicating that.
In 1860 and 1870, he was living with his family in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
[4]
In 1870, he was attending school.
[9]
He was probably married to Louisa Anna Hinkle on 19 July 1877, by Reverend D. W. Gerhard at the Reformed parsonage, in New Holland, Lancaster County.
[10]
In 1880, Christian and Louisa were living in Caernarvon, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with their son Osker, who was one year old.
[11]
Louisa also had a daughter, Della, in 1880; whether she is Christian's child is currently unknown.
[12]
Louisa and Christian apparently separated, since both remarried.
[5][13]
No evidence has been found about the end of their marriage.
[14]
He married Mary Jane Davis, on 27 November 1890, in Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pennsylvania.
[5][15]
They had eight children:[3]
(See the research note below for the evidence that their reported daughter Catherine was actually their son Christian Albert Diem.)
In 1900, they were living on King Street, in Malvern Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania, which they were renting. Christian was a carpenter, and had not been out of work in the last year.
[16]
In 1903, he was living in Malvern, and was a contractor and builder.
[6]
According to a family story, he had to stop being a contractor because he fell from a rooftop.
He became a farmer instead.
[17]
In 1910, they were living on Park Avenue in Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, which they were renting. Christian was a farmer, Viola was a bill clerk, and Clarence was a laborer on a home farm.
[18]
He died on 11 May 1914, in Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
The cause of death was septic peritonitis due to perforation of intestines, with a jejunal ulcer contributing.
According to a family story,[17]
In 1914, he was working in the field when an ambulance or fire truck went by. The siren frightened a horse which knocked him down and trampled him. As a result, his appendics burst and he developed peritonitis and died.'On 15 May, he was buried in Schwenksville Cemetery, Schwenksville, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
On 15 May, he was buried in Keelys Church Cemetery (also known as Schwenksville Cemetery), Schwenksville, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
[8][19][7][20]
Research Notes
other Christian Diems who did not marry Louisa Hinkle
At least one other Christian Diem of the right age lived in Salisbury Township. He was born on 25 December 1861, to Martin Diem and Catherine Fryberger. This Christian married Sallie Lowry on 6 February 1889; like Christian Albert Diem, he claimed he had never been married.
[21]
But his name is Christian Howard Diem, which does not match the newspaper marriage report.
[22]
And in 1880, he was still living with his parents.
[23]
He, then, clearly did not marry Louisa Hinkle.
In 1880, a third Christian Diem was living in Salisbury. He was 18 years old, and was a farm laborer, in Salisbury, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with Isaac Buckwalter.
[24]
Mary Diem (born about 1863) was also living with them, and was presumably related to Christian.
[25]
The Christian Diem living in Salisbury, with Elias Manner (farmer) and Adam Diem (laborer) in 1870 was probably actually Christiana Diem.
[26][27]
other Louisa Diems who did not marry Christian in 1877
Many Ancestry trees wrongly report Louisa as dying on 8 October 1885 in Clearfield County, but the Louisa who died then was married to Henry Diem, not Christian, and they were living together in Clearfield County by 1850, and were still there in 1880.
[28][29][30]
And she's not the Louisa Diem who died on 6 February 1914, who was living in Philadelphia with her husband Christian F Diem in 1880, and was (reportedly) was born in Germany to Castor and Jaled Doell.
[31][32][33][34][35]
they did not have a daughter Catherine
According to the Chester County birth records, a Catherine Diem was born in Malvern on 8 July 1899 to Christian and Mary Diem.[36]
If Catherine existed, she would have to be the twin of Christian Albert Diem, who was born to Christian and Mary Jane on 8 July 1899.[37]
But the Chester County birth records include Catherine but not Christian. Further, the birth was recorded on 29 December 1899.[36] Including one but not both twins is unlikely, and the more-than-five-month gap between the birth and its record makes memory errors very likely. Finally the 1900 census reports that Mary Jane had had four children (Viola, Clarence, Bertha, and Albert),[16] and the 1910 census reports that she had had 7 children, all living (Viola, Clarence, Bertha, Albert, Margaret, Mabel Diem, and Dorothy).[18]
The reported Catherine therefore is almost certainly actually Christian; no Catherine Diem existed.
Sources
↑
Ruth Diem Lott, 'Descendants of Emma Penn', June 1998; copy in Harry A. Ide's possession.
'On October 11, 1922, Sylvania Irvin married (Christian) Albert Diem, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Christian) Albert Diem, the son of Christian Albert Diem and Mary Jane Davis, '
↑
Ruth Diem Lott to Harry A Ide, e-mail, 17 February 2021; copy in his possession.
'I notice in the records you have him [sc. Albert Diem] listed as Albert Christian Diem, but he was named for his father Christian Albert Diem, who went by Chris.'
