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Tatge Family History - The Benson, Minnesota Branch

German Origins

As far as we can tell, all the Tatges in the United States (and possibly all the Tatges on the planet) trace their origins back to Reipen, Germany. Here's a picture of the old Tatge house in Reipen (taken by Dave Tatge) and here's a closeup of the inscription over the door. For more about the Reipen connection, check out Dave Tatge's family history.

From Germany to Benson, Minnesota - line of descent

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Philip Tatge (b. late 1700's) in Germany. Philip and his brother (not sure of name?) swam the Saar River between Germany and France because they didn't want to be drafted into the German (Prussian?) army. Ironically enough, once in France they were drafted into Napoleon's army instead! Philip became a member of Napoleon's bodyguard because he was tall. Later he went back to Germany, probably to Reipen. Apparently nobody back home held a grudge about the Napoleon thing.
Christopher Tatge (b. about 1815, Germany), accompanied by at least one brother, emigrated to the United States about 1850. Eventually ended up in Eagan County, Iowa. From there the family moved up into Minnesota (possibly in the next generation). This might well be the same person as the Johann Heinrich Christopher Tatge cited in Dave Tatge's history, but Christopher was a popular name in this family so we don't know for sure.
John W. Tatge (b.1859?) - brothers include William and George. This may have been the Tatge that moved to Benson, Minnesota and established the family farm there.
Louis Christopher Tatge (4/1889-11/1968). Married to Florence Gleason (5/1892-2/1960). Farmed in Benson his whole life. Donated land for Tatge Park to the town of Benson. Children: John, Knute, Phyllis, Orville, Arlene and Clifford.
Orville LaMoine Tatge (b.7/9/1919) married to Mary Mathilda Strom (b.2/10/1919). Children: Richard, Sylvia, Chuck, Doug, Paul, Marlene, Lyle.

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Site Last Updated - February 16, 2003
By Sharon Kahn