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.

Katharina married SONNENBERG Martin on 10 Sep 1859 in by Cath. Priest Charles Cumin, Will County, Joliet, IL. Martin (son of SONNENBERG Martin and SONNENBERG Mrs.) was born on 17 Oct 1836 in Prussia; died on 17 Jun 1894 in Dietrich, Bishop Twp., Effingham County, IL; was buried on 19 Jun 1894 in St. Aloysious Catholic Church Cemetery, Bishop Twp., Effingham Co, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Birth date has sometimes been listed as 1859 rather than 1860, this is probably because his parents said they were married in 1858 but the marriage license is clearly for 1859.

Death Cert. says he died in the General Hospital in MO. Had been residing at 811 West 18th Street in St. Louis. Male, White, married, wife Jennie F. Sonnenberg, Peter was born: April 24,, 1859 in Illinois, age at death 78 years 3 months and 9 days., Railroad worker. Born: Joliet, IL., son of Martin Sonnenberg born in Germany, and Katie Smith born Germany, informant: Mrs. Jennie Sonnenberg of 811 W. 18th. Street.. Burial: Place: Clay Center, Ks. date Aug. 4, 1938. Undertaker: D.W. Newcomers, Address: City.
Died: Aug. 3, 1938 at 10:00 A.M., Chronic Adhesive Pericarditis, Dilation of heart Rt., Pulmonary edema: Cerrhosis of Liver. There was an Autopsy.
Dr. P.F. DeMaria, at the General Hospital. ( Registar of Vital Statistics Clifford A. Dennis Feb. 8, 2001)

Kansas City Star Obit:

Peter Sonnenberg. Mr. Sonnenberg, 811 West 18th Street, passed away Aug 3, 1938, aged 79 years. Services and internment Clay Center, KS. Rosary 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Chapel on Paseo on Brush Creek Blvd. D.W. Newcomer's Sons.

1900 Census, Wakefield, Clay County, KS:

Peter Sonnenberg, 39 years old, born in April 1861 in IL, Father born Ger, Mother born Ger, Farmer
Jennie, 26 years old, Born in KS, Father born in MO, Mother born in Iowa
Martin, son, born in Feb in KS

1920 Census, Kansas City, MO, Jackson County:

Peter Sonnenberg, 63 years old, born IL, Laborer, Father born Poland, Mother born Germany
Jennie F., age unclear, Born Ks
Martin, 19 years old, born KS

1930 Census, Kansas City, MO, Jackson County:

Peter Sonnenberg, 70 years old, born IL, Father born Poland, Mother born Germany, unemployed
Jennie F, 58 years old, born KS, Landlady for apartment
Age at lst marriage: 28 and 16

According to his granddaughter, Shirley Sonnenberg Miller, when Peter died he had to be carried down the stairs from the second floor on a kitchen chair because the stairs were too curved to carry him down on a long board. He played the violin and it is still in the possession of his granddaughter. Mrs. Miller also pointed out that Peter had been blinded when about 55 years old in an accident which also caused partial deafness. He and his wife Jennie were the managers for three apartment buildings and they also lived in one of them, his granddaughter (Shirley Sonnenberg) lived in the same building downstairs.

It should be pointed out that Peter married Jennie Florence Harrison who was the sister of Peter Benjamin Harrison. Peter Harrison married the neice of Peter Sonnenberg (Mary who was the daughter of George Sonnenberg, George was the brother of Peter Sonnenberg--both sons of Martin Sonnenberg.)

