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Records of the First Church of Christ  in Beverly, Volume 2
1772-1803

John Damm of Germany and Some of his Descendants

Last Updated 15 December, 2006 

Generation No. 1

      @1.  John¹ Damm was born in Germany, and died Unknown.  He married Rebecca ---.  She was born in Germany, and died Unknown.

Notes for John Damm:

It appears that several children of John and Rebecca went first to England and later to Boston.   The association of the children to John is based either on an overt reference in a vital record or else is based on the individual's proximity to other known individuals in the US census records of 1860-1880.

One common denominator for many of these children is their association with the family of Christopher Noll.  Michael Damm was married to Christopher's sister Katherine and lived in the same house as Christopher in Boston in 1860.  Both Christopher and Michael's family lived, and many of their children were born in England,.  John Dame lived, in 1880 in a house also occupied by Christopher's son Charles N Noll.  William lived very near his sister-in-law Margaret Damm and next door to the Noll family in 1880.

Children of John Damm and Rebecca --- are:

Generation No. 2

      2.  John² Dame (John¹ Damm) was born Abt. 1830 in Germany, and died Unknown.  He married Elizabeth ---.  She was born Abt. 1840 in Germany, and died Unknown.

Notes for John Dame:

John appears in the 1880 US Census living in Boston, aged 50 in a rooming house on Pope's Court with wife Elizabeth aged 40 and children Katharina aged 19 and William aged 17.  All were born in Prussia.  Also living with them at this address is Charles N Noll, son of Christopher Noll aged 30 and his wife Emma and their children.  It is because of his connection to Charles Noll that I have associated him with John and Rebecca Damm.

Children of John Dame and Elizabeth --- are:

      3.  William² Damm (John¹) was born Bef. 1831 in Germany, and died Bef. 1904.  He married Susanna Bill.  She was born Abt. 1823, and died 09 April 1904 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts¹.

Notes for William Damm:

William is listed in the US Census records between 1860 and 1880 as living near Michael Damm.  After Michael's death, his widow Margaret is listed in City Directories as living at the same address as William.  His occupation is listed as musician.  Other than this, there is no overt evidence that William and Michael are related.

More About William Damm:

Occupation: 1857, Musician

Residence: 1857, Eastern Avenue Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts

Children of William Damm and Susanna Bill are:

More About Frederick Damm:

Occupation: 1872, Musician

Notes for Otto G L Paris:

Otto appears in the 1880 US Census living in Boston, aged 40 with wife Susan, aged 29 and children Susan aged 7, Theresa aged 5, Viola aged 3 and Albert aged 1.  Otto runs a Boarding House on North Street.

More About John Louis William Damm:

Residence: 1861, 10 Hanover Street

      @4.  Michael² Damm (John¹)⁸ was born Abt. 1831 in Germany, and died Abt. 1880.  He married (1) Katherine Noll 06 January 1852 in Derby, Derbyshire England⁹, daughter of --- Noll.  She was born Abt. 1833 in Germany, and died Bet. May 1858 - 15 February 1859.  He married (2) Margaret Kahl 15 February 1859 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts¹⁰, daughter of Daniel Kahl and Elizabeth ---.  She was born Abt. August 1842 in France or Germany¹¹, and died 19 May 1892 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts¹¹.

Notes for Michael Damm:

Michael spent some years in Derby, Derbyshire England, where  he married his first wife, Katharina Noll.  He does not appear in the British Census of 1851 and so probably arrived there shortly after this date.  The date of his second marriage in1859 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts, coupled with the lack of any evidence of Michael in Boston before this time suggests that he probably arrived in the US shortly before this date.

There is a record of the arrival of one Michael Damm to New Orleans aboard the ship Franklin King on 26 December1854.  The passenger manifest indicates his age as 25, his point of departure Liverpool and his last residence Ireland.  There is some information that suggests that he may have lived with relatives in Boston, for we find several families with the Damm surname in Boston records in the 1860-1880 timeframe.

