Notes:

John Sonnenberg woked for Standard Oil in Aruba. He and another employee, Mr. Kerrigan, invented an improved method of processing crude oil.

Obit--

John J. Sonnenberg, died at the age of 65 at his home in Elizabeth, NJ. Mr. Sonnenberg was a groceryman in Hartford, IL and was then employed at Std Oil Co. in Wood River, IL at the time of its construction, then later at the refinery in Aruba until being transferred to Elizabeth, NJ. He was one of the 11 children of the late George and Anna Sonnenberg who predeceased him, as did 5 brothers, 2 sisters, his wife, and 2 children. He is survived by 2 sons, Hudson Sonnenberg of Linden, NJ and Morris Sonnenberg of Lebanon, Il and 4 sisters: Theresa Owens of Wood river, Elizabeth Hemmer of O'Fallon, Margaret Mayer of St. Louis, and Alberta Biggs of St. Louis.

Note: a female was born to John Joseph Sonnenberg and his wife Estella Hawk Sonnenberg, it was apparently sometime before the birth of Hudson, but nobody knows anything else about it other than that she did not survive.

John Sonnenberg was born in KS but moved to Il as a small child. He was living in Franklin County at the time of his marriage to Estella Hawk in 1912, it is supposed that he was there with his uncle, Daniel Sonnenberg. It is not clear how John and Estella met, she had recently moved from Iron County, MO to Madison Co, IL, perhaps they met there but this is only a guess.

During their early years, John and Estella owned a grocery store in Hartford, IL and lived upstairs with their 3 children. The store went out of business eventually, most likely due to the depression and the inability of people to pay their bills. After closing the store, Estella opened a restaurant and John worked for Std Oil.. They were relocated to Aruba about 1931, and then transferred to NJ about 1938. John and Stella owned a large house in Elizabeth, NJ and rented out some rooms for extra income.

John married HAWK Mary Estelle on 11 Nov 1912 in Franklin County, IL. Mary (daughter of HAWK William and LONDON Martha A) was born in Feb 1894 in Ironton, MO; died in May 1949 in Elizabeth, NJ; was buried in St. Gertrude's Cemetery, Colonia, NJ. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

For most of her life, Mary Estelle was known as Stella. She reported that she had been so small and sickley when she was born that they put her in a shoe box and filled it with cotton and placed the box by the stove to keep her warm. Stella did survive and grew to be a healthy 5' 6" tall.

Stella, her mother, brother, and younger sister Bessie moved to Madison Co, IL sometime shortly after 1910 where they are still found on the Ironton census records. Stella met and married John Sonnenberg in 1912, and her younger brother Jessie lived with them until his sudden death in 1928. Stella was known to all as a kind and generous individual who took care of her family and helped strangers in time of need.

The death of her youngest son, Jackie (Junior) in 1945 was devastating for Stella and she never seemed to quite recover from it. She attended church 2 times each Sunday, saying she was going once for Jackie and once for her. Stella died 4 years after the death of her son, from cancer which had spread throughout her entire body.

Notes:

Sponsor for baptism was Peter Gans and Margaret Sommer

Obituary: Belleville, IL Daily Advocate, Tuesday, May 26, 1953

George M. Sonnenberg, 90, O'Fallon, Dies: Rites Thursday

George M. Sonnenberg, 90 years old retired oil refinery worker, died last night at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Hemmer, O'Fallon, IL. He had been in failing health eight months. Mr. Sonnenberg had made his home in O'Fallon 15 years. Prior to that he resided at Wood River, IL and a number of years ago at Lebanon.

He was born Dec 2, 1862, near Mokena in Will County, IL, son of the late Martin and Catherine Smith Sonnenberg. His wife, who died July 5, 1939, was the former Annie Schmidt, whom he married at Belleville in 1886.

He is survived by a son, John J. Sonnenberg, Elizabeth, NJ.: four daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Hemmer, O'Fallon; Mrs. Margaret Mayer, Mrs. Anna Bates, St. Louis: Theresa, wife of Orval Owens, Wood River: a brother, John Sonnenberg, Benld: four sisters, Rose, wife of Irwin Strain, Collinsville: Mrs. Lena Davis, Carlyle: Mrs. Hanna Burlee, Chicago: Mrs. Marie Ostoff, Belleville, 20 grandchildren: 41 great grandchildren.

He was a member of St. Clare's Catholic Church, where funeral services will be held at 9 o'clock Thursday morning, the Rev. John Goetz officiating. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Alton, IL.

The body will be at the Wolfersberger-Meyer funeral home in O'Fallon until 8:45 Thursday morning when it will be taken to the church. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7:30 tonight.

Belleville News Democrat, May 26, 1953, pg 23

Sonnenberg, George M. of 111 East Adams Street, O'Fallon, entered into rest at 8:15 p.m. Monday, May 25. Beloved father of John J. Sonnenberg, Mrs. Elizabeth Hemmer, Mrs. Margaret Mayer, Mrs Anna Bates, and Mrs. Orval Owens. Funeral at 8:45 a.m. Thursday, May 28, from Wolfersberger Meyer Funeral Home, O'Fallon, to St. Clare's Church, O'Fallon, where the pastor, Father John Goetz, will officiate at 9 a.m. Burial in St. Patrick's Cemetery near Alton. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7:30 p.m. today.

