Christian Bürcky (Birki)

Other Events and Attributes:

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

Notes:

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

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

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

Other signing the letter were: Christian Güngerich, Heinrich Stalter, Daniel Zehr, Johannes Bächler.
———————————————————

Following are the memories of Valentine Birky (recorded in 1935) of his grandfather Christian Birki (1781-1840).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PURC:
Heimberg estate, near Daniel Unzicker

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

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

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

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

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 165
• Residence: Aft 1881, Ehingen, Bavaria, GR

Notes:

Katherina (and her mother) remained in Germany.
———————————————
“Katharina was born Aug. 12, 1812. She married Jakob Roggie/Roggy. He was born at Neidenfels and died at Schaffhausen in 1881 (p. 231, Guth), a son of Christian Roggy and Catherine Nafziger. His aunt, Katharina Roggy, married Heinrich Stalter, the owner at Hemerten.

“Jakob Rocke(Roggy) and his wife Katharina nee Bürcky. She is the daughter from Christian Bürcky of Heimberg. She and her mother lived on the Schaffhauser Farm by Nördlingen.” (Herbert Holly)

Residence:
Schaffhauser Farm by Nördlingen with her mother after her husband died.

Died:
Near Kaiserslaughten. Forsthof

Family/Spouse: Jakob Rocke (Roggy). Jakob (son of Christian Roggy and Katharina Nafziger) was born on 29 Dec 1834 in Neidenfels, Palatinate, GR; died in 1881 in Schaffhausen, SW. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Occupation: Brewer in Germany
• Reference Number: 195
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 12 Oct 1839, Le Havre to New York
• Residence: Abt 1840, Butler Co., OH
• Residence: 1841, Dillon Creek, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: Abt 1859-1860, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 18 Jun 1860, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Lived for a number of years in Oberlin, KS. In 1900 the family lived near Beemer, NE, then moved to Hopedale again, and finally lived in Kouts, IN. Jacob was ordained to the ministry in 1895 and was named bishop in 1902. He served 31 years in the ministry.

According to page 147 of 18 Jun 1860 Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., census, Christian Burkey, age 49, was born in Germany and was listed with his wife Catherine, age 40, born in France. Children (all born in IL): Catherine 17; Fanny 15; Christian 13; John 11; Joseph 9; Andrew 7; Jacob 5; and Valentine 3.

1880 census gives birthplace of Christian’s father and mother as Bavaria.

Their household appears on the 1850 census of Tazewell County as Christian Burkie, 38, Germany; Christian, 27, Germany [marked as a female, almost certainly meant to be Catherine]; Catharine, 6, Illinois; Fanny, 4 Illinois; Christian, 2, Illinois; and John, 1 Illinois. They are described on the 1880 census of Little Mackinaw as Christon Birky, 70, farmer from Bavaria; Katherine, 60, from France; and four children ranging in ages 22-15. They are buried at Mennonite Cemetery in Hopedale.

Birth:
Born Bavaria, Germany according to 1860 and 1880 census

Immigration:
Aboard the Burgundy. Passenger list shows J. Burky, 24, and C. Burky, 31.

Residence:
Don’t know the source for this date

Residence:
Page 147 18 Jun 1860 census

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Christian married Catherine Mosimann on 30 Aug 1841 in Tazewell Co., IL. Catherine was born in 1820 in Azoudange, Moselle, FR; died on 13 Feb 1909 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer/Deacon; A Horseman In Germany
• Reference Number: 182
• Religion: Amish
• Residence: 1839, Butler Co., OH
• Immigration: 12 Oct 1839, Le Havre to New York
• Residence: 1840/44, Tazewell Co., IL
• Ordained: 1847 and 1864, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1860, Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

“Big John,” “Black John”, lived in Tremont. A deacon in the Dillon Creek Congregation by 1864. Attended the 1875 conference of Amish ministers in the Sutter barn.

“In Germany....John was a horseman and a good horseman he was, as I found out for myself when I stayed with him in the spring of 1868-69, when he was breaking four-year old colts to work that had been raised in the woods, wild and vicious.”

The 1850 census of Tazewell County shows the households of Valentine, Andrew, John (with Jacob and Joseph), and Christian in consecutive order on one page.
Their household on the 1850 census of Tazewell County: farmer John Burkie, 35, Germany; Elizabeth, 25, Germany; Elizabeth, 2, Illinois; John, 1, Illinois; laborer Jacob, 25, Germany; and laborer Joseph, 22, Germany. John is found as a 65-year-old retired farmer on the 1880 census of Elm Grove, living with three children. He stated that his father was born in France, his mother in Hesse.

Birth:
Near Augsburg

Residence:
With brother Christian

Immigration:
Aboard the Burgundy. Passenger list shows J. Burky, 24, and C. Burky, 31.

Residence:
Along Dillon Creek

Ordained:
Served Dillon Creek, later Delavan Prairie congregations

Census:
Page 168:
John Bergy age 45, farmer b. Bavaria; Elizabeth age 31 b. Bavaria; Elizabeth age 12 b. IL; Christian age 9, b. IL; Valentine age 5, b. IL.

Johannes married Elisabeth Bircky (Birky) on 7 Jan 1847 in Tazewell Co., IL. Elisabeth (daughter of Valentin (Valentine) Bircky (Birky) and Elisabeth Unzicker (Hunsiker)) was born on 19 Nov 1826 in Nymphenburg, Bavaria, GR; died in Oct 1866 in Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Occupation: Farmer In 1860 Census; In Germany, A “Cow-Man”
• Reference Number: 198
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Naturalization: 25 and 28 Jan 1856, Tazewell Co., IL
• Immigration: Abt 1840, New York
• Census: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 18 Jun 1860, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1880, Boynton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
BUERKY - On the 27th of January, 1892, in Tazewell Co., Ill., Pre. Andrew Buerky, aged 75 years and 3 months. Funeral services were conducted by Pre. Egli and Noah Augspurger from I Cor. 15.

Birth:
Naturalization paper states birthplace as Willbach, Bavaria (Below Munich).

Immigration:
Information from Naturalization papers.

Census:
Farmer, Andrew Burkie, 33, Germany; Madeline, 26, Germany; Caroline, 5, Illinois; Christian, 3, Illinois; and Andréw3, 6 months, Illinois.

Census:
Page 144: Andrew Birkey, age 44, farmer, R&P born Bavaria; with wife Madaline, age 33, born Bavaria; and children Christian 13, b. IL; Andrew 10, b. IL; John 7, b. IL; Valentine 4, b.l IL; Magdaline 1, b. IL; and a girl named Pheobe, age 12, b. IL also living with the family.

Census:
Farmer, Andrew Berky, 63, born in Bavaria to parent from France and Hesse; Magdalene, 54, born in France to French parents; and two children born in Illinois.

Buried:
Presumably in the Mennonite Cemetery

Andreas married Marie Madeleine Gerber in Oct 1842 in Tazewell Co., IL. Marie (daughter of Jean Louis Gerber and Louise Goyer) was born on 22 Jan 1823 in Barr, Lower Alsace, FR; died on 12 Jun 1912 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Occupation: Farmer
• Reference Number: 200
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Pneumonia
• Immigration: Abt 1840
• Ordained: 1847, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Ordained a minister 1840 and a bishop in 1846, according to Source , and he attended the Amish Diener-Versammlungen as a delegate nine times, in 1864, 1866, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, and 1878. Assisted Andrew Ropp in the Dillon Creek Congregation. Lived north of Tremont after marriage, but after a few years moved to a farm three miles southeast of Morton, IL.

The 1850 census of Tazewell County shows his household as Valentine Burker, 29, Germany; Madeline, 24, Germany [she was born in 1827, and would have been 22]; Phoebe Burkie, 2, Illinois; and Barbara, 1, Illinois.

“In 1856 father had a spell of rheumatism but had recovered as he thought and went to the woods for a load of poles to build a cattle shed. He caught cold, pneumonia set in, and he died at the age of 39. That was in November 1856. Mother was left with five children, the oldest nine years old. I was born four months later....But they had good neighbors. They prepared father for burial, made his coffin and hauled him in a wagon to the Landes Cemetery, three and one-half miles northwest of Tremont where he is buried. This was done with very little outlay of money. The rank and file of the farming people in those days had no money and I do not think that there were any banks in that part of the country then.”

Ordained:
Ordained a minister of the Dillon Creek meeting.

Census:
Valentine “Burker,” 29, Germany; Madeline, 24 Germany; Phoebe 2, IL; and Barbara, 1, IL

Buried:
Landes Cemetery

Valentine married Magdalena Naffziger on 19 Mar 1847 in Woodford Co., IL. Magdalena (daughter of Jacob Naffziger (Nafsinger) and Barbara Krehbiel) was born on 24 Aug 1827 in GR; died on 2 Apr 1908 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish
• USR1: Typhoid fever
• Immigration: Abt 1840, Butler Co., OH
• Residence: Abt 1853, Cass Co., MO

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth, July 1883:
"Buercky.- On the 4th of July, in Cass Co., Mo., of typhoid fever, Bro. Jacob Buerky, aged 59 years. He leaves a wife and 6 children. But they need not mourn as those who have no hope. He was a faithful brother in the Amish Church. We trust he has entered the rest that remaineth for the children of God. Peace to his ashes. Funeral services by John Hertzler and Jacob C. Kenagy."


In about 1853 this family moved to Cass Co., MO, where there was an Amish settlement. “An Amish Mennonite church was organized there in the spring of 1866. This congregation held their meetings for about two years in private houses, then for several years in the Smith school house. In the year 1870 they built the church known as the Clear Fork church, where they worshipped until 1883, when the Sycamore church was built, and it is their present place of worship. In 1894 there were 350 members, but by 1917 the congregation had depleted to about 250.”

http://patrimoine-de-france.com/bas-rhin/voellerdingen/ferme-lutterbacherhof-9.php

Birth:
Lutterbacherhof, near Saar-Union

Jacob married Magdalena Hochstettler on 10 Dec 1850 in Tazewell Co., IL. Magdalena (daughter of Joseph Hochstettler and Jacobina (Phoebe) Gingerich) was born on 7 Feb 1829 in Meringerau/Siebernbrunn, Bavaria, GR; died on 28 May 1888 in Garden City, Cass Co., MO. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

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

Notes:

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

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

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

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

Birth:
Bavaria cited on his naturalization document

Census:
Burket with wife and five children

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

Census:
Burkey with wife and seven children

Ordained:
Deacon in Hopedale Mennonite Chuirch

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

Residence:
Do not know when Joseph moved to NE

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

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

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 16 Jul 1860, Le Havre to New York
• Census: 1880, Owego, Livingston Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: The Herald of Truth - April 1, 1899 - pages 108-110
EICHELBERGER. - Elizabeth Birky, widow of the late Jacob Eichelberger, departed this life on the 27th of January 1899, aged 72 years. She leaves three sons and 11 grandchildren to mourn their lose. She was a faithful sister in the Amish congregation, a true pattern of Christian patience. She greatly desired to depart and be with Christ. Buried on the 28th. Funeral services by Christian Nafziger and J. C. Birky. C.

They sailed from Le Havre and stopped over at Southampton before arriving at New York on the Vanderbilt July 16, 1860. They had three children. The 1880 census of Owego, Livingston County describes their household as farmer Jacob Eichelberger, 54, from Ellwangen with parents from France; Elizabeth, 50, from Oberbayern [the governmental district of Bavaria where Munich and Augsburg are located], with her father born in France and her mother born in Hesse; son George, 22, farming, born at Leuttershausen (source 1880 census) to parents from Ellwangen and Oberbayern; son Henry, 11, born in Illinois to parents from Ellwagen and Oberbayern; and farmhand Jacob Roth, 51, from Rheinbayern with parents from Rheinbayern. Son George's obituary says he was born at Bamberg, Bavaria.

Immigration:
on ship Vanderbilt with stopover at Southampton

Census:
Farmer Jacob Eichelberger, 54, from Ellwangen with parents from France; Elizabeth, 50, from Oberbayern, with her father born in France and her mother born in Hesse; son George, 22, farming, born at Leuttershausen to parents from Ellwangen and Oberbayern; son Henry, 11, born in IL to parents from Ellwagen and Oberbayern; and farm hand Jacob Roth, 51, from Rheinbayern, with parents from Rheinbayern. Son George’s obit says he was born at Bamberg, Bavaria.

Died:
Obit date

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Elizabeth married Jacob Eichelberger in 1854 in Bavaria, GR. Jacob (son of Johann Georg Eichelberger and Maria Anna Ringenberger) was born on 25 Dec 1825 in Ellwangen (Wurttemberg); died on 10 Jul 1897 in Pontiac, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Owego, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
Schaffhauserhof

Jacob married Elisabeth Oesch on 24 Jun 1860. Elisabeth (daughter of Christian Oesch and Katharina Suttor (Sutter)) was born on 27 Sep 1834 in Neuberg-an-Donau, Bavaria, GR; died on 21 Sep 1911 in Hallum, Lancaster Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth Dec 1876
Litwiller. - Catherine (Birky) Litwiller was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., March 13, 1843; died Dec. 30, 1923; aged 80 y. 9 m. 17 d. She was united in marriage to Joseph Litwiller, March 9, 1862. To this union were born nine children, namely: Mary Oswald, Beemer, Nebr., Salome Eichelberger, Emden, Ill., Katie, at home, Christian A., John W., Daniel and Louis of Hopedale, Ill., and Ben F., Lakeworth, Fla. Her husband and two sons preceded her to the great beyond. She is also survived by 3 brothers, 3 sisters, 36 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren, besides many relatives and friends. She united with the Amish Mennonite Church in her youth and remained faithful and loyal to the end. Funeral services were held Jan. 2, at the A. M. Church near Hopedale, Ill., conducted by Samuel Gerber, of Tremont, Ill.

Just a rest for weary footsteps,
Just a folding of tired hands;
Just a glimpse across the river,
Where the holy city stands.
By a granddaughter.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Catherine married Joseph Litwiller on 9 Mar 1862 in Tazewell Co., IL. Joseph (son of Joseph Litwiller and Barbara Ulrich) was born on 12 Dec 1836 in Butler Co., OH; died on 28 Mar 1914 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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

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

Died:
30 Dec 1923 date given by Cathlene Landes material

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite

Veronica married John Litwiller on 8 Nov 1863 in Tazewell Co., IL. John (son of Joseph Litwiller and Barbara Ulrich) was born on 27 Feb 1841 in Butler Co., OH; died on 15 Jul 1922 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume XIII, Number 31 - October 28, 1920 - page 605

Birky.--Christian H., oldest son of Christian and Katie Birky, was born near Tremont, Ill., May 13, 1847; died Sept. 25, 1920; age 73 y. 4 m. 13 d. He was married to Barbara Wittrig of Wayland, Ia., Feb. 17, 1878. To this union were born 10 children 2 of whom preceded him to the spirit world. He also is survived by 26 grandchildren, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters. Early in life he united with the Amish Mennonite Church of which he was a faithful member until the end. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale, Ill., church, Sept. 28, conducted by Samuel Gerber of Tremont, Ill.