↑ 3.03.1
personal information, Violet Ide, conveyed to Harry A Ide at various times, notes in possession of Harry A Ide
↑ 4.04.14.2
1860 U.S. census, Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, p. 731 stamped = 57 penned, family 430, 'Christian Deam'; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9BSC-PD9 : accessed 24 December 2019); citing National Archives, microfilm series M653, roll 1125.
Wm Deam, 51, male, farmer, real estate worth $2500, personal estate worth $1600
Maria Deam, 43, female
Mary Deam, 20, female
John Deam, 18, male, farm laborer
Elam Deam, 16, male, attended school within the year
Hannah Deam, 14, female, attended school within the year
Esther Deam, 11, female, attended school within the year
Wm K Deam, 9, male, attended school within the year
Belmina Deam, 7, female, attended school within the year
Christian Deam, 2, male
↑ 5.05.15.25.3
Juniata County, Pennsylvania, marriage record, no. 685 (26 November 1890), Christian A Diem and Mary J Davis; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GPXQ-2M8 : accessed 24 December 2019); citing County Clerk, Juniata County, Pennsylvania.
no. 685
Christian A Diem, 31, residence Downingtown, Chester Co, Pa., parents William + Maria Diem, carpenter
Mary J. Davis, 21, residence Fermanagh Twp, parents Evan + Mary J. Davis, housekeeper
application sworn 26 November 1890
license issued 26 November 1890, Mifflintown
S. William Frost married them on 27 November 1890, at Mifflintown
↑ 6.06.1
'John K Diem', Biographical Annals of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania: Containing Biographical and Genealogical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens and of Many of the Early Settlers (Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1903); pp. 810-811; image copy, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/10948/dvm_LocHist000572-00611-0/698 : accessed 25 December 2019).
[includes this paragraph]
'Our subject is a native of this county, born April 6, 1842, in Salisbury township, and is of German descent in the paternal line, his grandfather, John Diem, having been born in Germany. The latter married Hannah Kennedy, a native of Lancaster county. William Diem, father of John K., was born in Lancaster county, and here passed his entire life, dying in Salisbury township in 1880 at the age of seventy-two. He was a shoemaker by occupation. He married Maria Moyer, also a native of Lancaster county, who died in 1890, aged seventy-eight years, and both rest in the Pequea Church cemetery in Salisbury township. Their religious connection was with the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Diem was one of the respected men in his community, and was active in local affairs, serving as township assessor. Of his children, Catherine married Daniel D. Warfel, and lives in Salisbury township; Elizabeth, of Philadelphia, Pa., is the widow of James Ayres; Mary, Mrs. David Kurtz, is deceased; John K. is mentioned more fully below; Ellen, Mrs. Foreman, resides in Lancaster; Hannah is the wife of Edward Ranck, of Salisbury township; William is a contractor and builder in Chester county, this State; Hettie is the widow of William Cofroth, of Salisbury township; Bellmina lives in Philadelphia; Christ, a contractor and builder, is a resident of Malvern, Chester county.'
↑ 7.07.17.2
Department of Health, Pennsylvania, death certificate, no. 50687 (11 May 1914), Christian Diem; image copy, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/5164/41381_645856_0512-03016/1359988 : accessed 25 December 2019); citing Record Group 11. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Christian Diem
male, white, married, farmer; usual residence Schwenksville PA
born 5 April 1860, PA, to William Diem and Maria Moyer (born born PA)
informant Mrs. Christ. Diem, Schwenksville
died 11 May 1914, Charity Hospital, Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
died of septic peritonitis due to perforation of intestines (11 days duration); contributory: a jejunal ulcer
buried 15 May 1914, Schwenksville Cem.
↑ 8.08.1
Schwenksville Cemetery Association (Schwenksville, PA) to Harry A Ide, 10 Jun 1996; providing information about Mary J and Christian A Diem (with picture of headstone)
'Mary J. Diem, Phila. PA; Late Residence Age 80 Date of Death Dec 17, 1949, Cause of Death Acute Hemorhage Date of Interment Dec 21, 1949, Funeral Director J. Harry Stroud (600-602 N. 63rd St., Phila. PA Old Section, S.W., Lot 180 W. Gr. 2
'Christian A. Diem 1860-1914 Old Section, S.W. Lot 180W, Gr. 1 More Information Not Available'
inscription on stone: 'DIEM CHRISTIAN A. 1860-1914 MARY J. 1869-1949'
↑
1870 U.S. census, Salisbury Township (post office Gap), Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, p. 293 stamped recto-verso = 57-58 penned, family 460; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-66YS-SVL : accessed 24 December 2019); citing National Archives, microfilm series M593, roll 1359.
