Melvin Daniel Zehr

Notes:

Obit: (Pantagraph.com)
FISHER — Melvin D. Zehr, 84, of Fisher, passed away on Monday (Oct. 22, 2007) at Gibson City Annex.

His family includes his wife, Edith Heiser Zehr; son, Paul (Kathleen Erickson) Zehr, Topeka, Kan., and sons, Joel and Nathan of Colorado; son, Tom (Rachel) Zehr and daughters, China Tabbitha and Elizabeth of Springfield; son, Philip (Debra) Zehr, and son, John and Daniel of Lawrence, Kan.; and daughter, Rebecca (Ken) Moyer, and children, Anna, David and Michelle, of Monticello. Mr. Zehr also has siblings, Lela Keller of Paxton; Fern (Orva) Helmuth of Arthur; and Wilmer (Evelyn) Zehr of Champaign. In addition, his stepchildren and their families are Cleona (Dean) Swartzentruber, children, Josh, Andrew and Heidi; Carol (Steve) Nunn; and John (Lisa) Heiser, and son, Jake; and three great-stepgrandchildren.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel A. Zehr and Katie E. Zehr; sister, Viola, and her husband, Wilbert Birky of Foosland; brothers, Wayne Zehr and wife, Geraldine, of Morton; Raymond Birkey and Paul Keller, sister, Lela’s husbands; and Mr. Zehr’s first wife, Mary Roszhart Zehr of Ludlow.

Mr. Zehr resided for over 50 years in Ludlow and farmed nearby in Ford County until he retired in 1988. Additionally, he drove a Ludlow school bus for 24 years developing a lifelong connection with many of the children he transported. He also served a number of years on the Ludlow School board.

Melvin enjoyed collecting toy tractors and was especially fond of his John Deers. In addition, he maintained an extensive pen and pencil collection and was a member of the American Pencil Collector’s Society. He was actively involved in the East Bend Mennonite Church and enjoyed interacting with friends and family. Melvin was devoted to helping others including disaster relief work and assisting neighbors, young and old, in many ways.

He was born June 12, 1923, in Deer Creek Township, Tazewell County.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at East Bend Mennonite Church, rural Fisher. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the East Bend Cemetery, followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m.

Melvin was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His kindness and generosity will be remembered. He was a gentle but strong man, and his family loves him dearly.

Memorials may be made to East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher.

Resided Ludlow, IL, later in Fisher.
———————
Zehr.- Melvin D., 84, Fisher, Ill., died Oct. 22. Spouse: Edith Heiser Zehr. Spouse: Mary Roszhart Zehr (deceased). Parents: Daniel A. and Katie E. Zehr. Step-children: Cleona Swartzendruber, Carol Nunn, John Heiser; four step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren. Children: Paul, Tom, Philip, Rebecca Moyer; 10 grandchildren. Funeral: Oct. 27 at East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher.
The Mennonite, November 20, 2007, page 27, Vol. 10, No. 22.

Died:
Annex

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Melvin married Mary Elizabeth Roszhart on 17 Feb 1946. Mary (daughter of George Roszhart and Ella M. Stalter) was born on 10 Aug 1923 in Meadows, McLean Co., IL; died on 7 Sep 1996 in Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Paul Daniel Zehr
2. Thomas George Zehr
3. Philip Jon Zehr
4. Rebecca Sue Zehr

Melvin married Edith Wiens [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Pneumonia and heart ailment
• Residence: 1918, Goodfield, Woodford Co., IL
• Residence: 1923, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
Zehr, Dan A., son of Daniel and Kathryn (Heiser) Zehr, was born in Danvers, Ill., Sept 25, 1890; died of pneumonia and heart ailment at Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 16, 1973; aged 82 y., 3 m. 22 d. On Dec. 17, 1913, he was married to Katie Birkey, who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters (Lela - Mrs. Raymond Birky, Fern - Mrs. Orva Helmuth, and Viola - Mrs. Wilbert Birky), 3 sons (Melvin, Wayne, and Wilmer), 27 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and one sister (Matilda Zehr). He was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church where funeral services were held on Jan. 20 in charge of Irvin Nussbaum and Howard Zehr; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Birth:
25 Aug 1890 according to grave stone

