My grandfather was Bernhardt Wilhelm Erk. He was baptized in a Lutheran Church in Waterbury, Ct. and I have a copy of the record written in German. He was the son of Elias Adam and Margaret (Bryan) Erk [bapt record lists mother as Margaretha nee Pryn]. Bernhardt's great grandfather is noted as Casper, still in Germany. Elias was born in Germany and came to this country as a small boy, with his parents and siblings. Family history says they were from Germany, territory of Alsace Lorraine. Some records show Saxony. His wife was from Ireland. Elias's parents were Bernhardt and Elizabeth (Fischer/Fisher) Erk. Again, from the same place. There are stories about Erk/Fischer gatherings every year.
I am willing to share info with anyone. I have the Erk's immigration data, vital records, and burial data.
Bernhardt was called Benjamin in his youth and later Ben. His official records, barring high school circa 1917, list him as Bernhardt. High School records-some show Benjamin. I am sure it is the same person. ID photo and papers came down through the family. Ben, eldest, had a brother Edward Christopher-known as Eddie in his youth and later Christy. Younger sister was Ruth who married Herbert Carlquist.
I have list of Bernhardt, immigrants children.
My grandfather, Ben, had a cousin George Otto Erk of Waterbury, Ct. Elias was very close to a cousin Theodore Fischer.