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:

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:

Listed as blacksmith on 1860 census records for Will County, IL., living with Martin Sonnenberg and Catharine and their son Peter Sonnenberg. Both Martins are listed as Blacksmiths and born in Poland.

Martin married SONNENBERG Mrs.. Mrs. was born in ABT. 1815 in Oldenburg, Germany. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Walter Petto Book, Pg. 375:

Heinrich Schmidt-Werner from Damflos received on 2/2/1857 permission to immigrate to North America with 2 sons and 2 daughters. Heinrich Peter and family came on the Harriet Hoxie which arrived in NY June 22,1857 from Marseilles. With Peter were his children John, Peter, George, Christian, Maria, and Katharina.

1860 census records, Will Co, IL: Peter is found living with his married son John and his wife Anna and Peter's sons Peter and Jacob (George.)

Peter cannot be found on the 1870 census records, it is assumed he died before then.

Heinrich married WERNER Anna Margaretha on 26 Jul 1823 in Hermeskeil, Germany. Anna (daughter of WERNER Johann and ESCH Anna Margaretha) was born in ABT. 1802 in Trier, Germany; died on 14 Sep 1849 in Damflos, Trier, Germany. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Henry and Ester were married by a justice of the peace, C. Wilson, in Wayne Co, Ohio.

Henry patented land in 1839 in IL, he was listed as living in Wayne Co, Ohio on the application papers. Henry and Ester were married in Wayne County, Ohio in 1837 and shortly after that they were given $500 by Ester's father, Benedict Mellinger. Henry and Ester are listed in the will of Benedict Mellinger as receiving $500 from him on May 9, 1840, Benedict did this for all of his married children. There was a legal dispute over the will and a case file for Henry Geines versus the estate of Benedict Melliger, and in the final accounting there is a note that Christian Mellinger, administor of the estate, paid $500 to Henry and Ester Gines. Henry and Ester remained in Lawrence County, IL till their death.

Henry and Ester Geines are first found on the 1840 census records for Lawrence Co, IL Since there were no names for family members it is difficult to determine if it was really the right Henry Geines, but it seems likely. There were no listings for Henry in Ohio at that time.

1850 Lawrence Co, IL census records:

Henry Gines, 36 years old, farmer, born in PA
Esther, 36, born in Ohio
Amanda, 11, born in Ohio
Christina, 9, born in IL
Henry, 7, born IL
Philip, 3, born IL
Catharine, 4, born IL

1860 Olive Township, Lawrence Co, IL census records:

Henry Goines, 48 years old, farmer, owns 3,500 acres, born in PA
Easter, 47, born in Ohio
Amanda, 21, born in Ohio
Henry, 14, born in IL
Philip, 13, born IL
Catherine, 11, born IL
Fannie, 9, born IL
Easter, 2, born IL

1870 Olive Township, Lawrence Co, IL census records:

This is a very strange census record and it is not clear what to make of it. This seems to be true for many census records in 1870 where either the family is missing, or has inaccurate information written about it. It appears as if the census taker did not go to the house but got information from neighbors. It seems likely that this is the correct Henry, partly due to the fact that the neighbors are the same as in the 1860 census records, but it cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Henry Guines, 50 years old, farmer, born in PA
Susan, 47, born in PA
David, 22, born in IL
Maria, 19, born Il
Martin, 16, born in Il
Margaret, 12, born IL

1880 Lawrence Co, IL census records:

Henry Gines, 67 years old, farmer, born in PA, both parents born in PA
Easter, 66, born in PA, parents born in PA (this is obviously incorrect.)
Catharine, 31, born IL
Easter, 22, born in IL

They are living a few houses away from Henry Silas Gines.

Henry married MELLINGER Esther on 16 Nov 1837 in Wayne County, Ohio. Esther (daughter of MELLINGER Benedict and BINKLEY Barbara) was born on 30 Jan 1814 in Lawrence Co, Ohio; died on 12 Feb 1890 in Lawrence Co, IL; was buried in Brian Cemetery, Lawrence Co, IL. [Group Sheet]