Roy Menno Litwiller: The Schrock-Birkey Connection

Roy Menno Litwiller

Male 1902 -


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Roy Menno Litwiller was born on 16 Aug 1902 (son of Joseph B. Litwiller and Barbara Birky).

    Roy married Martha Nolder on 28 Feb 1928 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Martha was born on 3 Feb 1906 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. Marcella Litwiller
    2. Carrol Dean Litwiller
    3. Jean Iva Litwiller
    4. Joan Ida Litwiller

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Joseph B. Litwiller was born on 27 Dec 1864 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL (son of Joseph Litwiller and Catherine Birky); died on 16 Jan 1921 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL.

    Notes:

    Obit:
    Litwiller. - Joseph B. Litwiller was born Dec. 27, 1864, near Hopedale, Ill.; died Jan. 16, 1921, at his home near Minier, Ill.; aged 56 y. 20 d. He united with the Amish Mennonite Church in his youth and was a faithful member until death. In 1888 he was united in marriage to Barbara Birkey. To this union were born 7 children. He leaves his sorrowful companion, 5 sons, 1 daughter, mother, 3 sisters, 5 brothers, and a host of relatives and friends. His sudden death was caused from hemorrhages of the stomach. Brethren Samuel Gerber and Simon Litwiller conducted the funeral services.
     "Father, thou hast left us lonely,
      And our loss we deeply feel;
      But we hope some day to meet thee,
      In that heavenly home beyond."

    Joseph married Barbara Birky on 9 Oct 1888 in Seldon, KS. Barbara (daughter of Joseph Bürcky (Birki) and Maria (Mary) Bircky (Birky)) was born on 3 Dec 1867 in El Paso, Livingston Co., IL; died on 22 May 1942 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Barbara Birky was born on 3 Dec 1867 in El Paso, Livingston Co., IL (daughter of Joseph Bürcky (Birki) and Maria (Mary) Bircky (Birky)); died on 22 May 1942 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.

    Notes:

    Obit:
    Egli. - Barbara Birkey Litwiller Egli was born Dec. 3, 1867 near El Paso, Ill.; died at her home in Hopedale, Ill., after a lingering illness. On the morning of May 21 she suffered a stroke, passing away in the evening of May 22, aged 74 y. 5 m. 19 d. She united with the Mennonite Church in youth, and remained a faithful member until death. She was a Sunday-school teacher since Sunday school started, whenever her health permitted. Oct. 9, 1888, she was united in marriage to Joseph Litwiller. Seven children were born to this union (Joseph of Armington, William of Winamac, Ind.; Roy, Emery, and Alma of Hopedale). She also leaves 29 grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death twenty-one years ago, also 2 sons (Eli and an infant son) and a daughter-in-law. She was again united in marriage to Jacob Egli, Feb. 19, 1928. She leaves her husband, 4 stepchildren (Mrs. Aaron Litwiller, Armington, Mrs. Asa Nafziger, Minier, John and Simon Egli of Hopedale), 29 step-grandchildren, and 15 step-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held May 24 at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, conducted by Bros. Ben Springer and Simon Litwiller. Interment in the Mennonite Cemetery.

    "Her longing wish is granted,
    Her pain and misery are ended.
    Into Heaven's mansions she entered,
    Never to sigh or to weep.
    Mother has fallen asleep."

    Children:
    1. Joseph Litwiller was born on 19 Apr 1890 in Decatur Co., KS.
    2. Alma Litwiller was born on 10 Oct 1893 in Oberlin, Decatur Co., KS.
    3. Jonas Litwiller was born in Dec 1895 in Oberlin, Decatur Co., KS; died on 22 May 1896.
    4. Eli Litwiller was born on 18 Sep 1897 in Oberlin, Decatur Co., KS; died on 5 Sep 1935 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL.
    5. William Litwiller was born on 1 Jul 1900 in Oberlin, Decatur Co., KS; died on 13 Jul 1980 in Gridley, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Gridley, McLean Co., IL.
    6. 1. Roy Menno Litwiller was born on 16 Aug 1902.
    7. Emery Litwiller was born on 24 Mar 1907 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Joseph Litwiller was born on 12 Dec 1836 in Butler Co., OH (son of Joseph Litwiller and Barbara Ulrich); died on 28 Mar 1914 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.