1900 census records, Lebanon, St. Clair County, IL, number 266:

George Sonnenberg, 38,born IL, Father born Germany, Mother born Ger, laborer in coal mines.
Annie, 31, born Aug 1868 IL, Father born Germ, Mother born IL, had 8 children, 5 still alive
Mary, born May 1889, in KS
John, born Jan 1891 in KS
Elizabeth, born Aug 1895 in IL
Madgalene (Margaret), born Sept 1897 in IL
Frank, born Sep 1899 in IL

1910 census records Lebanon, St. Clair County, IL, number 404:

George Sonnenberg, 48, born in IL, Father born Ger (Poland), mother born Germany, Blacksmith
Annie, 42, born IL, father born Germany, Mother born PA, had 11 children, 7 still alive
Mary, 20, born KS
John, 18, born KS
Lizzie, 14, born IL
Madgalene (Margaret), 12
Frank, 10
Alberta, 8
Theresa, 6

1920 census records, Wood River, Madison County, IL:

George Sonnenberg, 64 years old, born IL, father born Ger, Mother born Ger, laborer at oil refinery
Annie, 52, born IL, father born Germany, mother born PA
Frank, 20
Theresa, 14


1930 census records, Wood River, Madison County, IL:

George Sonnenberg, 67, born in IL, parents born in Germany, salvage man at oil refinery
Annie, 62 years old, born in IL, father born in Germany, mother born PA

Shortly after they were married in 1888, George and Annie left Illinois for KS, perhaps George went to be with his brother Peter and Peter's wife. Within the next five years, George and Annie came back to IL and stayed there until their deaths.

George married SCHMIDT Anna on 1 Oct 1886 in St. Clair Co., Belleville, IL.. Anna (daughter of SCHMIDT Johann Christian and GEINES Christina) was born on 21 Aug 1868 in Lebanon, IL; died on 5 Jul 1939 in O'Fallon, IL.; was buried in Jul 1939 in St. Patrick's Cemtery, Alton, Madison County, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Baptism: By Fr. Agratho Maria OSB, sponsors: Anna Wircherpfennig and Bernard Vollum.

Newspaper clipping:

Annie Sonnenberg--Date of Birth August 21, 1867, date of death, 7/5/1939. Services Sat. July 8th, 9AM at St. Bernards Church (Wood River, IL). Officiating clergyman Rev. Father E.J. Douglas, Internment Greenwood Ceme, Alton, IL.

Notes:

1876 State Census for Iron Co, MO, Township of Union:

William Hawk, age 18-21
Martha A, age 10-18
Emily F, under 10 years

1880 census Records, Iron Co, MO, Township of Union:

William Hawk, 22 years old, born in MO, Father born MO, mother born MO, farmer
Martha A, 22, wife, born in MO, father born NC, mother born TN
Emily, 5 daughter
Bertha, 3, daughter
George B, 4 months (born Feb 1880), son
Lidda Niss, 50, keeping house, born NC, Father born TN, mother born NC

Purchased 80 acres in Wayne Co (border of Iron Co) on 4/29/1893. Was listed on 1880 census records for Iron Co and also on 1900 census records, so could not have been on the land in Wayne Co for too long.

1900 Census Record for Iron Co, Arcadia, Twp:

William Hawk, born November, 1856 in MO, parents born unknown, day laborer, out of work 1 month during year, is literate and speaks English, rents a home.
Marth A, wife, born April 1858 in MO, father born NC, mother born TN, mother of 9, 7 living, is illiterate, can speak English.
Molisy, born July 1885 MO, literate
Mittie, born Feb 1898 MO, literate
Jessie, born July 1891 MO, at school
Stella, born Feb, 1894 MO, at school.

It is not clear when William died, he was alive on the 1900 census records but not there in 1910. His widow and children moved to IL sometime shortly after the 1910 census records were taken.

William married LONDON Martha A in ABT. 1874 in Probably Iron Co, MO. Martha (daughter of LONDON James Alexander and BERRY Rutha) was born in Apr 1858 in Madison Co, MO; died on 21 Apr 1916 in Madison Co, IL; was buried on 24 Apr 1916 in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Alton, Madison Co, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Martha was born in April, 1858, the same month her mother died. Martha was the first and only child of James London and Rutha Berry, Rutha's father had died 4 months before his daughter. Martha can be found on the 1860 census records living with her father in Madison Co, MO, Liberty Township, Fredericktown, MO. They are family number 376, James London, 23 years old, born in NC, farmer, Martha A. London, 2 years old, born MO.

Martha can be found in the 1870 census records in Liberty Township, Madison County, MO, livng alone. Her father had remarried and started a new family and Martha was not included in that family. She is listed as 12 years old, born in MO and living with the Lwellen family who were farmers from KY. Not only is Martha without a family, she is not attending school and cannot yet read and write.

