Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer

b. 29 January 1879, d. 3 December 1955

Elizabeth Susanna Margaret "Libby" Kammerer Vorwerk, 1879-1955
  • Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer was born on 29 January 1879 in Suspension Bridge, Niagara County, New York.
  • She was baptized/christened on 4 May 1879 at Zion Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York, sponsored by Margaretha Sippel, Susanna Kammerer and Elizabeth Kammerer. Other sponsor was Balthasar Weiler.
  • She was known as Libby by family and friends.
  • Adam Kammerer and Ursula Weiler appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1880 in Suspension Bridge, New York. Other members of the household included Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer, Ada Anna Kammerer.
  • Adam Kammerer and Ursula Weiler appeared in the New York state census of 16 February 1892 in Niagara, Niagara County, New York. Other members of the household included Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer, Ada Anna Kammerer, John Balthasar Kammerer, Lucille Christine Kammerer and Helen Georgine Kammerer.
  • She married August Vorwerk, son of Friedrich Ludwig Vorwerk and Maria Josephina Luise Theresia Schwab, on 16 August 1896 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York, at the home of the bride's parents, with Zion pastor Rev. J. H. Asbeck officiating.
  • The following appeared on 18 December 1896 in the Niagara Falls Journal: A very pretty home wedding occurred Wednesday evening at 6 o'clock, when Miss Elisabeth S. Kammerer, the beautiful and accomplished daughter of our well known citizens, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Kammerer of Ontario Ave., was married to Mr. August S. Vorwerk, the popular druggist of Main St. The ceremony took place at the residence of the bride's parents, in the presence of an admiring assemblage, which included the relatives and intimate friends, to the number of about 60. The nuptial knot was tied with the beautiful and impressive German Lutheran service by the Rev. J. H. Asbeck. Miss Ada Anna Kammerer, a sister of the bride, was bridesmaid and Miss Tena Borth of Buffalo maid of honor. The best man was Mr. Wm F. Schultz, and Mr. George J. Weiler was groomsman. The bride looked radiant in a pretty costume of white, trimmed with white satin and ornaments. She carried white roses. The bridesmaid and maid of honor were also attired in white, and bore pink roses. An elaborate wedding dinner was served which was followed by an evening of enjoyment of which music and dancing were pleasant features. The presents received were many and beautiful and the bride was handsomely remembered by the Teacher's Association and the Choir of the German Zion's Lutheran Church, of which she is a member. The happy couple were the recipients of many congratulations and their matrimonial voyage begins with skies of a roseate hue over them. Mr. and Mrs. Vorwerk have commenced housekeeping and will be at home on Ontario Ave. in the Reiss Block. A happy incident of the occasion was the celebration of the 70th birthday of Mr. John Kammerer, an old and esteemed resident of Lockport Ave. and grandfather of the bride. Among those present from out-of-town were: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Borth, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bloy, Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Boehner, Miss Adelaide Borth, Miss Tena Borth, Miss Luia Siph, Miss Elizabeth Barnett, Mr. Fred J. Borth, Mr. Fred Challcraft and Mr. Joseph Decker of Buffalo; Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Kammerer of Toronto; and Mrs. E Laurier of New York.
  • The following appeared on 21 May 1897 in the Niagara Falls Gazette: Miss [sic] Eugene Laurier of Elmwood and Mrs. August Vorwerk of North Main Street were in Buffalo yesterday. 
  • The following appeared on 27 September 1897 in the Niagara Falls Gazette: Mr. and Mrs. August Vorwerk of North Main Street are happy over the arrival of a little daughter. 
  • A photographic portrait was made of Libby and daughter Elsa about 1898.
    Elizabeth 'Libby' Kammerer Vorwerk and daughter Elsa, about 1898
  • August Vorwerk and Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1900 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York, at 2132 Main Street. Other members of the household included Elsa Vorwerk.
  • Adam and Lucy Kammerer and their family were photographed during 1902 in their front yard at 1366 Ontario Avenue.
  • Adam and Lucy Kammerer and their family posed for a photographic portrait during May 1903, of which two versions survive.
    Portrait of Adam and Lucy Kammerer and their family, May 1903
    Portrait of Adam and Lucy Kammerer and their family, May 1903
  • August Vorwerk and Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer appeared in the New York state census of 1 June 1905 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York, at 1324 Ontario Avenue. Other members of the household included Elsa Vorwerk.
