Alma Eichelberger

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 7 Oct 1917, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume 83, Number 36 - September 4, 1990 ? page 622.
Birky, Alma Eichelberger, daughter of Christian and Saloma (Litwiller) Eichelberger, was born at Emden, Ill., Sept. 25, 1897; died at Pekin (Ill.) Hospital, Aug. 12, 1990; aged 92. On Jan. 16. 1919, she was married to Jacob Birkey, who died May 15, 1989. Surviving are 4 sons (Ivan, Lester, Mervin, and Clayton), 3 daughters (Viola Martin, Berneice Naffziger, and Janice Martin), 20 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchil-dren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, and one sister (Esther Miller). She was preceded in death by one son (Glenn). She was a member of Hopedale Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Aug. 15, in charge of Carl A. Horner; interment in Hopedale Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Baptism:
East Bend Mennonite Church by Peter Zehr

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Alma married Jacob Aaron Birky on 16 Jan 1919 in Emden, Logan Co., IL. Jacob (son of Daniel Birky and Mary Zeitler) was born on 19 May 1895 in Oberlin, Decatur Co., KS; died on 15 May 1989 in Peoria, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried on 18 May 1989 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Ivan Birky
2. Viola Mary Birky was born on 25 Mar 1921 in IL; died on 10 Jan 2015; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL.
3. Lester Leonard Birky
4. Glenn Harlan Birky
5. Bernice Barbara Birky
6. Mervin Jacob Birky
7. Clayton Delmar Birky
8. Janice Marie Birky

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, April of 1939:

Christian Eichelberger, son of Christian and Mary Eichelberger, was born at Ettersdorf, Germany, Nov. 24, 1865; died after a lingering illness at the home of his daughter (Katie, near Hopedale, Ill.), March 25, 1939; aged 73 y. 4 m. 1 d. He came to this country with his parents when 17 years old. Most of his life was spent in this community. On Dec. 18, 1892, he was united in marriage to Salome Litwiller of Hopedale, Ill., who preceded him in death Jan. 28, 1929. To this union were born seven children, who survive. On April 26, 1931, he was united in marriage to Anna Greiser of Beemer, Neb., who passed away March 8, 1936. He united with the Mennonite Church in his youth and remained a faithful member until the end. He had a great desire to depart and be with his Lord whom he loved, and often during his suffering would say, "Oh how nice it will be when the Lord takes me home." H leaves four sons and three daughters (Albert and Amos of Emden, Ill.; Joseph, of Fairbury; Chris of El Paso; Alma Birky of Delavan; Katie of Hopedale, and Esther Miller of Conneautville, Pa.), one brother (Peter of Delavan) and 26 grandchildren. There also remain 12 stepchildren (Lizzie Miller, Rose Waters, Hydro, Okla.; Jake, Pete, Chris, Lena Birky, Mary Erb, Beemer, Neb.; Simon, Conneaut Lake, Pa.; Bennie, and Katie Kerler of Wisner, Neb.; Anna Erb, and Daniel of Chappell, Neb.), besides many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, March 27, conducted by the brethren Simon Litwiller, and Ben Springer. Text, Heb. 9:24-28. Burial in the Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery."


Christian was naturalized at Pekin Aug. 30, 1890.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Christian married Salome Litwiller on 18 Dec 1892. Salome (daughter of Joseph Litwiller and Catherine Birky) was born on 6 Oct 1871 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 28 Jan 1929; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Eichelberger. - Saloma Litwiller Eichelberger, daughter of Joseph and Katherine Litwiller, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Oct. 6, 1871; died Jan. 28, 1929; aged 58 y. 3 m. 22 d. On Dec. 18, 1892, she was married to Christian Eichelberger. To this union were born seven children, 4 sons and 3 daughters (Albert, Delavan, Ill.; Joseph, Emden, Ill.; Alma Birky, Delavan, Ill.; Katie Nafziger, Hopedale, Ill.; Christian, Amos and Esther at home). She leaves to mourn her departure her sorrowing companion, 7 children, 15 grandchildren, 4 brothers, 2 sisters, and a host of relatives and friends. She united with the Mennonite Church in her youth and was a faithful member until death. During all her illness she was very patient. Although all that loving hands could do, was done for her, the Lord saw best to call Mother home to where there is no more sorrow or pain. While the loss sustained by her departure is keenly felt, we are thinking of her eternal gain. The testimony she gave only a few moments before falling asleep gives us the assurance that all is well, and that if we live as God would have us to live we will meet her again in the Spirit world. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, conducted by Bros. Samuel Gerber and Benj. Springer. Text, Rom. 5:1, 2. Burial in the Mennonite cemetery near Hopedale

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth, February of 1901:
"On the 9th of Jan., 1901, near Hopedale, Ill., of consumption of which he suffered a long time, Christian Eichelberger, aged 61 years, 8 months and 25 days. He leaves his bereaved companion, three sons and eleven grandchildren. He is gone, but we mourn not as those who have no hope, for we believe that he has gone home. He was a member of the Amish Mennonite Church. Buried on the 11th. Funeral services by John Egli and J. C. Birky from John 11:25, 26." He is buried in Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery.

They sailed from Hamburg via Le Havre on the S.S. Hammonia, and arrived at New York June 27, 1884. The passenger list shows farmer Christ Eichelberger, 45, Bavary; Marie, 40; Anna, 4; Babette Jordy, 25; a wife; Christ, 4; Babette Augsburger, 18, a wife; Frieda Porcellius, 20, merchant; Joseph Ackerman, 38, workman; Anna, 33; Marie, 14; Kate, 9; and Herm., 8. The 1900 census of Boynton shows them living in the household of a son: farmer Christ Eichelberger, 34, born in November of 1865, Germany, married seven years, immigrated in 1885; Sally, 29, born in October of 1870, born in Illinois to parents from Ohio and Illinois, married seven years and the mother of four children; Albert B., 6, born in October of 1893, Illinois; Joseph, 4, born in Illinois in November of 1895; Alma, 2, born in Illinois in September of 1897; Christian A., six months, Illinois, born in November of 1899; Christian Jr., father, 61, born in April of 1839, married 37 years, immigrated in 1885; Mary, mother, 56, born in Germany in September of 1843, immigrated in 1885; and servant/farm laborer Henry Blake, 44, born in Missouri in September of 1855 to parents from Ohio.

Birth:
Date shown is from the church record at Ettersdorf. Gravestone gives a different date

Christian + Marie Schantz. Marie was born on 4 Dec 1844; died on 21 Mar 1910 in Hydro, OK. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Gospel Herald, April of 1910:
"Maria Eichelberger was born in Germany Dec. 3, 1844; died near Hydro, Okla., March 21, 1910; aged 65 y. 3 m. 18 d. Three sons, 14 grandchildren, two sisters and many friends mourn her death. Funeral sermon at the Fairview Church by Joseph Schlegel of Hydro, and Jacob Schmucker of Sterling, Kans. Peace to her ashes." She is buried in Pleasant View Cemetery at Hydro, Oklahoma.

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]

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

Notes:

The couple had five children, but only one immigrated to America.

Christian + Magdalena Ringenberg. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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]

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.

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]

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