Michael Von Hausen

Michael Von Hausen's tombstone at Oakland Cemetery has fallen down, and is split in two locations. (Click on the image for a larger view.) A wreath adorns the top of his stone, and a banner with an inscription is found at the bottom of the stone, though the inscription is not legible after so many years of weathering. Michael Von Hausen was born in Germany on November 10, 1818, and he died in Sandusky, Ohio on August 4, 1852.

In the 1850 Census Records for Erie County, available at Family Search Labs, Michael's last name is listed as Fonhausen. His family unit is made up of:



Michael, a grocer, age 40 or 46
Sophia, age 40 (other sources list her name is Sabina or Sabrina)
George, age 17
Elizabeth, age 13
Rachel, age 5
and
Jacob, infant

All the family members were born in Germany, except for Rachel and Jacob, who were born in Ohio. In 1860, a Sabina Von Hausen appears in the Erie County Census. She gives her occupation as running a Boarding House. George, Rachel and Jacob are still living with her.

Michael Von Hausen's family must have been sad to have the head of their household leave this earth at such a young age. The shape of his tombstone gives the appearance of a doorway decorated with a wreath, reminiscent of a doorway to a home welcoming loved ones in to visit.