Emma Birky

Notes:

Obit:

Nitzsche, Emma Birkey, was born at Oberlin, Kans., Oct. 3, 1894; died at Colonial Haven Nursing Home, Beemer, Nebr., Feb. 27, 1990; aged 95. On Feb. 7, 1917, she was married to Dan Nitzsche, who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters (Ruth Coffman, Edna Zook, and Fern Hooley), one son (Delmer), 23 grandchildren, and 45 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son (William). She was a member of Beemer Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Mar. 2, in charge of Sam Oswald, Ivan Troyer, and Clarence Sutter; interment in the Beemer Cemetery.

Buried:
Beemer Cemetery

Emma married Daniel Nitzchie on 7 Feb 1917. Daniel was born on 11 Jan 1896 in Fulda Murray Co., MN; died on 12 Jul 1997 in NE; was buried in Beemer, Cuming Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Mennobits
Birky.--Joseph H. Birky was born in Livingston Co., Ill., Nov. 25, 1850; died at his home in Beemer, Nebr., Sept.25, 1927; aged 76 y, 19 m. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Savior and became a member of the Mennonite Church, and in this faith he labored on faithfully unto the end. He was ordained to the ministry in Decatur co., Kans., in 1886 and served the Church in that office to the time of his death. On March 7, 1875, he was united in marriage to Catherine Zimmer near Delavan, Ill. To this union were born 5 sons and 5 daughters, all of whom, with their sorrowing mother survive to mourn the loss of a loving husband and father. He also leaves 36 grandchildren, 1 brother, 3 sisters and a large number of relatives and friends. He will be sadly missed from our family circle, but we mourn not as those who have no hope. Funeral services held at the house conducted by Bro. J. W. Oswald, (Teat, Rev. 7:9-17), and at the church by Peter Oswald (Text, Psa. 90 German), and P. O. Oswald (Text, 11 Cor. 5:10 and Psa. 37:37). Interment was made in the Beemer Cemetery.
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“There were four kinds of Birkeys. The Red Birkys and the Black Birkys were called that because of the color of their hair. Then there were the Big Birkys and the Little Birkys. Some of those Big Birkys were also Black Birkys. Our Bishop and that family were among the Big Birkys. They were great big men, some of them six feet two, I imagine.

“They used to wrestle and one was a champion of the whole community. Emden [a nearby village] had a champion wrestler, too, and he came over one Sunday afternoon and challenged our champion, Big Andrew Birky [no doubt Joseph’s brother who married a Martin]. They went out to a plowed field so they wouldn’t hurt themselves. When they were ready, Big Andrew Birky took this other fellow by the seat of the pants and flopped him head over heels on the ground. That settled that.

“Bishop Birky would never give you a quick answer. He would always consider it. We used to have Sunday school every two weeks. I was put in as superintendent two or three times and I served for seventeen years, except one year. We younger fellows wanted Sunday school every Sunday, so I said to Brother Birky, ‘Would you entertain a motion to have Sunday school every Sunday?’ He thought it over a minute and said that he would. I made the motion and somebody seconded it. We voted on it and we lost. Well, we waited two years until they put me in for Superintendent again. I went back to Brother Birky and said, ‘Brother Birky, would you entertain a motion to reconsider that question?’ He studied a little while, then said he would. This time the question went over big.” (Interview with Christian E. Martin of the Hopedale congregation in 1974. Mr. Martin was 93 years old at the time.)
———————
Joe Birkey [Bishop Joseph H.] was the first Sunday school Superintendent at Hopedale.

