52 Ancestors: #27 The Dahm-Kimes Family and the History of a House Name

The small village of Moestroff in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg lies between Reisdorf and Bettendorf. It was once part of the parish of Reisdorf and from about 1763 was attached to Bettendorf. During the late 1700s to about 1804, there were, however, children of Moestroff being baptized in the parish of Reisdorf instead of Bettendorf. From 1794, when civil records began to be recorded, Moestroff has been part of the commune of Bettendorf.

The road into Reisdorf from Wallendorf, its German neighbor.

For the period I am now researching, the history of the families is intertwined in the villages of Reisdorf and Moestroff due to the marriages of ancestors of my children from both towns.

The former train station in Reisdorf along the bike route to Moestroff

Several roads lead to Reisdorf. The main road from Echternach to Diekirch passes through Reisdorf. Roads lead down to Reisdorf from Beaufort, Larochette, and Vianden. There is also a “back road” from Wallendorf, Germany, to Reisdorf. The shortest route between Reisdorf and Moestroff is the bike path where the railroad used to run.

The Chapel of Reisdorf

At the intersection of the road from Wallendorf and the main road to Diekirch is a small chapel that was built during the lifetime of the couple I am featuring this week. Above the doorway the year 1808 is chiseled in stone and highlighted with gold leaf paint.

Th entrance of the little chapel of Reisdorf

A quick tour of the town of Reisdorf takes us to the church that was built in 1900.

The Catholic church of Reisdorf

And behind the church is the town hall.

The town hall, Mairie de Reisdorf.

As seen in my last 52 Ancestors post when we visited Moestroff, my children’s 5th great-grandparents Franz ZWANK of Moestroff married Clara WELTER of Reisdorf. This is also the case of the next set of 5th great-grandparents, Pierre DAHM and Anna Catharina STRENG. Pierre was from Moestroff and Anna Catharina from Reisdorf. Both couples made their homes in Moestroff.

Pierre DAHM (1764-1830) and Anna Catharina KIMES (1762-1832)

Pierre DAHM, son of Jean DHAM (d. 1790) and Marie WELTER (d. 1814), was born and baptized on 14 April 1764 in Moestroff.¹ The baptism of Petrus Dham took place in Moestroff due to imbecillitatem infantis, or the child’s weakness. Children born in Moestroff at this time were baptized in the parish of Bettendorf which makes this entry for Pierre a bit unusual. The family surname at the time was spelled DHAM instead of the later DAHM.

1764 Baptismal Record of Petrus DHAM

Pierre’s oldest sibling was his sister Elisabeth who was born about 1756. This is known as she was the informant for the death of their mother Marie Welter in 1814. It is not known if there were children born between Elisabeth and my children’s 5th great-grandfather Pierre but I suspect there must have been as they were eight years apart. Baptismal records for Bettendorf begin only in 1763 which explains the missing records, including that of Elisabeth’s baptism. A daughter Susanne was born in 1768, four years after Pierre. Death records are sparse for this period and no record has been found that Susanna survived or that there may have been other children.

1796 Marriage Record

Pierre married Anna Catharina KIMES, daughter of Nicolas KIMES (d. 1797) and Anna Maria STRENG (d. 1804), on 5 April 1796 in Bettendorf.² Anna Catharina was born on 8 December 1762 in Reisdorf,³ likely their oldest child. She had three younger brothers who survived to adulthood. Wilhelm lived in Reisdorf, Martin in Bettendorf, and Theodor in Nusbaum-Stockigt (about 14 km from Reisdorf and in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany).

Pierre and Anna Catharina’s children

Pierre and Anna Catharina had four children, all lived to adulthood, but only two married and had issue.

Maria DAHM (1797-1859) was born on 10 July 1797 in Moestroff and was baptized the same day in Bettendorf.⁴ She married Jacques “Jacob” ZWANK, son of Franciscus “Franz” ZWANCK and Maria Clara “Clara” WELTER, on 22 October 1823 in Bettendorf.⁵ Jacques was born on 17 May 1795 in Moestroff and was baptized the same day in Bettendorf.⁶ He died on 15 February 1858 in Moestroff.⁷ Maria died nearly two years later on 28 November 1859 in Moestroff.⁸ They were the parents of seven children and were featured in 52 Ancestors: #39 The ZWANK-DAHM Family of Moestroff in 2015.

Wilhelm DAHM (1799-1843) was born on 8 September 1799 in Moestroff.⁹ He married Margretha STEFFEN, daughter of Nicolas STEFFEN and Elisabeth ZENNER, on 28 January 1830 in Bettendorf.¹⁰ Margretha was born on 27 December 1807 in Erpeldange.¹¹ They had three children who all continued this line. Wilhelm died on 19 June 1843 in Erpeldange (Diekirch) at the age of 43 years.¹² His widow Margretha died on 26 January 1876 in Diekirch.¹³ Her death was reported by her son-in-law Theodore BAULER. His relationship with her was not clearly stated. She was 71 years old (off by 3 years) and born in Erpeldange. All of this information “fit” however there was an error on the death record. Her deceased husband was listed as Michel DAHM instead of Wilhelm. After finding Margretha in Theodore BAULER’s 1875 household in the census, I believe this is the correct person. Her son-in-law did not know the name of her husband, a man he had likely never met as Wilhelm died when his daughter Maria DAHM, Theodore’s wife, was not quite four years old.

Mathias DAHM (1802-1829) was born on 31 July 1802 in Moestroff.¹⁴ He died on 26 February 1829 in Moestroff at the age of 26 years.¹⁵ He was a tailor or Schneider and never married.

Théodore DAHM (1804-1879) was born on 4 August 1804 in Moestroff.¹⁶ He died on 2 February 1879 in Ettelbruck at the age of 74 years.¹⁷ He was never married and outlived all of his siblings. Over the years he worked as a day laborer and a domestic servant.

The children’s father Pierre DAHM died on 1 February 1830 at 2 in the afternoon.¹⁸ His widow and the mother of the children Anna Catharina STRENG died two years later on 10 January 1832 at 5 in the morning.¹⁹ They both passed away at home in Moestroff. The informants for their deaths were their youngest son Théodore and their neighbor Nicolas WEYLAND.

Genealogy F.A.N. Club

The fact that Nicolas WEYLAND was the neighbor of the DAHM-STRENG family led me to a discovery concerning the home the DAHM family lived in.

Nicolas WEYLAND was the son-in-law of Franz ZWANK and Clara WELTER mentioned earlier. They were the parents of Jacques ZWANK who married Maria DAHM, daughter of Pierre DAHM and Anna Catharina KIMES. It would appear that the ZWANK and DAHM families were neighbors before their children connected the families by marriage, the N. (neighbor) part of F.A.N.

You may ask, what about the WELTER connection? This I cannot answer. Clara WELTER’s father Johann was born in Reisdorf about 1730 and Pierre DAHM’s mother Marie WELTER was born about 1729, location unknown. If Johann and Marie were siblings, then Pierre and Clara would have been first cousins, and Jacques and Maria second cousins. Maybe when the earlier generations are researched I will be able to answer this question on the F. (family) part of F.A.N.

House name for the DAHM-KIMES family’s home

Now that we see how close these families were to each other geographically, I’d like to discuss the home of the DAHM family.

When Pierre’s younger sister Susanna was born in 1768 her baptismal record²⁰ indicated the family lived in Moestroff in a house known as Scheuer. (the Latin being aedibus Scheur)

1768 Baptismal Record

On 26 April 1790 when Pierre’s father Jean DAHM died, the priest wrote in Latin, pater familias in aedibus Scheur or the father of a family in house Scheuer.²¹

1790 Death Record

No other birth, marriage, or death record was found which documents the house name of the family. However, the Luxembourg census included the house name during some of the census years, mainly from 1855 to 1875.

I began by following Théodore as he was the longest living child of the DAHM family.

In 1843²² and 1846²³, Théodore was living with his sister Maria, her husband Jacques ZWANK, and their children. In 1847 he was not found. In 1849 Théodore was in the household of a WENANDY family and working as a domestique.²⁴ In 1851 he was again with the ZWANK-DAHM family.²⁵ In 1852 he had his own household but as with previous years, the house name was not listed.²⁶

Those were the years the census did not include the name of the house.

1855 Census sheet for the Zwank-Dahm household including Théodore Dahm, brother-in-law of the head of household. The name of the house (maison dite in French) is in the red box.

In 1855 the names of the houses were included on the census sheet. Théodore was in the household of his sister Maria and brother-in-law Jacques. The house name was Scheuer.²⁷ In 1858 Maria was widowed and living in Scheier (Luxembourgish version of Scheuer) house with two of her unmarried children.²⁸ Not only Maria but also two of her married children and her brother Théodore had households of their own and were listed on consecutive pages of the census in a home called Scheier. Maria, being the oldest child of Pierre and Anna Catharina, likely was the owner of the family home and her children and brother were all living with her but had their own households.

Maria died in 1859 two days before her daughter Marie ZWANK married Nicolas PEFFER Sr.²⁹ The PEFFER-ZWANK couple, my children’s 3rd great-grandparents, lived in Maria DAHM’s home from the time they married. In 1861 it was called the Peffers house³⁰, in 1864 Dahms³¹, in 1867³², 1871³³, and 1875 Scheier.³⁴ From 1880 to 1900 no house names were given on the census sheets of the PEFFER family.

From 1768 until 1875 the name of the home the families were living in was Scheuer or Scheier. Both words mean barn but are also surnames. Were they living in a building that was once a barn, or could SCHEUER have been the name or occupation of one of Pierre DAHM’s ancestors?

I hope you’ve enjoyed this visit to Reisdorf and the discussion of the house name of the DAHM-KIMES family of Moestroff.

This Post Was Updated on 6 January 2022: Markdown was used to format citations, i.e. the reference numbers and footnotes.

© 2017-2022, copyright Cathy Meder-Dempsey. All rights reserved.

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1. Luxembourg, registres paroissiaux, 1601-1948 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Bettendorf > Baptêmes, mariages, sépultures 1763-1797 > image 5 of 94. 1764 Baptismal Record (left page, first entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-M9Y3?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-SPJ%3A1500974653%2C1500923326 : accesed 31 July 2017). ↩
2. Ibid., Bettendorf > Baptêmes, mariages, sépultures 1763-1797 > image 78 of 94. 1796 Marriage Record (right page, last entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-M341?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-SPJ%3A1500974653%2C1500923326 : accessed 31 July 2017). ↩
3. Ibid., Reisdorf > Baptêmes 1725-1805, mariages 1763-1805 > image 19 of 59. 1762 Baptismal Record (left, 2nd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WS-H9MQ-4?cc=2037955&wc=STHD-RM8%3A1501010555%2C1501010556 : accessed 31 July 2017). ↩
4. Ibid., Bettendorf > Baptêmes, mariages, sépultures 1763-1797 > image 60 of 94. 1797 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32400-2625-75?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-SPJ:1500974653,1500923326 : accessed 24 September 2015). ↩
5. Luxembourg, Registres d’état civil, 1662-1941 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Bettendorf > Mariages 1817-1890 Décès 1800-1859 > image 82 of 1494. 1823 Marriage Record No. 10. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12456-38177-77?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2ZY:2071013250 : accessed 10 Apr 2013). ↩
6. Luxembourg Parish Records, Bettendorf > Baptêmes, mariages, sépultures 1763-1797 > image 57 of 94. 1795 Baptismal Record (left, top). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32400-2824-51?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-SPJ:1500974653,1500923326 : accessed 24 September 2015). ↩
7. Luxembourg Civil Records, Bettendorf > Mariages 1817-1890 Décès 1800-1859 > image 1462 of 1494. 1858 Death Record No. 6. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12456-36487-72?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2ZY:2071013250 : accessed 10 Apr 2013). ↩
8. Ibid., Bettendorf > Mariages 1817-1890 Décès 1800-1859 > image 1487 of 1494. 1859 Death Record No. 48. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12456-39674-59?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2ZY:2071013250 : accessed 10 Apr 2013). ↩
9. Ibid., Bettendorf > Naissances 1797-1800, baptêmes 1779-1793, mariages 1779-1793, 1797-1800, décès 1797-1800, sépultures 1779-1793 > image 189 of 222. 1799 (22 fructidor an VII) Birth Record (left bottom and right top). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-MS31?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-SPK%3A1500974653%2C1500990942 : accessed 2 August 2017). ↩
10. Ibid., Bettendorf > Mariages 1817-1890 Décès 1800-1859 > image 211 of 1494. 1830 Marriage Record No. 6. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6RW9-D6F?cc=1709358&wc=9RY8-SP8%3A129626601%2C129729901 : accessed 2 August 2017). ↩
11. Ibid., Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 951 of 1493. 1807 Birth Record (left page, middle). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-D42Q-KQV?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-W38%3A129628901%2C130575701 : accessed 2 Augut 2017). ↩
12. Ibid., Ettelbruck > Décès 1814-1881 > image 437 of 1379. 1843 Death Record No. 39. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-D17S-7MM?cc=1709358&wc=9RYS-FM9%3A129625001%2C1290913101 : accessed 2 August 2017). ↩
13. Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 1034 of 1358. 1876 Death Record No. 9. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6XY7-BSK?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL%3A129628901%2C129628902 : accessed 3 August 2017). ↩
14. Ibid., Bettendorf > Naissances 1800-1827 > image 22 of 306. 1802 Birth Record No. 29 (12 Thermidore an X). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DRLP-R9?cc=1709358&wc=9RYW-DPD%3A129626601%2C129760501 : accessed 2 August 2017). ↩
15. Ibid., Bettendorf > Mariages 1817-1890 Décès 1800-1859 > image 1084 of 1494. 1829 Death Record No. 11. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6RW9-CWQ?cc=1709358&wc=9RY8-SP8%3A129626601%2C129729901 : accessed 2 August 2017). ↩
16.  Ibid., Bettendorf > Naissances 1828-1890 Mariages 1800-1816 > image 1335 of 1507. 1804 Birth Record NO. 64 (16 Thermidor an XII). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-X2MS-BQ?cc=1709358&wc=9RYD-FM9%3A129626601%2C129945501 : accessed 2 August 2017). ↩
17. Ibid., Ettelbruck > Décès 1879-1881 > image 3 of 119. 1879 Death Record No. 8. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-6F79-Q1Z?cc=1709358&wc=9RY3-GPF%3A129625001%2C129625002 : accessed 2 August 2017). ↩
18. Ibid., Bettendorf > Mariages 1817-1890 Décès 1800-1859 > image 1093 of 1494. 1830 Death Record No. 4. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12456-38720-90?cc=1709358 : accessed 28 September 2015). ↩
19. Ibid., Bettendorf > Mariages 1817-1890 Décès 1800-1859 > image 1116 of 1494. 1832 Death Record No. 3. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12456-37297-72?cc=1709358 : accessed 28 September 2015). ↩
20.  Luxembourg Parish Records, Bettendorf > Baptêmes, mariages, sépultures 1763-1797 > image 8 of 94. 1768 Baptismal Record (left page, 2nd to last entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-M9TY?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-SPJ%3A1500974653%2C1500923326 : accessed 1 August 2017). ↩
21.  Luxembourg Civil Records, Bettendorf > Naissances, mariages, décès 1779-1812 > image 121 of 238. 1790 Death Record (right page, 4th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DRLY-K3?cc=1709358&wc=9RYW-DP8%3A129626601%2C130236801 : accessed 1 August 2017). ↩
22.  Luxembourg, Volkszählungen 1843-1900 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Bettendorf > 1843 > image 2 of 288. 1843 Zwank-Dahm household. “Luxembourg, Volkszählungen 1843-1900,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32360-26751-78?cc=2037957&wc=M5LT-T3L:346114101,345863501 : accessed 18 February 2015). ↩
23. Ibid., Bettendorf > 1846 > image 325 of 334. Zwank-Dahm household. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32356-28692-50?cc=2037957&wc=M5LR-BZ9:346114101,345858602 : accessed 24 September 2015). ↩
24. Ibid., Bettendorf > 1849 > image 286 of 343. Pierre Winandy household. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-997B-FWGK?cc=2037957&wc=M5LR-TQW%3A346114101%2C345864801 : accessed 4 August 2017). ↩
25. Ibid., Bettendorf > 1851 > image 359 of 386. Zwank-Dahm household No. 51. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32351-20262-71?cc=2037957&wc=M5LR-446:346114101,345865601 : accessed 24 September 2015). ↩
26. Ibid., Bettendorf > 1852 > image 352 of 365. Theodore Dahm household No. 57. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-997B-ZRX?cc=2037957&wc=M5LR-S58%3A346114101%2C345865501 : accessed 4 August 2017). ↩
27. Ibid., Bettendorf > 1855 > image 325 of 358. Zwank-Dahm household No. 28. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32379-20635-34?cc=2037957 : accessed 26 September 2015). ↩
28. Ibid., Bettendorf > 1858 > image 336 of 365. Zwank-Dahm household No. 45. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32359-9055-64?cc=2037957&wc=M5LT-2JF:346114101,345867601 : accessed 18 February 2015). ↩
29.  Luxembourg Civil Records, Bettendorf > Mariages 1817-1890 Décès 1800-1859 > image 521 of 1494. 1859 Marriage Record No. 21. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12456-35911-81?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2ZY:2071013250 : accessed 03 Apr 2013). ↩
30. Luxembourg Census Records, Bettendorf > 1861 > image 118 of 367. 1861 Peffer-Zwank household no. 33. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32377-4921-43?cc=2037957&wc=M5GM-MNL:346114101,345867101 : accessed 17 February 2015). ↩
31. Ibid., Bettendorf > 1864 > image 350 of 395. 1864 Peffer-Zwank household no. 12. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32381-22900-4?cc=2037957&wc=M5GS-2J7:346114101,345868401 : accessed 17 February 2015). ↩
32. Ibid., Bettendorf > 1867 > image 279 of 364. 1867 Peffer-Zwank household No. 19 maison dite Scheier. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-32373-10122-70?cc=2037957&wc=M5LB-3TR:346114101,345869101 : accessed 17 February 2015). ↩
33. Ibid., Bettendorf > 1871 > image 736 of 823. 1871 Peffer-Zwank houshold no. 10. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32377-18258-50?cc=2037957&wc=M5L1-J46:346114101,345869501 : accessed 17 February 2015). ↩
34. Ibid., Bettendorf > 1875 > image 246 of 789. 1875 Peffer-Zwank household no. 7. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32380-14325-83?cc=2037957&wc=M5G9-VZK:346114101,345870501 : accessed 17 February 2015). ↩

52 Ancestors: #24 The Peffer-Pierret Family of Feulen and Gilsdorf

Sometimes when I start to search for information on a family it looks like it will be quick and easy. This family was supposed to be one of these. I did much of the preliminary research two years ago when I wrote about the oldest son Anton PEFFER and his wife Maria GRASSER. They were my children’s fourth great-grandparents.