 The US Census of 1860 lists Michael living in Ward 1, aged 30- occupation musician, living with wife Margarit, aged 19 and children Henry, 9, Catherine, 8, Christina and Caroline, each aged 3 months and Christopher, aged 2..  It is fascinating that he seems to be living in a house that is occupied primarily by other musicians- whether Irish, German, or American¹².

Detailed examination of passenger lists of ships arriving in Boston between 1 November 1854-February 1856 has so far failed to turn up any record of the arrival of the Damm family at the Port of Boston. (Ref:  NARA M277 Rolls 49-54)

Michael appears in the Boston, Massachusetts City Directory as "Michael Dame" beginning in 1861 living on North Street. He appears most years through 1865¹³, then does not reappear until 1871. It was during this time he and his son Henry traveled to Germany, returning to New York in 1870 aboard the Ship Rhein.  In this passenger manifest, he lists his age as 40, and his home province as Hesse-Darmstadt.  His son Henry lists his age as 20.

The Census for 1870 does not list this family in Massachusetts, suggesting that the trip to Europe included the whole family.

In the 1880 Census, Margaret is listed in Ward 6 as a widow.  She has a son Peter, born in April 1880.

In the City Directory of 1880, Michael's wife Margaret is listed as a widow.

Living near him throughout his time in Boston is the family of Christopher Noll, probably brother of Michael's first wife.   Michael, William and Christopher Noll all listed their occupation as musician at one time or another.

 More About for Katherine Noll:

 Notes for Margaret Kahl:

Margaret's parents are listed on her marriage record.

The US Census of 1860 shows Margaret living with her family in Ward 1 of East Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts, aged 19.  She indicates she was born in Germany.

Margaret does not appear in the 1870 Census in East Boston.  She may have traveled to Germany with her husband, and returned to Boston after his death.

In the 1880 Census Margaret is listed living at 327 North Street, aged 37, born Prussia, a widow boarding with her friend Christopher Noll, aged 66 his wife Barbara, aged 54 and daughter Elizabeth Null (Noll), aged 24 (born in England).  With her are children Christina and Kate Dunn (Dame) aged 20 (servants), William 18 (musician), Mary 6, Elizabeth, 4, and Peter, aged 2 months (born in April).  Also living with her is her father Daniel Kyle, aged 75 born in Prussia¹⁴.

The curious 1888 entry in Boston VRs of the death of a child Margaret E Dame, aged 3 years daughter of Michael and Margaret both of Germany suggests that Michael was not dead in 1885 when this child would have been born. The address of this child is 430 Hanover Street, very close to the address of Margaret at the time of her death in 1892 (388 1/2 Hanover Street).   It is possible that there is another Michael and Margaret Dame of Germany living in Boston at this time.

The 1895 death record of her daughter Caroline indicates her name was Mary Margaret.

The 1905 death record of her daughter Mary indicates her last name was Keil.

More About Margaret Kahl:

Cause of Death: Endocarditis and General Anasarca

Children of Michael Damm and Katherine Noll are:

Notes for Henry Damm:

Henry is listed in the US Census of 1860 as living with his father, Michael aged 9.  His place of birth is listed as London England.  He joined his father on at least one trip to Germany.  His occupation is in several places listed as musician.

His death record indicates his age as 24 years 3 months, his occupation Musician.  He died of Phthisis at Boston City Hospital.  He was born in England of Michael and Margaret. 

Notes for Mary Katarina Damm:

Catherine is listed in the US Census of 1860 as living with her family in Ward 1 of Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts, aged 8.  Her place of birth is listed as London, England.

Children of Michael Damm and Margaret Kahl are:

Notes for Caroline Dame:

Caroline is listed in the US Census of 1860 as living with her parents, aged 3/12 year.  Her place of birth is listed as Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts.