From Elm Grove, moved to Delavan, IL. Christian was registered as a Democrat.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Christian married Barbara Wittrig on 17 Feb 1878 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. 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]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• HIST: 10. JOHN C.4 BIRKY (CHRISTIAN3, CHRISTIAN2, CHRISTIAN1) was born 04 Feb 1849 in Elm Grove Township, Tazewell County, Illinois, and died 19 Apr 1920 in Hopedale, Tazewell County, Illinois. He married (1) MAGDALENA ZIMMER 25 Jan 1874 in Tazewell County, Illinois, daughter of ZIMMER and KATE. She was born 03 Oct 1853 in Canada, and died 19 Oct 1893 in Oberlin, Decatur County, Kansas. He married (2) ELIZABETH GRIESER 24 Sep 1896 in Hopedale, Tazewell County, Illinois. She was born 08 May 1864, and died 30 Sep 1940 in Hopedale, Tazewell County, Illinois. Children of JOHN BIRKY and MAGDALENA ZIMMER are: i. BENJAMIN5 BIRKY, b. 1875. ii. SAMUEL Z. BIRKY, b. 06 Jan 1876, Tazewell County, Illinois; d. 1962, Zion, Lake County, Illinois; m. ANNA M. BURKEY, Abt. 1901, Walnut, Bureau County, Illinois; b. 13 Jun 1880, Bureau County, Illinois; d. 28 May 1942, Zion, Lake County, Illinois. More About SAMUEL Z. BIRKY: Burial: Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Zion, Lake County, Illinois More About ANNA M. BURKEY: Burial: Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Zion, Lake County, Illinois iii. EMMA BIRKY, b. 1878. iv. JACOB Z. BIRKY, b. 17 Jul 1880; m. EMMA OSWALD, 20 Jan 1907. v. KATHERINE BIRKY, b. 10 Jun 1882; m. WILLIAM ROTH. vi. CHRISTIAN BIRKY, b. 17 Jan 1884; m. LYDIA STOLZFUS; b. 16 Nov 1892. vii. MAGDALENA BIRKY, b. 22 Jul 1887; m. CARRON KAUFMAN; b. 01 Aug 1886. viii. BERTHA BIRKY, b. 04 Sep 1890; m. NOAH KIPFER. ix. LEVI BIRKY, b. 03 Jun 1893; m. LIZZIE BECHLER. Children of JOHN BIRKY and ELIZABETH GRIESER are: x. MENNO5 BIRKY. xi. ELIZABETH BIRKY, b. 17 Dec 1897. xii. ALBERT BIRKY, b. 12 Jan 1900; m. KATIE MILLER; b. 23 Oct 1904. xiii. JOHN G. BIRKY, b. 17 Jun 1902; m. GERTRUDE KATHRYN NAFZIGER; b. 28 Dec 1912. xiv. SIMON BIRKY, b. 1907; m. RUTH MILLER.
• Occupation: Farmer, minister, bishop
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: early 1800s, Decatur Co., KS
• USR1: Uremic poisoning (some form of kidney infection) after a week of suffering.
• Ordained: Sep 1877, Decatur Co., KS
• Ordained: Jul 1890, Decatur Co., KS

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - May 6, 1920 - page 111
Birky. - Bishop John C. Birkey died from a complication of diseases Apr. 19, 1920, at his home near Hopedale, Ill.; aged 71 y. 2 m. 15 d. He was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., Feb. 4, 1849. Married to Magdalena Zimmer, Jan. 25, 1874, who died near Selden, Kans., Oct. 29, 1893. September 24, 1896, he was married to Lizzie E. Nafziger, who survives him. His descendants are 4 daughters, 8 sons, and 19 grandchildren. He was received into the Amish Mennonite Church in 1866, ordained to the ministry in September, 1877, and Bishop in July, 1890. The burial services were held Friday, Apr. 23, conducted by Samuel Gerber, of Pekin, Ill., and others. He was loved and esteemed by all who knew him, being of a meek disposition, and untiring in his efforts for the good of his fellowman. His faithful service, devotion to Christ and the Church, are well worth patterning after. He was well known throughout the churches of the Middle West and his counsels in congregation and Conference were always respected as wise and worthy. To know him was to love him. While he will be greatly missed, we cherish his memory and believe that his helpful influence in the Church will continue to live for years to come.


John C. Birky, ordained a bishop in 1890, was for many years a leader in the Western District Amish Mennonite Conference. He served as bishop of the Hopedale, IL. congregation from 1896 to 1924.

“If one were to put into a single sentence what folks remember most about him [John] it would be: his long, beautiful gray beard; his love for the brother; his ability to settle disputes and his sense of humor. His life is best summarized by the last statements of his obituary in the May 6, 1920 Gospel Herald:
He was loved and esteemed by all who knew him, being of meek disposition, and untiring in his efforts for the good of his fellow man. His faithful service, devotion to Christ and the church, are well worth patterning after....To know him was to love him. While he will be greatly missed, we cherish his memory and believe that his helpful influence in the church will continue to live for years to come.”

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

John C. Birky, the fourth child of Christian and Katherine, was born on February 4, 1849 in Elm Grove Township, Tazewell County, Illinois. This has been called the Dillon Creek area. This is near the present town of Tremont.

On January 25, 1874, John married Magdalena Zimmer. Information on her family is not at hand. She was born October 3, 1853. They lived in the southern part of Elm Grove Township until 1884, when they moved to Kansas. During this time these children were born to them: Benjamin (lived only two years), Samuel, Emma (died in 1901), Jacob and Katrina.

As with other pioneers of their day, lands to the west seemed to offer greater opportunities for them and their children. In 1884 a number of families including some of John's brothers moved to Decatur County, Kansas, locating near the town of Oberlin. At that time there was a town called Lund where they settled, but the only remains of Lund was an old church building and a nearby cemetery,as of 1960 when we tried to trace their travels.

On September 6, 1887, Brother Birky was called by lot to serve as minister of the Sheldon American Mennonite Congregation. This was the beginning of a special ministry for which he is remembered and loved, a ministry filled with love, suffering and searching. He was ordained to this special and high calling by Brother Joseph Slagel of Milford, Nebraska. In July of 1890, he was chosen by lot to be bishop, and was ordained to this office by Brother David Zook. It was this office which demanded so much of his patience, love, energy and time. From this time onward, he was known as Bishop Birky by the churches surrounding the church which he served each Sunday.

In the years that he lived in Kansas, six children were born to him and Maggie. They were; Magdalena, in 1887; Christian, in 1889; John (lived only five days); Bertha; and last a set of twins, of which only the boy, Levi, survived.

On October 29, 1893, Brother Birky was again painfully reminded of the insecurity of this life. His young wife, forty years of age, the mother of eight living children, departed from this earthly home. It must have been a time of real heart-searching and the seeking of God's will.

Meanwhile the Lord was working out His purposes in Illinois. In the church at Hopedale, Illinois, Bishop Christian Nafziger was getting older. His days of service to the church were drawing to a close. Realizing this fact he believed it would be good if another was ordained. In 1896 he requested that John C. Birky come and serve with him.

Brother Birky responded to the request of Bishop Nafziger and in the same year he came to Hopedale by himself. It was in the first few months at Hopedale that he courted and married Lizzie E. Grieser Nafziger whose first husband, Joseph Nafziger, had previously passed away. They were united in holy matrimony on September 24, 1896, by the bride's first father-in-law, Bishop Christian Nafziger. Brother Birky not only gained a wife and mother, but three additional children as well, Christian, Daniel B. and William.

Immediately following the wedding Brother Birky left for Kansas by train to get the rest of his family of six children, Sam and Jake having returned to Illinois in 1894.

For the trip back to Illinois, Brother Birky prepared a covered wagon with all the necessary provisions they could take. He decided that the four oldest children, Emma, Katy, Maggie and Christian along with their uncle Sam Zimmer would make the trip in this wagon while he and the two youngest children, Bertha and Levi, would go by train. The wagon party took with them dried meat, pickles, crackers and various foodstuffs and an oil stove to cook on. This supply lasted for only a few days and the food used after this had to be bought. Sleeping facilities were made out of a spring and mattress on different parts of the wagon for the girls and Chris and Uncle Sam. During the day a road cart pulled by a pony was used by the girls to ride in. A supply of six horses kept the wagon moving toward Illinois.

Back in Illinois the family was getting anxious. Time was drawing out, three weeks, four weeks, five weeks. Everyone was becoming uneasy. No one knew how they would receive word even if something did happen. Everyone knew that there was nothing to do but wait patiently upon the Lord. Finally one day in October the weary travelers arrived. The family praised and thanked God for His goodness and protection since their beginning in September.

A new home was begun. For the Birky children it meant a new mother and new brothers. For the Nafziger children it meant a new head of the household and new brothers and sisters. For Father it meant added mouths to feed; but there was the great blessing of a mother to nurse and kiss the knocks of the daily struggle of their children. For Mother, it too was added responsibility, but there was the joy of a new relationship which makes the family complete.

To seal the new family more closely together the Lord added a girl and four boys. They belonged just as much to the Nafzigers as to the Birkys and just as much to the Birkys as the Nafzigers. They were Elizabeth, Albert, John, Menno and Simon.

In thinking back over the life of this man who was my father, I am tremendously impressed again with the Christian motives and principles that governed his life and guided his decisions. I can certainly praise the Lord for such an inheritance.

-Simon G. Birky

Ordained:
Minister

Ordained:
Bishop

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

John married Magdalena Zimmer on 25 Jan 1874 in Tazewell Co., IL. Magdalena (daughter of Jacob Zimmer and Katherine Beckler) was born on 25 Jan 1853 in Canada; died on 29 Oct 1893 in Lund, KS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Grieser on 24 Sep 1896 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Daniel Grieser and Magdalena Gingerich) was born on 8 May 1864 in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, GR; died on 30 Sep 1940 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried on 2 Oct 1940 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

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

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

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

Buried:
Beemer Cemetery

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

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1910, Seward Co., NE

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXIII, No 9 - May 30, 1940 ---- page 190, 191
Birky. --- Andrew, son of Christian and Katie Birky, was born near Hopedale, Ill., Jan. 22, 1853; died at the home of his daughter (Mrs. Elmer Stutzman) May 3, 1940; aged 87 y. 3 m. 11 d. He spent the early part of his life in Illinois. He accepted Christ in his youth and became a member of the Mennonite Church and lived a faithful life to the end. On Feb. 21, 1878, he was married to Barbara Martin. He leaves his wife and their 8 children, all of whom living. They are: Mrs. Katie Stutzman, Mrs. Mary Stutzman, Mrs. Ida Stutzman, and Mrs. Lydia Miller, all of Milford; Mrs. Fannie Stutzman, Mrs. Barbara Stutzman, of Tolfield, Alberta; Nicholas of Albany, Oreg., and Ruben of Hebron, Ind.; also 39 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren. Three grandchildren preceded him. He was a member of a family of 10 children, of which only one sister (Lizzie, of Manson, Ia.), remains. He spent ten years in Decatur Co., Kans. From there they moved to Milford, Neb., where they resided until 1936, when they went to live with their daughter, Ida, where he passed away. The lived true to his faith, making it practical in his everyday life, always ready to give advice, counsel, and sympathy to his family and those around him. He was interested in the work of the Church, serving as superintendent and trustee for a number of years. He was a regular attendant whenever health permitted. Funeral services by J. E. Zimmerman, assisted by Wm. Eicher and L.O. Schlegel.
"Father dear, you're not forgotten,
Though on earth you are no more;
Still in memory you are with us,
As you always were before."
---The Family.

Children of Andrew BIRKY and BARBARA MARTIN are:
i. FANNIE5 BIRKY, b. 27 Oct 1880; m. WILLIAM Z. STUTZMAN; b. 09 Apr 1881.
ii. MARY BIRKY, b. 20 Sep 1883; m. JOHN I. STUTZMAN; b. 25 Jul 1884; d. 25 Nov 1953.
iii. BARBARA BIRKY, b. 20 Dec 1886; d. 29 Apr 1952; m. MILO STUTZMAN.
iv. NICHOLAS M. BIRKY, b. 27 Jul 1888; m. LILLY REDIGER.
v. REUBEN BIRKY, b. 12 Mar 1890; m. MELINDA SCHWEITZER; b. 07 Jul 1892.
vi. KATHERINE BIRKY, b. 30 Sep 1892; m. EMERY STUTZMAN; b. 05 Feb 1879; d. 19 Sep 1915.
vii. IDA MINNIE BIRKY, b. 10 Mar 1893; m. ELMER STUTZMAN, 16 Feb 1911; b. 30 Dec 1890; d. 20 Oct 1959.
viii. LYDIA ELIZABETH BIRKY, b. 03 Dec 1895; m. AMMON MILLER, 30 Dec 1914; b. 26 Apr 1894.

Census:
T624  Roll: 855  Page: 134

Buried:
East Fairview Cemetery

Andrew married Barbara A. Martin on 21 Feb 1878 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Barbara (daughter of Nicholas Martin and Catherine (Katie) Litwiller) was born on 25 Dec 1855 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 15 Apr 1944 in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Census: 1910, Logan Twp., Cuming Co., NE

Notes:

Obit: (Mennobits)
Birky.-Jacob D. Birky was born at Morton, Ill., July 25, 1855; died at his home at Kouts, Ind., July 12, 1926; aged 70 y. 11 m. 18 d. He was united in marriage with Emma Martin Sept. 25, 1884. To this union were born seven sons and four daughters, and 23 grandchildren. He was converted when a young man and united with the Amish Mennonite Church. When the first Sunday school was organized at Hopedale, Ill., he was the first superintendent of Sunday school. In 1895 he was ordained to the ministry and seven years later-in 1902-he was called to the office of bishop-thus serving faithfully in the ministry for 31 years. He is survived by his wife, seven sons, 4 daughters, 22 grandchildren, his aged mother-in-law (Mrs. Martin, 92 years old), 2 brothers (Joseph and Andrew), 3 sisters (Mrs. Mary Egle; Lizzie, and Mrs. Litwiller). He preached at his home church two weeks before his death. He was sick nearly two weeks, when he quietly passed away. His greatest concern was that his family and congregation be ready to meet their God in peace. Funeral on July 15 at Mennonite Church at Kouts, Ind., where a large number of friends from Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana met for the occasion. Services Bro. D. D. Miller, assisted by others.

Census:
Listed with wife, Emma; children, Dean, Jacob, Samuel, Emmanuel and Emma.  T624  Roll: 841  Page: 89

Buried:
Hopewell Mennonite Cemetery

Jacob married Emma Martin on 25 Sep 1884 in Tazewell Co., IL. Emma (daughter of Nicholas Martin and Catherine (Katie) Litwiller) was born on 24 Oct 1865 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 15 Oct 1957 in Kouts, Porter Co., IN; was buried on 17 Oct 1957 in Kouts, Porter Co., IN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
BIRKY. - On the 12th of September, 1900, near Hopedale, Ill., Valentine C. Birky, aged 42 years, 2 months and 18 days. He leaves a sorrowing companion, and five children, an aged mother, five brothers and four sisters to mourn his departure. He was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite congregation. His remains were laid away on the 14th. Funeral services by Isaac Miller, of Chesterville, Ill. Peace to his ashes.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Valentine married Anna Elizabeth Nafziger on 30 Aug 1883 in Tazewell Co., IL. Anna (daughter of Valentine Nafziger and Barbara Springer) was born on 17 May 1863 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 1 Dec 1950 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Egli-Mary, daughter of Christian and Catherine Birky, was born Aug. 13, 1860, near Morton, Ill. She was baptized and received into the Amish Mennonite Church near Hopedale, Ill., by Bishop Christian Nafziger on April 14, 1878. In this faith she remained faithful until death. On Jan. 3, 1886, she was united in marriage to Joseph Egli who preceded her in death Oct. 10, 1915. She leaves 7 children (Mrs. N. D. Kauffman, Abner, and Joel of Manson, Ia.; Dan of Hopedale, Ill.; Mrs. Simon Grieser of Wisner, Neb.; Mollie and Barbara at home). She also leaves 4 step-children (C. B. Egli and Mrs. D. H. Miller of Manson, Ia.; Mrs. Edwin Miller of Middlebury, Ind.; Mrs. V. H. Fleener of Hebron, Ind.), 1 brother (A. D. Birky of Milford, Neb.), and 1 sister (Lizzie Birky of Manson), 4 grandchildren, and 48 step-grandchildren. She suffered a paralytic stroke on July 7, 1931, and was an invalid from that time on. She was very patient during her affliction, never a word of complaint, but she often expressed a longing to be at rest and her wish has been granted. She passed away quite suddenly at her home in Manson, on the evening of March 2, 1936; aged 75 y. 6 m. 19 d. Funeral services were held March 5, at the Manson Mennonite Church, conducted by Bro. Nick Stoltzfus. Text, Jan. 11:14.
"Passing out of the shadow into a purer light,
Stepping behind the curtain, getting a clearer sight.
Laying aside a burden, this weary mortal coil,
Done with the world's vexations, done with its tears and toil."