I put off writing the post the end of June because it fell on the same day I planned to publish my Slave Name Roll Project article. My readers took me up on my offer to explain how I found the records with the names of the slaves and I wrote a very successful spin-off Step by Step Guide to Accessing Browse-only Records on FamilySearch.

The weather finally improved and my husband and I were able to get back on our racing bikes for some much-needed exercise. Two of our rides took us through the town of Gilsdorf where this family lived.

I delayed doing the post again in preparation for my visit to the State Archives of Arlon in Belgium and instead wrote Luxracines on Tour in Belgium and France.

This family had me searching through browse-only church records, civil records, and census records for a period of 150 plus years. This takes time. Not only to browse but to download the images, cite them, analyze them, and attach them to the events of each individual. Each time I put off writing this story, I picked up the research again and I found more records which had to be dealt with.

I now have a nearly complete timeline for the family with so many records that my citation list would be longer than the story. I’m going to leave it up to you to visit my GEDCOM file to consult the sources if you are interested. As the family’s story develops, I have linked each person at the time of their death to his or her individual page on RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project: Opening Doors in Brick Walls.

The PEFFER-PEIRRET Family Story

Dominique PEFFER (1743-1813) and Marguerite SINTGEN (1750-1821) married on 8 January 1775 in Diekirch. He was from Niederglabach (Mersch) and she was from Gilsdorf, a neighboring town of Diekirch. This couple would have nine children born between 1775 and 1797. All were born in Gilsdorf likely in the ancestral home of the mother. Marguerite was the oldest child and, as was the custom of the time, she may have inherited the family home. Of the nine children born to Dominique and Marguerite, three are known to have married and had children. One of these was Adam PEFFER born on 25 July 1777.

Nicolas PIERRET (1740-1808) and Anna Maria ROBINET (1747-1785) were married on 14 March 1761. The marriage record has not been located. The marriage index card indicates it took place in Eischen/Arlon. This may mean the marriage took place in Eischen and the record will be found in the Arlon parish records. What a strange coincidence when only last Saturday I was visiting the archives in Arlon. Nicolas and Anna Maria were the parents of ten children born between 1764 and  1784 in Eischen (Capellen). Their seventh child was Marguerite PIERRET who was born on 4 August 1777 in Eischen. Anna Maria ROBINET died in 1785 and her widower remarried in 1786. His second wife gave him a daughter in 1787 before dying in 1793.

The PEFFER and PIERRET Union

Adam PEFFER married Marguerite PIERRET on 28 June 1802 in Feulen (Diekirch). Why Adam, who was born and raised in Gilsdorf, and Marguerite, who was born and raised in Eischen, ended up marrying in Feulen is not known. They would remain in the Feulen area, living in Obermertzig where their first five children were born. When Adam had the births of these children recorded his occupation was seen as Taglöhner or day laborer.

• Antoin “Anton” born 20 May 1803
• Nicolas born 23 October 1805
• Eva PEFFER born 4 February 1808 and died 19 March 1808
• Christian Peffer born 7 May 1809
• Christina born 15 April 1811

Two days before the birth of their first daughter Eva, Marguerite lost her father Nicolas PIERRET who died in Eischen on 2 February 1808.

Sometime after the birth of daughter Christina, Adam and his family moved back to his hometown of Gilsdorf. This may have had something to do with the death of Adam’s father Dominique PEFFER who died on 11 April 1813 in Gilsdorf. His death was reported by his second oldest son Theodore. At this time it is not known if Adam and Theodore’s older sister was still living. It’s possible that Adam was now the oldest child and may have come home to care for his mother and work in the occupation of his father.

Town sign at the entrance of Gilsdorf via the road coming from the bridge which crosses the Sauer River.

Back in Gilsdorf, Adam and Marguerite added two more children to their family. Both daughters.

• Susanne born 21 August 1814
• Angelique born 11 February 1817

In 1814 and 1817 when Adam reported the births of his daughters his occupation was Leinenweber (tisserant in French) or linen weaver – the same occupation as his father Dominique PEFFER.

Five days before Angelique was born, her father Adam’s next oldest brother Théodore married Marie Cathérine KAISER on 6 February 1817 in Stegen. Their youngest brother Peter was a witness. Did Adam stay home to be with his wife Marguerite who was ready to give birth to their last child?

The entrance of the Gilsdorf cemetery where the family is likely buried. We did not walk the cemetery to check for the names.

Adam’s mother Marguerite SINTGEN died four years later at the age of 68 years on 22 February 1821 in Gilsdorf. Her son Théodore reported her death.

The chapel of the Gilsdorf cemetery.

Adam and Marguerite’s family of eight would be reduced to seven on 17 August 1826 when their daughter Susanne PEFFER died four days short of her 12th birthday. Her father reported the death. No longer seen as a linen weaver, his occupation was Ackerer (farmer) at the time of her death.

Adam and Marguerite’s oldest son, my children’s 4th great-grandfather, Antoin “Anton” PEFFER married Maria GRASSER (1801-1882) of Moestroff on 17 February 1830 in Bettendorf, the commune to which Gilsdorf and Moestroff belonged. Adam was a Taglöhner when his son Anton married.

The Catholic church of Gilsdorf. Likely the place the religious marriage ceremonies took place for the children who lived in Gilsdorf and married (civil) in the commune of Bettendorf.

It was another 7 years before the next child of this couple married. Their second oldest son Nicolas married Susanna SCHARLÉ (1810-1873) of Gilsdorf on 6 January 1837 in Bettendorf.

Four years later, Adam and Marguerite’s oldest daughter Christina who was 30 years old married Johann SCHEUER (1794-1875) on 15 February 1841 in Bettendorf. Johann who was 47 years old and widowed with several children.

On 22 December 1843 when the census was taken Adam PEFFER had in his household his only unmarried son Christian and his youngest daughter Angelique who was also still single at the age of 26. Adam and Christian were day laborers and Angelique was seen as having no profession. Where was Adam’s wife Marguerite? The person who filled out the sheet wrote marié (married) as Adam’s marital status and then struck it out replacing it with veuf (widowed). Marguerite PIERRET died the same day as the census sheet was filled out and signed. She died at 9 in the morning at home. Adam and his son-in-law Johann SCHEUER went to the records office at 4 in the afternoon the same day to report her death. Her occupation was listed as day laborer and her place of birth was seen as Eischen in Belgium near Arlon.A month later on 20 January 1844 and on 4 February 1844 the banns were read for the marriage of Adam’s youngest daughter Angelique PEFFER and Nicholas POTT (1815-1873). They married on 10 February 1844 in Bettendorf.

A month later on 20 January 1844 and on 4 February 1844 the banns were read for the marriage of Adam’s youngest daughter Angelique PEFFER and Nicholas POTT (1815-1873). They married on 10 February 1844 in Bettendorf.

When the next two censuses were taken in December of 1846 and of 1847 Adam was had in his household his son Christian in Gilsdorf. His son Anton was living in Moestroff with his wife who was from Moestroff. Adam’s children Nicolas, Christina, and Angelique were in their own households in Gilsdorf.

Adam PEFFER died a few weeks after the 1847 census at the age of 70. He died on 16 January 1848 in Gilsdorf at noon. His death was reported the next day by his oldest son Anton PEFFER and his son-in-law Johann SCHEUER. He died at his home in the “first” street of Gilsdorf. Was this the name of the street or only an indication of where the street was located in the village?

The Years After Adam and Marguerite’s Deaths

Town sign at the entrance from Diekirch. The PEFFER family lived on this side of the village, on a street behind the pink house seen in the center between the two signs.

In December 1849, when the census sheets were once again being filled out, the children of Adam and Marguerite were found mostly where they had been the previous years. Only Christian, the son who had been living with Adam, was now staying with his sister Christiane and her husband Johann SCHEUER.

The single son Christian became my focal point in this family. Would he marry or remain single? In December 1851 he was single and living alone. In December 1852 he was not found alone nor with Angelique, Christina, Nicolas, or Anton. Perhaps he was living with another family in Gilsdorf and the census sheets need to be more closely examined. In December 1855 he was again found alone in his own household.

In December 1858 Christian was now seen with his sister Christina and his brother-in-law Johann SCHEUER. Angelique, Nicolas, and Anton were still in their usual places. Three weeks after the census was taken, the oldest of the siblings, Anton PEFFER, died in Moestroff the day after Christmas. He left a wife and four children.

In December 1861 Christian was 50 years old, still a bachelor, and once again not found in the census. Three years later, in December 1864, he was in his brother-in-law Johann SCHEUER’s household.

His sister Christina PEFFER died on 28 March 1866 leaving a husband and two daughters. By the next census in December 1867 her oldest daughter Margaret had married Markus REIFFER and in the household were her single uncle Christian and her widowed father Johann SCHEUER.

In December 1871 the configuration of the PEFFER-SCHEUER-REIFFER household changed only with the births of REIFFER children. Where their father had been the head of household in 1867, their grandfather Johann was seen as the head in 1871. Christian was still with the family even though his sister was deceased.

By December 1875 Johann SCHEUER had been dead for nine months. His son-in-law Markus now was the head of household and had Christian PEFFER living with the family.Markus’ wife Margaret SCHEUER died on 25 August 1877. By the time the next census was enumerated in December 1880 her widower Markus had remarried. Christian PEFFER was not found with his niece’s widower or with either of his living siblings Angelique POTT-PEFFER or Nicolas PEFFER.

Markus’ wife Margaret SCHEUER died on 25 August 1877. By the time the next census was enumerated in December 1880 her widower Markus had remarried. Christian PEFFER was not found with his niece’s widower or with either of his living siblings Angelique POTT-PEFFER or Nicolas PEFFER.

On 6 March 1883 Nicolas, 78 years old, was the informant for the death of his 74 years old brother Christian PEFFER who died the same day at noon in Gilsdorf. At the time of his death, he did not have a profession and likely was too old or feeble to work.

Angelique and Nicolas were now the last surviving children of Adam and Marguerite PEFFER-PIERRET. Angelique had been widowed in 1873. In 1875 and 1880 she had her two youngest children, sons Jean and Mathias, still living at home. By 1885 they had “disappeared.”

On the February 1887 census, Angelique, as in December 1885, was seen alone in her household. However, on the back page of the census her son Jean was mentioned as being in St. Paul (America) and he had been gone for eight years. With this census listing, I discovered both her sons went to America. John and Matt, as they were later known, had emigrated to America in 1882 and 1883. Matt was married by the 1887 census and therefore not mentioned on his mother’s census sheet. In December 1890, Angelique was still living in her own household only a few doors away from her brother Nicolas.

During our second ride through Gilsdorf, I was on the lookout for the street sign for the Ahlstrasse or Aalstrasse and found “Am Aal” a street which is on the outskirts of Gilsdorf.

In December 1885, February 1887, and December 1890 Nicolas PEFFER was living in the household of his son Adam, who had been named after his grandfather. The PEFFER home was the same as it had always been. Over the years the name of the street was Ahlstrasse or Ahlgasse with Ahl also being seen as Aal.

Angelique PEFFER died on 31 December 1891 in Diekirch in the Bürger Spital (hospital). Her death was reported by her son-in-law Mathias MEITER of Stegen. He gave her age as 79 although she was only 74 years old. Her residence was seen as Diekirch which could mean she may have been a resident of the hospital for some time during the year 1891 until her death.

Nicolas PEFFER, the only living child of Adam and Marguerite, was seen as the head of household on 2 December 1895 in Gilsdorf. He was still living with his son Adam and his family. A year later, on 6 December 1896, he died in his home in Gilsdorf. His son Adam reported his death, gave the name of Nicolas’ deceased wife but did not know the names of his parents. Nicolas was 91 years old and his parents had been dead for around 50 years. Sad but maybe no wonder his 59 years old son Adam did not know their names.

Where will the research go from here?

For now, I believe I have wrapped up this family group. There are still the missing census records for son Christian – he may have been missed or I may have overlooked them. More important to this family’s story may be the emigration of the two grandsons, Jean and Mathias POTT, to America. What became of them and are there descendants waiting to be found? This task is not on the immediate schedule but, if I hear from a descendant, I could be convinced to speed up the research.

© 2017, copyright Cathy Meder-Dempsey. All rights reserved.

The Extinction of the PREISEN Family Name †

We’ gruss stinn haut ons Fraen, Mäner, de’ vill em d’Hemecht mat gemacht — de’ grad we’ an de grusse Länner, hirt Léwen vir si agesât.

As the story of the Thomas PREISER and Anna Maria SCHRANTZ family of Diekirch was coming together, I attended a conference in Walferdange on the subject of Luxembourgish Family Names.

The lecture was organized by my local genealogy association luxracines.lu. Prof. Dr. Peter GILLES explained in his lecture the procedure and results of several years of research. The project was supported by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) from 2009-2012 at the University of Luxembourg. The 2600 most frequent family names were published in Luxemburger Familiennamenbuch by Cristian Kollmann, Peter Gilles and Claire Muller in 2016. I have a copy of the book and mentioned it in my post How a Surname Had Me Spiraling Down a Rabbit Hole.

The PREISEN surname is unusual and, with the evolution of surnames on my mind, I wanted to add an unexpected end to this family’s story.

When Thomas, the father of this family, was baptized in 1753 his surname was spelled PREISER. When he married in 1779, the record showed the spelling PREUSEN. When his children were born between 1779 and 1799, PREISEN and PREUSEN were seen on the baptismal records. When Thomas died in 1801, PREUSEN was the spelling used by all of his children. By 1880, the descendants had gone back to using the PREISEN spelling.

The three sons of Thomas and Anna Maria who married, each had 8 to 9 children but only one son each. Peter and Joseph’s sons both lived to the age of 80 but never married.

Anton’s son had a son who had a son who had a son…

Anton was the only son of Thomas and Anna Maria who continued the male line, the line which kept the surname alive. Anton had a son:

• Philippe (1822-1883) who had a son
• Michel (1852-1945) who had a son
• Michel Philippe (1889-1975) who had a son
• Jean Pierre Christophe (1915-1944), known as Jempy to the family and friends.

There were no other male descendants other than Anton’s son, grandson, great-grandson, and great-great-grandson. Jempy was the last male PREISEN in the line.

Luxemburger Wort. 16 September 1944. page 4, colum 2. online http://www.eluxemburgensia.lu/webclient/DeliveryManager?application=DIRECTLINK&custom_att_2=simple_viewer&pid=789672&search_terms=preisen%20thillen#panel:pp|issue:789672|article:DTL304|query:preisen thillen

Jempy died at the age of 28 years as the result of an accident. What terrible “accident” took his life?

Tageblatt. 18 September 1944. page 4, column 1. online http://www.eluxemburgensia.lu/webclient/DeliveryManager?application=DIRECTLINK&custom_att_2=simple_viewer&pid=725642&search_terms=preisen%20jempy#panel:pp|issue:725642|article:DTL52|query:preisen jempy

Diekirch – Jempy  Preisen † . The city of Diekirch has endured four years the Nazi tyranny and oppression with a strong heart and unflinching will. No wonder the day of our deliverance, September 11th, was a day of joy, enthusiasm, and rejoicing. Unfortunately, the victorious goddess demanded a sacrificial prize in the person of the 28-year-old Jempy PREISEN from Diekirch. This member of the Luxemburgish Freedom Organization was shot by a cowardly national traitor during the cleansing of our city. Jempy was always a noble friend to us all, animated by an ardent patriotism; it was rightly said of him: How tall stand today the women and men who did so much for our homeland — who like those from other large countries, put their lives on the line. The general interest of the town and the surrounding region of Diekirch may be a quiet consolation for the respectable PREISEN-THILLEN family, who have now sacrificed their only son and heir for the homeland. Jempy Preisen has entered into the long series of heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the liberty of Luxembourg; his memory will always be honored.

The underlined part is the translation of the quote used at the beginning of this post.

In 1880 the Luxembourg census had 9 persons enumerated with the surname PREISEN, a name no longer found in the telephone book in 2009. The last living male person to carry the surname PREISEN, Jempy’s father, died in 1975, nearly 200 hundred years after Thomas and Anna Maria started their family.

The Story is Not All Sadness

For those of you who have read the first part of this story, Thomas and Anna Maria’s story is not all sadness. Marie’s children lived short lives and Elizabeth had two stillborn daughters, but the other five children each had between seven and a dozen children. There were some who did not live to adulthood and others who chose to not marry, but the rest married and continued their lines although not with the PREISEN name.

One of these was my children’s 4th great-grandmother Margaretha PREISEN.

Her line went full circle when her granddaughter Elise FABER married François MEDER (half 3rd cousins) and had eleven children. In yesterday’s post I mentioned this unusual discovery which may have been a bit hard to follow. Amy Cohen of Brotman: A Family Journey suggested doing a chart (above, click to enlarge) to help “decipher your sentence about the sixth great-grandparents…” Does this make it easier?

© 2017, copyright Cathy Meder-Dempsey. All rights reserved.

52 Ancestors: #7 Thomas PREISER and Anna Maria SCHRANTZ of Diekirch

I made an unusual discover while researching this family group. To weave it into their story, and hopefully make reading the post a bit easier, I wrote this differently.

1753 Baptismal Record of Thomas, legitimate son of Jois PREISER and Anna Maria FETH.[1]

Thomas PREISER was born and baptized on 23 September 1753 in Diekirch. His godparents were Thomas PREISER, likely his paternal grandfather, and Apolonia HOCHDÖRFFERS, a single person, of Diekirch. Thomas was the son of Joannis PREISER and Anna Maria FETH.[1] He was their first child and only son.

