Barbara Bircki

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Anabaptist
• USR1: Paralysis of the lungs

Notes:

Died:
At 78 years old

Family/Spouse: Johannes (Jean) Bircky (Bircki, Percky). Johannes was born about 1748; died in 1802. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite
• Residence: 1806-1809 (?), Schonbrunn, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 4 Jul 1799, Diemeringen, Bas-Rhin, FR
• Residence: Bef 1803, Oermingen, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, FR
• Residence: 1803, Munich, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1803-1806, Munich, Bavaria, GR
• PURC: 6 Dec 1806, Riedenburg, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1811, Munich, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1807-1813, Riedenburg, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1813-1817, Riedenburg, Bavaria, GR
• PURC: 1 Jul 1818, Perlach, Bavaria, GR
• PURC: 1830, Söcking, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1830-1835, Söcking, Bavaria, GR
• Immigration: 6 Aug 1835, Le Havre to New York

Notes:

“Andreas/André/Andrew Burkey was born circa 1778. When he witnessed the birth of a nephew at Gondrexange, Moselle in 1798, his age was exaggerated as 31 and his place of residence given as Bouquenom [Ger. Bockenheim], now the east side of Sarre-Union, Lower Alsace. Circa 1801 he married Catherine/Katharina Ackermann, and they had six children at Söcking, Bavaria (this location is often found as 'Secking'; it is now part of Hanfeld, about 12 miles below Munich, adjacent to Starnberg at the head of Lake Starnberg). In 1802 he was a witness at the Rimsdorf marriage of Heinrich Ackermann and Barbara Birki, where his age was given as 23. In 1818 Andreas purchased the Perlach castle [Ger. Perlachsoed] outlying Munich on its southeastern side (see BECKLER for more on this location). The castle had been leased by Johannes Pechler and Christian Eichelberger. According to Helmut Gingerich, Andreas sold it in 1830 with the intention of emigrating to Upper Canada (now Ontario). Whether or not he actually made that trip is an open question. If he did, he returned to Europe. They sailed from Le Havre on the William J. John, arriving at New York Aug. 6, 1835. The passenger list shows farmer Andrie Burky, 57; Catherine, 57; brewer Joseph Burky, 24; and Marie Burky, 22. They settled at Worth, Woodford County.

“In the summer of 1835 the Schlegels resettled at Ten Mile Creek in Tazewell County. They may have made the trip with André/Andrew Burkey and Catherine Ackerman, who arrived at New York that year, and whose son Joseph Burcky married their daughter Catherine 'Katie' Schlegel that year. Lydia Slagel Smith wrote:
"They had a long, tiresome journey, partly by boat and partly by wagon pulled with oxen. They were in peril of robbers, and had to keep a close watch over their possessions. They came through Fort Dearborn (Chicago) when there were only five houses there.
A grandson thought they came to Illinois after a 'stopover in Canada,' so it is probable that they spent some time in Waterloo County, Ontario, where they had relatives. They may have intended to locate there, deciding later to go on to Illinois as many others did."

Andreas Bircky from Schönbrunn, the Ingolstadt County Court, represented the children of Christian Güngerich’s first marriage in a contract at the time of his second marriage in 1816.

Residence:
Schönbrunn/Eichstätt und Hellmannsberg

Residence:
Signed wedding document as a witness. He was age 37, a farmer from Diemeringen

Residence:
Lutterbacherhof

Residence:
Arrived Munich area in 1803

Residence:
Rental of Engelmannsberg estate , along with Philipp Eyer. It was a tenancy agreement for 18 years settled in March 1803. Owner was Count Torring-Jettenbach. It was only held for three years due to a controversy over bad cultivation or management problems.In the end, Andreas paid 2, 573 Guilders compensation and left the estate with his family.

PURC:
Purchased Flügelsberg estate near Riedenburg for 8,260 Guilders (170 acres of meadows and woods)

Residence:
Owner of farm Meihern near Riedenburg

Residence:
Owner of Flügelsberg, nearby Brunn/Prunn Riedenburg. Also, see Prunn/Brunn Eichstadt area - See Helmut Suttor’s material. Also Gertrudes’s letter to Margaret. Also, Herbert Holly has purchase contract.

Residence:
Lived on Maierhof at the time of Maria’s birth

PURC:
Purchased Sieber Manor House, named “Castle Perlachod” for 17,000 Guilders. “Perlach (no[w?] belonging to Munic city”

PURC:
Stridl farm

Residence:
The family stayed in Söcking near Starnberg at house number 2, the property (Stridl farm) purchased from Daniel Zehr in 1830, until their emigration.

Immigration:
Ship William J. John passengers from Baden: Andrie Burky, 57; Catherine, 57; Joseph Burky, 24, and Marie Burky, 22. On FHL Film #0002272. To Ontario?

Andreas married Katharina Ackermann about 1801. Katharina was born about 1778. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Of Buscherhof, community of Rimsdorf.

Barbara married Heinrich Ackerman on 28 Jun 1802 in Rimsdorf, Lower Alsace, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: In Europe A Bauer (Farmer), In USA Farmer
• Reference Number: 97
• Religion: Mennonite
• Residence: Bef 1800, Völlerdingen, Alsace, FR
• Residence: 1811, Flugelsberg, Bavaria, GR
• PURC: 10 Nov 1815, Arzbach, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1818-1824, Pellheim, Bavaria, GR
• Immigration: 13 Mar 1851, Bavaria, GR
• Immigration: 7 Jun 1851, Le Havre to New York
• Census: 1860, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Of Kirshstockach, Bavaria. Lived first in Odenstockah, near Munich, Bavaria, then moved to Neukirchstock, also near Munich.

According to Hermann Guth's 1989 research, “at 62 years of age Christian applied to emigrate to Illinois on 13 Mar 1851, with his second wife Elizabeth Stalter, age 37. He had 10,000 fl of assets and his wife had an additional 2,225 fl. This was much more than most immigrants had. Traveling with them were Elizabeth 23, Andréas 29, Anna 28, Katharina 17, Veronika 15, from his first wife, and, Jakobine 5, Heinrich 4, Jakob 3, and Helena 6 mo. from his second wife. Christian noted to authorities that several older children were already in America.

Christian's daughter, Barbara Birki, from Kirchstockach (unmarried, but with child, Jacob, whose father was Thomas Luiderer from Putzbrunn) applied on 29 Feb 1849 for permission to emigrate to Illinois. Her father gave approval because she wished to travel with his brother, Valentine Birki from Gern, who was the child's guardian. The document indicated that three brothers/sisters were already in America. Barbara and Valentine planned to travel via Mannheim-Le Havre-New York, with ship agent Karl Dick from Augsburg, but evidently plans changed since they are on the ship list of the Minnesota sailing from Liverpool, England to New York in 1849. Included were Valentine Birki (1794) with niece Barbara and her illegitimate son; Valentine's daughter, Mary Burkey Birky (1833); and Daniel Zehr. “
—————————————————————————————
“Christian Birkÿ, farmer at Mair in KIrchstockach and widower, intends to marry Elisabeth Stalter, forestry farmer’s daughter from Gern, and sought reception into and consent of the community. Since Christian Birkÿ possesses an entire estate, and his future bride brings a dowry of 800 guilders, and their advancement is adequately assured, and they are liable for insignificant debts, we agree to this marriage on behalf of the entire community.
In confirmation of this, Brunnthal the 13th of August 1841, the local authorities of Brunnthal:
Andreas Zimmermann, Georg Fischer[?], Johann Heiss[?]”

“Christian’s assets at the time of immigration were 10,000 fl. and the assets of his children’s mother was a further 2,225 fl. for the children of his first marriage. He emigrate from Bavaria to the New World with one of the higher known fortunes. His brother Valentine also left the Europe with 10,000 fl. Many immigrants left with only a few hundred.”

“In the 1860 Illinois census, Christian and Elizabeth "Berky" are found in Groveland Township where Christian had purchased 120 acres of land in Section 22. Seventy two year-old Christian and 48 year old Elizabeth lived with their children, Henry, Jacob, Helena, Jacobina, and John (born in Illinois after the family arrived). Upon arriving in Illinois, Christian purchased 80 acres of farmland just north of Groveland in Tazewell County. Christian died on February 14, 1866 and was buried on his farm next to Heinrich Stalter, his father-in-law. His son Joseph was appointed administrator of his estate. The estate was valued at $2050.75 plus 120 acres of land valued at $4400. Each child received $264.13 from the estate settlement on 4/15/ 1868. Elisabeth received her widow's share. The last documentation of Elizabeth Stalter "Burky" is in the 1870 Census when she was living in Groveland, Tazewell County with her 5 children, Jacobine, Henry, Jacob, Helena, and John. Elisabeth died on September 24, 1872 and was buried next to her husband and father. In 1875 the children sold the land to Meinrad Biender, reserving one quarter of acre where the cemetery lay. It is now referred to as the “Birki Cemetery”.

Birth:
Near Diemeringen

Residence:
Lutterbacherhof. This is assumed because we know his brother Valentine lived there before going to Bavaria.

PURC:
Near Dachau, borough Rohrmoos. A half farm, the “Pasten estate,” house No. 8. Purchased from Jakob Hiser (Heiser) from Hanfeld, Country Court Starnberg. Size of the half farm was 84 days work and included a potato distillery.

Residence:
Mennonite and partial leaseholder on the grounds of the Pellheim estate of major general Maximilian Graf von Spreti at Arzbach, Bavaria, a few miles north of Dachau.

Immigration:
Applied for emigration

Immigration:
On French Bark, Adhimary (Adhema?), with his second wife and nine children, and Christian’s brother-in-law, Georg Kettner and his family (husband of Maria Birki).
Traveling with Christian and Elisabeth were Andréas (29), Anna (18), Elizabeth (23), Katharina (17) and Veronika (15) -children of Christian and his first wife - and Jakobine (5), Heinrich (4), Jakob (3), and Helena (6 mo.) - children of Christian and Elisabeth. He left capital of10,000 guilders. He deposited 2225 guilders for the children of his first marriage.

Census:
Listed as age 72 with wife Elizabeth, age 48.

Died:
Estate document from Tazewell Co. on file. Burial site is in Section 22 of Groveland Two., Tazewell Co., IL.

Buried:
Birki Cemetery - https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2596053/birki-cemetery/map#share_email

Christian married Maria Anna Gascho about 1815 in Pellheim, Bavaria, GR. Maria (daughter of André Gascho and Anna Zwalter) was born in 1798 in Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR; died between 1840-1841 in Bavaria, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Christian married Elisabeth Stalter on 4 Aug 1841 in Kirchstockach, Munich, Bavaria, GR. Elisabeth (daughter of Heinrich Stalter and Jakobine Stalter) was born on 18 Apr 1813 in Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR; died on 24 Sep 1872 in Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Groveland Twp., Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: In Europe A Bauer (Farmer), In US A Farmer
• Reference Number: 36
• Religion: Amish
• Residence: Bef 1803, Völlerdingen, Alsace, FR
• Residence: ? 1803, Riedenburg, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1813, Dachau, Munich, Bavaria, GR
• PURC: 1825, Dachau, Munich, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1815 - 1828, Dachau, Munich, Bavaria, GR
• Immigration: 31 May 1828, Dachau, Munich, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1830, Pellheim, Bavaria, GR
• PURC: 8 Mar 1833, Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR
• PURC: 15 Apr 1841, Ludwigsfeld, Bavaria, GR
• Death: 12 Aug 1848, Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1831-1849, Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR
• Immigration: 21 Jun 1849, NY
• Census: 1850, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 1860, Morton, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Valentine, father of thirteen children, all of whom emigrated to America, although not all at the same time, lived in Gern, Bavaria, when his children were born. The year after his wife died, Valentine, with some of his family came to America. He left Gern near Munich, Bavaria with five children, and with 10,000 fl., one of the larger amounts taken out of the country--much more than most immigrants. His brother Christian took the same amount. Valentine was of the "Little Red" Birky's. The family’s emigration is documented in Friedrich Blendinger’s material (the emigration to North America from the governmental district Upper Bavaria in the years 1846-1852, in: ZBLG (magazine for Bavarian national history) 27 (1964), p. 431-487. The magazine is on line with full text.

Birth:
Probably born at either Lutterbacherhof or Buscherhof (both near Sarre-Union and Rimsdorf). Lutterbacherhof is now a part of the Cultural Heritage Inventory Department Palais du Rhin. See https://www.pop.culture.gouv.fr/notice/merimee/IA67006033

Residence:
Lutterbacherhof, near Saar-Union/Saarbrücken, FR

Residence:
Lived on rented farms with brother Andreas (Country court Riedenburg [Flugelsberg]), and with Christian (in County Court Munich.
Google translation :
Gern and Riedenburg
lt. deed of citizenship of
In 1828 he stayed until about 1815
with his brother on the
Wing mountain.

Residence:
Unterweilbach tenant, of Court Spreti, near Dachau.

PURC:
Purchased an estate in Arzbach from his brother Christian.

Residence:
Tenant at Unterweilbach.

Immigration:
Received France to Bavaria immigration permit. ”Here appears Valentin Bircky from Lutterbach in Alsace, 34 years old, father of seven children, five boys, and two girls, the oldest 13 years of age, the youngest two years of age, asking for permission to emigrate.”

Residence:
Arzbach estate (about 2 miles north of the center of Pellheim) called Schloss Pellheim.

PURC:
Purchased Kandler farm estate, house No 3 from Joseph Stalter, Elisabeth’s step-father.

PURC:
Mayerrhof, house No. 8, called “Wurzer estate in Ludwigsfeld near Munich, and Dachau.

Death:
Death of wife Elisabeth Unzicker

Residence:
Valentin moved with his family to his father-in-law living in Gern near Munich

Immigration:
Via Liverpool on ship Minnesota. Evidently the family was originally booked to depart with ship agent Karl Dick from Augsburg via Mannheim-LaHavre-New York. Plans must have changed since they ultimately arrived on the ship Minnesota, via Liverpool to New York.

Census:
Age 67, living with son Joseph and Barbara (Eigsti) Birky; also living there was Christian Springer, laborer.

Residence:
Year of his death

Buried:
Birky-Landes Cemetery, personal visit, Plot #36 on cemetery map dated 8/12/2013

Valentin married Elisabeth Unzicker (Hunsiker) in 1812 in Munich, Bavaria, GR. Elisabeth (daughter of Unzicker (Hunsicker) and Magdalena Nafziger) was born in 1796 in Breimthal, Heidelberg, Bavaria, GR; died on 12 Aug 1848 in Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR; was buried on 15 Aug 1848 in Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 166
• Religion: Anabaptist
• Emigration: 1846, NY

Notes:

Nymphenburg, 15 Jan 1836: Maria was maid for Isaak Augsburger at Laufzorn in the court district of Munich.
——————————————
“Marie Birki, a husband, and children are found as emigrants from Gern in Friedrich Blendinger's Die Auswanderung nach Nordamerika aus dem Regierungsbezirk Oberbayern in den Jahren 1846-1852. Farmer/small landowner (Ger. Gütner) Georg Kettner left Bavaria and came to Illinois in 1851; Marie may have died shortly before or after. Blendinger's account from Munich records says he brought seven children, one illegitimate child, four illegitimate grandchildren, and 1,562 florins. A passenger list has not been identified; Kettner may have traveled with Valentine and Marie's brother Christian, whose passenger list has also not been identified. A George Kettner was naturalized in Tazewell County, and purportedly stated on the form that he was 39 when he arrived at New York in 1851. He may have been a son. He was living with Anna Elizabeth Haas at Pekin in 1860; the census describes the household of laborer George Kidner, 43, Bavaria; Anna, 37, Bavaria; John Bohn,4, Illinois; Frederic Smelzer, 24, Bavaria; and Cartroon, 23, Prussia. Anna had apparently brought a 2-year-old son John to her marriage with John Bohn Sr. in Tazewell County June 25, 1858, and John Sr. had died before 1860. The 1870 census of Pekin's Third Ward describes laborer George Keltner, 54, Bavaria; Anna, 46, Bavaria; and John Bohn, 14, Illinois. Although no entries for Kettner children were found on county censuses, the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index shows an obvious pattern. Four Tazewell County marriages took place in 1851-52 (spellings as found): Susannah Kitner married Jacob Zitler June 23, 1851; Saphrona Kitner married Joseph 'Kaughman' Aug. 17, 1851; Elizabeth Kitner married Casper Overmire Dec. 27, 1851; and Jackobina Kittner married Christian 'Renkenburger' March 14, 1852 (see the supplemental genealogy SCHRAGS AND SCHROCKS for more on Christian Ringenberger).”

Emigration:
with an unmarried child, and 200 guilders in cash.

Family/Spouse: Georg Kettner. Georg was born about 1788 in Petersberg, Pirmasens, Bavaria, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Typhus-“fever of nerves”

Notes:

Birth:
12 Mar 1805?

Died:
26 Dec 1825?

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 5 Sep 1833, New York, NY
• Census: 1850, Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Birth:
At head of Lake Starnberg, about 12 miles below Munich

Immigration:
From Hamburg. Age 29 yrs. 2 mo., with brother Joseph, age 23 yrs. 3 mo.