There has been some confusion over the place of birth of Peter, but according to his own statements in all census records,as well as his parents statements when he was a minor,church records, and Peter's death certificate, Peter was born in IL. It is clear that his parents were Martin Sonnenberg and Catharina Schmidt as stated on all records, and that they did not meet or marry in Germany but in IL after immigrating from Germany (Martin abt 1854 and Catharina in 1857) so Peter could not have been born in Germany. Catharine states in her widow's pension application that she did not meet Martin until he was 19 years old and already in this country. In addition, Peter is listed in the church records at St. Aloysious Church in Effingham County, IL as being the first born of Martin and Catharina and born in September, 1860 in IL. Peter is listed as the son of Catharina Schmidt Sonnenberg in her obit where he is listed as her surviving son in KS. Peter is named after Catharina's father, Peter Schmidt, and

Peter married HARRISON Jennie Florence on 28 Jan 1888 in Clay Center, KS. Jennie (daughter of HARRISON James Edward and ROBINSON Alice Rosetta) was born on 28 Dec 1872; died in 1951 in Kansas City, MO. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Nothing further is known about Martin at this point. He is not listed in the 1870 census records with his parents so can be presumed dead.

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:

Sponsor at confirmation was William Horn


1900 census record, Macoupin Co, IL

Christ Sonburg, Head, born Dec, 1867 in IL, parents born in Germany, 35 years old, works in coal mine
Lisbeth, wife, born June 1871 in IL, parents born in Engl.
Mary, born Feb 1893 in IL
Julie, born Sept 1895 in IL
John, born July 1896 in IL
Christine, born Oct 1898, IL
Agnes, born 1900 in IL

1910 census record, Madison Co, Collinsville, IL

Christ Sonnenberg, 43 years old, born in IL, parents born in Germany, Coal Miner
Elizabeth, Wife, 38 years old, born in IL, parents born in England, 9 children born, 9 children alive
John, 13, born IL
Nellie, 11, born IL
Agnes, 9, born IL
Thomas, 7 born IL
Rosa, 6 born IL
Daniel, 3 born IL
Charles, 1 born IL

1920 census record, Madison Co, Collinsville, IL

Christopher Sonnenberg, 54 years old, born in IL, parents born in Eng, coal miner
Elizabeth, wife, 47 years old, born in IL, parents born in Eng
Thomas, 17
Rosa, 16
Daniel, 13
Charles, 10
Samuel, 9
Josephine, 6
Blanche, 3

1930 census record, Madison Co, Collinsville, IL

Christ Sonnenberg, 63 years old, born in IL, parents born in IL, retired
Elizabeth, 54, born in IL, parents born in IL
Charles, 23, born in IL, truck driver
Sam, 21, truck driver
Blanche, 17

Christopher was a miner.

Obit--

Christopher Sonnenberg, 71 year old retired Collinsville coal miner, died in an Alton hospital at 5:30 this morning following a year's illness.

Mr. Sonnenberg was born in Diedrich, IL. on April 11, 1867 and was a son of the late Martin and Catharine Sonnenberg, both natives of Germany. He married Bessie Fenwich in Mt. Olive 46 years ago. His wife lives iwth a daughter, Clydetta, wife of Roy Rowlan, 822 North Douglas Ave, Belleville.

Surviving besides his wife and Mrs. Rowlan are five sone, John Sonnenberg, 714 N. Church St. and Thomas Sonnenberg, West J Street, Belleville: Daniel Sonnenberg and Samuel Sonnenberg of Collinsville, and Charles Sonnenberg, Beaumont, Tex.: five daughters, Grace, Wife of Robert Dye, and Blance, wife of Lee Shook, tulsa, Okla.; Agnes, wife of O. Preshaw, and Josephine, wife of Archie Haston, Beaumont, Tex., and Nellie, wife of William Clark, 915 N Charles Street: 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

For partial funeral arrangements see obituary column on Page 15.

Christopher married FENWICK Elizabeth "Bessie" on 28 Feb 1892 in Macoupin County, IL.. Elizabeth (daughter of FENWICK Thomas and SHAY Mary) was born on 14 Jun 1871 in Carlinville, Ill; died on 18 Jun 1941 in Collinsville, Ill; was buried in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Madison, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Daniel was the guardian for his mother, Katharina Sonnenberg, once she was hospitalized at Alton State Mental Hospital. He remained her guardian until her death in 1927.

