Nov 26

Tombstone Tuesday–Catharina Schüler

Catherina Schuler, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. (2012 photo by Karen)

Catherina Schuler, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. (2012 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Catharina Schüler, located in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed:

Hier ruhet in Gott
Catharina
Ehefrau von
Michael Schüler
Geborn 21 April 1810
Gestorben
3 Deceb 1838

Translation: Here rests in God, Catharina, wife of Michael Schüler, born 21 April 1810, died 3 December 1838.

Maria “Catharina” [also known as Katherine] was born 20 or 21 April 1810 in Ruppertshofen, Württemberg, the third child of Johann Georg and Anna Maria (Fisher) Schumm. Her tombstone actually has both dates on it. There is a plaque on the back of her tombstone that indicates she was born on the 20th of April while the inscription on the front shows her date of birth as the 21st. I believe her date of birth is accepted as the 20th, but I am not sure where the information for that date comes from.

Catharina immigrated to America with her father and four brothers in 1833. The Schumms lived in Holmes County, Ohio, for several years and Catharina married Michael Schüler there on 22 November 1833. [1] The rest of her Schumm family purchased land in Van Wert County and moved there soon after.  According to the records of Zion Schumm, the Schumms, and probably Michael and Catharina Schüler and their family, arrived in Van Wert County on 7 June 1838.

Catharina (Schumm) Schüler lived in Van Wert County only a few months before she died on 3 December 1838. She was the first person to be buried on the ground that would later become Schumm Cemetery.  A little less than eight years later her father was laid to rest next to her.

Catherina (Schumm) Schuler plaque. (2012 photo by Karen)

Catherina (Schumm) Schuler plaque. (2012 photo by Karen)

A metal plaque is mounted on the back of Catharina’s grave marker and is inscribed:

KATHERINE (SCHUMM) SCHUELER
Born in Ruppertshofen Germany
April 20, 1810
Died December 3, 1838 the same
year the Schumms settled in
this area. She was buried in this plot on high ground in the forest
that later became Zion Lutheran
Cemetery, becoming the first person buried in this cemetery.

Michael and Catharina (Schumm) Schüler had the following children:

George (1834-1893)
Magdalena (1835-1916) married Johann Bienz
Rosina K. (1837-?)

 

[1] “Ohio, Marriages, 1800-1958,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/SC7C-JNR : accessed 24 Nov 2013), Michael Scheuler and Catharine Schoone, 22 Nov 1833.

Nov 22

A Chatt-Area Graduation?

A reader from Indiana recently sent me a copy of an old photo. Donna found the photo among her sister’s items and had never seen the photo before.

Their mother is standing with a group of young adults and Donna believes the photo may be an eighth grade graduation picture, taken about 1910 at a school near Chattanooga, Ohio. But I wonder…

Donna and her family lived in Chatt when she was a child. Her paternal and maternal grandparents lived in or near Chatt as well. Donna’s father was William Andres and her mother was Minna Baumgartner. Minna was born in 1897 in Indiana.

Donna’s mother is the young lady standing to the far left in the photo below. Donna wonders if the photo was taken at Wildcat School because she believes her mother attended Wildcat School at one time. Wildcat School was a one-room school located a mile north of Chatt. It once stood on the very lot where I grew up.

Chattanooga Graduation photo, c1910.

Young adults from Liberty Township, c1910.

Donna is sure that this photo is not a church photo and it does look like it may have been taken at a graduation. The individuals are holding rolled up papers that look like diplomas. The students are all dressed up. Everyone is in their Sunday best and it looks like this was an important event. The girls are wearing pretty, white lace-trimmed dresses, white stockings, and big bows in their hair. The boys have on their suits and ties.

One very interesting thing about this photo is that each of the students signed their name on the bottom of the photo. It is often difficult to find an old photo in which everyone is identified, let alone finding a photo that has everyone’s signature on it. The signatures at the bottom of the photo are written in the order the students are positioned:

Mina Baumgartner, Flossie Stoll, Carl Berron, Alvina Keck, James Gibbons, Rosa Betzel, Isa Martz

Dolan Loree, Rosa Turckes, Herald Redger, Irma Wilson, Chester Kincaid, Eda Kable

Ed Bauer, Hugo Fancke

I looked up the names of all these individuals in the1910 Census and I found the name and age of each, except for Harold Redger. [Thanks to Miriam who found Harold after this was posted.] All were living in Liberty Township and they were enumerated with their parents. Below are the names of the students, their ages, and the names of their parents, as enumerated in 1910 [1] :