Census:
(District 56) John Berkey, 46; Madalene, 27; Catharine, 8; Elizabeth, 6; John, 4, Barbary, six months; Christian Donner, 25; Catharine, 18.

Buried:
Hickory Point Cemetery

Johann married Magdalena Roggy on 31 May 1841 in IL. Magdalena (daughter of Christian Roggy and Catherine Engel) was born on 13 May 1823 in Volmunster, Moselle, FR; died on 9 Oct 1918 in Peoria Co., IL; was buried in Washington, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Typhus - “fever of nerves”

Notes:

Died:
24 Dec 1825?

Katharina married Charles Molitor on 1 May 1836 in Tazewell Co., IL. Charles was born on 29 Sep 1809 in Metz, Moselle, FR; died on 2 Jun 1891 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Anabaptist
• Immigration: 17 Sep 1838, New York, New York

Notes:

http://www.mcusa-archives.org/mennobits/1881/jul1881.html
Herald of Truth - Volume XVIII, Number 7 - July, 1881
Obit:
Burcky.-May 31st, in Bureau Co., Ill., Andrew Burcky, aged 72 years, 5 months and 26 days. He leaves an aged widow, 2 children, 9 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Words of comfort were spoken on the funeral occasion by Jacob Unzicker, Andrew Ropp, and Peter P. Stuckey (1881).

——————————

Son of Andrew "Andre" Birchi "Burchi" & Catherine Ackerman
Andrew Burcky was born Dec. 5, 1809, and died in Bureau County May 31, 1881. In 1830 in Bavaria he married Barbara Oyer (or Eyer), who was born circa 1808, and died at Tiskilwa Nov. 22, 1894. They sailed with Joseph Heiser and Peter Yordy from Le Havre on the packet ship Charles Carroll, arriving at New York Sept. 17, 1838. That passenger lists describes "A[illegible] Burkey, 29; Barbara Burkey, 29; and Joseph Burkey, 2" (son Joseph was born at Söcking May 29, 1836); Joseph 'Heser', 20 [Joseph Heiser]; and Peter 'Jodte', 23 [Peter Yordy], who would become their next door neighbors. The obituary of a son states that they arrived in America in 1839, spent a year in Butler County and five years in Woodford County, then relocated to Tazewell County. 18 They are found on the 1860 census of Elm Grove as farmer Andrew Bergy,


—————————————————————————————————

Immigration:
Sailed with Joseph Heiser and Peter Yordy from Le Havre on the packet ship Charles Carroll.

Died:
31 May?

Buried:
Willow Springs Cemetery

Andreas married Barbara Oyer in 1830 in Bavaria, GR. Barbara was born about 1808 in Söcking, Bavaria, GR; died on 22 Nov 1894 in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL; was buried on 24 Nov 1894 in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Distiller In Bavaria
• Immigration: 5 Sep 1833, New York from Hamburg
• Immigration: 6 Aug 1835, Le Havre to New York
• Census: 1850, Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Birth:
Herbert Holly found civil birth entry

Immigration:
Aboard Brig Montano, with brother John. Ship list states that both were citizens of the United States. Perhaps they had made the trip earlier. Or perhaps it is a mistake.

Immigration:
Ship William J. John, with sister Marie and parents.

Census:
District 56: farmer Joseph Berkey, 40, Germany; Catharine, 34, France; and Joseph, 13, Illinois.

Family/Spouse: Katharina Riedl. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Joseph married Catherine Schlegel in 1835. Catherine (daughter of Christian Schlegel and Catherine Ernst) was born on 5 Sep 1816 in Froidefontaine, Belfort, FR; died in 1894 in IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 6 Aug 1835, New York, NY

Notes:

Birth:
Maierhofen. Civil record found in Catholic Church archives in Regensburg by Herbert Holly.

Immigration:
From Le Havre. Ship William J. John, with parents and brother Joseph

Marie married Charles Molitor about 1835. Charles was born on 29 Sep 1809 in Metz, Moselle, FR; died on 2 Jun 1891 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
Maier farm

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 17 Jun 1844, Le Havre to New York

Notes:

The book 'The Past and Present of Woodford County' spells Mary's name Burkey. Mary is the Maria Birkey Yordy, of whom Myrna Slagell Park says , "During pioneer days in Tazewell County, Illinois, Maria Birkey Yordy (1816-1903) cooked a mixture she called 'pap,’ given to sickly infants with feeding problems. This remedy supposedly saved some babies not expected to survive. The recipe was handed down within the family."

Mary Birky had a son before she married Peter Yordy--named John. (John b. Oct 23, 1838. He married Magdalena King (b. 1842) in 1862. They had 13 children.) She arrived in New York on the ship Baltimore on June 14,1844 with her son from a previous relationship, Johann Horn (who would later be known as John Birkey Yordy)." 

Peter and Mary can be found on the 1880 census of Roanoke as 'Peter Yordie,' a 65- year-old farmer born in France, of parents born in France; and Mary, 64, born in Bavaria, of parents born in France; and four children. Mary can be found as an 84-year-old widow on the 1900 census of Roanoke, living with children Peter, 44, and Barbara, 39. Mary stated that she was born in Germany of French parents, and that she came to America in 1847 [actually it was 1844].

“On February 9, 1847, two and one-half years after arriving in America, Mary married Peter Yordy. That marriage occurred within the Dillon Creek Amish Congregation in Tazewell County, Illinois. A recently identified 1845 Tazewell County Census sheds light on her life between her arrival in Illinois and her marriage to Peter.

In 1845, thirty-year-old Mary “Burgie” resided with a male under 10 years of age (John Horn Birkey) as the head of the household in Tazewell County. Also in the household are a female aged 10-20 and a female under 10 years of age.24 The identity of these two females is unknown. It is probable that the two women were boarders. The listing of Mary as the “Head of Household” suggests that Mary emigrated with significant funds consistent with the relative wealth of her father, Christian Birki. Triangulation of neighbors suggests that after their marriage, Peter and Mary lived in the home where Mary was living in 1845.

Peter Yordy’s wife, Maria Birki (Mary Birkey), and her six-year-old son, John Horn, emigrated in 1844. They traveled with Mary’s brother, Joseph, their cousin, Catherine Kettner, and Peter Zehr on the ship, Baltimore, which arrived in New York from Le Havre on June 14, 1844.23

Immigration:
Mary “Burge” with son Johann Horn on the ship Baltimore (New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, 1844, June 17, Baltimore, p.4)
Also on the ship were Peter Zerr 25; Jospeh Burger 26; Catharina Kunder 27.

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

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

Maria married Peter Yordy on 9 Feb 1847 in Tazewell Co., IL. Peter (son of Jakob Jordy and Catharina Schantz) was born on 26 Jul 1815 in Jaegerthal, Niederbronn-Les-Bains, FR; died on 2 Jul 1897 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Jul 1897 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 17 Jun 1844, Le Havre to New York

Notes:

Birth:
Near Pellheim

Immigration:
On ship Baltimore. Name given as Joseph Burger age 26, traveling with Mary “Burge” and son Johann Horn, Peter Zerr 25, Catharina Kunder (Kettner?) 27 (New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, 1844, June 17, Baltimore, p.4)

Family/Spouse: Anne Ringenberg (Ringenberger). Anne was born on 6 Nov 1819 in Linstroff, Moselle, Lorraine, FR; died on 17 Jul 1871 in Alvin, Vermillion Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 23 Sep 1845, Le Havre to New York

Notes:

Birth:
Near Pellheim

Immigration:
On the ship Emerald. Magdaleine, 22, with husband Jean Ackermann, 26, and son Joseph, 1 yr, on the ship Emerald from La Havre, with Master Howe. Traveling with them was André Burki, 24 (Magdalena’s cousin, Andrew Birky (Valentine's son). Also with the group from Bavaria (all farmers) was George Eichelberger, 29.

Magdalena married Johann Ackerman on 13 Jul 1845 in Bavaria, GR. Johann (son of Jacob Ackerman and Katherina Reidiger) was born on 24 May 1819 in Kofering, Bavaria, GR; died on 28 Oct 1891 in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 113
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 1849, Liverpool To New York

Notes:

Obit:
STALTER - On the 31st of March, near Hopedale, Tazewell Co., Ill., of a lingering illness, Sister Barbara (Burkey), wife of Jacob N. Stalter, aged 61 years, 1 month and 12 days. The deceased was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church. She died in the full assurance of faith and was buried on the 1st of April, leaving a sorrowing husband, nine children and twenty-nine grandchildren. Three of the children died before her. Funeral services by Noah Augspurger, Daniel Grieser and Joseph Springer.
————
The couple is found on the 1850 census of Tazewell County as farmer Jacob Stalder, 27, Germany; Barbara, 26, Illinois [Bavaria]; Jacob, 6, Illinois; and Mary, 2 months, Illinois.
They are found on the 1860 census of Tremont as farmer Jacob Stalter, 38; Barbara Stalter, 38; and six children including oldest son Jacob, 16.

The surname BIKE is used on the certificate of death. Other sources use Birky.

Birth:
10 a.m. at Pellheim estate. (born in Byron according to census info)
FAG: Pellheim, Landkreis Dachau, Bavaria (Bayern), Germany

Immigration:
On ship Minnesota, with her Uncle Valentine Birkey (1794), her child and others

Died:
Home of daughter Fanny Sutter

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Barbara married Jacob N. Stalter on 30 Apr 1849 in GR. Jacob (son of Jakob Stalter and Katharina Stalter) was born on 12 Sep 1823 in Bavaria, GR; died on 8 Jun 1898 in Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Andrew’s gravestone has the following under her name: 1849-19: not sure what that means.

Buried:
Sterling Mennonite Cemetery

Elizabeth married Andrew Oyer on 18 Sep 1853 in Tazewell Co., IL. Andrew (son of Joseph, Sr. Oyer and Magdalena Litwiller) was born on 27 Feb 1829 in Niderhoff, Moselle, FR; died on 27 Jun 1916 in Sterling, KS; was buried in Walnut Twp., Reno Co., KS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• DESC: At Time Of Death Owned Land As Follows: The SE 1/4 Of The NE 1/4 Of Section 19 Town 22N, R8E Of 3rdPM (40 Acres At $70 Per Acre =$2800)
• DESC: At Time Of Death Owned Land As Follows: The W 1/2 Of The NE 1/4 Of Section 19 Town 22N, R8E Of 3rdPM (Excet One Acre In NE Corner Thereof, Deeded For Cemetery Purposes (79 Acres At $80 Per Acre=$6320)
• DESC: At Time Of Death Owned Land As Follows: The W 35 1/2 Acres Of The SW 1/4 Of The NW 1/4 Of Section 20, Town 22N, R8E Of The 3rdPM (35 1/2 Acres At $70 Per Acre = $2485) Purchased From Cora Baker
• Occupation: Farmer
• PURC: Champaign Co., IL
• PURC: Champaign Co., IL
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: 1872, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Naturalization: 16 Feb 1888, Tazewell Co., IL
• Naturalization: 3 Mar 1890, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 1892, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

“After Andrew and Veronica married, they probably soon moved into the [Johannes] Sutter home, after the elder Sutters moved into the smaller house just across the garden. Their home was about eighteen feet long and sixteen feet wide. Its one room was divided into a kitchen and bedroom by a curtain. The hired man had to climb a ladder to his bed in the loft. Later an addition was built to the house for use as a kitchen in the summer. It could not be used during the winter because it was not built very warm and was floorless. The pole barn was eight feet high, sixteen feet wide, and eighteen feet long. In the wall in front of the horses was a flap door, which was opened at feeding time. The haystacks were just outside. Oats was kept in a rail pen nearby.”

Andrew and Veronica bought 80 acres of the Sutter land in 1882 for $50 an acre. In 1891 they sold the land for $95 an acre and moved to Fisher. He bought some land in the same section where daughter Mary and her husband had purchased land and built a house.

Birth:
Perhaps Arzbach. Birthdate on gravestone is 31 Mar 1830

PURC:
Section 19 portion purchased from George W. Mathews, who had himself derived title by patent from the United States.

PURC:
35 1/2 acres in Section 20 purchased from Cora A. Baker, who had derived title indirectly from the United States by patent.

Residence:
Daughter Mary lived in Morton as a child

Naturalization:
Intent to become a citizen

Naturalization:
Final certificate signed

Residence:
Moved from Tazewell Co., IL

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery (First burial)

Andrew married Veronica (Fannie) Sutter on 25 Mar 1858 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL. Veronica (daughter of Johannes Sutter (Suttor) and Barbara Oesch) was born on 11 Nov 1838 in Neuberg-an-Donau, Bavaria, GR; died on 16 Apr 1927 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Apr 1927 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

This couple can be found on the 1880 census of Waldo, Livingston County as farmer John Rediger, 51, born in Baden to a father from France and a mother from Württemberg; Anna Rediger, 46, born in Bavaria to parents from France; and 10 children.

Anna married John Reidiger on 15 Mar 1853. John (son of Benjamin Reidiger and Barbara Ehresman) was born on 28 Nov 1828 in Baden, GR; died on 13 Mar 1882. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Nerve fever

Notes:

Obit:
Feb. 8th 1874, in Livingston co., Ill., of Nerve fever, CATHARINE STEINMAN, wife of Pre. Daniel Steinman, in the 40th year of her age. She admonished her children to be obedient to their father. She leaves a bereaved husband and eight children to mourn their loss. Appropriate remarks were made by Christian Schlegel, from Rev. 21:1-7; and Joseph Gascho, from Heb. 12:1-8.

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Katharina married Daniel Steinman on 12 Nov 1854 in Tazewell Co., IL. Daniel (son of Jacob Steinman and Barbara Nafziger) was born on 1 May 1831 in Breitenbrunn, Bavaria, GR; died on 17 Mar 1916 in Waldo, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1880, Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

“Christian Birky’s first wife was named Mary. On August 10, 1854, Christian petitioned the court to be named legal guardian of his daughter Fronica (Veronica), as follows:
To the County Court Tazewell County Illinois The undersigned respectfully shows that Fronica Birkey aged seventeen years in January last is a minor heir of his wife Mary deceased and that the said Fronica is his daughter, and that heir aforesaid she is entitled to certain property of about the value of $178---- and he preys that letter of Guardianship may issue to him the said Christian Birkey for his said daughter. Affirmed to this ???? (Signed) Christian Birki before me this 10th day of August, 1854 Jno M Bush.

Also in the file is the Court's Order that appointed Christian the legal guardian of Fronica (Veronica) until she reached the age of 18. This suggests that Mary received a bequest (most likely from her father at the time of his death). Since she had apparently pre-deceased the benefactor, her bequest was divided among her natural children (Mary, Joseph, Magdalena, Barbara, Elizabeth, Andrew, Anna, Catharina, and Veronica). All save Veronica were of the age of majority in 1854. In order for her to collect her property, she needed a legal guardian, and that became her father. The person leaving the bequest may have been of some means since Mary's share was $1602, and an equal amount may well have been left to any of Mary's siblings or their issue. The entire process suggests that Mary Birki's father may have died intestate in Illinois in 1853 or 1854 and it thus may be possible to identify him through probate or other guardian records. “ Gary Yordy (Source: Tazewell County Probate Records, File 11 “Fronica Birkey”)

Census:
Found as farmer Peter Goot, 48, born in Albirn [Altbayern or Oberbayern, the governmental district of Bavaria where Munich and Augsburg are located] to a father from France and a mother from Albirn; Fronia, 43, born in Albirn to parents from France.

Buried:
Sterling Mennonite Cemetery

Veronica married Peter Guth on 17 Aug 1856 in Tazewell Co., IL. Peter (son of Christian Guth and Barbara Christner) was born on 25 Mar 1832 in Burgwalden, Bavaria, GR; died on 8 Aug 1916 in Reno Co., KS; was buried in Nickerson, Reno Co., KS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Willow Springs Cemetery

Helene married Christian Roggy on 8 Feb 1874 in Tazewell Co., IL. Christian (son of Peter Roggy and Magdalena Bircky (Burkey)) was born on 29 Feb 1852 in Granville, Putnam Co., IL; died on 21 Nov 1919 in Meadows, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Family/Spouse: Katharina Augstin (Augustin). [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 175
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Stomach cancer and lung fever
• Immigration: Oct 1849, New York, NY
• Census: 1880, Linn Twp., Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth, April 1887:
BURKY - On the 1st of March, in Woodford county, Ill., of cancer in the stomach and lung fever, Bro. Jacob Burky, aged about 72 years. He was buried on the 3d. Services by Chr. Risser, John P. Schmidt and Peter Hockstetler, from 1 Cor. 15 and John 5:24. The deceased suffered much pain for several years, but he bore it all patiently.

Lived at Hofbesitzer in Lerchenfeld and rented Teublitz

“Andréas Birki from Gern with brother Jacob made application for emigration to Illinois. The father Valentin remains in Gern. (Maybe to avoid paying taxes, too.) “

Immigration:
From Teublitz (north Bavaria) to Bremen, then on the bark Tuisco, arriving New York 15 Aug 1860.

