Last updated 5 Aug 2021

Herman Otto Lahner was born in 1880 in Konigsburg, Germany (today Russia). He served in the German military before immigrating to Chicago in 1906 at the age of 26. 

Herman worked at Olson Rug company and during the depression instead of laying off its employees the company kept them on to build a waterfall on the grounds. It was beautiful and my mother went to visit it on many occasions. He raised pigeons (!) and made bootleg gin in their bathtub during Prohibition!

Katie Zaal was born in 1892 in Bega St. George, Hungary. Her mother died when she was 9 years old, her father when she was 23. She came to America shortly thereafter working as a servant in a wealthy home in Chicago. 

Katie's parents were Anton Zaal and Eddie Lutsch. Hopefully with continued DNA advancements we can fill in more of this family line in the future as they likely have deep roots in Hungary.