"SHEDENHELMS" IN AMERICA

      I am anxious to begin a comprehensive study of the "Shedenhelm" family in America, knowing full well that it began with my direct ancestor, Frederick Schittenhelm, who emigrated from Aach, Germany in 1766. However, I would love to have your partnership because there are a lot of Shedenhelm's in America... by several different surnames!
      I searched the 1800 US census and found 2 "Shedenhelm"- Frederick Shettenhelm (whom we know as Schittenhelm) and Jacob Shettenhelm, both living in Liberty, Maryland.
      By 1840, our census listed the following family members: John Shitenhelm of Washtenaw, MI., Grafton Shetenhelm of Seneca, OH. (whom we've always considered "Shedenhelm"), Thomas Sheetenhelm of Frederick, MD., Levi Shedenhelm (Grafton's son), George Shedenhelm/ Schidenhelm (Grafton's father), and Reuben Sheetenhelm of New Market, MD. At this point in time, it's beginning to look like the family who stayed in Maryland have settled on the surname, "Sheetenhelm," whereas the predominant surname among our Michigan branch is "Shetenhelm."
      By 1860, the census listed 51 people with our surname, including Ludwig, John, and Jacob Schutenhelm of St. Louis, Lissy Schutenhelm of Hanilton, OH, Sophia Schuettenhelm of Washtenaw, MI; Fred, Jacob, and Jaobina Schittenhelm of Hamilton, OH., Matilda Shedenhelm of Pleasant Township, OH., Elizer, Reuben, and James Shedenhelm of Hartford Township, IA, and Mary Sheitenhelm of Indiana.
      In 1870, the following family names, among others, appear: Elizabeth Shettenhelm of Ohio; , Theodore, John, Fred, Simond, and Edmund Schettenhelm of PA; Frederick Schittenhelm of PA; George, Orpha, Emil, and Minerva Shetenkelm of OH; Denia Scheittenhelan of NY; Martin and Josephine Schatenhellien of OH; Oscar, John N., Susanna, Mary E., William T Shedenhelm of IA; Auther and Anna Sheetenhelm of MD; Louis, John, Margaretta, Charles, and Christian Scheidenhelm of IL; and William Schuttenhelm of NY..
      As the 19th century unfolded, surnames became fixed- even sacred- but until then, census takers, employers, church administrators, and bill collectors spelled them as they thought they heard them.
      I will do my best to work on this porject in the months ahead, but if you have any stories, photos, or names, please share them with me at RevKen104@gmail.com. Thanks.  PS. Even a cursory Internet search will reveal what important work our ancestors (ie. Schittenhelm/Schuttenhelm) are still doing in Germany!