The Michel Family of Abington, PA
This site is focused on the John Lewis Michel (JLM) Sr family who lived in Abington, PA from about 1930 until approximately 1965. Other families discussed are related to the ancestors, descendants, and other relatives of this family.
The Paternal Side of JLM
The JLM tree begins with the birth of his father reported by JLM to be Alsace-Lorraine, which was under German rule at the time of his birth. JLM wrote that his father was born about 1865 and was 66 years old when he died and is said to be buried in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, 3499 West Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. According to one website: "the cemetery is not abandoned; however, no plots have been sold since 1968 and it has become heavily overgrown. Mount Vernon is not open to the public. The owner requires an appointment to be made for visitations 24 hours in advance and only for people who have a family plot in the cemetery and know the location." Similar information is seen at this site and this article from Jul 2024 found here.
This is what is currently known about the basics of JLM's father. More in-depth information may be found on his page here.
Mount Vernon Cemetery Gatehouse
Source: https://www.britannica.com/place/Alsace-Lorraine
The Maternal Side of JLM
More is verifiable on JLM's mother's side of the family.
- The father of JLM's mother was Mathias Braun, who is thought to be from Belgium [Lindgoo, Luxenburg]. He was born about 1831 and came to America in about 1844. He was a machinist by trade and along with his brother William started the Pennsylvania Lawn Mower Company. Mathias is buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pa.
- JLM's mother's mother was Kunigunde Dietrich. She was born (1839 estimated) in Tranau, Lichtenfels, Bayern in Germany. "Lichtenfels is a town in the Upper Franconian region of Bavaria, Germany, the administrative seat of Lichtenfels district. It is chiefly known as the German "Basket City"." Kunigunde is buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA.
- Mathias and Kunigunde married on 21 Oct 1860 at Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, Philadelphia, PA. ref
Detailed information on these and other relatives are provided by presenting their information as a member of a family from their birth up until they marry. Once married, their life is detailed in that new family's timeline.