Hi Diane!

Thanks for your message. I haven't found any info or family connections on Wilhelmina Augusta Kasten prior to her marriage to Frank Hoffmeister. I have searched in both Illinois and Kansas trying to find any connection to her family and early life. A few things have come to light since my original post. She was a Native American from the Cherokee tribe. A photo that was found of Wilhemina supports this. I kind of doubt she was born in Germany but instead was "adopted" by a Kasten family in Illinois. The father's name listed on her death certificate was: Louis Kasten of Germany. At the time of her death on December 4, 1925 in Norton, Kansas she had 11 siblings living in Chicago; 8 brothers and 3 sisters. She's been a tricky one to figure out! If this information sounds familiar to you or someone else any clues would be greatly appreciated!! Good luck on your research as well! BJ.