In 1900, William (23 - Nov 1876) and Justina (24 Jan 1876) rented a home in the Magnolia District of New Martinsville, Wetzel County, West Virginia. The census indicates that the couple had been married for 1 year, It also states that Justina had given birth to one child who was still living, but that child is not listed as a member of the household. The only other person living in the home was William's sister-in-law, Amelia Biedenbach (19 - Dec 1880). Everyone in the household was a native of Ohio, with German-born fathers. Interestingly, the census states that William's mother and Amelia's mother were born in New York, but Justina's mother was from Ohio. William worked as a baker; he had been unemployed for 6 months of the previous year. Their daughter Virginia A. Koontz was found on line 60 of the next page of the census. An illegible note is in the margin next to her name.
In 1910, William and Justina Kontz (both 33), lived on Main St. in New Martinsville with their children Virginia (10), Margaret (8), Irvan (7), Robert (5), and Catherine (11 mos.). The three oldest children attended school. Justena had given birth to five children, all of whom were living in 1910. William and Justena were natives of Ohio; the children were all born in West Virginia. William's parents and Justena's father were from Germany. Justena's mother was born in Ohio. William was a self-employed sallon proprietor. The family of Jacob (61) and Elizabeth (63) Koontz lived nearby. The relationship between the two Koontz families is unknown, but Elizabeth's birthplace (Ohio) does not match that given for William's mother (Germany).
At the time of the 1920 census, William (43) and Justene K. (52) Koontz owned a farm at 447 Main St. in New Martinsville. Also living in the household were their children, Margaret (18), Irvin A. (16), Joseph R. (14), Catherine N. (10), William P. Jr. (4), and John E. (2). Irvin, Joseph, and Catherine attended school. Birthplaces agree with the 1910 census.
In 1930, William and Justena Koontz (both 53) owned a home worth $10,000 at 447 Main St. in New Martinsville. Living with them were their children Irvin A. (27), John E. (12), Paul E. (9), and Rosemary (5). John and Paul attended school. The couple were 22 years old when they were married. William was a farmer. The family owned a radio set.
In the 1880 census, the 3 year old daughter of Albert Biedenbach is named Christine. The 1942 obituary of Mary Biedenbach Kress of near Fulda lists "Mrs. Justine Koontz, New Martinsville, W.Va" as a surviving sister.
Justine is not listed as a surviving sibling in the 1961 obituary of her brother, Joseph.
In 1930, 27 year old Irvin A. Koontz lived with his parents and younger siblings in New Martinsville, WV. He was employed as an inspector in an airplane factory.
Dates of birth and death (from Social Security Death Index) have not been verified. Social Security number issued in California prior to 1951.
William Koontz Jr. did not appear with his family in the 1930 census. He would have been about 14 years old.
Dates of birth and death (from Social Security Death Index) have not been verified. Social Security number issued in West Virginia prior to 1951. Middle initial in SSDI matches that in 1930 census.
In 1910, 17 year old Lawrence Nist lived with his parents and siblings on the family farm in Lake Precinct, King County, Washington. Lawrence worked as a teamster.
On 5 Jun 1917, 24 year old unmarried Lawrence Joseph Nist, a resident of 4201 Ave. in Seattle, filled out a draft registration card. Lawrence worked as a sheet metal and coppersmith operator at Seattle Construction and Dry Dock. He was described as being of medium height and slender build with brown eyes and dark hair. Several disabilities were noted: "right blind" and "bad left leg."
At the time of the 1920 census, Lawrence Nist (27) and his wife, Ella (24) lived in Seattle with Ella's father, James Finn (55) and her younger siblings. Lawrence was employed as a mill hand at a factory.
By 1930, the family had moved to a rented house ($10/mo) Lake Precinct, King Co., Washington. The household consisted of Lawrence (37), Ella K. (34), and children Mary E. (10) and Gerald (7). Both children attended school. Lawrence worked as a foreman in a box factory. The family did not own a radio set. Lawrence's brother Raymond lived next door.
On 5 Jun 1917, 29 year old Valentine Jacob Rebhahn of 4207 Maynard Ave., Seattle filled out a draft registration card. His occupation was "second class ship filter" at Skinner & Eddy. Valentine stated that he had a wife and one child. He was described as being a tall man of medium build with gray eyes and dark hair. He had no physical disabilities.
In 1930, Valentine J. Rebhahn (42) and his wife Loretta M. (34) rented a home for $20 a month at 700 Adams St. in Seattle. Living with them were their children Melvin P. (14), Gervis J. (12), Val F. (9), and Dorothy M. (7). All four children attended school. Valentine worked as a laborer in a brickyard, and Loretta was a presser in a shirt factory. Valentine and his parents were born in Wisconsin. Loretta was a native of Washington; her father and mother were from Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. The adjacent home in the census belonged to Peter (65) and Susie (64) Rebhahn. The relationship between the two families is not known at this time... the older couple may have been Valentine's parents.
According to his death record, Valentine's mother's maiden name was Wishnolek.
Sources conflict on date of birth:
Oct 1895 -- 1900 census
26 Oct 1897 -- death certificate
Melvin Rebhahn was a member of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.
Raymond Nist served as a corporal in the US Army from 1 Jul 1918 to 7 Jul 1919.
Social Security number issued in Oregon prior to 1951. Last known address: 11800 Se MT. Scott Boulevard Portland, OR 97266
Dates of birth and death (from Social Security Death Index) have not been confirmed.
Birth record spells name Garvain