Re: Rahn & Feltman (Felderman)

Posted By: Richard Martin
Date: 17 January 2003

In Response To: Rahn & Feltman (Felderman) (Judith LADNER)

The Rahn family of Darke Co. OH is my family line. There is no connection to any Jewish line that I know of unless you could proved it before the 30 years war in Europe or the early 1600s. They were part of the Protestant Palatine Germans who immigrated to PA. From baptismal and marriage records the family was Lutheran in 1716 see the Church records in Hassloch Germany. In 1752 the Rahns came to America. They were members of the Schwartzwald Reformed Church in Berks Co. PA. The family later moved to Adams Co, PA. The family was a leader in the Christ Reformed Church in Littlestown, PA. Many are buried in the church yard and some more recent Rahn descendants are to be found there. In Darke Co. my family were members of the Germany Reformed Church and later the Christ Church in Ansonia.

My Great aunt Aleria Rahn married John Henry Feltman. They were married by the Rev. G.B. Garner on 18 Oct. 1893. In the published county histories his father was William Felderman a native of Hamburg Germany. He came to Ohio as a young man changing his name to Feltman as the Engish spelling. He did not died after retuning from the Civil War but died shortly after being draft into service of pneumonia at Camp Chase. (This is Columbus, OH) This was an induction camp on the west side of Columbus and later a POW camp for Rebel Soldiers. He was 54 his wife died six week later she was 49. Both were German Lutherans. They had six children from an account published in 1914. William was living in Darke Co., OH Amelia was deceased she had been the wife of Daniel Thompson, Fred resides in Springfield, IL, Mary is unmarried, Lena L. married a Mr. Leeleg who now resides in San Francisco, CA and John Henry is of Darke Co., OH.

John Henry is listed as a Republican except for the election of William McKinley. He belonged to the Ansonia Lodge No 605 I.O.O.F. Both him and his wife become member of the Christian Church in Brown Township. My GG Grandfather was the first Deacon of this Church.

There are Feltmans living in the county today (just use the phone book) who you can check with but the Jewish connection for any of them I believe is without proof.

As to Rubin Rahn, I think you are referring to my Great Uncle Charles Ruby Rahn. He was known locally as Rub or sometimes Rubin. He did have a faith conversion when he married Mary Irwin a Catholic. He converted from the Christ Church and became a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenville 1917.

If it is of interest to you I would recommend you consult the History of Darke Co, OH by Frazer Wilson, pub 1914 pgs. 160 to 163. You will even find a picture of John Henry if you don’t have one.

Your cousin

Messages In This Thread

Rahn & Feltman (Felderman) -- Judith LADNER -- 5 August 2001

Re: Rahn & Feltman (Felderman) -- Richard Martin -- 17 January 2003

Re: Rahn & Feltman (Felderman) -- Judith Ladner -- 18 January 2003

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