Ruth Olive Springer

Notes:

Widow of Henry Rudolf Schertz, born 24 Feb 1886 in Washington, Tazewell Co., IL.

Buried:
Hickory Point Cemetery

Ruth married Harold A. Zehr in Aug 1967. Harold (son of Jacob E. Zehr and Emma A. Miller) was born on 15 Oct 1903 in Goodfield, Woodford Co., IL; died on 15 Dec 1975; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume XL, Number 11 - June 10, 1947, page 238

Springer.-Valentine, son of Joseph and Barbara (Nafziger) Springer, was born near Minier, Ill, Oct. 2, 1864; passed away at St. Clara's Hospital, Lincoln, Ill., May 25, 1947; aged 82 y. 7 m. 23 d. 

In his youth he united with the Hopedale Mennonite Church. 

On March 9, 1890 he was united in marriage to Katie Litwiller, who predeceased him on Sept. 1, 1942. One granddaughter, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and 2 daughters (Emma and Bertha) also preceded him in death. 

Surviving are 6 children (Alvin, Delavan, Ill.; Aaron, Minier, Ill.; Menno, Hopedale, Ill.; Homer, Flanagan, Ill.; Mrs. Roy Unzicker, Roanoke, Ill.; and Ruth, at home), 24 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Joseph, of Hopedale; and Benjamin, of Minier). 

He was of a quiet disposition, but his life was a benediction to his family, church, and community. 

Funeral services were held at the home, May 27, and at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, with A. C. Good in charge.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Valentine married Katie Litwiller on 9 Mar 1890. Katie (daughter of John Litwiller and Veronica (Fannie) Birky) was born on 29 Oct 1869 in Delavan, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 1 Sep 1942 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Springer. - Katie, daughter of John and Fanny Litwiller, was born near Delavan, Ill., Oct. 29, 1869; died Sept. 1, 1942, at her home in Hopedale, Ill.; aged 72 y. 10 m. 2 d. In her youth she united with the Hopedale Mennonite Church, of which she was a faithful member until death. March 9, 1890, she was united in marriage to Valentine Springer with whom she spent 52 years of happy wedded life. To this union were born 8 children, 6 of whom survive, namely: Alvin, Delavan, Ill.; Aaron, Minter, Ill.; Menno, Hopedale, Ill; Homer, Gridley, Ill.; Mrs. Clara Unzicker of Roanoke. Ill., and Ruth at home. Two daughters (Emma and Bertha) preceded her in death. She also leaves 21 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. Also 1 granddaughter preceded her in death. She leaves the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Lydia Nafziger, Mrs. A. C. Birky, Mrs. J. W. Springer, Ben, Amos, Simon, John, and Aaron Litwiller. Death came as a result of a lingering illness due to heart trouble and complications. During this time she was lovingly cared for by her daughter Ruth, and her life companion. She was of a meek and quiet disposition and often expressed a great concern for the spiritual welfare of the family and future welfare of the Church which she loved. She will be greatly missed, but our loss is her eternal gain. Funeral services were held at the home and the Hopedale Mennonite Church, conducted by Bro. A. C. Good of Sterling, Ill. Text, Job 5:26. Interment in Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery.
"Our lives are lonely, dear Mother,
Without your sweet smile and your cheer;
Words fail to express how we'll miss you,
And those prayers in behalf of us here."

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXIX, No. 12, June 15, 1902, page 190
SPRINGER.-On the 29th of March, 1902, near Hopedale, Ill., Bro. Joseph Springer, aged 64 yrs. 9 m. 

Funeral services at the A. M. church on the 1st of April by B. Rupp of Flanagan and P. Hostetler of Groveland. 

He leaves one brother and three sisters, his wife, eight children and 15 grandchildren. 

For many years he proclaimed the gospel to a dying world. Thus another one of Christ's faithful ones has gone to his reward.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Joseph + Barbara Nafziger. Barbara (daughter of Josef Nafziger and Jackobina Stalter) was born on 24 Jul 1841 in Bavaria, GR; died on 24 Nov 1921 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: -Gospel herald Obituary, May 10, 1923

"Albrecht.--Barbara Nafziger was born in Rheinbayern, Germany on Aug. 28, 1851; died at her late home in Champaign, Ill., April 9, 1923; aged 71 y. 7 m. 12 d. In 1870 she came to America with her parents, living with them near Bloomington, Ill., for four years, when she was married to John Albrecht of near Flanagan, Ill. This happy marriage terminated when her husband died in Feb., 1900, but by her courage and faith in God she carried on the family responsibilities. Her life was ever guided by the prayer that she might be given the ability to see the right and have the strength to follow it. For several years she made her home in Flanagan. The last ten years were spent in Champaign, where she moved for the purpose of educating her two younger sons. It was said that she was ever ready to help a good cause along by giving of her means. She leaves 4 sons and 3 daughters: Mrs. Joseph Ingold, Mrs. P. L. Guth, Mrs. E. J. Gable, P. D., and S. A., of Flanagan, Ill.; W. A., of Columbiana, Mo.; and D. A. of Champaign, Ill. One daughter, Mrs. S. J. Sutter of Flanagan, preceded her to the great beyond. A number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, besides many friends also survive. Short services were held at her home in Champaign, April 10, after which her remains were brought to the home of her son S. A., at The Homestead, where services were held April 12 by D. W. Slagel (I Pet. 1:3-25) and at the Waldo Church by Bros. J. D. Hartzler (Acts 9:36-42) and C. F. Derstine (Acts 13:36 and Heb. 11:16). Many friends and relatives had assembled. Interment in the Waldo cemetery."

