Raymond Fred Yordy: The Schrock-Birkey Connection

Raymond Fred Yordy

Male 1895 - 1976  (80 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Raymond Fred Yordy was born on 20 Oct 1895 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL (son of Jacob K. Yordy and Kathrine (Katie) B. King); died on 10 Aug 1976 in Spring Valley, CA.

    Notes:

    Raymond married Martha Horsch on 19 Nov 1919 in Champaign Co., IL. Martha (daughter of Henry Horsch, Sr. and Katherine Good) was born on 3 Nov 1898 in Gilmore City, Pocahontis Co., IA; died on 27 Nov 1924 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Notes:

    Married:
    By J.A. Heiser, at home of bride’s parents

    Children:
    1. Merle Yordy was born on 4 Aug 1921 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; died on 22 Oct 2001 in Espanola, NM.
    2. Eugene Yordy was born on 4 Mar 1923 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; died on 15 Jun 2001 in Colorado Springs, CO.

    Raymond married Almeda Shettler on 10 Dec 1925 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL. Almeda (daughter of John J. Shettler and Cora Ellen Raber) was born on 24 Aug 1906; died on 19 Jan 1980 in San Diego, CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Jacob K. Yordy was born on 8 Mar 1853 in Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL (son of Peter Yordy and Maria (Mary) Birky); died on 29 Nov 1930 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried on 1 Dec 1930 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Religion: Amish Mennonite
    • Residence: 1878-1889, Waldo, Livingston Co., IL
    • Residence: 1889, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL

    Notes:

    Obit: Gospel Herald, December, 1930
    YORDY.--Jacob K., son of Peter and Mary Yordy, was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., March 8, 1853; died at the home of his son Amsa near Flanagan, Ill., Nov. 29, 1930; aged 77 y. 8 m. 21 d. He spent his entire life in Tazewell, Woodford and Livingston counties. On Feb. 3, 1878, he was united in marriage to Kathryn King of Livingston Co., Ill. To this union were born 5 sons and 9 daughters. The surviving children are Edward, Noah, William, Raymond, Amsa, Mrs. S. A. Albrecht, Mrs. Simon Beller, Mrs. Albert Durre, Mrs. Elmer Augsburger, Mrs. Ray Slagell, Mrs. William Stalter, and Mrs. Arthur Guth. The children are all residents of this community with the exception of Mrs. Beller of Wesloco, Tex., and Raymond, of Iowa City, Ia. He also leaves 58 grandchildren and one sister (Barbara Yordy). Those of the family who have preceded him in death are his companion (who died Feb. 2, 1918), also two daughters and four grandchildren. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior in his youth and remained faithful until death. Funeral services were held Dec. 1 at the Waldo Church, conducted by the home ministers, D. W. Slagel and J. D. Hartzler. Burial in Waldo Cemetery.


    “Lived at Flanagan, IL, then moved back to Woodford County and lived just north of Spring Hill Farm, Eureka, IL, where Ezra B. and Carrie E. (Good) Yordy lived at the time. In about the year 1918, Katie died at Eureka, IL, so he moved back to Flanagan where most of the children lived.”

    Died:
    At home of son, Amsa

    Buried:
    Waldo Cemetery

    Jacob married Kathrine (Katie) B. King on 3 Feb 1878 in Livingston Co., IL. Kathrine (daughter of Christian R. King and Mary Catharina Sommer Baechler) was born on 19 Oct 1858 in McLean Co., IL; died on 2 Feb 1918 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Kathrine (Katie) B. King was born on 19 Oct 1858 in McLean Co., IL (daughter of Christian R. King and Mary Catharina Sommer Baechler); died on 2 Feb 1918 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Religion: Amish Mennonite

    Notes:

    Obit: Gopspel Herald - February, 1918
    Yordy - Catherine King was born October 19, 1958; died suddenly at her late home at Eureka, Ill., Feb. 2, 1918; aged 59 y. 2 m. 14 d. At the age of 17, she united with the A.M. Church and remained faithful to the end. She was united in marriage with Jacob K. Yordy Feb. 3, 1878. To this union were born 5 sons and 9 daughters. Two daughters and 2 grandsons preceded her to the spirit world. She leaves to mourn her sudden departure a deeply bereaved husband, 7 daughters, 5 sons, 21 grandchildren, an aged mother, 7 brothers, 2 sisters and many relatives and friends. Funeral services at the house of her son-in-law, S.A. Albrecht, near Flanagan, Ill., by D. W. Slagel and at the Waldo A.M. Church by C. F. Derstine. Text, Man goeth to his long home (Eccl. 12:5). Burial at Waldo Cemetery. Sister Yordy was one of the committee that looked after the sewing circle ever since it has been in existence until they moved to Eureka about 4 months ago. May the bereaved ones look to Him who alone can comfort.

    Birth:
    Gravestone date

    Buried:
    Waldo Mennonite Cemetery

    Children:
    1. Edward Peter Yordy was born on 12 Mar 1879 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; died on 31 Aug 1960 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    2. Maud Yordy was born on 10 Jun 1880 in Livingston Co., IL; died on 12 Oct 1904.
    3. Lidia Ellen Yordy was born on 14 Feb 1882 in Livingston Co., IL; died on 14 Feb 1882 in Livingston Co., IL.
    4. Ida Ellen Yordy was born on 13 Feb 1883 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; died on 23 Jun 1947 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL.
    5. Noah Christian Yordy was born on 30 Jan 1885 in Livingston Co., IL; died on 15 Oct 1967 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried on 17 Oct 1967 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    6. Lucille (Lucy) Yordy was born on 30 Jan 1887 in Waldo, Livingston Co., IL; died on 4 Jun 1967 in Ennis, Ellis Co., TX.
    7. Hattie Elizabeth Yordy was born on 25 Sep 1889 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL; died on 9 May 1970 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    8. Mabel Magdalene Yordy was born on 3 Aug 1891 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL; died on 6 Oct 1941 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    9. William A. Yordy was born on 18 May 1893 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL; died on 21 Jan 1974 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried on 23 Jan 1974 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    10. 1. Raymond Fred Yordy was born on 20 Oct 1895 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL; died on 10 Aug 1976 in Spring Valley, CA.
    11. Minnie Yordy was born on 18 Oct 1897 in Livingston Co., IL; died on 27 May 1981 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    12. Edna Kathryn Yordy was born on 19 Oct 1899 in Livingston Co., IL; died on 10 Oct 1995 in Meadows, McLean Co., IL; was buried on 14 Oct 1995 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    13. Amsy Daniel (Bud) Yordy was born on 2 Apr 1901 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 7 Dec 1980 in Gridley, McLean Co., IL; was buried on 9 Dec 1980 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    14. Erma Emma Yordy was born on 20 Feb 1904 in Nebraska, Livingston Co., IL; died on 14 Aug 2002 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Peter Yordy was born on 26 Jul 1815 in Jaegerthal, Niederbronn-Les-Bains, FR (son of Jakob Jordy and Catharina Schantz); died on 2 Jul 1897 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Jul 1897 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Occupation: Farmer
    • Religion: Amish Mennonite
    • Residence: 1817, Munich, Bavaria, GR
    • Residence: Abt 1820, Köfering, Bavaria, GR
    • Residence: 1836, Hanfeld, Bavaria, GR
    • Immigration: 17 Sep 1838, New York
    • Residence: 1839, Tazewell Co., IL
    • Census: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL
    • PURC: 30 Jan 1852, Tazewell Co., IL
    • Census: 1860, Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
    • Undefined: 1863
    • PURC: 10 Feb 1865, Nebraska Twp., Livingston Co., IL
    • PURC: 1866, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL
    • Residence: 1867, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL
    • Census: 1870, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL
    • Census: 1880, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL

    Notes:

    The Jordi family ancestral village is Steinen, Switzerland. Jordi/Jordy= Jordan/Jordanus, a first name from the times of the Crusades.
    ————————————

    Obit:
    “Peter Yordy was born June 12, 1815 in Alsace, France according to his headstone. However, according to official documents, he was born July 26, 1815.
    Civil Register, Windstein, Alsace, France (FHL Microfilm #1069482)states "7/26/1815 Pierre Jordi (masculine)born 2 a.m., son of Jacques Jordi (37, Laboureur) and Catharine Schantz of Jaegerthal near Windstein. Witnesses Jean Wolber and Pierre Mathis."