1900 Madison County, IL census record, Edwardsville Twp, Glen Carbon

Family number 93

Daniel Sonnenberg, Head, born April 1868 in IL, 32 years old, parents born born Ger, Saloon Keeper
Mary, Wife, Born Jan. 1877, 22 years old, born in IL, parents both born Germany
Stella, daughter, born 1897 in IL

1910 Franklin County, IL census records (Goode Township)

Family number 186

Daniel Sonnenberg, Head, 43 years old, born in IL, parents born in Ger, Blacksmith in coal mines
Mary, Wife, 33 years old, born in IL, parents born in Germany
Stella, 12 years old, born in IL
Otilia, 10 years old, born in IL
Katharine, 6 years old, born in IL

1920 Franklin Co, IL census records (Goode Township)

Dan Sonnenberg, 52 years old, born IL, parents born Germany, blacksmith
Mary, 42 years old, born IL, parents born Germany
Stella, 22
Otilla, 19
Katharine, 13

Daniel married Mary Brandt, sister of Emily Brandt who married John Sonnenberg, brother of Dan.

Daniel married BRANDT Mary in ABT. 1897 in Probably Clinton Co, IL. Mary (daughter of BRANDT Martin and SCHROEDER Katharine) was born on 20 Jan 1877; died on 14 Jan 1952 in Los Angeles Co, CA. [Group Sheet]

Johannah married BURLEY Oren T. on 2 Dec 1890 in Piatt County, IL. Oren (son of BURLEY Daniel) was born in 1859 in Jersey Co, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Married by S. Lehman, Catholic priest. Witnesses, John Imming and Kate Nosbisch.

Possibly found on the 1900 census records for St. Clair County, IL:

John Staub, born July 1865 in MO, machinist in brick yard
Kate, born Feb 1870, IL
Walter, born 1893, MO
Otto, born 1895, IL
Louis, born 1897, IL
Alenora, born 1899, IL

Catherina married STUBER John on 3 Nov 1891 in St. Aloy. Cath.Ch., Bishop Twp., Eff.Co.IL.. John (son of STUBER John and ALFFOLTS Rosina M.) was born in 1869 in Noble, Jay Co, IN. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Listed in Chemung, McHenry co, IL in 1900, 1910 and 1920 and 1930 census records.

Helena married DAVIS Judson Louis on 1 Jun 1897 in St. Clair Co., IL.. Judson (son of DAVIS Eldridge D. and PHOEBE) was born on 1 Oct 1868 in Lenox, Susquehanna, PA; died on 29 Mar 1940 in Chicago, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Marriage Register: October 30, 1899, Madison County, IL

John Sonnenberg, 22 years old, white, born in Altamont, IL, son of Martin Sonnenberg and Kate Smith, Blacksmith of Glen Carbon, IL, and Emilia Brandt, 22 years old, born in Trenton, IL, living in Wheatfield Twp, Clinton County and daughter of Martin Brandt and Katherine Schroeder, were married in Carlyle, IL on Oct 30th, 1899.

St. Clare's Cath. Church, Altamont, IL. Baptism of John was there at that church by: Hieronymus Hellhake on 18 April 1880. Sponsers: Gerard Ortmann and Anna Maria Berens.

1900 Madison County, IL, Edwardsville Twp, Glen Carbon, census record:

Family number 141 (brother Daniel was family number 93)
John Sonnenberg, Head, born 1878 in IL, parents born Ger, Blacksmith
Emilie, born 1878 in IL, parents born in Germany

1920 Census, Macoupin County, IL, Number 142

John Sonnenberg, 40 years old, rents his home, born in IL, father's place of birth is unknown, so is mother's, coal miner.
Emilie, 41 years old, born in IL, parents born in Germany
Lawrence, 17 years old, born in IL, coal miner.


1930 Census Record: Macoupin Co, IL, Sawyerville

Family number 92
John Sonnenberg, 51 years old, born in IL, parents born in Germany, blacksmith at coal mine
Emilie, wife, 51 years old, born in IL, parents born in Germany

Johannes married BRANDT Emilie on 30 Oct 1899 in Carlyle, Madison, IL. Emilie (daughter of BRANDT Martin and SCHROEDER Katharine) was born on 1 Aug 1878 in Clinton County, IL; died on 16 Oct 1959 in Benld, IL; was buried in Benld City Cemetery, Benld, IL Lot 75. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Effingham Democrat, Friday, December 28,1900

Irvin D. Strain, of Collinsville, ILL., and Rosa Sonenberg, of Dietrich, were also licensed to wed on Monday. Mrs. Strain is well known in this city, she having been employed at the Pacific House at one time.