Residence:
Across the road from the Mackinaw River

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Daniel married Kate Elizabeth Birkey on 17 Dec 1913 in East Bend Twp., Champaign Co., IL. Kate (daughter of Valentine Birkey and Phoebe (Bena) Good) was born on 25 Apr 1894 in Decatur Co., KS; died on 1 Nov 1987 in Meadows, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Homemaker
• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Zehr.- Katie Birkey, daughter of Valentine and Phoebe (Good) Birkey, was born in Decatur Co., Kans., Apr. 25, 1894; died at Mennonite Nursing Home, Meadows, Ill., Nov. 1, 1987; aged 93 y. On Dec. 17, 1913, she was married to Dan A. Zehr, who died in January 1973. Surviving are 3 sons (Melvin, Wayne, and Wilmer), 3 daughters (Lela Keller, Fern Helmuth, and Viola Birky), 27 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Joe and Joel Birkey). She was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Nov. 4, in charge of Millard Osborne and Mervin Birky; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Resided Ludlow, IL.

Died:
Mennonite Nursing Home

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
By Peter Zehr, at home of Valentine Birkey

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Occupation: Minister And Farmer
• Religion: Amish/Mennonite
• Ordained: 1895

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald
Zehr. - Daniel, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Oyer) Zehr, was born March 9, 1849, at East Peoria, Ill.; died June 5, 1942, at the home of his son (Peter Zehr, near Morton, Ill.); aged 93 y. 2 m. 26 d. His illness was of short duration, caused by a paralytic stroke, which occurred about 12 hours before his death. His passing was just as he lived. Calmly and quietly he passed into his eternal rest. He was united in marriage to Katherine Heiser Jan. 13, 1874. She preceded him in death May 15, 1911. His oldest son (Jacob) also preceded him in death. He is survived by the following children: Mrs. Elizabeth Oyer, Peter, Amos, and Matilda, all of near Morton; Mrs. Ida Birkey and Daniel, both of Fisher. He is also survived by 43 grandchildren and 33 great-grand-children, 1 brother, Samuel of Fisher, Ill., 1 sister, Mrs. Phebe Zehr of Manson, Iowa, and a host of other relatives and friends. In his youth he confessed Christ as his Saviour, was baptized and became a member of the Mennonite Church of which he has been a faithful member until death. He was ordained to the ministry in 1895 at the Goodfield Mennonite Church, in which capacity he served until recent years when he retired from active service. Though not able to preach any longer he has always attended church up to the last Sunday he lived and taken a great interest in his Master's service. The greatest part of his time during recent years was spent in reading the Bible which seemed to be his greatest treasure. He had a meek and quiet spirit and always showed great interest and love for his family and for his fellow men, manifesting a friendly spirit to every one he met. Funeral services were held June 8 at the Morton Mennonite Church in Morton, Ill., in charge of Bros. J. D. Hartzler of Gridley, Ill., and Simon Litwiller, Minier, Ill. Interment in Mt. Zion Cemetery near Deer Creek, Ill.

"E'en for the dead I will not bind
My soul to grief;
Death cannot long divide,
For is it not as though the rose
That climbed my garden wall
Has blossomed on the other side?
Death doth hide
But not divide,
Thou art but on Christ's other side.
Thou art with Christ,
And Christ with me.
In Christ united still are we." -By the Family.

Baptism:
By Christian Ropp

Ordained:
By Bishop John Smith

Buried:
Mt. Zion Cemetery

Daniel married Katherine Heiser on 13 Jan 1874. Katherine (daughter of Jacob Heiser and Katharina Wagler) was born on 1 May 1854 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 15 May 1911 in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald June 1, 1911,
Sister Catharine Zehr (nee Heiser) was born near Pekin, Ill., May 1, 1854; died of heart failure, near Deer Creek, Ill., May 15, 1911; aged 17 y.(sic) 14 d. she was united in marriage to David Zehr, Jan. 13, 1874. this union was blessed with 7 children. She leaves a sorrowing husband, 7 children, 22 grandchildren, 6 brothers, 2 sisters and many friends to mourn her departure. Her father, mother, 1 brother and 3 sisters preceded her to the spirit world. Sister Zehr united with the A.M. church in her youth and remained a faithful member until death. Funeral services were held by Christ king at the home in German (text, Psa. 90), and at the church by Dan Nafziger and John C. Birkey in German and A.A. Schrock in English. Texts, I Cor. 15:1-23; John 5:28,29. Buried at Mount Zion cemetery.