Jakob married Veronika Hage on 2 Sep 1842. Veronika was born on 10 Aug 1819; died on 24 Feb 1901 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Reference Number: 174
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 1 Nov 1844, Le Havre to New York
• Residence: 1849, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: Abt 1869, Woodford Co., IL
• Residence: Abt 1878, Milford, Seward Co., NE

Notes:

From Roanoke Centennial History:
"Joseph Birkey was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1816. He came to the United States in 1844, and settled first in New Orleans, Louisiana. He then moved to Tazewell County for one year, then returned to Germany. He married Barbara Eikstein in Bavaria, then returned to the United States."

Joseph, his bride-to-be Barbara Augustine (later 'Eigsti'), her sister Catherine, and his younger brother Valentine sailed on the Kilby, arriving at New Orleans in October 1846. The passenger list shows "Joseph Bircky 29; Augustine Cath. 21; Barbara, 20; and Birky Valentine 26." Christian, Elizabeth, and Catherine migrated in 1846.

On 2 Nov 1861, Joseph petitioned the judge of the Tazewell County Court to name Daniel Uncicker (sic) administrator of the estate of Valentine Birkey. This document gives the date of death as 23 Sept 1861.

Birth:
13.May.1816 born Joseph Bircki.Normal birth with midwife N. Gunzler in Nymphenburg.
Father: Valentin Birki leaseholder from the castle farm Unterweilbach, from Lutterbach/ Alsace
Mother: Elisabeth Unzicker from Breimthal nearby Heidelberg both Anabaptists


Immigration:
On ship Nashville

Buried:
East Fairview Cemetery

Joseph married Barbara Augustin (Eigsti?) on 22 Aug 1847 in America. Barbara (daughter of Nicholas Augustin (Augstin) (Eigsti-Eigstein) and Barbara Gascho) was born on 25 Sep 1827 in Unterweilbach, Bavaria, GR; died on 6 Aug 1911 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farming and stock raiser
• Reference Number: 173
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 1842 or 1843, New Orleans, LA
• Census: 23 Jul 1860, Boynton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 4 Aug 1870, Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 1881, Seward Co., NE

Notes:

Obit:
BURKEY. On the 6th of Nov. 1890, near Milford, Seward Co., Neb., Christian Burkey, aged 71 Y., 2M., 2 D. He lived in matrimony 51 years and leaves a wife, 11 children, 46 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren to mourn their loss. He was a member of the A. Mennonite church. Services were conducted by Jos. Schlegel from John 11:25, 26, and Jos. Gasho from 2 Cor. 5:1.


Following is an excerpt from 1878 History of Woodford County, Past and Present: “Burky, Christian. farmer and stock raiser; sec. 15; P.O. Metamora; was born in Bavaria, Germany Sept. 4, 1819; he was raised a farmer and came to this country in 1842, landing at New Orleans and proceeding up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Peoria, where he remained a couple of weeks and then came to Woodford County; at the end of one year, however, he removed to Tazawell [sic] County, and resided there until 1875, when he returned to Woodford County. He was married in Germany in 1839 to Miss Mary Stalter, who was born in Bavaria in 1821. They have eleven children - Mary, Joseph, Christian, Phebe, Valentine, Elizabeth, Henry, Katie, Fannie, John and Barbara. He owns 80 acres of land valued at $4,800.”

Immigration:
Made their way up the Mississippi River toward Illinois.

Census:
Morton Twp. p. 181 Listed as head of household, with wife Mary and 10 children:
Joseph 19 b. Germany, Christian 16 b. Germany; Jacobine 15, Elizabeth 13, Valentine 12, Henry 10, Kate 8, John 6, Francis 4(F), Barbara 2--all born in IL.

Census:
Listed as Christian Burky, age 50, farmer, born Bavaria; wife Maria, age 48, keeping house, born Bavaria; Valentine age 21, farmer born Illinois; Henry age 19, farmer; Catharine age 18; John age 16; Veronika age 14; Barbara age 11, all born in Illinois

Residence:
Farm near Milford

Buried:
East Fairview Cemetery

Christian married Maria (Mary) Stalter in 1838 in Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR. Maria (daughter of Heinrich Stalter and Jakobine Stalter) was born on 5 Mar 1820 in Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR; died on 3 Jan 1916 in Raymond, Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 172
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: Oct 1846, NY
• Census: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth - July 15, 1901 - Page 222, 223
BIRKY - Valentine Birky was born on Oct. 12, 1821, and died June 28, 1901, aged 79 years, 8 months and 16 days. He came to America in 1846 and settled in Tazewell Co., Ill. In 1880* he was married to Elizabeth Springer. To this union were born thirteen children, three of whom preceded him to the spirit world. The deceased leaves ten children, twenty-four grandchildren, one great grandchild, three brothers, and three sisters to mourn his death. The funeral services were conducted by Jacob Ringenberg from Tiskilwa, and Peter Hochsettler, Groveland, Ill.
(*This is no doubt a transcription error, should be 1850.)

The 1850 census shows three couples family clustered next to Christian Bechler's property on the north side of Allentown Road (just west of what is now Pleasant Grove Cemetery): Walter Burkie, 26, Germany, and Elizabeth, 20; Andrew Burkie, 22, and Catherine, 18; Joseph Burkie, 28, Barbara, 25, and laborer Christian Springer, 15. In retrospect they appear to be Valentine Birky and Elizabeth Springer; Andrew Birky and Catherine Litwiller; and Joseph Birky and Barbara Eigsti; their incorrect ages may have been taken from travel documents prepared before their immigration.

Birth:
Normal birth at 2:00 a.m. with midwife N. Gunzler in Nymphenburg.
Father Valentin Birki, born in Lutterbach, Department of Strasbourg, farmer’s son.
[later hand] the above Birki now lives in Gern, farmer, community of Nymphenburg.

Immigration:
On Ship Kilby: Joseph, 29; Catherine Augustein, 21; Barbara Augustein, 20 (Joseph’s wife-to-be); plus Valentine Burkey, 26, Joseph’s brother, and Magdalena and Elisabeth, Joseph’s sisters. Catherine Augustein later married a John Burkey.

Census:
“Walter” Burkie, 26; Elizabeth 20

Buried:
Red Oak Cemetery

Valentin married Elizabeth Springer on 4 Feb 1850 in Tazewell Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of David Springer and Elizabeth Guth (Good)) was born on 24 Jul 1830 in Bavaria, GR; died on 30 Aug 1921 in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL; was buried in Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Naturalization: 1856?, Tazewell Co., IL
• Occupation: Farmer
• Reference Number: 171
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 23 Sep 1845, Le Havre to New York
• Census: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

LANDES MENNONITE CEMETERY
On July 25, 1864, Joseph purchased a 5.5-acre timberland parcel at Elm Grove from Andreas/Andrew Birky and Catherine Litwiller. This added a strip along the south edge of his original Groveland land. The land was situated just north of a place on Dillon Creek where baptisms were held by the Pleasant Grove congregation.
After the trees were cleared, one-half acre was set aside to be used as a burial ground for the Pleasant Grove congregation. When the first five families bought portions from the congregation, it created Landes Mennonite Cemetery (also called Landes-Birky Cemetery).

Birth:
11.Oktober 1822 born Andreas Birki - normal birth with midwife N. Gunzler in Nymphenburg.
Father: Valentin Birki, Anabaptist leaseholder from Unterweilbach, No. 17
Mother: Elisabeth Hunzicker, farmer’s daughter from Wiesloch nearby Heidelberg

Naturalization:
Declaration of Intent for Naturalization (Rec. #1-201) in Tazewell Co., IL for an Andréas Birkey, dated 25/28 Jan 1856. This Andréas was “born in Willbach, Bavaria, and arrived at port of NY in 1846.”

Immigration:
Magdaleine Burki, 22, with husband Jean Ackermann, 26, and son Joseph, 1 yr, on the ship Emerald from La Havre, with Master Howe. Traveling with them was André Burki, 24 (Magdalena’s cousin, Andrew Birky (Valentine's son). Also with the group from Bavaria (all farmers) was George Eichelberger, 29.


Census:
Andrew Burkie, 22; Catherine, 18

Andréas married Catherine Litwiller on 20 Jun 1848 in Tazewell Co., IL. Catherine (daughter of Peter Litwiller and Marie Mosiman) was born on 28 Jul 1832 in Butler Co., OH; died on 24 Aug 1870 in Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 170
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: Oct 1846, NY

Notes:

Birth:
12 December 1824 born Magdalena Birki.Normal birth at 1:00 a.m. in Nymphenburg with midwife N. Gunzler.
Father: Valentin Birki from Lutterbach nearby Saarbrücken-Mother: Elisabeth Unzicker farmers daughter from Baierthal

Immigration:
On Ship Kilby: Joseph, 29; Catherine Augustein, 21; Barbara Augustein, 20 (Joseph’s wife-to-be); and Valentine Burkey, 26, Joseph’s brother. Catherine Augustein later married a John Burkey.

Magdalena married Herman Simmermacher (Sinemaker) about 1850. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 169
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: Oct 1846, NY

Notes:

Birth:
Weibach Castle, No. 17, normal birth at 7:30 am with midwife N. Gunzler in Nymphenburg.

Immigration:
On Ship Kilby: Joseph, 29; Catherine Augustein, 21; Barbara Augustein, 20 (Joseph’s wife-to-be); and Valentine Burkey, 26, Joseph’s brother. Catherine Augustein later married a John Burkey.

Elisabeth married Johannes Bircky (Birky) on 7 Jan 1847 in Tazewell Co., IL. Johannes (son of Christian Bürcky (Birki) and Katharina Nafziger) was born on 25 Jan 1815 in Augsburg, Bavaria, GR; died on 9 Nov 1896 in Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 168
• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Birth:
Father Valentin described as farm leaseholder, Mennonite, from Dachau, Weilbach, No. 17, normal birth at 1:00 am.

Buried:
Landes Mennonite Cemetery Grave #29 on printed plot map dated 8/12/2013

Catharina married Joseph Ropp on 3 Feb 1850 in Tazewell Co., IL. Joseph (son of Andréas Ropp and Elizabeth Eymann) was born on 6 Jul 1823 in Largitzen, Haut-Rhin, FR; died on 3 Mar 1885 in Washington, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Washington, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 167
• Religion: Mennonite
• Immigration: 21 Jun 1849, NY

Notes:

Birth:
Normal birth with midwife Margareth Gschwind, at Schönbrunn.

Immigration:
via Liverpool, on ship Minnesota. Described as “infant.”

Buried:
Evangelical Mennonite Church Cemetery

Heinrich married Magdalena Augustin (Eigsti) on 30 Apr 1854. Magdalena (daughter of Nicholas Augustin (Augstin) (Eigsti-Eigstein) and Barbara Gascho) was born on 22 Oct 1835 in Pellheim, Bavaria, GR; died on 13 Mar 1913 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL. [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

Maria married Joseph Bürcky (Birki) on 7 Jan 1851 in Tazewell Co., IL. Joseph (son of Christian Bürcky (Birki) and Katharina Nafziger) was born on 19 Mar 1828 in Bavaria, GR; died on 6 Dec 1906 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Dec 1906 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 185
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 21 Jun 1849, NY
• Naturalization: 18 Jan 1855, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Immigration:
via Liverpool, on ship Minnesota

Naturalization:
Declaration of Intent: Record #1-184

Buried:
Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery

Johann married Jacobina Hochstettler on 15 Mar 1858 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL. Jacobina (daughter of Joseph Hochstettler and Jacobina (Phoebe) Gingerich) was born on 7 Nov 1835 in Meringerau/Siebernbrunn, Bavaria, GR; died on 30 Apr 1896 in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 186
• Immigration: 21 Jun 1849, NY

Notes:

This Unzicker family relocated from Wilmot to Collinsville, Butler County, at about the same time as the Ropp family.

They are found on the 1870 census of Morton as farmer Daniel Unsecker, 40, Canada; Josephine, 32, Bern; with four children born in Illinois.

The 1910 census of Precinct O [Milford}, Seward County, shows Daniel Unzicker, 81, Can Germany, immigrated [presumably from Canada to the United States] in 1833; and Jacobina, 72, Germany, immigrated in 1848. The same census page shows the family of Jacobine's nephew Christian Birky and his first wife Elizabeth Guth/Good. Christian was born in Tazewell County March12, 1851, a son of Johannes/John Birkey of the 'Big Birkeys' and Elizabeth Birky of the 'Little Red Birkeys.'

Served as administrator for Valentine’s estate.
Were Daniel and Phoebe cousins?
“Daniel (Jr.) Unzicker, born at Wilmot, Ontario Feb. 11, 1829, and died in Nebraska. He married Jacobene 'Phoebe' Birky in Tazewell County Nov. 17, 1857. She was born at Gern (now a neighborhood of Munich) Jan. 15, 1838, and died Sept. 15, 1914, a daughter of Valentine Birky and Elizabeth Unzicker. She may have been his cousin. Daniel was a shoe maker. They can be found on the 1910 census of Milford, and are buried there.”

Immigration:
via Liverpool, on ship Minnesota

Buried:
Blue Mound Cemetery

Jacobine married Daniel Unzicker, Jr. on 17 Nov 1857 in Tazewell Co., IL. Daniel (son of Daniel Unzicker and Magdalena Kahn) was born on 11 Feb 1829 in Wilmot Twp., Ontario, Canada; died on 18 Jul 1914 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 187
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: Gern, Munich, Bavaria, GR
• Immigration: 21 Jun 1849, NY

Notes:

Immigration:
via Liverpool, on ship Minnesota

Buried:
Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery

Barbara married Peter Hochstettler on 14 Mar 1858 in Tazewell Co., IL. Peter (son of Joseph Hochstettler and Jacobina (Phoebe) Gingerich) was born on 28 Feb 1834 in Meringerau/Siebernbrunn, Bavaria, GR; died on 20 Jan 1924 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Groveland Twp., Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Died as an infant at 3 mo. and 3 days.

Notes:

1880 census, Edith Kelso Birkey and John are living with his mother, whose name is Magdalena Birky.

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Kelso. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Valentine Farney (Forney). [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Barbara married John Taylor in 1873. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
1828 says Berkey Book

Family/Spouse: Charles Weinland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• HIST: [BUERCKY.-Dec. 15th, in Bureau Co., Ill., of Phthisic, HENRY BUERCKY, aged 29 years, 11 months and 27 days. Remarks by A. Aesch and Joseph Buercky.]
• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Old age and failing health
• Residence: 1839, Butler Co., OH
• Residence: 1840, Woodford Co., IL
• Residence: 1844, Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Baptism: 1854, Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Ordained: 1863, Pekin Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 1867, Bureau Co., IL
• Census: 1870, Indiantown, Bureau Co., IL
• Ordained: 1878, Bureau Co., IL
• Census: 1900, Wheatland, Will Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
Burcky. - Joseph Burcky, oldest son of Andrew and Barbara Burcky, was born in Seckking, Bavaria, May 29, 1833. He came to America with his parents in 1839. They stopped in Butler Co., Ohio, one year, then came on to Woodford Co., Ill., where they lived for five years, after which they moved to Tazewell Co., where he grew to manhood. Here he confessed Christ as his Savior and was received into the Mennonite Church by baptism at the age of eighteen. Feb. 28, 1858, he was married to Jacobina Zimmerman, which union was blessed with eleven children. Three (Josephine, Jonathan, and Albert) died in their infancy. Two (John and Mary) grew to manhood but preceded their father in death. Six (Elizabeth, Simon, Benjamin, Edward, Amos, and Joseph survive their father. He was ordained as a minister of the Gospel in 1863 and moved to Bureau Co., in 1869, from which time he has served the Willow Springs Church as minister, and as bishop since 1878, until old age and failing health made it necessary for him to lay down his charge. August 1, 1920, at the People's Hospital in Peru, Ill., he passed away at the ripe old age of 84 y. 2 m. 3 d. In his departure he leaves 6 children, 20 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, besides the many relatives and friends to whom he has endeared himself by the 50 years of service for the community of the Willow Springs Mennonite Church. Funeral services were conducted at him home by Eugene Augsburger and C. A. Hartzler of Tiskilwa, Ill., after which his body was laid away in the adjoining cemetery there to await the call of his Lord.

The ROPP genealogy notes that John Alexander Dowie addressed Tazewell County Mennonites in a meeting at the Railroad Schoolhouse May 14, 1897; the text, mentioning Peter W. Ropp and Joseph Buercky, can be found at www.zionhealingrooms.com/iwill.pdf

“They lived near Pekin, IL, then moved to a farm near Tiskilwa, IL. Besides farming, he had charge of the Willow Springs Mennonite Church south of Tiskilwa.”

Residence:
with parents

Baptism:
At age 18, Dillon Creek congregation

Ordained:
Pleasant Grove Mennonite Church

Census:
Joseph Burkey, 34, Germany; Phebe, 32, France

Ordained:
Bishop. Served the Bureau Creek congregation, now Willow Springs Mennonite Church

Census:
and Milo, IL. Birthday given as May 1936.