Witnesses to wedding were John and Emilie Sonnenberg, they were married by E. Hille, Catholic Priest.

Witnesses to baptism were Joe Meier and Dina Krumberg.

St. Aloysius Church, Bishop Creek, Effingham Co, IL church record:

Marriage....On Dec. 26, 1900 Erwin Strain (non Catholic), 24 years old, son of Samuel Strain and Almeada nee Dilley, married Rose Sonnenberg, who was born on July 4, 1882, daughter of Martin Sonnenberg and Catherine nee Schmidt; witnesses wee John Sonnenberg and Emilia Sonnenberg.

Rosalia married STRAIN Irwin D. on 26 Dec 1900 in St.Aloy. Cath.Ch., Bishop Twp., Eff.Co.IL.. Irwin (son of STRAIN Samuel and DILLEY Almeada) was born in 1877 in Indiana. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Sponsors for baptism were Theodoris Guithues (a teacher) and Catherine (Kiefer) Guithius

Belleville News Democrat Obit:

Marie Osthoff, nee Sonnenberg, of 314 37th Street, Belleville, Illinois, died Thursday night, 5 July 1973. Employed by Swift and Company, National City, Illinois, 29 years, retired 1945. Widow of John G. Osthoff, died 16 Feb 1933, switchman for Cotten Belt Railraod. Surviving are daughter Miss Alice Osthoff, at home, son Irvin Osthoff, Fairview Heights, Illinois, and two grandchildren. Burried at Mt. Carmel Cemetary in Belleville, IL.

Funeral will be held at 8:30 a.m. Monday from the Kassly Colonial Mortuary, Fairview Heights, to St. Augustine of Canterbury Church for services at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Marie married OSTHOFF John G. on 8 Oct 1903 in St. Clair Co., IL.. John (son of OSTHOFF John and WILMING Mary) was born in 1878 in Effingham County, IL; died on 16 Feb 1933 in IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Sponsors for baptism were Frederius Miller and Maria Imming.

Notes:

Was a policeman.

Martin married in ABT. 1925. Unknown [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Mary is on the 1920 census records with her husband and children, but no longer alive on the 1930 census records and Peter is shown as having remarried by then.

Mary married HARRISON Peter Benjamin. Peter (son of HARRISON James Edward and ROBINSON Alice Rosetta) was born on 12 Jul 1890 in Wakefield, Clay County, KS; died on 11 Nov 1949 in Hillside, Union, NJ. [Group Sheet]

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:

[Sonnenberg.FTW]

Lived: 1953 in O'Fallon, IL.

Elizabeth married HEMMER Albert Walter on 11 Oct 1912 in St. Louis, MO. Albert (son of HEMMER Peter W. and QUIGLEY Julia) was born on 17 Oct 1891 in Carbon, IL; died on 23 Oct 1940 in O Fallon, IL. [Group Sheet]

Margaret married MAYER Joseph in ABT. 1919 in IL. Joseph was born in 1887 in Germany; died in UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Obit for Frank Sonnenberg in IL newspaper:

Frank N. Sonnenberg. 61 year old former resident of O'Fallon, died at 7:15 o'clock last night at his home, 3637a North Market Street, St. Louis. For the last ten years he had made his home in St. Louis where he was employed as a grounds-keeper at Sportsman's Park. Death was due to a complication of diseases and followed a year's illness.

Mr. Sonnenberg was born in Lebanon September 21, 1889, a son of Mr. and the late Mrs George Sonnenberg, nee Annie Schmidt. His father resides in O'Fallon.