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

Mary married Joseph E. Egli on 3 Jan 1886 in Tazewell Co., IL. Joseph (son of John Egli and Magdalena Gascho) was born on 3 Feb 1853 in Huron Co., Canada; died on 10 Oct 1915 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Birky.-Elizabeth, daughter of Christian and Catherine Birky, was born near Morton, Ill., Sept. 10, 1864; died Tuesday evening, Sept. 22, 1941; aged 77 y. 12 d. She with her family had moved to Hopedale, Ill, where she grew to womanhood. She was baptized and received into the Mennonite Church July 31, 1881, continuing in this faith to the end. In her younger years she cared for her aged mother. After her mother's death she made her home with her niece (Mrs. N. D. Kauffman) and family for thirty years. After the death of her niece she was cared for in the homes of her nephews, Abner and Joel Egli. Her health was very poor the last few years. She suffered from high blood pressure and heart trouble, but was not bedfast until the last three days. She became very ill on Saturday night, Sept. 19. She is the last of a family of ten children. She often expressed herself as being ready to depart this life. She leaves a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at Manson Mennonite Church on Sept. 25, with Bro. Nick Stoltzfus in charge. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

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]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• Residence: 1868, Bureau Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
Burkey.-Christian, son of Andrew and Lena Burkey, was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., Mar. 7, 1847; died at the home of his daughter (Mrs. Anna Guither; Feb. 13, 1933; aged 85 y. 11 m. 6 d. His childhood days were spent near the place of his birth. At the age of 18 years he was soundly converted, and united in Christian fellowship with the Mennonite Church in Tazewell county. On his removal from Tazewell Co. to Bureau Co. in 1868, he transferred his church relations to the Mennonite Church at Tiskilwa, of which congregation he remained a faithful and consistent member to the time of his death. On Dec. 26, 1869, he was united in marriage to Catherine Albrecht, who passed on to her reward in August, 1920. To this happy union were born 8 children, 5 of whom remain to mourn his passing namely: Andrew of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Daniel of Chicago; Fred of Oak Park; Edward of Ohio; Mrs. Anna Guither, of Walnut. Three children preceded him in death: Jacob, Mrs. Amelia Eigsti, and John. One brother (Valentine Burkey), 15 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren remain. A short funeral service was held Feb. 16 at the Guither home by H. V. Albrecht, followed by services at the Red Oak Church by C. A. Hartzler. Text, Acts 7:56.

Died:
Home of daughter Anna Guither

Buried:
Red Oak Cemetery - Funeral at Red Oak Church

Family/Spouse: Catherine Albrecht. Catherine (daughter of Joseph Albrecht and Barbara Rinkenberger) was born on 2 Apr 1850 in IL; died on 5 Aug 1920 in IL; was buried in Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Sausage maker and meat cutter in the Zion, IL store
• Religion: Mennonite, then Bowie’s Christian Catholic Church in Zion, IL
• USR1: Anthrax, carbuncles

Notes:

Obit: Waukegan Daily Sun, Tuesday, February 21, 1928

Andrew J. Burkey of Zion passed away at his apartment in Zion Home Sunday evening about eleven o'clock. Mr. Burkey has been a highly respected member of the community for more than twenty years and his death from anthrax, commonly called carbuncles, is a loss to the community. He leaves behind to mourn his loss his wife, Lena, and five sons and five daughters, three of whom reside in Zion. They are, Mrs. Fred Fleeger, Mrs. Burton Innes and Sam Burkey. Another son, Simon, lives in North Chicago, where he is the proprietor of a butcher shop. Services will be held from the branch tabernacle number eight Thursday afternoon at two thirty, Apostle Neal officiating. The body will be laid to rest in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
——————————————————
“Si Burkey was born into a Mennonite family 91 years ago, 1894, one of 12 children. His family were farmers around Pekin (Tazewell County), Illinois. They moved to Kansas where Si was born, after a number of years and following a four year drought and the loss of crops, the family moved to Walnut (Bureau County), Illinois. It was during these years that a younger sister, Marie, became ill. The family had heard of a healing minister in Chicago, named John Alexander Dowie. Marie elected to go to Chicago and be healed, which she was. She had an Uncle who lived in Zion when Dowie built the city, Peter Ropp, he was also made an elder in the original church, Marie came to Zion and lived with them. Elder Ropp appealed to Andrew Burkey, Si's father, to come to Zion. Andrew after his wife, Lena's urging, moved his family to Zion around 1905. They were members of the Christian Catholic Church where Si sang in the choir and was employed in the Zion Industries.

“Si's father became disenchanted with some of Zion's practices and decided to take his family to Warren, Wisconsin. Si was then 12 years old, where they lived for 3 to 4 years. After which the family moved back to Walnut, Illinois where they farmed for 5 to 6 years and later returned to Zion. Si worked as a sausage maker and meat cutter in the Zion Store, where he met Eva Brown. After a few years Si courted Eva, who now lived on the family farm outside of Zion near Wadsworth, Illinois.”
——————————————————
Andrew and Lena were originally Amish-Mennonite. They were married 29 Jan 1871 in Tazewell County, Illinois. They farmed many years in the area around Pekin, Illinois. They moved for a time to Decatur County, Kansas, but after several years of farming there and four years of continual drought the moved their family to Walnut, Bureau County, Illinois.

Sometime after moving to Walnut, their daughter Marie became ill. The family had heard of a healing minister in Chicago name John Alexander Dowie. Marie elected to go to Chicago and be healed, which she was. Marie had an uncle, Peter Ropp, her mother's sister Anna's husband, who lived in Zion when Dr. Dowie built the city (Peter also became one of the original elders of the Zion church). Marie came to Zion and lived with her aunt and uncle. Elder Ropp appealed to Andrew Burkey to come to Zion. Upon Lena's urging, Andrew moved his family to Zion around 1905. They became members of the Christian Catholic Church in Zion and Andrew was employed in the Zion Industries.

(Some of this information provided to Cathlene J. Landis by Andrew's granddaughter, Lorna Burkey Bieneman.)

In addition to the eleven children listed here at Find A Grave for Andrew and Lena Burkey, they had another son who lived to adulthood, John Fred Burkey, born 12 Sep 1884, in Tazewell County, Illinois and died 22 July 1974 in Alameda, Alameda County, California. His place of burial is unknown at this time.

Census records indicate that Andrew and Lena were the parents of 15 children, 12 of them living to adulthood. The names of their other three children are unknown at this time.

Buried:
Mount Olivet Memorial Park

Andrew married Magdalena Staker on 29 Jan 1871 in Tazewell Co., IL. Magdalena (daughter of Nicholas Staker (Steker) and Magdalena Eimer) was born on 10 Oct 1851 in Butler Co., OH; died on 28 Oct 1936 in Zion, Lake Co., IL; was buried in Zion, Lake Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
BIRKEY. - JOHN G. Birkey was born Jan. 14, 1853, in Tazewell Co., Ill.; died of hardening of the arteries Dec. 17, 1932; aged 79 y. 9 m. 3 d. He grew to manhood on his father's farm near Morton, Ill. On Feb. 22, 1873 [this should probably be 1876], he was married to Catherine Schrock of Roanoke, Ill. They lived on a farm near there for 23 years. In 1893, with their family, they moved to Champaign Co., Ill., where they resided on their own farm until 1913. In the spring of that year they moved to Manson, Iowa, and have since that time resided in their home in East Manson (except for a few years when they lived with their daughter Katie, Mrs. Ben Zehr). In his early youth he accepted Christ as his personal Savior, and united with the Mennonite Church, in which faith he continued until the end. During his lifetime he made many friends wherever he went by his kind disposition and friendliness. He was a man who enjoyed comparatively good health until about 8 weeks ago, when he began to fail. About 2 weeks ago his condition became more serious. During his illness he endured much pain and suffering, but he bore it patiently, waiting for the time that God should call him home. He leaves his life-long companion of nearly 57 years, 5 sons, 3 daughters, 40 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. The surviving children are: Lena (Mrs. Dave Springer), of Foosland, Ill.; Joe D. and Levi of Clarksville, Mich.; Andrew, John E., and Will, of Manson, Ia.; Lizzie (Mrs.Alpha Naffziger), of Rockwell City, Ia.; and Katie (Mrs. Ben Zehr), of Manson. Three children preceded him in death, 2 in infancy and 1 in early childhood. Although he will be greatly missed by his loved ones, yet we bow to Him who doeth all things well, and with trust and confidence say, "Thy will be done." Funeral services were held at his home in Manson, followed by services at the Manson Mennonite Church on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 20, conducted by J. D. Graber, Nick Stoltzfus, and A. R. Egli. Interment in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Birth:
FAG gives year as 1852

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

John married Catherine Schrock on 22 Feb 1876. Catherine (daughter of Christian (Christophe) Schrag (Serach) (Gerard) and Elizabeth Cender (Zentner)) was born on 25 Nov 1850 in Alsace Lorraine, FR; died on 22 Aug 1938 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey - Valentine A. was born near Morton, Ill., Aug. 12, 1857; died May 14, 1935; aged 78 y. 9 m. 2 d. On Dec. 30, 1883, he was united in marriage with Phoebe Zimmerman. They lived on a farm near Hopedale for five years. In 1892 they moved with their family to Champaign Co., where he resided on a farm north of Dewey most of the time until death. In his early youth he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and united with the Mennonite Church, in which faith he continued until the end. He was bedfast for four weeks, in which time he bore his suffering very patiently. He leaves his loving companion, 2 sons and 1 daughter. One son, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters preceded him in death. The surviving children are: Andrew F. of Fisher, Ill.; John C. of Dewey, Ill.; and Lena of Pigeon, Mich. Also Joe Springer, a nephew, who had lived with him for a number of years; 7 grandchildren (Elaine, Pearl, Harold, Alene, Bernice, Helen, and Lyle) with a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted at the East Bend Mennonite church, with Bro. J.S. Heiser of Fisher and Bro. E.B. Yordy of Eureka in charge. Interment in East Bend Cemetery.
"'Tis hard to part with Father dear,
No more to see him here;
But yet we're glad if God saw best
To end his trouble and give him rest,
In heaven to reign with angels fair,
May our names too be written there;
Then we again may each other meet
And walk with him the golden street."

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Valentine married Phoebe Zimmermann on 30 Dec 1883 in Bureau Co., IL. Phoebe (daughter of Andrew Zimmerman and Elizabeth Albrecht) was born on 13 Jan 1864; died on 5 Oct 1946; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Springer. - Lena Birkey Springer was born near Morton, Ill., Mar. 7, 1859; died at the home of her nephew, Edwin Birkey, near Fisher, Ill., June 20, 1928; aged 69 y. 3 m. 17 d. In March 1893 she was united in marriage with John Springer. To this union 1 son was born. In the spring of 1894 she moved with her husband to a farm near Dewey, Ill. In May, 1895, her husband was called to the spirit world, leaving her with her infant son whom she brought up and with whom she made her home. At the age of 16 she confessed her Christ and united with the Mennonite Church to which she remained a faithful and consistent member until death. Her health failed for the past year and she was a helpless sufferer for the past 5 months. She bore her sufferings patiently and was glad to depart to be with her Christ. She leaves 1 son (Joseph), 3 grandchildren, 3 brothers (Christian, John and Valentine), and a host of relatives and friends. One brother and 1 sister preceded her in death. Funeral services were conducted at the home of her nephew by Bro. Samuel S. Zehr and at the East Bend Mennonite Church by Bro. J. A. Heiser. Interment in cemetery near by.

Died:
At home of nephew Edwin Birky

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Magdalena married John Springer in Mar 1893. John was born on 7 Feb 1864 in FR; died on 26 May 1895 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jacobena married Jacob Augsburger on 26 Oct 1868 in Tazewell Co., IL. Jacob (son of Christian Augsburger and Madeleine Salzmann) was born on 19 Mar 1846 in Lorraine, FR; died on 23 Jan 1912 in McLean Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Barbara married Joseph Zook in 1869. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Birky. - Magdalena B., daughter of " Valentine and Magdalene Birky ( deceased), was born Nov. 29, 1850, near Morton, Ill., died Jan. 26, 1923, at her home in Normal, Ill. Her parents and the following sisters preceded her to the spirit world: Jacobina Augspurger, Normal, Ill., Barbara Zook, Manson, Iowa, Elizabeth Bachman, Cazenovia, Ill. Her sister, Catherine Birky, and brother, Valentine Birky, of Bloomington, Ill., with a host of relatives and friends, survive her death. Sister Birky has had ill health for a number of years. The cause of her death was due to heart and stomach trouble. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior early in life and remained faithful until the end. She was affiliated with the Mennonite Church and in this faith she died. She was a great sufferer during her life, yet withal possessed great patience. Loss of hearing did not make her lose her interest in every one and everything around her. Though we shall greatly miss her, especially is this true of her sister who has been her life companion, yet we joy that in her heavenly home there will be no more suffering or pain and she shall ever be with Christ whom she loved. We feel our loss, yet it can not be compared with her gain. The funeral was held at the home of her brother, Valentine Birky, Jan. 29, 1923. Bros. Grub and Troyer conducted the services. Text, Matt. 11:28. Interment in the Kauffman cemetery.

Buried:
Kaufman Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Kaufman Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite
• Residence: Aft 1887, Hudson, McLean Co., IL

Notes:

Valentine was born four months after his father’s death. He had four first cousins also named Valentine Birky. Two were born in his birth year of 1857; one in 1858; and one in 1854.

Buried:
Kaufman Cemetery

Valentine married Anna Ramseyer on 27 Jan 1887. Anna was born on 1 Aug 1865 in SW; died on 9 Nov 1927; was buried in Hudson, McLean Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1884, Garden City, Cass Co., MO
• Residence: 1889, Decatur Co., KS
• Residence: 1893, Thurman, Washington Co., CO

Notes:

Obit:
Birky. -Jos. D. Birky was born near Morton, Ill., Mar. 24, 1856; quietly passed away at his home in Hopedale, Ill., April 2, 1914; aged 58 y. 8 d. He was married to Elizabeth Wittrig, Oct. 24, 1882. To this union were born 7 children, of whom 4 sons and 2 daughters survive. One son died in infancy. He also leaves a loving companion, 2 grandchildren, 2 brothers, 3 sisters, and a large number of relatives and friends to mourn his departure. He had fully surrendered all to the will of God, who helped him bear his sickness patiently to the end. May God give US all grace to be faithful in His service. Funeral was held at the A. M. Church of which he was a member. Services were conducted by Jos. Egli in German and Simon Litwiller in English. He was laid to rest in the A. M. Cemetery.


The Herald of Truth - May 1, 1899 - pages 140-142
BIRKY. - On the 18th of March, 1899, Emanuel, infant son of Joseph D. and Elizabeth Birky, aged 9 months and 24 days. Buried on the 20th in the Amish graveyard near Hopedale, Ill. Funeral services by Joseph Egli and J. C. Birky.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Joseph married Elizabeth Wittrig on 25 Oct 1882 in Delavan, Tazewell Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Joseph Wittrig (Vitrich) and Anna Nancy Gascho) was born on 26 Mar 1858 in Noble, Washington Co., IA; died on 25 Feb 1932 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - July 2, 1946 - page 302
Birkey.-Christian C., son of Jacob and Magdalena (Hochstetler) Birkey, was born near Morton, Ill., Jan. 13, 1859; died at the Home for the Aged, Eureka, Ill., Feb. 23, 1946; aged 87 y. 1 m. 10 d. At the age of sixteen he moved with his parents to Cass Co., Mo. He made his home in Kansas from 1885 to 1910, when He moved to Shickley, Nebr. In 1940 he entered the Home for the Aged. In youth he accepted Christ and was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church until death. He leaves to mourn his departure 2 sisters (Katie and Mary, of Shickley) and other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Feb. 26 at the Home. Interment was made in the near-by cemetery.

Transcriber's Note: inappropriate capitalization in above obituary is copied from original.

Died:
Mennonite Home for the Aged

Buried:
“Nearby cemetery” - probably Roanoke Mennonite

Notes:

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Notes:

Obit:
Birky. - Elizabeth A., daughter of Jacob and Magdalena (Hochstetler) Birky, was born near Tremont, Ill., June 24, 1866; died at her home in Shickley, Nebr., Feb. 23, 1946; aged 79 y. 7 m. 29 d. At the age of nine she moved with her parents to Cass Co., Mo. In 1891 she went to Kansas and in 1904 to California, where she spent most of her time until 1920. Since then she made her home in and near Shickley. At an early age she accepted Christ as her Saviour and was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church. Surviving are 2 sisters (Katie and Mary, of Shickley) and other relatives and friends. Her brother Chris passed away at Eureka, Ill., about eleven hours after her death. Funeral services were held Feb. 25, at the home and at the Salem Mennonite Church, in charge of Peter Kennel and Fred Reeb. Burial was made in the church cemetery.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 154

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - August 13, 1942 - pages 430,431
Birky. - John J., youngest son of Jacob and Magdalena (Hochstettler) Birky, was born Feb. 12, 1868 near Tremont, Ill; died at his home in Shickley, Nebr., July 28, 1942; aged 74 y. 5 m. 6 d. At the age of 7 he moved with his parents to Cass Co., Mo., then in January 1891, he went to Kansas. At an early age he accepted Christ as his Saviour and was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church. Dec. 22, 1891 he was married to Nancy Jane Lantz at Oberlin, Kans. To this union were born 3 sons and 4 daughters. April 8, 1907 his wife passed away. In March, 1910, he with his family moved to Shickley, Nebr., where he has lived ever since. Feb. 14, 1915 he was married to Mary Good of Hopedale, Ill. He leaves his companion and 5 children (Mrs. Lulu Boshart of La Junta, Colo.; Mrs. Elsie Roth of South English, Iowa, Mrs. Ella Augustine and Elmer of Shickley; and Mrs. Ruth Horsch of Foosland, Ill.), 21 grandchildren, 3 sisters (Katie, Mary and Elizabeth Birky of Shickley), 1 brother (Chris of Eureka, Ill.), 3 nephews, and 2 nieces. He was preceded in death by 2 grandsons, 2 infant sons, 3 brothers, 1 sister, and, 2 nephews. He was much interested in the work of the Lord, always willing to do his part wherever he was needed, and always attended church services when health permitted. He took sick Dec. 6, 1939, and has been failing ever since. He was bedfast the last 7 weeks and often during that time wished he could go home. Funeral services conducted by the home ministers. Text, Mark 13:33. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.

