Valentine L. Zehr, Jr.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
GRIDLEY (PNS) - Valentine L. Zehr, 85, died at 10:30 p.m. Sunday at Meadows Mennonite Home, where he lived three weeks. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Salem Evangelical Mennonite Church, the Rev. L.R. Amstutz officiating. Burial will be in Waldo Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 tonight at Froelich Memorial Home, Gridley, and from an hour before the service at the church. He was born Aug. 5, 1895, in Waldo Township, near Flanagan, a son of Valentine and Lizzie Stahly Zehr. He married Wilda Ulrich Dec. 25, 1919 in Waldo Township. She survives. Also surviving are two sons, Herbert, 2124 Pierce Avenue, Bloomington; and David, Glendale Heights; a daughter, Ellen Streid, Gridley; a brother, Stephen, and two sisters, Katie Ulrich and Lizzie Zehr, all at Meadows Mennonite Home; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A brother and three sisters preceded him in death. He was a member of Salem Evangelical Mennonite Church.

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Valentine married Wilda Ulrich on 25 Dec 1919 in Waldo, Livingston Co., IL. Wilda was born on 25 Aug 1899 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; died on 2 Dec 1987 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
GRIDLEY (PNS) - Valentine L. Zehr, 85, died at 10:30 p.m. Sunday at Meadows Mennonite Home, where he lived three weeks. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Salem Evangelical Mennonite Church, the Rev. L.R. Amstutz officiating. Burial will be in Waldo Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 tonight at Froelich Memorial Home, Gridley, and from an hour before the service at the church. He was born Aug. 5, 1895, in Waldo Township, near Flanagan, a son of Valentine and Lizzie Stahly Zehr. He married Wilda Ulrich Dec. 25, 1919 in Waldo Township. She survives. Also surviving are two sons, Herbert, 2124 Pierce Avenue, Bloomington; and David, Glendale Heights; a daughter, Ellen Streid, Gridley; a brother, Stephen, and two sisters, Katie Ulrich and Lizzie Zehr, all at Meadows Mennonite Home; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A brother and three sisters preceded him in death. He was a member of Salem Evangelical Mennonite Church.

1. Ellen Zehr was born on 16 Aug 1921 in Waldo, Livingston Co., IL; died on 3 May 2020 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Waldo, Livingston Co., IL.
2. Herbert L. Zehr was born on 4 Jul 1925 in Gridley, McLean Co., IL; died on 7 Dec 2018 in McLean Co., IL; was buried in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL.
3. David Zehr

Notes:

Obit: Flanagan Home Times Obituary

"Valentine Zehr was born near Washington, Illinois on Dec. 20, 1862 and died on March 19,1948 after a short illness, at the age of 85 years. He was the youngest child of Joseph and Catherine Zehr and was the last surviving member of his family.

On Oct. 18, 1885 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Stahly, who preceded him in death on Dec. 7, 1928. To this union were born 12 children, four preceded him in death in infancy, and a daughter, Mrs. Barbara Slagell of Ithaca, Mich., who was killed in an automobile accident in July, 1946.

He leaves to mourn his departure 4 daughters and 3 sons. They are Mrs. Bertha Eigsti, Mrs. Kate Ulrich, Misses Elisabeth and Nettie, and Stephen of Flanagan, Edward and Valentine of near Gridley, 31 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; also a host of relatives and friends.

Early in life he accepted Christ as his Savior and united with the Mennonite Church of which he remained true and faithful. He was a kind and loving father and grandfather, always concerned about their spiritual welfare, as well as the natural blessings of life".