    Notes:

    Obit:
    LITWILLER. - Joseph Litwiller was born in Butler Co., O., Dec. 12, 1836; died at his home near Hopedale, Ill., Mar. 28, 1914; aged 77y. 3m. 16d. At the age of 14 years he came to Illinois with his parents. He was united in marriage with Katharine Birky Mar. 9, 1863. To this union were born 7 sons, and 3 daughters, 1 son dying in infancy. He leaves to mourn his departure a sorrowing widow, 6 sons, 3 daughters, 36 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He accepted his Savior in his youth and united with the Amish Mennonite Church and was faithful to the end. He was buried at the A.M. burying ground Mar. 31, 1914. Sermons by Joseph Egli, Jonas Litwiller, and Samuel Gerber. Rest in peace. C.

    Buried:
    Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

    Joseph married Catherine Birky on 9 Mar 1862 in Tazewell Co., IL. Catherine (daughter of Christian Bürcky (Birky) and Catherine Mosimann) was born on 13 Mar 1843 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 30 Dec 1923 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  Catherine Birky was born on 13 Mar 1843 in Tazewell Co., IL (daughter of Christian Bürcky (Birky) and Catherine Mosimann); died on 30 Dec 1923 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Religion: Amish Mennonite

    Notes:

    Obit: Herald of Truth Dec 1876
    Litwiller. - Catherine (Birky) Litwiller was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., March 13, 1843; died Dec. 30, 1923; aged 80 y. 9 m. 17 d. She was united in marriage to Joseph Litwiller, March 9, 1862. To this union were born nine children, namely: Mary Oswald, Beemer, Nebr., Salome Eichelberger, Emden, Ill., Katie, at home, Christian A., John W., Daniel and Louis of Hopedale, Ill., and Ben F., Lakeworth, Fla. Her husband and two sons preceded her to the great beyond. She is also survived by 3 brothers, 3 sisters, 36 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren, besides many relatives and friends. She united with the Amish Mennonite Church in her youth and remained faithful and loyal to the end. Funeral services were held Jan. 2, at the A. M. Church near Hopedale, Ill., conducted by Samuel Gerber, of Tremont, Ill.

    Just a rest for weary footsteps,
    Just a folding of tired hands;
    Just a glimpse across the river,
    Where the holy city stands.
    By a granddaughter.

    Buried:
    Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

    Notes:

    Married:
    by Andrew Ropp

    Children:
    1. Christian A. Litwiller was born in 1863; died in 1924.
    2. 2. Joseph B. Litwiller was born on 27 Dec 1864 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 16 Jan 1921 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL.
    3. Salome Litwiller was born on 6 Oct 1871 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 28 Jan 1929; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.

  3. 6.  Joseph Bürcky (Birki) was born on 19 Mar 1828 in Bavaria, GR (son of Christian Bürcky (Birki) and Katharina Nafziger); died on 6 Dec 1906 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Dec 1906 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE.

    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]


  4. 7.  Maria (Mary) Bircky (Birky) was born on 19 Mar 1833 in Bavaria, GR (daughter of Valentin (Valentine) Bircky (Birky) and Elisabeth Unzicker (Hunsiker)); died on 28 Oct 1908 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE.

    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

    Children:
    1. Catherine Birky was born on 28 Jan 1852 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 1 Jan 1931 in Davenport, Thayer Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE.
    2. Elizabeth Birky was born on 19 Sep 1853 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 22 Mar 1907 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried on 24 Mar 1907 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE.
    3. Jacob Birky was born on 19 Sep 1855 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 12 Jan 1917 in Calkins, MT; was buried in White Sulphur Springs, Meagher Co., MT.
    4. Valentine Birkey was born on 2 Feb 1858 in Dillon Creek, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 18 Sep 1928 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL.
    5. Mary Birky was born about 1860; died before 1870.
    6. Joseph E. Birky was born on 9 Sep 1862 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 5 Oct 1935 in Albany, Linn Co., OR; was buried in Albany, Linn Co., OR.
    7. 3. Barbara Birky was born on 3 Dec 1867 in El Paso, Livingston Co., IL; died on 22 May 1942 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
    8. Daniel Birky was born on 28 Feb 1870 in IL; died on 13 Apr 1901 in Oberlin, Decatur Co., KS; was buried in Dresden, Decatur Co., KS.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  Joseph Litwiller was born on 29 Mar 1799 in Diane-Capelle, Moselle, FR (son of Johannes Litwiller and Francoise (Veronica) Zehr (Serre)); died on 27 May 1884 in Dillon Twp., Tazewell Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Occupation: Wheelwright (Carter/charron)
    • Immigration: 1831, Butler Co., OH
    • Residence: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL

    Notes:

    Joseph and Barbe sailed from Le Havre with Barbe's brother Peter in May 1830, arriving at New York in July. They raised their family in Butler County. After Barbe's death Joseph brought his children to Dillon, where Joseph appears on the census in 1860 and 1880.

    Joseph married Barbara Ulrich on 19 Sep 1829 in Hirsingue, Haut-Rhin, FR. Barbara (daughter of Peter Ulrich, Jr. and Katharina Lauber) was born on 20 Mar 1804 in Walheim, Upper Alsace, FR; died on 29 Dec 1847 in Butler Co., OH. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 9.  Barbara Ulrich was born on 20 Mar 1804 in Walheim, Upper Alsace, FR (daughter of Peter Ulrich, Jr. and Katharina Lauber); died on 29 Dec 1847 in Butler Co., OH.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Religion: Amish

    Notes:

    Like her father and brother, she was illiterate, could only pen marks, not signatures, at the bottom of their marriage record.

    Children:
    1. Peter Litwiller was born on 1 Jun 1830; died before 1839.
    2. Barbara Litwiller was born on 25 Sep 1831 in Butler Co., OH; died on 12 Jun 1899 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
    3. Joseph Litwiller was born on 13 Mar 1833 in Butler Co., OH; died before 1836.
    4. Catherine (Katie) Litwiller was born on 21 May 1834 in Milford, Butler Co., OH; died on 1 May 1930 in Milford, Seward Co., NE.
    5. Christian Litwiller was born on 15 Sep 1835 in Butler Co., OH; died on 13 Aug 1917 in Waldo, Livingston Co., IL.
    6. 4. Joseph Litwiller was born on 12 Dec 1836 in Butler Co., OH; died on 28 Mar 1914 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
    7. Veronica (Fannie) Litwiller was born on 28 Oct 1838 in Butler Co., OH.
    8. Peter Litwiller was born on 9 Sep 1839 in Butler Co., OH; died on 28 Jun 1900; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
    9. John Litwiller was born on 27 Feb 1841 in Butler Co., OH; died on 15 Jul 1922 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
    10. Magdalena Litwiller was born on 19 Oct 1844; died before 1846.

  3. 10.  Christian Bürcky (Birky) was born on 29 Oct 1810 in Bavaria, GR (son of Christian Bürcky (Birki) and Katharina Nafziger); died on 26 Sep 1885 in Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • CLER: Y
    • Occupation: Brewer in Germany
    • Reference Number: 195
    • Religion: Amish Mennonite
    • Immigration: 12 Oct 1839, Le Havre to New York
    • Residence: Abt 1840, Butler Co., OH
    • Residence: 1841, Dillon Creek, Tazewell Co., IL
    • Residence: Abt 1859-1860, Tazewell Co., IL
    • Residence: 18 Jun 1860, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

    Notes:

    Lived for a number of years in Oberlin, KS. In 1900 the family lived near Beemer, NE, then moved to Hopedale again, and finally lived in Kouts, IN. Jacob was ordained to the ministry in 1895 and was named bishop in 1902. He served 31 years in the ministry.

    According to page 147 of 18 Jun 1860 Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., census, Christian Burkey, age 49, was born in Germany and was listed with his wife Catherine, age 40, born in France. Children (all born in IL): Catherine 17; Fanny 15; Christian 13; John 11; Joseph 9; Andrew 7; Jacob 5; and Valentine 3.

    1880 census gives birthplace of Christian’s father and mother as Bavaria.

