52 Ancestors: #33 Surprising Discovery Made While Researching the Schramen-Schmitt Family

Michael SCHRAMEN and Elisabetha SCHMITT were my 4th great-grandparents. They lived in Ferschweiler, a small village in the Eifel in Germany.

Elisabetha SCHMITT’s Parents and Siblings

Elisabetha’s mother Maria LORANG (1756-1818) was born in November 1756 in Berdorf, Duchy of Luxembourg.[1] Her father, Sebastian SCHMITT (1764-1825) was born on 7 December 1764 in Hoffmanns Backhaus in Schankweiler in the Eifel (present-day Germany).[2]

1766 census for the village of Schankweiler. The Schmitz can be seen under household #3.[3]

Sebastian was with his family in 1766 in Schankweiler (above). His father was a shepherd or berger. Four persons made up the family: father, mother, brother Hubert, and Sebastian.[3] Maria was found on the 1766 census in Berdorf with her family (below). The LORANG family was with a THILL couple and a young DEFRANG man. The men’s occupation was listed as plower or labourent.[4]

1766 census for the village of Berdorf in the parish of Consdorf. The Lorang family was in household #6.[4]

Elisabetha’s parents, Sebastian and Maria were married on 27 December 1784 in Echternach.[5] By this time Sebastian’s family had moved from Schankweiler and taken up residence in Ferschweiler where he would also set up his household with Maria. They were the parents of three known children: two daughters named Elisabetha born in 1786 and 1790 and a son Nikolaus born about 1791 and died at age 19 on 9 March 1810. [Note: the burial records from 1786-1790 need to be checked for a possible death of the first daughter named Elisabetha.]

Their second daughter Elisabetha was my 4th great-grandmother. The FB Ferschweiler (Familienbuch or family book) lists her birthday as 4 March 1790 in Ferschweiler and mentions her baptism on 9 April 1790. This is unusual for the time period when children were baptized the same day or at latest the next day. I wonder if the date of birth was recorded or transcribed incorrectly in the source used by the author/compiler of the family book. Her baptismal record clearly states she was born “on the ninth day of the fourth hour of the morning” and baptized the same day.[6]

1790 Baptismal Record for Elisabetha SCHMITT[6]

Michael SCHRAMEN’s Parents and Siblings

Michael’s father Matthias SCHRAMEN (1742-1809) was born and baptized on 10 March 1742 in  Ferschweiler.[7] His mother Anna Barbara LEIBRICH also known as BURG (1744-1810) was born and baptized on 21 May 1744 in Menningen.[8]

Mathias’ parents were using his mother’s maiden name SCHMIDT in 1766 when the first census was enumerated. Mathias was working as a weaver or tisserand at the time.[9] Anna Barbara was living with her mother in the household of her brother-in-law Guillaume MOSSAL. They were enumerated as BURG instead of LEIBRICH.[10]

Barbara, as she was more commonly known, was found in the FB Edingen. However, the proper connections were not made by the author/compiler of this family book. In fact, there was a glaring error in the book. A second marriage in 1771 for her mother born in 1704 to a 21 years old man already in my database. The marriage was unlikely due to his age and known births of children between 1773-1796 for this man and his wife born in 1750.

Further research to clear up the error led to an amazing discovery.

My husband and I are 8th cousins!

Barbara’s maternal grandparents (my 7th great-grandparents) were Mathias and Katharina FEILEN (FEYLEN). They are also my husband’s 7th great-grandparents. This is the first and only time I have found common ancestors for my husband and myself.

The road into Ferschweiler.

Barbara LEIBRICH and Matthias SCHRAMEN married on 11 January 1770 in Ferschweiler.[11] They were the parents of seven children all born in Ferschweiler: Katharina bp. 22 January 1771[12]; Johann bp. 5 December 1773[13]; Magdalena bp. 18 November 1776[14]; Margaretha bp. 31 March 1780[15]; Jakob bp. 11 July 1783[16]; Michael bp. 5 October 1786[17]; and Nikolaus bp. 4 October 1789.[18]

Matthias saw the marriage of his three oldest children and the death of his youngest before he passed away on 12 May 1809.[19] His widow Barbara followed a little over a year later on 26 September 1810.[19]

Michael and Elisabetha marry and have a family

Michael SCHRAMEN married Elisabetha SCHMITT on 27 November 1811 in Ferschweiler.[20] Michael whose parents were both deceased may have had siblings present while Elisabetha’s parents would have been consenting to the marriage. During the first thirteen years of their union, they became the parents of five children.