"Our lives will be lonely, dear Father,
Without your sweet smile and your cheer;
Words fail to express how we'll miss you,
And those prayers in behalf of US here."

Buried:
Salem Cemetery - Shickley Mennonite: http://doyourememberthese.com/Gallery/Shickley-Mennonite-Cemetery

John married Nancy Jane Lantz on 25 Dec 1891. Nancy was born on 14 Jan 1873 in West Liberty, Logan Co., OH; died on 8 Apr 1907 in Oberlin, Decatur Co., KS; was buried in Dresden, Decatur Co., KS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Mary Good on 14 Feb 1915 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Mary (daughter of Josef (Joseph ) Guth (Good) and Katharina Stalter) was born on 28 Oct 1874 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 10 Jul 1966 in Geneva, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried on 13 Jul 1966 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Schrock - Catherine Birkey Schrock was born at the Morton, Ill., Jan 28, 1852; died Jan. 1, 1931, at the home of her daughter (Mrs. Dan Lichti) near Davenport, Neb.; aged 78 y. 11 m. 3 d. She was united in marriage to Christian C. Schrock in 1873. 13 children were born to this union. She leaves 7 daughters, 6 sons, 70 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 1 sister, 1 brother, and a host of other relatives and friends. Her husband and 8 grandchildren preceded her in death. She accepted Christ in her youth and was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church till her death. Funeral services were held at the home and at the church, Jan. 3, by Bros. Peter R. Kennel, Ben Schlegel and Fred Reeb. Burial in the Salem Cemetery near Shickley, Nebraska.
"We have no dear mother now.
There will be one vacant chair,
We shall long to caress her
When we breathe our evening prayer."

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Catherine married Christian C. “C.c.” Schrock on 27 Feb 1873 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Christian (son of Christian (Christophe) Schrag (Serach) (Gerard) and Elizabeth Cender (Zentner)) was born on 13 Jun 1847 in Alsace Lorraine, FR; died on 9 Aug 1926 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: The Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 2 - April 10, 1907 - page 32
EICHELBERGER.- Elizabeth (Birkey) Eichelberger was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., Sept. 19, 1852, and died Mar. 22, 1907; aged 53y. 6m. 3d. She united with the A. M. Church at the age of sixteen years and was a faithful member until the time of her death. She leaves a husband and eight children, a mother, three brothers and two sisters to mourn her departure but they mourn not as they who have no hope. She left bright evidence that she went to meet her Savior. Buried on the 24, at the Salem Church near Shickley, Neb. Funeral services were conducted by Joseph Rediger in German and N. E. Roth in English, both of Seward, Neb. May God comfort the bereaved family and may it be the means of leading us all a step nearer to our heavenly home. Peace to her ashes.
D. J. T.
———————————
In the fall of 1886 they relocated to Decature County, Kansas; then again on Oct. 20, 1903 to Schickley.

Birth:
1852?

Buried:
http://doyourememberthese.com/Gallery/Shickley-Mennonite-Cemetery/Eichelberger_Christian_and_Lizzie

Elizabeth married Christian Eichelberger on 18 Jun 1882 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Christian (son of George E. Eichelberger and Veronica (Fannie) Stalter) was born on 14 Feb 1852 in Washington, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 7 Mar 1936 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey. Jacob Birkey of Calkins, Mont., was born Sept. 19, 1855, at Morton, Tazewell Co., Ill.; married to Mary Martin, April 12, 1881; died Jan. 12, 1917; aged 61 y. 4 m. 12 d. He was married 35 y. 9 m. To this union were born 10 children who survive him. He leaves a sorrowing wife, 4 sons and 6 daughters who were all present at the funeral; 11 grandchildren, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters; 1 brother was present. He joined the Mennonite Church in his youth, and remained faithful to his end. Funeral services at the church at White Sulphur Springs, Montana, conducted by D. D. Kauffman.

Died:
FAG: White Sulphur Springs, Meagher Co., MT

Buried:
Mayn Cemetery

Jacob married Mary Ann Martin on 12 Apr 1881 in Tazewell Co., IL. Mary (daughter of Nicholas Martin and Catherine (Katie) Litwiller) was born on 9 Apr 1864 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 27 May 1952 in Creston, Flathead Co., MT; was buried in Kalispell, Flathead Co., MT. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Little formal education, but a degree in life’s experiences
• Occupation: Farmer
• Reference Number: 14
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Cancer (See Obit)
• Residence: 1887, Decatur Co., KS
• Residence: 1895, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• PURC: 9 Feb 1910, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• PURC: 26 Feb 1910, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• PURC: 27 Dec 1920, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Oct. 4, 1928 Gospel Herald
Birkey. - Valentine Birkey, son of Joseph and Mary Birkey, was born near Morton, Ill., Feb. 2, 1858; died Sept. 18, 1928; aged 70 y. 7 m. 16 d. He was united in marriage to Phoebe Good about 47 years ago. Surviving him are his wife, 4 sons, 5 daughters, 2 sisters, 1 brother, 31 grandchildren, and a large number of old relatives and friends. His parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, and 2 grandchildren preceded him to the spirit world. For several years his health seemed to be failing and later cancer developed, which caused his death. He was confined to his bed from June 15 until death. At times, his suffering and pain was very great, but he was very patient through it all. His condition did not seem to alarm him, and he was fully given up to Him who does all things well. He united with the Mennonite Church in his youth and proved faithful until the end. Funeral services were conducted at the home by Bro. S. S. Zehr and at the church by the Bros. Jake Zehr and Ezra Yordy. Text, 1 Cor. 13:12. Interment was made in the cemetery nearby.


Read at the Centennial Celebration of the East Bend Mennonite Church in 1989, in Fisher, IL
“My name is Valentine Birkey. My father was Joseph of the “Big Black” Birkeys, and my mother was Mary of the “Little Red” Birkeys. They both came from Germany to Tazewell County where they met and married. I was born in 1858 near Morton, Illinois, but my parents later moved to near Hopedale. It was at Hopedale that Phoebe Good and I were married in 1882. Here our two daughters Mollie and Bertha were born.

“About this time many families were moving west. In northwest Kansas land could still be homesteaded. We kept hearing there had been lots of rain the last few years and things were looking good. Some of my relatives were moving there, so my parents decided they would move too. It sounded like a good chance to own land, and Mother insisted that all her married children move too.

“So in April 1887, Phoebe and I packed for the long train ride. After arriving we stayed with my parents until September when Joe was born. We had taken out a timber claim which meant we had to plant 500 trees, live on the land and then the 160 acres would become ours. So that summer the men cut sod and built our sod house on the claim. the walls were two feet thick, which kept it really warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It was the roof that gave US trouble--the sod and tree branches always seemed to let the rain through. And I really didn’t like having the rattlesnakes living in the walls. My family had all taken claims very close by. The stagecoach form Oberlin to Colby, Kansas crossed over part of our farm.

“We had a large church congregation in Decatur County. Our services were held in the Swedish Covenant sod church on Sunday afternoons until we finished building our own sod church. The cemetery was 1/2 mile north of the church and that’s where we buried by brother Dan.

“After we got settled in Kansas it forgot to rain. Year after year we had crop failures. the corn would look beautiful in the spring and then the hot, dry winds came and in just a few days the field of corn would be ruined. One year the wheat headed out, but since it was only six inches tall it was too short to cut with the binder. Our only choice was to turn the pigs into the field to do the harvesting. We seemed to get poorer every year. Joe, Alvin and Kate were born in our sod house. We had to divide our potatoes and it was hard to have to feed the children “thick and thin” for supper. What was that? It was thick sour milk to which Phoebe added some fresh sweet milk. We gathered buffalo chips to burn in our stove. Those were hard years on the prairie.

“Families started moving away. Some of my cousins moved by covered wagon to Beemer, Nebraska to help start the church there. some moved back to Hopedale. Two of my sisters moved to Shickley, Nebraska, and eventually my brother Joe moved to Oregon, my brother Jake to Montana. One summer my cousin Christian J. Birkey came to visit. He was married to Phoebe’s sister, so he was my brother-in-law as well. Then he saw how bad things were, he urged US to sell out and come back to Illinois. I told him if I sold everything I owned it wouldn’t be enough to pay our way back.

“On our way to church every Sunday we would stop at the home of the Lund family to collect our mail. One Sunday morning there was a letter from Chris. Phoebe couldn’t wait till after church to read it. Chris said he had bought a farm in Champaign County were a new church had been started. He offered to send US money for the train fare. Chris was like that--he helped many people. It was very difficult for Phoebe and I to get much out of the church service that day.

“Well, we soon made plans to move to Illinois and it was a glad day when we got there. It was almost dark, and as we got near the house I said, “Oh, look at all the sheep out there in the pasture.” Well, when I looked out the next morning, I got a surprise! I saw it was tree stumps instead, and that meant I had a lot of work to do. But we had 20 good years there. East Bend church was building its first building, so I got to help with that. There was no bridge across the Sangamon River north of the church so we had to ford the river. About ten years later, John Naffziger and Chris Good put together a petition and we got a new bridge built across the river.

“After returning to Illinois, Silas, Joel, Ada and Edna joined our family. I was finally able to buy the farm 1/2 mile north of the church. I built a house and barn which are both still standing in 1989.

“I didn’t have much education, but I had a degree in life’s experiences. Looking back on the good and bad times I think we need the bitter lessons to better appreciate the good ones.”

Residence:
Went to Kansas for a homestead claim.

Residence:
After difficult years in Kansas moved back to Illinois.

PURC:
From C.C. and Lena Gut for $4,785. W1/2 of NE1/4, and East 25 acres of NW 1/4 of SW1/4, and W1/2 of W1/2 of NW1/4 of SW1/4 of Section 17 Twp 22N R8E

PURC:
From John Cender. Five acres-W 1/2 of E 1/2 of W 1/ of NW 1/4 of SW 1/4 of Section 17, Township 22N, Range 8E of 3rdPM

PURC:
From Cora A. and H. W. Baker for $8,100. SW1/4 of SW1/4 of Section 17 Twp22 N, R8E--”except a portion leased to the Ommish Mennonite Church Society.”

Died:
At his farm home.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery. Funeral by J. A. Heiser.

Valentine married Phoebe (Bena) Good on 15 Jan 1882 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Phoebe (daughter of Josef (Joseph ) Guth (Good) and Katharina Stalter) was born on 5 Sep 1863 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 16 Dec 1962 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried on 18 Dec 1962 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Cerebral Hemorrhage-paralytic stroke
• Residence: 1887, Decatur Co., KS
• PURC: Bef 1888, AR
• Residence: 1894, Wisner, Cuming Co., NE
• Residence: 1903, Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE
• Census: 1910, Fillmore Co., NE
• Residence: 1912, Tangent, Linn Co., OR
• Residence: 1920, Albany, Linn Co., OR

Notes:

Obit:
BIRKY. - Joseph, son of Joseph and Mary Birky, was born near Morton, Ill., Sept. 9, 1862; died Oct. 5, 1935. When he failed to answer the call for dinner he was found by his wife lying near his workshop with a stroke of paralysis. He lived about 13 hours after that, not having uttered a word. He accepted Christ in his youth and united with the Mennonite Church, remaining faithful to the end. In 1887 he moved with his parents to Decator Co., Kans. On Feb. 4, 1888, he united in marriage to Amelia Caroline Lund, near Oberlin, Kans. In 1894 he moved with his family to Wisner, Neb., in 1903 to Shickley, Neb., in 1912 to Tangent, Oreg., in 1920 to Albany, Oreg., where he lived the remainder of his life. He leaves his sorrowing companion and 6 children (Caroline, wife of Roy Stutzman, Cairo, Neb.; Amon W., Shickley, Neb.; Joseph A., Creston, Mont.; Lydia, wife of Albert Steckley, Albany, Oreg.; Ada, wife of Amos Roth, Albany, Oreg.; and Emma at home), 24 grandchildren, 1 sister (Barbara Egli of Hopedale, Ill.). His parents, 3 brothers (Jacob, Valentine, and Daniel), and 3 sisters (Mary, Catherine Schrock, and Elizabeth Eichelberger) preceded him in death. He was the first to break the family circle. He was much interested in the Church, and was much concerned in the spiritual welfare of his children and grandchildren in which he had much joy, and to know the children were serving the Lord in the same precious faith (of the Mennonite Church). The children were all present at the funeral excepting Amon, who with his family had left for home about 11 days before the call came to father, after visiting with his parents. Funeral services held Oct. 9 at the home and at the Fairview Mennonite Church by the brethren C. R. Gerig, Eli Frey, C. C. Steckley, Henry Gerig, and A. P. Troyer. Text, I Cor. 15; Heb. 6:27; II Cor. 1:3,4; Psa. 90. Interment in Knoxbutte Cemetery.

He has crossed o'er the river we spoke of,
With never a doubt nor with fears;
And now he is peacefully sleeping,
Beyond the valley of tears."
The family.

Residence:
with his parents took up homesteads between Oberlin and Selden

PURC:
purchased land, visited it several times, never resided there and later sold it.

Census:
Listed with wife Amelia; children Caroline, Amon, Joseph, Lydia, Emma, Ada
T624  Roll: 845  Page: 21

Buried:
Willamette Memorial Park - Originally interred at Knox Butte Cemetery, Albany, Oregon.

Joseph married Amelia Caroline Lund on 4 Feb 1888 in Oberlin, Decatur Co., KS. Amelia (daughter of August Lund and Barbara King) was born on 2 Aug 1869 in Gridley, McLean Co., IL; died on 29 Oct 1955 in Albany, Linn Co., OR; was buried in Albany, Linn Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Egli. - Barbara Birkey Litwiller Egli was born Dec. 3, 1867 near El Paso, Ill.; died at her home in Hopedale, Ill., after a lingering illness. On the morning of May 21 she suffered a stroke, passing away in the evening of May 22, aged 74 y. 5 m. 19 d. She united with the Mennonite Church in youth, and remained a faithful member until death. She was a Sunday-school teacher since Sunday school started, whenever her health permitted. Oct. 9, 1888, she was united in marriage to Joseph Litwiller. Seven children were born to this union (Joseph of Armington, William of Winamac, Ind.; Roy, Emery, and Alma of Hopedale). She also leaves 29 grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death twenty-one years ago, also 2 sons (Eli and an infant son) and a daughter-in-law. She was again united in marriage to Jacob Egli, Feb. 19, 1928. She leaves her husband, 4 stepchildren (Mrs. Aaron Litwiller, Armington, Mrs. Asa Nafziger, Minier, John and Simon Egli of Hopedale), 29 step-grandchildren, and 15 step-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held May 24 at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, conducted by Bros. Ben Springer and Simon Litwiller. Interment in the Mennonite Cemetery.

"Her longing wish is granted,
Her pain and misery are ended.
Into Heaven's mansions she entered,
Never to sigh or to weep.
Mother has fallen asleep."

