Bussmann Family

Friedrich Ludwig (Ludwich) Carstensten, son of Paul Carstensen, (1818-1865) and Magdalene Brigitta Brodersen, (1823-1908), both of Bredstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Friedrich was born in Bordelum, according to family records. He later moved to Buttjebull, in 1872. He married Laura Ingwersen, 22 April 1881, in Bordelum, Nordfriesland, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

In 1901, they sent sons, Johann (John) age 15, and Paul age 18 to America, to join their uncle Christian Ingwersen in Chicago. Their third son, Joachim Frederick Carstensen, also known as Joe, arrived in America in 1902 and farmed with his two brothers in Delmar, Iowa, according to family records. Their daughter, Auguste, born January 26, 1890, in Germany, immigrated to America in 1909 on the Pennsylvania with the destination of Chicago, Illinois.

On 23 Feb 1911, Friedrich, himself, emigrated from Hamburg, Germany, as noted in Hamburg Passenger lists (1850-1954), written in German. He immigrated to America on President Grant arriving in New York, New York, as listed on New York passenger lists. Daughter Margarethe (Meta), born 10 May 1898, immigrated to America in 1921. She was 23 years old at the time, listing her residence as Flensburg, Germany.

The 1920 Federal Census shows Friedrich was living in the household of Julius H. Petersen in Otter Creek, Crawford, Iowa. He was a 64-year-old married man, working as a farm hand. The record showed he immigrated in 1911, alien, not naturalized.

The 1930 Federal Census shows Friedrich was living as a boarder in Denison, Crawford County, Iowa. He was 76 years old, unemployed. He indicated that he first immigrated to America in 1899. Apparently, he did not stay, returning to Germany, wherein he and his wife later sent their children to America. He could read and write in his native language, which was German but did not speak English. He was still listed as alien, not naturalized. He died 1 July 1934, in Crawford County, Iowa. He was buried in the County Home Cemetery, per a death record, also referred to as the Poor Farm Cemetery.

Records indicated he was a widow at the time of his death, but his wife, Laura, who remained in Germany, died 15 November 1934, just four months after his death. Her death record indicates that she was a widow at the time of her death. The death record which indicated he was a widow at the time of his death was incorrect, as his wife was still alive.

The life of Friederich Ludwig Carstensen and wife Laura was one of dedication to their children. They worked hard to get their children to America for a better life. This was a labor of love and great sacrifice.