NOTE: These three Clute brothers are the only instance I’ve found (so far) of emigrants from Allendorf continuing to use their farm surname instead of their hereditary surname. However, that was the common practice in many other parts of Westphalia.

But they must also have been close to the real Freiburg family, per a letter from Casper Freiburg of Quincy, Adams, Illinois to Hugo Freiburg’s father living in Allendorf, in 1920. Partial text of the letter, transcribed and sent in by Hugo:

“…In October, I visited a good friend of mine, he also has a car and we drove around every day. I had a good time with him. We also went to Dubuque, a big city, 365 miles from here. I was there already 15 years ago and wanted to see the old John Freiburg. But he was dead already (age 78). But his family lives and 35 miles from there is his brother Fritz [Frederick]. Was also dead (age 88), also left behind a nice family. Now, you must think, who are these Allendorfer? Do you remember Joseph Freiburg, he had only one leg and was not married. I believe those were neighbors of yours. They were 3 Brothers Johann, Fritz and Christopher, he died in St. Louis. I know all three of them very well. I don’t think that you know them, they left Allendorf very early.”

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Freiburg letter to Germany. Last revision: 11 Jan 2007

Allendorf to America: Erner and Related Families in America.

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