Barbara married Joseph B. Litwiller on 9 Oct 1888 in Seldon, KS. Joseph (son of Joseph Litwiller and Catherine Birky) was born on 27 Dec 1864 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 16 Jan 1921 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Barbara married Jacob Egli on 19 Feb 1928. Jacob was born on 26 Jan 1863 in Canada; died on 5 Mar 1946 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

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

Notes:

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

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

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetery

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

Notes:

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Joseph married Barbary Nagler on 7 Feb 1882 in McLean Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXIX, No. 15, August 1, 1902, page 239
EICHELBERGER.-July 3rd, 1902, near Flanagan, Ill., George Eichelberger, aged 85 Y., 1 M., 16 D. He leaves four sons and five daughters to mourn his departure, yet not as those who leave no hope. Funeral services at the Amish Mennonite M. H., near Hopedale, by Jno. C. Birky, J. P. Smith, Daniel Slagel and Jos. Egli. Interment in the A. M. graveyard west of Hopedale.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

George married Fannie Egli on 14 Apr 1887 in Tazewell Co., IL. Fannie was born on 27 Jan 1865 in Zurich, Hay Co., Ontario, Canada; died on 4 Sep 1905 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried on 6 Sep 1905 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Notes:

Obit:
Litwiller. - Joseph B. Litwiller was born Dec. 27, 1864, near Hopedale, Ill.; died Jan. 16, 1921, at his home near Minier, Ill.; aged 56 y. 20 d. He united with the Amish Mennonite Church in his youth and was a faithful member until death. In 1888 he was united in marriage to Barbara Birkey. To this union were born 7 children. He leaves his sorrowful companion, 5 sons, 1 daughter, mother, 3 sisters, 5 brothers, and a host of relatives and friends. His sudden death was caused from hemorrhages of the stomach. Brethren Samuel Gerber and Simon Litwiller conducted the funeral services.
 "Father, thou hast left us lonely,
  And our loss we deeply feel;
  But we hope some day to meet thee,
  In that heavenly home beyond."

Joseph married Barbara Birky on 9 Oct 1888 in Seldon, KS. Barbara (daughter of Joseph Bürcky (Birki) and Maria (Mary) Bircky (Birky)) was born on 3 Dec 1867 in El Paso, Livingston Co., IL; died on 22 May 1942 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Eichelberger. - Saloma Litwiller Eichelberger, daughter of Joseph and Katherine Litwiller, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Oct. 6, 1871; died Jan. 28, 1929; aged 58 y. 3 m. 22 d. On Dec. 18, 1892, she was married to Christian Eichelberger. To this union were born seven children, 4 sons and 3 daughters (Albert, Delavan, Ill.; Joseph, Emden, Ill.; Alma Birky, Delavan, Ill.; Katie Nafziger, Hopedale, Ill.; Christian, Amos and Esther at home). She leaves to mourn her departure her sorrowing companion, 7 children, 15 grandchildren, 4 brothers, 2 sisters, and a host of relatives and friends. She united with the Mennonite Church in her youth and was a faithful member until death. During all her illness she was very patient. Although all that loving hands could do, was done for her, the Lord saw best to call Mother home to where there is no more sorrow or pain. While the loss sustained by her departure is keenly felt, we are thinking of her eternal gain. The testimony she gave only a few moments before falling asleep gives us the assurance that all is well, and that if we live as God would have us to live we will meet her again in the Spirit world. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, conducted by Bros. Samuel Gerber and Benj. Springer. Text, Rom. 5:1, 2. Burial in the Mennonite cemetery near Hopedale

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Salome married Christian Eichelberger on 18 Dec 1892. Christian (son of Christian Eichelberger and Marie Schantz) was born on 24 Nov 1865; died on 25 Mar 1939 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Nafziger.-Lydia, daughter of John and Fanny (Birkyy) Litwiller, was born near Delavan, Ill., Jul. 22, 1867; passed away at her home in Hopedale, Ill., following an illness of several months, Dec. 11, 1946; aged 79 y. 4 m. 19 d. On Aug. 28, 1890, she was united in marriage to John Nafziger, who preceded her in death on Aug. 12, 1917. Surviving are 8 children (Alma-Mrs. Lee Sutter, Leah-Mrs. Emery Good, Martha, and Orrin, all of Hopedale; Amos, Glendora, Calif.; Mary -Mrs. Ralph Imhoff, Eureka, Ill.; Fanny - Mrs. Raymond Sommer, Saybrook, Ill. ; and Agnes -Mrs. Robert Hartzler, Morton, Ill.) 24 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers (Amos, Simon, and John, all of Hopedale; and Aaron, of Delavan), 2 sisters (Mrs. J. W. Springer, of Hopedale; and Mrs. A. C. Birkey, Manson, Iowa). One daughter (Edna), one brother (Ben), and one sister (Mrs. Val Springer) preceded her in death. In her youth she accepted Christ as her Saviour and united with the Hopedale Mennonite Church, and was a faithful member until death. Funeral services were held Dec. 14 at the home, in charge of Ben Springer, and at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, in charge of Roy D. Roth. Text, Heb. 4:9. Burial was made in the church cemetery near Hopedale.

Birth:
June 27?

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Lydia married John Nafziger on 28 Aug 1890. John (son of John O. Nafziger and Maria Burkey) was born on 7 Apr 1868 in Little Mackinaw Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 12 Aug 1917 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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

Katie married Valentine Springer on 9 Mar 1890. Valentine (son of Joseph Springer and Barbara Nafziger) was born on 2 Oct 1864 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 25 May 1947 in Lincoln, IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Benjamin married Emma Litwiller on 2 Jan 1896. Emma was born on 20 Feb 1870 in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 5 Sep 1956 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

Elizabeth married Andrew C. Birkey on 6 Dec 1903 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Andrew (son of John G. Birkey and Catherine Schrock) was born on 7 Jul 1879 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; died on 26 Oct 1959 in Rockwell City, Calhoun Co., IA; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:

LITWILLER, Amos, son of John and Fannie (Birky) Litwiller, was born at Delavan Ill., Jan. 14, 1876; died at the Hopedale (Ill.) Nursing Home, April 18, 1966; aged 90 y. 3 m. 4 d. On Dec. 24, 1899, he was married to Barbara Ann Nafziger, who died March 26, 1957. Surviving are 7 children (Leonard, John P., Mrs. Alma Kauffmann, Mrs. Erma Nafziger, Mrs. Marie Sutter, Mrs. Mabel Zehr, and Mrs. Edna Thompson), 25 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (John E. and Aaron). He was a member of the Hopedale Church, where funeral services were held April 21, with Ivan Kauffmann and Norman Kauffmann officiating.

-Gospel Herald Obituary, May 1966

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Amos married Barbara Ann Naffziger on 24 Dec 1899. Barbara (daughter of Peter J. Naffziger and Magdalena Nafziger) was born on 10 Mar 1872 in Boynton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 26 Mar 1957 in Hopedale Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
Delavan?

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Church

Mary married Joseph W. Springer on 9 Feb 1896. Joseph (son of Joseph Springer and Barbara Nafziger) was born on 3 May 1871 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 28 Nov 1956 in Lincoln, IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Religion: Mennonite
• Baptism: Oct 1898, Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL
• Ordained: 15 May 1910, Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL
• Ordained: 11 Jan 1925, Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume XLIX , Number 30 - July 24, 1956-page 719
Litwiller, Simon, son of John and Fanny (Birkey) Litwiller, was born June 29, 1880, near June 30, 1956; aged 76 y. 1d. He accepted Christ in his youth and became a member of the Hopedale Mennonite Church. On Feb. 7, 1905, he was united in marriage to Katie Ehrisman. His wife and the following children survive (Lester, Carlock; Chancy, Washington, Iowa; William, Minier, Ill.; Allen, Secor, Ill.; Esther, Freda, and Rachel, of Hopedale). Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and the following brothers and sisters (Amos, John E., and Mrs. J. W. Springer, of Hopedale; Aaron, of Morton, Ill.; and Mrs. Andrew Birkey, Manson, Iowa). Three sisters and 2 brothers preceded him in death. On May 14, 1910 , he was ordained the Christian ministry to served the Hopedale congregation. On Jan. 11, 1925, he was ordained bishop at the same place. He also had bishop oversight of the Goodfield, Morton, Dillon, and Midway congregations. His first concern was the cause of Christ and His church. Even throughout his illness, the church was uppermost in his thought. Funeral services were held July 3 at the Hopedale Mennonite Church with Ivan Kauffman, Ben Springer, J. N. Kaufman, and A. C. Good conducting the services. J. D. Hartzler was in charge of the services at the Funeral Home, and Howard Zehr at the Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery. Pallbearers were ministers from the Central Illinois Conference.

Baptism:
By J. C. Birky.

Ordained:
By Bishop Andrew Schrock

Ordained:
By Bishop Samuel Gerber

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Simon married Katie Erisman on 7 Feb 1905 in Hudson, McLean Co., IL. Katie (daughter of Rudolph Erisman and Veronica Ridiger) was born on 16 May 1883 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL; died on 21 May 1971 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Phoebe Good on 19 Jan 1908 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL. Phoebe (daughter of John Good and Mary Rich) was born on 21 Jul 1889 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 24 Nov 1979 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Aaron married Lena Egli in 1906. Lena was born on 6 Sep 1886 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 29 Jun 1970 in Peoria, Peoria Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Birky. Christian Benjamin, son of Christian and Barbara Birky, was born June 4, 1879, at Delavan, Ill.; died at his home near Fisher, Ill., June 3, 1940, just two hours before his 61st birthday. On Jan. 6, 1902, he was married to Kathryn Birky, who preceded him in death Dec. 1, 1903. On Jan. 25, 1905, he was married to Magdalena Cender. To this union were born 4 children, the eldest having preceded him in death in infancy. He leaves his sorrowing wife, and 3 children (Harvey of Goshen, Ind.; Lewis and Martha at home). Four brothers and 1 sister also survive (Lewis and William of Kouts, Ind.; John of Foosland, Ill.; Alvin and Mrs. Alvin Heiser of Fisher, Ill.). One brother and 3 sisters preceded him in death. In his youth he gave his heart to the Lord and his hand to the Church, serving Him faithfully until death. He served the Church as Sunday-school teacher for many years and as trustee for more than twenty years. Our great loss is his eternal gain. Funeral services were conducted at the East Bend Mennonite Church, with Bros. J. A. Heiser and Harold Zehr in charge.

Chris and Lena Birkey raised their family at "'the grove,” on the Fisher-Foosland road.

Birth:
Grave stone gives 1879

Died:
At home

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Christian married Katharine (Katie C.) Birky (Birkey) on 26 Jan 1902. Katharine (daughter of Christian J. Birky (Birkey) and Elizabeth Guth (Good)) was born on 7 Oct 1880 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 1 Dec 1903 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Christian married Magdalena Cender on 24 Jan 1905 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Magdalena (daughter of Joseph Cender and Mary Rouvenacht) was born on 12 Jun 1876 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL; died on 23 Sep 1962 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald Obit:
Springer - Anna, daughter of Chris H. and Barbara (Wittrig) Birky, was born near Hopedale, Ill., Aug. 13, 1880; passed away at the Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Ill., March 22, 1935, after an illness of several months' duration; aged 54 y. 7 m. 9 d. On Jan. 25, 1903, she was united in marriage to John A. Springer. To this union were born 3 sons and 2 daughters. Her husband, father, 2 sisters, and 1 brother preceded her in death. She is survived by five children (Raymond, Erwin, Lawrence, Ada, of Hopedale, Mrs. Edna Horsch of Fisher, Ill.), 2 grandchildren, her mother (Mrs. C. J. Birky), and the following brothers and sister: William Birky, Stanford, Ill.; Chris and John Birky, Foosland, Ill.; Louis Birky, Kouts, Ind.; Alvin Birky and Elizabeth Hieser, Fisher, Ill.; also many other relatives and friends. She united with the Mennonite church in her youth and remained a faithful member to the end. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, conducted by the brethren, Simon Litwiller and Ben Springer. Interment in Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery.

*Transcriber's note: The mother is listed as Mrs. C. J. Birky in the original. Earlier in the obit her husband is listed as Chris H. Birky.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Anna married John A. Springer on 28 Jan 1903. John (son of Johann Springer and Elizabeth Nafziger) was born on 24 Dec 1877 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 16 Feb 1924 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried on 21 Feb 1924 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Consumption

Notes:

Obit:
Birky. - Joseph P Birky was born Nov. 23, 1881; died Oct. 29, 1908; aged 27 y. 11 m. 6 d. He united with the Amish Mennonite church near Hopedale, Tazewell Co., Ill., in his youth and was a faithful member until his death. He was united in marriage to Barbara Bechler about four years ago. To this union were born two daughters. About eight months ago he with his family moved to Fisher, Champaign Co., Ill., where he died of the lingering disease of consumption. Funeral services were held at the church near Fisher, Ill., by Daniel Grieser in German and Peter Zehr in English. The remains were removed to Hopedale, Ill., for burial, where services were conducted by Peter Zehr of Foosland, Ill., in German and Samuel Garber of Tremont Ill., in English. The deceased leaves a sorrowing wife, two daughters, father, mother, five brothers, four sisters and many friends to mourn his early departure. C. W. S.

Died:
Funeral at East Bend

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Joseph married Barbara Bechler about 1904. Barbara (daughter of Bechler) was born on 2 May 1881 in Huron Co., Ontario, Canada; died on 27 Aug 1978 in USA; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• Residence: Mar 1918, Kouts, Porter Co., IN

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald Obit:
Birky, Lewis Albert, son of Christian and Barbara (Wittrig) Birky, was born near Hopedale, Ill., Aug. 16, 1885; died Oct. 30, 1957; aged 72 y. 2 m. 14 d. In his youth he united with the Mennonite Church at Hopedale, Ill. He was married to Bertha Martin on Dec. 30, 1906. Surviving are his widow, 3 sons and one daughter (Chauncey, Arthur, Ralph, and Ina-Mrs. Allen Good, all of Kouts, Ind.), 13 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. A son (Roy) and a daughter (Mildred) preceded him in death. The family lived in the Hopedale vicinity until March, 1918, when they moved to Kouts, Ind., where they have since resided. He was a charter member of the Hopewell Mennonite Church of this place. Funeral services were held Nov. 2 in change of Samuel S. Miller and Emanuel Birky. Burial in the church cemetery.

Residence:
Lived in Hopedale area until moving to Kouts

Buried:
Hopewell Mennonite Church cemetery

Lewis married Bertha Martin on 30 Dec 1906. Bertha was born on 11 Apr 1887 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 27 Feb 1967 in Kouts, Porter Co., IN; was buried in Kouts, Porter Co., IN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Christian Nafziger. Christian was born on 12 Jul 1885. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Family/Spouse: Annie Bechler. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Heart failure and Cancer

Notes:

Obit:
Heiser, Elizabeth, daughter of Christian H. and Barbara (Wittrig) Birky, was born in Tazewell Co., Ky., Mar. 18, 1892; died of heart failure and cancer at Burnham City Hospital, Champaign, Ill., Nov. 14, 1971; aged 79 y. 7 m. 27 d. On Jan. 10, 1910, she was married to Alvin Heiser, who preceded her in death Feb. 9, 1971. Surviving are 3 daughters (Alice - Mrs. Hubert King, Inez - Mrs. Maurice Schaer, and Clara - Mrs. Clarence Eichelberger), 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers (John S., William, and Alvin). She was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Nov. 17, in charge of Irvin Nussbaum and Harold Zehr; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Elizabeth married Alvin Heiser on 5 Jan 1910. Alvin (son of Jacob Heiser and Elizabeth Bachman) was born on 9 Jan 1886 in Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 9 Feb 1971 in Champaign Co., IL; was buried on 11 Feb 1971 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, Feb 9, 1974
Birky, John S., son of Christian and Barbara (Wittrig) Birky, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Aug. 21, 1895; died at Foosland, Ill., Jan. 17, 1974; aged 78 y. 4 m. 27 d. On Oct. 4, 1916, he was married to Fanny Naffziger, who preceded him in death on Jan. 28, 1972. On Aug. 11, 1973, he was married to Stella Berkey, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Wilbert and Wayne), 3 daughters (Arneitta-Mrs. Harold Birkey, Geneva-Mrs. Ellis Good, and Betty-Mrs. John Zehr), 21 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Bill and Alvin). He was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 20, in charge of Irvin Nussbaum and James Dunn; interment in the East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

John married Fannie Louise Naffziger on 4 Oct 1916 in Champaign Co., IL. Fannie (daughter of John William Naffziger and Mary Nellie Springer) was born on 16 Dec 1893 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 28 Jan 1972 in Sarasota, FL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Stella Berkey on 11 Aug 1973. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, January 25, 1977, page 86.
Birky.- Alvin Levi, son of Christian and Barbara (Wittrig) Birky, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Oct. 30, 1897; died of a heart attack at Spencerville, Ind., Dec. 28, 1976; aged 79 y. On Aug. 28, 1918, he was married to Elizabeth Heiser, who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters (Delilah-Mrs. Paul Stamm, Margie-Mrs. Jesse Liechty, and Edith-Mrs. John C. King), one son (Eldon), 19 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and one brother (William). He was a member of the North Leo Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 31, in charge of Alvin Beachy, Roy Yoder, and Clifford Miller; interment in Leo Cemetery.