Three and a half years later his sister Margaretha was born.[2] She, however, was not his only sister. His mother Anna Maria had been previously married to Nicolai SCHEID (SCHOOD) with whom she had four daughters. I will write about them when I get to the next generation.

The Unusual Discovery

One of these daughters was Anna Margaretha SCHOOD who married Gangolf “Gangolphe” WILLMES in 1764. A little over one hundred years later a great-great-grandson of Anna Maria FETH through her daughter Anna Margaretha SCHOOD and a great-great-granddaughter through her son Thomas PREISER, third cousins, would marry and have 11 children – the youngest being my husband’s grandfather. This was a first for me. Both husbands of my children’s 6th great-grandmother were their 6th great-grandfathers.

Thomas and Anna Maria’s Story

Thomas PREISER married Anna Maria SCHRANTZ, daughter of Petrus SCHRANTZ and Anne Marie HAMEN, on 15 February 1779 in Diekirch.[3] Both the bride and groom signed their names on the marriage record.

1779 Marriage Record of Thomas PREUSEN and Anna Maria SCHRANZ.[3]

Anna Maria was born and baptized on 3 January 1754 in Diekirch. Her godparents were Nicolaus SCHRANTZ and Anna Maria PROMMENSCHENCKEL.[4]

1754 Baptismal Record of Anna Maria, legitimate daughter of Petri SCHRANTZ and Anna Maria HAMEN.[4]

Thomas, a farmer, and Anna Maria were the parents of ten children. Their first child, a son, as was the tradition of the time, had his paternal grandfather Thomas as his godfather and his maternal grandmother Anna Maria as his godmother.

The family grew over the years and in 1790, after 11 years of marriage, they had six children, two sons and four daughters, all living. But 1790, which brought the birth of their second son Anton, also saw the death of their youngest daughter Magdalena who was not quite four years old.

A daughter and a son were born in 1792 and 1794 bringing the total number of living children to seven. Then in 1795 their oldest child Joannes died at the age of 15. Two more sons were born to the couple in 1797 and 1799.

By the turn of the century Thomas and Anna Maria had 8 living children, 4 sons and 4 daughters. A year later, on 4 January 1801,[5] Thomas died leaving Anna Maria with children aged between less than 2 and 19.

Life without Thomas meant his widow would not be sharing the milestones in the lives of their children with him. Anna Maria’s three oldest children married during the 1810s leaving her with four sons and a daughter still at home. In the 1820s daughter Maria gave birth to five children. She died in 1818 and the children all died between 1817-1819. There were, however, also good times in the 1820s with three of Anna Maria’s sons marrying.

By 1830 only daughter Elisabetha and youngest son Nicolas were still single. No record of death or marriage was found in Diekirch for Nicolas. He may have left the town to work or marry in an as yet unknown location.

In 1830 Elisabetha was working as a clothes presser (repasseuse) and gave birth to a stillborn daughter. No father was listed on the death record of the child and the stillbirth was reported by the midwife.

On 13 January 1832 Elisabetha’s brother Anton had the sad duty of being the informant on the death of their mother Anna Maria SCHRANTZ.[6]

Almost a year later Elisabetha married Pierre LEY who was 17 years younger than she was. On the second anniversary of her mother’s death Elisabetha, who was nearly 42, gave birth to another stillborn daughter. Elisabetha and her merchant husband did not have any other children. The marriage may not have been a happy one. In 1856, when Elisabetha and Pierre had been married 23 years they owned in the Diekirch area a house with stable on the Place d’Armes, a barn with stable in the Watresgasse, several pieces of farmland and gardens, and a newly built house at Bleesbruck on the Heerstrasse from Diekirch to Vianden and Echternach.

Der Wächter an der Sauer. 12 July 1856. page 3. online http://www.eluxemburgensia.lu/webclient/DeliveryManager?application=DIRECTLINK&custom_att_2=simple_viewer&pid=1607536&search_terms=ley#panel:pp|issue:1607536|article:DTL121|query:ley

All of the property was put up for auction on 20 July 1856. Three months later on October 16 Elisabetha filed an application for the separation of property.

Der Wächter an der Sauer. 18 October 1856. page 4, column 3. online http://www.eluxemburgensia.lu/webclient/DeliveryManager?application=DIRECTLINK&custom_att_2=simple_viewer&pid=1608203&search_terms=Haus#panel:pp|issue:1608203|article:DTL133|query:Haus

Seven months later her husband was dead and she died three months later. Her brother Peter was the informant for her death on 14 August 1857. Their siblings Margaretha (the younger, my children’s 4th great-grandmother), Anton, and Margaretha (the elder) had already died leaving only Peter and his younger brother Joseph. Three years later in 1860 Peter once again acted as the informant for the death of his brother Joseph. Peter, the last living child of Thomas and Anna Maria, died two years later in 1862.

The Children of Thomas and Anna Maria

Thomas and Anna Maria had the following children with surnames as found on their baptismal/birth record.

1. Joannes PREISEN was born/baptized on 1 December 1779 in Diekirch. His godparents were Joannes PREISEN, married, and Anna Maria SCHRANTZ, married, both of Diekirch.[7] He died on 6 June 1795 in Diekirch.[8]
2. Margaretha PREISEN was born/baptized on 2 November 1781 in Diekirch. Her godparents were Josephus SCHRANTZ, single, and Margaretha PREISEN, single, both of Diekirch.[9] She married Philippe BERINGER (1778-1849) on 26 May 1803 in Diekirch.[10] She died on 10 January 1854 in Diekirch.[11]
3. Maria PREUSEN was born/baptized on 7 Nov 1783 in Diekirch. Her godparents were Jacobus MERTEN and Maria BIAS, both of Diekirch.[12] She married François MOLITOR (1784-1863) on 9 May 1808 in Diekirch.[13] She died on 26 Mar 1818 in Diekirch.[14]
4. Margaretha PREISEN was born/baptized on 13 July 1785 in Diekirch. Her godparents were Baptista FETH and Margaretha KESSELER, both of Diekirch.[15] She married Mathias LORENTZ (1775-1822) on 28 November 1809 in Diekirch.[16] She died on 17 November 1843 in Diekirch.[17]
5. Maria Margaretha “Magdalena” PREISEN was born/baptized on 22 July 1787 in Diekirch. Her godparents were Michael GRASER and Maria Margaretha SCHRANTZ, both of Diekirch.[18] She died on 28 November 1790 in Diekirch.[19] Her name on her death record was Magdalena. Her baptismal record was recorded as Magdalena, then crossed out, and corrected to read Maria Margaretha, the name of her godmother.
6. Antoine “Anton” PREUSEN was born/baptized on 5 January 1790 in Diekirch. His godparents were Michael Schrantz who substituted for Antonius SCHRANTZ and Barbara JUTTEL, both of Diekirch.[20] He married Marguerite CARMES (1790-1870) on 9 January 1821 in Diekirch.[21] He died on 1 June 1847 in Diekirch.[22] Antoine and his wife had 8 children, only one son lived to marry and carry on the surname.
7. Elisabetha PREISEN was born/baptized on 25 August 1792 in Diekirch. Her godparents were Maximinus HAMEN and Elisabetha SCHRANTZ, both of Diekirch.[23] She married Pierre LEY (1809-1857) on 10 January 1833 in Diekirch.[24] She died on 14 August 1857 in Diekirch.[25]
8. Peter PREUSEN was born/baptized on 4 December 1794 in Diekirch. HIS godparents were Peter BUNGERT and Margaretha SCHRANTZ.[26] He married Cathérine LORANG (1797-1866) on 5 March 1823 in Diekirch.[27] He died on 6 July 1862 in Diekirch.[28] Peter and his wife had 9 children, only one son who never married and died at the age of 80.
9. Joseph PREUSEN was born/baptized on 20 February 1797 in Diekirch. His godparents were Josepho SCHRANZ and Josepha BIAS.[29] He married Susanne KLEIN (1798-1852) on 23 May 1827 in Diekirch.[30] He died on 17 June 1860 in Diekirch.[31] Joseph and his wife had 8 children, only one son who never married and died at the age of 80.
10. Nicolaus PREUSEN was born on 25 Mar 1799 in Diekirch.[32] It is not known when he died.

As this story was coming together, I attended a lecture on Luxembourgish surnames. The surname of this family is unusual and, with the evolution of surnames on my mind, I wrote an unexpected end to this family’s story. To be continued tomorrow….

Sources:
[1] Luxembourg, registres paroissiaux, 1601-1948 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 55 of 373. 1753 Baptismal Record (right page, 3rd entry from bottom). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-LHPC?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 12 February 2017).
[2] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 75 of 373. 1757 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-LHTB?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 17 February 2017).
[3] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes, mariages 1779-1786, décès 1779-1785 > image 24 of 208. 1779 Marriage Record (right page, top entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WS-4QKH?cc=2037955&wc=STHD-GPF%3A1500890501%2C1500945258 : accessed 12 February 2017).
[4] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 57 of 373. 1754 Baptismal Record (left page, 4th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-LHT1?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 12 February 2017).
[5] Luxembourg, Registres d’état civil, 1662-1941 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 978 of 1493. 1801 Death Record No. 43 (14 nivôse an IX). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-68G9-R27?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-929%3A129628901%2C129848701 : 17 July 2014).
[6] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 119 of 1358. 1832 Death Record No. 10. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-159981-43?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL:129628901,129628902 : accessed 27 Sep 2014).
[7] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789  > image 225 of 373. 1779 Baptismal Record (right page, first entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-LCV6?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : 9 January 2015).
[8] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1794-1797, décès 1794-1797, 1807 > image 11 of 59. 1795 Death Record (left page, 2nd entry from bottom). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-9JFL?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-4WL%3A1500890501%2C1501083068 : accessed 17 February 2017).
[9] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 250 of 373. 1781 Baptismal Record (left page, last entry).(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LC5P?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : 9 January 2015).
[10] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 550 of 1492. 1803 Marriage Record (6 prairial an XI). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DYH3-RBM?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-W38%3A129628901%2C130301801 : accessed 16 February 2017).
[11] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 489 of 1358. 1854 Death Record No. 1. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6XYW-S3N?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL%3A129628901%2C129628902 : accessed 13 February 2017).
[12] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789  > image 275 of 373. 1783 Baptismal Record (left page, 2nd entry).(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-LCNF?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 12 Feb 2017).
[13] Ibid., Diekirch >  Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1808-1809, 1811 > image 14 of 80. 1808 Marriage Record (left page, middle).   (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-9Z58?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-16K%3A1500890501%2C1501023192 : 9 January 2015).
[14] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 1331 of 1493. 1818 Death Record (left page, bottom). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-68G9-5DJ?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-929%3A129628901%2C129848701 : 17 July 2014).
[15] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 299 of 373. 1785 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32421-8798-97?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL:1500890501,1500918030 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[16] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 750 of 1492. 1809 Marriage Record page 1. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11618-101768-87?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2N2:1627336735 : accessed 04 Apr 2013). Second part on image 751.
[17] 4. Luxembourg, Registres d’état civil, 1662-1941 (images), <i>FamilySearch</i> (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 317 of 1358. 1843 Death Record No. 37. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-160328-63?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2NH:n538876208 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[18] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 325 of 373. 1787 Baptismal Record (right page, 2nd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LCBJ?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 12 Feb 2017).
[19] Ibid., Diekirch > Sépultures 1743-1793 > image 117 of 140. 1790 Death Record (right page, 6th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LHFL?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-6Y7%3A1500890501%2C1500929176 : 9 January 2015).
[20] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 355 of 373. 1790 Baptismal Record (right page, 2nd entry). https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-LC4Y?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : 9 January 2015).
[21] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 1066 of 1492. 1821 Marriage Record. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DYH3-5PC?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-W38%3A129628901%2C130301801 : accessed 16 February 2017).
[22] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 377 of 1358. 1847 Death Record No. 31. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6XYW-ZWN?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL%3A129628901%2C129628902 : accessed 13 February 2017).
[23] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1791-1795, mariages 1794-1798, 1800-1803, sépultures 1794-1795 > image 27 of 243. 1792 Baptismal Record (left page, 4th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WS-47G1?cc=2037955&wc=STHD-2JW%3A1500890501%2C1501017982 : 9 January 2015).
[24] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 1310 of 1492. 1833 Marriage Record No. 5. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DYH3-RGQ?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-W38%3A129628901%2C130301801 : accessed 20 July 2015).
[25] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 563 of 1358. 1857 Death Record No. 46. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6XYW-M2G?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL%3A129628901%2C129628902 : accessed 13 February 2017).
[26] Luxembourg church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1791-1795, mariages 1794-1798, 1800-1803, sépultures 1794-1795 > image 61 of 243. 1794 Baptismal Record (right page, bottom entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WS-472C?cc=2037955&wc=STHD-2JW%3A1500890501%2C1501017982 : 9 January 2015).
[27] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842  > image 1132 of 1492. 1823 Marriage Record.  (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DYHQ-M2W?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-W38%3A129628901%2C130301801 : accessed 16 February 2017).
[28] Ibid., No. 65. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6XYW-MPV?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL%3A129628901%2C129628902 : accessed 13 Feb 2017).
[29] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1797-1805, mariages, décès 1797-1807 > image 5 of 133. 1797 Baptismal Record (left page, last entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-986Z?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-1XS%3A1500890501%2C1500998368 : 9 January 2015).
[30] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 1201 of 1492. 1827 Marriage Publication. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DYH3-2LB?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-W38%3A129628901%2C130301801 : accessed 16 February 2016).
[31] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 615 of 1358. 1860 Death Record No. 28. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6XYW-9NQ?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL%3A129628901%2C129628902 : accessed 13 February 2017).
[32] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Naissances 1796-1802 > image 171 of 311. 1799 Birth Record (left page, 5 germinal an VII). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-9N93?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-MNP%3A1500890501%2C1500941302 : accessed 17 February 2017).

© 2017, copyright Cathy Meder-Dempsey. All rights reserved.

52 Ancestors: #6 Michel LORENTZ and Catharina STENGENFORT of Ingeldorf

Michel LORENTZ and Catharina STENGENFORT (STEINFORT) are the 5th great-grandparents of my children through their paternal line. Michel married Catharina on 21 November 1756 in Diekirch.[1], [2]

Marriage Index Card [1]

The marriage index card for their marriage gives the date and parish but no information on the volume number of the register or the page. This means a bit more page by page searching but I am getting used to searching the church records.

1756 Marriage Record[2]

Michael Lorens filius legitimus Mathias
Lorens p.m. in Ingeldorf et Catharina
Stengenfort filia legitima Petri
Stengenfort ex Naschem copulati
sunt 21t 9bris 1756.

The abbreviation p. m.  (piae memoriae) after the name of the groom’s father is an indication that he was deceased at the time of his son’s marriage. This abbreviation is not found after the bride’s father’s name. His place of residence is Naschem which is Nagem (Luxembourgish: Nojem). Nagem belonged to the parish of Rédange-sur-Attert. I have not been able to locate a death entry for Petri or a birth record for the bride Catharina in these church records which begin in 1733. Her maiden name was spelled STENGENFORT on the marriage and death record; this was taken into consideration while searching for the baptismal record.

Michael LORENTZ was born on 6 December 1733 in Ingeldorf to Mathias LORENS and his wife Eva. Michel, as his name was later written, was baptized the same day in Ingeldorf; the godparents were Michael LORENTZ and Appollonia FRENTZ from “Nomeren”.[3]

1733 Baptismal entry for Michael Lorentz [3]

Victor Racine’s Le Petit Latin pour la généalogie au Luxembourg includes tidbits of information on parish records including the following (translated from German to English):

At baptism, a girl always gets the first name of the godmother, a boy that of the godfather. Baptism usually takes place on the day of birth, but at the latest the next morning. Substitutes are allowed for non-local sponsors. Godfather and godmother are very often for the first son of a couple, the paternal grandfather and the maternal grandmother and for the first daughter, the maternal grandfather and the paternal grandmother. In the case of a life-threatening condition, the midwife performs an emergency baptism. The absence of the father, “patre absente” in some cases is irrelevant, since besides the priest and the godfather, no man attends a baptism. Lords and other notables were very popular godparents with their staff and respected families.

Michel LORENTZ appears to be the first child of Mathias and Eva. I found one other child, a son Jean Philipp born in 1737.[4] If I follow the rule for godparents, above, then Appollonia FRENTZ may be a maternal relative if not Michel’s grandmother.

I checked Thomas Webers’ Familienbuch Nommern und Cruchten 1637-1923 and found only one person of this name, a daughter of Nicolas FRENTZ and Gudula BRITZ. Appollonia’s parents were both deceased in 1733. She had a younger sister named Eva who was born 7 February 1698, a month after the death of her father, Nicolas FRENTZ.[5] Mr. Webers does not have marriage information for the daughter Eva most likely because marriages for Nommern are only available for the years 1678-1719, 1751-1765, 1769-1797. The missing years between 1720 and 1750 may be the downfall of the research and evaluation that needs to be performed before I can add FRENTZ as the maiden name of Michel’s mother Eva.

Michel’s father Mathias LORENS died on 21 September 1753 in Ingeldorf. Death records were searched from 1737 to 1773 for a death record for Eva, wife or widow of Mathias LORENS. This search was not fruitful but I was not at the time on the lookout for Eva FRENTZ, her possible maiden name.

Michel’s wife Catharina STENGENFORT (STEINFORT) was, as seen in the marriage record, the daughter of Petri STENGENFORT of Nagem. If Michel and Catharina followed the naming pattern, the godparents chosen for their ten children, below, may lead to more information on Catharina’s family.

