Aunt Helen's first husband - COMPLETED

[aghadowey]

Helen Gertrude Wright born 10 June 1889 in Philadelphia (parents born Ireland) married first (1913) John Herman R___ (confusion over his surname will be explained below) who probably died around 1951 (they were divorced but Helen couldn't marry until he died- she married 13 Oct.1951 to Joseph Meyer).
Family notes I was given called him John Herman Roeloef but I could never find out anything about him. However, now Philadelphia marriages are on LDS Pilot site and when I search under Helen's name I got a marriage in 1913 to Roelofsma (close to the name I was orginally told).
1920 Census (LDS Pilot site) has in Philadelphia a John Rosloforma (age 41) born Holland (parents born Holland) with wife Helen (age 30) but she and her parents also born Holland. If this is Aunt Helen she should be born in Penn. and parents Ireland.
Checking Ancestry index has John Rosloforms with alternative Roeloforma.
WWI Draft registration card for a John Hermen Roelofsma in Philadelphia.

So, can anyone find John and Helen in 1920 census and also 1930 census (together or separately)?

[merjones]

US Naturalization Records - Pennsylvania November 14, 1916

John Herman Roelofsma, native of Holland, arrived in US November 1904

Address: 1619 So. Ithan Street, Philadelphia PA, born April 7, 1880, Einsurn, Holland

Married to Helen Gertrude age 27

[merjones]

This looks like a possiblity for John Herman Roelofsma and a 2nd wife?

1930 Camden, New Jersey

John H. Roelof, age 49 married at age 44, born Holland immigration year 1905
Margaret B. Roelof, age 30 married age 25, born Pennsylvania

[aghadowey]

Sounds like both are Helen's 1st husband. If 1930 is correct (and that's nearly the surname I was told) then John married again c1925. Thanks so much for finding both bits of information.

[Lisa in California]

If this helps (and you cannot view the image),
WWI Draft Registration Card, September 9, 1918
John Herman Roelofsma, 3312 Powelton? Philadelphia, PA.  Born April 7 1880, naturalized citizen.  Occupation: Steward, C Hampton (Traymore? Hotel), Traymore Ht, Atl, NJ?
(Could be the Traymore Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey)

It looks like his wife is mentioned, Helen W? Roelsofsma.

He was tall, medium build, brown eyes and brown hair.

He may have had a brother, named Kornelis.  (There is a draft card for a man with this name who lived in Philadelphia.  Almost the same physical description as John.)

[Lisa in California]

Looking at the 1920 image, near the bottom of page 2 is Cornelius? Baker, head, born Holland, Manager, Rooms.

On the top of page 3, are the Roeloformas.  They are listed as Roomer and Wife.  Perhaps Mr. Baker gave the census information and didn't know Helen's background?  Dates of immigration are "unknown".  John's occupation is Manager, Rooming House?.

Address:  3609 Locust Street
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It looks like merjones found your John in 1930.  On the image, it states his occupation as Steward, Hotel.

[aghadowey]

Thank you so much for the additional details- does look like these records are all for the same person. By 1930 he's listed in census as Roelof so perhaps at some point he merely shortened his surname.

[Lisa in California]

It's odd that (so far) Helen cannot be found in 1930. 

[aghadowey]

As far as I know, Helen should have been in Philadelphia. If John had remarried by 1930 wonder if Helen a) reverted to her maiden name (Wright) or Roelof is mis-transcribed or b) she moved out of Philadelphia area for a while.
I have the baby cards sent for 2 nephews in 1928 and 1932 but there's nothing from her (although other siblings sent letter and cards) which is strange.