The next census record, 1876, Martha is found livng with her husband and children. Since the first child was born in 1875, the marriage most likely took place in 1874 when Martha was 16 and her husband was 18.

Martha had apparently moved with her two children, Mary Estelle and Jessie, to Wood River, IL sometime after 1910 from Iron Co, MO. She and Katarina Sonnenberg (future mother in law of Mary Estelle (Stella) who would marry John Sonnenberg in 1912, bought a family buriel plot in Alton, IL (Madison Co) sometime before her death there in 1916. She and Katarina and Jessie Hawk, as well as George Sonnenberg and his wife Annie, are all buried there. Her son, Jessie Hawk, witnessed the death certificate. Cause of death was heart failure, with general dibility a contributing factor. Attending physician was H.B. Giths from Woodriver, IL.

1910 Census Records, Iron Co, MO, Arcadia Twp (Pilot Knob)

Martha Hawk, 48 years old, born MO, widowed, 9 children, 5 alive, rents a home, cannot read or write
Jessie, son 19, laborer in factory, can read and write
Stella, daughter, 16, in school, can read and write
Bessie, 6

There is some confusion on number of children reported born by Martha. On 1900 census records she reported 9 children born and 7 living, in 1910 she reported 9 children with 5 alive, but at least one child (Bessie) was born after 1900 making total born 10 or more.

Adair Sonnenberg, daughter in law of Stella Hawk Sonnenberg, reported that she had been told that the father of Stella (William Hawk) had been shot in the back by an irate husband for some inappropriate behavior with the husband's spouse.

Notes:

Effingham Republican, Friday, June 22, 1894:

Died, Sunday morning, June 17, 1894, Martin Sonnenberg, of heart disease, aged 59 years and 4 months. Deceased was born at Rhine, Province Posen, Germany, Oct. 17th, 1834. Came to this country with his parents when about 17 years old. He served his country in the late rebellion three years and six months. He worked nearly all of his life-time at the blacksmith trade. He was a good mechanic and well liked by all who knew him. Deceased leaves a wife and nine children to mourn their loss. The remains were buried at the Bishop Catholic graveyard on Tuesday morning at 8:30 o'clock. All of his sons and daughters were present at the funeral. May he rest in peace.

Effingham Democrat, June 20, 1894

Died: on the 17th. inst., Martin Sonnenberg at the age of 59 years of heart dease. The deceased came to this country from Germany in 1851. He enlisted in the 100th. Illinois Regiment and served three years in the late war from which he was honorably discharged in 1865. He leaves a wife, ten children and a sister who resides in Chicago, IL. to mourn his loss. His remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery at the Bishop Church on Tuesday. May he rest in peace.

Soldier rest, thy warfare is o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows no waking-
Dream of battle fields no more,
Days of danger, nights of waking.

He was buried in the St. Aloysious Catholic Church cemetery, Bishop Twp., Eff.Co.IL.

Tombstone of Martin Sonnenberg

Freue Teuchimhern
Halleluia

MartinSonnenberg
Geb. 17 Okt. 1836
Gest. 17 Juni 1894 Altervon 58 jr 8 mo

Selig sind Die die in Herin sterben
Den Illnen lst das himmelreich

(Beautiful are the men that die and go to the kingdom of Heaven)

St. Aloysius Church, Bishop Creek, Effingham Co, IL death notice for Martin--apoplexia corrupta; died without receiving the last Sacraments....58 years old, 5 months, and 2 days; died on June 17, 1894, buried on June 19, 1894.

Family register of St. Aloysious Church in Effingham County:

Martin Sonnenberg was born 10/15/1836, lived in Posen until 1854, moved to Wisconsin first and then Chicago in 1857, then moved to Will County from 1859 to 1879, and finally to Effingham County, IL. Martin married Katarina Schmidt in Will County in 1859 and their first child, Peter, was born there in April, 1860. Census records of Anna Sonnenberg Schmidt indicate they came in 1853 rather than 1854, if he came to the US when 17, then the year would have been 1853.

Following is the family register at St. Aloysious Church:

Sonnenberg, Martin
Born 10/15/1835
Lived in Posen until 1854
Wisconsin 1857
Chicago
Altamont 1889
Married Sept. 1858 Catherine Schmidt
Children:
Peter April 24, 1859
Martin 1860
George 12/15/1862
Christian 4/21/1866
Daniel 1869
Philip
Johanna 1871
Catherine
Helen
John 2/24/1880
Rosalia 7/4/1882
Maria 3/8/1885
Frederick 6/6/1888


Martin enlisted to serve in the Civil War in Mokena on August 5, 1762 and fought at the battle of Stone's River. Forced to lie on the cold ground in rain without cover for three days and nights, Martin suffered permanant disability. He was hospitalized after the battle and eventually transferred to the Volunteer Reserve Corps. Martin was discharged in 1865 and applied for disability in 1879 when he had moved to Altamont, Effingham County. Then in the late summer of 1880 or early 1881 he moved to Bishop Twp., Eff.Co.IL.