Buried:
Leo Memorial Cemetery

Alvin married Elizabeth Heiser on 28 Aug 1918 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Jacob Heiser and Elizabeth Bachman) was born on 29 May 1897 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; died in 1994 in IN; was buried in Leo, Allen Co., IN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
He and his second wife died twelve hours apart.

Buried:
Mt. Olivet Memorial Cemetery

Samuel married Anna M. Burkey in 1901. Anna (daughter of Andrew James Burkey and Magdalena Staker) was born on 13 Jun 1880 in Bureau Co., IL; died on 28 May 1942 in Zion, Lake Co., IL; was buried in Zion, Lake Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Samuel married Lucy Elnora Caulkins in Jun 1943. Lucy was born on 20 Feb 1877 in Auburn Co., WI; died on 25 Nov 1962 in Zion, Lake Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Consumption

Notes:

Obit:
BIRKY - On the 29th of April, near Hopedale, Ill., after a protracted period of suffering with consumption, Emma, daughter of John C. Birky, aged 22 years, 7 months and 12 days. In her sixteenth year she was baptized as received into church membership. She suffered with patience and submitted herself fully to the will of God. A short time before her death she said to her brothers and sisters, that they should not weep for her; that she was going home. She was buried on the first of May; services were conducted by Joseph Litwiller of Fremont, and Daniel Grieser, of Dewy, Ill.
Her mother was Magdalena Zimmer Birky, who died in 1893

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume XLVII , Number 36 - September 7, 1954--- page 862

Roth, Kathryn, daughter of John C. and Magdalena Birky, was born near Delavan, Ill, June 10, 1882; passed away at her home at Nampa, Idaho, after a lingering illness, Aug. 3, 1954; aged 72 y.1 m. 23 d. She was a member of the Nampa Mennonite Church. She endured many years of suffering with much patience. On Jan. 1, 1908, she was married to William W. Roth. They lived in Nebraska, Colorado, and Montana before moving to Nampa, Idaho, where she lived until her death. Surviving her in addition to her husband are 3 daughters (Edna-Mrs. Elliott H. Zuercher, Caldwell, Idaho; Esther-Mrs. Warren E. Spangenberg, Nampa, Idaho; and Delma-Mrs. Robert N. Zuercher, Salt Lake City, Utah), 9 grandchildren, 4 brothers (Samuel Birky, Pullman, Mich.; Jacob Birky, Valparaiso, Ind.; Christian Birky, Manson, Iowa; and Levi Birky, Wanatah, Ind.), 2 sisters (Mrs. Magdalena Kauffman, Hopedale, Ill.; and Mrs. Bertha Kipfer, Rolfe, Iowa), 4 half brothers (Albert Birky, Conneautville, Pa.; John Birky, Hopedale, Ill.; Menno Birky, Peoria, Ill; and Simon Birky, Tremont, Ill.), one half sister (Elizabeth Birky, Peoria, Ill.), and 3 stepbrothers (Chris H. Nafziger, Albany, Oreg.; William Nafziger, Peoria, Ill., and Dan B. Nafziger, Hopedale, Ill.). Funeral services were held at the Nampa Mennonite Church with E. S. Garber in charge assisted by D. A. Good and R. E. Garber. Interment was made in the Kohlerlawn Cemetery.

Buried:
Kohlerlawn Cemetery

Kathryn married William W. Roth on 1 Jan 1908. William (son of Christian Roth and Magdalena Wittrig) was born on 13 Jun 1882 in Noble, Washington Co., IA; died on 16 May 1962 in Nampa, Canyon Co., ID; was buried in Nampa, Canyon Co., ID. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Church Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Hopewell Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obit: --Gospel Herald, - Volume LXIII, Number 3 - January 20, 1970, page 71
Birky, Elizabeth, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Dec. 17, 1897; died at the Washington Nursing Center, Dec. 18, 1969; aged 72 y. 1 d. Surviving are 8 brothers and one sister. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Funeral services were held at the Ann Street Church with John R. Lehman officiating; interment in the Hopedale Cemetery.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, Vol. 85, No. 10, Mar. 10 1992
Birky, Albert R., 92. Born: Jan. 12, 1900, Hopedale, Ill., to John C. and Elizabeth (Greiser) Birky. Died: Feb. 9, 1992, Goshen, Ind. Survivors-wife: Kate Miller; children: Dorothy Mishler, Marjorie Hooley, Ivan, Vernon, Joyce McCreary. Funeral and burial: Feb. 13, Shore Mennonite Church, by Barry Loop.

Buried:
Shore Mennonite Church Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Katherine M. Miller. Katherine was born in 1904; died in 2001. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

John married Gertrude Kathryn Nafziger on 1 Nov 1933 in Valparaiso, Porter Co., IN. Gertrude was born on 28 Dec 1912; died on 30 Jan 2002; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Illinois State University
• Occupation: Teacher, Coach And Served As School Principal
• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Congestive Heart Failure

Notes:

Obit: -Gospel Herald Obituaries - July 13, 1993
Birky, Simon G., 85, Hopedale, Ill. Born: July 23, 1907, Hopedale, Ill., to John C. and Elizabeth Grieser Nafziger Birky. Died: June 16, 1993, Hopedale, Ill., of congestive heart failure. Survivors-wife: Ruth Miller; children: Jerold L., John L., Karen Nachtigall; 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild. Predeceased by an infant son. Funeral and burial: June 19, Hopedale Mennonite Church, by H. J. Smith and Carl Horner.

-Children: Jerold L., John L., and Karen (Nachtigall).

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Simon married Ruth Miller on 25 Dec 1936 in Delavan, Tazewell Co., IL. Ruth (daughter of Eli N Miller and Amanda Hostetler) was born on 23 Sep 1917 in Aurora, Portage Co., OH; died on 16 Sep 2016 in Normal, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• Residence: 1896, Cuming Co., NE

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume LI, Number 7 - February 18, 1958-page 166, 167
Birky, Daniel, son of the late Joseph H. and Katie (Zimmer) Birky, was born in Tazewell County, Ill., Feb. 18, 1876; passed away at the Sunset home for the Aged near Geneva, Nebr., Jan. 15, 1958; aged 81 y. 10 m. 28 d. Death was the result of a heart attack. At the age of seven he moved with his parents to Decatur Co., Kans. In 1896 they moved to Cuming Co., Nebr. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and was received into the Mennonite Church remaining faithful until death. In 1900 he was married to Lydia Shertz of Hopedale, Ill. In 1925, he was ordained to the office of deacon in which capacity he served for 32 years. He leaves his wife, one daughter (Mrs. Gideon Miller, Beemer, Nebr.), 4 brothers (Amos, Tangent, Oreg.; Joe, Beemer, Nebr.; Simon, Detroit Lakes, Minn.; and Jake, Strang, Nebr.), 5 sisters (Katie-Mrs. Henry Steider, and Lizzie-Mrs. C. S. Oswald, Shickley, Nebr.; Sadie-Mrs. Joe Eichelberger, Emma-Mrs. Dan Nitzsche and Alma-Mrs. Ed. Wittrig, all of Beemer, Nebr.), and 7 grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at the Plum Creek Mennonite Church, in charge of P. O. Oswald, Sam Oswald, A. M. Miller and Earnest Kauffman. Interment in the Beemer Cemetery.

Residence:
With his parents at age seven.

Buried:
Beemer Cemetery

Daniel married Lydia Schertz in 1900. Lydia was born on 12 Feb 1874 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 12 Mar 1960 in NE; was buried in NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Heart attack

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume LI, Number 42 - October 21, 1958-page 1009, 1010
Birky, Amos, son of Joe and Katie (Zimmer) Birky; born in Illinois on Feb. 22, 1878; passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Glenn Kuhns, Tangent, Oreg., Sept. 14, 1958; aged 80 y. 6 m. 23 d. Married in Dec., 1900, to Lena Schneider, who died in 1915. To this union two daughters were born (Tillie-Mrs. Glenn Kuhns, Tangent, Oreg.; and Nellie, who preceded him in death). Married later to Fanny Yantzi, who died Jan. 30, 1953. Surviving besides his daughters are 6 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers (Joe, Beemer, Nebr.; Simeon, Frazee, Minn.; Jake, Shickley, Nebr.), 5 sisters (Mrs. Henry Steider and Mrs. Chris Oswald, Shickley, Nebr.; Mrs. Joe Eichelberger, Mrs. Dan Nitzsche, and Mrs. Ed Wittrig, all of Beemer, Nebr.). Member of the Fairview Church, Albany, Oreg., where services were held on Sept. 17, in charge of Henry Gerig and Verle Nofziger; burial near Lebanon, Oreg.

Buried:
Fairview Mennonite Cemetery

Amos married Magdalena Schneider in Dec 1900. Magdalena was born in 1879 in SW; died in 1915; was buried in Beemer, Cuming Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Sunset Home

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Henry Steider. Henry (son of John Steider and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Wagler) was born on 2 Jun 1878 in IL; died on 9 Dec 1963 in Geneva, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Elizabeth married Christian Oswald on 7 Sep 1902. Christian (son of Christian Oswald and Mary Springer) was born on 14 Apr 1883 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 28 Mar 1948 in Bruning, Thayer Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
http://www.deathfigures.com/index.php?id=Bi-71886901

Family/Spouse: Phoebe Kerler. Phoebe was born on 28 Nov 1892. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Birky.- Simon, son of Joseph and Katie (Zimmer) Birky, was born at Oberlin, Kan., July 7, 1887; died at Community Hospital, Luverne, Minn., after a short illness, May 30, 1969; aged 81 y. 10 m. 23 d. On Feb. 4, 1920, he was married to Lena Grieser, who survives. Also surviving are 4 children (Anna-Mrs. Leland Zehr, Wilford, Lyle, and Loren), 16 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters (Lizzie-Mrs. Chris Oswald, Emma-Mrs. Dan Nitzsche, and Alma-Mrs. Ed Wittrig), and 2 brothers (Joe and Jake). He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters. He was a member of the Lake Region Church, where funeral services were held June 2, with Glen Birky officiating. Memorial services were held June 1 at the First Baptist Church in Luveme, with Stanley Lugenbill officiating; interment in Lake Region Cemetery, Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Simon married Magdalena Greiser on 4 Feb 1920. Magdalena was born on 3 Jul 1895. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
http://www.deathfigures.com/index.php?id=Bi-12231777

Family/Spouse: Emma Nitzchie. Emma was born on 29 Sep 1892; died on 30 May 1954. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Eichelberger, Sarah Ann, daughter of J. H. and Katherine (Zimmer) Birky, was born at Oberlin, Kans., Aug. 24, 1892; died at the Logan Valley Hospital, Pender, Nebr., Feb. 21, 1962; aged 69 y. 5 m. 28 d. She came to Nebraska from Kansas in 1896 and lived in the Beemer community the rest of her life. On March 5, 1914, she was married to Joe Eichelberger, who survives. Also surviving are 4 children (Lois-Mrs. Menno Erb, Benton, Ind.; Harold, Beemer; Clifford, Glendive, Mont.; and Marilyn-Mrs. Rolland Oswald, Beemer), 18 grandchildren, one great-grandson, 4 sisters (Katie-Mrs. Henry Steider, Geneva, Nebr.; Mrs. Lizzie Oswald, Shickley, Nebr.; Emma-Mrs. Dan Nitzsche and Alma-Mrs. Ed Wittrig, both of Beemer), and 3 brothers (Joe, Beemer; Simon, Detroit Lakes, Minn.; and Jake, Strang, Nebr.). Two brothers, one daughter, one infant son, and one grandchild preceded her in death. She was a faithful member of the Beemer Church, where funeral services were held Feb. 25, in charge of Sam Oswald and A. M. Miller.

Buried:
Beemer Cemetery

Sarah married Joseph Eichelberger on 5 Mar 1914. Joseph (son of George Eichelberger and Fannie Egli) was born on 8 Apr 1891 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 13 Dec 1975 in Beemer, Cuming Co., NE; was buried in Beemer, Cuming Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:

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

Buried:
Beemer Cemetery

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

Notes:

Obit: (Mennobits)

Wittrig.- Alma Birky, daughter of Joseph and Catherine Birky, was born in Wisner, Nebr., Sept. 28, 1896; died at Albany, Oreg., June 1, 1987; aged 90 y. On Mar. 21, 1916, she was married to Ed Wittrig, who died on Nov. 21, 1979. Surviving are 3 daughters (Nettie Dillon, Faye Dykast, and Marjorie Schantz), 2 sons (Russel and Wesley), and one sister (Emma Nitzsche). She was preceded in death by 2 sons (Ray and Orvin). She was a member of Albany Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 4, in charge of Ed Springer and Robert Williams; interment in Fairview Mennonite Church cemetery.

Buried:
Fairview Mennonite Cemetery

Alma married Edward Wittrig on 21 Mar 1916. Edward was born on 6 Jan 1893 in KS; died on 21 Nov 1979 in Albany, Linn Co., OR; was buried in Albany, Linn Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: (Mennobits)
Son of Andrew and Barbara (Martin) Birky, was born in Dresdin, Kan., July 27, 1888; died at Tangent, Ore., Aug. 11, 1982; aged 94 y. On Jan. 27, 1909, he was married to Lilly Rediger, who died on Aug. 29, 1972. Surviving are 2 sons (Glen and Merle), 2 daughters (Ardis Kuhns and Phyllis Hamilton), 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was ordained a deacon in 1917, a minister in 1918, and a bishop in 1937. He served the Thurman Mennonite Church in Colorado (1918 - 1935) and the Fairview Church in Albany, Ore. He was a member of Fairview Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Aug. 14, in charge of Roy S. Hostetler, Clarence Gerig, and Marcus Lind; interment in Fairview Church Cemetery.

Buried:
Fairview Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Birky, Emanuel Samuel, 93, Kouts, Ind. Born: April 24, 1900, Beemer, Neb., to Jacob and Emma Martin Birky. Died: June 7, 1993, Valparaiso, Ind. Survivors-wife: Elsie Good Birky; children: Margaret, Wesley, Myron; sister: Mary Good; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren. Funeral and burial: June 9, Hopewell Mennonite Church, by Jerry Kandel, Paul Mininger, and John Murray.

Buried:
Hopewell Mennonite Cemetery

Emanuel married Elsie Good on 15 Dec 1921. Elsie (daughter of Peter Good and Mary A. Naffziger (Nofzinger)) was born on 16 Oct 1900 in Rantoul, Champaign Co., IL; died on 31 Aug 1993 in Valparaiso, Porter Co., IN; was buried in Kouts, Porter Co., IN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obits: (Mennobits)

Birky. - Aaron, son of Valentine and Anna (Nafziger) Birky, was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., Sept. 18, 1889; died March 10, 1942, in Pekin, Ill., Hospital; aged 52 y. 5 m. 20 d. When he was a young man he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and united with the Hopedale Mennonite Church, remaining a faithful member until death. Jan 1, 1914, he was united in marriage to Bertha Schantz of Beemer, Nebr. To this union were born 4 sons and 3 daughters. His father, 1 son (Lester) and 1 brother (Eli) preceded him in death. He leaves his faithful companion, 3 sons (Stanley, Clarence, and Loren Joseph), 3 daughters (Lucile, Esther, and Anna Jean), his loving mother, 2 brothers (Chris of Stanford, Ill., Walter of Delavan), and 1 sister (Mrs. T. S. Cripe, also of Delavan), besides many other relatives and friends. Death was caused by gas gangrene. Two years ago he was cut across the face in an accident, and at the time his condition became very grave. March 5, while at work on his farm, he received an injury which punctured a small hole in his leg. Medical aid was immediately sought, but all that could be done seemed of no avail. He was a kind and loving husband, a friend to all he met, always of a kind and cheerful disposition, and will be greatly missed by his family and loved ones. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, conducted by Bros. Warren Long and Simon Litwiller. Interment in the Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery. A large number of people gathered to pay their respect to the brother. "Life to me has been a pleasure, And now my sweetest hour has come; Jesus is life's dearest treasure, Praise to God for His dear Son."