    In about 1819, Peter's family moved to Munich, Bavaria, Germany [ Woodford County Tax Records, 1868 located at the Illinois Mennonite Historical Society, Metamora, IL]. He grew up about 20 miles south of Munich. Peter had one known sister, Jacobina aka Philabena. It is possible that Peter had a second sister named Elizabeth, who emigrated to the US in 1849 and married Peter Gerber in 1850. Peter also had at least one brother, Christian Yotty, who emigrated with his future wife Katherina Stalter.

    Peter Emigrated in 1838. Peter "Jordte" or "Jodte" from France arrived in New York on the packet ship "Charles Carroll" from Le Havre on September 17, 1838. On the passenger list immediately before Peter's name is the name of Joseph "Heser" (Heiser, 20) and Andrew Burkey (29). Heiser and Burckey were from Hanfield, about 20 miles south of Munich. 

    While there is little record of Peter's life immediately after his arrival in Illinois in 1839, it is likely that he worked within the Amish community for an established Amish farmer as a laborer. 

    On February 9, 1847, Peter married Miss Mary Birkey, a Mennonite woman with a 9 year-old son, John Horn, at the Dillon Creek Congregation in Tazewell County. Peter and Mary had 8 additional children.

    Peter and family lived in Tazewell County until 1867 when they moved to Woodford County, residing 2 miles east of Roanoke on Panther Creek. 

    Peter was a member of the Roanoke Mennonite Church and the Panther Creek Church of the Brethren. He was very interested in education and sponsored an English class for Amish children in his home.

    Peter died on July 2, 1897 and was buried in the Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery.”
    —————————————————
    In 1866 Peter purchased 200 acres of land from Andrew Johnson and his wife in Woodford Co. for $8000.

    Peter Yordy hosted a private German school, conducted by the one-armed teacher Christian Erismann (1835-1904), in his home from 1870 to 1871.,

    Peter’s probate record lists as heirs the following: Lizzie Bachman, Mary Orendorff, Chris Yordy, Jacob K. Yordy, Joseph Yordy, Barbara Yordy, Peter Yordy, Lizzie Erb, Bella Schrock, David Yordy, Mary Zimmerman, Simon Yordy, John E. Yordy, Emma Swartzendruber and Fannie Yeakley--seven of his own children and eight children of John Yordy, Mary’s son from her first husband.

    —————————————————
    “He (Peter) arrived from the Dillon Creek congregation and he joined the Roanoke Mennonite Church, but was [also] active in the Panther Creek Church of the Brethren....Several of Peter’s descendants are buried in the Panther Creek Cemetery. Peter’s great great grandson, Peter Yordy, was the pastor of the Panther Creek Church of the Brethren in 2004.”
    ————————————————-

    “Peter Yordy (b. 1815) died in 1897 when Amos Yordy, son of Christian, was 13 years old.  The Amos Yordy from northern Illinois was, of course much older (46).  However, I find it highly unlikely that Amos Yordy of northern Illinois had any financial dealings with Peter Yordy (b. 1815).  I have tried to find any kind of evidence of interaction between the Yordy's of northern Illinois and Peter Yordy (1815-1897) and have come up empty.  So it would surprise me if Amos Yordy of northern Illinois had any involvement with Peter Yordy's death in 1897.
     
    On the other hand, Peter Yordy Jr. was killed when struck by lightening while picking grapes at the farm of his nephew, Amos Yordy, son of Christian Yordy and Salome Slagel.  Such a death may well have prompted an inquest and Amos may well have incurred some expense since it happened on his farm.  Peter Jr. was moderately mentally retarded.  His sister Barbara was mildly retarded, or at least, mentally unstable. Both were cared for by their parents well into their adult lives.  Peter and Mary deeded their home place to Peter Jr. and Barbara to assure that the children had sufficient assets of their own, and a place to live after Peter and Mary's deaths.
     
    In 1901, after Peter Sr.'s death, and with Mary being quite old and apparently senile, and on the brink of death, the Yordy children went to court and had Peter Jr. declared legally incompetent.  The court order described Peter Jr. as "distracted".  The court named his uncle, Christian Bachman (husband of Elizabeth Yordy) as his guardian or conservator [Case file reviewed at Woodford County Courthouse].  Christian Bachman remained Peter's conservator until Peter died in 1909.  Peter was obviously not competent to have a will.  His estate was eventually divided amongst his surviving siblings and the children of his deceased half-brother, John Birky Yordy, who had died in Nebraska on December 31, 1906.
     
    In 1915, Peter's sister, Barbara, was also declared mentally incompetent ("distracted").  Her brother, Christian Yordy, was named her conservator until his death in 1922.  At that time, Christian's son, Amos, took over as guardian for a short time. Later, Joseph Yordy's son (and Barbara's nephew) Ezra Yordy acted as her guardian until her death in 1943 [Barbara Yordy Guardianship Procedures, Woodford County Courthouse].
     
    Based on the above facts, I believe it more likely that the Peter Yordy estate in question is the estate of Peter Yordy Jr.  And the "Amos Yordy" in question is the son of Christian Yordy and Salome Slagel and the grandson of Peter Yordy. 
     
    I have not been able to find a thing on Peter Yordy (Sr.'s) death in 1897.  I have been to the Woodford County Courthouse searching for a death certificate, estate file, obituary, or ANYTHING that would give me some information, but have found nothing on the deaths of Peter Yordy in 1897 or Mary Yordy in 1902.  My belief is that they had transferred all of their assets to their children before they died in return for care during their senior years.  This was apparently a common practice among Amish/Mennonites at the time and was very common among members of the Church of the Brethren (which Peter and Mary attended in their later years).  Such an arrangement avoided probate, etc. I also suspect their funerals were conducted at the Church of the Brethren. It was located less than a mile from their home east of Roanoke. That might explain the total absence of historical documents on their deaths in the Roanoke Mennonite Church records, and the absence of any obituary (which was frowned upon by the Brethren Church.”
    ————————————————
    According to Gary Yordy, a family story says that John's father was a German army officer. "It is possible that John B. Yordy's relationship to Peter Yordy as a foster son would have remained a family secret, were it not for the fact that John's daughter, Fannie Yordy, decided to marry Peter Yordy's nephew, Joseph Yeackley."

