Christian (Chrétien) Zehr (Zer)

Other Events and Attributes:

• EARL: Y
• Occupation: Farmer
• Residence: 1734, Struth, Bas-Rhin, FR

Notes:

"The Zehrs originated in Niederstocken in Canton Bern in Switzerland, and from there they emigrated to Struth in "Crooked Alsace", Bas-Rhin. Here several branches of the family developed, and they emigrated by way of Lorraine and Bavaria to the USA and Canada. Related to the Zehrs in Struth were the Zehrs in Sulztal, Windstein, Wilenstein, and Knoringen. Inscriptions by Christian Zehr from the years 1786 and 1790 can still be found on a door beam in Sulztal."

Zehr is listed as a surname in the 1798 Bürgerverzeichnisse (census) of Canton Bern, Switzerland.

Source gives the parents of Christian as Christian Zehr (1757-1818) and Barbara Sommer (d. 1818).
Source does not list this Christian as a child of Peter and Barbara.

Christian married Elisabeth Koch about 1733. Elisabeth (daughter of Hans Jacob Koch and Elisabeth SCHUEBLI) was born in 1715 in Niederstocken, Bern, SW. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Domevre-sur-Vezouse, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR

Notes:

Residence:
At the time of marriage to Elisabeth

Family/Spouse: Veronique (Frenni) Elisabeth Martin. Veronique was born in 1765; died on 4 Apr 1806 in Nitting, Moselle, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Catherine Litwiller. Catherine was born in 1765; died in 1838. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer/Cultivator

Notes:

Birth:
La Petite Pierre

Died:
At home Of Son-in-law, Jean Springer, France La Petite Pierre
“Daniel died in the home of his son-in-law Johannes/Jean Springer at Struth May 21, 1819. His French-language civil death entry describes him as a cultivator, the 84-year-old widower of Catherine Zehr, and a son of Chrétien Zehr and Elisabethe Koch. It was witnessed by son-in-law and cultivator Jean Springer, 44 (he signed 'Johannes Springer'); and son and cultivator Joseph Zehr, 34.”

Daniel married Catherine Zehr in 1777 in Struth, Bas-Rhin, FR. Catherine (daughter of Jacob (Jacques-Jacki) Zehr and Elisabeth Koch) was born about 1750 in Struth, Bas-Rhin, FR; died on 24 Dec 1805 in Struth, Bas-Rhin, FR; was buried in 1805 in Struth, Bas-Rhin, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Johannes Litwiller. Johannes was born in 1764 in Diane-Capelle, Moselle, FR; died on 29 Jan 1822 in Repaix, Moselle, FR; was buried in Repaix, Moselle, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
(67) Year is only 5 years after mother’s stated birth. One of the two is incorrect.

Family/Spouse: Joseph Rupp. Joseph was born about 1756-1760 in Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Journalier
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Mutilation and drowning in the Ill River near Ile du Rhin

Notes:

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Residence: 1839, Nitting, Moselle, FR

Notes:

Of Neuviller, France.

Residence:
At the time of Catherine’s marriage to André Serach

Jean married Barbe Zehr on 29 Aug 1811 in Struth, Bas-Rhin, FR. Barbe (daughter of Daniel Zehr and Catherine Zehr) was born on 17 May 1791 in Struth, Bas-Rhin, FR; died on 7 Dec 1857 in Rozières-sur-Mouzon, Vosges, Lorraine, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Settled as a farmer in Hesse where several children were born between 1824 and 1828, then in 1833 a daughter in Fraquelfing. Finally they finally left for Gondrexon, located about seven kilometers from Blamont.

Madelaine married Joseph Risser on 31 Dec 1818 in Nitting, Moselle, FR. Joseph was born in 1792; died in 1857. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Nicolas married Barbe Sommer in 1810. Barbe (daughter of Joseph Sommer and Catherine Güngerich) was born in 1787-1789; died in 1849 in Métairies-Saint-Quirin, Moselle, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Le Pierre?

Barbe married Joseph Sommer on 11 Sep 1815 in Nitting, Moselle, FR. Joseph (son of Jean Sommer and Barbe Praschbull) was born in 1785 in Haraucourt-sur-Seille, Moselle, FR; died on 29 Nov 1873. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married Christian Martin on 13 Dec 1810 in Domevre-sur-Vezouse, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR. Christian (son of Christian Martin and Barbe Koch) was born on 11 Nov 1789 in Zilling, Moselle, FR; died on 3 May 1873 in Imling, Moselle, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Catherine married Joseph Mozimann on 27 Apr 1812/13. Joseph was born on 7 Aug 1792 in FR; died on 26 Feb 1870 in FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer’s Daughter
• Residence: 1819, Bavaria, GR

Notes:

Residence:
Solln, near Munich

Katharina married Johannes Springer on 27 Jan 1798 in Struth, Bas-Rhin, FR. Johannes (son of Daniel Springer and Anna Marie Kohler) was born about 1776-1778 in Struth, Bas-Rhin, FR; died on 18 Mar 1831 in Gittersbach, Dachau, Bavaria, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Cholera
• Residence: 1803, Abstried, near Diessen, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1810-1817, Laim, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1818-1827, Manried, Bavaria, GR
• Immigration: 1849, New York, NY
• Residence: 1828-1849, Hanfeld, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1849, Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

At one time Daniel lived in the village of Struth in France, but moved to Bavaria in 1803, where he leased a cattle farm for two years. From 1810 to 1817, the family lived at Laim, near Munich. Daniel purchased property at Manried near Hilgertshausen on 2 Dec 1818, then resold it on 15 Dec 1827. The next move was to Hanfeld, near Starnberg, Bavaria. At the age of 72 and about ten years after the death of his wife (Magdalena Unzicker), Daniel emigrated to America with the David Springer family on the ship Minnesota. The ship departed from Liverpool, England and arrived in New York on 21 June 1849. From New York Daniel went to Illinois where his sons George, Christian, Peter, and Jacob had settled.