1. Eva was born and baptized on 10 December 1757 in Ingeldorf. Her godparents were Philippus LORENS and Eva LORENS, both of Ingeldorf.[6]
2. Philippus was born and baptized on 21 December 1760 in Ingeldorf. His godparents were Philippus LORENS from Ingeldorf and Anna Catharina STENGENFURT from Nierenhausen (an old form of the village named Nagem).[7]
3. Maria Elisabetha “Maria” was born and baptized on 27 February 1762 in Ingeldorf. Her godparents were Petrus HONEN from Kruchten and Maria Elisabetha FRENTZ from Nommern.[8]
4. Susanna was born and baptized on 22 April 1764 in Ingeldorf. Her godparents were Nicolaus JUTTEL and Susanna REIGER, both of Diekirch.[9]
5. Catharina “Catherine” was born and baptized on 14 July 1767 in Ingeldorf.  Her godparents were Petrus MERTEN of Diekirch and Catharina LINKELS of Ingeldorf.[10]
6. Joannes “Johan” was born and baptized on 18 March 1769 in Ingeldorf. His godparents were Joannes CLOSTER of Erpelding and Barbara MOSINGER of Bettendorf.[11]
7. Eva was born and baptized on 27 April 1771 in Ingeldorf. Her godparents were Mathias WILLEMS from Mosinger Hof and Eva LINCKELS of Ingeldorf.[12]
8. Anna Catharina was born and baptized on 13 February 1773 in Ingeldorf. Her godparents were Jacobus CONRADT of Diekirch and Anna Catharina HENGEN of Cruchten.[13]
9. Mathias was born and baptized on 27 May 1775 in Ingeldorf. His godparents were Mathias MOSINGER of Bettendorf and Anna Maria PÜTZ of Nagem.[14]
10. Anna Maria was born and baptized on 28 December 1777 in Ingeldorf. Her godparents were Henniricus MATHAI of Ingeldorf and Anna Maria RIEGER of Diekirch.[15]

The godmother of child #2 Anna Catharina STENGENFURT and of child #9 Anna Maria PÜTZ, both of Nagem, will be researched for the connection to Catharina STENGENFORT. A handwritten genealogy of the families from Nagem written in 1880 by the parish priest Martin BLUM may also provide missing pieces.

Ch 3: Maria Elisabetha “Maria” LORENTZ married Mathias STERES (1753-1826) of Bettendorf, son of Michel STERES and Susanne CARIERS, on 27 January 1778 in Diekirch.[16]

Ch 2: Philippus LORENTZ married Catharina GRASSER (1768-1829), daughter of Georgii GRASSER and Anna Maria DENNEWALT, on 11 January 1785 in Bettendorf. Philippus’ father Michel worked as a ploughman in Ingeldorf at the time of son’s marriage.[17]

Ch 4: Susanna LORENTZ died on 16 October 1789 in Ingeldorf at the age of 25 years.[18] She never married or had children.

The father of this family, Michel LORENTZ died 9 November 1791 in Ingeldorf.[19] He lived long enough to see two children marry and give him seven grandchildren. He was followed by his wife Catharina STENGENFORT (STEINFORT) on 14 April 1793 in Ingeldorf.[20]

Five of Michel and Catharina’s children were still single. Two of their daughters, both named Eva, may have predeceased them. No record has been found for their deaths. After the deaths of the parents, the family timeline continued as follows:

Ch 5: Catharina “Catherine” LORENTZ married Jean MOHNEN (1776-1817) on 30 December 1793 in Diekirch.[21]

Ch 6: Joannes “Johan” LORENTZ married Cathérine ROBERTY (1772-1819) of Warken on 16 July 1797 in Ettelbrück.[22]

Ch 8: Anna Catharina LORENTZ married Simon TIRARD (1780- ) on 12 May 1802 in Ettelbrück. Simon was from Thionville, Meurthe et Moselle, France.[23]

Ch 2: Philippus LORENTZ died 30 April 1803 in Bettendorf.[24] His widow remarried after Philippe’s death to Michel KAYSER on 12 March 1804 in Bettendorf.[25]

Ch 10: Anna Maria LORENTZ married Johann WEIMERSKIRCH (1769-1832) on 18 July 1803 in Weimerskirch. The 1803 record of marriage was likely lost as a new record was written up on 17 June 1826 in Neudorf (Eich). I examined the church records of Weimerskirch; the marriages for the year 1803 are missing. The civil marriage record created on 17 June 1826 includes information about Johann WEIMERSKIRCH’s parents and their deaths; his first marriage; the death of wife in 1803; the marriage to Anna Maria LORENTZ on 18 July 1803 performed by Jos. MATHIEU in Weimerskirch; and the 4 children with their dates of birth born during the marriage to Anna Maria LORENTZ, legitimizing the children. The 1826 marriage record is very difficult to read.[26]

Ch 9: Mathias LORENTZ married Margaretha PREUSEN (1785-1843) on 28 November 1809 in Diekirch.[27] Margaretha was born on 13 July 1785 in Diekirch.[28] Mathias and Margaretha are my children’s fourth great-grandparents.

Ch 6: Joannes “Johan” LORENTZ died on 28 December 1819 in Warken (Ettelbruck).[29]

Ch 9: Mathias LORENTZ died on 12 December 1822 in Diekirch.[30]

Ch 3: Maria Elisabetha “Maria” LORENTZ died on 30 January 1824 in Ingeldorf.[31]

Mathias STERES, widower of Maria Elisabetha (Ch 3) died on 25 August 1826 in Ingeldorf.[32]

Catharina GRASSER, widow of Philippus (Ch 2), died on 20 May 1829 in Bettendorf.[33]

Ch 10: Anna Maria LORENTZ died on 17 April 1838 in Neudorf.[34]

Ch 5: Catharina “Catherine” LORENTZ died on 15 March 1839 in Ingeldorf.[35]

Margaretha PREUSEN, widow of Mathias (Ch 9) died on 17 November 1843 in Diekirch.[36]

Genealogy Sketch

Name: Michel LORENTZ
Parents:  Mathias LORENTZ and Eva
Spouse: Catharina STENGENFORT (STEINFORT)
Parents of spouse: Petri STENGENFORT
Whereabouts: Ingeldorf and Nagem
Relationship to Cathy Meder-Dempsey: husband’s 4th great-grandparents

1. Michel LORENTZ and Catharina STEINFORT
2. Mathias LORENTZ
3. Maria “Marie” LORENTZ
4. Elisabetha “Elisabeth” “Elise” FABER
5. Johann Peter “Jean-Pierre” MEDER
6. Marcel Mathias MEDER
7. husband of Cathy Meder-Dempsey

Twenty-five grandchildren of Michel and Catharina have been found.  The children of the Lorentz-Roberty and Tirard-Lorentz couples who married in Ettelbrück have not been looked into.

Sources:
[1] Luxembourg, registres paroissiaux, 1601-1948 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Diekirch > Tables des mariages 1700-1798 (index organisée par l’époux) > image 571 of 1195. 1756 Marriage Index Card. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32461-10014-69?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-DPV:1500890501,1501181502 : accessed 19 July 2015).
[2] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1743-1794 > image 18 of 122. 1756 Marriage Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32400-4113-50?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B87:1500890501,1500891002 : accessed 19 July 2015).
[3] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1647-1664, 1672-1743, mariages 1698-1741, sépultures 1698-1729 > image 163 of 240. 1733 Baptismal Record (left page, 7th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-M7HV?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B8B%3A1500890501%2C1500890502 : 9 January 2015),.
[4] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1647-1664, 1672-1743, mariages 1698-1741, sépultures 1698-1729 > image 163 of 240. 1737 Baptismal Record (right page, 4th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-M7HV?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B8B%3A1500890501%2C1500890502 : 9 January 2015).
[5] Thomas Webers, Familienbuch Nommern und Cruchten 1637-1923, (PDF, 2015) p. 193, Family #618.
[6] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 79 of 373. 1757 Baptismal Record (right page, 3rd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LH1Q?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 4 February 2017).
[7] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 95 of 373. 1760 Baptismal Record (left pge, 2nd from bottom). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LHRV?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 4 Feb 2017),.
[8] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 104 of 373. 1762 Baptismal Record (left page, 2nd entry from bottom). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LHVD?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 4 February 2017).
[9] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 120 of 373. 1764 Baptismal Record (left page, 3rd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-LHH9?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 4 Feb 2017).
[10] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 138 of 373. 1767 Baptismal Record (right page 5th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-LHSK?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 4 February 2017).
[11] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 149 of 373. 1769 Baptismal Record (right page, 5th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-LH63?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 4 February 2017).
[12] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 165 of 373. 1771 Baptismal Record (left page, 1st entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-LHWX?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 4 February 2017).
[13] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 176 of 373. 1773 Baptismal Record (right page, 3rd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LHXT?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 4 February 2017).
[14] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 192 of 373. 1775 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32421-7418-24?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL:1500890501,1500918030 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[15] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789  > image 208 of 373. 1777 Baptismal Record (right page, 2nd entry from bottom). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-LCLP?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 4 February 2017).
[16] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1743-1794 > image 46 of 122. 1778 Marriage Record (right page, first entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-MWJ9?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B87%3A1500890501%2C1500891002 : accessed 5 February 2017).
[17] Ibid., Bettendorf > Naissances 1797-1800, baptêmes 1779-1793, mariages 1779-1793, 1797-1800, décès 1797-1800, sépultures 1779-1793 > image 71 of 222. 1785 Marriage Record (right page). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-MS6S?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-SPK%3A1500974653%2C1500990942 : 9 January 2015),.
[18] Ibid., Diekirch > Sépultures 1743-1793 > image 111 of 140. 1789 Death Record (left page, 3rd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LHVZ?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-6Y7%3A1500890501%2C1500929176 : 9 January 2015).
[19] Ibid., Diekirch > Sépultures 1743-1793 > image 123 of 140. 1791 Death Record (right page, 5th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-LHHB?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-6Y7%3A1500890501%2C1500929176 : accessed 3 February 2017).
[20] Ibid., Diekirch > Sépultures 1743-1793 > image 135 of 140. 1793 Death Record (left page, 3rd entry from bottom). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LH6Z?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-6Y7%3A1500890501%2C1500929176 : accessed 3 Feb 2017).
[21] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1743-1794 > image 115 of 122. 1793 Marriage Record (left page). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-M7RK?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B87%3A1500890501%2C1500891002 : 9 January 2015).
[22] Luxembourg, Registres d’état civil, 1662-1941 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Ettelbruck > Naissances 1885-1890 Mariages 1796-1844 > image 198 of 1505. 1797 Marriage Record, part 1 (30 fructidor an 5). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6X2S-M3T?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-FM9%3A129625001%2C130529102 : 17 July 2014).
[23] Ibid., Ettelbruck > image 310 of 1505. 1802 Marriage Record No. 10 (22 Floreal an X). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6XL3-Z4?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-FM9%3A129625001%2C130529102 : 17 July 2014).
[24] Ibid., Bettendorf > Mariages 1817-1890 Décès 1800-1859 > image 873 of 1494. 1803 Death Record No. 10 (10 floreal an XI). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6RW9-69X?cc=1709358&wc=9RY8-SP8%3A129626601%2C129729901 : 17 July 2014).
[25] Ibid., Bettendorf > Naissances 1828-1890 Mariages 1800-1816 > image 1323 of 1507. 1804 Marriage Record No. 32. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-13200-3487-82?cc=1709358 : accessed 26 September 2015).
[26] Ibid., Eich > Mariages 1794-1841 > image 1128 of 1498. 1826 Marriage Record No. 19. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DBRW-ZC4?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-829%3A129629601%2C129984601 : 17 July 2014).
[27] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 750 of 1492. 1809 Marriage Record page 1. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11618-101768-87?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2N2:1627336735 : accessed 04 Apr 2013). Second part on image 751.
[28] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 299 of 373. 1785 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32421-8798-97?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL:1500890501,1500918030 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[29] Luxembourg Civil Records, Ettelbruck > Mariages 1845-1890 Décès 1796-1826 > image 1287 of 1436. 1819 Death Record No. 86. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-XH17-VN3?cc=1709358&wc=9RY7-PTL%3A129625001%2C129929201 : accessed 5 Feb 2017).
[30]  Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 1456 of 1493. 1822 Death Record (upper left). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-51376-68?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2ND:n1913802954 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[31] Ibid., Ettelbruck > Mariages 1845-1890 Décès 1796-1826 > image 1365 of 1436. 1824 Death Record No 4. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-XH17-LMD?cc=1709358&wc=9RY7-PTL%3A129625001%2C129929201 : accessed 5 Feb 2017).
[32] Ibid., Ettelbruck > Mariages 1845-1890 Décès 1796-1826 > image 1422 of 1436. 1826 Death Record No. 43. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-XH17-LJ1?cc=1709358&wc=9RY7-PTL%3A129625001%2C129929201 : accessed 5 February 2017).
[33] Ibid., Bettendorf > Mariages 1817-1890 Décès 1800-1859 > image 1086 of 1494. 1829 Marriage Record No. 20. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6RW9-D29?cc=1709358&wc=9RY8-SP8%3A129626601%2C129729901 : accessed 5 February 2017).
[34] Ibid., Eich > Décès 1816-1856 > image 804 of 1490. 1838 Death Record No. 64. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-X98S-7V2?cc=1709358&wc=9RY7-VZ9%3A129629601%2C129629602 : 17 July 2014).
[35] Ibid., Ettelbruck > Décès 1814-1881 > image 340 of 1379. 1839 Death Record No. 21. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-D17S-8VG?cc=1709358&wc=9RYS-FM9%3A129625001%2C1290913101 : 17 July 2014).
[36] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 317 of 1358. 1843 Death Record No. 37. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-160328-63?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2NH:n538876208 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).

© 2017, copyright Cathy Meder-Dempsey. All rights reserved.

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52 Ancestors: #5 Michael KOSTERS aka Michel SCHENTEN (1733-1813)

1733 Baptismal Record of Michael Kosters [1]

26 Martius 1733 baptizatus est Michael filius legitimus Joannis Kosters et Catharina conjugum ex 7born Suscipientes fuerunt Michael Bourjans et Maria Franscisca Kosters ambo ex 7fontibus.

On 26 March 1733 was baptized Michael legitimate son of Joannis Kosters and Catharina, married, of Siebenborn. Godparents were Michael Bourjans and Maria Franscisca Kosters both of Siebenborn.[1]

Septfontaines is the name coined by the French for the town of Siebenborn, meaning “seven springs.” In early Latin records, the name of the town was often abbreviated to 7born. Today the town is known as Simmer in Luxembourgish and Simmern in German.

Genealogy Sketch

Name: Michael KOSTERS aka Michel SCHENTEN
Parents: Joannis SCHENTEN and Catharina KOSTERS
Spouses: Anna Maria WEBER, Susanna GENTINGER, and Cathérine OVERECKEN(*)
Parents of Spouse(*): Unknown
Whereabouts: Septfontaines, Kehlen, and Gilsdorf, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Relationship to Cathy Meder-Dempsey: husband’s 4th great-grandparents

1. Michel SCHENTEN and Cathérine OVERECK
2. Maria Catharina SCHENTEN
3. Johann “Jean” FABER
4. Elisabetha “Elisabeth” “Elise” FABER
5. Johann Peter “Jean-Pierre” MEDER
6. Marcel Mathias MEDER
7. husband of Cathy Meder-Dempsey

SCHENTEN x KOSTERS

The baby Michael KOSTERS, son of Joannes SCHENTEN and Catharina KOSTERS, would later be known as Michel SCHENTEN. At the time of his birth, his family went by his mother’s surname – KOSTERS – instead of his father’s surname – SCHENTEN. Six children, born between 1729 and 1745, were found for the couple. Their first child had the name Schenten x Kosters written on his baptismal record while the rests had only Kosters.

At the age of 17 Michel lost his mother. Catharina KOSTERS died on 29 November 1750.[2] A little more than two years later Michel’s widowed father Joannes SCHENTEN died on 6 February 1753.[3] What happened to the family of six orphaned children between the ages of 8 and 24 years? This still needs to be researched.

While searching through marriage index cards for SCHENTEN and KOSTERS marriages, I discovered the sad story of Michel’s first (unknown) marriage.

Michel’s First Marriage

1754 Marriage Index Card [4]

This index card for the marriage of Michael SCHENTEN and Anna Maria WEBERS shows he married on the 1st of January in 1754[4], less than a year before my children’s 5th great-grandfather’s first known marriage. Could he be the same man?

1753 Betrothal Record [5]

Betrothed on 27 December 1753 Michael Schenten, legitimate son of Joannis Schenten and Maria Kosters, married, p:m: of Siebenboren and the virtuous Anna Maria Webers, legitimate daughter of Nicolai Webers and Maria, married, of Dondeling.[5]

The abbreviation p: m:  is for piae memoriae. This expression signals that the person or persons were already deceased at the time the record was recorded.

1754 Marriage Entry in church book for the parish of Kehlen.[6]

1st January 1754 the marriage was contracted by the honest Michael SCHENTEN of Siebenborn and Anna Maria WEBER of Dondeling. Witnesses present were Dominico WEBER and Joanne Petro BERG both of Dondeling.[6]

Following the betrothal and marriage, Anna Maria became a godmother for her niece Anna Maria, daughter of Dominico WEBER and Catharina BIVER, on 10 May 1754 in Schoenberg.[7] Anna Maria died on 10 July 1754 in Dondelange.[8] Nine days later, her niece and godchild, Anna Maria WEBER also died. The baby’s entry follows Anna Maria’s death entry in the church register. Did the young bride and her niece die from the same cause?

1754 Death entries for Anna Maria Weber and a 2 months old Anna Maria Weber both of Dondeling (Dondelange) [8]

The place of birth of the groom and the parents both being deceased match for Michel. The father’s name was the same but not the mother’s. Before rejecting it, I searched for children born to the couple. If they had children at the same time Michel and his first known wife were having children, then this would mean they were two different persons. I found no births. I checked deaths for the year 1754 and found the deaths of the godmother and her godchild. Dominico, the child’s father, and Anna Maria were siblings, both children of Nicolas and Maria Weber(s).

A Second Marriage for Michel

Four months later, on 10 November 1754, Michel married Susanne GENTINGER in Diekirch.[9], [10] Susanne was born on 23 January 1731 in Gilsdorf.[11]

They had the following children.

