So, no sooner do I complete my recent post with the fact that I could not find any information regarding the whereabouts of John Sauer’s brother Johann Philipp than Murphy’s law kicks in. Not too long ago I was just doing some random searches on FamilySearch when I came across a Philadelphia death certificate for a John Phillip Sauer. He died on January 8, 1894 from Tuberculosis.
How am I assuming this is my GG grandfather’s brother. First, there are very few, if any, John or John Phillip Sauer’s living in Philadelphia at the end of the 19th century. Secondly, he is noted as born in Germany about 1858 on his death certificate. This would make him younger than his older brothers by 6 and 10 years. This correlates to the family stories that have been passed down. But most importantly, is the testament of John William’s stepmother Henriette Sauer, that was drawn up August 6, 1883. In it, she lists the names, locations, and occupations of her 5 stepchildren. It is noted that Johann Philipp is a waiter living in Philadelphia at the time. The occupation on the death certificate….waiter.
Further research indicates that Johann Philipp was married at the time of his death and further research of census information, etc. shows that Dora Holder in 1888 and had 2 children. They were John Philipp (born 1891) and Annie (born 1893). John died in Atlantic City in 1979 at 88 years of age. He married Sarah Heller in 1928. Presumably, they had children…so the Sauer line may yet be thriving in the United States.