Minna Baumgartner [12, Jacob & Rosa]
Flossie Stoll [Liberty, 14, John & Sarah]
Carl Berron [13, George & Mary]
Alvina Keck [20, John & Enna]
James Gibbons [14, William & Nancy C]
Rosa Betzel [15, Jacob & Mary]
Isa Martz [“Icy” 13, William Sr & Luania]
Dolan Loree [13, Marion & Sula]
Rosa Turckes [“Rosa S” 11, Joseph & Catharine]
Harold Redger [11, William & Harriet “Roettger”]
Irma Wilson [11, Liberty, Scudder & Christina]
Chester Kincaid [11, Alec & Mahala]
Eda Kable [14, John & Annie]
Ed Bauer [“Edward” 12, Fred & Mary]
Hugo Fancke [11, John & Louisa]

The photo might have been taken at an eighth grade graduation. In the early 1900s the eighth grade was often the highest grade achieved by many people. Eighth grade graduation would be comparable to today’s high school graduation. Yes, a big event.

But I also looked at a 1900 map of Liberty Township, to see where each family was living about ten years before the photo was supposedly taken. Not all of the young adults lived near Chatt. In fact, they lived all over Liberty Township. Miles away from each other. There were schools all over the township and schools were just a couple miles apart. It is hard to believe that students from all over the township would attend one particular school that was farther from their home. Or that they would attend a school in another township. Wildcat School was in Black Creek Township and these students were from Liberty Township.

Could this photo have been taken to commemorate another event? Perhaps some township-wide event or some special recognition? Donna said her mother took piano lessons and performed in a piano recital at least once. Was this a group of piano students?

Donna also told me a little about her family. Jacob Baumgartner, Minna’s father, owned and operated the sawmill in Chatt from 1896-1915. The Baumgartner family, per the 1910 census: Jacob, 52; Rosa, 48; Paul, 22; Samuel, 19; Minnie, 12. [2]

Minna married William Andress in 1915. [3] William’s parents, John and Sophia Andress were from the Chatt area. In 1910 they were living in Black Creek Township. [4]  Black Creek Township borders Liberty Township on the north end of Chatt. William Andress took over the sawmill from Jacob Baumgartner in about 1915.

Donna also told me a story about her mother Minna. Donna said that there was a fire at Minna’s school one day. Minna enjoyed school and was very upset when the school caught fire. She went home crying because she thought she would not get to go back to school.

I would love to hear from anyone that has knowledge of the people in this photo or the event in the photo.

 

[1] 1910 U.S. census, Liberty, Mercer, Ohio, ED 0119; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 21 November 2013); from National Archives microfilm T624, roll 1214.

[2] 1910 U.S. census, Liberty, Mercer, Ohio, ED 0119, p. 16B, dwelling353, family 314, Jacob Baumgartner; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 21 November 2013); from National Archives microfilm T624, roll 1214.

[3] “Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1994,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:MM9.1.1/XZTX-T62 : accessed 21 Nov 2013), William Andress and Minnie Baumgartner, 04 Apr 1915; citing Mercer, Ohio, United States, reference cn913 p.457; FHL microfilm 914959; citing Vol. 10:457.

[4] 1910 U.S. census, Black Creek, Mercer, Ohio, ED 0107, p.5A, dwelling 97, family 97, John H. Andress ; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 21 November 2013); from National Archives microfilm T624, roll 1214.

 

Nov 19

Tombstone Tuesday–Johann Georg Schumm

Johann Georg Schumm, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

Johann Georg Schumm, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Johann Georg Schumm, located in row 5 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. His sandstone marker is still very readable and is inscribed:

Selig sind die toda-
en die in dem Herrn
sterben von nun an Ia
Der Geist Sprieght dass
sie ruhen von ihier arbeit,
Den ihre Werke folgen ihnen
Nach, Offenb. 14, 13.
Hier ruhet in Frieden
Weilan Johann Georg Schum
Geb. in d. 5 Aug anno 1777
Gest. d. 15 Sept 1846
In einem alter
Von
69 jahren 1 Mont U. 10 tagen

Translation: Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Rev. 14:13. Here rests in peace formerly Johann Georg Schum, born 5 August in the year 1777, died the15 September 1846, at the age of 69 years, 1 month and 10 days.

A metal plaque behind the tombstone reads:

John George Schumm
Born Aug. 4, 1777 in
Ruppertshofen, Germany
Died Sept. 15, 1846 in
Schumm, Ohio
Settled in Schumm, Ohio in 1838

Plaque behind Johann Georg Schumm tombstone, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

Plaque behind Johann Georg Schumm tombstone, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

Johann Georg Schumm was born on 4 August 1777 in Ruppertshofen, Württemberg, the son of John Georg and Anna Margarete (Franz) Schumm. [1] His German birth record gives his date of birth as 4 August so the tombstone is incorrect.

