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The same foresight, the same courage, the same determination that marked the founding of America is evident in the story of the Langholff family, and the same fruitful growth that has peopled this great ladn has spread the many braches of the family across the nation. Pride in their common heritage has held them together, and resulted in the Publication of this history and genealogy.
It all began with Charlotte Langholff, widow of Peter Langholff, who, lured by the fact that one of her children had already gone to the New World, Left Ratti, county of Kolmar, Prussia, in the fall of 1848 with the other seven sons and daughters to come to America.
Her courage must have been tremendous, because she entrusted her entire family to a small sailing vessel that was becalmed for many days in mid-ocean. Provisions ran low, and finally reache the point where there was nothing but small quantities of sugar to sustain them. This sort of diet was probably responsible for the dath of a son of Wilhelmina and Julius Giese. He was buried at sea.
There were no luxury liners, and the arduous trip in the tiny ship left them all in weakened condition. Wilhelmina Langholff Giese, then a young mother with a small baby, was detained at Ellis Island until she could regain her strength and be allowed to enter the country.
But they came of sturdy stock and with spiritual strength to match their muscles, they set out to carve a home out of the wilderness.
They came to Jefferson, Wisconsin, and built their log homes out in the virgin forest. They took up government lands, except for a few who followed the trades which they had learned in the old country.
They made friends with the Indians, who came to peek into the windows, and the curious Red Man gave them much valuable assistance as the sought to adjust themselves to this way of living. The Indians bartered with them and helped in many ways.
Life was simple in those pioneer homes, with such things as homemade candles to provide the only light they had.
Just as rugged as their life was their Christian faith, all of them active in living their belief, and their names are on the charter member lists of Lutheran churches at Hebron, Rome, Jefferson, Fort Atkinson and other nearby communities.
From these sturdy pioneers have sprung seven generations, now scattered over eight states, in 56 cities and towns. They have branched into many trades and professions and they have been God-fearing citizens of their new homeland.
We have no record of the very first reunion which was held at the Bente homestead on Golden Lake, but we do know that in 1927 the Golden Lake reunion attracted 186 people. Since that time the reunions have been held at the fair grounds and the attendance has steadily grown.
Succeeding generations have served in all the wars in which our nation has been engaged and today a great many are in the uniform of our Country.
As we complete this book peace has returned to the world and we woh have worked loyally on the home front are praying for the day when our sons and daughters will return to their homes, putting away their medals and turning their attention to the labors of reconversion and the pleasures of their families and friends.
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This is an excerpt from the original Langholff Genealogy Book published shortly after World War One by the family Historian
Mrs. Oscar Langholff
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