Leopold or Leo Snr. as he is more commonly referred to, was born July 1844 in Baden, Germany. As a 5 year old he arrived in the U.S. along with his family on 16th June 1851. (This needs to be confirmed).

Up until at least 1865 he was living at home, somewhere in Syracuse. We are not sure exactly where as the census didn't think it necessary to record an accurate address or even an occupation. More than likely it was on Mary Street.

By 1870 we know he was married and had left home. He was working as a moulder and he and his wife Rachel (Regina) Baumann had a 1 year old daughter Elizabeth, "Libby".

By 1875 though Regina had died after giving birth to 2 other children, Leo and Mary. The 1875 census shows Leopold and his three children living with his father Roman and shown as a widower. Again they didn't consider it necessary to include a specific address.

Leopold worked as a moulder, apart that is from the 1875 census and one street directory that describes him as a silver plater, which is either probably a mistake or two different descriptions for the same job. The 1880 census shows him married to Adie (?) and their two children had been born though what their names were is slightly confused. Some reports say Christian or Christove .. we'll settle for Christopher and Linford or Linfort which must have been Leonard.

By 1892 Adie must have died because the census shows Leopold as widowed again. By that time we know from City Directories that he was living at 132 Mary Street, Syracuse, which was probably the house he occupied after getting married the first time. It was opposite a penitentiary now demolished and replaced with a block of apartments.
The house on Mary Street became the "family home" until his death.

QUESTIONS NEEDING ANSWERS:-

New York State's pathetic record of providing comprehensive and accurate vital records leaves the following questions unanswered;