•  Joannes Jacobus was born and baptized on 14 August 1755 in Gilsdorf. His godparents were Anna GENTINGER of Gilsdorf and Joes Jacobus GENTINGER of Diekirch.[12]
• Petrus was born and baptized on 28 October 1757 in Gilsdorf. His godparents were Petrus GLAIS and Maria THILL, both of Gilsdorf.[13]
• Joannes Stephanus was born and baptized on 13 July 1763 in Gilsdorf. His godparents were Joes Stephanus CHENTEN from Simer and Elisabetha MYERS of Gilsdorf.[14]
• Jones was born and baptized on 22 November 1766 in Gilsdorf. His godparents were Jones JUMKEM and  Anna DIEDERS, both of Gilsdorf. Note: Mother is seen with maiden name THIEL.[15]
• Joannes was born and baptized on 31 March 1770 in Gilsdorf. His godparents were Joannes DEYL and Susanna GLEIS, both of Gilsdorf.[16]
• Susanne was born and baptized on 14 December 1773 in Gilsdorf. Her godparents were Reinerich WELTER and Susanna FOURNER, both of Gilsdorf.[17]

Note: I have not researched these children other than finding their baptismal records. The daughter Susanne and at least one of the sons named Jean (or a variation) married and had children.

Michel was once again widowed on 15 March 1775 when his second wife Susanne GENTINGER died in Gilsdorf.[18]

A Third Marriage for Michel

Michel did not wait long to remarry. No marriage record has been found. However, church records show Michel SCHENTEN and Cathérine OBERECKEN were a legitimate married couple having children from 1777 to 1787. I estimate their marriage at abt. 1776 (between 15 March 1775 and 4 April 1777).

Michel and Cathérine had the following children.

• Joannes was born and baptized on 4 April 1777 in Gilsdorf. His godparents were Joannes WEBER and Margaretha NEUBERG, both of Gilsdorf.[19] Joannes married first Susanne BRETZ (1767-1801), daughter of Dominique BRETZ and Susanne SPERES, on 9 April 1799 in Ettelbrück.[20] He married second Marguerite KAUFFMANN (1783-1843), daughter of Jean KAUFFMANN and Cathérine KLONS, on 30 November 1801 in Diekirch.[21] He died on 5 March 1844 in Bourscheid-Flébour.[22]
• Petrus was born and baptized on 25 February 1780 in Gilsdorf. His godparents were Petrus RUPPERT and Maria DIEDERICHS, both of Gilsdorf.[23]
• Joes was born and baptized on 28 May 1782 in Gilsdorf. His godparents were Joannes SCHWIETZ and Anna Margaretha CLOOS, both of Gilsdorf.[24] UPDATE: He died on 8 March 1785 in Gilsdorf.[24a]
• Maria Catharina “Margaretha” was born and baptized on 21 October 1784 in Gilsdorf. Her godparents were Antonius SCHROEDER and Maria Catharina SCHLOESSER, both of Gilsdorf.[25] She married Jean “Johann” FABER (1787-1864), son of Jacques “Jacobus” FABER and Elisabeth WOLTER, on 26 January 1813 in Diekirch.[26] Maria Catharina died on 27 March 1855 in Diekirch.[27]
• Thomas UPDATE: was born about November 1787 and baptized on 30 October 1786 in Gilsdorf.[27a] He died on 22 May 1788 in Gilsdorf.[28]

Michel SCHENTEN died on 6 January 1813 in Gilsdorf.[29] His death record confirms his place of birth was Simmer, the Luxembourgish version of Septfontaines.

His widow Cathérine died six years later on 30 March 1819 in Gilsdorf. The death was reported by an acquaintance and a neighbor. They gave her age at time of death as 80.[30] This means Cathérine would have been born about 1738-1739. If this is correct, she was 48 at the time of the last child’s estimated birth.

Were the sons named Joes and Thomas the same person?

This question has been solved. They were two persons as seen in updates listed below.

Update: (12 February 2017) While working on the PREUSER children for my post on 17 February 2017, I found the birth record of the child named Thomas SCHENTEN. He was a year and a half when he died.

No birth record was found for the child named Thomas born about November 1787. The first name on the death record is in the gutter of the register making it difficult to decipher. The Latin text for his age is infans sesqui anni, which means half a year old infant. Could the person writing the Latin text have made an error and meant to write six years old? Or does the Latin text mean one and a half year old infant?

1788 Death Record of a Schenten child. [28]

UPDATE (4 February 2017): While searching through the church records for deaths (of another family) I found the death record of a son of Michel SCHENTEN and his wife Catharina OBERECK named Joannes, three and a half years old. Joes born 28 May 1782 would have been almost three on 8 March 1782 when the child died. Joes is an abbreviation for Joannes. The person who wrote the entry likely miscalculated the age of the child.

If he did make an error the child Thomas could be the same as Joes who was born in 1782. Joes would have been six days short of six years when the child named Thomas died in May 1788. If the child who died in 1788 was in fact Joes, then my children’s 4th great-grandmother was the youngest child of Michel and Cathérine. Unfortunately the church records don’t include the ages of the parents at the time a child was born and baptized. As Cathérine died in 1819 at the age of 80 years she would have been 45 years old at the time of Maria Catharina’s birth in 1784.

Who were the parents of Michel’s third wife Cathérine?

No marriage record has been found for Michel and Cathérine. Her maiden name was found on the baptismal records of four children and on her death record. It was spelled several different ways. On her first two children’s baptismal records in 1777 and 1780 her name was spelled OBERHECK. In 1782 it was seen as EVERECK and in 1784 as OVERECKEN. In 1787 when her son “Thomas” died her maiden name was OBERRECKEN. In 1813 when her daughter Maria Catharina married it was OVERECKEN, the same as in 1784. This is because the name on the marriage record was likely copied from the bride’s birth record. Finally it was written as UBERRECKEN on her death record in 1819. The last cannot be considered as reliable as the information was given by an acquaintance and neighbor.

Was Cathérine born in Medernach as stated on her 1819 death record? The church records of Medernach are only available from 1786, too late for her baptismal record ca. 1738 to have been registered. Are the pre-1786 church records for baptized persons from Medernach in another town?

For now Cathérine’s date of birth and the names of her parents remain a mystery. Will one of my readers, familiar with Luxembourg records, hold the key to open the door in this brick wall?

UPDATE: (10 February 2017) I heard from Rob DELTGEN via email. The records of the parish of Medernach are lost! Church records on FamilySearch for Medernach are only for 1786-1807.

Sources:
[1] Luxembourg, registres paroissiaux, 1601-1948 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Septfontaines > Baptêmes 1622-1640, 1651-1735, mariages 1732-1737, sépultures 1720-1738 > image 165 of 181. 1733 Baptismal Record (right page, first entry). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32461-17204-85?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-K65:1501152901,1501333730 : accessed 28 January 2017).
[2] Ibid., Septfontaines > Baptêmes 1735-1797, confirmations 1774-1791, mariages 1738-1797, sépultures 1738-1796 > image 144 of 210. 1750 Death Record (right page, entry 23). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WS-9VG8?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-2NP%3A1501152901%2C1501361592 : 9 January 2015).
[3] Ibid., Septfontaines > Baptêmes 1735-1797, confirmations 1774-1791, mariages 1738-1797, sépultures 1738-1796 > image 145 of 210. 1753 Death Record (left page, 9th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WS-9KLB?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-2NP%3A1501152901%2C1501361592 : 9 January 2015).
[4] Ibid., Schoenberg > Tables des mariages 1724-1802 Burton-Z (index organisée par l’époux) > image 586 of 797. 1754 Marriage Index Card. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WS-S33K?cc=2037955&wc=STH8-PTY%3A1501137301%2C1501137302 : 9 January 2015).
[5] Ibid., Schoenberg > Mariages 1724-1755 — fondations et anniversaires 1723-1794 — registre aux dîmes 1770-1794 > image 69 of 261. 1853 Bethrothal entry in church records (right page, bottom entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WS-3C3?cc=2037955&wc=STHD-HZH%3A1501137301%2C1501398002 : 9 January 2015).
[6] Ibid., Schoenberg > Baptêmes, mariages, sépultures 1754-1759, 1778-1793 > image 7 of 329. 1754 Marriage Record (right page, first entry).(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WS-9VRM?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-K6J%3A1501137301%2C1501248302 : 9 January 2015).
[7] Ibid., Schoenberg > Baptêmes, mariages, sépultures 1754-1759, 1778-1793 > image 4 of 329. 1754 Baptismal Record (left page, 2nd to last entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WS-9KJR?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-K6J%3A1501137301%2C1501248302 : 9 January 2015).
[8] Ibid., Schoenberg > Baptêmes, mariages, sépultures 1754-1759, 1778-1793 > image 9 of 329. 1754 Death Record (right page, 2nd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WS-9V12?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-K6J%3A1501137301%2C1501248302 : 9 January 2015).
[9] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables des mariages 1700-1798 (index organisée par l’époux) > image 842 of 1195. 1754 Marriage Index Card. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WS-9ZKY?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-DPV%3A1500890501%2C1501181502 : accessed 28 January 2017).
[10] Ibid., Diekirch >Mariages 1743-1794 > image 16 of 122. 1754 Marriage Record (left page, third entry from bottom). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-MQ1B?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B87%3A1500890501%2C1500891002 : accessed 28 January 2017).
[11] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1623-1743 Mariages 1698-1741, 1743-1794 Sépultures 1698-1729 > image 185 of 240. 1731 Baptismal Record (left page, 1st entry for 1731). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-M7QR?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B8B%3A1500890501%2C1500890502 : 9 January 2015).
[12] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 66 of 373. 1755 Baptismal Record (right page 4th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-LHGV?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 28 January 2017).
[13] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 78 of 373. 1757 Baptismal Record (right page, last entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LHBL?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 28 January 2017).
[14] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 110 of 373. 1763 Baptismal Record (left page, last entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-LH6D?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : 9 January 2015).
[15] Ibid., Diekirch Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 134 of 373. 1766 Baptismal Record (right page, 2nd entry from bottom). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LHTW?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 28 January 2017).
[16] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 158 of 373. 1770 Baptismal Record (left page, first entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-LH9F?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 28 January 2017).
[17] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 182 of 373. 1773 Baptismal Record (left page, first entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LHZB?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : 9 January 2015).
[18] Ibid., Diekirch > Sépultures 1743-1793 > image 43 of 140. 1775 Death Record. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-LHTV?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-6Y7%3A1500890501%2C1500929176 : 9 January 2015).
[19] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 204 of 373. 1777 Baptismal Record (left page, 5th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-LCV4?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 28 January 2017).
[20] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables des mariages 1700-1798 (index organisée par l’époux) > image 844 of 1195. 20 germinal an VII Marriage Index Card. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WS-9Z9T?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-DPV%3A1500890501%2C1501181502 : accessed 28 January 2017).
[21] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1797-1805, mariages, décès 1797-1807 > image 59 of 133. 1801 Marriage Record (left page, 1st entry).(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-984W?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-1XS%3A1500890501%2C1500998368 : acessed 3 February 2017).
[22] Luxembourg, Registres d’état civil, 1662-1941 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Bourscheid > Décès 1797-1890 > image 479 of 1157. 1844 Death Record No. 9. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-X929-9GH?cc=1709358&wc=9RY8-N38%3A129628601%2C129626302 : 17 July 2014).
[23] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 228 of 373
. 1780 Baptismal Record (right page, 3rd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LZ3F?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : acessed 28 January 2017).
[24] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789  > image 258 of 373. 1782 Birth Record (left page, last entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LCRR?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : 9 January 2015).
[24a] Ibid., Diekirch > Sépultures 1743-1793 > image 88 of 140. 1785 Death Record (left page, 2nd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-LHGM?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-6Y7%3A1500890501%2C1500929176 : accessed 4 February 2017).
[25] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 289 of 373. 1784 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32421-8480-21?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL:1500890501,1500918030 : accessed 8 July 2015).
[26] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 832 of 1492. 1813 Marriage Record No. 6. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11618-99261-56?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2N2:1627336735 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[27] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 509 of 1358. 1855 Death Record No. 17. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-170383-71?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2NH:n538876208 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[27a] LuxembourgChurch Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 316 of 373. 1786 Baptismal Record (left page, 2nd entry from bottom).  (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-LCNS?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 12 Feb 2017).
[28] Ibid., Diekirch > Sépultures 1743-1793 > image 105 of 140. 1788 Death Record (right page, first entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-LHNF?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-6Y7%3A1500890501%2C1500929176 : 9 January 2015).
[29] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 1202 of 1493. 1813 Death Record No. 2. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-49235-53?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2ND:n1913802954 : accessed 11 April 2013).
[30] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 1362 of 1493. 1819 Death Record No. (blank). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-50093-4?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2ND:n1913802954 : accessed 11 Apr 2013).

© 2017, copyright Cathy Meder-Dempsey. All rights reserved.

 

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52 Ancestors: #4 Jacques’ Paternal Line Goes Back to Adam

Jacques “Jacobus” FABER, son of Joannis FABER of Schoos (Mersch, Grand Duché de Luxembourg) married Elisabeth WOLTER, daughter of Jacobi WOLTER and Marie Elisabeth MEYERS, on 9 June 1767 in Diekirch.[1] The marriage record shows he was the son of Joannis FABER of Schoos.

1767 Marriage Record (left page, 2nd entry).[1]

Elisabeth was born and baptized on 28 June 1746 in Diekirch. Her godparents were Mathias Blohm and Elisabetha Böhm (Bladt), both of Diekirch.[2]

1746 Baptismal Record. [2]

Jacques, who worked as a tailor (tailleur, Schneider), died in Diekirch on 16 February 1811 at 10 o’clock in the evening.[3] When his widow declared his death, she was incorrectly listed as being 49 years old. She was actually going on 65.

1811 Death Record [3]

Elisabeth died on 25 December 1824 at one in the afternoon at her home in Diekirch.[4] Although she was 78 years old her age at death was listed as 84. The informants were her youngest son Johann FABER and Henri LEISEN, a neighbor.

1824 Death Record [4]

Jacques and Elisabeth had the following children.

1. Jacques FABER, born and baptized on 24 June 1768 in Diekirch. His godparents were Jacques REDING and Marie KESSELER, both of Diekirch.[5]. Jacques married Ursula HOSCHEID, daughter of Sébastien HOSCHEID and Ursula SPIEGEL, on 22 October 1799 in Ettelbrück. [6], [7] Ursule was born on 4 December 1755 in Erpeldange (Diekirch). Her date of birth and Jacques’ were found on the marriage record. She was 44 years old at the time of their marriage, nearly 13 years older than Jacques. No children have been found for this couple. Jacques died on 26 January 1812 in Diekirch. His widowed mother, age 70 (she was 65), declared his death. He was listed as the husband of Elisabeth WOLTER – an error – this was his mother’s name.[8] She could not read and write and likely did not notice the mistake. Further information on his wife Ursula HOSCHEID has not been located. Death records in Diekirch were checked from the time of marriage until 1853. § End of line.
2. Cathérine FABER was born and baptized on 20 February 1772 in Diekirch. Her godparents were Guillaume SCHILTZ and Cathérine HERMAN, both of Diekirch.[9] No record of marriage or death has been found for Catharina. § End of line.
3. Mathias FABER was born and baptized on 16 April 1775 in Diekirch. His godparents were Mathieu DRESCH and Marguerite CONRADT, both of Diekirch.[10] Mathias married Anne Cathérine SEHLEN, daughter of Henri SEHLEN and Susanne PROMMENSCHENCKEL, on 7 January 1805 in Diekirch.[11],[12] She was the widow of Jean MEYER who died 15 October 1803 in Diekirch. Anne was born on 9 September 1772 in Diekirch. She died on 11 May 1823 in Diekirch. Mathias died on 7 November 1847 in Diekirch.[13] Mathias and Anne Cathérine had three known sons and the line continued.
4. Petrus FABER was born and baptized on 6 January 1779 in Diekirch. His godparents were Pierre SCHER/SAUER of Diekirch and Marie JUTTEL, of Diekirch.[14] He died on 23 August 1781 in Diekirch at the age of two and a half years.[15] § End of line.
5. Wilhelmus FABER was born and baptized on 1 September 1782 in Diekirch. His godparents were Guillaume JORIS, of “Schinecken”or SCHOENECKEN and Anne Marie WAGENER, of Diekirch.[16] He died on 17 October 1786 in Diekirch at the age of four.[17] § End of line.
6. Jean “Johann” FABER was born and baptized on 4 July 1787 in Diekirch. His godparents were Joannes FOOS and Catharina WOLTER, both of Diekirch.[18] He worked as day laborer (Taglöhner) on 16 February 1811 in Diekirch at the time of his father’s death.[1] Jean married Maria Catharina “Margaretha” SCHENTEN, daughter of Michel SCHENTEN and Cathérine OVERECKEN or UBERRECKEN, on 26 January 1813 in Diekirch.[19] Margaretha was born and baptized on 21 October 1784 in Gilsdorf. Her godparents were Antonius SCHROEDER and Maria Catharina SCHLOESSER, both of Gilsdorf.[20] She died on 27 March 1855 in Diekirch.[21] He died on 10 February 1864 in Diekirch.[22] This line continues as Johann FABER and Maria Catharina SCHENTEN were my children’s 4th great-grandparents.

Who Were the Parents of Jacques “Jacobus” FABER?

Jean “Joannis” FABER and his wife Anne Marie “Anna Maria” HUNTGES are found as the parents of my children’s 5th great-grandfather Jacques FABER (1741-1811) in several online GEDCOM files. Jacques’ marriage record confirms the name of his father as Joannis FABER of Schoos.[1] But was Joannis FABER of Schoos the same man as Jean FABER who was married to Anne Marie HUNTGES?

The answer to this question was supposed to be easy. Find Jacques’ birth/baptismal record with the names of his parents. The first difficulty was where to find the church records for the village of Schoos for the time period around 1741. Schoos belongs to commune of Fischbach in the canton of Mersch in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg per FamilySeach’s List of communes of Luxembourg. The baptisms in the church records of Fischbach begin with 1742 – possibly too late for Jacques’ baptism. I took it one step up and looked at the church records of Mersch were I found baptisms as early as 1675. I searched through the years 1735-1742, found children born in Schoos, but none with the surname FABER.