According to the Civil War pension papers, Martin was 5' 9", had brown hair and blue eyes, and weighed about 140 pounds. Katarina stated that she met Martin when he was about 19 (she would have been 12).

Marriage license says that he was married: 10 Sept. 1859 in Joliet, Will County, IL. At St. John's Catholic Church by Catholic priest Charles Kuemin to Catherine Schmidt.

Martin became a citizen of the United States on October 10, 1860 in Will County, IL. Witnesses were John Reid and Charles Hirsh.

1860 Will County Census:

Family number 2076, Will County, Frankfort Township

Martin Sonnenberg, 25 years old, blacksmith, born in Poland
Catharine, 18 years old, born in Prussia
Peter, 3 months old, born in Illinois
Martin, 50 years old, born in Poland

Family number 2162, Will County, Frankfort Township

Martin Sonnberg, 25 years old, blacksmith, born in Prussia
Catharine, 18 years old, born in Prussia
Peter, 2 months old, born in Illinois

It appears that Martin's father, Martin, was living with them in 1860 and was also a blacksmith.

1870 census records for Will County, Florence Twp:

Martin Sullenbragh, 32 years old, blacksmith, born in Prussia, parents foreign born, personal property estimated at $800, is a citizen.
Catharine, 27, born in Prussia, parents foreign born.
Peter, 10, born in IL
George, 8, born in IL
Christian, 5, born in IL
Daniel, 3, born in IL

Effingham County 1880 census:

Mound Twp., Effingham County, IL. , number 17

Sunberg, Martin, 41 years old, farmer, born Holland, Father b. Hol. Mother b. Hol.
Catherine, 39 wife, born Pru, Father born Pru, Mother born Pru.
Peter, age 19 son W. on farm, IL Hol Pru
George, age 17 son W. on Farm IL Hol Pru
Christian, age 14 son W. on farm IL Hol Pru
Daniel, age 10 son W. on farm IL Hol Pru
Joanna, age 8 dau. at home IL Hol Pru
Catharine, age 5 dau. at home IL Hol Pru
Lena, age 2 dau. at home IL Hol Pru
John, age 3/12 son IL Hol Pru.

1880, Effingham County, Teutopolis

Martin Sonnenberg, 47 years old, married, blacksmith, born in Prussia, Father born in Prussia, Mother born in Prussia.

As in 1860, the Sonnenberg family was recorded on the census records on two different occasions, and had some conflicting information. It is most likely that one census was taken at the home and the other at the business.

From "Effingham County Illinois Past and Present"

"St. Aloysious Cemetery, located three miles west of Dietrich, has served the Bishop community well for about one hundred years.

This well kept cemetery, to the north of the church of the same name, holds the mortal remains of many who are perpetuated in this generation and many who still live on the ancestral farms. Names to be seen on tombstones are: Goeckner, Bierman, Cremer,Smidth, SONNENBERG, and Buenker.

"History of Effingham County," originally priented in 1883:

"The little village of Dieterich, or Dieterichburg, is situated in the northwest corner of the township and was laid out by M. Dieterich, who owned the land. This town is an outgrowth of the Springfield, Effingham and Southeastern Railroad, which was recently completed through this part of the county and which has given new stimulus to the agricultural interest of this township, by bringing good grain markets to the people's doors. The place boasts two stores, which are kept by James Prather and Henry Habing: two blacksmith shops, where John SONNENBERG and William Richards work at their trades.

1890 Tax List for Effingham Co, IL

M. Sonnenberg had property of Lots 9 and 10 of block 2 in the Village of Dieterich. Lot 9 had the value of $20 and lot 10 was worth $10. He paid $.35 and $.19 tax on these properties.

M. Sonnenberg had property of Lot 6 on block 5 in the Village of Dieterich. The value was $75 and he paid taxes of $1.33.

M. Sonnenberg paid an additional $.60 tax, but it did not say what it was for. Evidentley he did not have a dog that year as there was a tax for dogs of $1.00 per animal.

Martin married SCHMIDT Katharina on 10 Sep 1859 in by Cath. Priest Charles Cumin, Will County, Joliet, IL. Katharina (daughter of SCHMIDT Heinrich Peter and WERNER Anna Margaretha) was born on 10 Jul 1841 in Damflos, Trier, Germany; died on 26 Feb 1927 in Madison County, Wood River Hosp., Alton, IL.; was buried in St Patrick's Cemetery, Alton, Madison Co, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Catharine came to the US on June 22, 1957. She arrived in NY on the ship Harriet Hoxie which came from Antwerp to NY, Catharine was with her widowed fatherPeter Schmidt and Christian, John, Jacob, and George who were her brothers. The family either took a train to Chicago from NY or took the Erie Canal to the great lakes. The family came from Damflos, Germany which is close to Luxemberg and part of Trier which is the oldest city in Germany.

Burial notice in Alton newspaper. Feb, 1927

Mrs. C. Sonnenberg, to be buried Tuesday.

Mrs. Catherine Sonnenberg, aged 85, who died Saturday, will be buried Tuesday in Greenwood Cemetery, following requiem mass to be read at St. Mary's Church. The body is at the James A. Klunk funeral home and the funeral will be held from there.