    Their household appears on the 1850 census of Tazewell County as Christian Burkie, 38, Germany; Christian, 27, Germany [marked as a female, almost certainly meant to be Catherine]; Catharine, 6, Illinois; Fanny, 4 Illinois; Christian, 2, Illinois; and John, 1 Illinois. They are described on the 1880 census of Little Mackinaw as Christon Birky, 70, farmer from Bavaria; Katherine, 60, from France; and four children ranging in ages 22-15. They are buried at Mennonite Cemetery in Hopedale.

    Birth:
    Born Bavaria, Germany according to 1860 and 1880 census

    Immigration:
    Aboard the Burgundy. Passenger list shows J. Burky, 24, and C. Burky, 31.

    Residence:
    Don’t know the source for this date

    Residence:
    Page 147 18 Jun 1860 census

    Buried:
    Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

    Christian married Catherine Mosimann on 30 Aug 1841 in Tazewell Co., IL. Catherine was born in 1820 in Azoudange, Moselle, FR; died on 13 Feb 1909 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 11.  Catherine Mosimann was born in 1820 in Azoudange, Moselle, FR; died on 13 Feb 1909 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Reference Number: 196
    • Religion: Amish Mennonite
    • Immigration: 1830, New Orleans, LA
    • Residence: 1830, Butler Co., OH

    Notes:

    Obit: Gospel Herald - Vol. I, No. 49 - March 6, 1909, page 783, 784

    Birky - Catherine Mosiman was born in Germany in the year 1820 and came to this country with her parents when about ten years old. She was married to Christian Birky in 1841, who died Sept. 26, 1885. To this union were born six sons and four daughters; one son died Sept. 12, 1900. Sister Birky was converted in early life and lived a consistent Christian life. She died Feb. 13, of the infirmities of old age; aged 89 y. She leaves to mourn her death, 9 children, 80 grandchildren, 96 great-grandchildren. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Buried near Hopedale, Ill., Feb. 16. Services by Daniel Nafziger and A. H. Leaman.

    Immigration:
    Ship Superior

    Buried:
    Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

    Children:
    1. 5. Catherine Birky was born on 13 Mar 1843 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 30 Dec 1923 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
    2. Veronica (Fannie) Birky was born on 16 Nov 1845 in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 21 Dec 1930 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
    3. Christian H. Birky was born on 13 May 1847 in Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 25 Sep 1920 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
    4. Bishop John C. Birky was born on 4 Feb 1849 in Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 19 Apr 1920 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried on 23 Apr 1920 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
    5. Bishop Joseph H. Birky was born on 25 Nov 1850 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 25 Sep 1927 in Beemer, Cuming Co., NE; was buried in Beemer, Cuming Co., NE.
    6. Andrew D. Birky was born on 22 Jan 1853 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 3 May 1940 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE.
    7. Jacob D. Birky was born on 25 Jul 1855 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 12 Jul 1926 in Kouts, Porter Co., IN; was buried on 15 Jul 1926 in Kouts, Porter Co., IN.
    8. Valentine C. Birky was born on 26 Jun 1858 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 12 Sep 1900 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
    9. Mary Birky was born on 13 Aug 1860 in Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 2 Mar 1936 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA.
    10. Elizabeth Birky was born on 10 Sep 1864 in Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 31 Jul 1881 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA.

  5. 12.  Christian Bürcky (Birki) was born in 1781 in Bitche, Moselle, FR (son of Christian Birki (Bircki) and Barbe Koch); died on 26 Apr 1840 in Siebenbrunn, Bavaria, GR; was buried on 28 Apr 1840 in Haunstetten, Bavaria, GR.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Occupation: Farmer
    • Reference Number: 34
    • Religion: Mennonite
    • USR1: Pneumonia, per Dr. Heelbast from Augsburg
    • Residence: 1804-1813, Geretsried, Bavaria, GR
    • PURC: 22 Jun 1829, Unterdiessen, Bavaria, GR
    • PURC: 1830, Abstried, near Diessen, Bavaria, GR
    • PURC: 13 Feb 1832, Heimberg, Bavaria, GR

    Notes:

    Previously from Freudenbergerhof near Bitche in Lorraine.
    Later at Heimberg, near Augsburg.