Johann Georg Schumm married Anna Maria Fisher on 28 April 1807 in Ruppertshofen, Württemberg.  Anna Maria was born on 3 Mar 1779 in Ruppertshofen and died there on 5 Feb 1822.

Johann Georg Schumm, with four of his sons and a daughter, left from the port of Hamburg in mid-April of 1833, bound for America. They sailed on the Brig Zelia and arrived at the Port of Philadelphia on 3 June 1833. The Johann Georg Schumm family, as listed on the ship’s passenger list: John G Schum, age 55; John F, 19; George M, 20; John J, 17; Georg L, 16, and Maria C, 23. [2]

Once they were in America the Schumms traveled to and resided for several years near Winesburg in Holmes County, Ohio. Since most immigrants traveled to where relatives, friends and neighbors had already settled, the Schumms undoubtedly knew some of the families that were already living in the Holmes County area.

The little village of Winesburg was settled by German Lutheran immigrants and the Schumms worshiped with them. Several of Johnann Georg Schumm’s children were married at Winesburg during this time: Maria Katherina married Michael Schüller in 1833 [3]; George Martin married Maria Pflüger in 1838 [4]; Johann Friedrich married Magdalena Meyer in 1838 [5]; George Ludwig married Maria Barbara Pflüger in 1840 [6]. Johann Jacob married Hannah Boyer in 1839 in Van Wert County. [7]

Four years after arriving in America Johnann Georg Schumm visited the Van Wert County area. At that time the US government was encouraging westward migration and land cost as little as $1.25/acre. He liked the area east of Willshire and decided to move his family there.

On 26 April 1837 Johann Georg applied for three US land patents and his sons George Martin and Friedrich each applied for a land patent, all in Van Wert County. They paid a total of $1000 for the five quarter sections, amounting to 800 acres, in whiat is now the area of Schumm. The final land certificates were signed by President Martin Van Buren and dated 10 October 1840. [8]

It looks like the Schumms wanted to make sure that each of the five immigrant children had at least 160 acres of land. Johann Georg may have purchased the 3 quarter sections for his three children that could not purchase the land themselves. The two older sons, George Martin and Friedrich, were over 21 years of age in 1837 and could legally purchase land themselves. Katherina, married to Michael Schüler, would not have been able to purchase land because married women at that time were not legally permitted to purchase or own land. Son Ludwig was not 21 years of age in 1837 and would not have been legally allowed to purchase land. Eventually each of the Schumm children or their heirs had a tract of land in the area.

According to the records at Zion Schumm, the Schumms arrived in Van Wert County on 7 June 1838. It appears some of them traveled to and from Van Wert County and Holmes County during the years 1838-1840, since some of them were married in Holmes County during that time period.

Johann Georg Schumm was naturalized 2 October 1843 in Van Wert County.

Johann Georg Schumm (1777-1846). (2011 photo by Karen)

Johann Georg Schumm (1777-1846). (2011 photo by Karen)

Johann Georg died of typhus on 15 September 1846 at the age of 69 years, 1 month, and 10 days. He and his four sons were instrumental in establishing Zion Lutheran Church at Schumm and the town of Schumm. Unfortunately Johann George died three days before the first constitution of Zion Lutheran Church was adopted.

Johann Georg and Anna Maria (Fisher) Schumm had the following children:

Johann George (1807-1807)
George Michael (1808-1831)
Maria Katherina (1810-1838) married Michael Schüler
George Martin (1812-1871) married Maria Pflüger
Johann Friedrich (18140-l902) married Magdalena Meyer
Johann Jacob (1815-1853) married Hannah Boyer
George Ludwig (1817-1855) Maria Barbara Pflüger
Maria Rosine (1818-1819)
Anna Maria (1819-1819)
Maria Rosine (1821-1843)

Johann Georg Schumm is my great-great-great-grandfather. I descend from his son George “Ludwig” Schumm, All of Johann Georg’s children who immigrated with him are buried in Zion Schumm’s cemetery.

 

[1] Kirchenbuch, 1555-1986, Evangelische Kirche Rüppertshofen, OA Gerabronn, Württemberg, microfilm #1528604, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

[2] Philadelphia, Passenger Lists, 1800-1850, on-line database and images by subscription, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com “ accessed 24 Nov 2013); citing Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1883-1945, Micropublication T840, RG085, rolls #1-181, National Archives, Washington, D.C.; and Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1800-1882, Micropublication M425, RG036, rolls #1-108, National Archives, Washington, D.C.