Buried:
Mount Zion Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
By Bishop Andrew Ropp

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Little formal education, but a degree in life’s experiences
• Occupation: Farmer
• Reference Number: 14
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Cancer (See Obit)
• Residence: 1887, Decatur Co., KS
• Residence: 1895, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• PURC: 9 Feb 1910, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• PURC: 26 Feb 1910, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• PURC: 27 Dec 1920, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Oct. 4, 1928 Gospel Herald
Birkey. - Valentine Birkey, son of Joseph and Mary Birkey, was born near Morton, Ill., Feb. 2, 1858; died Sept. 18, 1928; aged 70 y. 7 m. 16 d. He was united in marriage to Phoebe Good about 47 years ago. Surviving him are his wife, 4 sons, 5 daughters, 2 sisters, 1 brother, 31 grandchildren, and a large number of old relatives and friends. His parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, and 2 grandchildren preceded him to the spirit world. For several years his health seemed to be failing and later cancer developed, which caused his death. He was confined to his bed from June 15 until death. At times, his suffering and pain was very great, but he was very patient through it all. His condition did not seem to alarm him, and he was fully given up to Him who does all things well. He united with the Mennonite Church in his youth and proved faithful until the end. Funeral services were conducted at the home by Bro. S. S. Zehr and at the church by the Bros. Jake Zehr and Ezra Yordy. Text, 1 Cor. 13:12. Interment was made in the cemetery nearby.


Read at the Centennial Celebration of the East Bend Mennonite Church in 1989, in Fisher, IL
“My name is Valentine Birkey. My father was Joseph of the “Big Black” Birkeys, and my mother was Mary of the “Little Red” Birkeys. They both came from Germany to Tazewell County where they met and married. I was born in 1858 near Morton, Illinois, but my parents later moved to near Hopedale. It was at Hopedale that Phoebe Good and I were married in 1882. Here our two daughters Mollie and Bertha were born.

“About this time many families were moving west. In northwest Kansas land could still be homesteaded. We kept hearing there had been lots of rain the last few years and things were looking good. Some of my relatives were moving there, so my parents decided they would move too. It sounded like a good chance to own land, and Mother insisted that all her married children move too.

“So in April 1887, Phoebe and I packed for the long train ride. After arriving we stayed with my parents until September when Joe was born. We had taken out a timber claim which meant we had to plant 500 trees, live on the land and then the 160 acres would become ours. So that summer the men cut sod and built our sod house on the claim. the walls were two feet thick, which kept it really warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It was the roof that gave US trouble--the sod and tree branches always seemed to let the rain through. And I really didn’t like having the rattlesnakes living in the walls. My family had all taken claims very close by. The stagecoach form Oberlin to Colby, Kansas crossed over part of our farm.

“We had a large church congregation in Decatur County. Our services were held in the Swedish Covenant sod church on Sunday afternoons until we finished building our own sod church. The cemetery was 1/2 mile north of the church and that’s where we buried by brother Dan.

“After we got settled in Kansas it forgot to rain. Year after year we had crop failures. the corn would look beautiful in the spring and then the hot, dry winds came and in just a few days the field of corn would be ruined. One year the wheat headed out, but since it was only six inches tall it was too short to cut with the binder. Our only choice was to turn the pigs into the field to do the harvesting. We seemed to get poorer every year. Joe, Alvin and Kate were born in our sod house. We had to divide our potatoes and it was hard to have to feed the children “thick and thin” for supper. What was that? It was thick sour milk to which Phoebe added some fresh sweet milk. We gathered buffalo chips to burn in our stove. Those were hard years on the prairie.

“Families started moving away. Some of my cousins moved by covered wagon to Beemer, Nebraska to help start the church there. some moved back to Hopedale. Two of my sisters moved to Shickley, Nebraska, and eventually my brother Joe moved to Oregon, my brother Jake to Montana. One summer my cousin Christian J. Birkey came to visit. He was married to Phoebe’s sister, so he was my brother-in-law as well. Then he saw how bad things were, he urged US to sell out and come back to Illinois. I told him if I sold everything I owned it wouldn’t be enough to pay our way back.

“On our way to church every Sunday we would stop at the home of the Lund family to collect our mail. One Sunday morning there was a letter from Chris. Phoebe couldn’t wait till after church to read it. Chris said he had bought a farm in Champaign County were a new church had been started. He offered to send US money for the train fare. Chris was like that--he helped many people. It was very difficult for Phoebe and I to get much out of the church service that day.