    Harry F. Weber, in his book "Centennial History of the Mennonites of Illinois" reports them as the Big Burkeys and listed them along Dillon Creek in 1841. Reference is made to them as the Big Birkeys because of their large stature. 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 Birky was 22 years old and his brother Jacob was 24, and they were living with their brother John Birky in Tazewell County, Illinois.
    —————————————
    While in Bavaria, Christian was one of the signatories to a letter sent March 18, 1811, to King Maximilian I. Joseph (ruler from 1806-1825). In it the “Elders of the Menonists” of the dairy farm Oberndorf, appealed to the King for permission to hire their own private instructors to educate their children in their own catechism, since he had allowed them freedom of religion. But “some of the community have received legal orders to send their children to school a good half hour away.”

    The answer came to them on Sept. 11, 1811, that “attendance of the local school remained compulsory, but the Mennonite children were not compelled to participate in religious instruction.”

    Other signing the letter were: Christian Güngerich, Heinrich Stalter, Daniel Zehr, Johannes Bächler.
    ———————————————————

    Following are the memories of Valentine Birky (recorded in 1935) of his grandfather Christian Birki (1781-1840).

    “The son, who was my grandfather, grew to manhood in France. He, being of more than ordinary strength, was wanted for the army, so he fled to Germany, settling in Bavaria near the town of Augsburg. The French hunted for him in the hay and grain with their bayonets. His mother and sister came to Bavaria later.

    “In Bavaria, Christian set up housekeeping. He raised a family of six sons and two daughters.... They tell me the Birkys were of the nobility, whatever that may mean. The Birky brothers were large men; they stood six feet tall and over. None of them fleshy, as I remember them--large frame bone and muscle.

    “One thing we must give them credit for: none of them were drinkers, which was a trouble with some of the German people in those days when liquor flowed so freely. I knew the brothers well, all but my own father, which I regret very much not knowing. I have always heard him highly spoken of. Their father was considered the strongest man in Bavaria, I am told. “

    The following taken from "A Brief Account of the History, Ancestry & Descendants of the John C. Birky Family."

    “The son [of Christian Birki [b. abt 1700], also named Christian, grew to manhood and was constantly sought for service in the military. Eventually he escaped back into Germany. There he was married and raised a family six sons and two daughters. The names of the children in order of age were: Katherine, Christian, John, Andrew, Valentine, Jacob, Joseph and Elizabeth.

    Between 1830 and 1840, when the older sons were approaching manhood, plans were made for the Christian Birky family to move to America, but the father suddenly became ill and died. Even so, loyalty to their faith of non-resistance caused them to continue plans to go to America. The two older sons, Christian and John, went to America alone first and settled in Butler County, Ohio. About a year later the other four brothers joined them in Ohio, and a short time later all six went west and located along Dillon Creek in Tazewell County, Illinois. This was in the year 1839 or 1840. The sister Elizabeth, who had married Jacob Eichelberger, came to America with her family and settled in the vicinity of her brothers. The mother and older sister, who married a man by the name of Jacob Rogie, remained in Germany.”

    “[Christian] left his wife, one son, and one daughter. The French army sought this one son, Christian, to serve in the army. They often dug in the hay and grain with their bayonets, thinking that they might find him. To avoid this persecution, Christian fled to Germany and then into Bavaria. His mother and sister came later. This took place about 1800 or a little later. In Bavaria, Christian was married and became the father of six sons and two daughters, although it is thought that there was a third daughter who died early in youth. The names of the children were, in order of age: Katherine, Christian, John, Andrew, Valentine, Jacob, Joseph and Elizabeth.

