I am searching for information regarding my Grandfather, Walter A. Kohler, DOB 4/29/1900, born in Apolda, Thurginen, Germany according to the Petition for citizenship documents. I have all the information from when he entered the US, but am unable to find any records about his life in Germany. According the passengers list when he traveled to the US his fathers name was Hermann Koehler. I was later able to confirm the fathers name as Herman Kohler on the marriage license that I found from the US Dutch Reformed Church in Manhattan, NY. His mother was listed as Alma Wolf. Not sure if that she was his biological mother as I have not been able to connect her to anyone in Germany. Of course there are many different spellings of the last name, but I also remember when I was like 18 years of age when I asked my grandfather what his mothers name was, it wasn't a short name. If Alma was his mother, that may only be part of her name.
After a few trips to the US my grandfather returned to US in 1928, married Irma Irene Else Nowastzy on April 5, 1930 and had one daughter, Eleanor Kohler, my mother, on December 1, 1932. Lived in the Bronx for several years before relocating to New Jersey. Walter also earned his own business, Central Tool & Die Works I believe it was in NY and he was a machinist. He only complete second level of education in Germany before coming to the US. He died in 1976 in the US.
I did find that he traveled back to Germany on September 11, 1948 to Frankfurt. Don't know why but that could be helpful. I also had some old pictures with the old German language on them which I had deciphered and he may have a brother named Max from 1925. However, not able to connect anything with that either. The picture look a little like my grandfather when he was younger.
I would really appreciate any assistance with this search as I would like more information on my Great Grandfather Hermann, my Great Grandmother Alma as well as any siblings my grandfather Walter may of had. I do believe he had a brother, but not sure Max Kohler of (Koehler) was his full name.
Unfortunately I do not have access to any world wide records.
Thank you in advance. Suzanne
