When Peter Steffen came to America in 1841 with his children from his second marriage and the families of two of his sons Peter 1811 and Mathias 1814, only two living sons from his first marriage to Margaretha Weber remained in Germany. His first son, Michael died as an infant – 5 days old.

His second son, Johann Peter *29.06.1807 was married in Hausbach on 26.01.1832 to Maria Gasper *03.09.1809. Their first two sons, both named Peter died in Germany. The first died on 17.11.1832, just 14 days old. The second Peter died 18.01.1837 at the age of four. Their fifth child, Stephan died 02.06.1842 at the age of three months.

John Peter Steffen and his wife Maria Gasper along with their three surviving children came to America in 1846.

Susanna was born 06.05.1836
Johann was born 22.11.1838
Michael was born 24.02.1844


John Peter Steffen died July 22, 1886 and Maria Gasper Steffen died March 2, 1864. Both of these Steffen immigrants are buried at St. Joseph’s Cemetery at Camp Springs.

The remaining son of Peter Steffen from his first marriage, Wilhelm Steffen born 23.06.1809 is my maternal Great Great Grandfather. He married Angela Dillschneider in Losheim 25/29 05 1832. Angela Dillschneider was born 21.07.1810. Angela, was the eighth child of Paul Dillschneider *09.07.1770 and his wife Maria Lauer *03.03.1794.

Wilhelm Steffen and his wife Angela Dillschneider Steffen brought their family to America in 1852. The Losheim family book records them leaving their home in Germany on 01.09.1852 “mit Familie”.

a) Peter *13.04.1833
b) Anna *07.05.1835
c) Angela *28.09.1836
d) Katharina *29.11.1838
e) Johann *08.12.1840
f ) Anna Maria *17.03.1843
g) Nikolaus *14.11.1845
h) Susanna *06.05.1849
I ) Barbara *24.05.1852


Wilhelm was listed as an “Ackerer” or farmer when they left Losheim.

They arrived 29 October 1852 in New York on the ship Peter Hattrick which sailed from Antwerp. They arrived in America about 2 months after they left their home in Germany.

It is interesting to note that when arriving in New York the occupation of Wilhelm, his wife and their 4 oldest children are listed as Shoe makers while the remaining 4 children are listed as a child.

On or about Thanksgiving Day in 1852 the Peter Steffen family was once again together after almost eleven years. Can you just visualize the happiness of the reunion of all the Steffen family? Peter Steffen was to meet some of his grandchildren who were born after he left Germany in 1841. Peter was 70 years old when his family was once again together here in Kentucky. Yes it is only fitting that Peter Steffen should be recognized as the German father of the many Steffen families here in Campbell County Kentucky.