Ch 1: Catherine (1812-1869) born on 23 October 1812 and baptized the following day.[20]

Ch 2: Johann (1817-1894) born and baptized on 14 January 1817.[20]

Ch 3: Catharina (1820-1842) born 21 February 1820 and baptized the next day.[20]

Ch 4: Margaret (1821-1822) born and baptized on 7 November 1821. She died nearly a year later on 22 October 1822.[20]

Ch 5: Nicolaus (1824-1875) born and baptized on 31 October 1824.[20]

Elisabetha’s mother Maria LORANG died on 11 February 1818 a little over a year after the birth of the second SCHRAMEN child.[2] The maternal grandfather, Sebastian SCHMITT died after the birth of the last child, on 12 January 1825.[2] Both of these deaths took place in Ferschweiler.

Elisabetha’s husband Michael SCHRAMEN died on 20 September 1833 at the age of 46 years.[21] He left a widow and four children aged between 8 and 20.

Soon after Michael’s death, his oldest child turned 21 and planned to marry. Catherine SCHRAMEN married Nicolas WILDINGER (1798-1874) on 18 January 1834 in Ferschweiler in a civil ceremony and then on 21 January 1834 in a religious ceremony.[22] They were my 3rd great-grandparents.

Michael’s widow Elisabetha may have had her three unmarried children in her household for nearly a decade. Her second daughter Catharina married on 18 January 1842, after turning 21 years, to Johann MARX.[23] Her marriage took place on her sister Catherine’s 8th wedding anniversary. Both girl’s names were found to be Catharina on the German Births and Baptisms, 1558-1898 index[24], [25] and I am using Catherine for the oldest to keep them apart. Catharina gave birth to a son Theodor on 8 November 1842; she died less than two weeks later on 24 November 1842.[23]

During the next decade, Elisabetha’s two sons Johann and Nicolaus may have still lived at home and cared for their mother. Times were hard for most families in the area and many were emigrating to Luxembourg and America. Elisabeth’s youngest son Nicolaus was 27 years old and unmarried when he went to America in 1852 likely leaving her in the care of his older brother Johann.[21]

St. Lucia Catholic church in Ferschweiler

Johann, the only unmarried child of Michael and Elisabetha still in Germany, was 35 years old when he finally married. His brother Nicolaus’ departure may have been a deciding factor in his decision to marry. His bride Katharina ADAM was 29 years old when she married Johann on 15 November 1852 in Ernzen. The religious ceremony took place in St. Lucia Catholic church in Ferschweiler two days earlier.[26] Like his older sister Catherine, Johann named his first daughter Elisabetha after his mother.

Further research into census records, etc. needs to be performed to learn where the mother of this family lived. Elisabetha had two married children in the same town, two children were deceased, and her youngest was in America. Did she live with her son Johann following his marriage? Did he remain in the family home? Or did she go to live with daughter Catherine and son-in-law Nicolas WILDINGER? Elisabeth died at the age of 79 years on 20 May 1869 in Ferschweiler and was buried two days later.[21]

Elisabetha’s daughter Catherine died nearly six months later on 2 November 1869 at the age of 57 years and was buried two days later in Ferschweiler.[27]

The last living child of Michael SCHRAMEN and Elisabetha SCHMITT was their oldest son Johann. He died on 20 January 1894 in Ferschweiler at the age of 77 years.[26]

What became of the son who went to America?

Did Elisabetha, Catherine, and Johann know anything of the youngest son/sibling Nicolaus who went to America? Did they exchange letters? What became of him?

The compiler of the FB Ferschweiler cites Werner Lichter’s work on emigration for at least 5 persons from Ferschweiler who went to America on the ship Clotilde in 1852 including Nicolaus SCHRAMEN. The Clotilde left from Antwerp, Belgium around late May 1852 arriving at the port of New York on 3 June 1852. Nicolaus SCHRAMEN is said to have been on this ship. He likely traveled in steerage, similar to a cargo hold where many passengers were accommodated but with poor conditions. Steerage was the most common class of travel for immigrants.

