Mar 02

Confirmation Records

1897 Confirmation Class, Zion Lutheran, Chattanooga

One thing you can say about the German Lutherans—they kept very good church records. Although the handwriting can be difficult to read, they usually recorded a good deal of information and left a lot of valuable genealogical data for us today.

I refer to the church records of both Zion Lutheran in Chattanooga and Schumm often. I usually look the birth/baptism, death/burial and marriage records.

However, other events were often recorded in the church records. Lutheran church books usually contain confirmation records and they can be a source of vital information.

Confirmation records were not kept as consistently as the other church records but they are still worth looking for. I have seen confirmation records in old church books from Germany as well as America.

In the Lutheran Church young adults are usually confirmed at age fourteen, sometimes a little younger or a few years older. They are confirmed after two-three years of Catechism or “instruction”. Once confirmed, they were allowed to take communion and  considered full members of the church. I say were allowed to take communion because today most youth at Zion, Chatt, are allowed take communion before they are confirmed.

In the confirmation records you will find the names of the confirmands and their confirmation date. Their confirmation Bible verse is often included. The records may also contain the individual’s date and place of birth and their parents’ names. Even if you don’t find a specific date of birth you can estimate that the child was about 14 years old.

Confirmation records may be useful in several ways: show the date of birth if birth/baptism records don’t exist or cannot be located; identify a child that was confirmed but did not live to adulthood; give the names of the parents; give the mother’s maiden name; indicate that the family resided in a particular area at a particular time.

Adult confirmations were also recorded. Zion, Chatt, even recorded the date and place of birth as well as the names of the parents of the adult confirmands.

The photo below is the Confirmandenregister from Zion Lutheran, Chatt, on Palm Sunday, 6 April 1884. The first column gives the names of those confirmed, second column their date of birth, third column the confirmation date and the fourth column the names of the parents.

Zion, Chattanooga, Confirmation 1884

I was confirmed in 1966 and my confirmation class was made up of five girls. Our minister at that time was Rev. Arnold Green. I remember him fondly as a good minister and teacher. We memorized just about all of Luther’s Small Catechism and we were required to sit in the front of the church and take sermon notes on Sunday mornings. We were confirmed on Palm Sunday, as was the custom back then. Now we confirm on Pentecost Sunday. We had a confirmation verse and received either a hymnal or a Bible as a gift from the congregation.

My Confirmation Class at Zion, Chatt, 1966.

We were fortunate that by the time our class was confirmed our church had dropped the practice of public examination. In classes before ours the confirmation students were required to answer questions in front of the congregation about a week before the actual confirmation. No public examination for us. Whew!

 

 

Feb 28

Tombstone Tuesday–Amalia Justine Schumm

Amalia Justine Schumm, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm.

This is the tombstone of Amalia Justine Schumm located in row 7 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed: Amalia Justine, Ehefrau [wife of] Georg M Schumm, gest [died] 13 Oct 1874, aged 26 years, 1 month, 19 days.

According to the Schumm church records Amalia Justine Schumm, born Markworth, died 13 October 1874 at the age of 26 years, 1 month, 19 days. She was buried on 15 October and her funeral text was Psalm 39:8. She left behind a young child. She was born in Altenburg, Perry County, Missouri, and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. In the year 1867 she married G. M. Schumm, pastor of the parish, formerly a pastor in Columbus, Indiana.

Rev. George M. and Amalia (Markworth) Schumm had three children: Martha (1869-?), Adolph (1871-?; married Louise Karn/Kern), and Rosina Maria “Emma“ (1873-?; married Paul Wangerin).

Of their three children, the baptism of only one of their children is recorded in the records of Zion, Schumm: Rosina Maria Emma Schumm was born 2 June 1873 and baptized 2 June 1873. Her parents were Georg M. Schumm (Pastor here) and his legal wife Amalia. Her sponsors were Heinrich Schumm, Maria Schumm (born Germann) and Maria Schumm.

The Rev. George M. Schumm married Charlotte Breuninger on 10 October 1875 at Zion, Schumm. She was the daughter of Louis and Maria Breuninger. The couple was married by Pastor A. C. Kretze of Adams County, Indiana. Rev. George M. Schumm was the pastor at Zion from 1872-1879.

Feb 24

A Letter to Louis Breuninger, 1840

Louis Breuninger (1819-1890). Phillips Photography, LaFayette, Indiana.

Did you ever wonder what life was like for the immigrants back in the mid-1800s? What challenges did they face? What were their main concerns? What were they doing? Were they employed? Did they have friends or relatives in America?

I was able to get a glimpse into the life of two immigrants from a family letter. The letter was written to my great-great-grandfather Louis Breuninger from his older brother Karl in 1840. Although I do not know exactly when the two immigrated, Louis’ naturalization papers say that he arrived in New York in April 1840. From the letter below I know that Louis and Carl were living in Ohio in June of 1840.