Died:
People’s Hospital

Buried:
Willow Springs Mennonite Church Cemetery

Joseph married Jacobina Magdalena (Bena) Zimmerman on 28 Feb 1858 in Tazewell Co., IL. Jacobina (daughter of Michael Zimmerman and Magdalena Erb) was born on 18 Jun 1838 in St. Valentin, Indre; died on 1 Jun 1900 in Peru, LaSalle Co., IL; was buried in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Willow Springs Cemetery

Andrew married Annie Burcky on 4 Apr 1895 in Bureau Co., IL. Annie was born in 1863; died on 4 Jul 1925 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• Residence: 1844, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 1868, Bureau Co., IL
• Census: 1900, Gridley, McLean Co., IL

Notes:

http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/willow_springs_mennonite_church_tiskilwa_illinois/?searchterm=Bureau%20County%20Illinois
Willow Springs Mennonite Church (Tiskilwa, Illinois, USA)

Willow Springs Mennonite Church, 1946
Scan courtesy Mennonite Church
USA Archives-Goshen
X-31.1, Box 17/28
Willow Springs Mennonite Church (Mennonite Church), located 4 miles south of Tiskilwa, Bureau County, Illinois, a mem­ber of the Illinois Mennonite Conference, was organized in 1836 as an Amish Mennonite congregation, the settlers having come mostly from Bavaria, Germany, plus a few from Butler County, Ohio. The Bavarians had first settled in 1835 in the Hennepin and Gran­ville neighborhood in Putnam County. After meet­ing in homes for 35 years the congregation built its first meetinghouse in 1873. This was destroyed by lightning in 1896, but was immediately rebuilt, and later enlarged several times.
Three subsidiary groups have been formed from Willow Springs: Ohio Station in the north central part of the county 1840-1915, which never developed into a congregation; Sheffield in the western part of the county 1943-1950; and the Tiskilwa Mennonite Church (General Conference Mennonite), which was formed in 1911 when a group withdrew to join the Central Illinois Mennonite Conference.

The first minister in the Hennepin community was Jacob Burkey of Hesse, Germany, who never lived in the Tiskilwa neighborhood. The Willow Springs congregation suffered for many years from inadequate and even absentee ministerial leadership and was not established on a sound basis until 1868, when Joseph Burkey, a minister at Tremont, Illinois, moved in and was ordained bishop a year later. His successor was C. A. Hartzler, a minister from Garden City, Missouri, who came in 1913 and was or­dained bishop a year later. C. W. Long was pastor in 1957, with a membership of 142.

Birth:
Gravestone date

Census:
Joseph, born in IL October 1836 to German parents; Elizabeth, born in Germany in March 1832.

Died:
Gravestone date

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Rediger. Elizabeth (daughter of Christian Reidiger and Magdalena Stalter) was born on 10 Mar 1832 in GR; died on 6 Feb 1919 in Gridley, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Stomach Ulcers
• Immigration: 17 Jun 1844, NY
• Residence: 1862, Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 1885, Milford, Seward Co., NE
• Residence: 1889, Thurman, Washington Co., CO
• Residence: 1896, Larned, KS
• Residence: 1898, Milford, Seward Co., NE

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Witness, January, 1907
After an illness of about eight months, Bro. John Yordy passed away at his home in Milford, Neb., Dec.31, 1906; age 68 y. 2m. 17d. Funeral services were held at the home and concluded at the Amish Church where he was laid to rest in the Fairview Cemetery on Thursday afternoon. Bro. Yordy was born in Germany, Oct. 23, 1839, and came to America with his parents who settled in Illinois when he was six years old. He united with the Amish Mennonite church in his early years, to which he remained faithful to his death. He was married to Magdalene King, Jan. 5, 1863. To this union were born thirteen children, four of whom preceded him to the spirit world. He leaves a sorrowing wife and nine children, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope. His disease was ulcers and gallstones. He suffered greatly at times but bore it all patiently to the end.

Dearest father, thou hast left us,
And thy loss we greatly feel,
But ‘tis God who has bereft us,
He can all our sorrows heal.


Obit: Milford, NE newspaper

After an illness of seven months beginning May 10th, 1906, and caused by ulceration of the bowels, complicated with gall stones, uncle John Yordy passed away at his home in this village, Monday morning, Dec. 31st, age 68 years 2 months and 17 days. Short funeral services were held at the home here in town and concluded at the Amish church west of town where the remains were buried, Thursday.

Mr. Yordy was born in Germany, October 23, 1838, and came to America with his parents who settled in Illinois when he was 6 years old. He was married to Magdalene King on January 5th, 1862, and to them have been born 13 children, 9 of whom are living.

Mr. Yordy and his family came to Seward county in 1885, and four years later, went to Colorado. In 1896, they moved to Kansas and in 1898 returned to Seward county where they have since resided. Three years ago Mr. and Mrs. Yordy moved into town and prepared to spend their remaining days in ease and comfort. The children attending the funeral were Simon and Dave Yordy, Mrs. Schrock, from Filmore county, Mrs. Zimmerman from Wood River, and two brothers and a sister from Illinois - Jacob and Joseph Yordy and Mrs. Mary Orendorff.

Mr. Yordy was a genial old gentleman whom it was a pleasure to know and the great regret of his friends is that his declining days should be spent in suffering. The sympathy of all is extended to Grandma Yordy and her children in the hour of bereavement.

Birth:
French Alsace-Lorraine accd. to source 1269

Immigration:
New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, 1844, June 17, Baltimore

Residence:
In 1863 Peter Yordy purchased John's exemption from Civil War military service for $100. They moved to Seward County, Nebraska in 1885, to Colorado in 1889, to Kansas in 1896, and then returned to Seward County in 1898.

Buried:
East Fairview Cemetery

John married Magdalena King on 5 Jan 1862 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL. Magdalena (daughter of Samuel King and Mary Magdalena Kurtz) was born on 13 Dec 1842 in Salem, Marion Co., IL; died on 11 Feb 1927 in Harper, Harper Co., KS; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, October 26, 1922, page 591
Yordy. - Christian Yordy, son of Peter and Mary Yordy was born near Pekin, Ill., July 29, 1848; died at his home near Roanoke, Ill., July 10, 1922; aged 73 y. 11 m. 11 d. Oct. 4, 1874, he was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony to Salome Slagel of Livingston Co., Ill. Ten children were born to them, of whom 4 died in infancy. He leaves his sorrowing companion, 2 sons, and 4 daughters (Amos, Joel, Salome Woodward, Leah Armstrong, Laura Bryant, and Lizzie). All were present at his death except Salome. He also leaves 18 grandchildren, 2 brothers, 3 sisters and many nieces and nephews. At the age of 19 he united with the A. M. Church and remained faithful to the end. In his younger years he was active in church work. Funeral services were held at the home by Bro. Peter Garber and at the Roanoke Church by Bros. C. S. Shertz and A. A. Schrock. Interment in the cemetery nearby.

Local Newspaper Obit: (from Carol Heilman)
The funeral of Christian Yordy was held Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the farm home, two miles east of town, to the Church of the Brethren. Interment was made at church cemetery. Mr. Yordy passed away July 1, after an illness of several months. He was aobut 75 years of age and is survived by his wife, two sons, Amos and Joel both living on farms near Roanoke, and Salome, living in Arizona.

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

Christian married Salome (Sally) Slagel on 4 Oct 1874 in Livingston Co., IL. Salome (daughter of Bishop Christian Schlegel and Salome Sommer) was born on 6 Sep 1855 in Pekin, Groveland Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 21 Feb 1938 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish/Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - March 1923
Orendorff. -- Mary Yordy was born near Pekin, Ill., Oct. 19, 1848; died at her home near Flanagan, Ill., Feb. 8, 1923; aged 73 y. 3 m. 20 d. She was united in matrimony with Daniel Orendorff, Feb. 15, 1872. He preceded her to the life beyond, Jan. 14, 1918. To this union were born 7 children, 5 daughters and 2 sons. Two sons and 3 grandchildren preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her loss 4 daughters (Mrs. C. M. Conrad and Mrs. J. D. Conrad of Sterling, Ill.; Mrs. J. D. Roeschley and Miss Ada Orendorff of Flanagan, Ill.), 25 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, and many [transcriber's note: begin page 943] relatives and friends. Bro. and Sister Orendorff moved to their late home in 1872, at which place they resided until the Lord was pleased to call them to their long home. She united with the Mennonite Church in her youth and remained a faithful and consistent member until death. Sister Orendorff was a kind and loving wife, mother, and neighbor and was loved and respected by all who knew her. Short services were held at the home Feb. 11, by Bro. D. W. Slagel (Text, Psa. 16), and at the church by Bros. J. D. Hartzler and Samuel Gerber. Texts, I Cor. 15:35-38; Phil 1:21. Interment in the Waldo cemetery.


“While Mary may not have faced as many hardships as others experienced, she was left alone with her children more than many other wives of ministers. Daniel has been included as one of the ‘ten most influential leaders of the Western District Amish Mennonite Conference.’ He attended at least twenty conference, mostly in other states. He kept a notebook listing where he gave sermons, the date, and the text used. His itinerary was staggering, as he would be gone two or three weeks for each out of state visit. In addition to the conferences, he held many ‘protracted’ meetings in those distant locations and in almost all Illinois churches several times a year. During these absences, Mary was left to cope with the long term illness and eventual death of their only son, besides just ‘keeping the home fires burning.’

“Mary, after becoming a minister’s wife, wore (a black net head covering with ribbons tied under the chin) such a head covering all day long for the rest of her life.”

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Mary married Daniel Orendorff on 15 Feb 1872 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL. Daniel (son of Daniel Orendorff and Katharina Albrecht) was born on 8 Nov 1848 in Spring Bay, Woodford Co., IL; died on 14 Jan 1918 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish/Mennonite

Notes:

There is no known obituary for Magdalena. She was born in 1851 near Pekin, Ill., and died as a small girl in 1854 near Pekin, Ill. The cause of her death is unknown, but occurred at the same time as a cholera epidemic was ocurring in the area.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: 1878-1889, Waldo, Livingston Co., IL
• Residence: 1889, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, December, 1930
YORDY.--Jacob K., son of Peter and Mary Yordy, was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., March 8, 1853; died at the home of his son Amsa near Flanagan, Ill., Nov. 29, 1930; aged 77 y. 8 m. 21 d. He spent his entire life in Tazewell, Woodford and Livingston counties. On Feb. 3, 1878, he was united in marriage to Kathryn King of Livingston Co., Ill. To this union were born 5 sons and 9 daughters. The surviving children are Edward, Noah, William, Raymond, Amsa, Mrs. S. A. Albrecht, Mrs. Simon Beller, Mrs. Albert Durre, Mrs. Elmer Augsburger, Mrs. Ray Slagell, Mrs. William Stalter, and Mrs. Arthur Guth. The children are all residents of this community with the exception of Mrs. Beller of Wesloco, Tex., and Raymond, of Iowa City, Ia. He also leaves 58 grandchildren and one sister (Barbara Yordy). Those of the family who have preceded him in death are his companion (who died Feb. 2, 1918), also two daughters and four grandchildren. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior in his youth and remained faithful until death. Funeral services were held Dec. 1 at the Waldo Church, conducted by the home ministers, D. W. Slagel and J. D. Hartzler. Burial in Waldo Cemetery.


“Lived at Flanagan, IL, then moved back to Woodford County and lived just north of Spring Hill Farm, Eureka, IL, where Ezra B. and Carrie E. (Good) Yordy lived at the time. In about the year 1918, Katie died at Eureka, IL, so he moved back to Flanagan where most of the children lived.”

Died:
At home of son, Amsa

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Jacob married Kathrine (Katie) B. King on 3 Feb 1878 in Livingston Co., IL. Kathrine (daughter of Christian R. King and Mary Catharina Sommer Baechler) was born on 19 Oct 1858 in McLean Co., IL; died on 2 Feb 1918 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

OBIT:

Bachman.-Elizabeth, daughter of Peter and Mary Yordy, was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., Dec. 6, 1854; died at her home in Cazenovia, Ill., Jan. 28, 1928; aged 73 y. 1 m. 22 d. In the year 1881 she was united in marriage to Christian Bachman. To this union were born four children (Phoebe, Joel, Mrs. John Bachman, and Solomon). She is survived by her husband, two sons, two daughters, one brother, one sister, 12 grandchildren. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior in her youth and united with the Mennonite Church of which she was a faithful member until death. The consistent Christian life that she lived at all times and her cheerful, sociable disposition were greatly admired by all who knew her. Recently she expressed herself to members of the family, and others, that she was ready to meet her Redeemer. Thus we have reasons to believe that she died rejoicing in the Lord.

Lived in Cazenovia. Had one of the first 2-cylinder Reo cars in the area and drove it to visit the Joseph Yordy family in Fisher, IL.

Buried:
Stewart-Harmony Cemetery

Elizabeth married Christian Bachman on 16 Jan 1881 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. Christian (son of Jacob Bachman and Jacobina Zook) was born on 7 Mar 1857 in Cazenovia Twp., Woodford Co., IL; died on 19 Sep 1934 in Cazenovia Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Killed by lightning, hoeing vines for Amos, son of brother Christian
• USR1: Lightning

Notes:

Obituary: June 17, 1909 Gospel Herald
Yordy. - Peter Yordy was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., Feb. 29, 1856. He came to his death near his home in Woodford Co., Ill., by a stroke of lightning, June 4, 1909. He united with the A. M. Church in his youth. He was never married. He leaves three brothers and three sisters. Services were held at the house by Peter D. Schertz from Matt. 24:44, and at the church by Peter Zimmerman from Luke 12:40 in German, and John Switzer in English. Surely life is uncertain, and it behooves US to heed Christ's warning recorded in Matt. 24:44.

Peter was an “incompetent” man. He is buried next to his parents in the Roanoke Cemetery.

“His mother called him "Philip" when he was young so as not to confuse him with his father.  He was listed as "Philip" in the 1860 US Census.  But as he got older, he went by Peter or "Junior".  He was moderately mentally retarded and never was able to completely care for himself.  As his mother became quite ill in 1901, he was made a ward of his brother in law, Chris Bachman. After their parents deaths, Peter and Barbara lived in their parents' home next door to their brother, Christian Yordy, who also lived on the home place  Peter Philip died on June 4, 1909 when struck by lightening at the home of his nephew, Amos Yordy.  He was picking grapes at the time.”

Died:
Near his home

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: 1867, Woodford Co., IL
• Census: 1900, Brown Twp., Champaign Co., IL
• Residence: 1903-1904, CA
• Residence: 1898-1911, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Residence: 1911, Secor, Woodford Co., IL
• Residence: 1922/3, Eureka, Woodford Co., IL
• Residence: 1925/6, Eureka, Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: The Metamora Herald, Feb. 1925
Yordy. - Joseph, son of Peter and Mary Yordy, was born near Pekin, Ill., Nov. 7, 1857; died at his home in Eureka, Ill., Feb. 19, 1925; aged 67 y. 3 m. 12 d. In boyhood he moved with his parents to Roanoke, Ill. On Jan 1, 1882, he was married to Elizabeth Roeschley. To this union were born three daughters (Ella, Anna, and Mrs. Josephine Schrock), and six sons (Aaron, Ezra, Walter, Jonas, Alvin, and Lewis). After his marriage he lived one year near Roanoke, fifteen years near Flanagan, twelve years near Fisher, and the remaining years in Woodford county. In his early manhood he united with the Mennonite Church and had a ringing Christian testimony to the end. He served the Church as a faithful deacon since 1920. Singing always found a great place in his life, and he always took an active part in worshiping God in song. Although never very strong physically, yet he had a strong faith in the living God and lived a stable consistent Christian life. Since Christmas he suffered much. Often during the last few months he longed for eternal rest. He was conscious to the last, although unable to speak, and showed great calmness the last hours of his life on earth. His desire is fulfilled now, for he has gone where "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, not crying, neither shall there be any more pain." He leaves his wife, nine children, nine grandchildren, one brother (Jacob, of Flanagan), two sisters (Barbara, of Eureka, and Mrs. Chris. Bachman of Cazenovia), many relatives and friends. Funeral services at the Roanoke Mennonite Church Feb 22, 1925, conducted by Brothers A.A. Schrock and H.R. Schertz. Text John 11:25. Interment in cemetery nearby.

———————————————————————
Joseph and Elizabeth, according to best estimates, lived on a farm for one year in the vicinity of Roanoke. In 1883 they moved to a farm northeast of Flanagan and lived there until 1899. The thirteen years at Flanagan in Livingston Co. preceded a move to Fisher in Champaign Co. There they settled on a farm which was located approximately two miles west on what is now Rt.136. (While in the Fisher area, daughter Ella was sent several times to the Kankakee mental hospital--see notes for Ella. (db) In 1911 [after selling their Fisher farm to Jacob Zehr] the family moved back to Woodford Co. to a farm called Plainview, located southwest of Secor, on Meridian Road. The years from 1922 until 1926 were spent in Eureka and from there Elizabeth Yordy moved to the farm south of Eureka after the death of her husband in 1925.

Joseph served as deacon at Roanoke Mennonite Church from about 1920-24. He was known as a “man of good judgement.” Town people considered him to have money and often asked to borrow from him. At one time he lived outside the Mennonite community in Secor, IL, near Panther Creek.

Joseph had a bit of a wanderlust in his blood: in 1903-4 he took the family to California; in 1912 to Texas. He also took a trip to Washington, D.C. to satisfy his curiosity about the seat of government.