“Well, we soon made plans to move to Illinois and it was a glad day when we got there. It was almost dark, and as we got near the house I said, “Oh, look at all the sheep out there in the pasture.” Well, when I looked out the next morning, I got a surprise! I saw it was tree stumps instead, and that meant I had a lot of work to do. But we had 20 good years there. East Bend church was building its first building, so I got to help with that. There was no bridge across the Sangamon River north of the church so we had to ford the river. About ten years later, John Naffziger and Chris Good put together a petition and we got a new bridge built across the river.

“After returning to Illinois, Silas, Joel, Ada and Edna joined our family. I was finally able to buy the farm 1/2 mile north of the church. I built a house and barn which are both still standing in 1989.

“I didn’t have much education, but I had a degree in life’s experiences. Looking back on the good and bad times I think we need the bitter lessons to better appreciate the good ones.”

Residence:
Went to Kansas for a homestead claim.

Residence:
After difficult years in Kansas moved back to Illinois.

PURC:
From C.C. and Lena Gut for $4,785. W1/2 of NE1/4, and East 25 acres of NW 1/4 of SW1/4, and W1/2 of W1/2 of NW1/4 of SW1/4 of Section 17 Twp 22N R8E

PURC:
From John Cender. Five acres-W 1/2 of E 1/2 of W 1/ of NW 1/4 of SW 1/4 of Section 17, Township 22N, Range 8E of 3rdPM

PURC:
From Cora A. and H. W. Baker for $8,100. SW1/4 of SW1/4 of Section 17 Twp22 N, R8E--”except a portion leased to the Ommish Mennonite Church Society.”

Died:
At his farm home.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery. Funeral by J. A. Heiser.

Valentine married Phoebe (Bena) Good on 15 Jan 1882 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Phoebe (daughter of Josef (Joseph ) Guth (Good) and Katharina Stalter) was born on 5 Sep 1863 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 16 Dec 1962 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried on 18 Dec 1962 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer’s wife and mother of ten (nine living).
• Reference Number: 15
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Old Age
• Residence: 15 Jan 1882, Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald
Birkey, Phoebe, daughter of Joseph and Kathryn Good, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Sept. 5, 1863; died at Eureka, Ill., Dec. 16, 1962; aged 99 y. 3 m. 11 d. On Jan.15, 1882, she was married to Valentine Birkey, who died in Sept., 1928. Surviving are all their 9 children (Mrs. Mollie Zehr, Mrs. Bertha Heiser, Joe, Alvin, Mrs. Katie Zehr, Silas, Joel, Mrs. Ada Foley, and Mrs. Edna Schertz), 3 sisters (Mrs. Sara Beller, aged 93; Mrs. Kate Horsch, aged 91; and Mrs. Mary Birkey, aged 88), 40 grandchildren, 120 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were also 2 sisters, 2 brothers, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. She was a member of the East Bend Church, where funeral services were held Dec. 19, in charge of Ivan Birkey and J. Alton Horst.

Obit: Fisher Reporter
Funeral services were held at East Bend Mennonite Church with Rev. Ivan Birkey and Rev. J. Alton Horst officiating. Phoebe died at Maple Lawn Home in Eureka where she had been a resident for eleven years.


Obit: Mennonite Weekly Review
10 Jan 1963 p. 8
Mrs. Phoebe Birkey

Mrs. Phoebe (Good) Birkey was born near Hopedale, Ill. on Sept. 5, 1863, the daughter of Joseph and Kathryn Good. On Jan. 15, 1882 she was married to Valentine Birkey. They lived near Hopedale for five years. In 1877 [sic; 1887?] they homesteaded on the prairie in Decatur County, Kan. There they built and lived in a sod house where three of their children were born. They lived in Kansas for eight years.

In 1895, with the help of a sister's husband, they moved to a farm near Fisher, Ill. In 1917 they built the house north of the East Bend Mennonite Church and lived there until Mr. Birkey died in September 1928. She then lived with her children until 1951 when she moved to the Maple Lawn Homes in Eureka, Ill., spending the rest of her days there. Here she made many friends. She moved on to her eternal home on Dec. 16, 1962.