Also on board were Valentine Birkey (1794) with brother Christian's daughter, Barbara and her illegitimate son, and Mary Burkey Birky.

Daniel’s children’s names were kept in a 1780 edition of Martyrs’ Mirror that has been passed down in the Ingold family.
——————
While in Bavaria, Daniel 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, Christian Bürcky, Johannes Bächler.

———————
Daniel’s estate was probated in 1858 (Woodford Co., IL), Jacob Summers, Administrator. Appraisers were Christian and Peter Farney and Peter Sommer.
Paid out was: Christian Zehr $825.79; Daniel Zehr $825.79; Magdalena Zehr $36.00; Magdalena Zehr two $40 payments.

Residence:
Bergerhof. Laim was very near Nymphenberg in Gern. Thus, surely he had dealings with the Stalter and Birkey families in Gern.

Immigration:
From Liverpool. Arrived 21 June 1849 on ship Minnesota. Only son Joseph stayed in Bavaria.

Residence:
Mang-Anwesen

Residence:
Mackinaw River area

Buried:
Thought to be Slabtown Cemetery

Daniel married Magdalena Unzicker on 6 Jun 1802 in Windstein, Wissembourg, Alsace, FR. Magdalena (daughter of Johannes Unzicker and Barbara Ullmann) was born on 8 May 1785 in Windstein, Wissembourg, Alsace, FR; died on 16 Dec 1838 in Hanfeld, Bavaria, GR; was buried in Hanfeld, Bavaria, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer/Miller at House No. 37 in Struth
• Census: 1860, Metamora, Panola Twp., Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

“Married Anne Verle on June 7, 1806 in Cirey-sur-Vesouse, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France.

Joseph was apparently a miller (per a letter from his son, Joseph Jr.). 

According to the Obituary of his daughter, Anna (Schertz), the family came to the US around 1836. However, there exists a letter to Joseph from his son, Joseph Jr. signed on January 8, 1852, while Joseph Sr. was still living in France.

In 1850, there was a 65 year old French born, Anne Zehr and 25 year old Madeleine Zehr living with 30 year old Peter Zehr in District 56 of Woodford County. They were next door to Maria Zehr (Mrs. Debolt) Householter. Peter Zehr and Maria Zehr Householter were children of Joseph and Anne Verle Zehr. 

There was also a 67 year old French born Anna Zehr living with 38 year old Joseph "Shirts" (Schertz) and his wife, 24 year old Ann Zehr Schertz. "Ann" Zehr Schertz was the youngest daughter of Joseph and Anne Verle Zehr.

Thus, there are two women named "Anne" or "Anna" Zehr that were of the age of Anne Verle Zehr living with children of Joseph and Anne. Could one of these have been the wife of Joseph Zehr and the other, a relative?

If one of these women is Anne Verle Zehr, why is she in America when it is known that her husband Joseph Zehr, Sr., was still living in France in 1852? 

By the 1860 Census, Joseph (80)and his wife, Anne (82) were living near Metamora with their daughter, Anna (Mrs. Joseph) Schertz.”
———————————————
This couple is said to have had five children, four born in Struth. They left there sometime after/between 1835 and 1855. Various members of this family moved to America at different times. Joseph and Anna settled near Metamora, Illinois.

Birth:
or 1784

Census:
Joseph Zehr, 80; Anne, 82; and one daughter

Buried:
Hickory Point Cemetery

Joseph married Anna Verly (Werelin) on 7 Jun 1806 in Cirey-sur-Vezouse, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR. Anna (daughter of Ulrich Jean Claude Verly (Werelin) and Madeleine Steiner) was born about 1782 in FR; died after 1870 in Metamora, Panola Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Metamora, Panola Twp., Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Barbe married Jean Zehr on 29 Aug 1811 in Struth, Bas-Rhin, FR. Jean (son of Christian Zehr and Veronique (Frenni) Elisabeth Martin) was born on 3 Sep 1783 in Neuviller-la-Roche, Bas-Rhin, FR; died on 3 Feb 1865 in Goncourt, Haute-Marne, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Laborer at Richeval, Moselle, at the time of his marriage

Notes:

Served as elder of Repaix congregation. Today's only reminder of this congregation is a small cemetery at Repaix. Its burials range from 1867 to 1940. Both Jean and his father are buried there.

Jean married Marie Mosimann on 2 Mar 1814 in Chazelles-sur-Albe, Moselle, FR. Marie (daughter of Michel Mosimann and Suzanne Brachbuhl (Brechbuhl)) was born on 5 Nov 1794 in Saint-Quirin, Moselle, FR; died on 19 Mar 1855 in Repaix, Moselle, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Christian married Elizabeth Sommer on 1 Dec 1814 in Badonviller, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR. Elizabeth was born on 2 Nov 1799 in Saulxures, Vosges, FR; died on 12 Oct 1854 in Badonviller, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Wheelwright (Carter/charron)
• Immigration: 1831, Butler Co., OH
• Residence: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Joseph and Barbe sailed from Le Havre with Barbe's brother Peter in May 1830, arriving at New York in July. They raised their family in Butler County. After Barbe's death Joseph brought his children to Dillon, where Joseph appears on the census in 1860 and 1880.

