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Pressel family papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 322

Scope and Contents

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.

Dates

  • Creation: 1890-1967 and undated

Creator

Language of Materials

English and German

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from Augustana College Special Collections and the copyright holder.

Historical Note

Paul Pressel was born in Germany. He later moved to Moline, Illinois, and became a citizen of the United States in 1890. He and his wife had two sons, Harry and Ernest.

Harry Pressel was born in Moline, Illinois, 18 March 1888. He worked at the John Deere Plow Company. He married Hannah O. Norling, and the couple had one child, Jane Louise Pressel. Harry Pressel died in Moline in October 1970 at the age of 82.

Ernest Pressel was born in Moline, Illinois, in 1893. He worked as a clerk at John Deere Plow Company before entering the military. Ernest was a member of the Elks of Moline, Lodge 556. He began his World War I military service at Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa, 19 September 1917. Ernest was stationed for a brief time at Camp Pike in Little Rock, Arkansas, before heading off to war. On 4 July 1918 Ernest departed Halifax, Nova Scotia for France. He served in Company D, 39th Infantry. Ernest Pressel was killed in action on 26 September 1918 in France.

Jane Louise (Pressel) Kaminski was born on 3 August 1917. As an adult, she worked as a teacher. She was married to Leonard Kaminski. Jane Kaminski died 25 April 1990 at the age of 72.

Extent

0.2 Cubic Feet (/ 1 box)

Abstract

Paul Pressel was born in Germany. He later moved to Moline, Illinois, and became a citizen of the United States in 1890. He and his wife had two sons, Harry and Ernest. The Pressel family papers, 1890-1967 and undated, contains correspondence, postcards, and legal documents created by four members of the Pressel family: Paul Pressel, Harry Pressel, Ernest Pressel, and Jane Pressel Kaminski.

Arrangement

Chronological.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Received from Leonard Kaminski, August 1992.

Processing Information

Processed by Herb Morgan, 2003. Revised by Emily Hughes Dominick, 2006, Helen Reinold, 2010, and Atticus Garrison October 2015.

Title
Pressel family papers, 1890-1967 and undated.
Status
Completed
Author
Atticus Garrison
Date
October 2015
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Augustana College Special Collections Repository

Contact:
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Thomas Tredway Library
Rock Island Illinois 61201 United States