Surviving are her nine children, Mrs. Mollie Zehr, Mrs. Bertha Heiser, Joe Birkey, and Alvin Birkey, all of Fisher, Mrs. Katie Zehr of Ludlow, Ill., Silas Birkey of Flanagan, Ill., Joel Birkey of Ludlow, Mrs. Ada Foley of Norwalk, Calif., and Mrs. Edna Schertz of Saybrook, Ill.; three sisters, Mrs. Sarah Beller, 93, of Maple Lawn Homes, Mrs. Kate Horsch, 91, of Washburn, Ill., and Mrs. Mary Birkey, 88, of Sunset Rest Home, Geneva, Neb.; 40 grandchildren, 120 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren. Her husband, two sisters, two brothers, four grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren preceded her in death.

In her youth she gave her heart to the Lord, remaining a member of the Mennonite church. She lived a long life, and her mind remained clear to the last. Her life was a quiet one marked by great concern for all members of her family. She will be missed by many.

The funeral service was held at the East Bend Mennonite Church near Fisher, Ill. on Dec. 19, 1962, with Rev. Ivan Birkey, a grandson, and Rev. J. Alton Horst officiating. Burial was made in the church cemetery. Six grandsons carried the casket.

Died:
Maple Lawn Home

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Valentine and Phoebe were married in the Hopedale Mennonite Church by Christian Nafziger. Joseph Good was a witness.
Valentine was 23, a farmer, and living in Hopedale, IL at the time of marriage. Phoebe was 18.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Brewer/Farmer/Minister
• Religion: Amish
• Immigration: 17 Jun 1844, Le Havre to New York
• Census: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 1856, Farmdale To Rocky Ford
• Census: 1860, Mackinaw, Tazewell Co., IL
• PURC: 30 Apr 1867, Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1870, Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1880, Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Peter was born in Manried, near Munich, in the Hofmark at Hilgertshausen. He came to America and settled at Farmdale as a single man. After marrying, Peter and Elizabeth remained at Farmdale until 1856, when they moved to the Mackinaw River's Rocky Ford area near his brother Christian. Their homes stood on the high hill overlooking the Mackinaw Valley.

Peter had four sons who grew to maturity. All four--Daniel, Peter, David, Samuel--were ordained to the ministry. Of the first nine children of Peter and Elizabeth Oyer Zehr, five died before their first birthday and a sixth before his second. Of the first nine “six never lived to be over two years old. In the year 1860 two small sons died within 3 months.





It was then used for at least some of the subsequent children, but ventually ended up with Bishop Peter and his wife Barbara. Most likely, all of their children used it, then it was given to Amelia (who married Alvin Birkey). It stayed with that family for many years until thier son, Delmar Gene, was born, and was the last person to sleep in the vintage bed. In July of 2023, the bed was gifted to Del and Donna’s family to keep, protect, and hand down at the appropriate time.}

Birth:
Hilgerthausen-Tandern

Immigration:
arrival on packet ship Baltimore.

Census:
County next door to brother George Zehr as brewer Peter Seers, 32, Germany; Elizabeth, 20, France; and Daniel, 1, Illinois.

Residence:
on Mackinaw River

Census:
Township next door to brother Christian Zehr as farmer Peter Zears, 40, Germany; Elizabeth, 32, Germany; and four children born in Illinois.

PURC:
The Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database shows Peter Zehr purchasing 40 acres in Section 36 between Deer Creek and Mackinaw at $10 per acre on April 30, 1867.

Census:
Listed as farmer born in Bavaria, age 52; with wife Elizabeth age 42 born in France; children Daniel age 21, Peter age 19, Elizabeth age 15, Mary age 9, David age 8, Phoeby age 3 and Samuel age 6 months, all born in IL

Census:
Farmer Peter Zehr, 62, Bavaria; Lizzie, 53, France; with four children, all born in Illinois.

Died:
Six days after Phoebe’s wedding.

Buried:
Slabtown Cemetery

Peter married Elizabeth Oyer on 12 Aug 1845 in Farmdale, Tazewell Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Joseph, Sr. Oyer and Magdalena Litwiller) was born on 23 Apr 1828 in Niderhoff, Moselle, FR; died on 21 Mar 1896 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish
• Immigration: 4 Dec 1830, New Orleans, LA
• Residence: 1831, Butler Co., OH

Notes:

Her’s was the second burial in the East Bend Mennonite Church cemetery--six months after Andrew Birky.