Joseph married Barbara Ulrich on 19 Sep 1829 in Hirsingue, Haut-Rhin, FR. Barbara (daughter of Peter Ulrich, Jr. and Katharina Lauber) was born on 20 Mar 1804 in Walheim, Upper Alsace, FR; died on 29 Dec 1847 in Butler Co., OH. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1859, Gridley Twp., McLean Co., IL

Notes:

Of Repaix.

Married Joseph Oyer when 24 years old. Both of her parents had died by 1822 (French civil records, Niderhoff, Moselle). Peter Litwiller, Magdalena's younger brother, also accompanied her to America on the Superior. We can speculate that he, as a young orphan at the time of his parents' death, may have lived with Joseph and Magdalena at Niderhoff. He was later known as a miller in the US, and it seems reasonable that he would have learned this trade from his brother-in-law, Joseph Oyer.

Birth:
Another date given is 2 Apr 1801

Residence:
Gridley Prairie - Lived with her daughter and son-in-law until her death.

Died:
1862 according to Don Roth

Buried:
Rediger burial plot 1/2 mi. east of Salem Church

Magdalena married Joseph, Sr. Oyer on 20 Nov 1823 in Niderhoff, Moselle, FR. Joseph, (son of Johannes (Hans) Oyer and Jakobine Regle’ (Ruschli, Roeschly)) was born about 1774 in Wilgartswiesen, Palatinate, GR; died about 1845 in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Farmdale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Butler Co., OH
• Residence: Tazewell Co., IL
• Immigration: 4 Dec 1830, New Orleans, LA

Notes:

Immigration:
After 53 days

Family/Spouse: Marie Mosiman. Marie (daughter of Joseph Mosiman and Anne Marie Zwalter) was born in 1807 in FR; died in 1871. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jean married Catherine Zehr (Zert) on 20 Feb 1841 in Arracourt, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR. Catherine (daughter of André Zehr (Zert) and Madeleine Zehr (Zert)) was born on 10 Nov 1820 in Arracourt, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR; died on 24 Oct 1904. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Second child of her parents.

Died:
Now Val-de-Bride (57) (near Kerprich les Dieuze), at home of daughter Madeleine (Just Pete)

Buried:
(near Dieuze) Val-de-Bride is a modern name for Guenestroff. The two villages merged.

Catherine married André Schrag (Gerard) on 20 Apr 1839 in Dombrot-sur-Vair, Vosges, FR. André (son of Andréas /Schrag (Gerard Serach) and Anne Pelsy (Pelzel, Bellesley)) was born on 22 Feb 1813 in Assenoncourt, Moselle, FR; died on 24 Nov 1878 in Sauvigny, Meuse, FR; was buried in Traveron, Meuse, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
Lorquin

Madeleine married Jean Schrag (Schrack) on 24 May 1858 in Gondrexon, Blâmont, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR. Jean (son of Simon Schrag (Schrack) and Anne Schweitzer (Suisse)) was born on 29 Jan 1815 in Bénestroff, Moselle, FR; died on 15 Feb 1887 in Lakefield, Jackson Co., MN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth, March 1882:
"On the 22nd of Feb., near Hopedale, Tazewell Co., Ill., Christian Martin, aged 76 years and 26 days. He was a peace-loving member of the Amish Mennonite church. He was buried on the 25th. Services were held at the house by John Naffziger, Joseph Springer, and Christian Naffziger, and at the meeting-house by Noah G. Augspurger. He leaves a widow and four children."

They sailed from Le Havre on the Hanover, and arrived at New Orleans June 16, 1848. The passenger list shows carpenter Christophe Martin, 33, France; Marie, 26; Christophe, 4; and Barbe, 1.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Christian married Marie Zehr on 22 Feb 1841 in Imling, Moselle, FR. Marie (daughter of Georg Zehr and Elizabeth (Barbe) Mosimann) was born on 22 Apr 1822 in Chazelles, Moselle, FR; died on 1 Feb 1913 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried on 4 Feb 1913 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Native of Imling, Moselle. This is the family whose vital records are handwritten in a Martin Bible.

Andre married Catherine Schertz in 1850. Catherine (daughter of Jean Schertz and Catherine Abresol) was born on 31 Mar 1825. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth, March 1905:
On the 19th of Feb., 1905, near Beemer, Cuming Co., Neb., Nicholas Martin; aged 71 Y., 11 M., 4 D. Deceased was born in Saarburg, Alsace, came to America at the age of twenty, settling first in Tazewell Co., Ill., where he united in marriage with Katharine Litwiller, April 1, 1855. From Illinois he moved to Decatur Co., Kansas, in 1887, and in 1894 to Cuming Co., Neb. He leaves a wife, one son and four daughters, also 34 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services on the 22nd by J.H. Birky and Peter Oswald. Burial in the Beemer cemetery."