Valentine married Elizabeth Anna Stahly on 18 Oct 1885. Elizabeth was born on 28 Feb 1868 in Livingston Co., IL; died on 7 Dec 1928 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: THE HOME TIMES - Flanagan, Illinois - December 1928

Lizzie Anna Stahly Zehr, eldest daughter of Stephen and Barbara Stahly 
was born near Flanagan, February 28, 1868 and died December 7, 1928 at 
her home in Flanagan at the age of 60 years, 9 months and 9 days.
On October 18, 1865 (1885) she was united in marriage to Valentine Zehr. 
To this union were born 12 children, four proceeded her in death in 
infancy. She leaves to mourn her departure her husband, five daughters 
and three sons: Bertha Egsti, Flanagan; Barbara Slagell, Pompeii, Mich.; 
Kate Ulrich, Flanagan; Edward, Meadows; Stephen and Valentine, Flanagan; 
Elizabeth and Nettie at home; 20 grandchildren; also seven sisters and 
one brother.
She lived on a farm near Flanagan until nine years ago, when she moved 
with her family to Flanagan. Early in youth she accepted Christ as her 
savior and united with the Mennonite Church and remained true and 
faithful until her death, ever willing to sacrifice for the sake of 
others. Altho failing in health for a number of years, she was able to 
see to her home duties until about 19 months ago, when she became 
confined to her bed. She had many dark days but she was a kind, patient 
and loving mother. She always bore her trials and afflictions 
patiently. She was deeply interested in her family and will be greatly 
missed by her relatives and friends.
----------------------- 
Gospel Herald Obituary:

Zehr.-Lizzie Anna (Stahly) Zehr, oldest daughter of Pre. Stephen and Barbara (Schantz) Stahly, was born near Flanagan, Ill., Feb. 28, 1868; passed away at her home in Flanagan, Dec. 7, 1928; aged 60 y. 9 m. 9 d. On Oct. 18, 1865, she was united in marriage to Valentine Zehr. To this union were born 12 children, four preceding her in death in infancy. She leaves to mourn her departure 5 daughters and 3 sons (Bertha Eigsti, Flanagan; Barbara Slagel, Pompeii, Mich.; Katie Ulrich, Flanagan; Edward, Meadows, Ill.; Stephen, Gridley, Ill.; Valentine Jr., Flanagan; and Elizabeth and Nettie at home), 26 grandchildren, 1 brother, and 7 sisters. Early in life she accepted Christ as her Savior, united with the Mennonite Church, and remained true and faithful until death, ever willing to sacrifice for the sake of others. Although failing in health for a number of years, she was able to attend to her home duties until about 19 months ago when she became confined to her bed. She had many dark days but was a kind, patient, and loving mother. She always bore her trials and afflictions patiently. She was deeply interested in her family, all of her children having accepted Christ. She will be greatly missed by all. Funeral services were held at the Waldo Mennonite Church Dec. 9, conducted by Valentine Strubhar of Washington, assisted by Emanuel Troyer and George Gundy. Interment in Waldo Cemetery.

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 1857, La Have To New York

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald

ZEHR.-July 22nd, in Livingston county, Ill., of dropsy, Joseph Zehr, aged 74 years. Buried the 23rd. Many relatives and friends met to pay the last tribute of respect. Two daughters and a son of Seward county, Neb., came to see him a few days before his death, which gave him much satisfaction. During his sickness he suffered much from difficulty of breathing, yet he patiently bore it all. He set his housed in order, and had peace with God and man, and was prepared to die. He was a brother in the Amish Mennonite Church. He leaves an aged and bereaved wife, five sons, three daughters, and many grand children. Funeral sermons by Christian Schlegel and John P. Schmitt.
————————————

“Joseph Zehr left two record books handwritten in German Script. They were translated and summarized in an article written by George Unger in the September 1992 issue of Illinois Mennonite Heritage. These records show Joseph in two different occupational roles: The first is Joseph in his role as a farmer or farm manager; the second contains business records indicating that Joseph served as an innkeeper. In record 2, Joseph describes his sale of food, beverages (including coffee, wine, and hard liquor), wood, leather, tobacco, potatoes, and earthenware. Book 1, pages 30-31 lists all of his children and their birth dates. Excerpts from the records reveal that he was a strong Christian with a deep concern for, and love of his children. He was also a respected and liked employer.

