Brown Family Tree - Person Sheet
Brown Family Tree - Person Sheet
NameJohanna Katherine (Catherine) Bassenge , F
Birth Date18 Nov 1888
Birth PlaceAntwerp, Belgium
Death Date17 Mar 1974 Age: 85
Death PlacePhiladelphia, PA
MemoWyncote Church Home (Philadelphia area)
Burial PlacePomfret Manor Cemetery, Sunbury, PA
OccupationGoverness and language teacher in Germany
EducationSpoke French and English
ReligionLutheran
Country of birthBelgium
Cause of deathUnknown
FatherUNNAMED , M
Spouses
Birth Date4 Aug 1870
Birth PlaceCastle Friedland, (Bohemia) Germany
Death Date22 May 1939 Age: 68
Death PlaceSunbury, PA
MemoDied from a heart attack
Burial PlacePomfret Manor Cemetery, Sunbury, PA
Born PlaceGermany
Country of birthGermany
OccupationSilk pattern designer-Susquehanna Silk Mill, Sudbury, PA.
EducationHigh school in Friedland. Textire school and sketching.
ReligionBackground was a Roman Catholic, joined Zion Lutheran Church after he was married.
Cause of deathUnknown
FatherFriedrich (Friedrish) Neumann , M (1842-1902)
MotherMarie Richter , F
Marr Date23 Jul 1910
Marr PlaceCatasaugua, PA
ChildrenGeorge Robert , M (1918-1967)
 Frederick Harvey , M (1916-2007)
 Ellen Elizabeth , F (1911-1998)
Notes for Johanna Katherine (Catherine) Bassenge
Came to the US from Germany in the early 1900s to marry Hugo A. Neumann.

The 1920 United States Federal Census entry for Catherine J. Newmann provides a snapshot of her life in Allentown Ward 12, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. At age 30, Catherine was recorded as living on St. John Street with her husband, Hugo H. Newmann, and their three children: Ellen C., Harvey F., and George R. Born in Belgium around 1890, Catherine immigrated to the United States in 1896 and was naturalized by 1920. The census notes her ability to speak English, her native tongue being French, and her status as a married homemaker with no occupation listed.
This record is significant as it reflects the immigrant experience in early 20th-century America, illustrating the integration of European immigrants into American society. It highlights themes of migration, naturalization, and family life in the context of post-World War I America. The census serves as a vital tool for understanding demographic changes and the cultural landscape of the time.

The 1930 United States Federal Census entry for Johanna K Neumann, residing in West Beaver, Snyder, Pennsylvania, provides a snapshot of her life during this period. Born around 1889 in Belgium, Johanna was married to Hugo A Neumann and lived with their two sons, F Harvey and George. The record notes her role as a homemaker, her ability to read and write, and her capacity to speak English, aligning with the broader patterns of immigrant adaptation in the United States.
This census record highlights the demographic shifts in America during the early 20th century, with immigrants like Johanna contributing to the cultural fabric of communities. The presence of European roots is evident, as her parents were born in Germany, reflecting the interconnected histories of migration and settlement. The census serves as a valuable tool for understanding family dynamics and migration patterns during this era.

The 1940 United States Federal Census record for Johnanna Reismann provides a snapshot of her life at that time. At age 51, Johnanna was living in Sunbury, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, where she was the head of her household. She was recorded as a widowed, white female, and her birthplace was listed as "Ahtuarp Belgsion," which appears to be an error or misinterpretation of her actual birthplace. Her residence was a rented home valued at $2,500, located at 460 B Eiglta Street. The census also noted that she had not worked in 1939, had no income, and had completed up to the eighth grade of elementary school.
Johnanna's household included her son, George R. Reismann, who was 21 years old. The census data reflect the broader economic context of the Great Depression, where many Americans faced unemployment and financial instability. This record captures aspects of life in small-town Pennsylvania during a time of economic challenge, highlighting the impact of national events on local communities.
Notes for Hugo Alfred (Spouse 1)
Came to the US in September 1896. Became a US citizen on October 3, 1904. Traveled several times to the US from Europe before settling here. Spent approximately 1914-1916 in Panama on as “assignment”. According to relatives, they moved to Panama to escape the anti-German hate with accompanying violence that was prevalent after World War I. Arrived from Cristobal, Canal Zone to Ellis Island on November 4, 1915 on the Alliance, Passenger ID 103055030076. Last place of residence was Paterson, NJ.

Painted watercolors and sketched. He was an artist trained in the 19th century in Europe. Used a process known as “Gouache” (gwash) or a method of painting with opaque water colors prepared with gum. It was used in the late 1800’s and was like watercolors, but in layers.