Nicholas married Catherine (Katie) Litwiller on 1 Apr 1855 in Tazewell Co., IL. Catherine (daughter of Joseph Litwiller and Barbara Ulrich) was born on 21 May 1834 in Milford, Butler Co., OH; died on 1 May 1930 in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Anne Martin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Veronica Oesch. Veronica (daughter of Christian N. Oesch and Katharina Burki) was born about 1804 in Hanfeld, Bavaria, GR; died on 22 Mar 1829 in Hanfeld, Bavaria, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Magdalena married Josef Ingold in 1826. Josef (son of Joseph Ingold and Elisabethe Güngerich) was born in 1801; died in 1865. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

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

Notes:

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

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

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

Residence:
(David)

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

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

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Birth:
Region of Zabern (23 May 1815 ?)

Family/Spouse: Maria Oesch. Maria was born on 5 Jan 1827 in Birkensee; died on 1 Mar 1854 in Voglhof, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Cholera
• Residence: Fall 1803, Abstried, near Diessen, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 26 Apr 1831, Arzbach, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1832, Pettenbrunn, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: late 1853, Mackinaw, Tazewell Co., IL
• Immigration: 19 Nov 1853, Bremen to New York
• PURC: 15 Dec 1854, Montgomery Twp., Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Daniel was born in Struth, but in the fall of 1803 his father and mother moved with him to Abtsried, Bavaria. In 1832, Daniel moved to Pettenbrunn near Freising, Bavaria. Here he remarried to Magdalena Rocke. On Aug 8 1853, Daniel sold his property and departed for America on 1 Sep 1853. They arrived sometime before Jan 1854 when Daniel Zehr bought land in Montgomery Township, Woodford County, Illinois.

Daniel was appointed bishop while in Europe.

In August 1855, Daniel was called to the bedside of Peter Smith, a neighbor dying of cholera. Daniel stayed until Peter died and later preached at his funeral. On the evening of 11 Aug 1855, Daniel died of the disease as well. His wife, Magdalena, died on 27 Feb 1899. The graves of both are preserved in a small, woven-fence enclosure in the Slabtown Cemetery.

"Bishop Daniel Zehr (1803-1855) died August 11, 24 hours after preaching at the funeral of another unnamed [the person was Peter Smith, son of Christian and Magdalean Schrock Smith, who both died of cholera as well] cholera victim. Many of these victims were buried in the now abandoned Slabtown Cemetery, eventually known as the 'Cholera Cemetery.'"

Residence:
Purchased Valentin Birki’s half portion of the Arzbach farm

Residence:
near Freising

Immigration:
Ship Germainia (1 Sept?) Passenger list:Daniel Zehr, 50, farmer; Mary, 45; Christian, 22, farmer; Magdalena, 18; James [Jacob], 16; and Mary, 14, and their place of origin as Pettenbrunn.

PURC:
The Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database shows that Daniel Zehr of Woodford County purchased 45.6 acres at Congerville for 25 cents per acre (total $11.41) Dec. 15, 1854

Buried:
Slabtown Cemetery (Section 17)

Daniel married Barbara Ingold on 12 May 1827 in Hilgertshausen-Tandern, GR. Barbara (daughter of Jakob Ingold and Elisabeth Bachman (Baumann)) was born on 8 Jun 1804 in Nassau-Weilburg, Palatinate, GR; died on 5 Aug 1831 in Pellheim, Bavaria, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Daniel married Magdalena Müller (Miller) on 6 Nov 1832 in Pellheim, Bavaria, GR. Magdalena was born in 1806; died on 27 Feb 1899 in IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Brewer on 1850 census, farmer on 1870 census
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 1835, IL
• Census: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1880, Gridley Twp., McLean Co., IL

Notes:

He is found on the 1880 census of Gridley, McLean County as a 74-year-old father-in-law from Anhalt living with farmer Jacob Augspurger, 32; his daughter Lena, 32; and a grandson Albert Augspurger, 2.

Birth:
Near Landsberg

Immigration:
Settled at Slabtown

Census:
Next door to brother Peter Zehr, as brewer George Seers, 44, Germany; Catharine, 34, Germany; and and Madeline, 1, Illinois

Census:
a 74-year-old father-in-law from Anhalt living with farmer Jacob Augspurger, 32; his daughter Lena, 32; and a grandson Albert Augspurger, 2.

Died:
At home of daughter Magdalena

Buried:
Guth Cemetery (5 mi. east of Peoria along highway US 24)

George married Catherine Gundy on 11 Oct 1846 in Woodford Co., IL. Catherine was born on 5 May 1817; died on 6 Sep 1872 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Logging Accident

Notes:

Joseph died in Europe of a logging accident in Beigarten, Bavaria.

Certificate found in the Bavarian State Archives at Munic:
“Joseph Zehr, farmer’s son of Manried, born on 18 May 1810, has visited assiduously the sunday school here and has made by excellent intelligence and excellent progress. In reading he was very good, in writing and calculating etc. he was excellent. His moral behaviour was very praiseworthy. This is certificated by the Royal Local School Inspection, Hilgertshausen. Date: 2 Sept 1830.

Birth:
Bergerhof estate at Laim, next to Gern ( 18 May 1810?)