Mrs. Sonnenberg, who was born in Germany, June 11, 1842, is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Joseph Baumgartner of Chicago, Mrs. J.L. Davis of Smythboro, IL., Mrs. Irwin Strein of Collinsville and Mrs. J.G. Osthoff of East St. Louis, and five sons, Peter Sonnenberg of Kansas, George Sonnenberg of Wood River, Daniel Sonnenberg of Sesser, IL., Chris. Sonnenberg of Collinsville and John Sonnenberg of Sawyerville, IL.. She also leaves 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

1900 Census, Effingham Co, IL, Bishop Twp, Dieterich

House number 22
Sonnenberg, Catherine, Head, Born June, 1842, 57 years old, single, number of children born 14, number of living children 10. Born in Germany, parents born in Germany, year of immigration 1855, retired, reads and writes English, owns home.
Mary, daughter, born March, 1885. 15 years old, single, born in IL, parents born in Germany.

1920 St. Clair County, IL census record:

Catherine Sonnenberg, inmate at St. Vincent's Hospital. 78 years old, born in Germany, parents born in Germany.

It should be noted that Catharine had a different birth date (6/11/1942) from her actual birth date in Damflos, Germany which was 7/10/41. This was not that unusual, it is clear she is the sister of Christian Schmidt and the other children.

Notes:

Came to the US with his father and siblings in 1857 on the Harriet Hoxie.

Listed as carpenter on death certificate. Cause of death: atrophy of left lobe of liver following hypertrophy.

According to the descendants of Rosa Schmidt, Christian was married in Germany and his wife died on the boat on the trip to the US. Christian supposedly served in the military in Germany, possibly as a cook.

Naturalized in Will County, IL on September 8, 1871.

On the marriage certificate, Christian is listed as John Smith. He was also listed as John Smith in the 1860 census records for Lawrence County, IL, Christy Township:

John Smith, 28 years old, born in Germany, farmer, with 30 acres.
Christina, 20 years old, born in IL
Mary 4 months old, born in IL

The 1870 census records, Scott County, MN

Christian Smith is there with his wife and children, listed as a carpenter born in Prussia.

1880 census records:
St. Clair County, Lebanon, IL

Christian Smith, 49, born in Prussia, both parents born in Prussia, carpenter
Christina, 39, born in IL, father born PA, mother born Ohio
Mary, 21, born IL
John, 15, born IL
Catharina, 13, born IL
Annie, 10, born IL
George, 9, born IL
Elizabeth, 7, born IL
Hester, 5, born IL
Christopher, 4, born MN
Emma J, 2, born IL

5 of the 9 children living at home were listed as having measles.

No 1890 census records available.

1900 census records:
St. Clair County, Lebanon, IL

Christian Schmidt, born Oct 1831 Germany, both parents born Germany, widowed, saloon keeper, rents house.
George, born Nov 1872 MN
Christopher, born 4/1877 MN
Rosa, born11/1883 MN

Obviously, the children could not have all been born in MN, most if not all of them were actually born in IL. In the 1880 census records when their mother Christina was still alive, more accurate place of birth was given for the children. Notice that the name varies between Schmidt and Smith.

Christian and his family lived in Will Co, IL for a while, then moved to Scott County, MN where some of his siblings were, then moved back to Will Co for a while and then back to Scott County. Perhaps Christian was considering staying permanantly in MN but couldn't find work, it is not clear why they moved back and forth so much.

Belleville Weekly Advocate, Page 5, Col. 3, April 24, 1908:

The funeral of Christian Schmidt who died at the home of William Villard Tuesday, April 14, at the age of 76 years, took place Friday afternoon from the German Evangelical Church to College Hill cemetery under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge.

Funeral Notice:

Died, at the home of Wm. Villhard in Lebanon, ILL., on April 14, 1908, Christian Schmidt aged 76 years, 6 mos, and 6 days. Funeral services will be held at the German Evangelical church in Lebanon on Friday, April 17, at 2 p.m. under the direction of the Masonic lodge. Interment at College Hill cemetery. Friends of the family respectfully invited to attend.

This is a story about the living quarters of the
Schmidt family that was done as an interview on April
1979: Kathy Quarti granddaughter was interviewing Rose
Mary Schmidt Kelly Hull at Arkansas Nursing Home in
Little Rock, Ark. about early childhood and family
memories.

"We lived in a long house on Hexabuckle (Lebanon, Ill
area) and everyone stayed there. Dad didn't build it.
It was already built when we moved in. Brother George
lived in a room by himself, but, he never married.
Sister Elizabeth and husband lived there too. My other
brothers and sisters stayed together in the other
rooms. No we didn't have any grandparents that lived
with us. Hester lived in 4 rooms at one end.
We had a large apple tree in our front yard and when
the boys would pass by it they would throw cow dung at
it so we called it the "apple shit tree."
Next door neighbors were Lindsey, Brown, Raushe or
Roesch (sp?)
We had a summer kitchen (to cook all meals) Had a
stove that would smoke. Emma put some coal oil on it
to make the fire better and it blew up and threw her
back against the side of the kitchen.