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Aaron married Bertha Schantz on 1 Jan 1914 in Wisner, Cuming Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: 9 Feb 1961 p. 8

Barbara Birky Cripe, daughter of Valentine and Anna Nafziger Birky, was born in Boynton Township, Tazewell County, Ill. on May 23, 1892. She passed away at her home in Delavan, Ill. on Jan. 11, 1961 at the age of 68 years, seven months, and 18 days.
On Feb. 29, 1919, she was married to Timothy S. Cripe. To this union were born two children: Delzon O. Cripe of Burlingame, Calif. and Rhoda Ann Cripe of Newton, Kan. Surviving besides her husband and two children are two brothers, Chris Birky of Hopedale, Ill. and Walter Birky of Delavan, Ill. Her parents and two brothers, Eli and Aaron, preceded her in death.
On March 17, 1907 at the age of 14 she was baptized and received as a member of the Hopedale Mennonite Church. From this early age to the end of her earthly life she remained faithful and expressed this faith in many different ways. She served as a Sunday school teacher for many years, having already begun by the time she was 18 and continuing teaching until several years ago. She had a good understanding of the Bible and was very capable in teaching its truth to others.
She also served in a variety of ways through the Women's Sewing Circle of the church. When this group was first organized on June 5, 1918, she was chosen as the first secretary treasurer.
The Christian qualities manifested in her life included her ability to encourage others, her Christian attitude, her liberal giving, her faith prayer life, etc. One of the special gifts which she had was the ability to express spiritual truth through poetry. Even though she was outstanding with these many abilities and blessed with many gifts, this did not cause her to forget her dependence upon the Saviour. It was her constant desire to trust in Him and walk in His ways.
Funeral services were held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church on Jan. 14, 1961, in charge of Ben Springer and Ivan Kauffmann. Burial was in the Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery. -- The Family. MWR 9 Feb 1961 p. 8
——————
Gospel Herald - Volume LIV, Number 6 - FEBRUARY 7, 1961
Cripe, Barbara, daughter of Valentine and Anna (Nafziger) Birkey, was born May 23, 1892, at Delavan, Ill.; died Jan. 11, 1961, at her home in Delavan; aged 68 y. 7 m. 19 d. On Feb. 20, 1919, she was married to Timothy S. Cripe, who survives. Also surviving are 2 children (Delzon O., Burlingame, Calif.; and Rhoda Ann, Newton, Kans.) and 2 brothers (Chris, Hopedale; and Walter, Delavan). Two brothers preceded her in death. She was a member of the Hopedale Church, where funeral services were held Jan. 14, in charge of Ivan Kauffmann and Ben Springer.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Barbara married Timothy S. Cripe on 28 Feb 1919. Timothy was born on 22 Feb 1889 in LaGrange Co., IN; died on 20 Jan 1969 in Delavan, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried on 23 Jan 1969 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: -Gospel Herald - Volume XX, Number 16 - July 21, 1927, pages 366

Birkey.--Eli, son of Valentine and Anna Birkey, was born near Hopedale, Ill., Apr. 19, 1869; died June 30, 1927; aged 31 y. 2 m. 11 d. He was united with the Mennonite Church early in life and was a faithful attendant as long as health permitted, but for a number of years he had not been permitted to attend. He leaves his mother, three brothers (Chris, Aaron, Walter), one sister (Barbara Cripe), besides many other relatives and friends. His father preceded him in death a number of years ago. Funeral services were held July 3 conducted by Bro. Ezra Yordy of Eureka, Ill. assisted by the home ministers. Text, I Cor. 13:12. Burial in the Mennonite Cemetery.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume LXII, Number 3 - January 21, 1969 pages 71, 72

Birky, Walter, son of Valentine and Anna (Naffziger) Birky, was born Feb. 20, 1900; died at St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, Ill., Dec. 20, 1968; aged 68 y. 10 m. 

On Aug. 10, 1946, he was married to Myrtle Dully, who survives. 

Also surviving are 2 daughters (Mary Ann and Helen), one foster son (Charles Powell), and one brother (Chris). 

He was preceded in death by 2 brothers and one sister. 

He was a member of the Hopedale Church, where funeral services were held Dec. 23, with Ivan Kauffmann officiating.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Walter married Myrtle Mariette Dully on 10 Aug 1946 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Myrtle (daughter of Joseph Dully and Marietta Gearen) was born on 4 Dec 1912 in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 5 Jul 2006 in DeKalb, DeKalb Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Sunnyside Mennonite Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Simon Grieser. Simon was born in Dec 1892; died on 10 Mar 1959; was buried in Conneaut Lake, Crawford Co., PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald
Unzicker, Oscar Christian, son of August and Elizabeth (Birkey) Unzicker, was born in Tazewell, Ill., Dec. 10, 1871; passed away at the Mennonite Home in Eureka, Ill., May 14, 1956, where he was a member for the past year and a half; aged 84 y. 5 m. 4 d. He suffered a stroke nearly four years ago from which he never fully recovered. He united with the Mennonite Church in his youth and remained faithful to the end. He was united in marriage to Barbara A. Ulrich on Jan. 9, 1896; she preceded him in death Nov. 8, 1948. To this union were born 14 children of whom the following survive: (Ella-Mrs. Dan Hostetler and Andy, Lowpoint, Ill.; William, Claypool, Ind.; Laura-Mrs. Herman Hostetler, and Sarah-Mrs. Joe Hostetler, Tampico, Ill.; John, Tinley Park, Ill.; Elton, Monterey Park, Calif., and Harley and Willard, Eureka, Ill.). Also surviving are 2 brothers (Sam, Cazenovia, Ill., and Julius, Tampico, Ill.), three sisters (Mrs. Amelia Springer, Fisher, Ill.; Mrs. Lina Heppard, and Mrs. Ella Ulrich, both of Roanoke, Ill.), 45 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the Linn A. M. Church on May 17 in charge of John E. Hostetler and Harold Zehr. Interment was made in the Harmony Cemetery.

Buried:
Harmony Cemetery

Oscar married Barbara Ulrich on 9 Jan 1896. Barbara was born on 21 Oct 1877; died on 8 Nov 1948; was buried in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Daniel married Lizzie E. Saltzman on 5 Feb 1899. Lizzie was born on 24 Oct 1873; died on 22 Oct 1949; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Springer, Emelia K., daughter of August and Elizabeth (Birkey) Unzicker, was born at Morton, Ill., July 21, 1874; died at Fisher, Ill., May 19, 1964; aged 89 y. 9 m. 28 d. On Oct. 3, 1895, she was married to Valentine Springer, who died Dec. 3, 1961. Surviving are 10 children (Theodore, George, Elmer, Victor, Ervin, Clarence, Raymond, Mary - Mrs. Lester Weaver, Mrs. Clara Naffziger, and Dora - Mrs. Elmer Oyer), 2 sisters (Mrs. Andy UIlrich and Mrs. Lena Heppard), one brother (Julius), 32 grandchildren, and 42 great-grandchildren. She was a member of the East Bend Church, where funeral services were held May 22, in charge of J. Alton Horst and Ivan Birkey.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Emelia married Valentine W. Springer on 3 Oct 1895 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Valentine (son of Valentine Springer and Marie Esch) was born on 15 Mar 1869 in Alsace Lorraine, FR; died on 3 Dec 1961 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried on 6 Dec 1961 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite (Lynn Township Congregation) Served As Deason For Over Thirty Years.

Notes:

Obit:
Unzicker, Samuel Ernest., son of August and Elizabeth (Birkey) Unzicker, was born near Morton, Ill., March 17, 1876; died at the Eureka (Ill.) Hospital, Nov. 21, 1963; aged 87 y. 8 m. 4 d. On Dec. 23, 1902, he was married to Sarah Streider, who died April 28, 1959. Also preceding him in death were one daughter, one grandson, 4 brothers, and 3 sisters. Surviving are 2 sons (Roy and Archie), 3 daughters (Alma - Mrs. Harold Zehr, Katherine - Mrs. Amos Hostetler, and Edna - Mrs. Daniel Teuscher), 30 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, one brother (Julius), and 3 sisters (Mrs. V.W. Springer, Mrs. Andrew Ulrich, and Mrs. Prosper Heppard). He was one of the first members of the Linn Township Amish Mennonite congregation, and served there as a deacon for over 30 years. Funeral services were held at the Linn Township Amish Mennonite Church, Nov. 23, in charge of John Hostetler, assisted by Dan Hostetler and Harold Hostetler; burial in Harmony Cemetery, Metamora, Ill.

Buried:
Stewart-Harmony Cemetery

Samuel married Sarah L. Steider on 23 Dec 1902. Sarah (daughter of Peter Steider and Katherine Garber) was born on 19 Feb 1878 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL; died on 28 Apr 1959 in Tampico, IL; was buried in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Peter married Mary C. Schader on 24 Feb 1901. Mary was born on 17 Nov 1880; died on 3 Jan 1951. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Ulrich.--Emma (Unzicker) Ulrich, wife of Chris K. Ulrich, was born near Morton, Ill., Jan 13, 1879; died at her home in Woodford Co., Ill., March 22, 1919; aged 40 y. 2 m. 8 d. Influenza was the cause of her death although she had been ill for sometime before. She leaves husband, five sons, and five daughters; also her father, five brothers and five sisters. She was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite church, and remained so until death. She was a loving wife and mother and their loss is deeply felt by all who know her, especially by the family, but we rejoice in a hope to meet her again. Funeral services were held from her home, also at the church. Laid to rest in the Roanoke church cemetery.

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

Emma married Christian K. Ulrich on 30 Jan 1897. Christian (son of Peter P. Ulrich and Magdalena King) was born on 7 Jun 1870 in Goodfield, Woodford Co., IL; died on 30 Oct 1936 in Davenport, Scott Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Eliza married David C. Heppard on 20 Nov 1902. David was born on 27 Mar 1879; died on 8 Mar 1956. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Bertha married Frank J. Wilts on 20 Mar 1902. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Lina married Prosper D. Heppard on 15 May 1907. Prosper died in Jun 1954. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery (with his parents)

Ella married Andrew J. Ulrich on 21 Feb 1907. Andrew was born on 11 Jan 1880; died on 17 Nov 1965. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Julius married Salome Schrock on 9 Jun 1912. Salome was born on 4 Mar 1891. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit of first wife:
Birky - On the 1st of Dec., 1903, at her home near Hopedale, Ill., of complication of diseases, Katharine, wife of Christian B. Birky, aged 23 Y., 1 M., 23 D. She leaves her husband, father, mother and a host of friends to mourn their loss.,

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Katharine married Christian Benjamin Birky on 26 Jan 1902. Christian (son of Christian H. Birky and Barbara Wittrig) was born on 4 Jun 1879 in Delavan, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 3 Jun 1940 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Second wife of George Stahl. No children.

Family/Spouse: George Stahl. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey, John J., son of Christian and Elizabeth (Good) Birkey, was born near Hopedale, Ill., July 23, 1884; died after an extended illness at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Kauffman, Alto, Mich., April 5, 1962; aged 77 y. 8 m. 13 d. On March 1, 1906, he was married to Lydia Wittrig, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Mrs. Norman Kauffman, Clarksville; and Mrs. Glenn Kauffman), 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Levi, Hopedale; and Simon, Amboy, Ind.), and 2 sisters (Sarah Sutter, Sarasota, Fla.; and Phoebe Slabaugh, Alto). Three sisters preceded him in death. He was a member of the Bowne Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held April 8, in charge of T. E. Schrock and Daniel Zook.

John married Lydia Wittrig on 1 Mar 1906. Lydia (daughter of Daniel Wittrig and Elizabeth Sutter) was born on 20 Sep 1887 in Delavan, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Phoebe married Albert Slabaugh on 9 Jan 1910. Albert (son of Slabaugh) was born on 19 Oct 1883 in Kokomo, IN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25084774/simon-g.-birkey
Gives his wife as Fannie Sommers (1898-1992)

Buried:
Shrock Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Lida E. Slabaugh. Lida (daughter of Slabaugh) was born on 27 May 1886 in Amboy, Miami Co., IN; died on 28 Dec 1963 in Amboy, Miami Co., IN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey, Levi, son of Christian and Elizabeth (Good) Birkey, was born at Delavan, Ill., Apr. 27, 1894; died at Mennonite Hospital, Bloomington, Ill., July 8, 1975; aged 81 y. On Jan. 14, 1917, he was married to Laura Mast, who preceded him in death in August 1974. Surviving are 2 sons (Warren and Harold), one sister (Mrs. Lawrence Sutter), 6 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He was a member of Hopedale Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 11, in charge of J. W. Davis and Elmo Springer; interment in Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery.

Birth:
Obit says 27 Apr 1894

Family/Spouse: Laura Mast. Laura was born on 3 Aug 1892; died on 13 Aug 1974; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:

BIRKY. - On the 23d of Feb., 1902, near Hopedale, Ill., Clara (twin) daughter of C. J. and Lizzie Birky, aged 2 months, 10 days. Funeral services on the 24th at the A. M. church. Interment in the A. M. graveyard west of Hopedale.

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, Vol 79, No 8, 25 February 1986

Sutter, Sarah M., daughter of Christen and Elizabeth (Good) Birky, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Dec. 13, 1901; died at Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 26, 1986; aged 84 y. On Dec. 12, 1920, she was married to Lawrence W. Sutter, who died on Jan. 16, 1984. Surviving are 3 sons (Ivis, Mervin, and Eldo Sutter), 2 daughters (Odela Shank and Hilda Kurtz), 27 grandchildren, and 40 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother. She was a member of Bay Shore Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 29, in charge of Paul R. Yoder, Sr., and Randy Sutter; interment in Palms Memorial Park.

———————
Sarah Mae Birkey Sutter, daughter of Christian J Birkey & his 2nd wife Elizabeth Good Birkey
Christian 1st married 1874 Elizabeth Schertz Birkey
Christian 3rd married 1928 Barbara

Sarah married Lawrence W Sutter, son of Christian Sutter & his wife Idella Miller Sutter

Buried:
Palms Memorial Park

Sarah married Lawrence Sutter on 12 Dec 1920 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Lawrence (son of Christian Sylvester Sutter and Idella Mae Miller) was born on 22 Apr 1900 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 16 Jan 1984 in Sarasota, FL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 2 Jun 1895, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Baptism:
Esat Bend Mennonite Church by Peter Zehr

Buried:
Buckeye Cemetery

Ida married Samuel Heiser on 23 Dec 1897 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Samuel (son of Jacob Heiser and Katharina Wagler) was born on 22 Oct 1872 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 30 Aug 1957 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey. - John A., son of Valentine B. and Elizabeth Birkey, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Nov. 16, 1880; died at his home in Foosland, Ill., Dec. 23, 1942, after a prolonged illness of heart trouble; aged 62 y. 1m. 7d. He was united in marriage with Mary Zimmerman Sept. 1, 1909. To this union 2 children were born (Clarence and Gladys). He leaves his wife (Mary Birkey), 2 children (Clarence Birkey of Foosland, and Glayds at home), 1 brother ( Valie Birkey of Foosland), 3 sisters (Elsie Birkey of Peoria, Mrs. Mary Ioder of Tiskilwana, Mrs. Lizzie Slagell of Morton.), and a host of relatives and friends. One brother and 3 sisters preceded him in death. In his youth he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and at the time of his homegoing he was a faithful member of the Anchor Mennonite Church. Serviceswere held at the East Bend Mennonite Church with Bro. Roy Unzicker in charge, assisted by Bros. J.A. Heiser and Harold Zehr. Burial in Mennonite cemetery near the church.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

John married Mary Zimmerman on 1 Sep 1909. Mary (daughter of John Baecher Zimmerman and Martha Fahsbender) was born on 10 Feb 1888 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; died on 2 Jul 1971 in Gifford, Champaign Co., IL; was buried on 4 Jul 1971 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 25 Feb 1900, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Baptism:
Esat Bend Mennonite Church by Peter Zehr

Buried:
Buckeye Cemetery

Lydia married Samuel Heiser on 5 Dec 1922 in Washington, Tazewell Co., IL. Samuel (son of Jacob Heiser and Katharina Wagler) was born on 22 Oct 1872 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 30 Aug 1957 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 25 Feb 1900, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Baptism:
Esat Bend Mennonite Church by Peter Zehr

Elizabeth married Daniel N. Slagell in Dec 1914 in Brown Twp., Champaign Co., IL. Daniel was born on 19 Feb 1883; died on 27 Sep 1961. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1900, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Buried:
Willow Springs Cemetery

Mary married Joseph W. Yoder (Ioder) on 23 Feb 1910. Joseph was born in 1879. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Grandview Memorial Gardens

Valie married Chloa Wyatt on 31 Dec 1942. Chloa was born on 21 Sep 1898; died in 1980; was buried in Champaign, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 31 Jan 1915, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Baptism:
East Bend Mennonite Church by Peter Zehr

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

Notes:

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

“wife of Timothy”

Gospel Herald - Volume LXII, Number 7 - February 18, 1969
Cripe, Timothy S., son of Amos S. and Rebecca (Nussbaum) Cripe, was born in Lagrange Co., Ind., Feb. 22, 1889; died at his home in Delavan, Ill., Jan. 20, 1969; aged 79 y. 10 m. 29 d. On Feb. 20, 1919, he was married to Barbara Birky, who died in 1961. Surviving are one son (Delzon), one daughter (Mrs. Rhoda Siemens), and one brother (Ben R.). He was a member of the Hopedale Church, where funeral services were held Jan. 23, with Ivan Kauffmann officiating

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Timothy S. Cripe. Timothy was born on 22 Feb 1889 in LaGrange Co., IN; died on 20 Jan 1969 in Delavan, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried on 23 Jan 1969 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

LIved in Iowa.