Died:
Near Hanfeld

Joseph married Katharina Oesch on 14 May 1837. Katharina (daughter of Andréas Oesch and Katharina Augsburger) was born on 8 May 1814 in Hanfeld, Bavaria, GR; died on 25 Oct 1856 in Walchstedt, Bavaria, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Joseph married Jakobina Miller on 13 Mar 1857 in Laim, Bavaria, GR. Jakobina (daughter of Christian Miller and Magdalena Oesch) was born on 12 Mar 1818 in Wellenburg, Bavaria, GR; died on 13 Jan 1890 in Beigarten, Bavaria, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer And Stock-Raiser
• Residence: 1838, Butler Co., OH
• Immigration: 14 Jul 1838, New York, NY
• Residence: 1843, Woodford Co., IL
• Census: 1850, Woodford Co., IL
• Residence: 1852, Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1860, Mackinaw, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1870, Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1870, Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1880, Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth, October 1893:
"On the 19th of Sept. 1893, in Tazewell Co., Ill., of general debility, Bro. Christian Zehr, aged 81 y., 7 m. He leaves his wife and 6 children. Funeral services by Joseph King and Joseph Stuckey in German and English from Psa. 90."
——————————
Christian traveled in 1838 to America, stopping in Butler County, Ohio, where his wife joined him in 1840. He farmed in Ohio until 1843, the next year he went to Illinois. Here he settled along the Mackinaw River and built a two room log cabin. He and [Elizabeth] had only one child, Lena. Shortly after this birth Christian's wife died. He served as a deacon of the Roanoke Mennonite Church from 1856 to 1893.

In 1844, Christian married his second wife. Their wedding was performed by bishop Michael Mosiman. The Zehrs probably belonged to the Mackinaw Meeting Amish congregation. In about 1856, Christian built a fine brick house. It was nestled in a hillside overlooking the Mackinaw River Valley. The house took two years to build. Christian made all the bricks for the dwelling in a brickyard located on his farm. Tradition says that his children mixed the clay by stamping barefoot in the mix. Christian also built his own wagon using a broad axe and a saw. It is said that there was "not a pound of iron in the wagon." ...The brick house has since been torn down.

“Christian had the grit and determination of his German forebarers and came to own 900 acres in Tazewell County--which he then gave to his children. He was a registered Democrat and served as a school director. His son, Christian born 3-12-1857, engaged in general farming and stock raising in Tazewell County. He married Magdalena Roeschley, daughter of John and Elizabeth Saltzman Roeschley. He also was registered as a Democrat, and listed as a prominent citizen of Tazewell County. “

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County: "The family has been known in this section since the spring of 1852, when the father...Christian Zehr...settled on Section 25, Deer Creek Township, where he engaged in the general farming and stock-raising business on a scale exceeding that of his neighbors, and raising expectations in the popular mind which were more than realized...and in time became the owner of 900 acres of land, the greater part being valuable and productive. As his children became of age he apportioned farms to them, thus giving them a start in life to which his own youth had been a stranger."

“Christian Zehr was a very thrifty and frugal man. Of all the Zehr brothers he became the most prosperous financially. In his lifetime he accumulated 900 acres of land, having a farm for each of his children when they married and started out in life for themselves.”

“They lived along the Macinaw River near the Rocky Ford. Christian Zehr became a man of wealth and owned much land between Deer Creek and Goodfield.”


The recollections of Christian's daughter Elizabeth, written in the 1930s:
"I was born in 1854 in a log cabin which contained only two rooms and no floors. The roof was made of clapboards. This cabin was situated along the Mackinaw River which was only two jumps wide. It is now about 80 feet wide. There were fourteen log cabins in the community where I was born. I was the last one born in the long [sic] house, for soon after that my father made his own bricks out of clay and built a brick house.
My father's wagon was made out of logs with broad axe and saw and not one pound of iron in it. I saw him work in the field with that wagon and three yoke of oxen a great number of times. He also built a log barn - 70 ft. by 40 ft. My father made his own plow out of wood. This was a one-horse plow and it took one row for one round.
We always went to church in the wagon. The church was twenty five miles away. In those days church services were held in houses, while now it is held in buildings use for that purpose only. In years after, we rode in spring wagons. Now automobiles are used almost entirely, and if it rains we can't get there.
My father put the wheat and grain on the barn floor and threshed it out with clubs. Now all farmers have threshing machines. He put the corn on the barn floor and stamped it out with horses, fanned it, put it in sacks, and took it to market. Now corn shellers are used. He cut his grain with a cradle and one of us had to follow with the garden rake and make bundles, another to bind it. They now have a machine which does both cutting and threshing.
It always seemed that my father was blessed, for he was never too tired or busy for family worship. God blessed him with six children. My father was born in 1812 and was always a hard working man. He died when he was 82 years of age....
I think the old days were a blessing and a comfort. The times now are so different that they are hard to get used to. I think the automobiles and high ways of living spoil things. Then the neighbors helped each other without pay; now it is pay for every quarter of an hour. During the years 1861, '62, and '63, the Civil War was fought. Two of my uncles were drafted but my father bought substitutes for them. The Civil War and also the World War are sad memories.
I was married in 1873 to Mr. Andrew Ulrich. We lived with my folks for two years and then moved in 1875 to Harlen farm, a mile and a half east of Deer Creek. From the Harlen place, we moved to Deer Creek. We raised four children. I have fourteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. My husband died February 13, 1919. Since then I have lived alone. Up to this time I have made 168 quilts.
God blessed me and still does, for he keeps me well. My wish is that God may bless the whole relationship.”

Birth:
On the Bergerhof. Source 356 puts Christian's birth at 12 Nov 1812. Gravestone says 8 Nov 1812. Ancestry.com shows a birthdate of 12 Nov 1812 and a death date of 18 Dec 1892

Residence:
Farmed in OH, wife joined him here in 1840

Immigration:
From Le Havre. On ship Burgundy. The passenger list gives 'Christian Zeiyer,’ 24.

