Evergreen Cemetery, in the Alexandria community of Campbell County, Kentucky, near Newport, is beautiful but hilly!  I’m sure you realize I use that same word to describe almost every cemetery we visit!  But they are all beautiful in their own individual way!

This is the dramatic gravestone for the Enslen family.   Peter Johann Enslen was born in Saxony, Germany, and came to the United States, sailing on the Excellent from Havre on or about the 15th day of April, 1854, according to his passport application from 1896.  He was naturalized as a citizen November 6, 1861.  His description on his passport application lists him as 60 years of age, 5′ 10″, with a high forehead, brown eyes, straight nose, small mouth, full beard, gray hair, fair complexion.  It does not list the reason for receiving a passport – perhaps to visit family?  Peter’s wife, Victoria was traveling with him.

In the 1880 census of Campbell County Peter is listed as 40, a butcher, born in Saxony.  His wife, Victoria Apollonia Huber, is 36, born in Baden.  The following children were born in Kentucky:  Charles, 18, butcher; Peter, 14; Kate, 13; Victoria, 12; Louisa, 10; Anna, 7; Fred, 4; Edward, 4/12, born in February.  In the 1900 and 1910 census it lists Peter and Victoria as being married 36 and 47 years, respectively.  It also lists Victoria as giving birth to 17 children, 8 still living.  I thought perhaps this must have been a mistake, but it is clearly written in both 1900 and 1910.  What a great sorrow to lose so many children!

Peter Enslen, Geb. 14 Juni, 1836, Gest. 18 Dec. 1915.  Victoria Enslen, Geb. 27 Oct. 1843, Gest. 1 May 1924

Notice the unbroken chain – a symbol of faithfulness.  Within the links of the chain are the letters A P A.  Does anyone know what the initials mean?  German was used for ‘born’ and ‘died’.  I’m sure it was spoken in the family home, but, predictably, English became the language of use with future generations.

Peter, Jr., 1865-1916, and his wife, Mary, 1868-1932.

In the 1890 Directory for Newport, Peter’s business is listed at 324 W. 11th Street, Newport, daily meat market, dealer in fresh and smoked meats, pure family lard, etc.  His residence was on Licking Pike, Finchtown.

Such is the story of a German immigrant from the middle of the 19th century, who worked hard, raised his family and lived 61 years in his adopted homeland until his death in 1915.