William Diem, 62, male, white, farmer, real estate worth $4000, personal estate worth $2000, born Penna, male citizen who can vote
Maria, 56, female, white, keeping house, born Penna
Ellen, 24, female, white, at home, born Penna
William, 176, male, white, born Penna, attended school within the year
Malvina, 14, female, white, born Penna, attended school within the year
Christian, 12, male, white, born Penna, attended school within the year
↑
'Married', The Semi-Weekly New Era (Lancaster, Pennsylvania), Saturday, 18 August 1877, p.8, col. 5; image copy, Newspapers (https://www.newspapers.com/image/566029552/ : accessed 18 Apr 2020).
'DIEM—HINKLE. July 19th, 1877, at the Reformed parsonage in New Hollahd [sic], by Rev. D. W. Gerhard, Christian A. Diem, of Pequea, to Miss Louisa A. Hinkle, of Sorrel Horse.'
↑
1880 U.S. census, Caernarvon, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, population schedule, enumeration district 103, p.2C stamped = p.3 penned, family 26; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YBH-93CS : accessed 18 April 2020); citing National Archives, microfilm series T9, roll 1140.
Christian Deim [sic], white, male, 23, , married, shoe + boot maker, born Pennsylvania
Louisa, white, female, 21, keeping house, born Pennsylvania
son Osker [sic] D, white, male, 1, single, born Pennsylvania
↑
1900 U.S. census, ward 7, Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio, population schedule, enumeration district 28, p. 148 A stamped = 17 penned, family 404; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-63NQ-DB8 : accessed 11 May 2020); citing National Archives, microfilm series T623, roll 1252. 'Ohio Deaths, 1908-1953', no. 33440 (30 May 1942), Della S. Fortney; database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9PKP-72D3 : accessed 12 May 2020); parents 'Christian McKinney' and 'Anna Hinkle'.
[didn't find any Diem, McKinney, or Hinkle entries around 1880; looked through 1900]
↑
marriage announcement, Christian A Diem and Mary J Davis, Juniata Sentinel and Republican (Mifflintown, Pennsylvania), Wednesday, 10 December 1890, p.1, col.4; image copy, GenealogyBank (https://www.genealogybank.com/ : accessed 22 March 2020).
'DIEM—DAVIS.&mdashOn the 27th ult., by Rev. S. M. Frost, D. D., Christian A. Diem of Downingtown, Pa, and Mary J. Davis, of Fermanagh township.
↑ 16.016.1
1900 U.S. census, Malvern Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, enumeration district 136, p. 243 recto stamped = sheet 2 A penned, family 23; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-6QSS-QQH : accessed 25 December 2019); citing National Archives, microfilm series T623, roll 1394.
King Street, rented, farm schedule #5
head Christian A Diem, white, male, born Apr 1858, married 10 years, born Penna, carpenter, unemployed 0 months
wife Mary J Diem, white, female, born June 1869, married 10 years, 4 children all living, born Penna
daughter Viola M, white, female, born Dec 1891, single, born Penna, in school, 9 months
son Clarence E, white, male, born Feb 1894, single, born Penna, in school, 9 months
daughter Bertha J, white, female, born July 1896, single, born Penna
son Albert C, white, male, born July 1899, single, born Penna
↑ 17.017.1
Ruth Diem Lott, Recollections, 2007; copy in possession of Harry A. Ide
'My dad was born in Malvern, Pennsylvania, the fourth of eight children (2 boys and six girls.) Sometime after his birth the family moved from Malvern to a farm in Schwenksville, PA.
'It is my understanding that his father was a building contractor (carpenter), but he fell from a rooftop and his injuries required a change of occupation. He then became a farmer. In 1914, he was working in the field when an ambulance or fire truck went by. The siren frightened a horse which knocked him down and trampled him. As a result, his appendix burst and he developed peritonitis and died.'
↑ 18.018.1
1910 U.S. census, Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, enumeration district 101, p. 271 verso stamped = sheet 14 B penned, family 284; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RV8-Z13 : accessed 25 December 2019); citing National Archives, microfilm series T624, roll 1377.
rented, farm
head Christian Diem, male, white, 50, married once, 19 years, born Pennsylvania, farmer, general farm
wife Mary, female, white, 40, married once, 19 years, 7 children, 7 living, born Pennsylvania, housework
daughter Viola M, female, white, 18, single, born Pennsylvania, bill clerk, 0 weeks unemployed
son Clarence, male, white, 16, single, born Pennsylvania, laborer on home farm, 0 weeks unemployed
daughter Bertha, female, white, 13, single, born Pennsylvania, no occupation
son Albert, male, white, 10, single, born Pennsylvania, no occupation
daughter Margaret, female, white, 8, single, born Pennsylvania, no occupation
daughter Mabel, female, white, 4, single, born Pennsylvania, no occupation
daughter Dorothy Diem, female, white, 1-6/12, single, born Pennsylvania, no occupation
↑
Find A Grave: Memorial #107280460, Christian Albert Diem, created by William Ridge, added 25 March 2013; database, accessed 13 January 2022; photograph of stone added by William Ridge; citing Keelys Church Cemetery, Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
↑
'Death of C. A. Diem', Central News (Perkasie, Pennsylvania), Wednesday, 27 May 1914, p. 1, col. 4; image copy, Newspapers (https://www.newspapers.com/image/229547743/ : accessed 26 April 2020).