[3] “Ohio, Marriages, 1800-1958,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/SC7C-JNR : accessed 24 Nov 2013), Michael Scheuler and Catharine Schoone, 22 Nov 1833.

[4] “Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1994,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XDP1-PT5 : accessed 24 Nov 2013), George Schumm and Mary Pfluger, 01 May 1838; citing Vol. 2 1831-1867, p. 44, Holmes, Ohio, United States, reference 272; FHL microfilm 477144.

[5] “Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1994,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XDP1-59B : accessed 24 Nov 2013), Frederick Schum and Magdalena Meyers, 15 Aug 1838; citing Vol. 2 1831-1867, p. 53, Holmes, Ohio, United States, reference 276; FHL microfilm 477144.

[6] “Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1994,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XDP1-R4F : accessed 24 Nov 2013), Lewis Schumm and Barbara Pfluger, Nov 1840; citing Vol. 2 1831-1867, p. 109, Holmes, Ohio, United States, reference ; FHL microfilm 477144.

[7] “Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1004,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VN31-9SL : accessed 24 Nov 2013), Jacob Schom and Hannah Boyer, 15 Feb 1839; citing Vol. 1937-1840, Van Wert, Ohio, United States, reference; FHL microfilm 1016002.

[8] Schumm land transactions:

The Schumms applied for land patents at the US Land Office in Lima, Ohio, on 26 April 1837:
John George: SW ¼  of Section 23 (cert #9724, Bureau of Land Management); NW ¼ of Section 26 (cert #9725, BLM); NE ¼ of Section 27 (cert #9726, BLM).
George Martin: SE ¼ of Section 22 (cert #9727, BLM).
Friedrich: NE ¼ of Section 22 (cert #9728, BLM).

10 March 1840:
Friedrich purchased the 160 acres in Section 26 from his father for $200 (Van Wert Deeds, Vol E:280).
George Martin purchased the 160 in Section 27 from his father for $200 (Van Wert Deeds, Vol E:282).

John Jacob received the 160 acres in Section 23 from his father (Van Wert Deeds, Vol E:183, Vol F:448).
The Schüller heirs eventually owned land in the NE ¼ of Section 22.
Lewis eventually owned the SE ¼ of Section 22.

 

Nov 15

Letters From a WWII Soldier

Yesterday I started sorting through the World War II letters my dad wrote and sent to my Aunt Em and her husband decades ago. A few weeks ago Em’s family gave me the stack of letters that had been stored away in Em’s attic all those years.

I plan to eventually transcribe them all, but for now I am sorting them out. I noticed that most of the letters were very general in content. My dad did not to give his whereabouts or any details of his squad’s activities. He undoubtedly was not allowed to give out that information.

Herb Miller in Paris

Herb Miller in Paris, WWII.

My dad repeated several things over and over in the letters he wrote: Thank you for the packages. Send more packages. I would love to have some home-baked cookies and fruit cake. How are things on the farm? How are things in Chattanooga?

The letters start when he was in basic training at Fort McClellan, Alabama, during the summer of 1944. The rest were sent from Europe. Ten of the letters were the small V-Mail letters, all written in 1945. I transcribed two of the V-Mail letters below:

March 10, 1945
Germany

Dear Sis, Jack and all,

How is everything coming along back Chattanooga way. I imagine the farm work is pretty well under way by now.

I received your box of Lady Wagner chocolate today and I mean to tell you they were really delicious. The squad thought they were good, too. There are twelve men in the squad and they are all regular fellows. When we receive a box we share alike.

I’ve now gotten the Combat Infantry man’s badge. I get $10 more per month, now with $4 more for P.F.C. and $70 for overseas. That makes my pay check $74 before deductions.

Well Jack I’ve got myself a Luger now and also a German paratrooper knife. They will make nice souvenirs.

I received the Rockford newsletter today. It’s got quite a bit of news in it. Must close for now and thanks again for the candy. Tell Mom not to worry. I’ll write tomorrow. Hope to see you soon.

Love,
Herbie

V-Mail from Herbert Miller, 10 March 1945.

V-Mail from Herbert Miller, 10 March 1945.

Undated

Dear Em & Jack,

How are things coming along around Chattanooga and vicinity? I hear Bud Oakley is in 4-8 again. I’ll bet that makes him mad.

I can’t tell where I’m at neither can I give the date. I think they are military secrets.

