Marie Madeleine Gerber

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 199
• Immigration: 14 Jul 1844, New York, NY
• Census: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL
• Naturalization: Jan 1856, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: (Gospel Herald)
Birkey - Magdalena Birkey, nee Gerber, was born in Germany, Dec. 22, 1823; died at her home near Dewey, Ill., of infirmities of old age, June 12, 1912; aged 88 y. 5 m. 20 d. Mother Birkey united with the A.M. Church in her younger years and remained a faithful member to the end. She united in marriage with Andrew Birkey. This union was blessed with 6 children. She lived in matrimony with her husband 48 years and lived a widow about 20 years. She leaves 5 children, 30 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and many friends to mourn her departure. Her husband and 1 daughter preceded her to the world beyond. Funeral services at the home by Peter Zehr in German and at the church by Daniel Greiser and J.C. Birkey in German and Peter Zehr in English. Texts, Psa. 90, Deut.31:14, II Cor. 5:1, and II Tim. 4:6-8. Buried in cemetery near by.

(Note: Her date of death was June 12, 1912.  Knowing her correct birth date was Jan. 22, 1823, we can calculate her age count as 89 years, five months, and 20 days.  So the author must have known her correct birth date Jan. 22, 1823 but misstated it as Dec. 22, 1823; then miscalculated her age count by one year as well. )

Immigration:
Aboard the ship Cotton Planter, with her brother Louis, 25 (born 9 May 1819 at Barr; and Lena, 21.

Census:
Farmer Andrew Burkie, 33, Germany; Madeline, 26, Germany; Caroline 5, IL; Christian, 3, IL; and Andrew, 6 mo., IL

Naturalization:
Applied

Died:
At her home

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Marie married Andreas Bircky (Buerky) in Oct 1842 in Tazewell Co., IL. Andreas (son of Christian Bürcky (Birki) and Katharina Nafziger) was born on 27 Oct 1816 in Willbach, Bavaria, GR; died on 27 Jan 1892 in Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Caroline Birkey was born in 1845 in IL; died before 1860.
2. Christian Burkey was born on 6 Mar 1847 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 13 Feb 1933 in Walnut Twp., Bureau Co., IL; was buried on 16 Feb 1933 in Bureau Co., IL.
3. Andrew James Burkey was born on 1 May 1850 in Delavan, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 19 Feb 1928 in Zion, Lake Co., IL; was buried in Zion, Lake Co., IL.
4. John G. Birkey was born on 14 Jan 1853 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 17 Dec 1932 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA.
5. Valentine A. Birkey was born on 12 Aug 1857 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 13 May 1935 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL.
6. Magdalena Birkey was born on 7 Mar 1859 in Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 20 Jun 1928 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Children’s birth entry gave occupation as “guard” and “restauranteur.”

Jean + Louise Goyer. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]