She may be the Caroline Dunn living with Christopher Noll and Margaret Dame in Boston Ward 6, aged 20, Servant.

More About Caroline Dame:

Census: 1880, Boston Ward 6, Suffolk County Massachusetts²²

Notes for William Dame:

William is listed in the 1880 Census, aged 18, musician, living with his mother.

Notes for Mary Dame:

Mary’s marriage record to Charles Anderson indicates her parents names were Henry and Margaret.

Her stated age at death was 30 years.  She was born in Germany.

Notes for Elizabeth Dame:

Elizabeth is mentioned by Lillian Dame Welch in her personal notes.  I find no other record of her.

      5.  Henry E² Damm (John¹) was born Abt. 1832 in Germany²⁶, and died Unknown.  He married Rachel ---.  She was born Abt. 1836 in Germany, and died Unknown.

Notes for Henry E Damm:

This Henry appears in the 1870 US Census for Ward 2 in Boston, aged 38.  Living with him are wife Rachel 34 and children Jacob 15, Martha 13, Rachel 12, Minnie 10, Rosa 7, Markus 5, Rebecca 4, Henry 3 and Daisy 2 months.  All the children were born in England.  Henry's date of birth, the names of his children (i.e. Rebecca) and the birth place of his children are the bases of my connection.  There is no overt evidence of his parentage.

Children of Henry Damm and Rachel --- are:

      6.  Elizabeth² Damm (John¹) was born Abt. 1837 in Hesse Germany, and died Unknown.  She married (1) Frederick Schultz 21 July 1859 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts²⁷, son of Henry Schultz and Mary ---.  He was born Abt. 1838 in Hanover Germany, and died Unknown.  She married (2) William F Kaeser 28 December 1859 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts²⁸.  He was born Abt. 1835 in Germany, and died Unknown.

Notes for Elizabeth Damm:

There is confusion in the vital records concerning the marriage of Elizabeth Damm.  The original record (Mass VR V128 p138 indicates that she married William F. Kaiser on 28 December 1859.  An amended record was filed in 18 April 1860, however, that shows that Elizabeth married Frederick Shultz on 21 July 1859.  It is unclear why the error occurred, but according to the Mass Archives, the amended record would have superseded the original, and so we can only assume that Elizabeth's initial marriage was annulled or forbidden and her second, to Schultz, is the correct one.

In the 1870 US Census Elizabeth indicates she was born in Hesse.

Notes for Frederick Schultz:

Frederick, aged 22, cabinet maker and his wife Elizabeth, aged 27 appear in the 1860 US Census living in East Cambridge with child F M Shultz.

In the 1870 Census, Frederick, aged 33, Carpenter, is living in East Cambridge with wife Elizabeth, aged 32 and children William aged 10, Lizzie aged 8, John aged 5, Henry aged 3, and Augusta aged 11 months.  He indicates he was born in Hanover.

In the 1880 US Census, Frederick is living in Cook County, Illinois, furniture maker, aged 42 with wife Elizabeth, aged 44, and children (born in Mass unless otherwise noted) William aged 20, Lizzie aged 17 (born in England), John aged 15, Henry aged 13, Augusta aged 11, Emma aged 5 (born Illinois), and Caroline aged 3 (born in Illinois) ²⁹.

Children of Elizabeth Damm and Frederick Schultz are:

Generation No. 3

      @17.  Christopher³ Dame (Michael² Damm, John¹) was born 01 May 1858 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts³², and died of Tuberculosis 01 March 1907 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts³³.  He married Eva Schmidt 25 September 1881 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts³⁴, daughter of Casper Schmidt and Margaret ---.  She was born November 1860 in Paris, France³⁵, and died 10 December 1936 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts³⁶.

Notes for Christopher Dame:

Christopher is listed in the US Census of 1860 as living with his family in Ward 1 East Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts, aged 2.  His place of birth is listed as Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts.