I then took a different approach. Confirm the information listed in the GEDCOMs for the couple seen as Jacques’ parents. Other children seen as theirs were born in Erpeldange where I looked for records.

I found baptismal records for five of six children of this couple. Two of the children are in the GEDCOM files but not attached to parents (the owners of the databases will be contacted). The baptismal records consistently give the names of the parents as Jois (4) or Joannis (1) FABER and Anna Maria, a married couple from Erpeldange. The children were born in 1728, 1732[23], 1736[24], 1739[25], 1744[26], and 1746[27] in Erpeldange. For the child born around 1728 no baptismal record was found – records appear to be missing from 1728-1731. However, marriage records of these children were also consulted. The son born abt. 1728 is seen as the legitimate child of Jois FABER majeri of Erpeldange in 1759.[28] The daughter born in 1732 is seen as the legitimate daughter of Joannis FABER of Erpeldange in 1753.[29]

There is a gap 5 years gap in the list of children between 1739 and 1744 which Jacques could fit in. However, Jacques’ marriage record shows he was the legitimate son of Joannis FABER of Schoos.

The FABER-HUNTGES family appears to have lived in Erpeldange from 1732 to 1746 when children’s baptisms were performed, in 1753 and 1759 when a son and a daughter married, and in 1780 when Anna Maria, wife of Jois FABER, died.[30]

Which FABER Family Lived in Schoos?

Is it possible the family lived for a short time in Schoos? I again checked the GEDCOMS with Luxembourgish families, this time for any FABER children born in Schoos. I found two candidates: Elizabeth b. abt. 1736 and Paul born abt. 1737 or 1742, both in Schoos. Marriages for both of these persons were checked as marriage dates and places were given.

Paul’s 1765 marriage in Consdorf lists father as Joannis FABER of Schoos.[31] Elizabeth’s first marriage in 1772 in Obermertzig lists father Joannis FABER and mother Margaretha THOMES.[32] Her second marriage in 1779 in Feulen lists the name of her deceased husband, confirming the 1772 marriage, but does not list parents.[33]

With the names of two FABER children born in Schoos I went back to the Mersch church records and searched again from 1734-1745 for these children paying close attention to all surnames listed in the entries as I now had a possible maiden name for the mother.

On 28 January 1735 a child named Paulus was baptized, his parents were Joannis and Margaretha THOMMES of Schoos.[34] On 23 September 1736 a child named Elisabetha was baptized, her parents were Joannis and Margaritha ADAM sive (or) THOMMES of Schoos.[35] Then on 29 Aug 1739 a child named Jacobus was baptzed, his parents were Joannis ADAM sive (or) THOMMES and Margaritha, both of Schoos.[36] No other children were found. [The Latin word sive means or – the family was know by the name ADAM or THOMMES.]

My next step was to check for a marriage for Joannis and Margaritha. There are index cards with marriages found in the church records in Luxembourg for most towns (online, browse only). I checked Mersch and found:[37]

The entry for the marriage does not contain any more information than seen on the card.[38] Margaritha was the widow of Bernardus THOMMES. I found two children born to Bernardus and Margaritha in 1730[39] and 1732[40]. They were Joannes THOMMES and Maria Catharina THOMMES, half-siblings to Jacques.

No children were found for the years between 1724 and 1729. I looked for the Thommes surname only. Another look through for parents with the first names Bernardus and Margaritha could turn up the use of a different surname or house name as seen with the ADAM-THOMMES couple. A marriage in 1724 for Bernardus THOMMES shows he married a widowed woman named Anna, widow of Richard MÜLLER.[41] Further research will have to be done to determine if Anna is the same person as Margaritha. If so, then the Muller couple’s marriage will need to be found to determine the maiden name of Margaretha THOMMES, mother of Jacques.

Paulus, Elisabetha, and Jacobus were children of Joannis ADAM and Margaritha [maiden name unknown] THOMMES. No death records were found for Joannis and Margaritha. It is not known when they died or if one of them remarried. Why the children went by the surname FABER at the time of their marriages and during the rest of their lives is unknown.

Genealogy Sketch

Name: Jacques FABER aka Jacobus THOMMES
Parents:  Joannis ADAM and Margaritha THOMMES
Spouse: Elisabeth WOLTER
Parents of Spouse: Jacobi WELTER and Marie Elisabeth MEYERS
Whereabouts: Schoos and Diekirch, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Relationship to Cathy Meder-Dempsey: husband’s 4th great-grandfather

1. Jacques FABER aka Jacques THOMMES
2. Jean “Johann” FABER
3. Johann “Jean” FABER
4. Elisabetha “Elisabeth” “Elise” FABER
5. Johann Peter “Jean-Pierre” MEDER
6. Marcel Mathias MEDER
7. husband of Cathy Meder-Dempsey

Does Jacques’ Paternal Line Go Back to Adam?

I changed the title of this post several times while working on it. It started out as: The Faber-Wolter Family of Diekirch. Then the question came up: Who Were the Parents of Jacques “Jacobus” Faber? And what I found led to more questions and: A Proof Argument of the Parentage of Jacques Faber.

It was an exhaustive search, but, was this also exhaustive research? Do the records I found prove Jacques “Jacobus” FABER’s parents were Joannis ADAM aka THOMMES aka FABER and Margaritha THOMMES?

Sources:
[1] Luxembourg, registres paroissiaux, 1601-1948 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Diekirch > Mariages 1743-1794  > image 31 of 122. 1767 Marriage Record (left page, 2nd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-MWLK?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B87%3A1500890501%2C1500891002 : accessed 26 Dec 2016).
[2] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 20 of 373. 1746 Baptismal Record (right page, 7th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LCD8?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 26 Dec 2016).
[3] Luxembourg, Registres d’état civil, 1662-1941 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 1152 of 1493. 1811 Death Record No. 7 (at age 71). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-51221-90?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2ND:n1913802954 : accessed 11 Apr 2013).
[4] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 1488 of 1493. 1824 Death Record No. 36 (age 84). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-49618-42?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2ND:n1913802954 : accessed 11 Apr 2013).
[5] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 145 of 373. 1768 Baptismal Record (right page, 2nd entry from bottom).(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-LHQQ?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 27 Dec 2016).
[6] Luxembourg CIvil Records, Ettelbruck > Naissances 1885-1890 Mariages 1796-1844 > image 217 of 1505. 1799 Marriage Record (right page, first part). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6XL9-Y7?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-FM9%3A129625001%2C130529102 : accessed 28 December 2016).
[7] Ibid., Ettelbruck > Naissances 1885-1890 Mariages 1796-1844 > image 217 of 1505. 1799 Marriage Record (left page, second part).
(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6XL9-Y7?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-FM9%3A129625001%2C130529102 : accessed 28 December 2016).
[8] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 1175 of 1493. 1812 Death Record No. 8 (age 50). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-68G9-TL7?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-929%3A129628901%2C129848701 : 17 July 2014).
[9] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 169 of 373. 1772 Baptismal Record (right page, 4th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LHFF?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 27 Dec 2016).
[10] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 191 of 373. 1775 Baptismal Record (left page, 2nd entry from bottom).(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-LH89?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 27 December 2016).
[11] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 97 of 139. 1805 Marriage Record (right page, bottom, part 1). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-9ZV4?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-16G%3A1500890501%2C1500965134 : accessed 28 December 2016),.
[12] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 98 of 139. 1805 Marriage Record (left page, top, part 2).
(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-98N3?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-16G%3A1500890501%2C1500965134 : accessed 28 December 2016).
[13] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 382 of 1358. 1847 Death Record No. 51. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6XY7-YRT?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL%3A129628901%2C129628902 : accessed 29 December 2016).
[14] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789  > image 215 of 373. 1779 Baptismal Record (left page, 1st entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-LC1M?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 27 December 2016).
[15] Ibid., Diekirch > Sépultures 1743-1793 > image 65 of 140. 1781 Death Record (left page, 4th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-LHLM?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-6Y7%3A1500890501%2C1500929176 : accessed 27 December 2016).
[16] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 260 of 373. 1782 Baptismal Record (left page, last entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LZWM?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : 9 January 2015).
[17] Ibid., Diekirch > Sépultures 1743-1793 > image 89 of 140. 1786 Death Record. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-LH6P?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-6Y7%3A1500890501%2C1500929176 : accessed 21 Jan 2017).
[18] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 325 of 373. 1787 Baptism Record (left page, 1st entry). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32421-8957-8?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL:1500890501,1500918030 : accessed 7 July 2015).
[19] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 832 of 1492. 1813 Marriage Record No. 6. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11618-99261-56?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2N2:1627336735 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[20] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 289 of 373. 1784 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32421-8480-21?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL:1500890501,1500918030 : accessed 8 July 2015).
[21] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 509 of 1358. 1855 Death Record No. 17. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-170383-71?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2NH:n538876208 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[22] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 694 of 1358. 1864 Death Record No. 10. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-162865-71?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL:129628901,129628902 : accessed 4 April 2013).
[23] Luxembourg Church Records, Diekirch > Baptêmes 1647-1664, 1672-1743, mariages 1698-1741, sépultures 1698-1729 > image 145 of 240. 1732 Baptismal Record (left page, 5th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-M72Y?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B8B%3A1500890501%2C1500890502 : 9 January 2015).
[24] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1647-1664, 1672-1743, mariages 1698-1741, sépultures 1698-1729 > image 146 of 240. 1736 Baptismal Record (right page, 5th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-M72W?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B8B%3A1500890501%2C1500890502 : 9 January 2015).
[25] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1647-1664, 1672-1743, mariages 1698-1741, sépultures 1698-1729 > image 147 of 240. 1739 Baptismal Record (right page, 6th entry from bottom). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-MQGH?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B8B%3A1500890501%2C1500890502 : 9 January 2015).
[26] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 8 of 373. 1744 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-LCQ2?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 23 January 2017).
[27] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 19 of 373. 1746 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-LCJ3?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL%3A1500890501%2C1500918030 : accessed 23 January 2017).
[28] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1743-1794 > image 21 of 122. 1759 Marriage Record (left page, 3rd entry).  (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-MQTL?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B87%3A1500890501%2C1500891002 : 9 January 2015).
[29] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1743-1794 > image 13 of 122. 1753 Marriage Record (left page, 3rd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-MQK6?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-B87%3A1500890501%2C1500891002 : 9 January 2015).
[30] Ibid., Diekirch > Sépultures 1743-1793 > image 57 of 140. 1780 Death Record (left page, 2nd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-LHR5?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-6Y7%3A1500890501%2C1500929176 : 9 January 2015). Note: the maiden name seen is Holsen not Huntges.
[31] Ibid., Consdorf > Baptêmes 1719-1782, confirmations 1738-1792, mariages 1726-1782, sépultures 1726-1781 > image 197 of 279. 1765 Marriage Record. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-9C8Q?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-44S%3A1500922601%2C1501087728 : 9 January 2015).
[32] Ibid., Feulen > Tables des mariages 1702-1794 Mergen-Z (index organisée par l’épouse) > image 118 of 329. 1772 Marriage Index Card. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WS-9J62?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-J44%3A1500965489%2C1501257326 : accessed 27 January 2017).
[33] Ibid., Feulen > Tables des mariages 1702-1794 Mergen-Z (index organisée par l’épouse) > image 119 of 329. 1779 Marriage Index Card. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WS-9JBC?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-J44%3A1500965489%2C1501257326 : accessed 27  January 2017).
[34] Ibid., Mersch > Baptêmes 1717-1772 > image 60 of 280. 1735 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WS-9SFJ?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-T38%3A1500963301%2C1500963302 : accessed 27 January 2017).
[35] Ibid., Mersch > Baptêmes 1717-1772 > image 66 of 280. 1736 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WS-9SFQ?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-T38%3A1500963301%2C1500963302 : accessed 27 January 2017).
[36] Ibid., Mersch > Baptêmes 1717-1772 > image 74 of 280. 1739 Baptismal Record (right page, last entry).(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WS-9SJ6?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-T38%3A1500963301%2C1500963302 : accessed 27 January 2017).
[37] Ibid., Mersch > Tables des mariages 1713-1797 A-Scharber (index organisée par l’époux) > image 7 of 1579. 1734 Marriage Index Card. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WS-S3MR?cc=2037955&wc=STH8-JWP%3A1500963301%2C1501135402 : accessed 27 January 2017).
[38] Ibid., Mersch > Mariages 1717-1749 > image 27 of 58. 1734 Marriage Record. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WS-9S22?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-TQ9%3A1500963301%2C1501079882 : accessed 27 January 2017).
[39] Ibid., Mersch > Baptêmes 1717-1772 > image 48 of 280. 1730 Baptismal Record (left page, 7th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WS-9SJV?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-T38%3A1500963301%2C1500963302 : accessed 27 January 2017).
[40] Ibid., Mersch > Baptêmes 1717-1772 > image 53 of 280. 1732 Baptismal Record (left page, last entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WS-9S26?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-T38%3A1500963301%2C1500963302 : accessed 27 January 2017).
[41] Ibid., Mersch > Tables des mariages 1713-1797 Scharber-Z (index organisée par l’époux) > image 276 of 542. 1724 Marriage Index Car. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WS-SV4?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-T3D%3A1500963301%2C1501142620 : accessed 27 Jan 2017).

© 2017, copyright Cathy Meder-Dempsey. All rights reserved.

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52 Ancestors: #29 Musical: Josephine, a Favorite Name in the LORENTZ-PREUSEN Family

Week 29 (July 16-22) – Musical: There seems to be a musician in every family. Who is the one in yours? Don’t have a musician? Which ancestor has a lyrical name or reminds you of a song?

How many songs have been written for a lady named Josephine and what is it about this name?

• “Josephine”
• “Hello Josephine”
• “My Girl Josephine”
• “Not Tonight Josephine”
• “I’ll Be Right Behind You, Josephine”
• “Yes Tonight Josephine”
• “Come Josephine in My Flying Machine”
• “Oh Josephine”
• “Goodnight Sweet Josephine”

Before I have you humming or singing one of your favorite Josephine songs, let me tell you about the LORENTZ-PREUSEN family.

The LORENTZ-PREUSEN Family of Diekirch

Mathias LORENTZ was born and baptized on 27 May 1775 in Ingeldorf, Diekirch, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. His parents were Michel LORENTZ (1733-1791)  and Cathérine STEINFORT (1733-1793), both of Ingeldorf. His godparents were Mathias MOSINGER of Bettendorf and Anna Maria PÜTZ of Nagem.[1]

1775 Baptismal Record for Mathias Lorentz[1]

Margaretha PREISEN was born and baptized on 13 July 1785 in Diekirch, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Her parents were Thomas PREISEN (1753-1801) and Anne Marie SCHRANTZ (1754-1832). Her godparents were Joannis Baptista FETH and Margaretha KESSELER, both of Diekirch.[2]

1785 Baptismal Record for Margaretha Preisen[2]

Mathias LORENTZ married Margaretha PREISEN at 8 o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, 28 November 1809 in Diekirch.[3] Only the mother of the bride was present at the wedding as the parents of the groom and the father of the bride were deceased. The marriage was published on the 12th and 19th of the month.

Signatures on the 1809 marriage record of Mathias Lorentz and Margaretha Preusen/Preisen[3]

Mathias and Margaretha were the parents of seven children. Unusual for the times, all of their children lived to adulthood. Two daughters died in their 30s while the rest of the children lived to until their late 60s.

Ch 1: Anne Marie LORENTZ (1810-1841) born 24 March 1810.[4]
Ch 2: François LORENTZ (1812-1880) born 14 June 1812.[5]
Ch 3: Maria “Marie” LORENTZ (1814-1851) born 1 April 1814.[6]
Ch 4: Marie Joséphine LORENTZ (1816-1884) born 16 July 1816.[7]
Ch 5: Elisabetha LORENTZ (1819-1884) born 18 January 1819.[8]
Ch 6: Joséphine “Cathérine” LORENTZ (1820-1890) born 14 September 1820.[9]
Ch 7: Philippe LORENTZ (1822-1892) born 12 March 1822.[10]

Mathias LORENTZ died 12 December 1822 in Diekirch at the age of 47. On the death record the informants were listed as Mathias BERINGER, 46 years old farmer in Diekirch and brother-in-law of the deceased, and Anton PREUSEN, 33 years old farmer in Diekirch and brother-in-law of the deceased.[11]

I could not fit Mathias BERINGER in as a brother-in-law. I took a closer look at the document and the signatures and found the first informant signed as Philippe BERINGER and not Mathias. Philippe was a known brother-in-law, husband of Marguerite PREUSSEN, a sister of Mathias’ widow Margaretha PREUSEN. Anton PREUSEN was the brother of Marguerite and Margaretha. Discrepancy solved!

When Mathias died his oldest child Anne Marie was 12 years old and his youngest child Philippe was 9 months old. Mathias had been a day laborer. What did his widow Margaretha do to support her family of seven young children? Did the children remain at home with their mother? Did the older children work as servants to supplement their mother’s income? The pre-1843 census which I need to access at the National Archives of Luxembourg may have the answers to these questions.

Ten years after the death of Mathias LORENTZ his first child Anne Marie LORENTZ married Mathieu KOENIG (1808- ) on 26 December 1832 in Diekirch.[12] She had six children, four boys and two girls. She named her daughters Joséphine[13] and Marie Joséphine.[14] Four days after the birth of her last child, Anne Marie LORENTZ died on 22 February 1841 in Diekirch at the age of 30.[15]

The day before Anne Marie’s youngest child was born her brother François LORENTZ married Marguerite JUNGELS (1815-1848) on 17 February 1841 in Diekirch.[16] Marguerite gave François four children before she died on 26 July 1848.[17]

Five months after François married, his sister Maria “Marie” LORENTZ married Johann “Jean” FABER (1813-1873) on 28 July 1841 in Diekirch.[18] Maria became the mother of two sons and three daughters. She was the second of the LORENTZ children to die on 11 February 1851 in Diekirch at the age of 36.[19]

The FABER-LORENTZ marriage was the last the mother of this family would live to see. Margaretha PREUSEN, died 17 November 1843 in Diekirch at the age of 58.[20] She left 7 children and 7 grandchildren.