  • A photograph taken during 1906 of the Vorwerk and Laurier families celebrates the birth of Frederick Augustus Vorwerk. Josephina Schwab Vorwerk, mother of August Vorwerk and Friederika Vorwerk Laurier, also appears in the photo, having arrived in the US in November 1905 for an extended visit following the death of her husband Friedrich in August 1905. Pictured are Carl Laurier, Josephina Vorwerk, Elizabeth Kammerer Vorwerk, Friedericka Vorwerk Laurier holding infant Frederick, and Eugene Laurier. August Vorwerk likely was the photographer.
  • The following appeared on 29 July 1907 in the Niagara Falls Gazette: Mr. and Mrs. August Vorwerk, their children and Ludwig and Carl Laurier are sojourning at Thousand Island Park in the St. Lawrence. 
  • She was a sponsor at the baptism/christening of Marion Elizabeth Woolcock on 11 October 1908 at Zion Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls, New York.
  • The following appeared on 25 November 1908 in The Niagara Falls Gazette: Henry B. Eshelman, for fourteen years connected with the Pettebone-Cataract Paper Company, has resigned to look to the building and development of the Colonial Wood Products Company, limited, of Thorold, Ont. 
         The Colonial Wood Products Company has only recently received from the Ontario government a charter, and will as soon as possible begin the erection of factory buildings. The incorporators of the company are Henry B. Eshelman, August Vorwerk, W. W. Johnstone, J. L. Eshelman and E. Vorwerk, all residents of this city. 
         The company is to engage in the manufacture of pulp and in a general wood products trade. An excellent site has been bought in Thorold, and plans have been drawn for a factory of considerable size. It is the hope of the incorporators to begin manufacture next spring. 
  • Libby, August and young Fritz were photographed during an outing about 1909.
    Elizabeth, August and young Frederick Vorwerk, about 1909.
  • A photograph was made of the August Vorwerk and Eugen Laurier families about 1909.
    Vorwerk & Laurier families, about 1909
  • The following appeared on 19 July 1909 in the Niagara Falls Gazette: Mr. and Mrs. August Vorwerk and children of Ontario avenue, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Laurier of Linwood avenue, and Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Laurier left this morning for a two weeks' sojourn at Alexandria Bay.  And on the 29th, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Laurier of Linwood avenue, Mr. and Mrs. August Vorwerk and children of Ontario avenue, and Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Laurier, have returned from an outing at Wilson, N.Y. 
  • August Vorwerk and Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer appeared in the US federal census of 15 April 1910 in Niagara Falls, New York, at 1324 Ontario Avenue. Other members of the household included Elsa Vorwerk and Frederick Augustus Vorwerk.
  • The following appeared on 15 July 1911 in the Niagara Falls Gazette: Augustus Vorwerk of Ontario avenue, left last Monday on an extended trip to Germany.
  • She was a sponsor at the baptism/christening of Dorothea Elizabeth Hartwig on 3 November 1912 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York.
  • August Vorwerk and Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer appeared in the New York state census of 1 June 1915 in Niagara Falls, New York, at 1324 Ontario Avenue. Other members of the household included Elsa Vorwerk and Frederick Augustus Vorwerk.
  • Carl Kammerer in uniform was photographed with the Kammerer and Vorwerk families.
  • Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer became a widow at the 26 August 1918 death of her husband August Vorwerk in Niagara Falls, New York.
  • The following appeared on 21 November 1918 in the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal: On the estate of August Vorwerk, of Niagara Falls, who died August 26th, letters testamentary were issued to Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Vorwerk, the widow. The estate, valued at $4800, is given to the widow. Two children also survive.
  • Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer appeared in the US federal census of 1 January 1920 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York, at 1630-1/2 Ontario Avenue. Other members of the household included Elsa Vorwerk and Frederick Augustus Vorwerk.
  • The following appeared on 18 August 1921 in the Niagara Falls Gazette: Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Laurier of Newark, N. J., are the guests of Mrs. A. Vorwerk of No. 1630 Ontario avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Laurier were formerly residents of this city. Mr. Laurier is now general manager of the Colgate and company.
         It is worthy of note that the 18th would have been the 52nd birthday of Friederika Laurier's brother August Vorwerk.
  • A reunion of the Kammerer family was held in 1923 Kammerer family at the home of Helen Kammerer Hoffman, on the occasion of sister Phoebe Kammerer's Frank's visit from her home in Devil's Lake, North Dakota.
  • She was a sponsor at the baptism/christening of Elizabeth Marie Jacoby on 28 September 1924 at Zion Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls, New York.
  • The following appeared on 6 January 1925 in The Niagara Falls Gazette: Carl Kammerer returned to New York Sunday night after spending the holidays with his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Vorwerk of Ontario avenue.
  • Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer appeared in the New York state census of 1 June 1925 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York, at 1636 Ontario Avenue. Other members of the household included Elsa Vorwerk and Frederick Augustus Vorwerk.