Family/Spouse: Bessie Stuckey. Bessie was born on 4 Mar 1874; died in 1931. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Stomach cancer and lung fever

Notes:

Obit: from Mennobits

BURKY - On the 1st of March [1887], 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.

Notes:

Lived in Chicago.

Family/Spouse: Mina Hodgebloom. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Eigsti. - Amelia M. Eigsti (nee Berkey) was born June 16, 1876, near Ohio, Ill.; died of a light cancer of the glands, May 19, 1915; aged 38 y. 11 m. 3 d. At fourteen years of age she was converted and united with the Mennonite Church of which she remained a faithful member until death. On Feb. 19, 1902, she was united in matrimony to William J. Eigsti of Buda, Ill. To this union were born two boys (Walter and Howard) and one daughter (Kathryn). She leaves to mourn her early departure, husband, three children, parents, five brothers, one sister, besides many relatives and friends. She was buried in the Willow Springs Cemetery where funeral services were conducted by Bro. A. H. Leaman of Chicago. Text, II Tim. 4:7, 8.

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

Notes:

Buried:
Willow Springs Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Minnie K. Bachman. Minnie was born on 10 Mar 1891 in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL; died on 14 Jun 1924 in Princeton, Bureau Co., IL; was buried in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Grad Goshen College
• Occupation: Moody Bible Institute Placement Service for 14 years
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume XLVII , Number 31 - August 4, 1953 ---- page 750
Burkey, --- Fred N., was born Sept. 27, 1884, the son of Christian and Katherine (Albrecht) Burkey. After a lingering illness he passed away in the Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton, Ill., on July 19, 1953; aged 68 y. 9 m. 24 d. Mr. Burkey was married to Frances Ebersole, Freeport, Ill., Oct. 7, 1915. This union was blessed with 2 children (Edmund, Huntington, Ind., and Elenore Engel, Claytonsville, Ill.). Mr. Burkey leaves to mourn his departure his wife, 3 grandchildren, one sister (Mrs. Anna Guither, Naperville, Ill.), one brother (Edward, Ohio, Ill.), and many nephews, nieces and friends. Early in life he accepted the Lord as his personal Saviour and was baptized and received into the Mennonite Church. Due to his and Mrs. Burkey's great interest in Christian mission they moved to Chicago and took an active part in the many activities in the Mennonite Home Mission. Bro. Burkey worked for a period of 14 years in the office of the Student Placement Bureau in the Moody Bible Institute. He is also a graduate of Goshen College, Goshen, Ind. In 1935 he resigned his position at Moody's because of ill health and later moved to a farm near Ohio, Ill., with a hope he would regain his health. One of his great interests was to help the ill housed, ill clothed, and ill fed. One of his ambitions that he was not able to realize because of his health was that he and Mrs. Burkey could spent their latter years helping in some rescue mission. Funeral services were held at the Willow Springs Mennonite Church, C. Warren Young officiating. Noah M. Roeschley gave the message. Burial was in the Willow Springs Cemetery.

Lived in Oak Park for a while.

Fred married Frances Ebersole on 7 Oct 1915. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Resided Mendota, IL.

Family/Spouse: Florence Guither. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Resided Naperville, IL.

Family/Spouse: George Guither. George was born on 3 Sep 1883. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald
Stalter. -- Lena (Burkey) Stalter was born Nov. 29, 1871; passed away at her home in Pontiac June 12, 1948. She united in marriage with Christian Stalter Feb. 20, 1896, at Pekin, Ill. To this union were born three sons, (Arthur, Ray, and Levi) who with their father mourn the loss of a kind companion and mother. She also leaves 7 grandchildren, 3 brothers, and 3 sisters. Sister Stalter had for many years been a faithful member of the Waldo Mennonite Church where she worshipped regularly when it was possible. She had been in failing health for some time, but not seriously ill until the last few months. Funeral services were in charge of J. D. Hartzler.

Buried:
Memorial Park Cemetery

Magdalena married Christian B. Stalter on 20 Feb 1896 in Bureau Co., IL. Christian (son of Jacob N. Stalter and Barbara Birky) was born on 14 Aug 1868 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 8 Feb 1953 in Meadows, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Pontiac, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Fanny was buried on Mar 3, 1906. According to her death certificate she died in child birth. There are no other "Fail" memorials at Mt. Olivet Cemetery and there is no child for Lewis Fail listed that would match a birth date of 1906. It is presumed then that her child died with her in childbirth.

Buried:
Mount Olivet Memorial Park

Fannie married Lewis A. Fail in 1899. Lewis was born on 10 Feb 1878 in IL; died on 30 Jan 1965 in Lewistown, Fergus Co., MT; was buried in Petroleum Co., MT. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Walnut Cemetery

Benjamin married Mabel Black in 1901. Mabel was born on 26 Apr 1883; died in 1967. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Walnut Cemetery

Family/Spouse: William A. Schertz. William was born on 21 May 1872; died in 1950. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Anna married Samuel Z. Birky in 1901. Samuel (son of Bishop John C. Birky and Magdalena Zimmer) was born on 6 Jan 1876 in Tazewell Co., IL; died on 26 Nov 1962 in Zion, Lake Co., IL; was buried in Zion, Lake Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Mount Olivet Memorial Park

Marie married Guy Neal in 1907. Guy was born in 1885; died in 1952. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Unknown

Notes:

Buried:
Mount Olivet Memorial Park

Andrew married Hilda Rosene in 1911. Hilda was born on 4 Apr 1890; died in 1980. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Levi married Lillian Rieder in 1913. Lillian was born on 20 Sep 1891; died in 1968. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Louise Alma Burkey was the daughter of Andrew James Burkey and Magdalena "Lena" Staker. She first married William Marquus Conner born 1891 died 1923 they had three children. Wilma Carolyn Conner born 1919 died 2013. Ellen Marceil Conner born 1921 died 2015. and Stephen Marquis Conner born 1922 died 1992. She then married her second husband Fred Pfleeger who was born 1880 and died 1942.

Buried:
Mount Olivet Memorial Park

Notes:

CEMETERY RECORDS SHOWS FIRST NAME AS SILAS
Seen as SIMON, SILAS, AND SI ON DIFFERENT RECORDS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
United States Census, 1930
Name: Silas E Burkey
Event Type: 1930 Census
Event Place: North Chicago, Lake, Illinois, United States
Gender: Male
Age: 35
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Birth Year (Estimated): 1895
Birthplace: Kansas
Father's Birthplace: Illinois
Mother's Birthplace: Ohio
Silas E Burkey Head Male 35 Kansas
Eva I Burkey Wife Female 34 Wisconsin
Katherine Burkey Daughter Female 12 Illinois
Orville Burkey Son Male 11 Illinois
Lorna Burkey Daughter Female 9 Illinois
Jaquline Burkey Daughter Female 3 Illinois
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
United States Social Security Death Index
Age 92
Given Name Si
Surname Burkey
Birth Date 01 Apr 1894
State Illinois
Last Place of Residence Lake, Illinois
Previous Residence Postal Code 60087
Event Date Feb 1986
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
United States World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942
Name: Si Elmer Burkey
Event Type: Draft Registration
Event Date: 1942
Event Place: North Chicago, Lake, Illinois, United States
Residence Place: North Chicago, Lake, Illinois
Gender: Male
Employer: Si Elmer/Burkey
Birth Date: 01 Apr 1894
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Name: Simon Burkey
Event Type: Draft Registration
Event Date: 1917-1918
Event Place: Bureau, Illinois, United States
Event Place (Original): United States, Illinois, Bureau County no 1
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 1 Apr 1894
Birthplace: Oberlin, Kansas, United States
Citizenship Place: United States

Buried:
Mount Olivet Memorial Park

Simon married Eva Isabella Brown in 1916. Eva was born on 26 Feb 1895 in ND; died in 1984 in Zion, Lake Co., IL; was buried in Zion, Lake Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married 1) Gibson; 2) Burton Innies in 1919.

Buried:
Greenwood Memorial Park

Notes:

Obit:
Springer, Lena A., daughter of John and Catherine (Schrock) Birkey, was born at Metamora, Ill., Dec. 26, 1876; passed away at the Burnham City Hospital, Champaign, Ill., July 24, 1958; aged 81 y. 6 m. 28 d. One week previous, she suffered a stroke and other complications. On Feb. 4, 1900, she was married to David V. Springer of Hopedale, Ill., where they lived for 9 years; then they lived at Saybrook, Ill., for 30 years, and about 18 years ago they moved to her present home near Fisher. At an early age she accepted Christ as her Saviour and was a faithful member of the East Bend Mennonite Church. Her husband preceded her in death about 4 years ago. Surviving are her 6 children (John and Aaron, Foosland; Roy, Saybrook; Melvin, Denbigh, Va.; Elizabeth, Peoria; and Kathryn, Indianapolis, Ind.), 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers and 2 sisters (Andrew, John, and William, Manson, Iowa; Joseph, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Mrs. Alpha Naffziger, Rockwell City, Iowa; and Mrs. Ben Zehr, Manson, Iowa). Two brothers preceded her in death. Funeral services were held at the East Bend Church, in charge of Howard J. Zehr and Harold Zehr, with burial in the church cemetery.

Birth:
FAG: Dewey, Champaign Co, IL

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Magdalena married David Valentine Springer on 4 Feb 1900 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. David (son of Johann Springer and Elizabeth Nafziger) was born on 24 Feb 1875 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 20 Aug 1954 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey, Andrew C., son of John G. and Katherine (Schrock) Birkey, was born July 7, 1879 near Eureka, Ill.; died of complications at Rockwell City, Iowa, Oct. 26, 1959; aged 80 y. 3 m. 19 d. on Dec. 6, 1903, at Hopedale, Ill., he was married to Elizabeth Litwiller, who died Jan. 4, 1957. One son also preceded him in death in infancy. Surviving are 5 children (Fanny-Mrs. Lee Zimmerman, Rockwell City, Iowa; Harvey, Conneaut Lake, Pa.; Esther-Mrs. Lester Oyer, Rockwell City; Clarence E., and Viola-Mrs. Willard Oyer, both of Manson, Iowa), 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers and 2 sisters (Joseph, Grand Rapids, Mich.; John, William, and Katie-Mrs. Ben Zehr, Mason; and Lizzie-Mrs. A. P. Naffziger, Rockwell City). He was a member of the Manson Church, where funeral services were held on Oct. 28, in charge of Roman Hershberger and Edward Birkey.

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

Andrew married Elizabeth Litwiller on 6 Dec 1903 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of John Litwiller and Veronica (Fannie) Birky) was born on 15 Nov 1873 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 4 Jan 1957 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - October 26, 1971 - pages 899, 900
Birkey, Joseph, D., son of John and Catherine (Schrock) Birkey, was born in Illinois, Nov. 11, 1880; died at the home of his son, Roy, in Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 25, 1971; aged 90 y. 10 m. 14 d. On Dec. 17, 1903, he was married to Elizabeth Oyer, who preceded him in death in Feb. 1929. Surviving are 2 daughters (Neva -Mrs. John Yordy and Edna - Mrs. Melvin Stahl), 3 sons (Chester, Roy, and Melvin), 17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Lizzie Naffsizer and Katie Zehr). He was preceded in death by one daughter (Lorene - Mrs. John Jackson), one sister (Lena Springer), and 2 brothers (Andrew and Levi). He was a member of the Bowne Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Sept. 27, in charge of T. E. Schrock and Daniel Zook; interment in adjoining cemetery.

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetery

Joseph married Elizabeth Oyer on 17 Dec 1903. Elizabeth (daughter of Christian Oyer and Katherine Zehr) was born on 11 Dec 1883 in Linn Twp., Woodford Co., IL; died on 6 Feb 1929 in Campbell Twp., Ionia Co., MI; was buried in Alto, Kent Co., MMI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume 73, Number 37 - September 9, 1980, page 726
Birkey, John E., Sr., son of John G. and Catherine (Schrock) Birkey, was born at Eureka, Ill., Mar. 15, 1882; died at Ft. Dodge, Iowa, Aug. 15, 1980; aged 98 y. On Jan. 31, 1907, he was married to Lena Oyer, who died on Apr. 3, 1950. Also surviving are 5 daughters (Alvina, Pearl-Mrs. Marvin Garber, Elsie-Mrs. Ralph Yoder, Ann-Mrs. Jay Showalter, and Pauline-Mrs. Delbert Kingery), 7 sons (Clarence, Joe, John, Sam, Simon, Elmer, and Jake), 49 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and one sister (Katie-Mrs. Ben Zehr). He was preceded in death by 2 infant children and one son (Edward) in Oct. 1979. He was a member of Manson Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Aug. 18, in charge of Irvin Nussbaum; interment in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Died:
St. Thomas Church, Irvin Nussaum officiating, according to Fisher Reporter of 1 Sep 2004 “24 Years Ago”, page 6.

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetry

John married Magdalena M. Oyer on 31 Jan 1907 in Champaign Co., IL. Magdalena (daughter of Christian Oyer and Katherine Zehr) was born on 29 Jan 1890 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL; died on 3 Apr 1950 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Cancer

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey, -- Levi F., son of John G. and Katherine (Schrock) Birkey, was born March 7, 1884, near Metamora, Ill.; died of cancer at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 7, 1951; aged 67 y. 6 m. At the age of sixteen he united with the East Bend Mennonite Church near Fisher, Ill. March 1, 1910, he was united in marriage to Katherine Oyer, Fisher, Ill. To this union were born 7 children. Three of theses (Elwood Louis, Ellis Lee, and Ilene May) died in infancy. He and his family lived near Fisher, Ill., until 1918, when they moved to Manson, Iowa, and in 1929 to Clarksville, Mich. Later they moved to Lowell, Mich., where he was residing at the time of his death. He leaves his beloved companion, 4 children (Raymond E., Paxton, Ill.; June E.-Mrs. A. H. Stormazand, Lowell, Mich.; Ralph O., Brimley, Mich.; and Velma K.-Mrs. Lowell Birkey, Amboy, Ind.), 12 grandchildren, 4 brother (Andrew, John, and Will of Manson, Iowa; Joe, Clarksville, Mich.), 3 sisters (Mrs. Dave Springer, Foosland, Ill.; Mrs. A. R. Nafziger, Rockwell City, Iowa; and Mrs. Ben Zehr, Manson, Iowa), and a large number of other relatives and friends. One brother (Ben) died at the age of four; another brother died in infancy. He transferred his membership to the Bowne Mennonite Church when he moved to Michigan. There he served the Lord in his quiet and unassuming way until death. He will be missed in the church and community. Funeral services were conducted at the home and at the Bowne Church Sept. 9 by Harold Christophel and Daniel Zook. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.

Levi married Katherine Matilda Oyer on 1 Mar 1910 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL. Katherine (daughter of Christian Oyer and Katherine Zehr) was born on 2 Feb 1892 in Woodford Co., IL; died on 10 Mar 1960 in Lowell, MI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Alphia Peter Naffziger. Alphia (son of John William Naffziger and Mary Nellie Springer) was born on 22 Sep 1884 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 9 Mar 1977 in Fort Dodge, Webster Co., IA; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

William married Bertha Zehr in 1912 in IA. Bertha (daughter of Christian S. Zehr and Phoebe Zehr) was born on 9 Mar 1887 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; died on 23 Sep 1962 in Fort Dodge, IA; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Rose Hill Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Benjamin A. Zehr. Benjamin (son of Christian S. Zehr and Phoebe Zehr) was born on 16 Dec 1891; died on 31 Jul 1963; was buried in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]