While doing research on Nicolaus in US records I found there were two men of the same name and close in age. I contacted Aaron D., a great-great-grandson of Nicholas SCHROMEN of Dubuque County, Iowa. While trying to learn the parentage of his immigrant ancestor he had also looked into the other Nicholas SCHROMEN of Dupage County, Illinois, but did not know if there was a family relationship. Aaron had no proof of where in Germany his ancestor came from but had searched for the surname and found a concentration in the Ernzen/Ferschweiler area. He had not connected his Nicholas SCHRAMEN to my Michael SCHRAMEN and Elisabetha SCHMITT. I checked the FB Ferschweiler again and found Michael’s older brother Johann also had a son named Nicolaus born in 1819 and married to Katharina EWEN. His year of birth and the first name of his wife were a match for the man from, Illinois. Apparently, he did not remain in Ferschweiler as no children are listed nor is another family book referenced. It is a possibility the two men living in America were first cousins.

I believe Michael and Elisabetha’s Nicolaus was Nicholas SCHROMEN from Dubuque County, Iowa. He married Elizabeth GROSSBUSCH (1827-1896) on 28 February 1854 in Dubuque. The marriage record found by Aaron does not mention parents. Nicholas died on 13 January 1875 in Dubuque County, Iowa. The photo on FindAGrave for Nicholas’ grave marker is hard to decipher. What I can read is his date of birth was 1 Nov. The date found in the FB Ferschweiler was 31 October 1824. Aaron’s mother and my brother would be 3C2R – can this relationship be proven with their DNA?