Buried:
Beemer Cemetery

Joseph married Katherine Zimmer on 7 Mar 1875 in Delavan, Tazewell Co., IL. Katherine (daughter of Jacob Zimmer and Katherine Beckler) was born on 11 Oct 1855 in Zurich, Hay Co., Ontario, Canada; died on 27 Nov 1941 in Bancroft, Cuming Co., NE; was buried in Beemer, Cuming Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Birky, Catherine, daughter of the late Jacob and Catherine Zimmer, was born in Zurich, Canada, Oct. 11, 1855; died at the home of her son, in, law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Nitzche near Bancroft, Nebr. Nov. 27, 1941; aged 86 y. 1 m. 16 d. March 7, 1875, she was united in marriage to Joseph H. Birky at Delavan, Ill., who preceded her in death Sept. 25, 1927. To this union 10 children were born as follows: Daniel of Beemer, Nebr.; Amos of Thurman, Colo.; Katie Stieder, Conneautville, Pa.; Lizzie P Oswald, Bruning, Nebr.; Joseph and Simon of Beemer, Nebr.; Jacob of Clarence Center, N. Y.; Sarah Eichelberger, West Point, Nebr.; Emma Nitzche, Bancroft, Nebr.; and Alma Wittrig, Beemer, Nebr. She is also survived by 1 foster sister (Mary Detwiler of Shickley, Nebr.), 44 grandchildren, and 49 great, grandchildren. She was the last of her family. Early in life she united with the Mennonite Church and was a faithful member until death, always having a desire to worship with the believers when she was able. Mother's great concern was the salvation of her family. She lived to see all her children, and many of her grandchildren, in the fold of Christ. Although she suffered much the past two years from the loss of her eyesight and also in a fall, breaking her hip, yet through it all she manifested great patience and was fully resigned to the will of God whom she loved and served to the end. Funeral services were held at the home and at the Mennonite Church conducted by Bro. P. O. Oswald of the home congregation and Bro. P. R. Kennel of Shickley,Nebr. Interment was made in the Beemer Cemetery.

Buried:
Beemer Cemetery

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

Notes:

Obit:
Zimmer. - Jacob Zimmer died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. H. Birky, May 2, 1915, of infirmities of old age; aged 94 y. 3 m. 5 d. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, and when a young man came to this country, settling in Canada. Feb. 14, 1851, he was married to Kathryn Baechler, and to this union were born 11 children all of whom are dead but 2. Mrs. Zimmer passed away April 2, 1912. The 2 children surviving are Samuel Zimmer, and Catherina, wife of J. H. Birky. Besides these, 20 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren survive him.
He came to Cuming Co., Nebr., in 1901. He was a faithful, consistent Christian man, being a member of the Mennonite Church. Having joined this Church in his youth he lived a beautiful Christian life throughout the major portion of his earthly career. Throughout this long journey from his youth up he feared and obeyed his God and Master, living a most consistent life.
For the last six months he has been confined to his bed.
Short services were held at the house, conducted by Preacher Schantz, after which services were held at the Mennonite Church conducted by Bro. J. D. Birky, assisted by Bro. Peter Oswald. Text, II Cor. 5:1.

Buried:
Beemer Cemetery

Jacob married Katherine Beckler in 1850. Katherine was born on 2 Feb 1830 in GR; died on 2 Apr 1912 in Cuming Co., NE; was buried in Beemer, Cuming Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Zimmer.- Katherine Zimmer (nee Beckler) was born in Germany, Feb. 2, 1830; died at her home near Bancroft, Nebr., Apr. 2, 1912, of infirmities of old age; aged 82 y. 2 m. She was united in marriage to Jacob Zimmer Feb. 14, 1850. To this union were born 11 children, of whom 4 daughters, 5 sons, and 1 adopted son preceded her to the spirit world. She leaves to mourn her departure an aged husband, a son, a daughter, an adopted daughter, 20 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. She united with the A. M. Church in her youth and remained faithful until death, and often in her declining years did she express her desire to go home and be with God, leaving us the assurance that all was well with her soul.
Funeral took place April 5. Services at the house by Bro. J. D. Birky and at the A. M. Church by Bros. Peter Oswald and J. C. Birky. Texts, II Cor. 5:1-10; Hev*. 9:27. Interment in Beemer Cemetery.

Transcriber's note: Hev*., written as in the obituary




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Buried:
Beemer Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

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

Notes:

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

Harry F. Weber, in his book "Centennial History of the Mennonites of Illinois" reports them as the Big Burkeys and listed them along Dillon Creek in 1841. Reference is made to them as the Big Birkeys because of their large stature. Joseph was the youngest of the six sons and the smallest, and he was a man of over 6 feet in height and weighed over 200 pounds. In 1850, according to U.S. census files, Joseph Birky was 22 years old and his brother Jacob was 24, and they were living with their brother John Birky in Tazewell County, Illinois.
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While in Bavaria, Christian was one of the signatories to a letter sent March 18, 1811, to King Maximilian I. Joseph (ruler from 1806-1825). In it the “Elders of the Menonists” of the dairy farm Oberndorf, appealed to the King for permission to hire their own private instructors to educate their children in their own catechism, since he had allowed them freedom of religion. But “some of the community have received legal orders to send their children to school a good half hour away.”

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

Other signing the letter were: Christian Güngerich, Heinrich Stalter, Daniel Zehr, Johannes Bächler.
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Following are the memories of Valentine Birky (recorded in 1935) of his grandfather Christian Birki (1781-1840).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PURC:
Heimberg estate, near Daniel Unzicker

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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