While researching Vanderhoofs who relocated from New Jersey to Wisconsin, I encountered a sad case.
Sheri Lee Keller was murdered in 1980 when she was 17 years old. She was kidnapped while hitchhiking and then run over when she escaped. She died six weeks after this assault.
 |
| Newspaper article announcing the death of Sheri Keller, 1980 in Wisconsin |
 |
| Newspaper article announcing the not guilty verdict in the murder trial |
In the 1850s some of the Morris County, New Jersey families relocated to Wisconsin. A few years earlier, in 1848, Wisconsin had become the 30th state.
 |
| Map of the United States of America early 1850s Designated places: Morris County, New Jersey and Sheboygan County, Wisconsin |
At this time, I do not know why some Vanderhoofs made this trek. Modern-day roads offer this route at about one thousand miles. Traveling from New Jersey to Wisconsin in the 1850s must have been treacherous.
Twisted Lines
Sheri was a 5th cousin and a 6th cousin to my father. The common ancestors were Jacob Vanderhoof (1772-1847) and Ann Hopler (1772-1841), as well as Ann's parents, Conrad Hopler (1730-1815) and Elizabeth DeMouth (1735-1812).
Sheri's great great grandparents were second cousins to each other. Conrad and Elizabeth had two daughters, Ann and Susan (1783-1863). Ann's grandson Peter (1827-1910) married Susan's granddaughter Susannah Shauger (1836-1913).
These relationships are confusing to spell out. Below is a diagram that should demonstrate the marriages and children.
 |
| Family tree Ancestors of Sheri and writer's father: Hopler, DeMouth, Vanderhoof |