Residence:
Mackinaw River area

Census:
farmer Christian Sears, 38, Germany; Mary, 28, France; Matlan [Magdalena/Madeleine], 8, Illinois; Joseph, 5, Illinois; Josephine, 2, Illinois; and Mattan [Magdalena/Madeleine] Stine, 14, Germany.

Residence:
Settled on Section 25

Census:
them living next door to brother Peter Zehr as farmer Christian Zears, 48, Germany; Mary, 37, Germany; and six children born in Illinois.

Census:
Listed as farmer age 47, born in Bavaria; with wife Mary age 47 born in France; children Elizabeth age 16, Christian age 14, Liddy age 8 and Samuel age 4, all born in IL

Census:
farmer Christian Zehr, 57, Bavaria; Mary, 47, France; and four children born in Illinois (son Joseph Zehr, 24, lived next door; brother Peter Zehr, 52, is found on the same page).

Census:
as farmer Christian Zehr, 68, Bavaria; Mary, 58, France; with two children 17 and 13 still living at home, both born in Illinois

Died:
On his farm in Deer Creek Twp.
Source 356 puts death at 18 Dec 1892. Source 26 gives date as 12 Sep 1893.

Buried:
Mt. Zion Cemetery, north of Deer Creek (see photo)

Christian married Elizabeth Landes on 5 Sep 1841 in Woodford Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Rudolph Landes and Nancy Plum) was born in 1814 in OH; died in 1843 in IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Christian married Marie (Mary) Oyer on 12 Aug 1844 in Tazewell Co., IL. Marie (daughter of Joseph, Sr. Oyer and Catherine Schrag) was born on 16 Apr 1823 in Niderhoff, Moselle, FR; died on 22 Nov 1893 in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
On the Bergerhof.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Brewer/Farmer/Minister
• Religion: Amish
• Immigration: 17 Jun 1844, Le Havre to New York
• Census: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 1856, Farmdale To Rocky Ford
• Census: 1860, Mackinaw, Tazewell Co., IL
• PURC: 30 Apr 1867, Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1870, Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1880, Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Peter was born in Manried, near Munich, in the Hofmark at Hilgertshausen. He came to America and settled at Farmdale as a single man. After marrying, Peter and Elizabeth remained at Farmdale until 1856, when they moved to the Mackinaw River's Rocky Ford area near his brother Christian. Their homes stood on the high hill overlooking the Mackinaw Valley.

Peter had four sons who grew to maturity. All four--Daniel, Peter, David, Samuel--were ordained to the ministry. Of the first nine children of Peter and Elizabeth Oyer Zehr, five died before their first birthday and a sixth before his second. Of the first nine “six never lived to be over two years old. In the year 1860 two small sons died within 3 months.





It was then used for at least some of the subsequent children, but ventually ended up with Bishop Peter and his wife Barbara. Most likely, all of their children used it, then it was given to Amelia (who married Alvin Birkey). It stayed with that family for many years until thier son, Delmar Gene, was born, and was the last person to sleep in the vintage bed. In July of 2023, the bed was gifted to Del and Donna’s family to keep, protect, and hand down at the appropriate time.}

Birth:
Hilgerthausen-Tandern

Immigration:
arrival on packet ship Baltimore.

Census:
County next door to brother George Zehr as brewer Peter Seers, 32, Germany; Elizabeth, 20, France; and Daniel, 1, Illinois.

Residence:
on Mackinaw River

Census:
Township next door to brother Christian Zehr as farmer Peter Zears, 40, Germany; Elizabeth, 32, Germany; and four children born in Illinois.

PURC:
The Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database shows Peter Zehr purchasing 40 acres in Section 36 between Deer Creek and Mackinaw at $10 per acre on April 30, 1867.

Census:
Listed as farmer born in Bavaria, age 52; with wife Elizabeth age 42 born in France; children Daniel age 21, Peter age 19, Elizabeth age 15, Mary age 9, David age 8, Phoeby age 3 and Samuel age 6 months, all born in IL

Census:
Farmer Peter Zehr, 62, Bavaria; Lizzie, 53, France; with four children, all born in Illinois.

Died:
Six days after Phoebe’s wedding.

Buried:
Slabtown Cemetery

Peter married Elizabeth Oyer on 12 Aug 1845 in Farmdale, Tazewell Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Joseph, Sr. Oyer and Magdalena Litwiller) was born on 23 Apr 1828 in Niderhoff, Moselle, FR; died on 21 Mar 1896 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: In Europe, A Dienstknecht (Farm Hand), In US, A Minister/Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: 1848, Slabtown, Woodford Co., IL
• Immigration: May 1848, Le Havre to New York
• Census: 1850, Woodford Co., IL
• Census: 1880, Montgomery Twp., Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth - March 15, 1898 - page 93, 94.
PRE. JACOB ZEHR
Montgomery Township, Woodford County, Ill., lost one of its oldest and most respected citizens on Tuesday morning of Feb. 22nd, 1898 by the death of Pre. Jacob Zehr, at his home in Mackinaw valley, near Zimmerman's Ford. Deceased was born in Bavaria, Germany, Sept. 17, 1825 and emigrated to America in the spring of 1848. On April 21st, 1850, he was married to Elizabeth Ehresman and settled on the farm upon which he died. This farm he entered from the government and by hard labor succeeded in making it a comfortable home, leaving his family well provided for. His family consisted of four sons and five daughters of whom one son and two daughters preceded him to the grave; his wife, six children and eighteen grandchildren survive him. Bro. Zehr united with the Amish Mennonite Church in early youth and remained a faithful member to the time of his death. On the 12th of June 1859, he was chosen by the above named church as minister of the Gospel, and on May 17th, 1863 ordained as bishop. It was ever his highest aim to fill this charge according to God's ordinances as long as He gave him power and health to do so. He was a sufferer from nervousness or sick-headache more or less for nearly forty years, which wore on him so that for the last four or five years his health has been so poor that he was unable to preach. This seemed to be his greatest sorrow in his declining years; yet by his patience in his sufferings and his trust in his Master he was ever setting a good example to others who visited him, and to his family. About four months ago he was partly paralyzed and from that time was confined to his bed and as helpless as a child, patiently awaiting his Master's call to come up higher. His life on earth was an exemplary, upright, humble one, highly respected by all who knew him. While the sorrow of his death is general, yet it is mitigated by the knowledge that after a long and useful life a good man has gone to the home he so longed for.

