Jan 31

Tombstone Tuesday–Margaretha Schumm

Margaretha Schumm, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Van Wert County, Ohio

This is the tombstone of Margaretha Schumm, located in row 5 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. The gravestone is inscribed: Margaretha, ehefrau [wife] of Friedrich Schumm, gest [died] 27 Jun 1885, 38y, 3m, 2t [days].

According to the church records of Zion, Schumm, Margaretha Schumm, born Ehrmann [Ehrenmann], was the wife of Mr. Fr. Schumm Jr. She was born 25 March 1847 in Washington, Crawford County, Ohio.  She died 27 June 1885 of long standing heart trouble and was buried on 29 June in the parish cemetery. She was 38 years, 3 months and 2 days old.

I featured Margaretha’s husband Friedrich Schumm in last week’s Tombstone Tuesday. They were married 26 October 1871 and had the following children: Theodore Wilhelm (1872-1876), Katherine Magdalena (1874-1958), Anton “Hugo” (1876-1932), Mina Juliana (1876-1876), Leona Barbara (1877-1958), Henrietta Amalia (1879-1947), Maria Elizabeth (1881-1966), Clara May (1883-1883) and L. William (1884-1961).

I couldn’t help wonder who Margaretha’s parents were. I looked at the 1850 and 1860 censuses as well as Zion’s church records.

Margaretha  was in the Adam Ehrenmann household in 1850 in Van Wert County: Adam “Ehrman”, 53, born in Germany; Charlotte, 44, Germany; Emily, 14, Ohio; Christian, 22, Ohio; Adam, 17, Ohio; Florina, 12, Ohio; Margaret, 5, Ohio; Catharine, 0, Ohio. This does not prove that Margaretha was the daughter of Adam Ehrenmann but I would look at him as a person of interest who could possibly be her father.  

In 1860 Margaretha appears to be living with the Adam Dietrich family in Van Wert County: Adam “Dertrich”, 32, born in Ohio; Mary E, 27; Mary M, 1; Eserbert Zimmerman, 19, Bavaria; Margaret “Airaman”, 15, Ohio.

Why was Margaretha living with the Dietrichs in 1860? The following information from Zion’ church records may give the answer.

The church records tell us that Mrs. Ehrenmann died 21 March 1851 between 8 & 9:00 in the morning. She was age 45 years, 7 months and 12 days. She was buried 23 March. This could very well be Charlotte that was in the 1850 census.

From the church records: Adam Ehrenmann married widow B. Albrecht on 2 August 1853 at home.  Adam was a widower from Zion.

From Van Wert County marriage records, www.familysearch.org: Adam Ariman/Ehrenman married Barbara Albright/Albrecht on 2 August 1853. This confirms the above church record.

From Zion’s records: Mrs. Ehrenmann died 17 September 1853, age 43 years, 8 months and some days.  She was buried 18 September.  The cause of death was a fever. This may have been Barbara, a bride only a month before.

From Zion’s records: Mr. Adam Ehrenmann died 18 November 1853 at age 53 years. He was buried 20 November.  The cause of death was from consequences of consumption. This is probably the same Adam seen in the 1850 census, although the age is slightly off.

If Margaretha was the daughter of Adam and Charlotte she was orphaned within a few short years. That could have been why she was living with the Dietrich family in 1860.

I would be interested to learn more about the Ehrenmann family. Please let me know if anyone has any additional information about them.

 

Census sources:

Adam Ehrman household, 1850 US Census, Willshire, Van Wert, Ohio; Roll: M432_736; Page: 170B; Image: 342. www.Ancestry.com, accessed 29 Jan 2012.

Adam Dertrich [sic] household, 1860 US Census, Willshire, Van Wert, Ohio;  Roll: M653_1045; Page: 426; Image: 157; Family History Library Film: 805045. www. Ancestry.com, accessed 29 Jan 2012.

 

Jan 27

Happy Anniversary to Karen’s Chatt!

This is the one year anniversary of Karen’s Chatt. It is hard to believe that one whole year had passed since Jeff created this website for me. I have read that the average life of a website is 100 days. I think we have done pretty well considering this is primarily a family-specific website.

Below are some statistics for Karen’s Chatt during the past year:

  • There were 4,358 visits to the website.
  • There were 1,718 unique/different visitors to the website.
  • There were 13,638 page views.
  • Visitors viewed an average of 3.13 pages per visit.
  • Visitors spent an average of 4 minutes and 50 seconds per visit.

There were visits from 69 different countries. Some of the more unusual countries were Moldova, Burma, Russia, Ethiopia, Qatar, and Slovenia, to name a few. I am even not sure where some of them are located.

It is no surprise that most visits were from the United States, with a total of 3,961 visits. The top ten countries were US, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, Russia, Ireland, Brazil, US Virgin Islands, and India.