    "In about 1883, Peter and Mary temporarily moved to the home of their daughter Mary and her husband Daniel Orendorff in Flanagan. Their Roanoke farm home was occupied by their son Christian and his family at the time while a second smaller home was built on the farm for Peter and Mary. In 1884, Peter and Mary moved in to the new home at Roanoke and were shortly joined by his niece, Barbara Jordy and her son, Chris H.--recently arrived from Bavaria." (Gary Yordy)
     
    The family is found on the 1850 census of Tazewell County as farmer Peter Yatty, 45, Germany; Mary, 34, Germany; John, 12, Germany; Christian, 2, Illinois; and Mary, 1, Illinois. The proximity of neighbor Uriah Crosby suggests their first homestead was in the northern half of Morton.

    “Peter paid $1,400 for 154 acres of land Jan. 30, 1852. The land came in three parcels: two totaling 85 acres in south-central Groveland, and another 70 acres in north-central Elm Grove.

    The household of Peter and Mary can be found on the 1860 census of Elm Grove as farmer Peter 'Yarty,' 54 [he was actually 45], born in France; Mary, 49 [she was actually 44], born in Bavaria; John, 21, born in Bavaria; Christian, 11, Illinois; Mary, 10, Illinois; Jacob, 7, Illinois; Elizabeth, 4, Illinois; Philip [Peter Jr.], 3, Illinois; and Joseph, 2, Illinois. Their neighbors (Joseph Heiser, Joseph Ropp, Samuel King, Peter and Christian Gerber) indicate that they probably lived on the north side of Allentown Road, across from Joseph Heiser. The property must have been sold before 1864; the plat map published in that year does not show a Yordy property.

    On Feb. 10, 1865, Peter purchased 80 acres of land at Nebraska Township (later Flanagan), Livingston County. The farm was cultivated by John Birkey Yordy 1865-71, then occupied by daughter Mary and her husband Daniel Orendorff, while John moved to Lombardville, Stark County.

    In 1867 the family moved onto a 200-acre farm on Panther Creek at Roanoke, Woodford County. It was located about 3.5 miles north of Christian's farm. The household is found on the 1870 census of Roanoke as farmer Peter 'Yottey,' 54, Bavaria; Mary, 53, Bavaria; Christian, 22, Bavaria [Illinois]; Mary, 20, Bavaria [Illinois]; Jacob, 17, Ohio; Elizabeth, 16, Ohio; Peter, 14, Ohio; Joseph, 12, Illinois; and Barbara, 7, Illinois. Peter joined the Roanoke Mennonite Church, but also attended services at the nearby Panther Creek Church of the Brethren.
    The 1880 census of Roanoke shows them as 'Peter Yordie,' a 65-year-old farmer born in France, of parents born in France; and Mary, 64, born in Bavaria, of parents born in France. Children living with them include Elisabeth, 25; Peter, 24; Joseph, 23; and Barbara, 19. Mary can be found as an 84-year-old widow on the 1900 census of Roanoke, living with children Peter, 44, and Barbara, 39. On that form Mary (or someone in her stead) stated that she was born in Germany of French parents, and that she came to America in 1847. In about 1884, Peter and Mary moved into the household of their daughter Mary and her husband Daniel Orendorff at Flanagan. The Roanoke farm was occupied by son Christian and his family. “
    ——————————————————
    In December 2007, genealogist Joseph Staker discovered the historic record of Peter’s immigration to America.

    Twenty-three-year-old “Peter Jordte” or “Jodte” from France emigrated to New York. He arrived on the packet ship, Charles Carroll, which arrived from Le Havre on September 17, 1838. This individual’s name falls directly in a crease in the paper, making it difficult to read clearly. On the passenger list immediately before Peter’s name is the name of Joseph “Heser” (20) and Andrew Burkey (29) and his wife, Barbara (29) and son Joseph (2). These people are thought to be Joseph Heiser; Andrew Burcky (son of Andrew Birki and first cousin of Peter Yordy’s future wife, Mary Birkey Yordy) and his wife, Barbara Eyer/Oyer and their son, Joseph. Joseph Heiser had lived at Hanfeld, and Andrew Burcky had lived at Söcking. The two villages are adjacent and the town squares only two miles apart, very near Starnberg, and approximately 20 miles south of Munich. The fact that Peter, Joseph, and Andrew emigrated together suggests that they knew each other prior to the trip. Further credence is leant to this theory by their actions after arriving in Illinois. In the 1855 Tazewell County Census and the1860 US Census, Peter, Joseph, and Andrew were all next-door neighbors in Elm Grove Township, Tazewell County.

    Birth:
    At 3 a.m. Near Windstein - The birth was witnessed by Jean Walter and Pierre Mathis. Birth date from family records is 12 Jun 1815 , and is inscribed on his gravestone.

    Residence:
    With his parents, “about 20 miles south of Munich”

    Residence:
    Peter Jordy and wife, with 2 Children homeless-I think he stay short in Hahnfeld and moved from here to USA in 1838 (H. Holly)

    Residence:
    Near Starnberg

    Immigration:
    from Hanfeld, Bavaria, GR, to France, where he boarded the packet ship “Charles Carroll” from Le Have on September 17 1838. Peter was accompanied by Andrew Burcky and Joseph Heiser from Söcking and Hanfeld. On the passenger list, the name immediately after that of 'Joseph Heser' falls on a crease. The National Archives and FHL reproduction microfilms appear to say 'Peter Jodte,' age 23.

    Residence:
    A family story says that Peter worked on the Mississippi River before coming to Illinois. According to Harry Weber in Centennial History of the Mennonites in Illinois, he arrived on Partridge Creek in 1839. 

    Census:
    Peter age 35, Mary age 34, and children John 12, Christian 2, and Mary 1, were farming.

    PURC:
    Peter paid $1,400 for 154 acres of land Jan. 30, 1852. The land came in three parcels: two totaling 85 acres in south-central Groveland, and another 70 acres in north-central Elm Grove.


    Their neighbors (Joseph Heiser, Joseph Ropp, Samuel King, Peter and Christian Gerber) indicate that they probably lived on the north side of Allentown Road, across from Joseph Heiser. The property must have been sold before 1864; the plat map published in that year does not show a Yordy property.

    Census:
    Peter Yorty age 54 [he was 45], farmer b. France; Mary age 49 [she was 44], b. Bavaria; John age 21, farmer, b. Bavaria; Christian age 11, b. IL; Mary age 10, b. IL; Jacob age 7, b. IL; Elizabeth age 4, b. IL; Philip age 3 [Peter Jr.], b. IL; Joseph age 2, b. IL. Lived next to Joseph Hieser and Joseph Ropp.

    Undefined:
    Peter paid $100 to purchase release of his step son John from military service in the Civil War.

    PURC:
    On Feb. 10, 1865, Peter purchased 80 acres of land at Nebraska Township (later Flanagan), Livingston County. The farm was cultivated by John Birkey Yordy 1865-71, then occupied by daughter Mary and her husband Daniel Orendorff, while John moved to Lombardville, Stark County.

    PURC:
    200 acres from Andrew Johnson and his wife for which he paid $8000.

    Residence:
    From Ten Mile Creek in Tazewell Co.

    Census:
    Peter Yottey age -54, wife Mary age - 53; children:

    Census:
    Peter, Mary, and children, Elisabeth, Peter, Joseph and Barbara.