Hugo A Neumann-Census Reports 1900-1930
 
Based on information from the 1900 United States Federal Census Hugo Neumann, a 29-year-old silk designer from Bohemia, found himself residing in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania in the year 1900. He lived on Front Street, specifically at house number 5. As a boarder in the household, he was one of many individuals who called this place home. Hugo's fellow boarders included Wm K Biery, a 56-year-old, and C O Fuller, a 41-year-old. Additionally, there were several others residing in the household, such as W H Bartholomew, the head of the house, along with his wife Mary E Bartholomew. The household also consisted of Wm Waddick Jr, Barney Malone, Frank Scholl, Lewis C Beers, Harry B Bartholomew, Linnie Bartholomew, Mamie Mertz, Minnie Berger, Julius Reichman, and Lamont B Bartholomew, who was the grandchild of the head of the house. Hugo Neumann, being a boarder, lived alongside a diverse group of individuals, each with their own stories and backgrounds. Despite being a boarder, Hugo seemed to have found a place within this bustling household, where he could pursue his occupation as a silk designer. With his ability to read, write, and speak English, Hugo was well-equipped to navigate his new surroundings. The details provided paint a picture of a vibrant household, filled with individuals from different walks of life. While we may not know the specific dynamics or interactions within this household, it is clear that Hugo Neumann, along with his fellow boarders, played a part in the tapestry of life on Front Street in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania in the year 1900.
 
Based on information from the 1910 United States Federal Census In 1910, Hugo Neumann, a 39-year-old single man from Germany, found himself living in Philadelphia Ward 31, Pennsylvania. He resided on Frankford Ave as a boarder in the household of John Eminger, along with several other individuals. Hugo had immigrated to the United States in 1905 and was employed as a weaver in a silk factory. Despite being an alien, he was able to read and write in English. Hugo's presence in the household was not the only interesting detail. The diverse group of individuals living with him included William Carmichael, Jacob Bezner, Thomas Carmichael, Adolph Myer, Clayton Smith, George Timber, Carrie Buckholz, Bruno Neumann, Susanna Seif, and Adolph Buckholz. The age range of the boarders varied from 21 to 35 years old, suggesting a mix of different backgrounds and experiences. The head of the household, John Eminger, was 36 years old and married to Pauline Ehinger, who was also 35 years old. They had two sons, Edward and John Ehinger, aged 9 and 6 respectively. The presence of children in the household adds a familial dynamic to the living arrangement. The fact that Hugo and the other boarders were living together in a shared space indicates a sense of camaraderie or a need for affordable housing. It is intriguing to imagine the interactions and relationships that may have developed among this diverse group of individuals. Were they friends, colleagues, or simply individuals seeking a place to live? Overall, this snapshot of Hugo Neumann's life in 1910 provides a glimpse into the multicultural fabric of Philadelphia at the time. It highlights the experiences of immigrants like Hugo, who sought opportunities in a new country, and the connections they formed with others in their shared living spaces.
 
Based on information from the 1920 United States Federal Census Hugo H Neumann, a 51-year-old white male, was born around 1869 in Bohemia. In 1896, he immigrated to the United States and settled in Allentown Ward 12, Lehigh, Pennsylvania. In 1920, he resided at 730 St John Street with his wife, Catherine J Neumann, and their three children. Hugo was the head of the household and worked as a superintendent in a silk mill, indicating a position of responsibility and expertise in the industry. His ability to speak English, read, and write suggests a level of education and integration into American society. Interestingly, both Hugo's father and mother were born in Belgium, indicating a European heritage. Despite this, Hugo's native tongue was German, suggesting a strong German cultural influence in his upbringing. The Neumann family rented their home, suggesting a level of stability but also a lack of property ownership. It is unclear when Hugo became naturalized, but his status as a naturalized citizen highlights his commitment to his new country. Living in close proximity to other individuals, as indicated by the presence of neighbors on the same page, suggests a sense of community and potentially shared experiences among the residents of St John Street. Overall, Hugo H Newmann's story reveals a hardworking immigrant who successfully integrated into American society, found employment in a specialized field, and established a family in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
 
Based on information from the 1930 United States Federal Census Hugo A Neumann, a 59-year-old white male, was the head of a household in West Beaver, Snyder, Pennsylvania, USA in 1930. He was born in Czechoslovakia around 1871 and was married to Johanna K Neumann, who was 41 years old at the time. They had two sons, F Harvey Neumann (13 years old) and George R Neumann (11 years old). Hugo owned their home on South Rail Road Street, which was valued at $3500. Although they did not have a radio set, they were able to speak English and were literate. Hugo had been employed as a designer in the silk mill industry, working as a wage or salary worker. Despite not attending school, Hugo had the ability to read and write. His father and mother were both born in Czechoslovakia. While Hugo's naturalization status was listed as "Un," indicating that he had not yet become a naturalized citizen, he seemed to have adapted well to his new home, being able to speak English fluently. The Neumann family lived in a household of four, and their neighbors can be viewed on the same page of the census. This snapshot of their lives provides a glimpse into the immigrant experience and the pursuit of a better life in America.
 
 

 
Last Modified 10 Mar 2026Created 25 Mar 2026 using Reunion for Macintosh
March 2026