There were visits from every state in the union except one. There were no visits from Maine. That’s ok. I have never been to Maine either.

Most visits came from Ohio, a total of 2,054 visits. Indiana came in second with 534 visits. Rounding out the top ten states were California, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Arizona.

The most popular static pages on the website were the gallery/photo pages. The Schumm Gallery was the most viewed. Following that were the Brewster Gallery, Links page, Schinnerer/Scaer Gallery, Photos page, and the Miller Gallery.

The most popular blogs were Ten Tech Tools and Tips, Tombstone Tuesday: Jacob Miller, Changes in Technology over the Years, and Dropping Pennies.

Many people found Karen’s Chatt by entering specific words or phrases on a search engine. There were 899 various search terms that were used. Here are just a few:

  • Nicholas Headington War of 1812 (93 searches. I guess I really need to blog about him!)
  • Marie Kessler (19 searches. There was a lot of interest in my great-great-grandmother.)
  • Changes in Technology over the years (19 searches)
  • Dropping Pennies song, Hear the Pennies Dropping, etc. (40 searches! Who knew this catchy Sunday School song is so popular!)
  • My interest is Chatt (Mine, too!)
  • Scary Santa (6 searches. Did others find my Uncle Kenny/Santa scary?)
  • Schinnerer clan
  • Van Wert, Georgia destructed (Is there a Van Wert, Georgia?)
  • Christian Hoffman and Maria Schinnsler, Van Wert, Ohio (Were they looking for Schinnsler or Schinnerer?)
  • Who does the Bluetooth lady’s voice? (I don’t know. She stopped talking to me several months ago.)
  • Flip Pal Memorial Day (A Flip Pal scanner is handy on any holiday.)
  • Hide Schumm zeugen jehovas (I’m sorry. I can’t help you with this one. I do know that Zeugen is a witness/sponsor at baptism.)
  • The last two search terms on the list appeared to be in Russian.

Karen’s Chatt is still a work in progress. I would like to put more genealogy on the Family pages but I haven’t decided what format I want to use. I have more photos to upload. It would be a great asset if I had a faster Internet service to upload photos. I refer to our wireless service here as “glorified dial-up”.

I have accomplished several things I had hoped to. I am writing about my family history and sharing the information in my blogs. I am doing more cemetery research and as a result posting my weekly Tombstone Tuesday blog.

I was able to help a couple people with their family research and I even met some distant relatives. We shared photos and information and I gained some new information, too!

And I joined the great group of Geneabloggers! Geneabloggers wear those colorful beads at conferences. If you haven’t already you should check out the vast number of family history blogs in this group.

My readers are great. In fact one kindly gave me some advice for self improvement. She suggested that I need to “lighten up”. Her comment was in response to me asking her to correct some misinformation she had published about one of my ancestors. I also asked her to give the source of a group of photos that she took from this website without my permission. She had put those photos on her Ancestry page. I asked her state where the photos came from by labeling each, “Photos courtesy of Karen Miller Bennett” and my URL.

She wrote to me:  I do not need your permission to use those pictures. If you don’t want anyone to have those pictures make them private! You need to lighten up and realize that mistakes are made, I try to research and I add and delete things all the time. First thing you should do is make your site private then nobody will bother you. Please don’t contact me again.

Well, I guess she told me! Hmmm. Let’s see. She doesn’t need my permission to take and use photos from this website? Even photos that I personally took myself? Does the word copyright mean anything anymore? I wonder if she realized what she was writing. Think about it, Missy. If this website were private you wouldn’t have all those nice photos, now would you???

All in all it has been a fun and interesting year. I have learned a lot and I plan to continue writing blogs and adding additional items to Karen’s Chatt. I hope you keep visiting and reading.

 

 

 

 

 

Jan 24

Tombstone Tuesday–Friedrich Schumm Jr.

Friedrich Schumm Jr, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Ohio

This is the tombstone of Friedrich Schumm Jr., located in row 9 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. The gravemarker is inscribed: Hier Ruhet [here lies] FRIEDRICH SCHUMM, Geb. [born] Apr. 1, 1844; Gest. [died] Dez. 24, 1907. Text Offenb. Johannis. Kap. 7, Vers 13 Bis 17.

According to the church records at Zion, Schumm, Friedrich Schumm Jr. was born 1 April 1844 in Schumm. He was the third child of Johann Friedrich and Magdalena (Meyer) Schumm. His father was one of the oiginal Schumm immigrants.

Friedrich Jr. died 24 December 1907 in the hospital at Fort Wayne, Indiana, aged 63 years, 8 months, 23 days. He was buried 27 December 1907 in Zion’s cemetery. Survivors included his widow and nine children. (records of Zion, Schumm)

Friedrich married Margaretha “Margaret” Ehrenmann on 26 October 1871 in Allen County, Indiana. They were married by Rev. Seemeyer. Her name was spelled “Ariman” on their marriage record. (Allen County, Indiana, Index to Marriage Record, 1824-1920, WPA; from County Clerk, Book 8: 389. www.FamilySearch.org, accessed 23 Jan 2012.)