    Sons Came Over.
    Of the six brothers it was apparent that there were three deacons and one minister. Between 1830 and 1840 this family prepared to come to America, but the father suddenly took sick and died, so it was decided that the two oldest sons, Christian and John, should make the journey alone, which they did.
    It was customary for voyagers to take along enough provisions for the journey and also to do their own cooking. There were quite a few Hungarians on the ship and as the Birky boys were the only Bavarians, the Hungarians held the majority. One day John was seasick and Christian went down in the kitchen to do the cooking he found that an Hungarian had a large pot of potatoes on the stove. When Christian came with his kettle, which was small, to cook some soup the Hungarian told him to get out as he couldn't cook.
    The boy went upstairs and told his brother John, the story goes, that he must come down to the kitchen, as the Hungarian had insulted them. Christian went down again and tried to put his kettle on but again without success. The Hungarian told him to get out. But Christian, his ire called up, was himself the aggressor this time and seizing the pot of hot potatoes, turned them upside down on the Hungarian's head. In the meantime John came downstairs, and while the Hungarian was trying to get at Christian a seaman tripped him and he fell at John's feet. Thinking the boy had thrown him he left them alone, his fight gone.
    About a year later the other brothers came to America and settled in Butler county, Ohio, with the two oldest brothers, but they remained there only a short time and then moved to Tazewell county, Illinois, about 1859 or 1860. The sister Elizabeth, who had married Jacob Eichelberger, came to America with her family and settled in the vicinity of her brothers. The mother and the oldest sister, who married a man by the name of Jacob Rogie, remained in Germany.
    The name was formerly spelled Purckey, but has been changed to Burky, Birkey and Birky. The P was changed to B and the C omitted in Switzerland, and other minor changes have been made by the different branches of the family.”

    Residence:
    South of Munich. Leased Schwaigwall (Gut Wahl/Wolfratshausen-Waal estate), succeeding Joseph Stalter; Joseph rented only 50 days, Christian had a contract for 10 years. A Schwaige was not a ordinary farm, and according to Helmut Gingerich it provided for for a castle or monastery, needing skills such as distilling and cattle raising and a knowledge of business processes. Christian and his people farmed the 240 Bavarian acres of meadows and pastures until 1813.

    PURC:
    Tafernwirt. Purchased an inn that included 53 acres of farmland. In 1831, Christian is mentioned twice as witness of the Mennonite community, and as innkeeper in Schwabunterdissen.

    PURC:
    Heimberg estate, near Daniel Unzicker

    PURC:
    Bought farm estate near Fischach and 25 km S.W. of Augsburg, from Baroness von Grimmenstein for 4,000 Guilders. This farm was also near Daniel Unzicker’s Abstried Schwaige.

    Died:
    At 11:00 am in the house of Peter Hochstetler while visiting the family. Services at his funeral were conducted by minister Peter Hochstettler (1814-1884), a resident of Meringerau. Hermann Hage says he died at “Siebenbrunn b. Augsburg.” This is 20 miles east of Fischach, Christian’s home since 1838.

    Buried:
    At the wall from the chapel, in the presence of Stephan Klughammer the priest in the parish of St. Georg, near the Hochstetler family “the oldest from the Mennonite Peter Hochstetler, tenant to the Brik’schen farm.” Peter was in charge of the burial. (Haunstetten equals Siebenbrunn: they are very close together.)

    Christian + Katharina Nafziger. Katharina was born in 1776/1777; died on 3 Apr 1861 in Ehingen, Bavaria, GR; was buried on 5 Apr 1861. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  6. 13.  Katharina Nafziger was born in 1776/1777; died on 3 Apr 1861 in Ehingen, Bavaria, GR; was buried on 5 Apr 1861.

    Notes:

    Died:
    Schaffhauserhof, home of her daughter Katharina Burcky Rocke. (Schaffhauser Farm by Nördlingen)

    Children:
    1. Katharina Bürcky (Birki) was born on 5 Aug 1805; died on 25 Nov 1886 in Neidenfels, Palatinate, GR.
    2. Christian Bürcky (Birky) was born on 29 Oct 1810 in Bavaria, GR; died on 26 Sep 1885 in Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
    3. Johannes Bircky (Birky) was born on 25 Jan 1815 in Augsburg, Bavaria, GR; died on 9 Nov 1896 in Tazewell Co., IL.
    4. Andreas Bircky (Buerky) 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.
    5. Valentine Bürcky (Birky) was born in 1817 in GR; died on 30 Nov 1856 in Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL.
    6. Jacob Bürcky (Birki) was born on 4 May 1826 in Völlerdingen, Alsace, FR; died on 4 Jul 1883 in Garden City, Cass Co., MO.
    7. 6. Joseph Bürcky (Birki) was born on 19 Mar 1828 in Bavaria, GR; died on 6 Dec 1906 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Dec 1906 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE.
    8. Elizabeth Bürcky (Birki) was born on 25 Nov 1829 in Bavaria, GR; died on 27 Jun 1899 in Livingston Co., IL; was buried on 28 Jun 1899 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.

