Janice Marie Birky

Family/Spouse: Martin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Hopedale Mennonite Church

Notes:

Obit:
Birky, Jacob A., son of Daniel and Mary (Zeitler) Birkey, was born at Oberlin, Kans., May 19, 1895; died at St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Ill., May 15, 1989; aged 94 y. On Jan. 16, 1919, he was married to Alma Eichelberger, who survives. Also surviving are 4 sons (Ivan, Lester, Mervin, and Clayton), 3 daughters (Viola Martin, Berneice Naffziger, and Janice Martin), 20 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, 2 sisters (LaVerne Roth and Barbara Reeb), and one brother (Fred Detweiler). He was preceded in death by one son, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters. He was a member of Hopedale Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 18, in charge of H. James Smith and Carl Horner; interment in Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Jacob married Alma Eichelberger on 16 Jan 1919 in Emden, Logan Co., IL. Alma (daughter of Christian Eichelberger and Salome Litwiller) was born on 25 Sep 1897 in Emden, Logan Co., IL; died on 12 Aug 1990 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Complication of diseases originating from an attack of rheumatism

Notes:

Obit:
BIRKEY - Apr. 13th, 1901, near Lund, Decatur Co., Kansas, of a complication of diseases originating from an attack of rheumatism, Bro. Daniel Birkey, aged 31 years, 3 months, and 7 days. One sister and two children preceded him. He leaves a beloved companion, three children, three brothers and three sisters and his aged parents to mourn their loss, which we believe to be his eternal gain. His labors on earth are ended, his works do follow him. Peace to his ashes. Funeral services conducted by Josiah Rediger and Jacob Stauffer in German and Ammon Stoltzfus in English. A BROTHER

http://skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/decatur/cemeteries/mennonite_cemetery.htm

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetery

Daniel married Mary Zeitler on 24 Nov 1892. Mary (daughter of Jacob Zeitler and Rosina) was born on 30 Oct 1874 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 21 Nov 1968 in Geneva, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: The Nebraska Signal, Nov 28, 1968
Mary Detweiler, daughter of Jacob and Rosina Zeitler, was born October 30, 1874, near Minier, Ill. She departed this life November 21, 1968, at the Fillmore County Hospital, in Geneva, Neb, at the age of 94 years and 22 days. At the age of four she made her home with Jacob and Katie Zimmer. In 1882 they moved to Milford, Neb, then in 1889 they moved to Decatur County, Kansas. At the age of 16 she accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized in the Mennonite Church by Joseph Schlegel. She remained a faithful member until her death. November 24, 1892, she was married to Daniel Birky. Five children were born to this union. Two small daughters died in infancy. Those surviving are Mrs Henry (Lydia) Reeb and Jacob A Birky, both of Delavan, Ill. Deceased are Joe Birky, Mary and Katie Birky. April 13, 1902, her husband passed to his reward. October 16, 1902, she was married to Chris Detweiler, who had four daughters. Those surviving are Mrs Fred (Nellie) Reeb of Geneva, and Mrs Carl (Barbara) Reeb of Eureka, Ill. Deceased are Mrs Jake (Lydia) Saltzman and Mrs John (Susie) Springer. After this marriage the family moved to a farm near Shickley, Neb. To this union were born three sons and one daughter. Surviving are Fred of Scottsbluff, Neb, Perry of Sunset Home, Geneva, Mrs Herman (Laverne) Roth of Twin Falls, Idaho. Deceased is a son, Edwin. She was also preceded in death by her husband, March 12, 1950. December 7, 1961, she retired to live at Sunset Home, where she resided until her death. Survivors include 44 grandchildren, 124 great-grandchildren and 48 great-great-grandchildren. She lived a dedicated life for her Lord, and in her later years yearned to go Home to her Heavenly Father. Cherished memories will be the winning smile she had for everyone and the calmness and peace that she displayed throughout the handicaps she endured. She was an inspiration to all who visited her, and she showed a keen appreciation of any kindness shown her. She will be greatly missed by everyone.


In 1901 when her husband, Daniel Birky died, she was the sole support of their three remaining children (Lydia, Jacob and Joseph). A year later, a nearby family (Chris Detweiler) lost its wife and mother, leaving four children (Susie, Lydia, Nellie and Barbara).

On October 16, 1902, Mary was married to Chris Detweiler and immediately became the mother of seven children, all under ten years of age. Mary and Chris had four children of their own.

At age 90, Mary was living at the Sunset Home near Geneva, NE.

Died:
findagrave.com

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

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

Other Events and Attributes:

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

Notes:

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

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

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

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

Birth:
Bavaria cited on his naturalization document

Census:
Burket with wife and five children

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

Census:
Burkey with wife and seven children

Ordained:
Deacon in Hopedale Mennonite Chuirch

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

Residence:
Do not know when Joseph moved to NE

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

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

Other Events and Attributes:

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

Notes:

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

Immigration:
Via Liverpool, on ship Minnesota

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
By A. Ropp

Notes:

Jacob + Rosina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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