Kate and me were making jelly and something fell from
the top of the warming oven and hit me on the top of
the head. I still have a hole in my head even now.
(Dad Christian) Old man Schmidt- they called him. All
knew him and he worked in the mine, on the Railroad,
and helped to build a bridge in Lebanon across the
creek. (Before he started the saloon)
(Christian Schmidt owned a saloon at Whiskey Flats. It
apparently catered to the base ball players in St.
Louis-- see the sign for the saloon in the picture
where Christian Schmidt and Joseph Weber are standing
outside and it states BASEBALL HEADQUARTERS. Picture
was taken about 1900 and this was when the sport of
baseball was just getting popular.)

I was stuck on one of the ball players. Will
something. When the ball players played ball at
Lebanon from St. Louis. (they would frequent the
saloon.) I cooked dinner for them at the tavern. I
cooked potatoes with jackets (skins) on them all the
time. Brother George would crab (she raised her voice
to be derisive) "I have to work hard at work all day
and then come home and work more at peeling potatoes."
George was crabby like dad was.

Father spoke German all the time until he got a
certain age and then learned English. (Grandma spoke
some but, very little) I wanted to take German
lessons, but, father said no I didn't need to know
what was going on in Germany.

When I was born no one wanted me. They all said I was
"so ugly" and had long black hair. (she had dark brown
hair even to very old age 90+ She died at 96yr. age)
Father had black hair, but, it turned Gray.
Brothers and father would hunt at Hester's house in
Summerfield and we would have rabbit and chicken.
Mother was crazy about Buff-Coachens (type of chicken
they must have raised) We also had a horse and spring
buggy.

Belle Whitenmier was my teacher. I only went to 3rd.
grade. According to Rosa's daughter, Rosemary Rita Hull, this was due to
her mom's death and the need for a 9-10 yr. old to
stay at home to help with housework.
My school was brick and I passed the catholic school
on my way. I always wanted to know what it was like.
Was good at Geography and writing/ reading. (her
handwriting was beautiful for no more formal education
other than 3rd. grade-- much better than mine) I
walked 10 blocks to school when we lived on
Hexabuckle. We moved to Whiskey Flats when mom died.
Father started the saloon then. Father lost his first
wife on the boat coming over from Germany. She was
buried at sea. Father and mother (Christina Geins)
married at Summerfield. Father was supposed have been
Catholic but, he never went to church. I never went to
church. Us kids never went to church. I went to the
Methodist church 1-2 times only.

Brother Chris was sweet on one of the Roesch (sp?)
girls and everyone was surprised when he married Bert.

Mary bought the cemetery lot at Lebanon (because one
of her children died) 12yr. old burned to death. Sat
on the hearth of the stove to put shoes and stockings
on and gown caught fire and burned to death. (This is in reference to the death of Mollie.)

Father was all for himself. Sister Liz and Em did
biggest part of the cooking. Em was a good cook.
George and Christ worked in the mine and John a
little. I didn't like George. He watched me like a
snake. When I would sneak out at night I knew that
George would be waiting for me at the gate when I got
back. I could put things over on father because he was
so old, but, not George.

John married a woman by the name of Engleman.
My mom died at (the house on Hexabuckle) home.
We had a sled and brother made it. We had good times
on it. Christ and father used a horse and buggy to go
up town to the saloon. Father would go to St. Louis
and be gone all day. I would have to open the keg of
beer all by myself. I busted it open.

Father had a saloon on one side of the street and
bought the fellow out across the street in the other
saloon. Charlie Normer had a place on Hexabuckle St.
that father bought for home place. George helped pay
for it. Borrowed money from George to help pay for it.
(not sure here if she ment saloon or home. but, as a
child she lived above the saloon so it could have been
one and the same.)

Rose Mary Schmidt Hull in "Arkansas
Nursing" home June 1 1979. Interviewed by her grand
daughter Kathy Baker Quarti. (Grandma was in the
nursing home and I worked there as RN)
"My father cooked- baked bread- learned all in Germany
when he was in war- Was not 't in service here in US
as he said he had enough war at home in Germany. (not
sure the last 1/2 of that statement is correct.

I took my lunch to school. I'll never forget bread and
butter. Father made lunch for me. He said all you need
is bread and butter. He gave me hamburger cheese,
(don't know what that is)but, all the kids wanted some
and I had to divide with them. I never got much for
myself."







Came to the US with his father and sibs on the Harriet Hoxie on 6/22/1857.

Listed as carpenter on death certificate. Cause of death: atrophy of left lobe of liver following hypertrophy.

According to the descendants of Rosa Schmidt, Christian was married in Germany and his wife died on the boat on the trip to the US. Christian supposedly served in the military in Germany, possibly as a cook.

Naturalized in Will County, IL on September 8, 1871.