  7. 14.  Valentin (Valentine) Bircky (Birky)Valentin (Valentine) Bircky (Birky) was born in 1794 in Dehlingen, Völlerdingen, Alsace, FR (son of Johannes (Jean) Bircky (Bircki, Percky) and Barbara Bircki); died on 12 Sep 1860 in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Sep 1860 in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Occupation: In Europe A Bauer (Farmer), In US A Farmer
    • Reference Number: 36
    • Religion: Amish
    • Residence: Bef 1803, Völlerdingen, Alsace, FR
    • Residence: ? 1803, Riedenburg, Bavaria, GR
    • Residence: 1813, Dachau, Munich, Bavaria, GR
    • PURC: 1825, Dachau, Munich, Bavaria, GR
    • Residence: 1815 - 1828, Dachau, Munich, Bavaria, GR
    • Immigration: 31 May 1828, Dachau, Munich, Bavaria, GR
    • Residence: 1830, Pellheim, Bavaria, GR
    • PURC: 8 Mar 1833, Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR
    • PURC: 15 Apr 1841, Ludwigsfeld, Bavaria, GR
    • Death: 12 Aug 1848, Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR
    • Residence: 1831-1849, Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR
    • Immigration: 21 Jun 1849, NY
    • Census: 1850, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
    • Residence: 1860, Morton, Tazewell Co., IL

    Notes:

    Valentine, father of thirteen children, all of whom emigrated to America, although not all at the same time, lived in Gern, Bavaria, when his children were born. The year after his wife died, Valentine, with some of his family came to America. He left Gern near Munich, Bavaria with five children, and with 10,000 fl., one of the larger amounts taken out of the country--much more than most immigrants. His brother Christian took the same amount. Valentine was of the "Little Red" Birky's. The family’s emigration is documented in Friedrich Blendinger’s material (the emigration to North America from the governmental district Upper Bavaria in the years 1846-1852, in: ZBLG (magazine for Bavarian national history) 27 (1964), p. 431-487. The magazine is on line with full text.

    Birth:
    Probably born at either Lutterbacherhof or Buscherhof (both near Sarre-Union and Rimsdorf). Lutterbacherhof is now a part of the Cultural Heritage Inventory Department Palais du Rhin. See https://www.pop.culture.gouv.fr/notice/merimee/IA67006033

    Residence:
    Lutterbacherhof, near Saar-Union/Saarbrücken, FR

    Residence:
    Lived on rented farms with brother Andreas (Country court Riedenburg [Flugelsberg]), and with Christian (in County Court Munich.
    Google translation :
    Gern and Riedenburg
    lt. deed of citizenship of
    In 1828 he stayed until about 1815
    with his brother on the
    Wing mountain.

    Residence:
    Unterweilbach tenant, of Court Spreti, near Dachau.

    PURC:
    Purchased an estate in Arzbach from his brother Christian.

    Residence:
    Tenant at Unterweilbach.

    Immigration:
    Received France to Bavaria immigration permit. ”Here appears Valentin Bircky from Lutterbach in Alsace, 34 years old, father of seven children, five boys, and two girls, the oldest 13 years of age, the youngest two years of age, asking for permission to emigrate.”

    Residence:
    Arzbach estate (about 2 miles north of the center of Pellheim) called Schloss Pellheim.

    PURC:
    Purchased Kandler farm estate, house No 3 from Joseph Stalter, Elisabeth’s step-father.

    PURC:
    Mayerrhof, house No. 8, called “Wurzer estate in Ludwigsfeld near Munich, and Dachau.

    Death:
    Death of wife Elisabeth Unzicker

    Residence:
    Valentin moved with his family to his father-in-law living in Gern near Munich

    Immigration:
    Via Liverpool on ship Minnesota. Evidently the family was originally booked to depart with ship agent Karl Dick from Augsburg via Mannheim-LaHavre-New York. Plans must have changed since they ultimately arrived on the ship Minnesota, via Liverpool to New York.

