Granpa Sauer immigrated to the United States on a tramp steamer at age 16. Little is known of his family history. He told family members, years later, that he left his family to escape conscription by the Kaiser, and to seek a better life. It is hard to imagine the obstacles faced by a young boy arriving in strang land, with little or no money, no family, and unable to speak the language. Grandma Sauer, Maude Amelia Hanneman, had six brothers and sisters. They were: Anna (Kohler), Louise (Marther), Ernie, Fred, Herman, and Spence. They grew up on a farm in Columbiaville, Michigan. The family often spoke German at home and with neighbors. Grandma Sauer's mother was known as "Grandma Honey" because of her loving disposition. Grandma Sauer's father was Charlie Hanneman. No more is know of him.