Milly’s family

The Dortzbach family

Milly’s father Peter, his parents and his siblings: family stories from Schleswig to America.

Meet the family

Jen Peter Dortzbach

July 8, 1863 – May 23, 1942

Milly’s father, a tanner and shoemaker whose own recollections carry the family’s story from Schleswig to Wisconsin, Colorado and Washington.

George Frederick Dortzbach

Born January 8, 1828

Peter’s father and Milly’s paternal grandfather, remembered for skilled work and persistence through repeated setbacks.

Kjesten Schmidt

September 11, 1818 – 1899

Peter’s mother and Milly’s paternal grandmother, from a Danish family of craftspeople, teachers and clergy.

Ane Katherine Dortzbach

1854 – 1930

Peter’s eldest sister, who devoted much of her life to service as a Lutheran deaconess.

Paul George Dortzbach

November 10, 1861 – 1926

Peter’s older brother, a cabinetmaker whose family’s story connects Schleswig and the United States.

Peter and Ida’s children

Milly Dortzbach Hilpert · Annie Hulda Helen Dortzbach · George Karl Dortzbach · Carl George Dortzbach

Explore the other branch: Falkenrath family.