    Buried:
    Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

    Peter married Maria (Mary) Birky on 9 Feb 1847 in Tazewell Co., IL. Maria (daughter of Christian Birki and Maria Anna Gascho) was born on 18 Apr 1816 in Bavaria, GR; died on 13 May 1903 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  Maria (Mary) Birky was born on 18 Apr 1816 in Bavaria, GR (daughter of Christian Birki and Maria Anna Gascho); died on 13 May 1903 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Religion: Amish Mennonite
    • Immigration: 17 Jun 1844, Le Havre to New York

    Notes:

    The book 'The Past and Present of Woodford County' spells Mary's name Burkey. Mary is the Maria Birkey Yordy, of whom Myrna Slagell Park says , "During pioneer days in Tazewell County, Illinois, Maria Birkey Yordy (1816-1903) cooked a mixture she called 'pap,’ given to sickly infants with feeding problems. This remedy supposedly saved some babies not expected to survive. The recipe was handed down within the family."

    Mary Birky had a son before she married Peter Yordy--named John. (John b. Oct 23, 1838. He married Magdalena King (b. 1842) in 1862. They had 13 children.) She arrived in New York on the ship Baltimore on June 14,1844 with her son from a previous relationship, Johann Horn (who would later be known as John Birkey Yordy)." 

    Peter and Mary can be found on the 1880 census of Roanoke as 'Peter Yordie,' a 65- year-old farmer born in France, of parents born in France; and Mary, 64, born in Bavaria, of parents born in France; and four children. Mary can be found as an 84-year-old widow on the 1900 census of Roanoke, living with children Peter, 44, and Barbara, 39. Mary stated that she was born in Germany of French parents, and that she came to America in 1847 [actually it was 1844].

    “On February 9, 1847, two and one-half years after arriving in America, Mary married Peter Yordy. That marriage occurred within the Dillon Creek Amish Congregation in Tazewell County, Illinois. A recently identified 1845 Tazewell County Census sheds light on her life between her arrival in Illinois and her marriage to Peter.

    In 1845, thirty-year-old Mary “Burgie” resided with a male under 10 years of age (John Horn Birkey) as the head of the household in Tazewell County. Also in the household are a female aged 10-20 and a female under 10 years of age.24 The identity of these two females is unknown. It is probable that the two women were boarders. The listing of Mary as the “Head of Household” suggests that Mary emigrated with significant funds consistent with the relative wealth of her father, Christian Birki. Triangulation of neighbors suggests that after their marriage, Peter and Mary lived in the home where Mary was living in 1845.

    Peter Yordy’s wife, Maria Birki (Mary Birkey), and her six-year-old son, John Horn, emigrated in 1844. They traveled with Mary’s brother, Joseph, their cousin, Catherine Kettner, and Peter Zehr on the ship, Baltimore, which arrived in New York from Le Havre on June 14, 1844.23

    Immigration:
    Mary “Burge” with son Johann Horn on the ship Baltimore (New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, 1844, June 17, Baltimore, p.4)
    Also on the ship were Peter Zerr 25; Jospeh Burger 26; Catharina Kunder 27.

    Buried:
    Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

    Notes:

    Married:
    In the Amish Dillon Creek congregation.

    Children:
    1. Christian Yordy was born on 29 Jul 1848 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 10 Jul 1922 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL.
    2. Mary Yordy was born on 19 Oct 1849 in Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 8 Feb 1923 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    3. Magdalena Yordy was born in Jun 1851 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; died in 1854 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL.
    4. 2. Jacob K. Yordy was born on 8 Mar 1853 in Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 29 Nov 1930 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried on 1 Dec 1930 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    5. Elizabeth Yordy was born on 6 Dec 1854 in Pekin, Groveland Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 28 Jan 1928 in Cazenovia Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL.
    6. Peter Philip Yordy was born on 29 Feb 1856 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 4 Jun 1909 in Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL.
    7. Joseph P. Yordy was born on 7 Nov 1857 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 19 Feb 1925 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Feb 1925 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL.
    8. Barbara Yordy was born on 18 Dec 1860 in Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 20 Sep 1943 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL.

  3. 6.  Christian R. King was born on 22 Dec 1819 in Baden, GR (son of Johannes King and Jacobina “Phoebe” Reidiger); died on 15 Jan 1904; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Immigration: 1847

    Notes:

    Obit:
    Christian was born on the Glasthalerhof in Baden Germany.

    Christian immigrated with his brother, Nicholas. He landed in Philadelphia in 1847, and originally settled in Pennsylvania, and from there went to Ohio in 1848. In 1850, he was employed as a farm laborer for Edward Mills in Summit County, Ohio (listed as "Christian Kong". In Ohio, he met Maria Baechler. In 1851, he took a trip to Iowa looking for a place to settle. Christian and Maria married in Butler County in 1852 and left shortly thereafter for central Illinois. They settled initially in McLean County. In March, 1865, they moved to Livingston County.

    Christian purchased land located 2 miles south, and one half mile west of Flanagan. On 8/22/1864 Christian purchased 160 acres in Nebraska Township, Livingston County (SW 1/4 of Section 34 - located two miles due south of Flanagan). The Illinois Central Railroad reserved a 200' easement "where the tracks of said railroad now lie". (Livingston County Deed Record Book 26, p. 244). On the same day, Christian's brother, Daniel King, bought 80 acres nearby on land that is today owned by the Salem Children's Home (E 1/2 of SE 1/4 of Section 34). Then on 3/31/1869, Christian bought an additional 40 acres adjacent (SW 1/4 of SE 1/4 of Section 34 : LCDR Book 38, p. 584), and on 2/28/1871, he purchased the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 34 (LCDR Book 52k p. 347). Thus, by 1871, Christian and Daniel owned the entire southern half of Section 34 of Nebraska Township. Christian added other properties to his holdings, including a number of properties in Manson, Iowa. Chris and Mary gave all of their land away to their children as they aged and thus, they had no wills or estates.

    Christian anglicized his surname to "King" and was affectionately known as "Curley", "Smiley", and "Smilin' Christ" because of his happy demeanor.

    According to "A History of Livingston County" Vol. 2, Chris was a Democrat and served as a school director (member of the school board) for a number of years.

    Birth:
    Glasthalerhof

    Buried:
    Waldo Cemetery

    Christian married Mary Catharina Sommer Baechler on 24 Jun 1852 in Butler Co., OH. Mary (daughter of Joseph Baechler and Catharina Sommer) was born on 4 Apr 1829 in Bisping, Moselle, Lorraine, FR; died on 25 May 1920 in Pontiac, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 7.  Mary Catharina Sommer Baechler was born on 4 Apr 1829 in Bisping, Moselle, Lorraine, FR (daughter of Joseph Baechler and Catharina Sommer); died on 25 May 1920 in Pontiac, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Occupation: Midwife
    • Religion: Amish Mennonite

    Notes:

    Obit: Pontiac Daily Leader Obituary 5/26/1920:
    MRS. MARY KING DEAD
    "Mrs. Mary King, one of the early residents of Pike township, died at 8:30 o'clock Tuesday night at St. James Hospital in this city, where she had been a patient for the past three years. Death was due to the infirmities of old age.

    Mary Beckler was born April 15, 1821, in Fulton County, Ohio. She came to Illinois at an early age and located in this section of the state which has since been her home.
    The remains were taken to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Aaron Forney, southwest of this city, where they will remain until the funeral is held."
    NOTE: It is believed the info in the above obit was provided by Aaron Forney. There are obvious errors. GLY”

    “Maria Baechler was born in Alsace Lorraine France, apparently the illegitimate daughter of Catharina Sommer. According to a note on her French birth registry, she was adopted by Joseph Baechler after he married Catharina. 