Eunice Schrock Kandel writes, “Grandfather Joseph Yordy died in 1925 during my second year in school. We visited with him at Christmas time, 1924. There is a picture in my mind of him in a long flannel robe, standing over a hot air register at their home in Eureka. The holiday atmosphere was subdued because of his illness. In February of the next year, while I was fighting a persistent cough and fever, we received the news of Grandpa’s imminent death. Mother wrapped me in comforters and made a bed in the back seat of our Model T, and our family of four made the trip to Eureka. As we drove up to the house, Uncle Alvin stood on the porch with tears in his eyes. Mother said, ‘We’re too late.’ Just minutes before our arrival Grandpa had passed away.”

Residence:
Peter Yordy Farm: Joseph Yordy moved to this farm with his parents.

Census:
Listed as a farmer born 1857 (parents born in Germany), with wife Elizabeth born 1861 (parents born in France); children Ellen (Ella), Anna, Josephine, Aaron, Ezra, Walter, Jonas; and servant/farm laborer Carl Studer born in Switzerland.

Residence:
Lived there with his family for about two years.

Residence:
Purchased a farm two miles west of Fisher.

Residence:
Plainview Farm

Residence:
502 West Cruger Avenue. Lived here after leaving Plainview Farm.

Residence:
Two and one-half miles south of Eureka. Elizabeth Yordy moved to this farm after Joseph died.

Died:
At his home

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery.

Joseph married Elizabeth A. Roeschley on 1 Jan 1882 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Johannes (Jean) Roeschley and Elizabeth Saltzman) was born on 20 Jul 1862 in Spring Bay, Woodford Co., IL; died on 3 Feb 1953 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Metamora Herald, October, 1943
Barbara Yordy was born in Tazewell County, Illinois, December 18, 1860 and died about midnight September 20, 1943, at the age of 82 years, six months,three days, at the Mennonite Home at Eureka. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Yordy. She was also the last member of a family of eight, all of whom preceded her in death a number of years ago. She leaves a number of nieces and nephews in different states to mourn her departure.
Barbara Yordy entered the Old People’s home August 17, 1922, being one of the first members to enter the Home. She is the last one of the early members to pass away. Her life was spent mostly at the Yordy home east of Roanoke, Illinois, with the exception of a few years at the Brethren Home at Girard, Illinois, just previous to entering the home at Eureka. She became a member of the Mennonite church in her early years.
Services were held at the Roanoke Mennonite Church in charge of Rev. John Harnish at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 23. Burial was in the Church cemetery. --J.D. Smith, Supt.



Barbara never married, but spent her life caring for her incompetent brother Peter. They lived together in a house near Roanoke, IL. Then for a time Peter lived with his brother, Joseph Yordy at Fisher, IL while Barbara lived with Dan Orendorff (with her sister, Mary), at Flanagan, IL, until she ran away, hitch hiking back to her house in Roanoke. She slept under a tree one night on her way home. After Peter learned that Barbara was back home he had Joseph put him on the train and went back home to live with Barbara. Peter was killed when struck by lightning while hoeing in a field. After Peter was killed Barbara went to a Brethren Home in Girard, IL, to live, but later moved and died at the Maple Lawn Home in Eureka.


“I showed the photo [of four Yordy siblings] to Glendon Albrecht (b. 1909), the oldest living grandson of Jacob Yordy at the time. Glendon thought the picture was taken around the time of Christian Yordy's funeral. Glendon told me that Barbara had been in a nursing home "because she wasn't right in the head". He attended Christian's funeral and told me that Barbara was taken out for a time in order to attend the funeral and see some of the family members. Glendon was a teenager at the time and thought that Barbara "acted pretty strange." That fits with the information I have on Christian and Barbara. Christian died on July 10, 1922 and right afterward, Barbara was transferred from the Brethren Home in Girard, Illinois, to the new Mennonite Nursing Home in Roanoke by Christian's son, Amos, her conservator.” (Gary Yordy)

---------

Documents at the Woodford County, IL courthouse show that 13 Jun 1901, Christian Bachman (her brother-in-law) asked that a Conservator be appointed for Barbara Yordy, “a distracted person” and “unsoundness of mind” which fact can be proved by Dr. H.H. Zinser, Elizabeth Bachman, Jacob Yordy, Joseph Yordy and Christian Yordy. At the time she had real and personal estate of about $4000, but was unfit to manage or control her property. As a result, Daniel Orendorff, Christian Yordy and Christian Bachman of Woodford County signed a bond for $9000 for appointed Conservator, Daniel Orendorff. Further documents show some of the actions taken on behalf of Barbara by Daniel. Ezra Yordy became Conservator in 1916.

Died:
Maple Lawn Home

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Church Cemetery

Notes:

Found on the 1870 census of Bureau County, Ohio, as a 25-year-old farmer with a 21-year-old wife named Mary, born in Illinois, and a son Jacob, 2.

Buried:
Red Oak Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Maria Albrecht. Maria (daughter of Jacob Albrecht and Katharina Ackermann) was born on 10 Sep 1848 in Bureau Co., IL; died on 8 Apr 1925 in Bureau Co., IL; was buried in Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married Peter F. Gerber on 4 Feb 1867 in Tazewell Co., IL. Peter (son of Christian Gerber and Anna (Nancy) Roth) was born on 1 Aug 1845 in Butler Co., OH; died on 16 Jun 1910. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Appears on the 1900 census of Tremont, as a 53-year-old sister-in-law in the household of Peter F. Gerber and Mary Ackerman.

Buried:
Mt. Hope Cemetery

Magdalena married John Miller on 25 Aug 1879 in Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Miller. Elizabeth (daughter of Joseph Miller and Elisabeth Sutter) was born on 15 Jul 1863 in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 3 Jan 1938 in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth (Lizzie) Gerber. Elizabeth (daughter of Peter Gerber and Barbara Bechler (Bacher)) was born on 15 Jul 1856; died on 17 Jan 1950 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park (Find a Grave-online)

Family/Spouse: Joseph C. Rediger. Joseph (son of Jacob Rediger and Magdalena Rediger) was born on 15 Mar 1865 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 23 Jan 1936 in North Hollywood, CA; was buried in North Hollywood, CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Barbara’s illegitimate son was born in Germany about 1842 (he was seven when they came to the US, and given the Stalter name). Jacob’s real father’s name is given in documents as Thomas Luiderer from Putzbrunn.

Joseph Staker offers this analysis of Jacob’s later years:
He was brought up as a Stalter, but initially he seemed to disappear after the 1860 census. This is all the more odd because there are no contemporary notes saying he went away. Some sources have guessed that he returned to Bavaria as an adult. However, we suspect he moved no farther than Bureau County. He may be buried in Willow Springs Cemetery as Jacob Stalter, who was born Oct. 8, 1846 (headstone), and died July 10, 1912. He married Catherine Albrecht. She was born Nov. 8, 1845, and died Nov. 15, 1898, a daughter of John Albrecht and Mary Ackerman. There are clues for and against the idea. Joseph Stalter (born 1861) from this family is inexplicably buried in the same cemetery. Jacob raised prize hogs bred by Christian N. Sutter, who would have been his brother-in-law - an odd coincidence, since Jacob lived at Tiskilwa, and Christian lived at Minier. An item against: the 1900 census of Tiskilwa says Jacob immigrated in 1860, though this information may have been erroneously provided by one of his family members and no record of a passenger with this name can be found in that time frame. Herald of Truth, January 1899: "On the 15th of November, 1898, near Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., Ill., Sister Catharine, wife of Jacob Stalter, aged 53 years and 8 days. Buried on the 17th in the Willow Springs graveyard. Funeral services by Joseph Buercky in German and by Pre. McCormick in English. The deceased leaves four sons and two daughters, beside many relatives and friends to mourn her death. Joseph Buercky." Source page 45, offers a similar supposition.

Birth:
calculated from 1860 census it was 1846

Family/Spouse: Minnie Gingerich. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, December 1917:"
Mary Stalter was born near Pekin, Ill., July 22, 1850; died Dec. 11, 1917; aged 67 y. 4 m. 19 d. She came with her parents to Livingston Col, Ill., in 1854. She was married to Joseph Stalter on March 5, 1871. They located near Meadows, at which place they still resided at the time of her death. They walked life's pathway peaceably together for nearly 47 years. To this union 4 sons and 4 daughters were born, 2 sons and 1 grandson preceded her. She leaves a loving husband and 6 children (John, Chris, Mrs. Henry Stalter, Mrs. Ed. Rediger, Barbara, and Lena); also 12 grandchildren. In early life she united with the A. M. Church and remained a faithful member. She suffered from Bright's disease for sometime, but bore her affliction patiently until she quietly passed away. She had the privilege of seeing her children grown to manhood and womanhood and all members of the church of her choice. Services at the house by Bro. D. W. Slagel (Text Jno. 14) and at the Church by Bro. Dan Orendorff (Phil. 1:21). Bro. Geo. H. Summer (Rev. 14:13). Burial in the Waldo Cemetery."


Birth month may be June.

On the 1860 census Mary’s birthplace is given as Germany. However her mother emigrated in 1849.

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Mary married Joseph Stalter on 5 Mar 1870 in Livingston Co., IL. Joseph (son of Johannes Stalter and Elizabeth Reidiger) was born on 31 Mar 1840 in Hottviller, Moselle, FR; died on 3 Jun 1925 in Waldo, Livingston Co., IL; was buried on 7 Jun 1925 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 1851

Notes:

Parents of 11 children.

Immigration:
as a 13 year old, according to 1910 census

Buried:
Reedley Cemetery

Elizabeth married Valentine Augstin (Augustin) on 24 Feb 1874. Valentine (son of Valentine Augsti (Augustin) and Veronica Bacher) was born on 3 Mar 1850 in Turquestein, Meurthe, FR; died on 17 Jan 1936 in Reedley, Fresno Co., CA; was buried in Reedley, Fresno Co., CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Dropsy (heart failure)

Notes:

OBIT: Gospel Herald Volume XI, Number 40 - January 2, 1919 - pages 718, 719

Stalter. - Catharine Stalter was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., Mar. 20, 1855; died of dropsy at St. James hospital, Pontiac, Ill., Dec. 20, 1918; aged 68 y. 9 m. In her youth she united with the A. M. Church and lived the life of a true Christian. Mar. 2, 1873, she was married to Daniel Stalter. This union was blessed with 10 children, 6 of whom preceded her to the better world. She leaves husband, 2 sons, 2 daughters, 25 grandchildren, 2 brothers, 2 sisters and many relatives and friends. One son living in Alberta and one daughter living in Oregon were permitted to visit with her before she died. But what made it sad was that nearly all the children and grandchildren were taken down with the influenza and could not attend the funeral services which were held Sunday, Dec. 22. at the Waldo Church by Bro. George Summer and Bro. D. W. Slagel. Buried in the Waldo cemetery.


Obituary: Katie Stalter - from the local paper

Mrs. Daniel Stalter of Near Meadows, Dead

Mrs. Daniel Stalter, for many years a resident of Near Meadows, died at St. James hospital in Pontiac at 7:30 o'clock Friday night, following a long illness, death being due to dropsy.

The remains were taken to Meadows by train Sunday and from there conveyed to the family home. Burial will occur in the Waldo cemetery this afternoon.

Katie Stalter was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Stalter. She was born in Tazewell County, Illinois, March 20, 1855, where she remained until 1865, when she removed with her parents to Nebraska township, Livingstone County. There she grew to young womanhood, and was united in marriage to Daniel Stalter March 7, 1873. For a time she and her husband resided on a farm in Nebraska township. Then they removed to Poke township and later to their home for many years near Meadows in McLean county. Mrs. Stalter had been in poor health for a number of years and more recently her condition gradually grew worse. She was brought to St. James hospital here on last Monday.

She leaves by her death her husband, two daughters and two sons, viz: Mrs. Debold Reesor of Pike township; Mrs. Sarah Roth of the state of Oregon; Daniel, of Pike township, and Simon residing in Canada,. She also leaves twenty grandchildren, two sisters and two brothers. The sisters are Mrs. Phoebe Sutter of Hopedale and Mrs. Barbara Rocke of Meadows.

Early in life Mrs. Stalter became a member of the Mennonite Church and had faithfully and consistently followed its teachings.


Cemetery tombstones for four graves in the Daniel Stalter plot, small white stones, no dates or names, the following writing in German, translated here:

On one stone:
“The heavenly kingdom Jesus blood ?? frees??”
On the second stone:
“Keep them not come to me”
On the third stone:
“Jesus spoke let the children come to me”
On the fourth stone:
“Such is the kingdom of heaven”, , ,

————————————
14 years old on 1870 Census, Livingston Co., Illinois
The 1910 US Census says Katie had 10 children, 5 still living. Of 10 children, four died in infancy, one other, Mary died in 1908.

Died:
Many of her family could not attend the funeral because of their illness of Spanish flu.

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Katherine married Daniel Stalter on 2 Mar 1873 in Pike Twp., Livingston Co., IL. Daniel (son of Johannes Stalter and Elizabeth Reidiger) was born on 14 Jul 1843 in Hottviller, Moselle, FR; died on 2 Apr 1930 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, April 1947
"Roggy - Barbara, daughter of Jacob and Barbara Stalter, was born near Tremont, Ill., Feb. 2, 1857; died at the home of her daughter (Mrs. Joe King), Toluca, Ill., March 12, 1947; aged 90 y. 1 m. 10 d. On Feb. 23, 1880 she was united in marriage to Christian Roggy, who preceded her in death twenty-eight years ago. Surviving are 2 sons (Edwin J., Flanagan, Ill.; and Alvin P., Meadows, Ill.), one daughter (Mrs. Katie King, Toluca, Ill.), one brother (Chris Stalter, Pontiac, Ill.), 2 step granddaughters, one step grandson, 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 2 foster grandchildren, and 4 foster great-grandchildren. One great-grandchild, one foster great-grandchild, 4 sisters, and 3 brothers preceded her in death. In her youth she united with the Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Waldo Church, Flanagan, Ill., in charge of Ezra B. Yordy, assisted by George Gundy."

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Barbara married Christian Roggy on 23 Feb 1880 in Bureau Co., IL. Christian (son of Peter Roggy and Magdalena Bircky (Burkey)) was born on 29 Feb 1852 in Granville, Putnam Co., IL; died on 21 Nov 1919 in Meadows, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, April 1943:
"Sutter - Fanny, daughter of Jacob and Barbara Stalter, was born near Morton, Ill., April 17, 1858; died at her home in Hopedale, Ill., March 25, 1943; aged 84 y. 11 m. 8 d. While she was a small child her parents moved to the vicinity of Flanagan where she grew to womanhood. She was married to Christian N. Sutter, Feb. 28, 1876, and came to Hopedale, Ill., to make her home. Her husband preceded her in death ten years ago and one son Amos, eight years ago. To this union 13 children were born, twelve of whom survive (Christ, Kouts, Ind.; Sophia Dietz, Chenoa, Ill.; Louisa Zehr, Mackinaw; Julius J., Elwyn, Pa.; Cyrenius and Aaron, Manson, Ia.; Harvey, Peoria, Ill.; Edward, Eureka, Ill.; Barbara Zehr. Levi, Elmer, and Matilda, Hopedale, Ill.). She also leaves one sister, Barbara Roggy, Meadows; one brother Chris, Pontiac; 49 grandchildren, and 50 great-grandchildren. She united with the Mennonite Church in her youth and remained faithful to the end. Besides bringing up her large family, she spent many a night at the home of some sick friend or neighbor. Funeral services were held March 27 in charge of Bro. Simon Littler assisted by Bro. Ben Springer."

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Fannie married Christian N. (Nafziger) Sutter on 28 Feb 1876 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. Christian (son of Christian Sutter and Magdalena Nafziger) was born on 3 Aug 1853 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 22 Jul 1932 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Willow Springs Cemetery. Stone gives age as 28 years, 11 months.

Joseph married Annie Burcky on 7 Feb 1884 in Bureau Co., IL. Annie was born in 1863; died on 4 Jul 1925 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald
Stalter, --- Christian B., was born Aug. 14, 1868, in Tazewell Co., Ill., the son of Jacob and Barbara Stalter; passed away at the home of his nephew at Meadows, Ill., Feb. 8, 1953; aged 84 y. 5 m. 25 d. He had been in poor health for the past two years, having lost his eyesight and was confined to bed most of the time, but he was very patient through all of his afflictions. On Feb. 20, 1896, he was married to Lena Birkey, who preceded him in death in 1948. Surviving are 3 sons (Arthur J. and Ray, Washington, Ill.; and Levi, Eureka, Ill.), and 7 grandchildren. As a young man he confessed faith in Christ and united with the Mennonite Church, maintaining his faith in Christ and loyalty to the church to the end. He had been a member of the Waldo congregation for nearly forty years, worshiping with the church when it was possible for him to be present. Funeral services were held at the church, in charge of J. D. Hartzler, assisted by E. J. Stalter.

Birth:
FAG: Livingston Co., IL

Buried:
Memorial Park Cemetery

Christian married Magdalena Burkey on 20 Feb 1896 in Bureau Co., IL. Magdalena (daughter of Andrew James Burkey and Magdalena Staker) was born on 29 Nov 1871 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 12 Jun 1948 in Pontiac, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Pontiac, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Andrew was listed as Henry in 1860 census.