Neither Christopher nor his family appears in the 1870 Massachusetts Census.

Christopher does not appear in the Boston Census for 1880, although his widowed mother and half siblings do appear in Ward 6. 

In his 1881 Marriage record to Eva Schmidt, Christopher Dame is listed as being aged 23, from Boston, Massachusetts.  His parents are listed as Michael Damm and Margaret, born in Germany and residing in Boston, Massachusetts.

He appears in Boston in the 1882 edition of the Boston City Directory, where his residence is listed as 297 North Street.  In the1888 death record of his daughter, Carrie Dame, his address is listed as 307 Maverick Street.  In the 1900 directory and the 1900 US Census, his residence is listed as 39 New Street³⁸.

The 1900 census lists Christopher as being born in May of 1858 in Mass.  His occupation is day laborer, and he indicates he has been unemployed for 5 months of the year.  He is literate.  His home is rented.

Christopher is not listed in the 1910 Census- his wife is listed as a widow.

Christopher's 1907 death record has him named Dane.  His mother is listed as Margaret Smith.

Given the date of birth stated by Christopher, and the date of his father's marriage to Margaret Keil in 1859, I must conclude that Christopher's mother was actually Catharina Noll.

More About Christopher Dame:

Burial: East Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts³⁷

Notes for Eva Schmidt:

Eva's marriage record shows her to be aged 20, born in Germany.  Her parents are Casper and Margaret.

The 1880 US Census for Portland Oregon shows an Eva Schmidt, aged 21 boarding along with William Schmidt., bookkeeper.  She was born in France.  The 1900 US Census shows William married to another woman, Louisa and in 1910 shows him as a divorced boarder.  If this is our Eva, it betrays a secret prior life that she never shared with her family.  It may explain, however, the utter lack of corroborating information around Eva's immigration and early life.

In the 1900 Census, Eva indicates that she was born in Germany in November, 1860.  She had 6 children, 4 living at the time of the census.  She arrived in the US in 1878.  She was literate.  Examination of passenger arrivals to Boston Massachusetts does not reveal anyone by her or her parents name as arriving in port.

The 1910 Census shows Eva, widow living at 231 Saratoga Street with her remaining family members.  Boarding with her is John Musky, aged 33.  This is the John J Nuskey who married Eva's daughter Emma.  In this entry she indicates she entered the US in 1871.

The 1920 US Census lists Eva, widow, living at 136 Marion Street, aged 57 with daughter Dorothy, aged 12 amd Emma Nuskey, aged 25.  Also living with the family is John J Nuskey, aged 43, boatman.  Eva indicates she was born in Germany, and spoke German.  Both parents were also German.  She is an alien³⁹.

In the Boston Massachusetts City Directory for 1928, Eva is listed as a widow, living at 136 Marion Street, East Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁴⁰.

The 1930 US Census lists Eva, widow, living at 130 Marion Street, aged 68, with son William, aged 38 (married), daughter Emma, aged 36 (divorced), and daughter Dorothy, aged 26 (single).  Dorothy would actually be her grand daughter.

As a child, Anna Dame, Eva's Granddaughter, commonly shared a bed with her grandmother.  When she returned from Norway in 1936, she did so again due to insufficient room in her father’s apartment.  One night, Anna was awakened by a vision of her grandmother standing by the foot of the bed. The next morning, she discovered that her grandmother had died during the night.

In trying to locate an immigration record for Eva, I found that the records for passenger ships arriving in Boston Massachusetts between 1873 and 1881 were missing or nonexistent. (Ref NARA Washington DC.)

According to NARA in Waltham, during the 19th century, an immigrant who married a US citizen would automatically become a US citizen herself. Consequently, no naturalization records can be expected, nor have any been found.