Also surviving are a daughter, Lucille, wife of Leroy Scoggins, Carrollton, Ill.: a brother, John J. Sonnenberg, Elizabeth, NJ.' four sisters: Mrs. Elizabeth Hemmer, O'Fallon, Mrs. Margaret Mayer and Mrs. Alberta Biggs, both of St. Louis, and Mrs. Theresa Owen, Wood River, and two grandchildren. Four brothers and a sister preceded him in death.


Marriage Register, Clinton County, IL

July 24, 1920. Frank Sonnenberg, 22 years old and son of George Sonnenberg and Annie, married Esther Staats, 19 years old, daughter of Frank Staats and Alice J. Young.

1930 Census Record for Madison Co, Wood River Township, Hartford, IL

F.N. Sonnenberg, 30 year old male, born in IL, parents born in KS, worked as clerk in retail grocery store (store owned by brother John Joseph and Stella Sonnenberg.) He is listed as married though his wife and daughter were not with him.

Frank married STAATS Esther on 24 Jul 1920 in Clinton County, IL. Esther (daughter of STAATS Frank and YOUNG Alice) was born in 1901 in Carlyle, Macoupin, IL; died in UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet]

Anna married BATES Unknown. Unknown died in AFT. 1953 in MO. [Group Sheet]

Anna married REINWALD Oliver. Oliver was born on 20 Jan 1896 in MO; died in Mar 1977 in Hermann, Gasconade, MO. [Group Sheet]

Theresa married OWENS Orville in ABT. 1921 in IL. Orville (son of OWENS Charles and JENNIE) was born in May 1886 in IL; died in Jul 1973 in Cottage Hills, Madison, IL. [Group Sheet]

Grace married DYE Robert D.. [Group Sheet]

Nellie married CLARK William on 25 Nov 1915 in Sessor, Franklin Co, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

1930 Census record, St. Clair Co, Belleville, IL

John Sonnenberg, 33 years old, born IL, parents born IL, laborer in foundry
Estelle, 35 years old, born MO, father born MO, mother born IL
Roland, 6, born IL

Jack was a retired civil service worker in Scott Air Force Base in IL. He served as a marine in WWII.

John married GUINN Ethel. [Group Sheet]

John married ROWLAN Estella Mary on 21 Dec 1922 in IL. Estella (daughter of ROWLAN John and WEBER Cora) was born on 25 Aug 1893 in Sweet Springs, MO; died on 19 Nov 1955; was buried in Walnut Hill Ceme., Madison Co, IL.. [Group Sheet]

Agnes married PRESHAW O. W.. [Group Sheet]

Agnes married LOUPE. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

7/30/1946. Thomas Henry Sonnenberg, 44, a coal miner of 929 North Illinois Street, was electrocuted last night when a heavy storm struck Belleville.

Sonnenberg met his death at 8:30 PM when he stepped on a live wire carrying 4,000 volts of electricity. He was removed to St. Elizabeth's Hosp in the Gaerdner ambulance where he was pronounced dead. ---- ---- the physician made the pronouncement, the inhalator squad of the fire department administered artificial respiration in a vain attempt to resuscitate the man. Coroner Dr. C.C. Kane will conduct an inquest at the Pete Gaerdner Funeral Home at 5 tomorrow afternoon.

The tragedy occurred on the east side of North Illinois Street at the Gilbert Street intersection, a short block from Sonnenberg's home. The coal miner was drinking a glass of beer in John Becker's tavern, 907 North Illinois Street, where he had worked occasionally, when a 12 year old boy, Arthur Mahlman, a son of Mrs Anita Mahlman, 18 Brackett Street, Swansea, entered and announced a live wire had been blown down and was throwing a spark near the Sonnenberg home.

"It might hurt som of my kids," said Sonnenberg as he drained his glass of beer and followed Arthur to the scene. The boy pointed to the wire as the two approached, but Sonnenberg remarked, "I guess my eyes are not so good, I cannot see it."

Arthur said that Sonnenberg bent down as if to try to find the wire with his hands. "Suddenly he fell," said Arthur, "and I ran for help."

Firemen and George Gaubatz, an ambulance driver for the Pete Gaerdner Funeral Home, were called to the scene. They fashioned a lassp and threw it around Sonnenberg's arms and neck, pulling him away from the wire which was tangled in his feet.