Buried:
Earl Cemetery

Andrew married Martha Zierlein on 30 Sep 1888 in Bureau Co., IL. Martha (daughter of Christian Zierlein and Anna Burkey) was born about 1867 in Wheatland Twp., Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

First born in the family.

Notes:

Second born in the family.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: 19 Feb 1885, Morton, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 1914, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald
Schrock, Mary (Birky), was born near Morton, Ill., Sept. 19, 1862; passed away at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Alta Detweiler, Fisher, Ill., March 24, 1954; aged 91 y. 6 m. 5 d. She was bedfast for 18 months. On Feb. 19, 1885, she was married to John Schrock. He preceded her in death in July 1951. They were the parents of 2 children (Albert E., and Fannie-Mrs. J. A. Heiser). Albert preceded her in death in February, 1917, and Fannie in December, 1950. Surviving are her daughter-in-law (Mrs. Josephine Schrock, Eureka, Ill.), son-in-law (J. A. Heiser, Fisher, Ill.), 8 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She accepted Christ in her youth and bore testimony of her love for her Saviour. She was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the East Bend Church in charge of Ezra Yordy. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.


John and Mary lost both of their adult children before their own deaths.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Mary married John Schrock on 19 Feb 1885 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL. John (son of Peter Schrock and Anna (Nancy) Garber) was born on 28 May 1862 in Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 28 Jul 1951 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Jul 1951 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Influenza, followed by paralytic stroke (Urbana Daily Courier, 1 June 1928)
• Residence: 1892, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Baptism: 2 Jun 1895, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Residence: 1914, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obituary: June 28, 1928 Gospel Herald

Birky.- Andrew Birky was born near Morton, Ill., June 19, 1864; died at his home near Fisher, Ill., May 31, 1928; aged 63 y. 11 m. 11 d. He had been ill for about 3 weeks with influenza and suffered a paralytic stroke. On Jan. 22, 1888, he was married to Eliza Studer. To this union 10 children were born of whom 9 survive. Those left to mourn his departure are his loving wife, 4 sons (Levi, Edwin, Gilgian, and Carl), 5 daughters (Mrs. Andrew F. Birky, Mrs. Joseph Springer, Mrs. John Birky, Mrs. Mary Slabaugh, and Bessie). One daughter (Katie) preceded him in death. He also leaves 2 brothers (Peter and John), 1 sister (Mrs. John Schrock), 22 grandchildren, besides a host of other relatives and friends. In his youth he became a member of the Mennonite Church. He was always ready to lend a helping hand or to speak a few words of cheer to those in trouble. Funeral services were conducted June 3 by the brethren, A. H. Miller and A. H. Leaman. Interment was made in the cemetery near by.
—————————————
Andrew did much to promote an interest in missions among the East Bend Mennonite congregation. He served on the first board of the Eureka Home for the Aged (Maple Lawn). He was also a member of the board of the Mennonite Hospital. He served as one of the early trustees for the new East Bend Mennonite Church.

To identify this Andrew from several other Andrew Birkys, he was called “Lame” since he had a lame leg.

Residence:
Move to Fisher from Morton

Baptism:
East Bend Mennonoite Church, by Peter Zehr

Died:
5:30 pm at his home near Fisher

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery. Funeral service by A. H. Leaman and (?)

Andrew married Eliza Studer on 23 Jan 1888 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL. Eliza (daughter of Gilgian (Anton) Studer and Katherine Youngen) was born on 25 Jul 1867 in Bern, Canton Bern, SW; died on 25 Feb 1963 in Washington, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Apostolic Christian
• Residence: 1914, Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Buried:
Morton Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery

Peter married Rosina E. (Rose) Knapp on 5 Mar 1889 in Tazewell Co., IL. Rosina (daughter of George Carl Knapp and Christianna Shenk) was born on 11 May 1870 in GR; died on 26 Jul 1918 in Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Congerville, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• Residence: Menominee, WI
• Residence: 1900, Fisher, Brown Twp., Champaign Co., IL
• Residence: 1914, Gibson City, Ford Co., IL
• Residence: 1930-1940, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
Birky.-John W., son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew S. Birky, was born Nov. 21, 1871, near Morton; passed away at the Methodist Hospital in Peoria; aged 69 years. He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church and a resident of the town for the last ten years. On May 2, 1895, he was married to Stella May Covert in Fisher, Ill. He is survived by his wife and 10 children; Mrs. Noah Zobrist, Morton; Mrs. James Bruehl, Mrs. John Rost, Clarence Birky, all of Route 5; John, Jr., at home; Homer, Peoria; Richard, Adair, Okla.; Forrest, Fort Ord, Calif.; Mrs. Lawrence Ropp, Gibson City, Ill.; and Gilbert, Jamesville, Wis. A brother, Peter, of Morton, and a sister, Mary Schrock, of Fisher, also survive. Services were held at the Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church in charge of Bros. Ezra Yordy and J. N. Kaufman.

Residence:
Listed as John, wife Stella, childrenMary, Esther and Gilbert. Living next to John’s mother Fanny and brother Amos Birky.

Residence:
Pleasant Hill (Grove?) area

Died:
Methodist Hospital

Buried:
Pleasant Grove Mennonite Cemetery: Ezra Yordy officiated funeral, with J. N. Kaufman

John married Stella May Covert on 2 May 1895 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Stella was born on 25 Apr 1876 in IL; died on 14 Feb 1963 in Garden Grove, Orange Co., CA; was buried in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Undefined: 24 May 1898, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Amos fell as a child and was thereafter an invalid, cared for by his mother until his death. His mother, Fannie (Veronica) Birky, was paid some funds each year from the estate of Amos for her care of him.

Because he was unable to care for himself, he was “Judged insane by the Champaign, IL, County Court.” John Schrock was named conservator for Amos and his estate.

Amos’ estate at time of death was $1700. Total cost and expenses, including funeral expenses were $208.58, leaving $1491.42 to be distributed to the heirs.

Undefined:
Conservator, John Schrock, appointed for the person and estate of Amos Birky, then an insane person. A feeble-minded and a distracted person.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Stroke

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, April 1932:
"Mary Slagell, daughter of Bishop Daniel and Katharine (Burcky) Steinman, was born Dec. 13, 1855, in Tazewell Co., Ill. At the age of 10 she moved with her parents to Livingston Co. near what is now Flanagan. On Sept. 7, 1873, she was united in marriage to Nicholas H. Slagell of near Chenoa, Ill. They resided in Ford and Livingston counties most their married life, which was nearly 40 years. In March, 1913, they moved to a farm near Flanagan where he died June 28 of the same year. After his death, she and her two sons remained on the farm for several years. Later she made her home with her oldest son, Aaron and family near Flanagan, where she suffered a stroke of paralysis on April 13, 1929. She has been ill since that time. Oct. 23, 1932, she went to her daughter Katie's home where she peacefully and quietly fell asleep after being entirely speechless for 3 days. Age 76 y. 3 m. 12 d. She leaves 5 sons (Aaron, Daniel, Samuel, Ray, and Roy), 3 daughters (Sallie, Katie, and Alice). One infant preceded her in death. Also surviving are 27 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In her youth she united with the Mennonite Church and
remained a consistent member. She also leaves 1 brother, 4 sisters, and 1 step-sister. She was always much
concerned about her family, always willing to do everything and sacrificing for them in many ways. Her children should indeed arise and call her blessed. May they follow her peaceful example. Funeral services were conducted by J. D. Hartzler and J.W. Davis at the Waldo Church."

Children:
Sallie (Salome)
Kathryn (Katie)
Aaron Chris
Daniel N.
Samuel (Twin)
Infant (died as Infant)
Alice
Roy Anton (Twin)
Fay Fenton (Twin)

Maria married Nicholas H. Slagell on 7 Sep 1873 in Chenoa, McLean Co., IL. Nicholas (son of Bishop Christian Schlegel and Salome Sommer) was born on 22 Apr 1849 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 28 Jun 1913 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Eigsti.--Barbara, daughter of the late Daniel and Catharine Steinman, was born Sept. 22, 1857, in Tazewell Co., Ill.; died at her home in Flanagan, Ill., Mar. 19, 1937; aged 79 y. 5 m. 22 d. After six weeks of illness she died of complications. At the age of 9 years she with her parents moved to a farm near Flanagan, where she grew to womanhood. In the year of 1876 she was united in marriage to Joseph Orendorff, Sr., who died in 1884. To this union were born 3 sons (Daniel and Benjamin who died in infancy, and Joseph Jr. who survives and lives near Flanagan). In 1889 she was united in marriage to Joseph Yoder, who died in 1908. To this union was born 1 daughter (Ida Yoder Poser) who resides at Flanagan. In 1910 she was united in marriage to Daniel Eigsti who preceded her in death in 1936. She is survived by 4 grandchildren and 1 great- grandchild, 3 sisters (Mrs. C. Orendorff, Mrs. Anna Salzman, both of Wayland, Iowa, and Mrs. Henry Ingold, of Fisher, Ill.); 1 brother (D. C. Steinman), and a step-sister (Mrs. Bertha Zehr, Flanagan, Ill.). She was preceded in death by 3 sisters. In her youth she became a member of the Waldo Mennonite Church and remained a faithful member to the end. Her last days were of patient waiting for deliverance from the body of pain and suffering and on Friday evening the Lord granted dear Grandmother's release. Funeral services were conducted March 22, at the Waldo Mennonite Church by J. D. Hartzler and D. W. Slagel. Burial in the Waldo Cemetery.
"She's through with her suffering,
To her there is no pain;
She left her earthly troubles,
For the Heavenly crown to gain."

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Barbara married Joseph Orendorff on 28 Feb 1876. Joseph (son of Daniel Orendorff and Katharina Albrecht) was born on 4 Jul 1852; died on 25 Jun 1884 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Barbara married Joseph Yoder on 16 Feb 1889. Joseph was born on 21 Aug 1822 in Lewistown, Mifflin Co., PA; died on 21 Feb 1908 in Wayland, Henry Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Daniel Eigsti. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Slagel.- Catharena (Steinman) Slagel was born in Tazwell Co., Ill., Feb. 23, 1859; died at her home near Wayland, Iowa, Sept. 18, 1923; aged 64 y. 6 m. 25 d. She accepted Christ as her Savior while in her teens, uniting with the Amish Mennonite Church, and was a devoted and loyal member until called by death. On Aug. 31, 1876, she was married to Benjamin F. Slagel. To this union were born five daughters and four sons. They lived in Illinois until the spring of 1906 when they moved to a farm near Wayland, Iowa. Sister Slagel was a devoted and loving mother. Her gentle, unassuming disposition won for her many friends. Her strong Christian character and undaunted loyalty made her a very desirable member of the Church. Her husband, who died Nov. 10, 1922, and one son preceded her in death. She leaves five daughters, three sons, eighteen grandchildren, two foster-grandchildren, five sisters, one brother, and a large number of friends and neighbors to mourn their loss. The funeral was held on Thursday afternoon at the Sugar Creek church near Wayland, Iowa, conducted by the home ministers. Texts used, II Tim. 4:7, 8; II Cor. 4:16, 17. Interment in the cemetery nearby.

Children:
Mary Alice; Kathryn (Katie); Lucy Saloma; Lydia Hanna; Anna Francis; Edward G.; Elmer; Daniel; Alvin B.

Buried:
Sugar Creek Cemetery

Catherine married Benjamin Franklin Slagel on 31 Aug 1876 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. Benjamin (son of Bishop Christian Schlegel and Salome Sommer) was born on 8 Feb 1851 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 10 Nov 1922 in Wayland, Henry Co., IA; was buried in Wayland, Henry Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald Vol XLI, No 8 24 February 1948
Orendorff. - Lena, daughter of Daniel and Katherine (Burkey) Steinman, was born near Tremont, Ill., Feb. 27, 1861; passed away at the home of her son (D. W. Orendorff), Wayland, Iowa, Jan. 29, 1948; aged 86 y. 11 m. 2 d. As a girl she moved with her folks to Flanagan, Ill., where she grew to womanhood and united with the Amish Mennonite Church. On Sept. 19, 1878, she was married to Christian Orendorff. In 1902 they moved from Flanagan to Wayland, Iowa, and on April 30, 1943, her husband passed away. Surviving are 3 daughters (Amelia - Mrs. P. H. Conrad, East Peoria, Ill.; Lydia - Mrs. P. J. Roth, Wayland, Iowa; and Alice - Mrs. E. F. Gingerich, Iowa City, Iowa), 2 sons (Daniel W., Wayland, Iowa; and John R., Spencer, Iowa), one sister, Mrs. Fannie Ingold, Fisher, Ill.), one brother (Daniel, Danvers, Ill.), one stepsister (Mrs. Bertha Zehr, Flanagan, Ill), 17 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, one foster grandchild, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. On son (Samuel) preceded her in death in 1891. Funeral services were held Jan. 31 at the Sugar Creek Church, near Wayland, Iowa, in charge of Willard Leichty and Simon Gingerich. Interment was made in the cemetery near by.

Buried:
Sugar Creek Cemetery

Madalene married Christian Orendorff on 19 Sep 1878 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. Christian (son of Daniel Orendorff and Katharina Albrecht) was born on 22 Oct 1856 in Spring Bay, Woodford Co., IL; died on 30 Apr 1943 in Wayland, Henry Co., IA; was buried in Wayland, Henry Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Children: Katie (1883-1886)
Susan (1884-1978)
Samuel (1887-1968)
Edward (1889-1982)
William (1892-1979)
Noah (1896-1957)

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Elizabeth married Daniel Eigsti on 30 Apr 1882 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. Daniel was born on 14 Feb 1861; died on 2 Jun 1936 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Donald Eigssti. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Saltzman. --- Anna Steinman Saltzman, was born in Livingston Co., Ill., Oct. 8, 1865; died at the home of her daughter (Mrs. Sam Wyse) near Wayland, Iowa, May 17, 1940; aged 74 y. 7 m. 9 d. She was married to John H. Saltzman Jan. 19, 1888. He preceded her in death 16 years ago. A daughter (Mattie) died in 1909. Four sisters have also preceded her in death. Those surviving are 1 daughter and 4 sons (Emma of near Wayland, Elmer of Farmington, Ia.; Eli, of Rock Island, Ill.; Alie of Castle Rock, Washington; and Edwin of Wayland); also 10 grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Mrs. Chris Orendorf of Wayland, and Mrs. Henry Ingold of Fisher, Ill.). She will be greatly missed in the home and the community for she was a woman with a kindly and lovable disposition. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church of which she had long been a devoted member. Bro. Willard Leichty assisted by Bro. William Penner had charge of the services. Interment in the Sugar Creek Cemetery.

Children: Emma Mae (1888-1972)
Mattie (1890-1909)
Elmer Allen (1893-1964)
Eli Roy (1895-1986)
Alie (1897-1967)
Edwin J. (1899-1973)

Birth:
Note: Obit gives year as 1865, gravestone gives 1866

Buried:
Sugar Creek Cemetery

Anna married John Henry Saltzman on 17 Jan 1888 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. John (son of Jacob Saltzman and Magdalena Beller) was born on 10 Jan 1863 in Lacon, IL; died on 23 Aug 1924 in Burlington, IA; was buried in Wayland, Henry Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Ingold, Fannie, daughter of Dan and Catherine (Birky) Steinman; born May 4, 1868, Flanagan, Ill; died at the Hansen Nursing home, Gibson City, Ill., Aug. 14, 1958, after having been there 2 days; aged 90 y. 3 m. 10 d. Married Feb. 28, 1888, to Henry Ingold, who died March 24, 1941. An infant son, one grandson, one brother, and 6 sisters also preceded her in death. Survivors: 3 daughters and one son (Tillie-Mrs. Sam Heiser, Amelia-Mrs. J. B. Heiser, and Martha, all of Fisher; and Amos, Foosland, Ill.), 8 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Church member at East Bend, where funeral services were held Aug. 17, with Harold Zehr and J. A. Heiser officiating. Burial in East Bend Cemetery.

Died:
Hanson Nursing Home

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Veronica married Henry Ingold on 28 Feb 1888 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. Henry (son of Joseph Ingold and Barbara Unzicker) was born on 4 Apr 1864 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; died on 4 Mar 1941 in Urbana, Champaign Co., IL; was buried on 6 Mar 1941 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Children: Edna L. (1893-1987)

Buried:
North Danvers Mennonite Cemetery

Daniel married Jennie Stähly on 24 Jan 1893. Jennie (daughter of Daniel Stähly) was born on 25 Nov 1870 in Neuchatel, SW; died on 15 Mar 1965. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Bertha married Joseph A. Zehr on 30 Dec 1888. Joseph (son of Andrew Zehr and Magdalena (Lena) Zehr) was born on 18 Dec 1867 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 12 Oct 1918 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Never married.

Notes:

Never married.

Family/Spouse: John Bauer. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Christian Zimmerman. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John Zimmerman. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Henry Seitz. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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

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

Notes:

Never married.

Notes:

Birth:
Gravestone gives birth as 1844

Buried:
Groveland Evangelical Mennonite CemeteryM

Family/Spouse: Magdalena (Lena) Unzicker (Unsicker). Magdalena was born on 19 Apr 1867 in GR; died on 5 Jan 1941 in Peoria, Peoria Co., IL; was buried in Groveland Twp., Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Omaha World-Herald, Omaha, NE, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1931; p. 2

Mother of 13 children total, 12 of whom were still living in 1900. Children were George, John, Fannie, Mary, Magdalene, Christian, Fred, Emil, Charles, Edward, Samuel (Simon) and Earnest.