“The following are from Joseph's handwritten family register found at page 30 & 31:

"March 6, 1835, a son was born to me and he has the name Christian Zehr. In 1861 he married Catharina Roth."
"On December 22, 1855, in the evening at 11 o'clock Christian left for North America. The ship left harbor on the 30th."
"May 17,1837, a little daughter was born to me. It has the name of Anna Zehr. On February 10, 1837, she married Christian Schertz. On April 2, 1870, she fell asleep in the Lord."
"June 9, 1839 as son was born to me and he has the name Andreas Zehr."
"October 5, 1841 a little daughter was born and it has the name Catarina Zehr. In 1861 she married Christian Roth."
"May 1, 1944, a little daughter was born to me. It has the name Barbara Zehr."
"January 5, 1847 a son was born to me and he has the name Peter Zehr."
"On May 4, 1849 a little daughter was born to me. She has the name Elizabeth Zehr."
"October 12, 1851 a son was born to me. He has the name Johannes Zehr."
"October 3, 1853 as son was born to me. He has the name Joseph Zehr in Schlong at the Marne."
"August 25, 1856, a little daughter was born to me. It has the name Maria Zehr, too little, Fagiers by Schalon, Sur Marne. On September 5, 1856 she fell asleep in the Lord."
"December 20, 1862 as son was born to me. He has the name Faledin [Valentin] Zehr in America."

“Joseph, wrote a letter to his father on January 8, 1852. In the letter, he referred to his son, Christian: 
"I would like to let you know that I have a son for whom I wish so much that he could come to your area to learn the French language. He is 16 years old, and I think that you as father would be able to arrange for a great opportunity for him to come to you and learn the miller trade." 
Christian apparently did this, staying with his grandfather for two years.

“Joseph and family immigrated in 1857 aboard the ship "Vision" from Le Havre, which landed in New York on 1/2/1857. According to the ships list, the family passengers were: Joseph (56), Catherine (51), Anna (16), Andrew (15), Catherine (14), Babette (8), Pierre (6), Elizabeth (5), Jean (3), and Joseph (11/12). [Note the incorrect ages listed for some of the family members. This was common because of language barriers]. The family settled near Metamora, Illinois. In the 1860 census, he was listed as "Joseph Sears" and lived with his wife Catherine, and children Barbara, Peter, Elizabeth, John, and Joseph in Washington Township, Tazewell County. In 1880, Joseph, Catherine, and Valentine were living in Waldo Township, Livingston County, Illinois.”

Birth:
His civil birth entry described his father as a 25-year-old land owner and plowman [Ger. Burger und Ackermann].

Immigration:
“Joseph and family immigrated in 1857 aboard the ship "Vision" from Le Havre, which landed in New York on 1/2/1857.”

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Joseph married Catherine Kohler on 25 Feb 1834 in Schalbach, Phalsbourg, Moselle, FR. Catherine (daughter of André Kohler and Anne Birki) was born in 1815 in FR; died on 31 Oct 1884 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald Obituary:

Zehr.-On the 31st of October, in Livingston Co., Ill., Catharine, widow of Joseph Zehr (deceased), aged 69 years, 9 months and 29 days. Funeral services by Christian Rediger, William Egly, Christian Shlegel, and John P. Schmidt. Sister Zehr had to suffer much but she bore all her afflictions with patience and submission to the Lord. She expressed her desire "to depart and to be with Jesus." She was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church.

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer/Miller at House No. 37 in Struth
• Census: 1860, Metamora, Panola Twp., Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

“Married Anne Verle on June 7, 1806 in Cirey-sur-Vesouse, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France.

Joseph was apparently a miller (per a letter from his son, Joseph Jr.). 

According to the Obituary of his daughter, Anna (Schertz), the family came to the US around 1836. However, there exists a letter to Joseph from his son, Joseph Jr. signed on January 8, 1852, while Joseph Sr. was still living in France.

In 1850, there was a 65 year old French born, Anne Zehr and 25 year old Madeleine Zehr living with 30 year old Peter Zehr in District 56 of Woodford County. They were next door to Maria Zehr (Mrs. Debolt) Householter. Peter Zehr and Maria Zehr Householter were children of Joseph and Anne Verle Zehr. 