In the death record for her daughter Carrie Dame, Eva lists her place of birth as France.  Granddaughters Dorothy and Lillian indicate she was born in Paris, of German parents.  Lillian further recounts that Eva had to return to Germany as a consequence of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

Marriage Notes for Christopher Dame and Eva Schmidt:

The record of this marriage is the only clear indication of the age of either of these individuals, or their parentage.  In the record, Christopher is listed as having been born in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts

Children of Christopher Dame and Eva Schmidt are:

Notes for Margaret E Dame:

In Margaret's birth record, her parents are unknown.  Their nationality is German. 

Notes for Caroline Dame:

Caroline died as a child.

Notes for Henry John Dame:

Henry died as a child.

Notes for Emily Augusta Dame:

Emily Augusta is not listed in the 1900 Census.

      19.  Christiana³ Dame (Michael² Damm, John¹) was born 15 April 1860 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁴⁸, and died Unknown.  She married (1) Peter Larson Walgreen 31 January 1880 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁴⁹, son of Otto Walgreen and Rebecca Connor.  He was born 20 February 1859 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁵⁰, and died 1925 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁵¹.  She married (2) Herman Muller 17 June 1899 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁵².  He was born January 1860 in Germany, and died Unknown.

Notes for Christiana Dame:

Christina is listed in the US Census of 1860 as living with her family, aged 3/12 year.  Her place of birth is listed as Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts.

Christina, aged 15 and her sister Caroline appear on the manifest of the ship Oder that arrived in New York on 19 October 1874 from Bremen and Southampton England

Christina, aged 40 is listed in the 1900 Census living at Elliott Street in Boston  with her second husband Herman Muller, baker, aged 40, and sons Chester, aged 18 and Christopher, aged 10.  She indicates she was born in July 1860⁵³.

Notes for Peter Larson Walgreen:

Peter arrived in Boston with his father Otto on 14 November 1877 aboard the  Steamship Arcadia, probably part of the Ship's crew.  Peter's occupation was listed on the birth record of his son Chester as "rigger".

The US Census for 1920 shows Peter L. Walgrean, boarding at Blackstone Street, aged 69.  He indicates he was born in Massachusetts, his father born in Holland, his mother in Ireland.  He works in the hospitality industry, probably a hotel⁵⁴.

Children of Christiana Dame and Peter Walgreen are:

More About Eva Caroline Walgreen:

Burial: Garden Cemetery, Chelsea, Suffolk County Massachusetts

Notes for Christopher Charles John Lawrence Walgreen:

Christopher appears in the 1910 US Census as an inmate at the Middlesex County Reformatory⁵⁶.

Notes for Robert Charles Walgreen:

Robert is not listed in the 1900 US census with his mother.

      21.  Henry³ Dame (Michael² Damm, John¹) was born 21 February 1865 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁵⁹, and died Unknown.  He married Lena --- 1885 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁶⁰.  She died Unknown.

Notes for Henry Dame:

Henry appears in the 1900 US Census living on Paris Street in East Boston Ward 1, aged 35, with wife Lena, aged 34 and children Clara, aged 14 and Louisa, aged 10.  Henry indicates his father was born in Massachusetts and his mother was born in Germany.

More About Henry Dame:

Census: 1900, Roll 676, p5a

Children of Henry Dame and Lena --- are:

      24.  Peter³ Dame (Michael² Damm, John¹)⁶² was born April 1880, and died Unknown.  He married Eva Parker 15 December 1902 in Rutland, Worcester County Massachusetts⁶³, daughter of Charles Parker and Helen Lowe.  She was born 1883⁶⁴, and died 1983 in Worcester Massachusetts⁶⁴.

Notes for Peter Dame:

Peter moved to Worcester Massachusetts according to Dorothy Dame Rogers. He is also mentioned by Lillian Dame Welch in her personal notes.

Peter appears in the US Census of 1880 living with his mother Margaret, widow⁶⁵.

He appears in the 1900 Census living in Hubbardston, Worcester County Massachusetts, aged 20 boarding.