    Emigrated with her parents in 1836 on ship "Francis DePau" ( New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 > 1836 > July > 22 > Francis Depau Ship's List, page 1) arriving from LeHavre on July, 22. Those on the ship included Joseph Backler 26, Catherina 27, Marie 5. Also in the family group: Joseph Sommer 74, Barbe Sommer 75, Christian Sommer 32, Marie Sommer 23, Salome Sommer 17 and Barbe Sommer 55.They finally arrived in Butler County, Ohio, where Maria was raised. In 1852, she married Christian King in Butler County. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to central Illinois where Maria spent the rest of her life.


    "Maria (called "Mary" in America) was a midwife, like her mother, and taught the skills to her daughters. She rode a pony to deliver babies, followed down the road by 'Fritzie', her dog." - information from Rev. Steve Estes and

    Buried:
    Waldo Cemetery

    Children:
    1. 3. Kathrine (Katie) B. King was born on 19 Oct 1858 in McLean Co., IL; died on 2 Feb 1918 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    2. Joseph R. King was born on 25 May 1854 in Hudson, McLean Co., IL; died on 18 Aug 1943 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in East Peoria, Tazewell Co., IL.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  Jakob Jordy was born about 1778 (son of Johannes (Jean) Jordy and Barbara Esch (Oesch, Eschem)).

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Occupation: Cultivator. He was described as “a plowman on the Raderhoff.”
    • Religion: Amish Mennonite

    Notes:

    Lived on the Raderfoff at Dambach, Lower Alsace for the birth of their child, Christian, in 1809. They settled at Jaegerthal, adjacent to Windstein, Lower Alsace circa 1814. While they were there, two more children were registered at Windstein in 1815 and 1818.


    “With the exception of the years 1814-1818, little is known of the lives of Jakob Jordi, son of Johannes Jordy and Barbara Esch. Birth records of his children tell us that he was married to Catherina Schantz. Her ancestry is uncertain, but she may have been a daughter of Christian Schantz and Anna Rubi of the Heiligenbrunerhof near Lembach. To date, no historic record of the marriage of Jakob and Catherina has been located. We also know that through this period, the couple lived at Jaegerthal, France. Jaegerthal is the site of an iron foundry (first built in 1602) and an adjacent estate. It could not even be called a “village”. It would more appropriately be referred to as a commune located approximately one mile south of the village of Windstein, France. It appears that Jakob Jordi began as a day laborer on the estate at Jaegerthal. He apparently worked in the agricultural endeavors at Jaegerthal (rather than the foundry) as he was described as a “cultivator” or farmer on Jacobina’s birth registry.

    “From the historic records thus far identified, it appears that Jakob and Catharina resided somewhere other than the Jaegerthal/Windstein region prior to 1814. During this time, their son, Christian, and possibly a son, Jakob (father of Barbara Yordy Eigsti), were born. The historic record suggests they left Jaegerthal shortly after the birth of daughter, Jacobina, in 1818. According to their son, Peter Yordy, they moved to a location “about 20 miles south of Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Though the sight has not yet been located, Peter’s immigration record suggests it may have been near Starnberger See (Lake Starnberg). “ [probably Socking or Hanfeld]


    Grünthal on August 18, 1874: With the return of the received letter from the royal District Office Hemau from the 4th of the month with the subject is reported as follows on the basis of the declaration of the farm owner Jakob Jordy from the Pentlhof:  1) From 1841 to 1853, the intended Jordy was 12 (?) years old as an economic tenant with Mr. Neuffert in Eichhofen. 2) His children born in Eichhofen are: a Maria Jordy b. on January 8, 1842 b) Elisabetha Jordy on September 15, 1844 c) Magdalena Jordy on September 25, 1847 d) Anna Jordy on February 16, 1849 e) Jakob Jordy on October 5th, 1852 f) Barbara Jordy on December 14, 1853 drawn to the most gracious awe Stadtamhof on August 20, 1874 Lehnert There is still to be researched when Jakob married Jordy and where he lives.

    Birth:
    Birth document of Peter says Jacob was 37.

    Jakob married Catharina Schantz on 31 Jan 1803. Catharina (daughter of Johannes Schantz and Magdalena Stutz) was born before 1811. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 9.  Catharina Schantz was born before 1811 (daughter of Johannes Schantz and Magdalena Stutz).

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Residence: Schoenenbourg, Bas-Rhin, FR

    Notes:

    Shantz, a Swiss Mennonite family name, is mentioned among the Anabaptists as early as 1541 in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. In 1567 a Hans Tschantz of Kiesen, canton of Bern, was imprisoned for his faith. In the first part of the 18th century members of the family moved to the Bernese Jura district, as well as to Montbéliard and Alsace. In 1824 a Johannes Tschantz and his son Abraham left their Jura home and settled in the Sonnenberg district in Wayne County, Ohio, where some of their descendants still live.
    As of 1959, the family name Shantz had only a few representatives left among Mennonites in Europe. The name was represented in Pennsylvania as early as 1737 when Jacob Schantz immigrated to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Hans Tschantz was the third bishop in the colonial Mennonite settlement in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is known that he was active ca. 1742; a cemetery plot donated by him remained named "Hans Tschantz cemetery." Since 1800 Shantz has also been a prominent family in the Mennonite Church (MC) in Ontario. The following is a small list of ordained men bearing the name Shantz who have served as bishops in the church: Henry Shantz (1864-77), who served the Detweiler congregation from 1842; Israel R. Shantz (1863-1910), who moved from Waterloo to Carstairs, Alberta ca. 1903; Moses H. Shantz (1884-1938) at Blenheim, Ontario, who for many years was also the moderator of the Ontario Conference (MC) and was for some time the president of the Mennonite Publication Board; Benjamin B. Shantz (b. 1880), who served at the Hagey congregation; Stanley D. Schantz (b. 1914), who served in Guernsey, Saskatchewan. Preachers included Merle Shantz, who served at the Wanner congregation, Ontario and Irwin Schantz, who served in Loman, Minnesota. Jacob Y. Shantz was a prominent layman (MC) in Kitchener, Ontario, joining the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church ca. 1875 when it was started. John Schantz (1774-1855) and his son Joseph (1814-81) were ministers in the Upper Milford, Pennsylvania congregation which joined the Oberholtzer group (the forerunner of the General Conference Mennonite Church [GCM]) in 1847. J. W. Schantz (1878-1916) was a GCM minister at Schwenksville, Pennsylvania and Zion at Souderton, Pennsylvania, 1907-1916.

    An Amish branch of the family came to North America ca. 1768. Joseph Schantz (1749-1810), who changed his name to Johns, was in Somerset County, Pennsylvania by 1793, and in 1810 founded the city of Johnstown on his land. Some of his descendants moved to Elkhart County, Indiana, where Daniel J. Johns (1850-1942) was an outstanding leader, as were two of his sons, Ira and Otis. Ira S. Johns (1879-1956) was a preacher at the Clinton Frame congregation near Goshen and served for a long time as secretary of the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference (MC). Otis N. Johns was bishop of the Beech congregation near Louisville, Ohio, and long serving secretary of the Mennonite Publication Board. Joseph Schantz (1856-1934), a preacher at Ingolstadt, Bavaria, where his father and grandfather had been bishops in the Amish congregation, immigrated to the Midwest United States, finally locating in Wisner, Nebraska and serving the MC congregation there. Two brothers, Daniel and Andrew Schantz, also came with Joseph to the Midwest. Descendents of these three men scattered through Nebraska, Oklahoma and other Midwestern states. Other Amish Schantzes emigrated from Europe to Central Illinois, including Christian Schantz who settled in Tiskilwa ca. 1840, and Jacob Schantz who moved from Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany to Congerville, Illinois in 1847. Peter Schantz (1853-1924), a son of Jacob, was an outstanding leader in the Central Mennonite Conference.