Fortunately my grandfather Schumm saved a lot of stuff that belonged to his grandfather Louis Breuninger. Among the items he saved was the wooden trunk that contained Louis’ belongings when he came to America, Louis’ tall leather German boots, his rifle, many important documents, and a stack of letters that Louis received during his lifetime.

It is thrilling to have so many letters that were written to Louis. Many of them were from his father back in Württemberg. His father was a schoolteacher in Bachlingen and that man had the tiniest handwriting I have ever seen. Louis and Karl must have had very good eyesight to have been able to read those letters. A more recent batch of letters was from relatives in Wisconsin.

The unfortunate part is that the vast majority of these letters are written in the Old German Script. I can read enough of the Old German Script to translate some church records but trying to translate an entire letter is beyond my capabilities. I paid to have a couple of Louis’ letters translated but it was too expensive to continue with the rest. It is also difficult to find someone that can read the Old German Script these days.

The letter below is the oldest letter in the bunch. It was written to Louis from his brother Karl in 1840. They had very recently immigrated to America. Carl was living in Cleveland and Louis in Canal Dover, Ohio. There was a growing German population in Cleveland that included many Lutherans.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Louis and Karl had connections from Württemberg in Cleveland. Notice the reference to Schrozbergers in the letter. The Breuningers lived near Schrozberg.

Letter to Louis Breuninger, 1840.

To Louis Breuninger from his brother Karl, 1840.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cleveland
June 1840

Dear Brother,

With the greatest longing, I have already waited 14 days, either for information from you, or for you yourself, because I wrote, in answer to your precious letter, that I had picked out a very nice place for you. It, unfortunately, is now already occupied, and there is no other, at least not available. Therefore it is best that you stay where you are for now, and see what you can learn until later, when we have our debts paid, and have got together some money, when we probably can arrange to discuss things further, if we stay healthy. 

Unfortunately, I have already had my arm in a sling for 8 days, because of a serious cut I received when a pair of steers ran away with me. I have been unable to work for almost 10 days, but, thank God, it is starting to go better. I am now back to my old job, but this month made only $5, as I have a lot to learn yet. It is very hard, but here I will become a skilled butcher, for my teacher is one of the best butchers here. I can already cut up a carcass alone, and make various sausages.  

Yet, for me, my goal is to find a place for you, whatever it might be. I always make provision for this, even if it is the hardest thing in America. I will not delay coming to you. I would best like to be close to you.

Time always passes slowly here on a Sunday, because I have no fellowship, until the last 8 days, also a Schrozberger, a cousin from Ley, friend of the Swiss man Lang.  He studied at the hotel, and worked at the smithy. As I was on the way home I met him there, as I had ridden my horse to the blacksmith to get it shod. He immediately found work there as stable cleaner.

This Lang told me that the cousin, like us, left home and got married, and also brought more, not as pleasant news, which I have neither time nor room to write to you. He would like to be with you and would like to know if there would be work available for him. He says little Gruensteidels are in Buffalo and came over with him. In this

I send many hearty greetings to you and Ley, and close, asking you to please answer as soon as possible, I stay yours.

Your loving brother
Karl Breuninger

Write to me whether maybe there would be a place available in your area, and soon.

The letter was addressed to Louis Preuninger. The letters B and P were sometimes interchanged in German writing. I have seen the name as Preuninger in the old German records.

Address side of Breuninger letter with Cleveland postmark to Canal Dover, Ohio, 1840.

Louis and Karl moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, by 1850. I do not know what happened to Karl but Louis moved to Van Wert County about 1869.

Louis has my vote as one of my handsomest ancestors. It must be the nicely trimmed beard. If you look closely at his photo you can tell that his individual photo looks like it was cropped from a larger photo. There appear to be people standing on either side of him.

How I wish I could see the original photo in its entirety.

 

 

Feb 21

Tombstone Tuesday–Louis and Maria Breuninger

Louis & Maria Breuninger, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Ohio

This is the tombstone of Louis and Maria Breuninger, located in row 6 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed: BREUNINGER, Louis Breuninger, Born Dec. 15, 1819, Died Nov. 5, 1890, Aged 70y, 10m, 20d. Maria His Wife, Born Apr. 13, 1827, Died June 19, 1910, Aged 83y, 2m, 6d. Louis and Maria were my great-great-grandparents.

According to Louis’ baptism record he was born in Bachlingin, Kingdom of Württemberg to Johann Martin Friedrich Breuninger and Sophia Carolina, born Pfaff.  He was christened Ludwig Friedrich Peter Breuninger. (see “For Whom the Bell Tolls” blog to see a copy of his baptism certificate). He came to America about 1839 and married Maria A. Seckel on 6 February 1851 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I do not know who Maria’s parents were.

According to Louis’ death record he died of la grippe [flu], at age 70 years, 9 months and 15 days. He was a farmer, born in Germany.  (source: Van Wert County Death Records, Book 1:326)

His death and burial were also recorded in the records of Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm: Peter Louis Breuninger was born 15 December 1819 in Bachlingen, Württemberg.  He died 5 November 1890 at 9:00 in the evening of dropsy and was buried on 7 November 1890 in the parish cemetery. He was aged 70 years, 10 months, 25 days. Funeral Text: Rev. 7:13-17.