NEBRASKAN 45 Years
Mrs. Kauffold Dead

Mrs. Magdalena Kauffold, 82, died Tuesday afternoon at a local hospital from the effects of injuries suffered in a fall at the home of a son, Ernest C. Jackson, 3325 Larimore avenue.

Born in Bavaria, she came to America in 1862, married four years later and homesteaded near Alliance in 1885. She came to Omaha 35 years ago, making her home with her son since her husband’s death in 1905.

Mrs. Kauffold is survived by five sons, Ernest, Sam P., Edward R., and Chris A., of Omaha, and Fred W., of Los Angeles; three daughters, Mrs. M.L. Henning and Mrs. E.F. Jackson of Omaha and Mrs. Mary Creutz of Wausa, Neb.; 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock from Crosby’s Chapel. Six grandchildren will be pallbearers. Burial will be in Forest Lawn cemetery.

Buried:
Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Family/Spouse: George F. Kauffold. George was born on 12 Dec 1829; died on 10 Feb 1905 in Omaha, Douglas Co., NE; was buried in Omaha, Douglas Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1910 (April), Milford, Seward Co., NE
• Occupation: Stock Buyer In 1910
• Residence: Teublitz, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: Abt 1887, Benson, Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Census:
Household #146. Listed as Christian C. Birky,with wife Elizabeth and five daughters. Christian was 58, Elizabeth 51, Fannie 24, Minnie 22, Lydia 20, Anna, 16, Esther 10. Christian was a stock buyer. The parents came to the US in 1834. Fannie was born in IL, the other daughters in Nebraska.

Residence:
Last residence before immigrating to Illinois (abt 1860?)

Buried:
Blue Mound Cemetery

Christian married Elizabeth Roth in 1876. Elizabeth was born on 26 Jan 1859 in Chatsworth, Livingston Co., IL; died on 23 Apr 1937 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Felt. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Heart Trouble

Notes:

Obit:
Burkey. - Valentine Burkey was born in Morton, Ill, Oct. 1, 1867; died April 27, 1925; aged 75 y. 6 m. 27 d. In his youth he accepted Christ as his personal Savior, united with the Mennonite Church, and remained a faithful member until death. His sickness was heart trouble, which he patiently bore until death. In 1876, he was united in marriage with Maggie Saltzman. In 1879 they moved to Milford, Nebr., where they remained until 1891, in which year his wife died. To this union were born 7 children, 3 of whom died in infancy. Those remaining are Emil Burkey, Barbara Ehrisman, Mary Teuscher, and Katie Spencer. In 1894 he united in marriage with Lena Schrock. To this union was born one son, Joe Burkey. He also leaves his wife, 1 brother, 3 sisters, 2 step-children, and 12 grandchildren to mourn his loss. Sweetly sleeps dear father, With loved ones gone before; May we all prepare to meet him, On yonder peaceful shore.

Note from a family member: "I checked the obituary for Valentine BURKEY. (May 25, 1925) All of the information fits with other family information that we have, except the birthdate. It should be October 1, 1849, rather than October 1, 1867. The former date is what we have, and fits with the description of 75 years old." -- Virginia.

Question: Was John a son of Valentine Burkey or Christian Schrock? Obituaries are confusing.

Died:
(place may be incorrect)

Buried:
East Fairview Cemetery

Valentine married Magdalena Saltzman in 1876. Magdalena was born on 29 Mar 1851; died in 1891. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Valentine married Magdalena Sutter in 1894 in Milford, Seward Co., NE. Magdalena (daughter of Jakob Sutter and Katharina Elizabetha Wagler) was born on 11 Jun 1863 in Gridley, McLean Co., IL; died in Jun 1943 in Omaha, Douglas Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, January 1939:
"Mary Gascho, daughter of Joseph and Barbara Burkey, was born in Woodford Co., Ill., Dec. 28, 1850; died at the home of her daughter near Milford, Nebr., Dec. 25, 1938. She was united in marriage to Joseph Gascho March 14, 1868. They moved to Seward Co., Nebr., in 1877 where she lived most of her life. This union was blessed with 7 sons and 5 daughters. Her husband preceded her in death in the year 1902. Two sons, John and Jacob, and 1 daughter, Mrs. Katie Bawel of Wood River, also preceded her. She leaves 5 sons and 4 daughters: Mrs. Lena Roth, Ben, Chris, and Will Gascho and Mrs. Ammon Hershberger of Milford, Nebr.; Joseph Gascho and Mrs. Will Stutzman of Wood River, Nebr.; Arthur Gascho of Broken Bow, Nebr.; and Mrs. Peter Stutzman of Julesburg, Colo.; and also 39 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, 1 sister (Mrs. Jacob Saltzman) and 1 brother (Peter Burkey) both of Milford, Nebr.; and a host of friends and acquaintances. She accepted Christ in her youth, uniting with the Mennonite Church of which she remained a faithful member until her end. She was always a kind mother exercising a Christian spirit to all. Funeral services by Bro. J. E. Zimmerman assisted by Bro. L. O Schlegel."

Birth:
Gravestone gives year 1851

Buried:
East Fairview Cemetery

Mary married Joseph Gascho on 14 Mar 1868 in Woodford Co., IL. Joseph (son of Johannes Gascho and Magdalena Von Gunden) was born on 14 Dec 1841 in Spring Bay, Woodford Co., IL; died on 3 Feb 1902 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Cancer

Notes:

Obit:
Rediger. - Magdalena (Birky) Rediger was born at Morton, Ill., Jan. 4, 1853; died at their home in Milford, Nebr., May 28, 1924; aged 71 y. 4 m. 24 d. She was married to Joseph Rediger July 3, 1873. In 1881 they came to Milford and labored faithfully for the lord until she was called to the glory world. Not having any children of their own, their love and sympathy for others was manifested by caring and providing for others, among whom were Mary Teuscher and Barbara Ehrisman. She leaves husband, 2 brothers, and 3 sisters. Two brothers and 2 sisters preceded her in death. At the time of her departure all the remaining brothers and sisters were present. Her death was due to cancer, suffering a year or more. She finally underwent an operation, but nothing could be done to improve her condition. A longing to see Jesus and to meet Him were her wishes.
"Face to face shall I behold Him
Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face in all His glory
I shall see Him by and by."

No children of their own, but reared the two daughters of her brother, Valentine, after the death of their mother in 1891, when Barbara (Ehresman) was 8 and Mary (Teuscher) was 6.

Died:
Obit gives day as 28.

Magdalena married Joseph Rediger on 3 Jul 1873. Joseph (son of Jacob Rediger and Magdalena Schrag) was born on 13 Mar 1847 in Baden, GR; died on 28 Aug 1938 in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Hauder.--Phebe (Birkey) Hauder was born Jan. 19, 1857, in Tazewell Co., Ill. She died Nov. 19, 1916, near Milford, Neb., aged 59 y. 10 m. She was united in marriage to Joseph Hauder Feb. 16, 1879. They lived in matrimony 37 years, 2 months. To this union were born 9 children, 3 children have preceded her to the spirit world. She leaves to mourn her departure a bereaved husband, 3 sons, 3 daughters, also 4 sisters, 2 brothers, 13 grandchildren, and a host of friends. She accepted Christ as her Savior in her young years. She has been a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church till her death. She died of a complication of diseases. Funeral services by Bishop Peter Kennel and F. J. Gingerich. Interment in cemetery adjoining East Fairview Church.

Phoebe married Joseph Hauder on 16 Feb 1879. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Kremer-Susan (Burkey) Kremer was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., May 19, 1860, then moved to Woodford Co., Ill.; died at her home in Milford, Neb., Mar. 26, 1937; aged 76 y. 10 m. 7 d. In 1882 she with her parents, moved to Seward Co., Neb. Here she was married to Andrew J. Kremer, Mar. 11, 1883. To this union were born 5 sons and 1 daughter: Edward of College View, Neb.; Benjamin of Aurora, Neb.; Jacob, Joseph, and Amos of Milford, Neb., and Mrs. Anna Eicher of Albuquerque, N. Mex. In her youth she accepted Christ, united with the Amish Mennonite Church, remaining faithful until death. Surviving her are her husband, her 6 children, 18 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 1 brother (Peter Burkey), 2 sisters (Mrs. Joseph Gasho and Mrs. Jacob Saltzman) and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the Milford A. M. Church, In charge of L. 0. Schlegel, assisted by Warren Eicher and Wm. Schlegel. Burial in the Milford A. M. Cemetery.

Buried:
East Fairview Cemetery (A.M. Cemetery)

Susan married Andrew Kremer on 11 Mar 1883. Andrew was born on 1 Aug 1860 in Tomblaine, Meurthe-Et-Moselle, FR; died on 9 Dec 1938 in Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
(28 Apr 1944?)

Buried:
East Fairview Cemetery

Veronica married Jacob Saltzman on 6 Sep 1885. Jacob (son of Pierre Salzmann and Anna Reschly) was born on 20 May 1856 in LaFrimbolle, Lorraine, FR; died on 28 Apr 1944 in Kalona, Washington Co., IA; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Stroke

Notes:

Obit:
Burkey.-Peter, youngest son of Joseph and Barbara (Eigsti) Burkey, was born in Roanoke, Ill., July 8, 1867; passed away at the home of his son (John), Oct. 21, 1947; aged 80 y. 3 m. 13 d. In 1940 he suffered a stroke, from which he never fully recovered. As a young child he moved to Milford, Nebr., with his parents. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church.

In 1887 he was united in marriage to Mary Steider, who predeceased him. To this union were born 10 sons and 3 daughters. One infant son, one daughter (Viola), and another son (Alvin, Milford, Nebr.) also preceded him in death.

In 1911 he was married to Phoebe Sutter, who died in 1943. To this union was born one son (Irvin).

Funeral services were held at the Milford A.M. Church, Oct. 24, in charge of L. 0. Schlegel, assisted by W. A. Eicher and Ezra Roth. Text: Num. 23:10. 

Interment was made in the Milford A.M. Cemetery.

Peter married Mary Steider in 1887. Mary (daughter of John Steider and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Wagler) was born on 15 Mar 1869 in Woodford Co., IL; died on 20 Jan 1910 in Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Phoebe Sutter. Phoebe was born on 24 Dec 1869 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 30 Aug 1943 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; was buried in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Drowning, at age 12.

Maria married John O. Nafziger in 1857 in GR. John (son of Christian Nafziger and Veronica Burkey) was born in May 1826 in Bavaria, GR; died on 23 May 1885 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Lived at Raymond, Nebr.

Joseph married Lucinda Burton in 1865. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Joseph married Pauline Newman in 1881. Pauline was born in Aug 1856; died on 14 Mar 1922. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Son of Christian Harry Burkey and Mary Marie (Stalter) Burkey
Husband of Catherine (Klopfenstein) Burkey 
(married 1866-1917)
Parents of Samuel D., Amelia Mary, Moses K., William Andrew, Daniel, Emma, Joseph, Katherine A. "Katie", John, Lydia S. and Benjamin Edward Burkey

Birth:
on the way from New Orleans to Illinois (1844?)

Died:
FAG date is 4 Mar 1929

Buried:
Pleasant View Cemetery

Christian married Catherine Klopfenstein in 1866. Catherine was born on 9 Jan 1843 in Belfort, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, FR; died on 5 Mar 1917 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; was buried in Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Valentine E. Burkey. Valentine (son of André Birki (Burkey) and Magdalene Albrecht) was born on 24 May 1841; died on 23 Mar 1913; was buried in Gitner, Hamilton Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
1847?

Elizabeth married John Klopfenstein in 1867. John was born on 11 Sep 1839. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farm Implement Mechanic For Sonneman And Tobias Hardware Store In Washington, IL
• Religion: Evangelical Church Of Washington, IL
• Residence: Bef 1860, Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: Aft 1860, Washington, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

"History of Washington, Illinois, Sesquicentennial, 1825-1975"

VALENTINE BURKEY FAMILY

Valentine Burkey came to Washington as a young man in 1860 from Tremont, Illinois. He married Annie Blumenshine of Holland's Grove. Their home was on Peoria Street, now the site of General Telephone. He was employed by the Sonneman and Tobias hardware
store and was their mechanic for the farm implements. The family were members of the Evangelical Church.

A daughter, Mrs. Josephine Smith Heitzman, is deceased. Her living descendants are: daughter; Mrs. Clayton (Geraldine) Summer of Washington: grandchildren; Carole Beebe, Leroy Summer of Metamora, and Nancy Farischon: great grandchildren; Douglas, Gregory Beebe, Chad, and Kara Farischon of Washington, Illinois.

A daughter, Mrs. James (Edna) Sullivan, was a grade school teacher in our schools. She is now living in the Apostolic Home in Eureka, Illinois. She has two sons. Dr. Robert Sullivan of Washington, Illinois, whose children are Michael, John, Barth, and Kathleen Sullivan and also Dr. James Sullivan, Jr.. who lives in Omaha, Nebraska. He has seven children at that address.

Frank Burkey, a son now deceased, was a cashier for the Danforth Banking Company. He was employed by the bank for many years. His daughter, Mrs. Roberta Corbin, is of Downers Grove, Illinois. A son, Robert, resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Grandchildren are Steven and Susan Burkey.

Valentine married Mary Anne Blumenshine in 1879. Mary was born in 1849; died on 6 May 1927. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Henry married Barbara Ropp in 1876. Barbara (daughter of Joseph Ropp and Catharina Birky) was born on 25 Nov 1851; died on 25 Jan 1882; was buried in Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Helen Patzer. Helen was born on 8 May 1860; died on 26 May 1946. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Jacob Zeitler. Jacob was born in Aug 1893. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John Burky, private, Tremont
Enlisted June 1, 1864, mustered out Oct. 28, 1864
Company C, 139th Illinois Infantry
(Tazewell and Woodford Counties)
http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilcivilw/r155/139-c-in.htm
(Identical information found on list of veterans living in Seward County, Nebraska in 1891.)

http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilcivilw/dyers/139inf.htm
Organized at Peoria, Ill., and mustered in for 100 days June 1, 1864. Moved to St. Louis, Mo., June 8-10; thence to Columbus, Ky. Moved to Cairo, Ill., June 20; and on Garrison duty there till September. Attached to District of Columbus, Ky., Dept. of the Tennessee, to August, and Dept. of the Ohio to September. Moved to Peoria September 25-28. Volunteered for service during Price's Invasion of Missouri and moved to St. Louis. March into Missouri toward Franklin in pursuit of Price, October.
Mustered out October 25, 1864.
Lost by disease during service 16.

http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilcivilw/history/139.htm (Garrison Duty in Cairo, Ill., and in Kentucky and Missouri)
139th Illinois Infantry
Regiment History

Adjutant General's Report
The One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Infantry was mustered into theUnited States service as a one hundred-day Regiment, at Peoria, on the 1st day of June, 1864, and on the 8th of June, it moved for St. Louis by steamboat, arriving there on the 10th; thence it moved to Columbus, Ky., where it remained about a week, when it was moved to Cairo as a garrison for that place. Here the Regiment remained until August with but little to disturb the monotony of camp life.

About the 1st of August, a guerrilla party had captured some steamboats a short distance above Paducah, and took from them several hundred cattle and horses. General Payne, who was then commanding the Department of Northern Kentucky, ordered Colonel Davison to take 400 of his men and go and take from the rebel farmers living in the counties adjoining the Ohio River, where the capture was made, as many cattle and horses as had been taken from the boats. Some of the stock was recaptured, and enough others taken as directed to make good the loss. Two or three of the ringleaders of the guerrilla party were also captured. After the return of this expedition the Regiment remained at Cairo doing garrison duty until the 25th of September. It was then moved to Peoria to be mustered out of the service. But the time had not come yet. General Price with a large rebel force was marching towards St. Louis, and there were not enough troops to defend it that could be spared from other places. President Lincoln therefore sent a dispatch to Colonel Davison requesting him to take his Regiment and go at once to St. Louis. The President was aware the Regiment had already served beyond the time for which it was enlisted. As soon as the circumstances were explained to the men they were ready to go. For this prompt response, the President wrote a letter to the men of the Regiment, expressing his thanks and commending them for their patriotism. Going by rail to St. Louis the Regiment marched out in the direction of Going by rail to St. Louis the Regiment marched out in the direction of Franklin to meet General Price. Several other Regiments joining in the march the rebel General soon decided it was to his advantage to move to the southern part of the State. The Union troops followed as fast as possible but failed to catch him. Having driven him to a remote part of the State the Regiment was again moved to Peoria, where it was mustered out of the service on the 25th of October, 1864, having been in the service nearly five month.