What a blessed assurance that
"If we so live as to meet him,
In heaven his bright face we shall see."

The funeral services were held in the village of Deer Creek. Thursday at 1 o'clock P. M. Feb., 24th, a very large congregation of friends and relatives came to pay their last tribute of respect to their beloved friend whose kindness and generosity brightened the lives of many. Elder John Schmitt of Metamora spoke in German, and Val. Strubhar of Washington, in English. The remains were laid to rest in the Mt. Zion cemetery, two miles north of Deer Creek.

"Yonder in the graveyard gently
Rests the form we loved so well;
But we look to heaven and glory
Where there will be no farewell.
Farewell father, till we meet thee,
In thy heavenly home above;
There to sing God's praises with thee,
In the land of joy and love."


Settled near Slabtown near his brothers. After marriage he farmed near Mackinaw River's Zimmerman Ford at the southern edge of Woodford County's Montgomery Township.

“Jacob and Elizabeth’s two oldest children, a son and a daughter, died in infancy. These two children, we were told, were buried in a little plot under the apple tree in the southeast corner of their garden.”

He was ordained as a minister on June 12, 1859, and as an elder (bishop) on May 20, 1863, for the Mackinaw Meeting. After 1873 he primarily served the Goodfield congregation. He attended the May 16-19, 1875, Amish ministers conference held in the Sutter barn.

“For Jacob Zehr there was a “throne in the flesh” in the form of very painful headaches from which he suffered for 35 years. These finally wore him down so that the last few years of his life he was no longer able to minister to the people. Once he could no longer fulfill this service his desire was to be called out of this life to be with his Lord.

“The last four months of life he was partially parliized. On a Tuesday morning, Feb 22 1898, death came to release him form further suffering. His funeral was held in the Deer Creek Baptist church in order to accommodate the large crowd of people who came to the services. The services were in charge of Rev. Peter Zehr, Rev. John Smith, and Rev. John Strubhar. His body was laid to rest in the Mt. Zion cemetery north of Deer Creek, IL.”

“Jacob., Jr. is at the well; in the background are Phoebe (Zehr) Wolber and her daughter [given her apparent age, probably Mary Magdalena “Lena”, b. 1895] and Mrs. (Zehr) Warner. It was recorded that “Mrs. Wolber’s small son [Alvin] fled to the safety of the house” because he was camera-shy!” ,


According to Auswanderung, Jakob Zehr, a serving farmhand at Hanfeld, emigrated from Bavaria in 1848 bound for Illinois with 400 florins in hand.

Birth:
in the Hofmark at Hilgertshausen

Residence:
Purchased land in row Zimmerman Ford area of Mackinaw River.

Immigration:
On the ship Admiral. Assets of 400 fl.

Census:
Living next to older brother Christian: Jacob Sears, 25, Germany; and Eliza, 20, Germany.

Census:
Farmer Jacob Zehr, 42, Bavaria; R. Annie Zehr, 36, Ohio; with six children born in Illinois, and Magdalena Zehr, 75, Bavaria

Buried:
Mr. Zion Cemetery (see photo)

Jacob married Elizabeth Ehresman on 21 Apr 1850 in Woodford Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Christian Ehresman (Eyresmann) and Magdalena Barnhardt) was born on 11 Sep 1830 in GR; died on 27 Nov 1902 in Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Cholera

Notes:

Magdalena married Peter Schertz on 8 Jan 1831 in Schalbach, Phalsbourg, Moselle, FR. Peter (son of Joseph Schertz and Marie Hirschi) was born in 1807; died on 2 Apr 1861 in Worth Twp., Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 1857, La Have To New York

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald

ZEHR.-July 22nd, in Livingston county, Ill., of dropsy, Joseph Zehr, aged 74 years. Buried the 23rd. Many relatives and friends met to pay the last tribute of respect. Two daughters and a son of Seward county, Neb., came to see him a few days before his death, which gave him much satisfaction. During his sickness he suffered much from difficulty of breathing, yet he patiently bore it all. He set his housed in order, and had peace with God and man, and was prepared to die. He was a brother in the Amish Mennonite Church. He leaves an aged and bereaved wife, five sons, three daughters, and many grand children. Funeral sermons by Christian Schlegel and John P. Schmitt.
————————————

“Joseph Zehr left two record books handwritten in German Script. They were translated and summarized in an article written by George Unger in the September 1992 issue of Illinois Mennonite Heritage. These records show Joseph in two different occupational roles: The first is Joseph in his role as a farmer or farm manager; the second contains business records indicating that Joseph served as an innkeeper. In record 2, Joseph describes his sale of food, beverages (including coffee, wine, and hard liquor), wood, leather, tobacco, potatoes, and earthenware. Book 1, pages 30-31 lists all of his children and their birth dates. Excerpts from the records reveal that he was a strong Christian with a deep concern for, and love of his children. He was also a respected and liked employer.