While the rescue was being affected, two of his daughters, Mrs. Arthur Schlich and Miss Doris Sonnenberg, came upon the scene and made inquiries about the case. John Becker, Jr., son of the tavern owner, deferred giving a direct answer but when he gave it, the two girls collapsed.

Sonnenberg was born in Mt. Olive, Il, january 18, 1902 and was a son of the late Christopher and Elizabeth Sonnenberg, nee Fenwick. His father was born in Dietrich, IL, and his mother in Carlinville. He married Sally Diggens in Collinsville Nov 16, 1922.

Besides his widow, Sonnenberg is survived by 4 daughters: Dorothy, wife of Gilbert Brinson, Evely, wife of Arthur Schlich, and the Misses Doris and Carol Sonnenberg, both at home. Another daughter preceded him in death.

He also leaves 4 brothers and 6 sisters. Sam and Dan Sonnenberg, both of Collinsville, John Sonnenberg, 714 North Church Stree, Charles Sonnenberg, 810 North Charles Street, Mrs. Grace Dye, Tulsa, OK, Nell, wife of William Clark, 915 N Charles St., Mrs. Agnes Loupe, Mrs. Josephine Haston, and Mrs. Blanche Dennis, all of Beaumont, TEx. and Clyde, wife of Roy Towling, 822 N. Douglas Ave.

A coal miner since he was 14 years of age, he was employed at the St. Louis and O'Fallong Coal Company's Nigger Hollow Mine and was a member of Local No 8 Progressive Mine Workers rest illegible.

Thomas married BIGGINS Sarah Valaria on 16 Nov 1922 in Collinsville, IL. Sarah was born on 21 Mar 1900 in Erin, Tn; died on 7 Jun 1963 in Belleville, Ill. [Group Sheet]

Clydetta married ROWLAN Roy V.. Roy died in BEF. 16 Oct 1979 in Belleville, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Obit--

Daniel W. Sonnenberg, 72, of Collinsville, died Thursday, Nove 15, at memorial Hospital in Belleville.

He was a retired laborer. He was a member of the VFW, 5691, Collinsville, and Labor Local 44.

He is preceded in death by his wife, the former Lillian Schuerbaum who died in 1968, three brothers and four sisters.

He is survived by a son, Daniel F. Sonnenberg Jr. of Northbrook, IL, a brother, Charles Sonnenberg of Belleville: three sisters, Mrs. Josephine Haston of Keller, Texas, Mrs Blanche Dennis of Tulsa, OK, and Mrs. Agnes Loupe of Beaumont, TX, and two grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am Monday, Nov 19, at the Herr Funeral Home in collinsville. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery in Collinsille.

Friends may call after 2 pm Sunday, Nov 18, at the funeral home.

The Herr Funeral Home, Collingsville, handled arrangements.

Daniel married SCHUERBAUM Lillian. Lillian was born in ABT. 1906; died in 1968. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

11/11/1980 Obit ND

Charles W. Sonnenberg 71, of Belleville, formerly of Collinsville, died Monday Nov 10 at St. Elizabeth's Hopsital in Belleville.

He was a retired bottler at Carling Brewery. He was a member of American legion Post 58 and Belleville Senior Citizens Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and 5 sisters.

He is survived by his wife, the former Bernice A. Kurrant; a son, Donald Sonnenberg of Collinsville; two daughters, Delores and Marjorie, both of Collinsville; a step daughter, Mrs. John (Charlene) Hucke of Belleville; three sisters, Mrs. Agnes Loupe of Texas, Mrs. Josephine Haston of Keller, TX, and Mrs. Denny (Blanche) Dennis of Tulsa, OK; four grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Funeral services will be at 1 pm Weds Nove 12 at the Pete Gaerdner Funeral Home in Belleville. Burial will be in Lake View Memorial Gardens in Belleville.

Charles married KURANT Bernice Ann. Bernice was born in 1913; died on 22 Aug 1990. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

A highly decorated war hero. He was crushed while digging a well.