Margaretha’s maiden name was spelled PREISEN on her baptismal/birth record and marriage record. When her first three children were born the name was also spelled PREISEN. At the time of the births of her last four children (1816-1822), the death of her husband in 1822, the marriages of her three oldest children (1832 and 1841), and her own death in 1843 her name was seen as PREUSEN. Even though her maiden name was PREISEN for the first 30 years of her life, I prefer PREUSEN as it was more commonly used, especially by her brothers who lived to adulthood.

A little more than a month after Marguerite’s death her now oldest single daughter prepared to marry by publishing her marriage banns on the 24th and 30th of December 1843. Marie Joséphine LORENTZ married Théodore MOHR (1814-1887) on 10 January 1844 in Diekirch.[21] They did not remain in Diekirch, moving to Harlange in the commune of Wiltz. This is where their first child, Maria Joséphine MOHR was born on 3 November 1844.[22] They also had four sons. The family moved to Echternach, the town of Théodore’s birth, in the late 1840s or early 1850s. They remained there until their deaths.

Grandchildren continued to be born and sadly some died. François LORENTZ who had lost his wife in 1848 married Gertrude KINNEN (1827- ) on 14 January 1850 in Diekirch.[23] They were the parents of six boys and a girl named Joséphine, born on 14 August 1852 in Diekirch.[24]

Joséphine “Catherine” LORENTZ was the next of Mathias and Margaretha’s children to marry. She married Vincent MEDERNACH (1823-1866) on 4 March 1852 in Diekirch.[25] They became the parents of 3 boys and 3 girls, including Joséphine born 4 October 1860 in Diekirch.[26]

The baby of the family, Philippe LORENTZ married Catharina POECKER (1824-1866) on 11 January 1854 in Diekirch.[27] She gave him four sons, one named Joseph[28], and two daughters before she died on 2 April 1866 in Diekirch.[29]

This was during the virulent time of the cholera epidemic in Luxembourg. In Diekirch there were 95 deaths in 1865, 314 in 1866, and 54 in 1867. Philippe did not wait long to find a new bride.  He married Elisabeth GETH (1836-1914) on 21 November 1866 in Diekirch.[30] She gave him a son and two daughters.

During the 1880s three of the LORENTZ children died. François, the oldest son, died 15 November 1880 in Fouhren at the age of 68.[31] His sister Elisabeth, the only child to remain single, died 11 June 1884 in Diekirch at age 65.[32] Their sister Marie Joséphine died 23 November 1884 in Echternach at age 68.[33]

Only the two youngest LORENTZ children remained to see the 1890s. The youngest daughter Joséphine “Catherine” died 4 September 1890[34] and the youngest son Philippe died 17 January 1892[35], both in Diekirch and at the age of 69.

Musical Theme Connection

Did you notice the red thread of music running through this family’s story? Josephine was a favorite name in the LORENTZ-PREUSEN family. They named two daughters Marie Joséphine and Joséphine. They had five granddaughters named Joséphine KOENIG, Marie Joséphine KOENIG, Maria Joséphine MOHR, Joséphine LORENTZ, Joséphine MEDERNACH, and a grandson named Joseph LORENTZ.

An Aside Turns Up Another Musical Tidbit

In my eagerness to use Josephine for the musical theme I nearly missed this tidbit about the Pfälzer Musikanten returning from their gig in America! What does America have to do with the LORENTZ-PREUSEN family?

While searching the old Luxembourg newspapers for articles on members of the family I learned one of Mathias and Margaretha’s grandchildren emigrated to America in 1886. Their youngest son Philippe’s youngest son from his first marriage, Antoine LORENTZ crossed the Atlantic in 1886 on the Waesland of the Red Star Line.[36] In the 2-3 October 1886 issue of the Luxemburger Wort there was a short article about 125 persons travelling from Luxembourg to Antwerp by train and from Antwerp to America by ship. The names, ages, and destinations of the five Luxembourgers in the group were listed and included Anton LORENTZ from Diekirch, age 22, destination San Francisco, California.

Luxembourg Wort[36]

In 1900 “Antone LAURENCE” was boarding with a Miller family in Nightingale Precinct, San Joaquin County, California, and working as a farm laborer. He was an alien and single.[37] Antoine LORENTZ died 8 January 1907 in Stockton, San Joaquin County, California, and was buried on 10 January in the Rural Cemetery in Stockton. His death certificate shows he was still single when he died of typhoid fever with a contributory factor being pneumonia.[38]

The last paragraph in the newspaper article (above) contains the interesting information I nearly missed. During the week 95 persons returned from America on a Red Star Line ship and passed through the train station in Luxembourg City. Included in the count were 4 Luxembourgers and 50 Palatine musicians (Pfälzer Musikanten). Imagine the sound of music crossing the Atlantic on the trip home….

Sources:
[1] Luxembourg, registres paroissiaux, 1601-1948 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790. 1775 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32421-7418-24?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL:1500890501,1500918030 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[2] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790. 1785 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32421-8798-97?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL:1500890501,1500918030 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[3] Luxembourg, Registres d’état civil, 1793-1923 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 751 of 1492. 1809 Marriage Record page 2. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11618-97569-83?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2N2:1627336735 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[4] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 1024 of 1493. 1810 Birth Record No. 30. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11030-123273-95?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-W38:129628901,130575701 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[5] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 1111 of 1493. 1812 Birth Record No. 50. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11030-124783-20?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-W38:129628901,130575701 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[6] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 1173 of 1493. 1814 Birth Record No. 30. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11030-125996-59?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-W38:129628901,130575701 : accessed 27 Sep 2014).
[7] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 1243 of 1493. 1816 Birth Record No. 55. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11030-125014-42?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-W38:129628901,130575701 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[8] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 1336 of 1493. 1819 Birth Record (upper righ). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11030-125349-70?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-W38:129628901,130575701 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[9] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 1393 of 1493. 1820 Birth Record No. 96. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11030-124288-70?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-W38:129628901,130575701 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[10] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 1445 of 1493. 1822 Birth Record (upper left). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11030-125642-64?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-W38:129628901,130575701 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[11] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 1456 of 1493. 1822 Death Record (upper left). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-51376-68?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2ND:n1913802954 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[12] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 1295 of 1492. 1832 Marriage Record No. 12. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11618-101783-70?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-W38:129628901,130301801 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[13] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1823 > image 334 of 1507. 1836 Birth Record No. 73. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11681-32472-98?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-BZ9:129628901,130131601 : accessed 18 July 2015).
[14] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1823 > image 438 of 1507. 1841 Birth Record No. 13. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11681-30998-83?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-BZ9:129628901,130131601 : accessed 18 July 2015).
[15] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 281 of 1358. 1841 Death Record No. 7.  (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-168659-69?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL:129628901,129628902 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[16] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 1456 of 1492. 1841 Marriage Record No. 4. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11618-106211-67?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-W38:129628901,130301801 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[17] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 396 of 1358. 1848 Death Record No. 35. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-159629-82?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL:129628901,129628902 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[18] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 1461 of 1492. 1841 Marriage Record No. 13. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11618-102229-19?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2N2:1627336735 : accessed 02 Apr 2013).
[19] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 439 of 1358. 1851 Death Record No. 12. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-170657-76?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2NH:n538876208 : accessed 01 Apr 2013).
[20] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 317 of 1358. 1843 Death Record No. 37. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-160328-63?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2NH:n538876208 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[21] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 31 of 1493. 1844 Marriage Record No. 2. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-48441-69?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-929:129628901,129848701 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[22] Ibid., Harlange > Naissances 1809-1890 Mariages 1797-1859 > image 376 of 1477. 1844 Birth Record No. 39. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11670-144686-56?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-FM9:129686201,129875401 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[23] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 164 of 1493. 1850 Marriage Record No. 1.  (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-51345-93?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-929:129628901,129848701 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[24] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1823 > image 737 of 1507. 1852 Birth Record No. 63. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11681-25813-10?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-BZ9:129628901,130131601 : accessed 18 July 2015).
[25] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 223 of 1493. 1852 Marriage Record No. 9. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-50475-54?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-929:129628901,129848701 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[26] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1823 > image 968 of 1507. 1860 Birth Record No. 76. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11681-27594-78?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-BZ9:129628901,130131601 : accessed 18 July 2015).
[27] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 271 of 1493. 1854 Marriage Record No. 2. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-50778-46?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-929:129628901,129848701 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[28] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1823 > image 1034 of 1507. 1863 Birth Record No. 16. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11681-31424-42?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-BZ9:129628901,130131601 : accessed 18 July 2015).
[29] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 752 of 1358. 1866 Death Record No. 56. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-171208-63?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL:129628901,129628902 : accessed 19 July 2015).
[30] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 520 of 1493. 1866 Marriage Record No. 29. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-51085-92?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-929:129628901,129848701 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[31] Ibid., Fouhren > Décès 1851-1890 > image 150 of 207. 1880 Death Record No. 7. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11564-92348-88?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-YWP:129626001,129625502 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[32] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 1217 of 1358. 1884 Death Record No. 36. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-163642-76?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL:129628901,129628902 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[33] Ibid., Echternach > Décès 1882-1890 > image 81 of 251. 1884 Death Record No. 83. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11022-10817-69?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-92W:129623201,129706801 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[34] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 1351 of 1358. 1890 Death Record No. 69. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-168452-56?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL:129628901,129628902 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[35] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances, mariages, décès 1891-1894 > image 253 of 332. 1892 Death Record No. 13. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11693-115958-28?cc=1709358&wc=9RYH-3TY:129628901,129717601 : accessed 12 July 2015).
[36]  Luxemburger Wort, digitized by the Bibliothèque nationale de Luxembourg, http://www.eluxemburgensia.lu (Verlage der St-Paulus-Druckerei, Luxembourg), Nr. 275 & 276, Saturday, 2 and Sunday 3 October 1886, p. 3 col. 2. Aus- und Einwanderung. (http://www.eluxemburgensia.lu/webclient/DeliveryManager?application=DIRECTLINK&custom_att_2=simple_viewer&pid=939493&search_terms=anton%20lorentz#panel:pp|issue:939493|article:DTL43|query:anton lorentz : accessed 12 July 2015).
[37] Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900 population schedule, (ditigal images) Ancestry, FamilySearch, HeritageQuest, or Internet Archive citing National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., T623, 1854 rolls, California, San Joaquin County, Nightingale Precinct, ED 106, Sheet 24A, HH# 542-545, line 27. (http://www.ancestryheritagequest.com/hqa : accessed 18 July 2015).
[38] California, County Birth and Death Rec, (database with images), FamilySearch (original records at county courthouses, California), San Joaquin > Death certificates 1906-1907 vol 6 > image 176 of 352. 1907 Duplicate Certificate of Death, Local Registered Number 28. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-29228-1114-89?cc=2001287 : accessed 18 July 2015).

Genealogy Sketch

Name: Mathias LORENTZ
Parents: Michel LORENTZ and Cathérine STEINFORT
Spouse: Margaretha PREUSEN
Parents of spouse: Thomas PREISEN and Anne Marie SCHRANTZ
Whereabouts: Ingeldorf, Diekirch, Fouhren, Harlange, Echternach
Relationship to Cathy Meder-Dempsey: husband’s 3rd great-grandfather

1. Mathias LORENTZ
2. Maria “Marie” LORENTZ
3. Elisabetha “Elisabeth” “Elise” FABER
4. Johann Peter “Jean-Pierre” MEDER
5. Marcel Mathias MEDER
6. husband of Cathy Meder-Dempsey

© 2015 Cathy Meder-Dempsey

This is my weekly entry for Amy Johnson Crow’s challenge:
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – 2015 Edition. It was so successful in 2014 that genealogists wanted to continue or join in on the fun in 2015. Be sure to check out the other great posts by visiting Amy’s blog No Story Too Small where she’ll be posting the weekly recap on Thurdays and allowing all participants to leave a link to their post(s) in the comments.

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52 Ancestors: #28 Tour de Genealogie and the FABER-SCHENTEN Family

Week 28 (July 9-15) – Road Trip: Any epic “road trips” in your family tree? Which ancestor do you want to take a road trip to go research?

Tour de Genealogie

Very often while riding our racing bikes through Luxembourg we’ve rolled through towns our ancestors lived in. This week we participated in the 6 Days Lull Gillen biking event. It was the 20th edition of the event organized by our cycling club LGB or “Le Guidon” of Bertrange (Bartreng in Luxembourgish, Bartringen in German), a town where many of my husband’s ancestors lived. The route scheduled for Thursday had us stopping at a control point in Septfontaines, also known as Simmer in Luxembourgish. Since this town fits into the history of this week’s family I had my husband take a photo of the town sign and the LGB control point sign.

On a side note: My matrilineal line springs (pun intended) from Septfontaines.

The FABER-SCHENTEN Family

Maria Catharina SCHENTEN was born and baptized Maria Catharina on 21 October 1784 in Gilsdorf. She was the daughter of Michel SCHENTEN and Catharina OVERECKEN. Her godparents were Antonius SCHROEDER and Maria Catharina SCHLOESSER, both of Gilsdorf.[1] Maria Catharina’s father Michel was born and baptized in 1733 in the town we rode through last Thursday, Septfontaines.

1784 Baptismal Record [1]

Jean FABER was born and baptized Joannes on 4 July 1787 in Diekirch. He was the son of Jacques FABER and Elisabeth WOLTER. His godparents were Joannes FOOS and Catharina WOLTER, both of Diekirch.[2]

1787 Baptismal Record [2]

On 26 January 1813 in Diekirch at 10 o’clock in the morning Jean FABER and Marie Catherine (as she was seen in the marriage record written in French) SCHENTEN were married by Jean SCHOLTES, a civil servant. The groom’s father was deceased and his mother was present at the marriage.  The bride’s father was also deceased and her mother was present. The marriage had been “published” on the 10th and the 17th of January. The four witnesses to the marriage were not related (ni parents ni alliés) to the bridal couple. All three ladies present could not read or write: the bride, the bride’s mother and the groom’s mother.[3]

When Jean and Marie Catherine married the bride was about six months pregnant. Three months after their marriage, on 25 April 1813 at 10 o’clock in the evening, a son named Jean was born to the couple in Diekirch. When the father made his appearance at the city hall at 10 o’clock the next morning he gave the name of the mother as Marguerite SCHENTEN.[4]

Marie Catherine, Marguerite/Margaretha, or Catherine/Catharina SCHENTEN

Depending on the time period, records in Luxembourg may be in French or German and first names can vary. However Marie Catherine is not the French version of Margaretha! My first thought was, this was a different couple. A closer examination of the signature of the father on the birth record and of the groom on the marriage record shows they were the same man.

Signatures

The “mistake” would be made for the next three children: Anne Marie, Michel, and Andreas. Only their 5th child Anton would have the mother listed as Catherine. When the marriage records of three of the sons of this couple were drawn up the civil servants used the names of the parents as seen on the children’s birth records. Jean and Andreas had Margaretha and Anton had Catherine as the mother’s name. When son Andreas married, his brother Anton was a witness and named as a brother. When son Anton married, his brother Jean was a witness and named as a brother. When son Jean married his brothers Andreas and Anton were too young to be witnesses. In the six census records from 1843 through 1852 for this family the mother was always seen as Catherine. When she died in 1855 her name was listed as Catharina on her death record.

The entire genealogy of the town of Diekirch has been researched and published by Rob Deltgen for the years 1796 to 1923 in his book Komplettes Familienbuch der Gemeinde 1796-1923. I am confident all persons have been accounted for in the town for the time period the FABER-SCHENTEN family lived there and Jean’s wife was Maria Catharina also known as Margaretha.

For some reason Maria Catharina used the name Margaretha when she was a young bride. Was it also the name she was known by when she was still living at home with her mother who was also a Catherine?

The children of Jean and Catharina aka Margaretha

As mentioned earlier the first born child was Jean, my husband’s 2nd great-grandfather. These are the five known children (all events took place in Diekirch):

• Jean, born 25 April 1813[4], married Maria LORENTZ on 8 July 1841[5], and died 26 April 1873[6]
• Anne Marie, born 31 December 1815[7] No marriage or death record has been found for this child. Did she go to work as a servant in another town or even country?
• Michel, born 21 April 1819[8] and died 20 February 1828[9]
• Andreas, born 8 November 1822[10], married Marie KNEIP on 13 December 1848[11], and died 20 March 1891[12]
• Anton, born 27 November 1825[13], married Margaretha KNEIP on 28 September 1853[14], and died 2 April 1866[15]

The confusion caused by the mother’s name continued in the next generation. As seen above sons Andreas and Anton married KNEIP sisters. As the records are so detailed this normally would not cause a problem. However in the case of Andreas’ wife Marie she was seen in the birth records of her 10 children as Marie (4), Margaretha (5) and Magdalena (1). I had to do a lot of cross referencing with marriage records of the children to be sure there wasn’t an error in the name of the father!

The Family in the Census

The Luxembourg census images at FamilySearch begin in 1843. They also help to show there was only one FABER-SCHENTEN family. By 1843 Jean and Catharina’s oldest son, young Jean, was married and only Andreas and Anton were living at home in 1843[16], 1846[17], and 1847[18]. By 1849 Andreas had married and Anton was alone with his parents in 1849[19], 1851[20], and 1852[21].

Catharina SCHENTEN died on 27 March 1855[22]. Her widowed husband Jean FABER was in the household of his son Andreas in 1855[23]. In 1858 neither Jean nor Andreas and his family have been located. The 1858 census did not have a control list and it is possible I missed them while viewing the 635 images. In 1861[24] Jean was with his son Andreas and his family.

Jean FABER died on 10 February 1864[25]. His son Andreas was the informant. Jean was survived by his three sons and fourteen grandchildren. As nothing is known of his daughter Anne Marie FABER I left her out of this count. She may have married and had children we do not know of, or she may have died young like her brother Michel.

Although most birth, marriage and death records for this family have been found, there are still questions which need to be answered. Genealogy is never done.