    Bibliography
    Kauffman, Daniel. Mennonite Cyclopedic Dictionary. Scottdale, PA: Mennonite Publishing House, 1937.

    Bender, Harold S. "Shantz (Schantz, Shanz, Tschantz, Johns) family." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1959. Web. 14 Sep 2017. http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Shantz_(Schantz,_Shanz,_Tschantz,_Johns)_family&oldid=119606.

    ©1996-2017 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.}

    Notes:

    Married:
    11 Pluviose XI

    Jacob Jordi, 24,
    Resident of Lauterbacher Hof
    Parents Johannes Jordi and Barbara Eschin
     
    Catharina Schantz
    Parents Johannes Schantz and Magdalena Stutz
     
    Witnesses Christian Hochstettler, 64, Isaac Hochstettler, 30, and Peter Hochstettler, 30, all of the Lauterbacher Hof..

    Children:
    1. Elisabetha Jordy was born on 22 Nov 1803 in Niedersteinbach, Bas-Rhin (Alsace), FR.
    2. Katharina Jordy was born on 5 Jan 1806 in Windstein, Bas-Rhin, FR.
    3. Christian Jordy (Yotty) was born on 7 Mar 1809 in Dambach, Bas-Rhin, FR; died on 7 Nov 1870 in Olio Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL.
    4. Jacob Jordy was born on 3 Jun 1811 in Dambach, Bas-Rhin, FR; died after 18 Aug 1874 in Zeitlarn, Bavaria, GR.
    5. 4. Peter Yordy was born on 26 Jul 1815 in Jaegerthal, Niederbronn-Les-Bains, FR; died on 2 Jul 1897 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Jul 1897 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL.
    6. Jacobina (Jacquée) (Philabena) Yordy was born on 29 Jun 1819 in Jaegerthal, Niederbronn-Les-Bains, FR; died on 16 Dec 1883 in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Groveland Twp., Tazewell Co., IL.

  3. 10.  Christian Birki was born on 14 Mar 1788-1789 in Rimsdorf, Lower Alsace, FR (son of Johannes (Jean) Bircky (Bircki, Percky) and Barbara Bircki); died on 14 Feb 1866 in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Feb 1866 in Groveland Twp., Tazewell Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Occupation: In Europe A Bauer (Farmer), In USA Farmer
    • Reference Number: 97
    • Religion: Mennonite
    • Residence: Bef 1800, Völlerdingen, Alsace, FR
    • Residence: 1811, Flugelsberg, Bavaria, GR
    • PURC: 10 Nov 1815, Arzbach, Bavaria, GR
    • Residence: 1818-1824, Pellheim, Bavaria, GR
    • Immigration: 13 Mar 1851, Bavaria, GR
    • Immigration: 7 Jun 1851, Le Havre to New York
    • Census: 1860, Tazewell Co., IL

    Notes:

    Of Kirshstockach, Bavaria. Lived first in Odenstockah, near Munich, Bavaria, then moved to Neukirchstock, also near Munich.

    According to Hermann Guth's 1989 research, “at 62 years of age Christian applied to emigrate to Illinois on 13 Mar 1851, with his second wife Elizabeth Stalter, age 37. He had 10,000 fl of assets and his wife had an additional 2,225 fl. This was much more than most immigrants had. Traveling with them were Elizabeth 23, Andréas 29, Anna 28, Katharina 17, Veronika 15, from his first wife, and, Jakobine 5, Heinrich 4, Jakob 3, and Helena 6 mo. from his second wife. Christian noted to authorities that several older children were already in America.

    Christian's daughter, Barbara Birki, from Kirchstockach (unmarried, but with child, Jacob, whose father was Thomas Luiderer from Putzbrunn) applied on 29 Feb 1849 for permission to emigrate to Illinois. Her father gave approval because she wished to travel with his brother, Valentine Birki from Gern, who was the child's guardian. The document indicated that three brothers/sisters were already in America. Barbara and Valentine planned to travel via Mannheim-Le Havre-New York, with ship agent Karl Dick from Augsburg, but evidently plans changed since they are on the ship list of the Minnesota sailing from Liverpool, England to New York in 1849. Included were Valentine Birki (1794) with niece Barbara and her illegitimate son; Valentine's daughter, Mary Burkey Birky (1833); and Daniel Zehr. “
    —————————————————————————————
    “Christian Birkÿ, farmer at Mair in KIrchstockach and widower, intends to marry Elisabeth Stalter, forestry farmer’s daughter from Gern, and sought reception into and consent of the community. Since Christian Birkÿ possesses an entire estate, and his future bride brings a dowry of 800 guilders, and their advancement is adequately assured, and they are liable for insignificant debts, we agree to this marriage on behalf of the entire community.
    In confirmation of this, Brunnthal the 13th of August 1841, the local authorities of Brunnthal:
    Andreas Zimmermann, Georg Fischer[?], Johann Heiss[?]”

    “Christian’s assets at the time of immigration were 10,000 fl. and the assets of his children’s mother was a further 2,225 fl. for the children of his first marriage. He emigrate from Bavaria to the New World with one of the higher known fortunes. His brother Valentine also left the Europe with 10,000 fl. Many immigrants left with only a few hundred.”

    “In the 1860 Illinois census, Christian and Elizabeth "Berky" are found in Groveland Township where Christian had purchased 120 acres of land in Section 22. Seventy two year-old Christian and 48 year old Elizabeth lived with their children, Henry, Jacob, Helena, Jacobina, and John (born in Illinois after the family arrived). Upon arriving in Illinois, Christian purchased 80 acres of farmland just north of Groveland in Tazewell County. Christian died on February 14, 1866 and was buried on his farm next to Heinrich Stalter, his father-in-law. His son Joseph was appointed administrator of his estate. The estate was valued at $2050.75 plus 120 acres of land valued at $4400. Each child received $264.13 from the estate settlement on 4/15/ 1868. Elisabeth received her widow's share. The last documentation of Elizabeth Stalter "Burky" is in the 1870 Census when she was living in Groveland, Tazewell County with her 5 children, Jacobine, Henry, Jacob, Helena, and John. Elisabeth died on September 24, 1872 and was buried next to her husband and father. In 1875 the children sold the land to Meinrad Biender, reserving one quarter of acre where the cemetery lay. It is now referred to as the “Birki Cemetery”.

    Birth:
    Near Diemeringen

    Residence:
    Lutterbacherhof. This is assumed because we know his brother Valentine lived there before going to Bavaria.

    PURC:
    Near Dachau, borough Rohrmoos. A half farm, the “Pasten estate,” house No. 8. Purchased from Jakob Hiser (Heiser) from Hanfeld, Country Court Starnberg. Size of the half farm was 84 days work and included a potato distillery.

    Residence:
    Mennonite and partial leaseholder on the grounds of the Pellheim estate of major general Maximilian Graf von Spreti at Arzbach, Bavaria, a few miles north of Dachau.