Immigration:
Ship Superior

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery (second burial in the cemetery)

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite
• Immigration: 2 Jul 1842, NY
• Census: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1855, IL
• Census: 1860, Dillon Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1870, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• PURC: 1876, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Naturalization: 6 Nov 1876, Pekin, Groveland Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Birth:
Streicherhof, 30 miles south of Hanfeld. Arzbach bei Dachau

Immigration:
On the Rhone, under the name Jacob Heisser, a 27-year-old from Bavaria, accompanied by 26-year-old Margaretha, as yet unidentified.

Census:
Jacob, 34-year-old farmer, living with his stepmother “Madaline” [Eyer], 62, in the home of his younger stepbrother “Joseph Hiser,” 30.

Census:
Illinois State Census. . The family of Jacob 'Heisor' can be found on the 1855 Illinois State Census. It described them as one male, 40-50 years old; one male, 20-30 years old; one male, under 10; one female, 20-30 years old; and one female, under 10 years of age.

Census:
Their family can be found on the 1860 census of Dillon as Jacob 'Hiser', 40; Catherine, 26; Christian, 7; Catherine, 6; Jacob, 4; Barbara, 3; and Joseph, eight months.

PURC:
Bought land from Charles Graves in Section 36.

Buried:
Landes Mennonite Cemetery (Headstone says Hieser) Grave #14 on printed plot map dated 8/12/2013

Jacob married Katharina Wagler on 8 Oct 1850 in Tazewell Co., IL. Katharina (daughter of Christian H. (Jacob) Wagler and Katharina Ulrich) was born on 8 Jun 1834 in Butler Co., OH; died on 2 Sep 1910 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: infirmities of old age
• Residence: 1860, Dillon Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: Aft 1860, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Obituary: Oct. 20, 1910 Gospel Herald
Heiser.--Mother Catherine Heiser, nee Wagler, was born in Butler Co., O., June 8, 1834; passed to her reward near Morton, Ill., Sept. 2, 1910; aged 76 y. 2 m. 24 d. Her death was caused by the infirmities of old age. Mother Heiser united with the A. M. Church in her younger years and remained a faithful member to her blessed end. She was united in matrimony with Jacob Heiser in 1850. This union was blessed with 13 children. Father Jacob Heiser, her husband, 4 children, 5 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, preceded her to the spirit world. She leaves 9 children, 48 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers and many friends to mourn her departure. Funeral services were conducted by Christ King at the house in German, text 90th Psalm; and at the church near Morton, Ill., by Andrew Schrock in German and Val. Strubar in English; text, Heb. 9:27, 28. Burial in cemetery nearby.

https://www.tcghs.org/cem/buckeye.htm

Residence:
Where they developed a farm in Section 36.

Buried:
Buckeye Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
Their names were transcribed into the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index as Jacob Hiser and Catharine Wauble.

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Occupation: Farmer
• Reference Number: 18
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: 1844-67, Tazewell Co., IL
• Immigration: Abt 1840, Butler Co., OH
• Residence: 1841, Butler Co., OH
• Census: Jun 1860, Morton, Tazewell Co., IL
• Naturalization: 22 Feb 1865, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: Aug 1870, Gridley, McLean Co., IL
• Residence: 1867-1872, Gridley Twp., McLean Co., IL
• Ordained: 1877, Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 10 Jun 1880, Boynton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 1882-1889, Boynton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 1889-1903, Decatur Co., KS
• Residence: 1906, Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE

Notes:

Obit: (Gospel Witness, December 1906)
BIRKEY.-Joseph Birkey was born in Germany, Mar. 19, 1828, and died near Shickley, Neb., Dec 6, 1906; aged 78y. 8m. 17d. On January 7, 1851, he was married to Mary Birkey. They lived in this relation for over fifty-five years. To this union were born nine children, three of whom have preceded him to the spirit world. Three sons, three daughters, fifty-three grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren are left to mourn their loss, but they mourn not as those who have no hope. Bro. Birkey was deacon in the Mennonite church for twenty-nine years and was faithful to the trust placed upon him. He was laid to rest on the 8th of December in the Salem cemetery. Funeral services were conducted by Christian Beller of this place and Jacob Stauffer and Joseph Rediger, of Milford, Neb. A great many people assembled to show their love and esteem to one who had lived in their midst and also to show their sympathy to the bereaved ones. As his body now rests in the grave we believe his soul is sweetly resting on the shores of eternal deliverance. Peace to his ashes.