On the marriage certificate, Christian is listed as John Smith. He was also listed as John Smith in the 1860 census records for Lawrence County, IL, Christy Township:

John Smith, 28 years old, born in Germany, farmer, with 30 acres.
Christina, 20 years old, born in IL
Mary 4 months old, born in IL

The 1870 census records, Scott County, MN

Christian Smith is there with his wife and children, listed as a carpenter born in Prussia.

1880 census records:
St. Clair County, Lebanon, IL

Christian Smith, 49, born in Prussia, both parents born in Prussia, carpenter
Christina, 39, born in IL, father born PA, mother born Ohio
Mary, 21, born IL
John, 15, born IL
Catharina, 13, born IL
Annie, 10, born IL
George, 9, born IL
Elizabeth, 7, born IL
Hester, 5, born IL
Christopher, 4, born MN
Emma J, 2, born IL

5 of the 9 children living at home were listed as having measles.

No 1890 census records available.

1900 census records:
St. Clair County, Lebanon, IL

Christian Schmidt, born Oct 1831 Germany, both parents born Germany, widowed, saloon keeper, rents house.
George, born Nov 1872 MN
Christopher, born 4/1877 MN
Rosa, born11/1883 MN

Obviously, the children could not have all been born in MN, most if not all of them were actually born in IL. In the 1880 census records when their mother Christina was still alive, more accurate place of birth was given for the children. Notice that the name varies between Schmidt and Smith.

Christian and his family lived in Will Co, IL for a while, then moved to Scott County, MN where some of his siblings were, then moved back to Will Co for a while and then back to Scott County. Perhaps Christian was considering staying permanantly in MN but couldn't find work, it is not clear why they moved back and forth so much.

Belleville Weekly Advocate, Page 5, Col. 3, April 24, 1908:

The funeral of Christian Schmidt who died at the home of William Villard Tuesday, April 14, at the age of 76 years, took place Friday afternoon from the German Evangelical Church to College Hill cemetery under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge.

Funeral Notice:

Died, at the home of Wm. Villhard in Lebanon, ILL., on April 14, 1908, Christian Schmidt aged 76 years, 6 mos, and 6 days. Funeral services will be held at the German Evangelical church in Lebanon on Friday, April 17, at 2 p.m. under the direction of the Masonic lodge. Interment at College Hill cemetery. Friends of the family respectfully invited to attend.

This is a story about the living quarters of the
Schmidt family that was done as an interview on April
1979: Kathy Quarti granddaughter was interviewing Rose
Mary Schmidt Kelly Hull at Arkansas Nursing Home in
Little Rock, Ark. about early childhood and family
memories.

"We lived in a long house on Hexabuckle (Lebanon, Ill
area) and everyone stayed there. Dad didn't build it.
It was already built when we moved in. Brother George
lived in a room by himself, but, he never married.
Sister Elizabeth and husband lived there too. My other
brothers and sisters stayed together in the other
rooms. No we didn't have any grandparents that lived
with us. Hester lived in 4 rooms at one end.
We had a large apple tree in our front yard and when
the boys would pass by it they would throw cow dung at
it so we called it the "apple shit tree."
Next door neighbors were Lindsey, Brown, Raushe or
Roesch (sp?)
We had a summer kitchen (to cook all meals) Had a
stove that would smoke. Emma put some coal oil on it
to make the fire better and it blew up and threw her
back against the side of the kitchen.

Kate and me were making jelly and something fell from
the top of the warming oven and hit me on the top of
the head. I still have a hole in my head even now.
(Dad Christian) Old man Schmidt- they called him. All
knew him and he worked in the mine, on the Railroad,
and helped to build a bridge in Lebanon across the
creek. (Before he started the saloon)
(Christian Schmidt owned a saloon at Whiskey Flats. It
apparently catered to the base ball players in St.
Louis-- see the sign for the saloon in the picture
where Christian Schmidt and Joseph Weber are standing
outside and it states BASEBALL HEADQUARTERS. Picture
was taken about 1900 and this was when the sport of
baseball was just getting popular.)

I was stuck on one of the ball players. Will
something. When the ball players played ball at
Lebanon from St. Louis. (they would frequent the
saloon.) I cooked dinner for them at the tavern. I
cooked potatoes with jackets (skins) on them all the
time. Brother George would crab (she raised her voice
to be derisive) "I have to work hard at work all day
and then come home and work more at peeling potatoes."
George was crabby like dad was.

Father spoke German all the time until he got a
certain age and then learned English. (Grandma spoke
some but, very little) I wanted to take German
lessons, but, father said no I didn't need to know
what was going on in Germany.

When I was born no one wanted me. They all said I was
"so ugly" and had long black hair. (she had dark brown
hair even to very old age 90+ She died at 96yr. age)
Father had black hair, but, it turned Gray.
Brothers and father would hunt at Hester's house in
Summerfield and we would have rabbit and chicken.
Mother was crazy about Buff-Coachens (type of chicken
they must have raised) We also had a horse and spring
buggy.