The 1910 census lists Peter living in Rutland, Worcester County Massachusetts, aged 29 with wife Eva G, aged 27 and children Raymond P aged 6, Walter H aged 4 and Reginald, aged 3.

The 1920 US Census lists Peter living in Rutland, aged 39, with wife Eva G aged 36 and children Raymond aged 16, Walter aged 14 and Reginald aged 13.  Peter indicates his father was born in Mass and his mother was born in Germany.

Peter's marriage record indicates his parents are Mitchell Dame and Margaret Allston from Boston.

Children of Peter Dame and Eva Parker are:

Generation No. 4

      44.  John William Fredrick⁴ Dame (Christopher³, Michael² Damm, John¹) was born 04 March 1882 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁶⁷, and died of Nephritus 1914 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts.  He married Bertha Lottie Laforet 31 August 1910 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁶⁸, daughter of John Laforet and Anna Saam.  She was born 22 October 1885 in Waltham, Middlesex County Massachusetts⁶⁹, and died June 1963⁶⁹.

Notes for John William Fredrick Dame:

The Census for 1900 has John's date of birth as March of 1881. 

Notes for Bertha Lottie Laforet:

Bertha appears in the 1920 US Census living on 451 Saratoga Street, widow, with daughter Dorothy, aged 8 and daughter Lillian, aged 5.  Also living with them is Anna Laferette, Bertha's mother, age 71, widowed⁷⁰.

Children of John Dame and Bertha Laforet are:

      48.  Gertrude⁴ Dame (Christopher³, Michael² Damm, John¹) was born January 1888 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts, and died 17 September 1914 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts.  She married (2) Joseph Haskins 07 July 1911 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁷², son of Alexander Haskins and Mary Nickerson.  He was born 11 July 1884 in Nova Scotia⁷², and died Unknown.

More About Gertrude Dame:

Nickname: Gerty

Notes for Joseph Haskins:

Joseph registered for the draft on 12 September 1918.  He indicates he was born 11 July 1885, lived at 306 Maverick Street in East Boston, and had a wife Amelia.  He was of medium height and build, had grey eyes and brown hair.  He was an alien.

Child of Gertrude Dame is:

Children of Gertrude Dame and Joseph Haskins are:

      @50.  William Michael⁴ Dame (Christopher³, Michael² Damm, John¹) was born 06 July 1891 in East Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁷³, and died 15 December 1965 in East Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁷⁴.  He married Hedvig Margarethe Bjerring Osmo 01 October 1918 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁷⁵, daughter of Johannes Johnsen and Elen Ohlsen.  She was born 17 July 1895 in Osmo, Hemnes Nordland Norway⁷⁶, and died 07 February 1985 in Stoneham, Middlesex County Massachusetts⁷⁷.

Notes for William Michael Dame:

William Dame is one of the earliest family members that I can personally remember.  By that time he was estranged from his wife Hedvig.  He lived in a boarding house in Maverick Square, East Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts, and seldom visited us except at Easter or Christmas.

William is listed in the 1900 Census as being born in July of 1890, a date that is incorrect⁷⁸.

William, his wife Margaret and his daughter Anna are listed in the US Census of 1920 living at 121 Green Street Jamaica Plain.

More About William Michael Dame:

Burial: Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett, Middlesex County Massachusetts

More About Hedvig Margarethe Bjerring Osmo:

Children of William Dame and Hedvig Osmo are:

      51.  Emma Louisa⁴ Dame (Christopher³, Michael² Damm, John¹) was born 25 April 1894 in East Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁸⁰, and died March 1984 in Everett, Middlesex County Massachusetts⁸¹.  She married John James Nuskey 08 June 1914 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁸².  He was born 04 March 1876 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁸², and drowned 09 September 1940 in Boston, Suffolk County Massachusetts⁸⁴.

More About Emma Louisa Dame:

Residence: Everett, Massachusetts

Notes for John James Nuskey:

Jack &qu