  • She was employed as a bookkeeper, according to the 1925 census.
  • Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer appeared in the US federal census of 1 April 1930 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York, at 1638 Ontario Avenue. Other members of the household included Elsa Vorwerk and Frederick Augustus Vorwerk.
  • She was employed as a bookkeeper by a plumbing company [by her brother-in-law Charles Woolcock], according to the 1930 census.
  • The following appeared on 10 September 1931 in The Niagara Falls Gazette: Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Laurier of Montvale, N. J., are guests of Mrs. Elizabeth Vorwerk, of Ontario avenue.
  • The following appeared on 18 March 1935 in The Niagara Falls Gazette: Mrs. Elizabeth Vorwerk announced the engagement of her niece, Miss Marion Elizabeth Woolcock, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Woolcock, to Timothy A. O'Brien, son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. O'Brien, of Palmer, N. Y., at a St. Patrick's tea, given yesterday afternoon at Mrs. Vorwerk's home on Ontario avenue. 
         The hostess received in a navy blue crepe with Persian print trimming and her corsage was of Johanna Hill roses and sweet peas. The guest of honor was attired in navy blue chiffon, with collar and cuffs of pleated shell pink. She wore Briarcliffe roses.  
         Presiding at the tea table, which was centered with a bowl of shamrocks flanked by ivory tapers in tall silver holders, were Mrs. Arthur Scutt, Mrs. Donald Campbell, Miss Margaret  Mould and Miss Elsa Vorwerk. The assistants were the Misses Dorothy Fisch, Jeanne Macdonald and Ann Cromley.  
         The announcement was made by means of a double shamrock, containing pictures of Miss Woolcock and her fiance and bearing the date of the wedding, April 22. These were tied with white ribbon to the handles of the tea cups. 
  • The following appeared on 22 April 1935 in The Niagara Falls Gazette: Miss Marion Woolcock, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Woolcock, of Fifteenth street, this city, became the bride of Timothy A. O'Brien, of Ashland avenue, this city, son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. O'Brien, of Palmer, at 9 o'clock this morning in the Sacred Heart church. The Rev. Thomas F. Gleason [sic] performed the ceremony in a setting of ferns and Easter lilies. 
         Given in marriage by her brother, Edwin Woolcock, the bride was charming in a suit of pale green crepe, trimmed with insertions of real lace dyed to match. She wore a fitted coat, three-quarter length, with a collar of tan fox, and a Lilli Dasche hat of Tuscan natural straw trimmed in Green. Her corsage was of orchids and lillies-of-the-valley. Miss Dorothy Smart, her only attendant, wore a beige suit trimed in contrasting brown taffeta with fox cuffs. Her accessories were brown and her corsage of Briarcliffe roses. 
         Joseph O'Brien, of Palmer, was his brother's best man and the ushers were John O'Brien, of Saratoga Spring, and William O'Brien, of Albany. 
         Mrs. Elizabeth Vorwerk, aunt of the bride, wore blue crepe trimmed in Persian print. The groom's mother was attired in navy blue triple sheer crepe. Each wore a corsage of talisman roses. 
         Following the ceremony a wedding breakfast was served at Henry Neff's, covers being laid for 25 guests. The bridal party was seated at one end of the table, which was in the shape of a double T and centered with spring flowers. Besides the bridal party the guests at the breakfast included Miss Elsa Vorwerk, Frederick Vorwerk, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy O'Brien, parents of the groom; Mrs. Elizabeth Vorwerk, John O'Brien, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hartwig and their daughters, the Misses Lucille and Ruth Hartwig; Mrs. Marie Jacoby, Carl Kammerer of New York City, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer H. Fisch, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur G. Scutt, Mr. and Mrs. George Smart and John B. Kammerer. 
         Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien left on a wedding trip to New York City and will make their home at 2219 Fifteenth street. The bride traveled in a knitted suit of burnt orange wool with a full-length coat of matching plaid and brown accessories.
         Out-of-town guests at the wedding were Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. O'Brien, Joseph O'Brien, of Palmer; William O'Brien, of Albany; John O'Brien, of Saratoga Springs; Mrs. William Whalen, of Middletown; Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Wright, of Peekskill; MacGrane C. Woolcock, of New York, and Charles Adams, of Harmon-on-the-Hudson. 
  • Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer appeared in the 1936 Niagara Falls, New York, City Directory at 1638 Ontario Aveneu listed as a bookkeeper..
  • Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer appeared in the 1938 Niagara Falls, New York, City Directory at 1638 Ontario Avenue listed as bookkeeper for Charles Woolcock's plumbing & heating business..
  • Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer appeared in the US federal census of 1 April 1940 in Niagara Falls, New York. Other members of the household included Frederick Augustus Vorwerk and Elsa Vorwerk.
  • She was employed as a bookkeeper by Woolcock Plumbing & Heating, according to the 1940 census.
  • During the summer of 1942, Elizabeth Kammerer Vorwerk, and daughter Elsa, visited her sister- and brother-in-law Friederika and Eugen Laurier in Montvale, New Jersey. Also pictured are their son Carl Laurier and Carolyn Wilson Vorwerk, whose husband Frederick likely was the photographer.
  • The following appeared on 13 March 1947 in The Niagara Falls Gazette: Among the members honored at the recent dinner meeting of the Ladies Aid society of the Zion Lutheran church in celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the organization were: Mrs. Charles Bale and Mrs. Elizabeth Roupp, who joined the organization in 1890, Mrs. Mary Wolf joining in 1891, Mrs. Christine Schul in 1893, Mrs. Gayton Swan in 1897, Mrs. Margaret Fink and Mrs. Rose Franklin in 1898, Mrs. John Bates in 1899, Mrs. Charles Ford in 1900, Mrs. Elizabeth Brandt, Mrs. Elizabeth Vorwerk and Mrs. Anne Dickert in 1902. . . .
  • On 29 September 1949, Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer wrote to Frederick Augustus Vorwerk:. . . We had some sad news from Kitchener, Ont. telling of the death of their mother, cousin Freda Ernst. Elsa drove up today to attend the funeral. She was a lovely person and will be missed by her family. She was 78 yrs old. Had been in the hospital for only 3 weeks, but had been failing for quite some time. I was so sorry I could not go with Elsa, but the ride was too long, about 85 mi. . . .
  • The following appeared on 2 January 1950 in the Buffalo Courier-Express: Among the visitors to Niagara Falls are Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Vorwerk, Miss Elsa Vorwerk and Miss Margot Vorwerk, who have come from Laurelton, N.J. They are guests of Mr. Vorwerk's mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Vorwerk, and Miss Elsa Vorwerk in Ontario Ave. They will spend some time with Mrs. Vorwerk's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Wilson, in 7th St., before returning to their home.
  • During the summer of 1950, family gathered at Zion Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls for the christening of Frederick Augustus Vorwerk Jr. Pictured are infant Frederick and his parents, Pete Wilson, Marilyn Wilson (husband Bob the photographer), Elsa Vorwerk, Elizabeth Vorwerk, Louise Wilson and Eleanor Hayworth, with young Frederick's sisters Margaret and Elsa Vorwerk in front.
  • Elizabeth Susanna Margaret Kammerer died on 3 December 1955 at age 76 in Niagara Falls, New York.
  • She was interred at Oakwood Cemetery, Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York.
  • The following appeared on 5 December 1955 in the Niagara Falls Gazette: [Died] In this city, Saturday, Dec. 3, 1955, Elizabeth, wife of the late August Vorwerk; mother of Elsa of this city and Frederick A. of Laurelton, N. J; sister of Mrs. C. Fred Hartwig, Mrs. Marie K. Jacoby and John B. Kammerer all of this city, Mrs. George Shipston, Summerville, N. J., Karl A. Kammerer of New York City. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren. Funeral services from the Cornell and Daggett Chapel, 1517 Main St., Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m., the Rev. Arthur H. Schmoyer, D.D., officiating. Interment Oakwood Cemetery. 
  • The following appeared on 5 December 1955 in the Niagara Falls Gazette: Mrs. Elizabeth Vorwerk, 76, of 1638 Ontario Ave., a lifetime resident of this city, died Saturday (Dec. 3, 1955) after a long illness. 
         A member Zion Lutheran Church, she was treasurer of the church's Ladies' Aid Society for more than 25 years. She was the wife of the late August Vorwerk, who operated a pharmacy at Main St. and Ontario Ave. for many years.
         She is survived by a daughter, Miss Elsa Vorwerk, this city; a son, Frederick A. Vorwerk, Laurelton, N. J; three sisters, Mrs. C. Fred Hartwig and Mrs. Marie K. Jacoby, this city, and Mrs. George Shipston, Somerville, N. J; and two brothers, John B. Kammerer, this city, and Carl A. Kammerer, New York City. Three grandchildren also survive. 
         The Rev. Dr. Arthur H. Schmoyer will officiate at services tomorrow at Cornell and Daggett Funeral home at a time to be announced later. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery.
  • Last Edited: 4 Feb 2017

Family: August Vorwerk b. 18 August 1869, d. 26 August 1918