“The following are from Joseph's handwritten family register found at page 30 & 31:

"March 6, 1835, a son was born to me and he has the name Christian Zehr. In 1861 he married Catharina Roth."
"On December 22, 1855, in the evening at 11 o'clock Christian left for North America. The ship left harbor on the 30th."
"May 17,1837, a little daughter was born to me. It has the name of Anna Zehr. On February 10, 1837, she married Christian Schertz. On April 2, 1870, she fell asleep in the Lord."
"June 9, 1839 as son was born to me and he has the name Andreas Zehr."
"October 5, 1841 a little daughter was born and it has the name Catarina Zehr. In 1861 she married Christian Roth."
"May 1, 1944, a little daughter was born to me. It has the name Barbara Zehr."
"January 5, 1847 a son was born to me and he has the name Peter Zehr."
"On May 4, 1849 a little daughter was born to me. She has the name Elizabeth Zehr."
"October 12, 1851 a son was born to me. He has the name Johannes Zehr."
"October 3, 1853 as son was born to me. He has the name Joseph Zehr in Schlong at the Marne."
"August 25, 1856, a little daughter was born to me. It has the name Maria Zehr, too little, Fagiers by Schalon, Sur Marne. On September 5, 1856 she fell asleep in the Lord."
"December 20, 1862 as son was born to me. He has the name Faledin [Valentin] Zehr in America."

“Joseph, wrote a letter to his father on January 8, 1852. In the letter, he referred to his son, Christian: 
"I would like to let you know that I have a son for whom I wish so much that he could come to your area to learn the French language. He is 16 years old, and I think that you as father would be able to arrange for a great opportunity for him to come to you and learn the miller trade." 
Christian apparently did this, staying with his grandfather for two years.

“Joseph and family immigrated in 1857 aboard the ship "Vision" from Le Havre, which landed in New York on 1/2/1857. According to the ships list, the family passengers were: Joseph (56), Catherine (51), Anna (16), Andrew (15), Catherine (14), Babette (8), Pierre (6), Elizabeth (5), Jean (3), and Joseph (11/12). [Note the incorrect ages listed for some of the family members. This was common because of language barriers]. The family settled near Metamora, Illinois. In the 1860 census, he was listed as "Joseph Sears" and lived with his wife Catherine, and children Barbara, Peter, Elizabeth, John, and Joseph in Washington Township, Tazewell County. In 1880, Joseph, Catherine, and Valentine were living in Waldo Township, Livingston County, Illinois.”

Birth:
His civil birth entry described his father as a 25-year-old land owner and plowman [Ger. Burger und Ackermann].

Immigration:
“Joseph and family immigrated in 1857 aboard the ship "Vision" from Le Havre, which landed in New York on 1/2/1857.”

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Joseph married Catherine Kohler on 25 Feb 1834 in Schalbach, Phalsbourg, Moselle, FR. Catherine (daughter of André Kohler and Anne Birki) was born in 1815 in FR; died on 31 Oct 1884 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Notes:

Peter and Catherine may have died from cholera within weeks of the ceremony. Catherine's headstone in Hickory Point Cemetery at Metamora describes her as, "Catharine Springer, Ehefrau des Peter Zehr gest. 1849." Peter's headstone says he was "Peter Zehr gest. 1849."

Birth:
Born in House No. 37

Died:
Gravestone, gest. 1849

Buried:
Hickory Point Cemetery

Peter married Catharine Springer on 9 Dec 1849 in Tazewell Co., IL. Catharine (daughter of David Springer and Elizabeth Guth (Good)) was born in 1829 in Solln, Bavaria, GR; died about 1849 in IL; was buried in Metamora, Worth Twp., Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth, April 1, 1902, page 109, 110, 111
SCHERTZ.-Anna Zehr was born in France Apr. 1, 1826, and died Jan. 21, 1902, at her home west of Metamora, Ill., aged 75 years, 9 months and 2 days. She came to America when she was about ten years old and was united in marriage with Joseph Schertz in 1846. To this union were born nine children, four of whom are still living. She husband died Aug. 21, 1892. She also leaves 21 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed in the family. She was a good mother to them. She united with the Mennonite church in her young years and was faithful unto the end. The funeral services were conducted by John Smith, V. Struber and S. Graber at the Mennonite M. H., one mile east of Metamora. She was laid to rest beside her husband in the Partridge cemetery Jan. 24. J. S.

Anna had a son, Christian, who was adopted by Joseph Schertz. Christian married Elizabeth Farni. Was murdered in his home near Metamora, IL, 3 Dec 1872, while rocking his sons to sleep.

Buried:
Hickory Point Cemetery

Anna married Joseph Schertz on 8 Nov 1846 in Woodford Co., IL. Joseph (son of Joseph Schertz and Marie Hirschi) was born on 3 Mar 1811 in Oberstinzel, Fenetrange, Moselle, FR; died on 21 Aug 1892 in Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]