    Immigration:
    Applied for emigration

    Immigration:
    On French Bark, Adhimary (Adhema?), with his second wife and nine children, and Christian’s brother-in-law, Georg Kettner and his family (husband of Maria Birki).
    Traveling with Christian and Elisabeth were Andréas (29), Anna (18), Elizabeth (23), Katharina (17) and Veronika (15) -children of Christian and his first wife - and Jakobine (5), Heinrich (4), Jakob (3), and Helena (6 mo.) - children of Christian and Elisabeth. He left capital of10,000 guilders. He deposited 2225 guilders for the children of his first marriage.

    Census:
    Listed as age 72 with wife Elizabeth, age 48.

    Died:
    Estate document from Tazewell Co. on file. Burial site is in Section 22 of Groveland Two., Tazewell Co., IL.

    Buried:
    Birki Cemetery - https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2596053/birki-cemetery/map#share_email

    Christian married Maria Anna Gascho about 1815 in Pellheim, Bavaria, GR. Maria (daughter of André Gascho and Anna Zwalter) was born in 1798 in Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR; died between 1840-1841 in Bavaria, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 11.  Maria Anna Gascho was born in 1798 in Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR (daughter of André Gascho and Anna Zwalter); died between 1840-1841 in Bavaria, GR.

    Notes:

    “Maria Gajou from Nancÿ in Frankreich”

    “Christian's first wife was named Mary [Gascho]. On August 10, 1854, Christian Birky petitioned the court to be named legal guardian of his daughter Fronica (Veronica), as follows:

    To the County Court Tazewell County Illinois The undersigned respectfully shows that Fronica Birkey aged seventeen years in January last is a minor heir of his wife Mary deceased and that the said Fronica is his daughter, and that heir aforesaid she is entitled to certain property of about the value of $178---- and he preys that letter of Guardianship may issue to him the said Christian Birkey for his said daughter. Affirmed to this ?? (Signed) Christian Birki before me this 10th day of August, 1854 Jno M Bush.

    Also in the file is the Court's Order that appointed Christian the legal guardian of Fronica (Veronica) until she reached the age of 18. This suggests that Mary received a bequest (most likely from her father at the time of his death). Since she had apparently pre-deceased the benefactor, her bequest was divided among her natural children (Mary, Joseph, Magdalena, Barbara, Elizabeth, Andrew, Anna, Catharina, and Veronica). All save Veronica were of the age of majority in 1854. In order for her to collect her property, she needed a legal guardian, and that became her father. The person leaving the bequest may have been of some means since Mary's share was $1602, and an equal amount may well have been left to any of Mary's siblings or their issue. The entire process suggests that Mary Birki's father may have died intestate in Illinois in 1853 or 1854 and it thus may be possible to identify him through probate or other guardian records. “ Gary Yordy (Source: Tazewell County Probate Records, File 11 “Fronica Birkey”)

    Notes:

    Married:
    Arzbach was the name of an estate outlying the village of Pellheim (about 1.7 miles north of the center of Pellheim. It was the site of Schloss Pellheim, the house or palace of a count. The house is now a restaurant. Pellheim was administratively incorporated into Dachau in 1972.

    Children:
    1. 5. Maria (Mary) Birky was born on 18 Apr 1816 in Bavaria, GR; died on 13 May 1903 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL.
    2. Joseph Birky was born on 25 Feb 1818 in Pellheim, Bavaria, GR; died in 1888.
    3. Christian Birki was born on 25 Apr 1820; died in USA.
    4. Magdalena Birky was born on 26 Feb 1822 in Arzbach, Bavaria, GR; died in 1908.
    5. Barbara Birky was born on 19 Feb 1824 in Arzbach, Bavaria, GR; died on 31 Mar 1885 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried on 1 Apr 1885 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
    6. Elizabeth Birky was born on 28 Feb 1828; died on 26 Feb 1899; was buried in Nickerson, Reno Co., KS.
    7. Andrew (Andréas) S. Birky was born on 3 Mar 1830 in Bavaria, GR; died on 11 Sep 1895 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL.
    8. Anna Birky was born on 20 Jan 1832 in Bavaria, GR; died in 1903.
    9. Katharina (Catharine) Birky was born in Nov 1834 in Bavaria, GR; died on 8 Feb 1874 in Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    10. Veronica (Fronica,fannie) Birky was born on 16 Jan 1837 in Bavaria, GR; died on 12 Feb 1916 in Reno Co., KS; was buried in Nickerson, Reno Co., KS.

  5. 12.  Johannes King was born on 24 Jun 1791 in Pirmasens, Palatinate, GR (son of Christian King and Maria Zimmerman); died on 17 Jul 1860 in McLean Co., IL; was buried in Carlock, Dry Grove Twp., McLean Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Emigration: 1854, Woodford Co., IL

    Notes:

    This couple “came from the Glasthalerhof near Pirmasens in the Palatinate which belonged to an enclave of Baden around the township of Rodalben, to Woodford County, IL.”

    Birth:
    Pirmasens in the Palatinate

    Emigration:
    From the Glasthalerhof near Pirmasens in the Palatinate

    Buried:
    Troyer Cemetery

    Johannes + Jacobina “Phoebe” Reidiger. Jacobina (daughter of Sebastian Reidiger and Magdalena Güngerich) was born on 23 Oct 1794 in Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin, FR; died on 19 Jul 1869 in Carlock, Dry Grove Twp., McLean Co., IL; was buried in White Oak Twp., McLean Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  6. 13.  Jacobina “Phoebe” Reidiger was born on 23 Oct 1794 in Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin, FR (daughter of Sebastian Reidiger and Magdalena Güngerich); died on 19 Jul 1869 in Carlock, Dry Grove Twp., McLean Co., IL; was buried in White Oak Twp., McLean Co., IL.

    Notes:

    She was born on the Spitalhof between Kehl and Kork in Baden, just across the Rhine River from Strasbourg. Emigrated to America with husband, Johannes King (known in America as John or Hans King). 

    In 1860, Jacobina was living with daughter, Anna, and her husband, Valentine Augstein in Mongomery Twsp., Woodford Co., IL. (as Jacobina Rudiger). They moved to Dry Grove Township on 2/14/1869. Information from: "Daniel Augstein", The Christian Evangel, August 1926, p. 190.

    In 2010, her headstone was still standing in the cemetery.

    Birth:
    Other info from Don Roth gives date as 7 Nov 1796

    Buried:
    Troyer Cemetery

    Children:
    1. Jacobina (Phebe) King was born on 14 Sep 1814 in Baden, GR; died on 21 Mar 1896 in Livingston Co., IL; was buried on 23 Mar 1896 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    2. Johannes King was born in 1816; died in 1818.
    3. 6. Christian R. King was born on 22 Dec 1819 in Baden, GR; died on 15 Jan 1904; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    4. Anna King was born on 4 Nov 1822; died on 20 Aug 1903 in Nebraska Twp., Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Gridley, McLean Co., IL.
    5. Daniel R. King was born in 1828; died in 1902.
    6. Nicholas R. King was born in 1823; died in 1876.
    7. John R. King was born on 16 Sep 1825 in Baden, GR; died on 25 Apr 1895 in Livingston Co., IL.