There was also a 67 year old French born Anna Zehr living with 38 year old Joseph "Shirts" (Schertz) and his wife, 24 year old Ann Zehr Schertz. "Ann" Zehr Schertz was the youngest daughter of Joseph and Anne Verle Zehr.

Thus, there are two women named "Anne" or "Anna" Zehr that were of the age of Anne Verle Zehr living with children of Joseph and Anne. Could one of these have been the wife of Joseph Zehr and the other, a relative?

If one of these women is Anne Verle Zehr, why is she in America when it is known that her husband Joseph Zehr, Sr., was still living in France in 1852? 

By the 1860 Census, Joseph (80)and his wife, Anne (82) were living near Metamora with their daughter, Anna (Mrs. Joseph) Schertz.”
———————————————
This couple is said to have had five children, four born in Struth. They left there sometime after/between 1835 and 1855. Various members of this family moved to America at different times. Joseph and Anna settled near Metamora, Illinois.

Birth:
or 1784

Census:
Joseph Zehr, 80; Anne, 82; and one daughter

Buried:
Hickory Point Cemetery

Joseph married Anna Verly (Werelin) on 7 Jun 1806 in Cirey-sur-Vezouse, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR. Anna (daughter of Ulrich Jean Claude Verly (Werelin) and Madeleine Steiner) was born about 1782 in FR; died after 1870 in Metamora, Panola Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Metamora, Panola Twp., Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

“Did Anne Verle Zehr emigrate to America before her husband?

In 1850, There was a 65 year old French born, Anne Zehr and 25 year old Madeleine Zehr living with 30 year old Peter Zehr in District 56 of Woodford County. They were next door to Maria Zehr (Mrs. Debolt) Householter. Peter Zehr and Maria Zehr Householter were children of Joseph and Anne Verle Zehr.

There was also a 67 year old French born Anna Zehr living with 38 year old Joseph "Shirts" (Schertz) and his wife, 24 year old Ann Zehr Schertz. "Ann" Zehr Schertz was the youngest daughter of Joseph and Anne Verle Zehr.

Thus, there are two women named "Anne" or "Anna" Zehr that were of the age of Anne Verle Zehr living with children of Joseph and Anne. Could one of these have been the wife of Joseph Zehr and the other, a relative?

If one of these women is Anne Verle Zehr, why is she in America when it is known that her husband Joseph Zehr, Sr., was still living in France in 1852?

By 1860, elderly Anne and Joseph were living with their daughter, Anne Schertz near Metamora.”

Buried:
Hickory Point Cemetery

Notes:

Birth:
Neumatte estate

André married Anne Birki on 31 Mar 1813 in Diemeringen, Drulingen, Bas-Rhin, FR. Anne (daughter of Valentin Birki and Katharina (Catherine) Ehresmann) was born about 1780-1783 in Langatte, Moselle, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Of Neumatte near Diemeringen.

The first marriage of Anna Bürki/Birki and leaseholder Johannes/Jean Roggy provided a haven for Bürki descendants on the Neumatte estate at Diemeringen. Later Anne married Andre Kohler.

The bride was described as Anne Bircky, 30, widow of the deceased Jean Rogge, a daughter of the deceased Valentine Bircky and Catherine Ehrismann, who was present and consenting. Witnesses included merchant-trader [Fr. négoceant] Chrétien Dettweiler, 50; Jean Roggy, 54, a cultivator at Lorentzen; and cultivator André Bircky, 28, brother of the bride.



Of Neumatte near Diemeringen.

The first marriage of Anna Bürki/Birki and leaseholder Johannes/Jean Roggy provided a haven for Bürki descendants on the Neumatte estate at Diemeringen. Later Anne married Andre Kohler.

The bride was described as Anne Bircky, 30, widow of the deceased Jean Rogge, a daughter of the deceased Valentine Bircky and Catherine Ehrismann, who was present and consenting. Witnesses included merchant-trader [Fr. négoceant] Chrétien Dettweiler, 50; Jean Roggy, 54, a cultivator at Lorentzen; and cultivator André Bircky, 28, brother of the bride.

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