Hello,

Johann is my fourth great grandfather by way of his daughter, Bertha. I just completed extensive research on him, including translating letters that Johann and Adolf sent back to Germany from their trip west to San Francisco. I am writing a family history book, and just finished the chapter about the Widmanns.

How are you related?

Scott Rippe
New Glarus, WI

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Its a little unclear if Bertha and Johann Schwarz married in Heilbronn, or in Cincinnati/Covington. But Bertha remained in Covington most of her life, after Dr. schwarz died in 1864.

I did not know Eleanor personally. I have copies of all of her research, including the accounts of her 1999 trip to Heilbronn. Did you know her?

As for the marriage, Clara Schwarz (Bertha's daughter) maintained that Johann and Bertha married before coming to the US in 1849. I've found no marriage record.

Bertha never went to San Francisco. The rest of the Widmanns did, but Bertha stayed in Covington after marrying Pfaefflin.

Yes, Pfaefflin was Bertha's second husband. First husband was Dr. Johann Maxmillian Schwarz (1820-1864).

My line is Johann Jakob Widmann --> Bertha Widmann Schwrz --> Helena T. Schwarz Linn --> Constance Linn Rippe --> Charles Rippe, Jr. --> Thomas Rippe --> Scott Rippe (me).

There are a number of direct Widmann ancestors researching here in the States. I've located dozens of records in both San Francisco and Covington.

Johann died in San Francisco on August 22, 1876 (exactly 27 years after leaving Heilbronn).