Belle Whitenmier was my teacher. I only went to 3rd.
grade. According to Rosa's daughter, Rosemary Rita Hull, this was due to
her mom's death and the need for a 9-10 yr. old to
stay at home to help with housework.
My school was brick and I passed the catholic school
on my way. I always wanted to know what it was like.
Was good at Geography and writing/ reading. (her
handwriting was beautiful for no more formal education
other than 3rd. grade-- much better than mine) I
walked 10 blocks to school when we lived on
Hexabuckle. We moved to Whiskey Flats when mom died.
Father started the saloon then. Father lost his first
wife on the boat coming over from Germany. She was
buried at sea. Father and mother (Christina Geins)
married at Summerfield. Father was supposed have been
Catholic but, he never went to church. I never went to
church. Us kids never went to church. I went to the
Methodist church 1-2 times only.

Brother Chris was sweet on one of the Roesch (sp?)
girls and everyone was surprised when he married Bert.

Mary bought the cemetery lot at Lebanon (because one
of her children died) 12yr. old burned to death. Sat
on the hearth of the stove to put shoes and stockings
on and gown caught fire and burned to death. (This is in reference to the death of Mollie.)

Father was all for himself. Sister Liz and Em did
biggest part of the cooking. Em was a good cook.
George and Christ worked in the mine and John a
little. I didn't like George. He watched me like a
snake. When I would sneak out at night I knew that
George would be waiting for me at the gate when I got
back. I could put things over on father because he was
so old, but, not George.

John married a woman by the name of Engleman.
My mom died at (the house on Hexabuckle) home.
We had a sled and brother made it. We had good times
on it. Christ and father used a horse and buggy to go
up town to the saloon. Father would go to St. Louis
and be gone all day. I would have to open the keg of
beer all by myself. I busted it open.

Father had a saloon on one side of the street and
bought the fellow out across the street in the other
saloon. Charlie Normer had a place on Hexabuckle St.
that father bought for home place. George helped pay
for it. Borrowed money from George to help pay for it.
(not sure here if she ment saloon or home. but, as a
child she lived above the saloon so it could have been
one and the same.)

Rose Mary Schmidt Hull in "Arkansas
Nursing" home June 1 1979. Interviewed by her grand
daughter Kathy Baker Quarti. (Grandma was in the
nursing home and I worked there as RN)
"My father cooked- baked bread- learned all in Germany
when he was in war- Was not 't in service here in US
as he said he had enough war at home in Germany. (not
sure the last 1/2 of that statement is correct.

I took my lunch to school. I'll never forget bread and
butter. Father made lunch for me. He said all you need
is bread and butter. He gave me hamburger cheese,
(don't know what that is)but, all the kids wanted some
and I had to divide with them. I never got much for
myself."

Johann married GEINES Christina in 1859 in Lawrence Co, IL. Christina (daughter of GEINES Henry and MELLINGER Esther) was born on 2 Jan 1841 in IL; died in BEF. 1900; was buried in College Hill Cemetery, St. Clair Co, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Both Elijah and his younger brother Nelson bought property in Iron County while still living in Washington Co, MO., perhaps that section of Washington Co became Iron Co when it was formed in 1857. They lived next to each other for the rest of their lives, Nelson outliving Elijah by several years. They lived in a place which became known as Hawk's Lane in Iron County, and later on a school was built there which was called Hawk's school. Nelson contributed financially to the construction of the school.

1860 Census Record, Iron Co, Dent Twp., MO

Elijah Hock, 30 years old, born in MO, farmer, value of real estate $200, value of personal property $250
Mary Hock, 25 years old, born in MO, can read and write
Lucinda, 4 years old, born in MO
William, 2 years old, born in MO

1870 Census Record, Iron Co, Ironton, MO

Elijah Hawk, 41, farmer, real estate valued at $500, personal property worth $135, can vote. BLIND
Lucinda, 15, keeping house, born in MO
William, 12, born in MO
John, 7, born in MO

Apparently, the wife of Elijah has died, perhaps in childbirth with John?

1876 State Census, Dent Township, Iron Co, MO

Elijah Hawk, age over 45 years
Son John, age 18-21 years

1880 Census Record, Iron Co, Kaolin Twp, MO

Peter Pauley, 40 years old, born in FR, parents born in FRA, farmer
Lucinda Pauley, wife, 23 years old, born in MO, FA born MO, Mother born TN
James Pauley, son, 4
Frederick, son 2
Elijah Hawk, Father in Law, born in MO, father born in VA, mother born in GA

Qualified Voters in Iron County 1864-1868

A list kept by Justice of the Peace Theodore P. Russell of loyal disloyal citizens in Iron County if the wake of the Civil War

Hawk, Aleja Democrat, Dent Twp. This is clearly Elijah Hawk. Almost everyone on the list was described as a Republican or rebel sympathizer, not many Democrats were seen.

Elijah married UNKNOWN Mary in ABT. 1855 in Iron/Washington County, MO. Mary was born in 1835 in Washington Co, MO; died in BET. 1863 - 1870 in Iron Co, MO. [Group Sheet]

James married BERRY Rutha. Rutha (daughter of BERRY John and UNKNOWN Delilah) was born in 1841 in TN; died in Apr 1858 in Madison Co, IL. [Group Sheet]