Obituary: Anna Maria Breuninger, nee Seckel, was born in Wuerttemberg, Germany, April 13, 1827, and died at her home east of Willshire, June 19, 1910, age 83 years, two months and six days. She emigrated to this country when she was 18 years of age, locating in Cleveland.  Feb. 6, 1851, she was united in marriage to Louis Frederick Peter Breuninger, at Green Bay, Wis. They came here in 1867, locating on the farm where she died. The union was a happy one, and continued so until the death of Mr. Breuninger in 1890. Six children were born to the union, namely, Mrs. Louis Schumm, Mrs. Mary Stamm, Peter Breuninger, Mrs. J.C. Schumm, Mrs. Rev. Geo. Schumm and Frederick Breuninger, the latter three deceased. For some time Mrs. Breuninger had been in feeble health and required constant attention. She leaves to mourn their loss, three children, 18 grand-children, one brother at Green Bay, Wis., 87 years of age, and a host of other relatives and friends. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, a short service a the home at two o’clock and the funeral sermon at the Zion Lutheran church at Schumm at three o’clock sun time, Rev. Holle officiating. Interment was made in the church cemetery. (source: The Willshire Herald, 23 June, 1910)

According to Zion’s records Anna Maria Breuninger, born Seckel, was born in April 1827 in Württemberg.  She died 19 June 1910 of old age and was buried on 21 June 1910 in the parish cemetery. She was aged 83 years, 2 months and 6 days. Survivors included 3 children, 3 sons-in-law, 18 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 1 brother in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Funeral Text: Phil 1:23.

Louis and Maria had the following children: Frederick (1852-1870), Charlotte (c1855-1905, married George Schumm), Mary A. (1858-1930, married Peter Stamm), Wilhelmina “Minnie” (1860-1899, married John C. Schumm), Sarah H. (1861-1921, married Louis J. Schumm), and Peter L. (1870-1939).

 

 

Feb 17

Is This Emily?

Photo labeled Grandpa Reid & Sisters, from Emily (Bryan) Reid Bible.

Is there anything more frustrating than having old family photos but not knowing who the people in the photos are?

I scanned a whole photo album of wonderful turn of the century photos and not one of them was labeled. I’m sure the owner of the album knew who every man, woman and child was, but now, over a century later, his descendants are clueless.

Identifying the people in that album turned into a big guessing game. I visited elderly relatives that I thought and hoped might recognize someone or see some family resemblances. I got a few good guesses but most of the people in those photos remain unknown to this day. I know only that the folks in that album were from the Schinnerer/Scaer families.

Sometimes even photos that are labeled can be a challenge to identify. My aunt Ruth has a beautiful old Bible that belonged to my great-great-grandmother Emily (Bryan) Reid. Several old tin-type photos are mounted in the back pages of the Bible. Those photos are labeled “Grandma Bryan”, “Grandma Reid’s Parents”, “Grandpa Reid & Sisters”, etc.

This sort of labeling is useful only if you know who did the writing. Whose Grandma Bryan? Perhaps Grandma Bryan was the writer’s great-grandmother. Did Emily write the names? Or did Emily’s daughter Pearl do the writing? Or was it Pearl’s daughter Gertrude? This has created a lot of confusion and questions.

Last summer I scanned some old photos in Jay County when I visited my distant relative Ed. He has quite a few Bryan family photos and the names of the persons were actually written on the backs of them. How wonderful!

Ed showed me a photo of Emily (Bryan) Reid, my great-great-grandmother. She was young and pretty. I have seen photos of her when she was older, but never when she was that young.

I noticed that his photo of Emily looks a lot like a woman I had seen before in another photo–a tin-type that was in the back of Emily’s Bible, the Bible Aunt Ruth now has. It is the photo of the two women and a man shown at the beginning of this blog. That photo was labeled Grandpa Reid & sisters. Which Grandpa Reid? Grandpa Reid could be William Reid, Emily’s husband. William Reid would have been Gertrude’s grandfather and she may have written on the photo. To my knowledge William Reid only had only one sister.

Compare the two photos below. The one on the left is from Ed, labeled Emily. The photo to the right is a closeup of one of the two women in the photo at the top of this blog. Could the woman in the right photo be Emily? She looks like Ed’s photo of Emily. Is this Emily?

Emily (Bryan) Reid, from Ed's collection.

Possibly Emily (Bryan) Reid. Photo from Emily's Bible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If it is Emily, the seated man could very well be William Reid. Could it be their wedding photo? Who is the other woman? Perhaps she is William’s sister Minnie M. Reid. So many questions and we may never know the answers.

Here are two photos of Emily and William in their later years.

Emily (Bryan) Reid

William Reid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please remember to label your photos accurately!