Friedrich and Margaret had nine children: Theodore Wilhelm (1872-1876), Katherine Magdalena (1874-1958), Anton “Hugo” (1876-1932), Mina Juliana (1876-1876), Leona Barbara (1877-1958), Henrietta Amalia (1879-1947), Maria Elizabeth (1881-1966), Clara May (1883-1883) and L. William (1884-1961).

Margaret (Ehrenmann) Schumm died 27 June 1885 at the age of 38 years. She is buried in row 5 of Zion’s cemetery. (records of Zion, Schumm)

Friedrich then married Maria Catharina Büchner on 6 September 1888 at Zion, Schumm. (Van Wert County Marriages, Vol 7:265, #686; www.familysearch.org, accessed 23 Jan 2012) She was born 7 March 1861, the daughter of Johann Büchner and wife. Maria died 16 February 1930 and is buried in row 11 of Zion’s cemetery.  Friedrich and Maria had four children: Justina Louise (1889-1889), Amos C. (1891-1974), Erna Theresa (1894-1971) and Naomi Margaretha (1897-1982). (records of Zion, Schumm)

The Friedrich Schumm family lived in Mercer County, Ohio. Their farm was located in the Charlie Reservation in Black Creek Township, a couple miles northwest of Rockford.

Jan 20

Alta Jane’s Autograph Books

Alta Jane Bryan's autograph book, c1887.

Last week I showed some photos of a few Bryan family heirlooms that I photographed last fall while visiting my distant cousin Ed.

The John and Hannah (Huey) Bryan family lived in Bear Creek Township, Jay County, Indiana, in the latter half of the 19th century. I found it surprising that they had calling cards in rural Jay County back then.

Ed also showed me two autograph books that his great–grandmother Alta Jane Bryan once owned. Alta Jane (1866-1946) was the daughter of John and Hannah.

Alta Jane Bryan (1866-1946)

These two autograph books contain short verses written by Alta Jane’s family and friends. The verses were hand-written by her father, mother, two of her sisters, Byantha and Emily, and others. Emily (Bryan) Reid, was my great-great-grandmother. How interesting to see what their handwriting and signatures looked like. It is also interesting to read what they wrote to Alta.

Inside above autograph book.

One of the small autograph books has a blue velour cover. The books are a little over 5 x 3 inches.

Alta Jane Bryan's autograph book, c1887.

Inside of blue autograph book.

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Father (John Bryan)

January 1887
Have courage Alta and do not stumble
Though your path be dark as night
There is a star to guide the humble
Trust in God and all is right.
Your Father

Written by Mother, Hannah (Huey) Bryan

December 12, 1887
To Alta
May peace and plenty be thy lot
May conscience ever be thy guide
May God above forget thee not
As on life’s stormy waves you glide.
Your Dear Mother

Written by Alta's sister, Emily (Bryan) Reid

Rockford, Mercer County, Ohio, July 17
Troubles never last forever
The darkest day will pass away
Water falling day by day
Wears the hardest rock away.
Sister Emily Reid

Written by Alta's sister, Emily (Bryan) Reid

Hark, the voice of Jesus is calling
Who will go and work today
Fields are white and harvest waiting
Who will bare the sheaves away.
Loud and strong the master calleth
Rich reward he offers thee.
Who will answer gladly saying
Here am I gladly waiting.
Emily Reid

A verse by Alta’s other sister:

Westchester, December 28 1888
Sister Alta,
Remember me in the hours of leisure
Remember me in the hours of pleasure
And if forgotten in the hour of care
Remember me in the hour of prayer.
From Your Sister, Byantha Saxman

These lines from Alta’s autograph books show the Christian faith of the Bryan family. I also found it interesting that my great-great-grandmother Emily (Bryan) Reid was living in Rockford about 1888. Rockford is only a few miles from where we live.

You never know where you will find information and clues about our ancestors.

 

Jan 17

Tombstone Tuesday–Peter J & Mary A Bryan

Peter J & Mary A Bryan, Loofbourrow Cemetery, Adams County, Indiana

This is the tombstone of Peter J and Mary A Bryan, located in Loofbourrow Cemetery, Jefferson Township, Adams County, Indiana. The grave marker is inscribed: BRYAN, Peter J. Bryan, 1852-1914; Mary A. his wife, 1854-1901.