Birth:
28 aug 1851?

Died:
9 Apr 1923?

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, Vol XV, No 19, 10 Aug 1922

Litwiller.--John Litwiller was born in Butler Co. Ohio, Feb. 27, 1841; died very suddenly July 15, 1922; aged 81 y. 4 m. 18 d. His mother died when he was six years old. At the age of ten he with his father, brothers and sisters moved from Ohio to Tazewell Co., Ill., settling near Hopedale. He united with the Amish Mennonite Church in his youth and remained faithful to the end. He was united in marriage to Fanny Birky Nov. 8, 1863. To this union were born six sons and five daughters; two dying in infancy. He leaves his aged companion, 9 children, 55 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one sister (Mrs. Nichols Martin) to mourn his sudden departure. "The Lord has given, the Lord has taken, Blessed be the name of the Lord." Funeral services July 17 at the home by Daniel Nafziger, and at the A. M. Church near Hopedale by Jonas Litwiller and Samuel Gerber. Text, Phil. 1:21.
———————————————
Census records taken from FAG https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/83518337/john-litwiller

1850 Milford Twp, Butler Co,OH - Litwell, Jos 50 France, Barbary 19 OH, Catharine 16 OH, Christian 15 OH, Jos 14 OH, Peter 11 OH, John 9 OH, Fanny 7 OH

1880 Dillon Twp, Tazewell Co,IL - Letweller, John 39 OH (both parents b France), wife Anna 35 IL (parents b Bavaria,France), daughter Lydia 13 IL (parents b OH,IL), daughter Catherine 11 IL (parents b OH,IL), son Benjamin 8 IL (parents b OH,IL), daughter Elizabeth 6 IL (parents b OH,IL), son Amos 4 IL (parents b OH,IL), daughter Mary 2 IL (parents b OH,IL) & widowed father Joseph 80 France (both parents b France)

1900 Dillon Twp, Tazewell Co,IL - Litwiller, John 59 OH (both parents b Germany & married 36 yrs), wife Fannie 55 IL (both parents b Germany & married 36 yrs & 11 children, 9 living), daughter Lizzie IL (parents b OH,IL), son Simon 19 IL (parents b OH,IL), son John E 17 IL (parents b OH,IL) & son Aaron 14 IL (parents b OH,IL)

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite

John married Veronica (Fannie) Birky on 8 Nov 1863 in Tazewell Co., IL. Veronica (daughter of Christian Bürcky (Birky) and Catherine Mosimann) was born on 16 Nov 1845 in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 21 Dec 1930 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, Vol XXIII, No 42, 15 Jan 1931

Litwiller - Fannie Birky was born near Tremont, Ill., Nov 16, 1845; died at the home of her daughter (Lydia Nafziger) in Hopedale, Ill., Dec. 21, 1930; aged 85 y. 1 m. 5 d. In the 1863 she was united in marriage to John Litwiller who preceded her in death. To this union were born eleven children, two of whom died in infancy. She leaves five sons and two daughters to mourn her departure, as follows: Mrs. Lydia Nafziger, Mrs. Valentine Springer, Ben, Amos, Mrs. J. W. Springer, Simon, John E., Aaron and Mrs. Andrew C. Birky; also one brother (A. D. Birky), and Two sisters (Mrs. Mary Egli and Lizzie Birky). She also leaves fifty-nine grandchildren and forth-nine great-grandchildren. She united with the Amish Mennonite Church in her youth and remained faithful to the end. Funeral services were held at Hopedale Mennonite Church Dec. 24, conducted by Bro. J. A. Hieser assisted by Bro. Ben Springer. Text, I Cor. 15:55. Burial in Mennonite Cemetery.
"Mother's gone to live beyond this vale
Of sorrow, pain, and care;
And if through life we live for Him,
We'll meet her over there."

Died:
30 Dec 1923 date given by Cathlene Landes material

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite

Notes:

Married:
by Michael Mosiman, cousin of the bride’s mother

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 21 Jun 1849, Solln To NY
• Naturalization: 11 Jan 1855, Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 1857, Minier, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

The only child of Catherine and Johannes to have migrated to America. David lived at Solln, a southwestern Munich suburb, and sailed with his wife Elizabeth Guth on the Minnesota in 1849.

On 1 Apr 1844, Elisabeth Springer authorized her husband in Solln to realize the real estate.

Immigration:
via Liverpool, on ship Minnesota, with members of his family

Residence:
(David)

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

David + Elizabeth Guth (Good). Elizabeth (daughter of Christian Guth and Barbara Güngerich) was born on 31 Jan 1803 in Busenberg, Palatinate, GR; died on 10 Sep 1849 in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 133
• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Birth:
Weissenb

Died:
Died shortly after arriving in Tremont

Buried:
Hirstein Cemetery

Josef married Jackobina Stalter about 1850. Jackobina was born on 22 Oct 1831 in GR; died on 3 Sep 1895 in Saybrook, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Saybrook, McLean Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth, September 1895
"On the 3d of September 1895, near Saybrook, McLean Co., Ill., Sister Jacobina Dann, maiden name Stalter, aged 63 years, 10 months and 11 days. She was born in Monbijon, Rhenish Bavaria, Germany. She leaves her husband, one son and two daughters; two daughters and three sons preceded her. Buried on the 5th in Greenwood cemetery. Funeral services by Andrew Werckler, Michael Kinsinger and Pre. Schrag from Psa. 90: 10 and Rev. 14: 13. Sister Dann was a faithful member of the church, and was greatly esteemed by a large circle of friends."

Birth:
Monbijou estate

Buried:
Greenwood Cemetery

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