| Notes |
- Obit: Gospel Herald
ZEHR.-July 22nd, in Livingston county, Ill., of dropsy, Joseph Zehr, aged 74 years. Buried the 23rd. Many relatives and friends met to pay the last tribute of respect. Two daughters and a son of Seward county, Neb., came to see him a few days before his death, which gave him much satisfaction. During his sickness he suffered much from difficulty of breathing, yet he patiently bore it all. He set his housed in order, and had peace with God and man, and was prepared to die. He was a brother in the Amish Mennonite Church. He leaves an aged and bereaved wife, five sons, three daughters, and many grand children. Funeral sermons by Christian Schlegel and John P. Schmitt.
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“Joseph Zehr left two record books handwritten in German Script. They were translated and summarized in an article written by George Unger in the September 1992 issue of Illinois Mennonite Heritage. These records show Joseph in two different occupational roles: The first is Joseph in his role as a farmer or farm manager; the second contains business records indicating that Joseph served as an innkeeper. In record 2, Joseph describes his sale of food, beverages (including coffee, wine, and hard liquor), wood, leather, tobacco, potatoes, and earthenware. Book 1, pages 30-31 lists all of his children and their birth dates. Excerpts from the records reveal that he was a strong Christian with a deep concern for, and love of his children. He was also a respected and liked employer.
“The following are from Joseph's handwritten family register found at page 30 & 31:
"March 6, 1835, a son was born to me and he has the name Christian Zehr. In 1861 he married Catharina Roth."
"On December 22, 1855, in the evening at 11 o'clock Christian left for North America. The ship left harbor on the 30th."
"May 17,1837, a little daughter was born to me. It has the name of Anna Zehr. On February 10, 1837, she married Christian Schertz. On April 2, 1870, she fell asleep in the Lord."
"June 9, 1839 as son was born to me and he has the name Andreas Zehr."
"October 5, 1841 a little daughter was born and it has the name Catarina Zehr. In 1861 she married Christian Roth."
"May 1, 1944, a little daughter was born to me. It has the name Barbara Zehr."
"January 5, 1847 a son was born to me and he has the name Peter Zehr."
"On May 4, 1849 a little daughter was born to me. She has the name Elizabeth Zehr."
"October 12, 1851 a son was born to me. He has the name Johannes Zehr."
"October 3, 1853 as son was born to me. He has the name Joseph Zehr in Schlong at the Marne."
"August 25, 1856, a little daughter was born to me. It has the name Maria Zehr, too little, Fagiers by Schalon, Sur Marne. On September 5, 1856 she fell asleep in the Lord."
"December 20, 1862 as son was born to me. He has the name Faledin [Valentin] Zehr in America."
“Joseph, wrote a letter to his father on January 8, 1852. In the letter, he referred to his son, Christian:
"I would like to let you know that I have a son for whom I wish so much that he could come to your area to learn the French language. He is 16 years old, and I think that you as father would be able to arrange for a great opportunity for him to come to you and learn the miller trade."
Christian apparently did this, staying with his grandfather for two years.
“Joseph and family immigrated in 1857 aboard the ship "Vision" from Le Havre, which landed in New York on 1/2/1857. According to the ships list, the family passengers were: Joseph (56), Catherine (51), Anna (16), Andrew (15), Catherine (14), Babette (8), Pierre (6), Elizabeth (5), Jean (3), and Joseph (11/12). [Note the incorrect ages listed for some of the family members. This was common because of language barriers]. The family settled near Metamora, Illinois. In the 1860 census, he was listed as "Joseph Sears" and lived with his wife Catherine, and children Barbara, Peter, Elizabeth, John, and Joseph in Washington Township, Tazewell County. In 1880, Joseph, Catherine, and Valentine were living in Waldo Township, Livingston County, Illinois.” [2]
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1809 - 1883 (74 years)