Passage:  P.J. BRYAN PASSES AWAY:  P.J. Bryan of Jefferson Township, father of S.P. Bryan, our local jeweler, died at his home on Tuesday morning, Jan. 27, 1914, age 62 years. Mr. Bryan was one of the pioneer farmers of Adams County and a man known and respected by nearly every inhabitant of the county. He had been an invalid for several months with a complication of diseases and his death had been expected for some time. The direct cause of his death was the bursting of a blood vessel. (Geneva Herald, 29 January 1914)

Obituary: Peter J. Bryan was born in Jay County, Indiana, May 22, 1852. He departed this life at the home of his son on Jan. 27, 1914, at the age of 62 years, 8 months and 5 days. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Reed in the year 1876. She preceded him in death in the year 1900. To this union was born six children. Five are still living, one having died in 1898. Those still living are John Bryan of this county, Irene Maxwell of Toswell, New Mexico, Adele Digges of Beaumont, Texas, Jesse Bryan of Geneva, Ind., and Emma Bond of Beaumont, Texas. He also leaves one brother, H.B. Bryan of Michigan, and four sisters, Mrs. Mollie Reed of Kenton, Ohio, Mrs. Emma Bysel [sic] of Jay County, Ind., Mrs. Bertha [sic] Saxman of Michigan and Mrs. Alta Schmidt of Jay County, Ind., seven grand-children and many other relatives and friends. Mr. Bryan was an exemplary citizen and a patient sufferer for many years before his death.  He was a member of the K. of P. Lodge and an active member of the Maple Grove Christian Church. (Geneva Herald, 5 February 1914)

Peter J Bryan (1852-1914)

Mary A Bryan died 27 Jul 1901 in Jefferson Township, Adams County, Indiana. (County Health Office, Decatur, Indiana, Book H-22:10, Indiana WPA; database, FamilySearch.org, (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 15 Jan 2012)

Obituary: Mary A. Bryan was born Oct. 6, 1854 and died July 27, 1901, aged 46 years, 6 months and 21 days. She was united with the Christian church at the age of 17 and was united in marriage to Peter J. Bryan in 1877. To this union was born six children, three sons and three daughters. Edward, the second son, having preceded her to the Spirit Land. She leaves a husband, two sons and three daughters to mourn in her death, a kind mother and loving wife. Funeral by Elder Miller at Mt. Carmel Church.  (Geneva Herald, 2 Aug 1901) 

Peter J Bryan was the son of John and Hannah (Huey) Bryan. He was born in Bear Creek Township, Jay County, Indiana. He married Mary A. Reid 8 Nov 1877 in Allen County, Ohio. (Ohio County Marriages, 1790-1950, film number 901414, image number 637; digital database, Family Search.org (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 15 Jan 2012). Peter was my great-great-granduncle.

Peter and his wife Mary were living in Washington Township, Van Wert County, Ohio in 1880. The family consisted of Peter J, 29, born in Indiana; Mary, wife, 26, Ohio; John, son, 2, Ohio.

Peter J & Mary (Reid) Bryan

In 1900 the Peter J Bryan family was living in Jefferson Township, Adams County, Indiana. They probably moved to Indiana sometime between 1881 and 1884. The family consisted of: Peter J, 49, born in Indiana; Mary A, 45, Ohio; John S, 21, Ohio; Irena L, 19, Ohio; Edward B, 15, Indiana; Opadell M, 13, Indiana; Jesse P, 8, Indiana; Emma E, 7, Indiana.

Peter was still residing in Jefferson Township in 1910. In this census enumeration he was a widower and living with his son John. The household was as follows: John, head, 30; Sylvia, wife, 30; Kenneth, son, 3; Lawrence, son, 1y 6m; Peter J, father, 58; Jesse, brother, 19; Hazel Galloway, servant, 14.

Loofbourrow Cemetery is also known as Lufboro Cemetery or New Corydon Cemetery. I enjoy visiting this cemetery which is located on the south side of county Road 1150, a short distance east of County Road 450. It is in the middle of a field and getting to the cemetery reminds me of driving down a farm lane. Once a Mocking Bird entertained me as I wondered through the cemetery. Some of my Brewster ancestors are also buried there, including Jackson and Mary Ann, Daniel’s first wife Sarah Ann (Fetters) and Sarah’s parents, John and Elizabeth.

Loofbourrow Cemetery, Adams County, Indiana

An index of Loofbourrow Cemetery transcriptions can be found on the website of the  Indiana Genealogical Society. It is a free database.

 

Census Sources:

1880 US Census, Washington Twp, Van Wert, Ohio, Roll 1074; Page: 425C; ED: 153; Image: 0009; FHL Number: 1255074; database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 Jan 2012)

1900 US Census, Jefferson Twp, Adams, Indiana; Roll: T623_357; Page: 12B; ED: 4; database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 Jan 2012)

1910 US Census, Jefferson Twp, Adams, Indiana; Roll: T624_338; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 0004; Image: 83; FHL Number: 1374351; database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 Jan 2012)