“From 1889-1903 he served churches in Decatur and Sheridan Counties in Kansas, and in Nebraska, the Filmore congregation (now the Salem Mennonite Church).”

According to Harry F. Weber in Centennial History of the Mennonites of Illinois,
“Joseph was the youngest of the six sons and the smallest, and he was a man of over 6 feet in height and weighed over 200 pounds. In 1850, according to U.S. census files, Joseph Birkey was 22 years old and his brother Jacob was 24, and they were living with their brother John Birky in Tazewell County, Illinois.” From “A Brief Account of the History, Ancestry & Descendants of the John C. Birky Family.”

“The “E” (in Joseph’ name) was assumed by Joseph Birky in later years because there were many others with the name Joseph Birky.”

Birth:
Bavaria cited on his naturalization document

Census:
Burket with wife and five children

Naturalization:
Along with his brother Valentine, citing his birthplace as Bavaria

Census:
Burkey with wife and seven children

Ordained:
Deacon in Hopedale Mennonite Chuirch

Census:
Birky with wife and six children (Catherine married)

Residence:
Do not know when Joseph moved to NE

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Joseph married Maria (Mary) Bircky (Birky) on 7 Jan 1851 in Tazewell Co., IL. Maria (daughter of Valentin (Valentine) Bircky (Birky) and Elisabeth Unzicker (Hunsiker)) was born on 19 Mar 1833 in Bavaria, GR; died on 28 Oct 1908 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 19
• Religion: Amish
• USR1: Bright’s Disease
• Immigration: 21 Jun 1849, NY

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey.- Mary Birkey, wife of Joseph Birkey, died at her home near Shickly, Nebr., Dec. 28, 1908; aged 75 y. 9 m. 9 d. Her sickness was Bright's disease. Funeral services were conducted by Joseph Rediger and Jacob Stauffer.

Immigration:
Via Liverpool, on ship Minnesota

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
By A. Ropp

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Reference Number: 38
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: Abt 1850
• Census: 1870, Hopedale Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - March 1909
Good - Died, Feb. 10, 1909, near Hopedale, Ill., Bro. Joseph Good, aged 78 y. He leaves to mourn his death his aged wife, who has shared the joys and sorrows for 51 years, two sons, six daughters, one brother and one sister, but they mourn not as those who have no hope. Bro. Good was an earnest and humble Christian. For him to live was Christ, and to die was gain. He suffered much pain during his sickness, but we believe that now he is being comforted. Buried Feb. 13. Services by Jos. Egli, John C. Birky and Daniel Nafizger.

Served as first janitor of Hopedale Mennonite Church for about twenty years: 1876-1896. The first six years he received $30 a year for his services.

Census:
Joseph, 37 yrs old, occupation farmer; birthplace Bavaria. Children: Joseph 11, Lizzie 8, Phoebe 6, Barbara 3, and Sarah 1. (Joseph was listed as away at school that day.

Josef married Katharina Stalter on 2 Mar 1856 in Tazewell Co., IL. Katharina (daughter of Jakob Stalter and Katharina Stalter) was born on 9 Jan 1832 in Hemerten, Bavaria, GR; died on 15 Oct 1919 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 39
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 1854, Le Havre to New York

Notes:

Obit: Nov. 6, 1919 Gospel Herald
Good. - Katharine, daughter of Jacob and Magdalena Stalter, was born in Germany Jan. 9, 1832; died at the home of her daughter in Hopedale, Ill., Oct. 15, 1919 ; aged 87 y. 9 m. 6 d. At the age of 14 she united with the A. M. Church, of which she was a faithful member until death. In the year of 1854 she sailed for America. She was united in marriage to Joseph Good in 1856. Her husband died Feb. 10, 1909. To this union were born 10 children. One son and 1 daughter died in infancy. She leaves 2 sons and 6 daughters, (Joseph, Dan, Lizzie Birkey, Phoebe Birkey, Barbara Bachman, Sarah Beller, Katie Horsch, and Mary Birkey); also 40 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren. Funeral services at the home by Bro. J. C. Birkey and the church by Jonas Litwiller and J. C. Birkey.

Grandmother's place in the home is vacant,
Her voice is heard no more,
Yet we hope again to meet her,
0n the blissful evergreen shore."

Immigration:
Arrived 5 Jun 1854 on the ship Cumberland.