    Census:
    Age 67, living with son Joseph and Barbara (Eigsti) Birky; also living there was Christian Springer, laborer.

    Residence:
    Year of his death

    Buried:
    Birky-Landes Cemetery, personal visit, Plot #36 on cemetery map dated 8/12/2013

    Valentin married Elisabeth Unzicker (Hunsiker) in 1812 in Munich, Bavaria, GR. Elisabeth (daughter of Unzicker (Hunsicker) and Magdalena Nafziger) was born in 1796 in Breimthal, Heidelberg, Bavaria, GR; died on 12 Aug 1848 in Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR; was buried on 15 Aug 1848 in Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  8. 15.  Elisabeth Unzicker (Hunsiker) was born in 1796 in Breimthal, Heidelberg, Bavaria, GR (daughter of Unzicker (Hunsicker) and Magdalena Nafziger); died on 12 Aug 1848 in Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR; was buried on 15 Aug 1848 in Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Reference Number: 37
    • Religion: Mennonite
    • USR1: Stroke

    Notes:

    Unzicker, originally Hunzicker= from Hunzicken, Canton Bern. The initial H was probably lost during a stay in France where an H is not pronounced at the beginning of a word.

















    More likely, Elizabeth could have been a sister to Daniel b. 1798 who married Magdalena Kahn.}

    Birth:
    Near Wieslock and Heidelberg

    Died:
    Farmer’s wife, at age 54, on her father’s farm

    Buried:
    Gern Mennonite Cemetery

    Notes:

    Settlement of Valentine’s estate lists Joseph first and Jacob seond--the rest in the same order as here.

    Married:
    about 1812-1813 - 2,500 Guilders given to the bride and groom on the occasion of their marriage by the bride’s family.

    Children:
    1. Jakob Birky (Bircky) was born in 1813 in Unterweilbach, Bavaria, GR; died on 1 Mar 1887 in Peoria, Peoria Co., IL; was buried in IL.
    2. Joseph Bircky (Burkey) was born on 13 May 1816 in Nymphenburg, Bavaria, GR; died on 13 Mar 1902 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE.
    3. Christian (Harry) Bircky (Burkey) was born on 4 Sep 1819 in Obersanding, Bavaria, GR; died on 6 Nov 1890 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE.
    4. Valentin Bircky (Birky) was born on 12 Oct 1820 in Nymphenburg, Bavaria, GR; died on 28 Jun 1901 in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL; was buried in Bureau Co., IL.
    5. Andréas Bircky (Birky) was born on 11 Oct 1822 in Nymphenburg, Bavaria, GR; died on 7 Nov 1892 in Tazewell Co., IL.
    6. Magdalena Bircky (Birky) was born on 12 Dec 1824 in Nymphenburg, Bavaria, GR; died on 18 Feb 1897.
    7. Elisabeth Bircky (Birky) was born on 19 Nov 1826 in Nymphenburg, Bavaria, GR; died in Oct 1866 in Tazewell Co., IL.
    8. Catharina Birky was born on 18 Jan 1829 in Nymphenburg, Bavaria, GR; died on 18 Mar 1870 in IL; was buried in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL.
    9. Heinrich (Henry) Bircky (Birky) was born on 31 Dec 1831 in Arzbach, Bavaria, GR; died on 4 Aug 1918 in Groveland Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL.
    10. 7. Maria (Mary) Bircky (Birky) 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.
    11. Johann (John) Bircky (Birky) was born on 1 Jan 1835 in Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR; died on 28 Mar 1925 in Peoria, Peoria Co., IL; was buried in Groveland Twp., Tazewell Co., IL.
    12. Jacobine (Bena) BIRKY (BIRCKY) was born on 13 Jan 1838 in Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR; died on 5 Sep 1914 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE.
    13. Barbara Bircky (Birky) was born on 9 Jan 1840 in Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR; died on 28 Jul 1934 in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL.
    14. Joseph Bircky (Birky) was born in 1861; died on 21 Mar 1861.


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