Sources:
[1] Luxembourg, registres paroissiaux, 1601-1948 (images), <i>FamilySearch</i> (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 289 of 373. 1784 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32421-8480-21?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL:1500890501,1500918030 : accessed 8 July 2015).
[2] Ibid., Diekirch > Baptêmes 1743-1790, confirmations 1768-1789 > image 325 of 373. 1787 Baptism Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32421-8957-8?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-ZNL:1500890501,1500918030 : accessed 7 July 2015).
[3] Luxembourg, Registres d’état civil, 1793-1923 (images), <i>FamilySearch</i> (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 832 of 1492. 1813 Marriage Record No. 6. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11618-99261-56?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2N2:1627336735 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[4] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 1141 of 1493. 1813 Birth Record No. 35. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11030-125930-69?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2N5:n983817566 : accessed 02 Apr 2013).
[5] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 1461 of 1492. 1841 Marriage Record No. 13. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11618-102229-19?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2N2:1627336735 : accessed 02 Apr 2013).
[6] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 970 of 1358. 1873 Death Record No. 27. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-165974-79?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2NH:n538876208 : accessed 01 Apr 2013).
[7] Ibid, Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 1227 of 1493. 1815 Birth Record No. 116. ((https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11030-124835-69?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-W38:129628901,130575701 : accessed 18 March 2010).
[8] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 1343 of 1493. 1819 Birth Record No. (not numbered). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11030-124164-95?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-W38:129628901,130575701 : accessed 18 March 2010).
[9] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 50 of 1358. 1828 Death Record No. 8. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-169843-75?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL:129628901,129628902 : accessed 17 August 2011).
[10] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 1464 of 1493. 1822 Birth Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11030-123681-65?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-W38:129628901,130575701 : accessed 18 March 2010).
[11] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 122 of 1493. 1848 Marriage Record No. 16. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-50270-3?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-929:129628901,129848701 : accessed 10 July 2015).
[12] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances, mariages, décès 1891-1894 > image 232 of 332. 1891 Death Record No. 19. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11693-105328-65?cc=1709358&wc=9RYH-3TY:129628901,129717601 : accessed 8 July 2015).
[13] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1823 > image 67 of 1507. 1825 Birth Record No. 63. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11681-34820-6?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-BZ9:129628901,130131601 : accessed 18 March 2010).
[14] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 254 of 1493. 1853 Marriage Record No. 24. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-50405-0?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-929:129628901,129848701 : accessed 11 July 2015).
[15] Ibid., Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 750 of 1358. 1866 Death Record No. 48. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-163826-82?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL:129628901,129628902 : accessed 8 July 2015).
[16] Luxembourg, Volkszählungen 1843-1900 (images), <i>FamilySearch</i> (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Diekirch > 1843 > image 190 of 444. Faber-Schenten household. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32349-23064-71?cc=2037957&wc=M5LR-MJ4:345999901,345863501 : accessed 7 July 2015).
[17] Ibid., Diekirch > 1846 > image 55 of 347. Faber-Schenten household. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32358-16200-25?cc=2037957&wc=M5LT-82R:345999901,345858602 : accessed 7 July 2015).
[18] Ibid., Diekirch > 1847 > image 449 of 506. Faber-Schenten household No. 428. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-32357-24586-35?cc=2037957&wc=M5LT-7MB:345999901,345864101 : accessed 8 July 2015).
[19] Ibid., Diekirch > 1849 > image 380 of 504. Faber-Schenten household. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-32357-25894-28?cc=2037957&wc=M5LT-44Q:345999901,345864801 : accessed 7 July 2015).
[20] Ibid., Diekirch > 1851 > image 391 of 601. Faber-Schenten household No. 435. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-32368-2762-72?cc=2037957&wc=M5LT-6Y3:345999901,345865601 : accessed 7 July 2015).
[21] Ibid., Diekirch > 1852 > image 494 of 551. Faber-Schenten household. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32371-9456-59?cc=2037957&wc=M5LY-Y4T:345999901,345865501 : accessed 8 July 2015).
[22] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 509 of 1358. 1855 Death Record No. 17. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-170383-71?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2NH:n538876208 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[23] Luxembourg Census, Diekirch > 1855 > image 259 of 534. Faber-Kneip household. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32378-30026-39?cc=2037957&wc=M5GM-K6Y:345999901,345866501 : accessed 24 March 2015).
[24] Ibid., Diekirch > 1861 > image 556 of 646. Faber-Kneip household No. 92. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32381-10574-79?cc=2037957&wc=M5LY-16P:345999901,345867101 : accessed 7 July 2015).
[25] Luxembourg Civil Records, Diekirch > Décès 1825-1890 > image 694 of 1358. 1864 Death Record No. 10. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12147-162865-71?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-2NL:129628901,129628902 : accessed 4 April 2013).

Genealogy Sketch

Name: Jean “Johann” FABER
Parents: Jacques FABER and Elisabeth WOLTER
Spouse: Maria Catharina “Margaretha” SCHENTEN
Parents of Spouse: Michel SCHENTEN and Catherine OVERECKEN
Whereabouts: Diekirch, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Relationship to Cathy Meder-Dempsey: husband’s 3rd great-grandfather

1. Jean “Johann” FABER
2. Johann “Jean” FABER
3. Elisabetha “Elisabeth” “Elise” FABER
4. Johann Peter “Jean-Pierre” MEDER
5. Marcel Mathias MEDER
6. husband of Cathy Meder-Dempsey

© 2015 Cathy Meder-Dempsey

This is my weekly entry for Amy Johnson Crow’s challenge:
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – 2015 Edition. It was so successful in 2014 that genealogists wanted to continue or join in on the fun in 2015. Be sure to check out the other great posts by visiting Amy’s blog No Story Too Small where she’ll be posting the weekly recap on Thurdays and allowing all participants to leave a link to their post(s) in the comments.

52 Ancestors: #27 The Sheep Herder’s Family

Week 27 (July 2-8) – Independent: This is the week for Independence Day! Which one fought for (or against) America’s independence? Or which of your ancestors was independent?

The REIFFER-CLOS Family

Théodore REIFFER, my husband’s 3rd great-grandfather, was born about 1771 in Gilsdorf in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.[1] His parents are at this time still unknown. His place of birth was listed on his death record. I suspect he was not born in Gilsdorf and it was an error made by his son-in-law who was the informant for this death. I will have to begin searching the towns around Gilsdorf (parish records were checked for this location and nothing found) and other places where he was known to have lived. This brick wall will have to wait for now as searching the browse only parish records is time consuming.

Théodore married Elisabeth CLOS. The religious marriage ceremony may have taken place around 1799, definitely before 1803, however I am still searching for a marriage record. As with Théodore’s birth/baptism I will have to come back to this at a later time.

Elisabeth CLOS, my husband’s 3rd great-grandmother, was born and baptized on 9 March 1774 in Körperich, Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Her parents were Michel CLOS (b. abt. 1747 d. 1775) and Elisabeth THEVES (b. abt. 1750). At her baptism, Elisabeth’s godparents were Elis. KLEIN from Körperich and Michael WINDANDY.[2] Elisabeth’s father Michel died on 20 December 1775.

While checking the information in the Körperich Family Book[2] on Elisabeth’s family I came upon entries for several REIFFERs which leads me to believe the “Théodore brick wall” may be solved using German records instead of those in Luxembourg. I have one ace up my sleeve. While on the field trip to Koblenz to visit the archives one of the other participants proudly showed his draft of the Family Book for Bastendorf, a town Théodore’s family lived in. He may have the information I need to open the door in this brick wall. Wish me luck!

The Children

1810 Birth Record No. 47 [6]

While searching for the birth record of Théodore and Elisabeth’s daughter Susanna, my husband’s 2nd great-grandmother, I found the birth of a son (above) who had not been included on Rob Deltgen’s site, the first place I look for clues in the greater Diekirch area.

These are the known children of Théodore and Elisabeth:

• Anne Marie born 4 February 1803 in Landscheid.[3]
• Johann or Jean born 17 May 1805 in Landscheid. His birth has been documented using his marriage record.[4]
• Susanna born on 6 April 1808 in Wahlhausen. Her birth has been documented using her marriage record.[5]
• Jean born 12 November 1810 in Wahlhausen.[6] No further trace of this child has been found.
• François born 19 June 1814[7] in Tandel and died 9 December 1819[8] in Tandel.

On all records found for Théodore he was seen as a sheep herder which may explains his moving around so much.

Whereabouts

Google map

The whereabouts of the family is a bit spotty. Elisabeth, the mother of the family, was born in Körperich. The entries in the Körperich Family Book for her family group do not continue into a new generation which suggests her widowed mother may have moved the family to another town and/or remarried. The place of marriage of Théodore and Elisabeth is unknown and not mentioned in the Körperich FB. They lived in Landscheid in 1803 and 1805. In 1808 and 1810 they were in Wahlhausen. In 1814 and 1819 they were in Tandel. By 1826 and 1828 they were in Fouhren when the first of their children married in 1826 and 1828. In 1829 Théodore and Elisabeth were in Bastendorf and in 1831 Théodore was in Gilsdorf.

Grandchildren

Their son Johann married Catharina EISEN on 30 October 1826.[9] The young couple’s first two daughters were born in Fouhren in 1827[10] and 1829.[11] Johann had the same occupation as his father which may be the reason for possible missing records for children during the time period from 1830-1834. The next child was born in Bastendorf in 1835[12] as were five more children between 1837-1847.[13][14][15][16][17] During this time the father’s occupation was day laborer. Johann may have given up on sheep herding when his father died in 1831.

Their daughter Anne Marie married Jean POTT on 16 December 1828.[18] This couple made their home in Gilsdorf where they had four children between 1830-1838.[19][20][21][22]

In 1829 Théodore and Elisabeth were living in Bastendorf. Théodore, a shepherd, reported the death of his wife Elisabeth in Bastendorf on 27 December 1829.[23] After her death Théodore may have gone to live with his eldest daughter in Gilsdorf or was visiting with her family when he died in 1831. His death on 7 May 1831 was reported by his son-in-law Jean POTT. Per the death record Théodore died in the town he was born in. As already noted, this is the only record found for his place of birth.[24]

Two years later in 1833 Susanna, the last of their living children, married Théodore MEDER on 31 January 1833 in Diekirch.[25] At the time of her marriage Susanna was living in Bastendorf. Susanna and her husband were the parents of a dozen children. From 1846 to 1855 Susanna’s husband, like her father, worked as a shepherd.

Was Théodore an Independent Man?

Did Théodore’s occupation make him independent man? As a sheep herder he did not live permanently in one place. His moving around from place to place did not make it easy to document his family. All records found show Théodore, his wife Elisabeth, and the three children who lived to marry could not write. I don’t believe this would be a hinderance as his occupation did not rely on his being literate.

Sources:
[1] Luxembourg, Registres d’état civil, 1793-1923 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Bettendorf > Mariages 1817-1890 Décès 1800-1859 > image 1109 of 1494. 1831 Death Record No. 23. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12456-41136-19?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2ZY:2071013250 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[2] Richard Schaffner, comp., Familienbuch der Pfarrei St. Hubertus Körperich in der Südeifel mit Körperich, Niedersgegen, Obersgegen, Gentingen, Roth an der Our, Seimerich und Scheuerhof (später Neuscheuerhof) 1689-1899 (2002), p. 73 family #319 and 320, p. 247 family #1153.
[3] Luxembourg, Registres d’état civil, 1793-1923 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Bastendorf > Naissances 1800-1823, 1798-1823, 1828-1890 Mariages 1778-1823 > image 193 of 1476. 1803 Birth Record No. 7 (15 Pluviôse XI). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12305-141568-21?cc=1709358&wc=9RYQ-MNL:129624201,129879301 : accessed 16 August 2011). Note: Mother’s maiden name seen as Claes.
[4] Ibid., Fouhren > Mariages 1820-1830 > image 84 of 167. 1826 Marriage Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11564-91346-10?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-YWL:129626001,129715601 : accessed 1 July 2015).
[5] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 1312 of 1492. 1833 Marriage Record No. 9. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11618-99298-93?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2N2:1627336735 : accessed 01 Apr 2013).
[6] Ibid., Hosingen > Naissances 1798-1822 > image 217 of 395. 1810 Birth Record No. 47. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12341-64341-70?cc=1709358&wc=9RYZ-4W5:129905301,130379001 : accessed 1 July 2015).
[7] Ibid., Diekirch > Tables décennales 1803-1892 Naissances, mariages, décès 1797-1800 Naissances 1800-1823 > image 1178 of 1493. 1814 Birth Record No. 53. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11030-124220-54?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-W38:129628901,130575701 : accessed 24 June 2015).
[8] Ibid., Diekirch > Mariages 1843-1890 Décès 1797-1824 > image 1388 of 1493. 1819 Birth Record, lower left. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12052-49804-34?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-929:129628901,129848701 : accessed 24 June 2015).
[9] Ibid., Fouhren > Mariages 1820-1830 > image 84 of 167. 1826 Marriage Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11564-91346-10?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-YWL:129626001,129715601 : accessed 1 July 2015).
[10] Ibid., Fouhren > Naissances 1798-1850 > image 182 of 325. 1827 Birth Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12160-34223-76?cc=1709358&wc=9RY3-RM9:129626001,129804701 : accessed 1 July 2015).
[11] Ibid., Fouhren > Naissances 1798-1850 > image 194 of 325. 1929 Birth Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12160-30445-88?cc=1709358&wc=9RY3-RM9:129626001,129804701 : accessed 1 July 2015).
[12] Ibid., Bastendorf > Naissances 1800-1823, 1798-1823, 1828-1890 Mariages 1778-1823 > image 421 of 1476. 1835 Birth Record No. 19. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12305-143702-49?cc=1709358&wc=9RYQ-MNL:129624201,129879301 : accessed 1 July 2015).
[13] Ibid., Bastendorf > Naissances 1800-1823, 1798-1823, 1828-1890 Mariages 1778-1823 > image 451 of 1476. 1837 Birth Record No. 36.(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12305-146834-2?cc=1709358&wc=9RYQ-MNL:129624201,129879301 : accessed 1 July 2015).
[14] Ibid., Bastendorf > Naissances 1800-1823, 1798-1823, 1828-1890 Mariages 1778-1823 > image 477 of 1476. 1839 Birth Record No. 26. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12305-141935-22?cc=1709358&wc=9RYQ-MNL:129624201,129879301 : accessed 1 July 2015).
[15] Ibid., Bastendorf > Naissances 1800-1823, 1798-1823, 1828-1890 Mariages 1778-1823 > image 498 of 1476. 1841 Death Record No. 9. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12305-144884-12?cc=1709358&wc=9RYQ-MNL:129624201,129879301 : accessed 1 July 2015).
[16] Ibid., Bastendorf > Naissances 1800-1823, 1798-1823, 1828-1890 Mariages 1778-1823 > image 524 of 1476. 1843 Birth Record No. 17. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12305-139652-13?cc=1709358&wc=9RYQ-MNL:129624201,129879301 : accessed 1 July 2015).
[17] Ibid., Bastendorf > Naissances 1800-1823, 1798-1823, 1828-1890 Mariages 1778-1823 > image 562 of 1476. 1846 Birth Record No. 4. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12305-143208-54?cc=1709358&wc=9RYQ-MNL:129624201,129879301 : accessed 1 July 2015).
[18] Ibid., Fouhren > Mariages 1820-1830 > image 110 of 167. 1828 Marriage Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11564-84810-84?cc=1709358&wc=9RYM-YWL:129626001,129715601 : accessed 1 July 2015).
[19] Ibid., Bettendorf > Naissances 1828-1890 Mariages 1800-1816 > image 46 of 1507. 1830 Birth Record No. 4. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-13200-6341-1?cc=1709358&wc=9RYD-FM9:129626601,129945501 : accessed 5 July 2015).
[20] Ibid., Bettendorf > Naissances 1828-1890 Mariages 1800-1816 > image 100 of 1507. 1832 Birth Record No. 40. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-13200-4194-92?cc=1709358&wc=9RYD-FM9:129626601,129945501 : accessed 5 July 2015).
[21] Ibid., Bettendorf > Naissances 1828-1890 Mariages 1800-1816 > image 150 of 1507. 1835 Birth Record No. 21. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-13200-4288-81?cc=1709358&wc=9RYD-FM9:129626601,129945501 : accessed 5 July 2015).
[22] Ibid., Bettendorf > Naissances 1828-1890 Mariages 1800-1816 > image 220 of 1507. 1838 Birth Record No. 43. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-13200-123-56?cc=1709358&wc=9RYD-FM9:129626601,129945501 : accessed 5 July 2015).
[23] Ibid., Bastendorf > Décès 1828-1862 > image 14 of 305. 1829 Death Record No. 19. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12394-256460-30?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2CM:n117549397 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[24] Ibid., Bettendorf > Mariages 1817-1890 Décès 1800-1859 > image 1109 of 1494. 1831 Death Record No. 23. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12456-41136-19?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2ZY:2071013250 : accessed 04 Apr 2013).
[25] Ibid., Diekirch > Naissances 1879-1890 Mariages 1796-1842 > image 1312 of 1492. 1833 Marriage Record No. 9. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11618-99298-93?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-2N2:1627336735 : accessed 01 Apr 2013).

Genealogy Sketch

Name: Théodore REIFFER
Parents: unknown
Spouse: Elisabeth CLOS
Parents of Spouse: Michel CLOS and Elisabeth THEVES
Whereabouts: Landscheid, Wahlhausen, Tandel, Fouhren, Bastendorf, Gilsdorf
Relationship to Cathy Meder-Dempsey: husband’s 3rd great-grandfather

1. Théodore REIFFER
2. Susanna REIFFER
3. Franz “François” MEDER
4. Johann Peter “Jean Pierre” MEDER
5. Marcel Mathias MEDER
6. husband of Cathy Meder-Dempsey

© 2015 Cathy Meder-Dempsey

This is my weekly entry for Amy Johnson Crow’s challenge:
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – 2015 Edition. It was so successful in 2014 that genealogists wanted to continue or join in on the fun in 2015. Be sure to check out the other great posts by visiting Amy’s blog No Story Too Small where she’ll be posting the weekly recap on Thurdays and allowing all participants to leave a link to their post(s) in the comments.

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