John married Veronica (Fannie) Kuhns in 1884. Veronica was born on 24 Nov 1862; died on 21 May 1940. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Christian Blume. Christian was born in Apr 1851; died on 6 Jun 1926. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Johnson Niemeyer. Johnson was born in 1851; died on 22 Apr 1927. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John M. Taylor. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The IMHC Library contains extensive obituary files. Here is one from the

Gospel Herald, Aug. 22, 1935, which celebrates a really lovely woman, Elizabeth Birkey (or Burcky) Albrecht: Albrecht.- Elizabeth, eldest child of a family of 13 children of Valentine & Elizabeth Birkey, was born near Tremont, Ill., July 2, 1851; died at the home of her daughter (Mrs. F. I. Smucker) near Tiskilwa, Ill.; aged 84 y. 21 d. She united with the Mennonite Church in her youth & was faithful until the end. She was very unselfish & was always ready to do for others even at a sacrifice to herself. On Feb. 9, 1873, she was united in marriage to John A. Albrecht of Bureau Co., Ill., & they lived in wedlock for fifty-four years, her husband having preceded her in death in July, 1927. To them were born 6 children, all of whom survive except the youngest daughter (Annie) who passed away in 1901. The 3 sons are Simon of Sycamore, Ill., John & William of Tiskilwa; the daughters, Mrs. Rufus Yoder of Lancaster, Ohio, & Mrs. Frank Smucker of Tiskilwa, with whom mother had made her home since the death of her husband—except for a number of years she had preferred to go back to the little house on the Albrecht homestead she & her husband had built for themselves, during the summer months. Mother was almost blind for several years & unable to read, but she delighted in having the Scriptures read to her. Her voice was often heard in audible prayer when she was in her room by herself, & who shall say that her prayers & petitions to God were made in vain. Twelve days before her death she was seized with an attack of angina pectoris, but she rallied from the attack & looked forward to the time when she might again be with her loved ones at mealtime, but on Tuesday evening she suddenly collapsed & in a very short time she passed on to the other shore. She leaves, besides the 5 children, 20 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 3 brothers, & 3 sisters. Funeral services were held July 23 by her pastor, Bro. C. A. Hartzler, at the Willow Springs Mennonite Church. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.
" Sleep on. beloved, sleep, & take thy rest
Lay down thy head upon thy Savior's breast;
We loved thee well, but Jesus loved thee best,
Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight."

Buried:
Willow Springs Mennonite Cemetery

Elizabeth married John A. Albrecht on 9 Feb 1873. John (son of John Albrecht and Marie Ackermann) was born on 20 Apr 1849 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 3 Jul 1927 in Bureau Co., IL; was buried in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Resided in Ohio, IL.

Family/Spouse: Jacob Albrecht. Jacob (son of Jacob Albrecht and Barbara Ringenberg) was born on 7 Jan 1847; died on 17 Apr 1918. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Daniel Ioder. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Sutter, Mary, was born March 14, 1870, at Tremont, Ill., to Valentine and Elizabeth Birkey; died Oct. 11, 1952, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Leroy Pierson; aged 82 y. 6 m. 28 d. She was married to Christian B. Sutter on Jan. 23, 1896. The family moved to the Tiskilwa community over 40 years ago and during these years she was a member of the Willow Springs Church. She was baptized and received into the church at Tremont, Ill., in 1899. Her husband and one son (Harvey) preceded her in death. She is survived by one son (Raymond, Princeton, Ill.), 2 daughters (Mrs. Leroy Person and Mrs. Rufus Bachman, both of Tiskilwa, Ill.), 4 grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Val, Princeton, Ill., and Joseph, Walnut, Ill.). Funeral services were held at the Willow Springs Church, Tiskilwa, Ill., in charge of C. Warren Long, with burial in the church cemetery.

Died:
At the home of her daughter

Mary married Christian B. Sutter on 23 Jan 1896. Christian (son of John (Johann) Sutter and Magdalena Good) was born on 23 Dec 1869 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 19 Sep 1940 in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL; was buried in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Lived in Princeton, IL.

Family/Spouse: Minnie Poscharsky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died in infancy.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey.-David Birkey, son of Valentine and Elizabeth Birkey, was born July 7, 1861, near Tremont, Ill.; died June 16, 1926, at his home in Tiskilwa; aged 64y. 11m. 21d. He was married to Miss Margaret Noder, Feb. 9, 1898. Mr. Birkey joined the Mennonite Church while a young man and remained a member until his death. June 19 (the day of the funeral) was to be the Birkey reunion, which he looked forward to with enthusiasm, but it was only granted to him as beloved relatives came to his side after death. He leaves to mourn his death, besides his wife, 5 sisters (Mrs. Katherine Albrecht, Mrs. Elizabeth Albrecht, Mrs. Fannie Schantz, Mrs. Mary Sutter, and Mrs. Anna Schantz) and 3 brothers (John, Valentine, and Joseph) and a host of friends. Funeral services were held at Tiskilwa where Mr. Birkey had been a resident for 18 years. The services were conducted y Mr. King, of Carlock, Ill. Interment was made in Mt. Bloom cemetery.

Buried:
Mount Bloom Cemetery

David married Margaret Noder on 9 Feb 1898. Margaret was born on 3 Mar 1876; died on 7 Aug 1961; was buried in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Joseph Tschantz. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Christian Tschantz. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Oakland Cemetery

Valentine married Anna Caroline Larson on 24 Feb 1904 in Henry Co. IL. Anna was born on 2 Oct 1880; died on 16 Jul 1963 in Il; was buried in Princeton, Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died in infancy.

Notes:

Buried:
Red Oak Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Marie Larson. Marie was born on 22 Jul 1877 in IL; died on 1 Jul 1966 in IL; was buried in Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Groveland Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery

Mary married Joseph Rediger on 31 Mar 1872. Joseph (son of Benjamin Rediger and Barbara Oyer) was born on 9 Jan 1844; died on 23 Jan 1875 in IL; was buried in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Never married. Twin to Noah.

Buried:
Groveland Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obit: of Noah 'Nosh' BIRKY Pekin Daily Times, 05 Dec 1928: page 1, column 6

Noah Birkey, prominent retired farmer of Morton, died at his home in that city this morning at 1:50 o'clock. He was a member of the Defenseless Mennonite church … burial in the Mennonite Cemetery east of Groveland. He was a son of Andrew L. and Katherine Littwiller Birkey and was born in Tremont township, Dec. 3, 1854. His marriage, which took place in Pekin, April 2, 1891, was to Miss Magdalena Dully, who with one son, Aaron A. Birkey, of Morton, and two grandchildren, Thelma Aurelia, and Lyle Norman Birkey survive him. He also leaves the following brothers and sisters: Amos and Peter Birkey, and Mrs. Kate Ramseyer, Fort Wayne, Ind. Two brothers, Aaron and Dan Birkey, and one sister, Mrs. Mary Rodiger, preceded him in death. Mr. Birkey had been a resident of Tazewell County all of his life. He was an honorable, upright man who enjoyed the confidence, response and custom of all who knew him.

Buried:
Groveland Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery

Noah married Magdalena Dully on 2 Apr 1891. Magdalena (daughter of Michael Dully and Magdalena Wagemann) was born on 12 Jan 1873 in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 8 Jul 1953 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Groveland Mennonite Church Cemetery

Peter married Susan Ann Gerber on 30 Sep 1883. Susan (daughter of Christian Gerber and Anna (Nancy) Roth) was born on 20 Nov 1861; died on 1 Feb 1940; was buried in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
November, according to gravestone

Died:
May, according to gravestone

Buried:
Groveland Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Mary Hochstettler. Mary (daughter of Jacob Hochstettler and Elizabeth Ropp) was born on 10 Jun 1864; died on 28 Dec 1946. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Magdalena married Daniel Hochstettler on 28 Dec 1884. Daniel (son of Jacob Hochstettler and Elizabeth Ropp) was born on 12 Nov 1859 in Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 14 Jun 1892. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Michael Ramseyer. Michael was born on 23 Feb 1872; died on 11 Mar 1956. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Never married.

Notes:

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

Elizabeth married August K. Unzicker on 10 Dec 1870 in Tazewell Co., IL. August (son of Peter Unzicker and Katharina Kennel) was born on 25 Sep 1849 in Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 27 Sep 1939 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
in infancy

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 146
• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: . June 29, 1939 - Vol. XXXII, No 13 - pages 270, 271

Birkey.-Christian, son of John and Elizabeth Birkey, was born near Tremont, Ill., March 12, 1851; died of complications at the home of his son, Levi, near Hopedale, Ill., June 3, 1939; aged 88 y. 2 m. 22 d. In his youth he united with the Mennonite church and remained faithful unto death. On Oct. 18, 1874, he united in marriage to Elizabeth Schertz, who passed away July 14 1878. On Oct. 9, 1879, he united in marriage to Elizabeth Good, who passed away Oct. 2, 1924. To this union 3 sons and 5 daughters were born. On Feb. 23, 1928 he united in marriage to Barbara Birkey who preceded him in death Feb. 4, 1939. Surviving are 6 children (John, Emma Stahl, and Phoebe Slabaugh of Kent Co., Mich.; Simon of Amboy, Ind.; Levi of Delavan, Ill.; and Sarah Sutter of Minier, Ill.), 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 6 stepchildren. Two daughters (Katie, wife of C. B. Birkey and Clara, twin sister to Sarah), 2 brothers, and 2 sisters also preceded him. During his illness he frequently expressed a desire to go home, as he felt his work on earth was ended. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church June 5, conducted by the home ministers.
"The room is quiet, all is still,
His place is vacant; 'tis God's will;
But yet we're glad, is God saw best,
To end his suffering and give him rest."
---The Children.

Married Barbara Wittrig Birky, widow of cousin Christian H. Birky.

16. CHRISTIAN4 BIRKY (JOHN3, CHRISTIAN2, CHRISTIAN1) was born 12 Mar 1851, and died 03 Jun 1939. He married (1) ELIZABETH GOOD. She was born 11 Oct 1860, and died 02 Oct 1924. He married (2) BARBARA WITTRIG Aft. 1924. She was born 24 Apr 1854 in Canada, and died 04 Feb 1939.

Children of CHRISTIAN BIRKY and ELIZABETH GOOD are:
i. KATHERINE5 BIRKY, b. 07 Oct 1880; d. 01 Dec 1903; m. CHRISTIAN BENJAMIN BIRKY; b. 1879; d. 1940.
ii. EMMA BIRKY, b. 12 Jun 1882; d. 10 Jun 1955; m. GEORGE STAHL, 05 Mar 1922; d. 03 Jan 1948.
iii. JOHN J. BIRKY, b. 23 Jul 1884; d. 05 Apr 1962; m. LYDIA WITTRIG, 01 Mar 1906; b. 20 Sep 1887.
iv. PHOEBE BIRKY, b. 17 Dec 1886; d. 30 Jan 1966; m. ALBERT SLAUBAUGH, 09 Jan 1910; b. 19 Oct 1883; d. 17 Apr 1965.
v. SIMON G. BIRKY, b. 22 May 1889; d. 01 Mar 1968; m. LIDA E. SLAUBAUGH; b. 27 May 1886; d. 29 Dec 1963.
vi. LEVI BIRKY, b. 27 Apr 1894; d. 10 Jul 1975; m. LAURA MAST, 14 Jan 1917; b. 03 Aug 1892; d. Aug 1974.
vii. CLARA MARIE BIRKY, b. 13 Dec 1901; d. 23 Feb 1902.
viii. SARAH MAE BIRKY, b. 13 Dec 1901; m. LAURENCE W. SUTTER, 12 Dec 1920; b. 22 Apr 1900.

Purchased land in Fisher for Valentine and Phoebe Good Birkey to live on when they returned from Kansas in 1895.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Christian married Elizabeth Schertz on 18 Oct 1874 in Tazewell Co., IL. Elizabeth was born in 1858; died on 14 Jul 1878. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Christian married Elizabeth Guth (Good) on 9 Oct 1879. Elizabeth (daughter of Josef (Joseph ) Guth (Good) and Katharina Stalter) was born on 11 Oct 1860 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 2 Oct 1924 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Christian married Barbara Wittrig on 23 Feb 1928. Barbara (daughter of Joseph Wittrig (Vitrich) and Anna Nancy Gascho) was born on 24 Apr 1854 in Ontario, Canada; died on 4 Feb 1939 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Mar 13, 1924 Gospel Herald
Birky. - Valentine B. Birky was born at Pekin. Ill., April 14, 1854; died at his home near Foosland, Ill., Feb. 16, 1924; aged 69 y. 10 m. 2 d. On Mar. 4, 1877, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Springer. To this union 9 children were born. He confessed Christ in youth, but for the past 20 years did not identify himself with any church. He leaves a sorrowing wife, 2 sons, 4 daughters, 9 grandchildren, 1 brother, 1 sister, and a host of friends. One son and two daughters preceded him in death. Funeral services were held Feb. 19 by Bro. J. A. Heiser. Text, Job 14:10.

Valentine’s nickname was “Hickory.”

Died:
At his home

Valentine married Elizabeth Springer on 4 Mar 1877. Elizabeth (daughter of Johann Springer and Elizabeth Nafziger) was born on 29 Feb 1860 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 20 Mar 1934 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Martin. - Katharine Birky Martin was born Jan. 5, 1863; died April 10, 1928; aged 65 y. 3 m. 5 d. She was united in marriage to Joseph Martin Feb. 15, 1881, who preceded her in death March 20, 1924. To this union were born 3 sons and 1 daughter (John, Daniel, Joseph, and Katie Cripe who passed away Feb. 19, 1915). She leaves 3 sons, 13 grandchildren, 1 brother (Chris J. Birky) and a host of relatives and friends. She united with the Mennonite Church in her youth and remained faithful to the end. Funeral services were conducted April 13 at the Hopedale, Ill., Mennonite Church, by Bro. Samuel Gerber, assisted by the home ministers. Text, Isa. 38:1, latter clause. The following verses were selected by the children:
"How many were the silent prayers
My mother offered up for me;
How many were the bitter cares
She felt when none but God could see.
Oh let me think of what she said
And of the kind advice she gave.
Oh let me do it as she's dead,
And sleeping in her lovely grave."

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Katherine married Joseph Martin on 20 Feb 1881 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Joseph (son of Nicholas Martin and Catherine (Katie) Litwiller) was born on 14 Apr 1858 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 20 Mar 1924 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Family/Spouse: Jacob Eyer. Jacob (son of Joseph Eyer and Katharina Guth) was born in 1846; died in 1934 in Gilman, IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Mt. Zion Cemetery

Barbara married Henry C. Burkey in 1876. Henry (son of Christian (Harry) Bircky (Burkey) and Maria (Mary) Stalter) was born on 14 Feb 1850 in IL; died on 11 Nov 1931. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Mary Kennel. Mary (daughter of Jacob Kennel and Katharina (Katie) Garber) was born in 1854 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died in 1941. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Joseph Strubhar. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

“Daniel Ropp was Joseph and Catherine Ropp's second son and their fifth child. He was born August 20, 1855 in Elm Grove Township, Tazewell County, Illinois. His parent's farm was his childhood home. Here he acquired the skills to be a successful farmer in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. He helped his father care for their animals - the horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. He learned how to care for the leather tack needed to harness the horses to the buggies, wagons, and farm implements. Dan soon knew how to care for the orchard and garden. As he matured, he helped with the heavy work - plowing and harvesting. In the winter he chopped and split wood for the fires. There was work for all seasons.

Dan attended Railroad School - by his accounts and those of others, he was a mischievous boy, but certainly not the only one. School and work on the farm occupied most of his time - but there was time for play and other social activities. He learned to hunt and fish. Once or twice a year, several families would meet at the Mackinaw River Dells and spend the day socializing and fishing. Butchering was sometimes a joint venture with several families sharing the work. Dan and the other children enjoyed these gatherings - there was always a good meal and time to play corner ball or some other game.

In 1866, his mother decorated eggs for Easter. She wrote “D Ropp 1866” on one of the eggs. His cousin Mary (Uncle Peter's daughter) saw the egg and commented on how pretty it was. Dan gave it to her. She kept it her entire life. Dan was born into a close-knit Amish community. Uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents lived nearby. It was a good place to grow up.

When Dan was nineteen, the family moved to the Amish community northeast of Washington, Illinois. For the next five or six years, he worked there. In 1880 Sarah Garber, a former schoolmate who had moved with her family to Missouri in 1870, returned to Illinois for a visit. Sara had driven a mule-pulled wagon loaded with household furnishings from southeastern Missouri to Illinois for her cousins Lydia and Fred Metz. When she had moved to Missouri, Sarah was eight years old and of little interest to Dan. Now she was eighteen and she attracted his attention. Soon they were making wedding plans. On January 6, 1882, Dan and Sarah were married.

Dan and Sarah Ropp lived on a farm in the Grandview, MO area. After Dan died, Sarah moved to Grandview and lived across the street from the President Truman family.

Birth:
FAG gives year as 1856

Buried:
Memorial Park Cemetery

Daniel married Sarah Garber on 6 Jan 1882. Sarah (daughter of David Garber and Magdalena Kinsinger) was born on 28 Feb 1862 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 9 Aug 1952 in Kansas City, Jackson Co., KS; was buried in Kansas City, Jackson Co., KS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Christian Strubhar. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Never married.

Notes:

Never married.

Barbara married Peter P. Ehresman on 3 May 1885. Peter (son of John Ehresman and Catherine Sommer) was born on 23 Oct 1858; died on 7 Dec 1943. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]