  7. 14.  Joseph Baechler was born on 7 Sep 1810 in FR (son of Christian Baechler and Elizabeth); died on 7 May 1878 in IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • USR1: gastric hemorrage
    • Immigration: 1836, New Orleans, LA
    • Residence: Aft 1836, Butler Co., OH
    • Residence: Aft 1852, IL

    Notes:

    Obit: Gospel Herald Obituary:

    "BAECHLER.-May 7th, in Livingston Co., Ill., Bro. JOSEPH BAECHLER, aged 67 years, and 8 months. Buried the 9th in the presence of many relatives and friends, at which time J. P. Smith and Jacob Naffziger spake words of comfort to the living, from 1 Cor. 15. He was a faithful brother of the Amish church, and he leaves a widow and 4 children to mourn their loss."
    ———————————————
    “According to a note on her French birth registry, she (Katharina’s illigitimate daughter, Mary) was adopted by Joseph Baechler after he married Catharina Sommer in Bisping, France on 2/2/1834 and Maria became Maria Catharina Sommer Baechler.

    Joseph Baechler's family, including his mother, Elizabeth and his brothers and sisters, all emigrated to America. They arrived in New Orleans in 1836. Joseph's mother contracted malaria and died in New Orleans. Joseph and Catharina Baechler and Maria traveled up the Mississippi and Ohio River to Butler County, Ohio, where Maria was raised.

    On June 24, 1852, she married Christian King in Butler County (becoming Maria Catharina Sommer Baechler King). Shortly after their marriage, they moved to central Illinois where Maria spent the rest of her life.”

    —————————————

    Surname also spelled "Bechler" and "Beckler." Joseph was the oldest child of Elizabeth Bechler of Bisping, France. His birth certificate listed no father, and the suggestion is that he was illegitimate. One family tradition says he was the illegitimate son of a French soldier who was killed before he could marry Joseph's mother.

    The following information was found in a biography of Joseph's brother, Christian, written in 1891:
    "Mr. Bechler is one of a family of three sons born to Christian and Elizabeth (Bechler) Bechler, both of whom were born in Switzerland, and emigrated to France, where the father died in 1830, the mother's death occurring in New Orleans, La., in 1843. Their children are: Joseph (now deceased), Peter (a resident of Iowa) and Christian." Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas, Goodspeed Publishers, 1891 PERSONAL SKETCHES, page 685 (found at http://www.couchgenweb.com/arkansas/prairie/biog-pra.htm)

    Joseph grew up in Bisping where he learned the trade of weaving and became a master weaver. When he was 24 years old, he married Catherina Sommer at the home of Christian Kemp at Bisping, Moselle, France. She had a daughter from a previous relationship. Joseph adopted Catharina's daughter, Maria, when the couple married and it is so noted on Maria's birth certificate.

    Two years later following the death of their infant son, Peter, Joseph, Catherina and Maria emigrated to America, arriving in New York from Le Havre on the ship "Francis DePau" on July, 22, 1836. ( New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 > 1836 > July > 22 > Francis Depau Ship's List, page 1)

    Those on the ship included Joseph Backler 26, Catherina 27, Marie 5 and Peter Backler (Joseph's brother), and Joseph Sommer 74 and Barbe Sommer 75 (Catherina's parents).

    [Also in the traveling party were Christian Sommer 32 and his wife, Marie Sommer 23, Salome Sommer 17 (Christian's sister) and Barbe Sommer 55 (Christian's mother and probably the daughter-in-law of Joseph Sommer and Elisabeth Barbe Gerber Sommer). Also on the ship, but not listed in order with the family, was Andre Sommer - 18 - probable brother of Christian Sommer. The Christian Sommer family settled initially in St. Louis, Missouri (1840 US Census, Missouri, St. Louis, District 166, p. 192) This family moved north to Woodford County around 1845. By 1850 the family included children Joseph -14, Mary-11, Christian- 8, and Elizabeth -6 ...all born in Missouri .... Peter -3, and Magdalene - 6 months .... both born in Illinois) 1850 US Census, Illinois, Woodford County, Family #674 ]

    Joseph, Catherina and Maria Bechler and Catherina's parents traveled up the Mississippi and Ohio River arriving in Butler County Ohio where son Joseph Jr. was born in September, 1836. In the 1840 Census they were located in Milford, Butler County Ohio. Though not specifically enumerated, the household included Joseph, Katharina, Maria Sommer Bechler, Joseph Bechler Jr., Barbara Bechler, and an elderly female - presumably, Elizabeth Barbe Gerber (Catherina's mother).

    1850 Census they were still in Milford, Butler County Ohio (as Joseph Beeker): Joseph (39), Catherine (41), Mary (18), Joseph (12), Barbary (10), Christian (7). Sometime after 1850, the family relocated to central Illinois.

    In the 1860 Census, they were located in Montgomery Twsp., Woodford County: Joseph (49), Catherine (51) and son, Joseph, Jr. (23). Daughter, Barbara had married Jonas Troyer in January of 1860.

    By 1870 Census, he was in Waldo Township of Livingston County with his wife, Catherine.

    Joseph passed away on May 7, 1878 as the result of a gastric hemorrage (according to his death certificate)

    Residence:
    Central Illinois

    Buried:
    Waldo Cemetery

    Joseph married Catharina Sommer on 2 Feb 1834 in Bisping, Moselle, Lorraine, FR. Catharina (daughter of Josef Sommer and Elisabeth Barbe Gerber) was born on 21 Feb 1806 in FR; died on 28 Jan 1892 in IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  8. 15.  Catharina Sommer was born on 21 Feb 1806 in FR (daughter of Josef Sommer and Elisabeth Barbe Gerber); died on 28 Jan 1892 in IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Occupation: Served as a midwife
    • Immigration: 1836

    Notes:

    Obit:

    BAECHLER - On the 28th of January, 1892, near Flanagan, Livingston Co., Ill., of general debility, Sister Catharine, widow of the late Bro. Joseph Baechler, aged 85 years, 11 months and 26 days. Of their seven children three remain, also 25 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. She was buried in the Waldo graveyard on the 30th, followed to the grave by many relatives and friends. Funeral services were held in Steinman's meeting house by Stephen Staehley, Daniel Orendorff, Joseph Zehr and R. Schmitt.

    ————————————

    Catherina's first child, Maria, was apparently illegitimate. Her birth is recorded as "natural" with only her mother named. When Catharine married Joseph Baechler, he adopted Marie and it was recorded as such in the margin of her birth certificate.

    Emigrated in 1836 on ship "Francis DePau" ( New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 > 1836 > July > 22 > Francis Depau Ship's List, page 1) arriving from LeHavre on July, 22. Those on the ship included Joseph Backler 26, Catherina 27, Marie 5. Also in the family group: Joseph Sommer 74, Barbe Sommer 75, Christian Sommer 32, Marie Sommer 23, Salome Sommer 17 and Barbe Sommer 55 and Andrew Sommer (24 on page 2).

    Catharina was very tiny. She was just over 4 feet tall, and was affectionately referred to as "Little Grandma". She served as a midwife to many woman in her area.

    Birth:
    6 Feb 1806 (FAG date)

    Immigration:
    on ship "Francis DePau"

    Buried:
    Waldo Cemetery

    Children:
    1. 7. Mary Catharina Sommer Baechler was born on 4 Apr 1829 in Bisping, Moselle, Lorraine, FR; died on 25 May 1920 in Pontiac, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL.
    2. Joseph S. Beckler was born on 30 Sep 1836 in Butler Co., OH; died on 4 Jul 1882 in Milford, Seward Co., NE.


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