'Death of C. A. Diem.
'C. A. Diem died in Charity Hospital, Norristown, on Monday night following an operation for a perforation of the bowels two weeks ago. He was 54 years of age and is survived by his wife and the following children: Viola, of Philadelphia; Clarence, Bertha, Margaret, Mabel, Dorothy, and Edith, at home; also by the following brothers and sisters: John, of Intercourse; William, of Malvern; Catherine, Ellen and Hannah, of Lancaster, and Mina, of Philadelphia. The funeral services were held on Friday at 10.30 a.m., at the house and at 11 o'clock in the Heidelberg Reformed church, by Rev. R. S. Snyder and N. F. Schmidt. Interment was made in the Schwenksville cemetery.'
↑
1880 U.S. census, Salisbury, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, population schedule, enumeration district 141, p. 415 A stamped = 41 penned, family 389; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYBK-59D : accessed 22 Apr 2020); citing National Archives, microfilm series T9, roll 1141.
↑
1880 U.S. census, Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, enumeration district 141, p. 409 B stamped = 30 handwritten, family 289; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYBK-548 : accessed 24 Decnnn 2019); citing National Archives, microfilm series T9, roll 1141.
↑
1880 U.S. census, Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, enumeration district 141, p. 409 B stamped = 30 handwritten, family 289; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYBK-548: accessed 24 Decnnn 2019); citing National Archives, microfilm series T9, roll 1141.
↑
1870 U.S. census, Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, p.282 stamped = 35 penned, family 288; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-66YS-7H9 : accessed 22 Apr 2020); citing National Archives, microfilm series M593, roll 1359.
↑
1880 U.S. census, Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, enumeration district 140, p.380B stamped = 6 penned, family 58; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YBK-TFN : accessed 22 Apr 2020); citing National Archives, microfilm series T9, roll 1141.
↑
Find A Grave: Memorial #24761466, Louisa Diem (8 Oct 1885), accessed 18 Apr 2020); citing Troutville Union Cemetery, Troutville, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.
↑
1850 U.S. census, Brady Township, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, p.421 verso = 4 penned, family 25; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-DH5W-Y59 : accessed 19 Apr 2020); citing National Archives microfilm series M432, roll 768.
↑
1880 U.S. census, Bell, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, enumeration district 269, p.256D stamped = 12 penned, family 112; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYB2-SPV : accessed 22 Apr 2020); citing National Archives, microfilm series T9, roll 1116.
↑
Louisa D. Diem, death notice, Philadelphia Inquirer, Sunday 8 Feb 1914, p.10, col. 2; image copy, Newspapers (https://www.newspapers.com/image/169042975/ : accessed 19 Apr 2020).
↑
Christian Diem, death notice, Philadelphia Inquirer, Saturday 5 July 1913, p.7, col.3; image copy, Newspapers (https://www.newspapers.com/image/169000140/ : accessed 19 Apr 2020.
↑
Department of Health, Pennsylvania, death certificate, no. 74468 (4 July 1913), Christian Diem; image copy, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/5164/41381_647350_0182-02903/372740 : accessed 19 Apr 2020); citing Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
↑
1880 U.S. census, ward 25, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, enumeration district 535, population schedule, p. 265 B stamped, family 136; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYBX-H6P : accessed 22 Apr 2020); citing National Archives, microfilm series T9, roll 1184.
↑ 36.036.1
Chester County Archives to Harry A Ide, June 1993; providing copy of 'Register of Births', p. 54, entry for 'Catherine Deim' (8 July 1899)
registered 29 Dec 1899, Catherine [sic], Deim, female [sic], white, born to Christian Deim and Mary Deim, residence Malvern, born 8 July 1899, Malvern
↑
Albert Diem, SS no. 166-05-1766, 27 November 1936, Application for Account No. (Form SS-5), Social Security Administration, Baltimore, Maryland.
Albert Diem
2516 S. Pershing St., Philadelphia, Penn
present employer: General Electric Co., 6901 Elmwood Ave., Phila., Pa
born 8 July 1899, Malvern, Penna, to Christian Albert Diem (deceased) and Mary Jane Davis
male, white
applied 27 November 1936
Paternal and material relationship is supported by an Ancestry test match between LG and Harry A Ide, third cousins. Predicted relationship by Ancestry: fourth cousins, based on 65 centiMorgans across 3 segments.
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