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I am looking for any records of the above and his family:
Liesbeth Lehmann born ca. 1900-1905
son: Gerhardt Lehmann born ca. 1930.

The family lived in Berlin, Germany and went to the USA between 1920-1930. They returned to Germany just before WW II, but went back to the USA on the last passenger ship before war broke out.
Any information would be appreciated.

Where did they live in the US?

Rose

Hi Rose,

That is a bit of a problem - it might have been New Jersey. I have seen all these names on Ancestry but cannot access them to see if it is the correct family.


U.S. Naturalization Records Indexes, 1794-1995
or
Passenger Lists between 1920-1935 to the USA


Friedrich Albert Erwin Lehmann, born 1900 in Berlin, Germany

Liesbeth Lehman born ca. 1900 in Germany

Son: Gerhardt Lehmann , born ca. 1930 in Berlin, Germany
Possibly lived in New Jersey
Janet

There is a Liesbeth Lehmann travelling to Usa in 1923 aged 18

Have you looked on Ellis island?

Libby

Yes, I looked at Ellis Island but it did not come up with anything.
Janet

Social Security Death Index
about Friedrich Lehmann
Name: Friedrich Lehmann
SSN: 103-26-1824
Last Residence: 742 Europe
Born: 21 Nov 1899
Died: Jun 1967
State (Year) SSN issued: New

Rose

Thank you Rose. Unfortunately this is not who I am looking for. I saw Erwin (that is what he called himself) in 1968 in Berlin. I think he changed his name to Leaman ( I don`t know how he spelled it but it was pronounced as I have written it).

Is there anything on Gerhardt. He may still be alive. Note the unusual spelling with "dt" at the end.
Janet

PS:
Erwin`s date of birth was 25.5. 1900. I have a certificate for this.

Janet,

Anything else you remember? It would have helped to know he called himself Erwin and not Friedrich.

I've now found this:


Social Security Death Index
about Erwin Lehman
Name: Erwin Lehman
SSN: 145-03-3822
Last Residence: 08723 Brick, Ocean, New Jersey, United States of America
Born: 25 May 1900
Last Benefit: 08723 Brick, Ocean, New Jersey, United States of America
Died: Dec 1979
State (Year) SSN issued: New Jersey

Rose

Hi Rose,
Sorry about the name. I had forgotten that he called himself Erwin. The date of birth and place fit exactly, so it seems you have found the right person. I have been searching for nearly a year. Thank you so much. You are a genius!!

Is it possible to find anything on his family? (see above).
I cannot think of any more information at the moment. All I can offer is a photo (ha ha) which is not much help I`m afraid.
Janet

I think I've found Gerhardt in Virginia born 1929. Will PM his address and phone number.

Rose

New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957
about Erwin Lehman
Name: Erwin Lehman
Arrival Date: 4 Mar 1940
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1901
Age: 39
Gender: Male
Port of Departure: Genoa, Italy
Ship Name: George Washington
Search Ship Database: View the George Washington in the 'Passenger Ships and Images' database
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Line: 24
Microfilm Serial: T715
Microfilm Roll: T715_6448
Page Number: 11

Travelling with him: Gerhar Lehman 1930 born Irvington, and Elizabeth Lehman 1907.

Rose

1930 United States Federal Census
about Gerhardt Lehman
Name: Gerhardt Lehman
Home in 1930: Irvington, Essex, New Jersey
Age: 0
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1929
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Father's Name: Alwin
Mother's Name: Elizabeth
Household Members: Name Age
Alwin Lehman 30
Elizabeth Lehman 25
Gerhardt Lehman 5/12
Harry Schillwmeit 23

Rose

Hi again Rose,
Thanks for all the information. I don`t quite understand the 1930 census - there are so many errors in it. Can you send me an image of this?

The passenger list is probably correct. There is a story that Erwin returned to Berlin, but decided there was no future for him there and returned on the very last passenger boat to the USA before or shortly after WWII started. He must have gone to the USA before 1930 if his son Gerhardt was born there. Can you find him on a previous passenger list? This would then confirm all that you have collected.
I am quite excited now!

Janet,

If you send me your email address I will send you the image.

Rose