I’ve been receiving my mail pretty regular but still no boxes. I sure would like to have some of those home baked cookies and cakes. I get pretty hungry for ice cream and malted milk, but will have to wait till I get back to the states to get anything like that.

I received the copy of the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” yesterday. Thanks a lot for sending a lot of songs like that one. We tried to sing but couldn’t remember all of the words.

Today for dinner we had baked beans, rice and meat balls, pears, bread, jam and coffee. This morning we had French toast, syrup, cereal and coffee.

I wrote to Mom and Dad yesterday and decided to write you today. I’m hurting pretty good for stationary or I could write more often. Guess I’d better close for now.

Love,
Herbie

PS Please send me a box of home baked cookies, hard candy or peanuts, and stationary to write back to you.

Envelope made from Map of Scotland, 1946.

Envelope made from Map of Scotland, 1946.

One envelope, postmarked 17 March 1946, caught my eye. The return address was from Corporal Herbert Miller with the American Red Cross name and emblem on the flap. But it was the inside of the envelope that was unique. It was a map! A map of Salachail and the surrounding area in Scotland. I do not know if the Red Cross provided fancy designer envelopes or if my dad made this envelope from a map. As far as I know, my dad was never in Scotland.

Envelope made from a map of Scotland, 1946.

Envelope made from a map of Scotland, 1946.

My dad, Herbert Miller, served in the Army from 1944-1946, in the 84th Infantry Division, 333rd Regiment, Company L, known at the Railsplitters. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and fought in Germany, Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Holland.

I will continue to transcribe these letters and will post some from time to time.

Nov 12

Tombstone Tuesday–J. Michael Grund

J. Michael Grund, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. (2012 photo by Karen)

J. Michael Grund, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. (2012 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of J. Michael Grund, located in row three of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. The broken marker is inscribed:

J. Michael
Sohn von
[?] & E. Maria
Grund
Gestorben
Den.19, Novbr. 1857
Alter
24 Jahre, 19 Tag

Translation: J. Michael, son of [unreadable] & E. Maria Grund, died the 19 November 1857, age 24 years, 19 days.

This broken marble marker is nearly impossible to read. In 1992 the Van Wert County Chapter OGS read the surname on the tombstone as “Griebe” but I believe the name is Grund.

By using Zion Schumm’s church records I believe it is the tombstone of Johann Michael Grund. His is the only death recorded in November 1857 and the dates on the tombstone match the church records fairly well, but unfortunately, not exactly. The church records indicate he immigrated the same year as an older Grund couple and the wife’s name of that older couple matches the name of the mother on the tombstone above.

Zion’s death and burial record of Johann Michael Grund states that he was the son of Johann Grund. The record goes on to say that Johann Michael died very suddenly on 11 November 1857 at the age of 24 years and 22 days. It indicates that he was born in Oberamt Gerebronn, Württemberg, and that he arrived in America in 1852. He was born 20 October 1833, calculating his date of birth from the church records.

Zion’s records also give quite a bit of information about Johann Michael’s parents. Johann Heinrich Grund was born 4 May 1809 in Gerabronn, Württemberg. Johann Heinrich was married to Eva Maria Brenner and they immigrated in 1852. Johann Heinrich died 12 Nov 1875 and was buried 14 November.

Eva Maria Brenner was born in Michelbach, Württemberg, on 17 March 1805 and she died in Van Wert County 18 May 1880 at the age of 75 years, 2 months, and 1 day, according to the church records. The records state that she was married to Johann Heinrich Grund.

Johann Heinrich and Eva Maria Grund had five children but four of them were deceased when Johann Heinrich died in 1875. At that time their only living child was their son Georg Grund (1844-1926). Georg and his wife Maria (Rettig) Grund (1853-1913) were the subjects of last week’s Tombstone Tuesday post.

The following are four of Johann Heinrich and Eva Maria (Brenner) Grund’s children, as mentioned in Zion Schumm’s records:

Margaretha (c1830-1861) (m. Martin Geier) Died in childbirth with her child; no tombstone remains
Johann Michael (1833-1857)
Margaretha “Rosina” (1838-1861) (m. Adam Büchner on 9 September 1858)
Georg (1844-1926) (m. Maria Rettig)

The grave markers of Johann Michael Grund and his sister Rosina (Grund) Büchner are in the same row, with one stone in between them.

Johann Heinrich and Eva Maria (Brenner) Grund are probably buried in Schumm Cemetery but their stones no longer exist. There are several bases that no longer have stones and several burial plots in the old section that have no base or marker.