Samuel married REIMLER Elanor. Elanor died in BEF. 5 Mar 2003. [Group Sheet]

Josephine married HASTON Archie V.. [Group Sheet]

Blance married DENNIS Vernon V.. [Group Sheet]

Blance married SHOOK Lee. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Death Certificate number: 10109
Name of Deceased: Stella Bibby
Date of death: 2/29/1984 Hour: 1440
Date of Birth: 5/6/1897, Place: IL
Social Security Number: 338-07-3042
Father: Dan Sonnenberg
Mother: Mary Brandt
Occupation: Cook
Number of Years: 7, Employer: Oak View Convalescent Hospital
Marital Status: Divorced
Place of Death: Santa Anita Sanitarium, 5522 Gracewood Ave, Temple City, Los Angeles, CA
Usual Residence: 5522 Gracewood Ave, Temple City, Los Angeles, CA
Informant: Kathryn E. Steen-sister
Address: 23871 Willows Dr. #114- Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Cause of Death: arteriosclerotic heart disease
Cremation: 3/3, 1984
Crematory: Grandview Crematory, Glendale, CA

Stella married BIBBY. [Group Sheet]

Katharine married STEEN. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

1930 Census Record, Chicago, IL

Laverne Sonnenberg, 27 years old, born IL, parents born IL, roomer, shipping clerk, paint factory.

Laverne had red hair.

Laverne married AMBROMICH Sophia Jacqueline on 28 Feb 1927 in IL. Sophia (daughter of AMBROMICH Anton) was born on 7 Aug 1905 in IL; died on 27 Jul 1982 in Benld, IL; was buried in Benld City Cemetery, Benld, IL Lot 75. [Group Sheet]

Irvin married VERNA. died in AFT. 13 Dec 1993. [Group Sheet]

Living married MILLER H.. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Hudson was the oldest surviving child of John and Estella Sonnenberg, born in Hartford, IL. Hudson and his future wife Adair were neighbors in IL and later met in Aruba where both their parents were working for Standard Oil. Hudson and Adair married in Aruba and had their first two children there, they left to come back to the US when it was apparent that war was imminent. Hudson was drafted to serve in WWII and was stationed for a while in Atlantic City, NJ where his wife and 3 children visited him on weekends. After an honerable discharge due to severe medical problems but with a highly satisfactory rating and a promotion to corporal, Hudson left the army in 1943. He held a few odd jobs but then was hired as a stock broker by Merril Lynch brokerage firm. He later broke away from Merril Lynch and formed his own stock brokerage firm at the Waldorf Astoria in NY. After one year he established his firm in Linden, NJ where the family was residing. Hudson died unexpectedly of a stroke shortly before his 4

Hudson often spoke of his mother's birthplace and the caves nearby where he would go to play as a child. The caves had been inhabited by the likes of Jesse James and the Dalton Boys at some time according to local lore and Hudson remained fascinated with Western lore all of his life. He was a tall and handsome man with black hair and striking blue eyes, a meticulous dresser and was well spoken. He had a great sense of humor and playfullness and his early death was a great loss to the family.

Hudson married Living (daughter of HARRIS Edwin Milton and EXTON Mary Margaret) [Group Sheet]

Maurice married LOUISE in ABT. 1938 in IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

The cause of death was gas poisoning and it is unclear if the death was accidental or a suicide. It was reported in the papers that Jackie had two gas burners on at time of his death, with all windows closed. Stella reported in the newspapers that her son had been despondant and going for treatment. To this day, most family members are convinced it was an accident.

Stella had helped Jackie to purchase a home where he could rent out rooms to make an income. Jackie had just moved into the home and been there but a few days when he died. Stella had apparently come to check on him as she did every day, and found the body.

Jackie was remembered by all as a quiet and gentle soul who never hurt anyone and who was very sweet and caring. He apparently was the baby sitter for the children of his brother Hudson and his sudden death was a blow to his mother which she never quite recovered from.

