Ernest Pressel, 1916-1938 and undated

The Pressel family papers consists of correspondence, postcards, and legal documents created by four members of the Pressel family. The Paul Pressel papers (1890-1905) contains Paul Pressel’s naturalization certificate and two documents relating to the purchase of land in Moline, Illinois. The Harry Pressel papers (1917-1963) consists of one postcard from Ernest Pressel to Harry Pressel, and a series of letters between Harry Pressel and his nephew, Adolf Behnecke. The letters between Pressel and Behnecke relate to Behnecke’s application for U.S. citizenship. Although the two had become estranged when Pressel insulted Behnecke by implying that he was a Nazi, Behnecke requested that his uncle act as his sponsor and submit an affidavit. Pressel, however, refused to sponsor him. Also included are letters from the United States government to Harry Pressel relating to Ernest Pressel, including the notice of Ernest Pressel’s death and burial. The Ernest Pressel papers (1916-1938 and undated) primarily includes biographical information, newspaper clippings, obituaries, membership cards, and certificates. Also included is correspondence between Ernest Pressel and his mother and brother, Harry. Letters mainly discuss life in the military camps. The Jane Kaminski papers (1917-1967) contains Kaminski’s birth certificate, baptism certificate, teaching certificate, and a booklet announcing the death of James B. Kaminski, Jr.