Betty married . Unknown [Group Sheet]

Living married PETUS L. [Group Sheet]

Living married MARIE .. [Group Sheet]

Elizabeth married LEHMAN William. William died on 12 Aug 2000 in IL. [Group Sheet]

Living married SCOGGINS L.M.. (son of SCOGGINS Leroy and ELIZABETH) [Group Sheet]

Bernice married FRENCH. [Group Sheet]

Grance married GRANDCOLAS. [Group Sheet]

Roy married ELISABETH. [Group Sheet]

Living married .. Unknown [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Raymond H. Sonnenberg, 72 of Belleville, ILL, born Nov. 30, 1930, in Collinsville, IL, died Wednesday, March 5, 2003, at memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Ray was a 1952 graduate of St. Louis University. At St. Louis University, he played football and basketball on the varsity teams.

Ray was named to the NCAA Missouri Valley All America Team and played in the World Series of basketball against the Harlem Globetrotters. He was named to the Illinois and St. Louis University sports halls of fame.

After graduation, Ray entered the U.S. Air force. While in the Air Force, Ray was a member of the basketball team that won the World-Wide Air Force Championship and World-Wide Inter-Service Championship.

Ray officiated for many years in all levels of sports. he was a member of the Illinois High School Officials Association and was a basketball official in the Missouri Valley Conference. In 1968 and 1970, he officiated the College Division of the NCAA Basketball Finals. Also in 1968, Ray officiated the Olynpic Basketball Trial Games. From 1967 until 1978, Ray served as a head linesman in the National Football League.

Ray was the executive director of the East St. Louis YMCA and its successors, the Bi-County YMCA and YMCA of Southwest Illinois. The former Bi-County Center of the YMCA of Southwest Illinois was re-named the Sonnenberg Center in his honor. Ray also served as a council member in the National Council fo the YMCA of the USA and was a member of the board of directors for the Region 1 YMCAs in America. Ray and his wife, Celeste, who preceded him in death, were members of the Lamplighters Society of the YMCA of South-west Illinois.

Ray was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and served as the metro-east president from 1970 to 1972 and the Branch Rickey Chapter president from 1986 to 1988. He was a Sunday school teacher at Trinity Lutheran Church from 1955 to 1965.

Ray served as a Belleville city Alderman from Ward 4 for approximately 20 years. he served as a member of the school board for Notre Dame Acadamey of Belleville from 1970 to 1972 and St. Henry's Seminary, also from 1970 to 1972.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Celeste Sonnenberg, his parents, Samuel and Elanor, nee Reimler, Sonnenberg, and a sister, Bessie Harris.

Surviving are his seven children and their spouses, Ray and Theresa Sonnenberg Jr. of Belleville, ILL., Celeste and Phil Furmanek of Belleville, ILL., Sue and Bob Mayberry of Millstadt, ILL., Jeanne and Mike Sanders of Belleville, ILL., Kate and Bill Gavin of Swansea, Ill., Kirk and Kelly Sonnenberg of Millstadt, Ill., and Greg and Vicky Sonnenberg of St. Louis, MO.: two brothers, Al (Nancy) Sonnenberg of Montrose, Iowa, and Walter Sonnenberg of Collinsville, Ill.: two sisters, Shirley Gili of Collinsville, Ill., and Linda Wiseman of Salen, Ill.; 15 grandchildren, Austin, Niclole, Erin, Erik, Raechel, Megan, Justin, Jeremy, Anne, Catherine, Chris, Casey, Carson, Charlie, and Mary; and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial gifts may be directed in Ray's memory to the YMCA of Southwest Illinois Downtown Belleville Center Capital Construction Fund, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes or St. Henry's Catholic Church.

Funeral procession will leave at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2003, from Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill., for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Henry's Catholic Church, Belleville, Ill., with Monsignor Bernard Voss and the Rev. Bill Rowe officiating. Internment will be in Lake View memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.

Raymond married CELESTE. died in BEF. 5 Mar 2003. [Group Sheet]

Elizabeth married HARRIS. [Group Sheet]

Al married NANCY. [Group Sheet]

Shirley married GILI. [Group Sheet]

Linda married WISEMAN. [Group Sheet]

Thomas married PATRICIA. [Group Sheet]