Sources:
[1] Luxembourg, registres paroissiaux, 1601-1948 (images), FamilySearch< (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Consdorf > Baptêmes 1719-1782, confirmations 1738-1792, mariages 1726-1782, sépultures 1726-1781 > image 80 of 279. 1756 Baptismal Record, right page, last entry (continued on next page).(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32401-9185-30?cc=2037955 : 9 January 2015).
[2] Richard Schaffner, compiler, Familienbuch der Pfarrei Sancta Lucia Ferschweiler mit: Diesburgerhof (ab 1803) und L(a)eisenhof (ab1830) 1680-1899, PDF (Kordel, 1999), p. 282, Family #1316. Schmitt-Lorang.
[3] Luxembourg, Dénombrement, 1766 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Archives Générales du Royaume, Bruxelles), Film/DGS 1781975 > Film #008198977 > Decanat de Bittbourg v. 1 A-K > Schouweiler (sic, Schankweiler*) > Image 593 of 753. Household No. 3 with the Schmitz family. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLL-M761-F?i=592&cat=1184675 : accessed 13 October 2017). *Note: On image 594 the town is correctly named as Schanckwei…er (missing letters in the gutter).
[4] Ibid., Film/DGS 1781980 > Film # 008198978 > Decanat de Mersch v. 1 A-E > Berdorff (paroisse de Consdorff) > Image 260 of 618. Household Nr. 6 with Nicolas Thill and Nicola Lorange. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLL-993F-2?i=259&cat=1184675 : accessed 7 October 2017).
[5] Luxembourg Church Records, Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1779-1787 > image 212 of 319. 1784 Marriage Record, right page, 1st entry. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32401-7420-58?cc=2037955 : accessed 13 October 2015).
[6] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1788-1797 > image 71 of 331. 1790 Baptismal Record (left page, 2nd entry from bottom).(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32401-8920-61?cc=2037955 : 9 January 2015).
[7] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes 1638-1676, 1706-1760 > image 210 of 291. 1742 Baptismal Record, left page, 5th entry. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32401-2147-70?cc=2037955 : 9 January 2015).
[8] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes 1638-1676, 1706-1760 > image 221 of 291. 1744 Baptismal Record, right page, 3rd entry from bottom. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-9S3R?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-SP1%3A1500937901%2C1500973966 : accessed 15 November 2016).
[9] Luxembourg 1766 Census, Film/DGS 1781975 > Film # 008198977 > Decanat de Bittbourg v. 1 A-K > Feischveiler > Image 251 of 753. Household No. 6 for SCHMIDT family instead of SCHRAMEN.
(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLL-M7DV-F?i=250&cat=1184675 : accessed 13 October 2017).
[10] Ibid., Film/DGS 1781975 > Film # 008198977 > Decanat de Bittbourg v. 1 A-K > Feischveiler > Image 263 of 753. Household No. 3 with the Mossal family
(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLL-M7DJ-R?i=262&cat=1184675 : accessed 13 October 2017).
[11] Luxembourg Church Records, Echternach > Mariages, décès 1706-1778 > image 156 of 293. 1770 Marriage Record, right page, 2nd entry from bottom. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-32399-12088-47?cc=2037955 : 9 January 2015).
[12] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes 1761-1797 > image 51 of 131. 1771 Baptismal Record (right page, 2nd to last entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G971-1XZG?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-PY3%3A1500937901%2C1501065634 : accessed 12 October 2017).
[13] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes 1761-1797 > image 66 of 131. 1773 Baptismal Record (left page, 3rd entry from bottom). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G971-1X7L?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-PY3%3A1500937901%2C1501065634 : accessed 12 October 2017).
[14] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes 1761-1797 > image 80 of 131. 1776 Baptismal Record (right page, 4th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-8971-1XHY?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-PY3%3A1500937901%2C1501065634 : accessed 12 October 2017).
[15] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1779-1783 > image 48 of 177. 1780 Baptismal Record (bottom left, top right). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-M6QF?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-YWT%3A1500937901%2C1500939202 : accessed 12 October 2017).
[16] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1779-1783 > image 153 of 177. 1783 Baptismal Record (left, 3rd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9WM-MD57?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-YWT%3A1500937901%2C1500939202 : accessed 12 October 2017).
[17] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1784-1788 > image 92 of 172. 1786 Baptismal Record, left page, last entry. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-32400-11183-3?cc=2037955 : 9 January 2015).
[18] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1789-1793 > image 13 of 132. 1789 Baptismal Record (left, 2nd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-MXSB?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-YW1%3A1500937901%2C1500983996 : accessed 12 October 2017).
[19] FB Ferschweiler, p. 294-295, Family #1376. Schramen-Leibig.
[20] Germany Marriages, 1558-1929 / Deutschland, Heiraten, 1558-1929, (index), FamilySearch, FHL microfilm 463,565. Michel Schromen and Elisabetha Schmit, married 27 Nov 1811 in Sankt Lucia Katholisch, Ferschweiler, Rheinland, Prussia. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JH8N-PP5 : accessed 11 October 2017).
[21] FB Ferschweiler, p. 295, Family #1378. Schramen-Schmitt.
[22] Germany Marriages, FHL microfilm 463,565. Nicolaus Wildinger and Catharina Schromen, married 21 Jan 1834 in Sankt Lucia Katholisch, Ferschweiler, Rheinland, Prussia. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JH8N-53L : 26 December 2014).
[23] FB Ferschweiler, p. 184, Family #847. Marx-Schramen.
[24] Germany Births and Baptisms, 1558-1898 / Deutschland Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898, (index), <i>FamilySearch</i>, FHL microfilm 463,565. Catharina Schromen, female, christened 24 Oct 1812 in Sankt Lucia Kathlisch, Ferschweiler, Rheinland, Prussia; father Michaelis Schromen; mother Elisabetha Schmit. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NDZ1-8MK : accessed 11 October 2017).
[25] Ibid., FHL microfilm 463,565. Catharina Schromen, female, christened 22 Feb 1820 in Sankt Lucia Katholisch, Ferschweiler, Rheinland, Prussia; father Michaelis Schromen; mother Elisabetha Schmit. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NDZ1-8MG : accessed 11 October 2017),.
[26] FB Ferschweiler, p. 294, Family #1374. Schramen-Adam.
[27] Ibid., p. 349, Family #1625. Wildinger-Schramen.

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

52 Ancestors: #15 Clemens-Weber Family of Steinheim, Luxembourg

Joannes CLEMENS (1750-1827) and Susanna WEBER (1750-1825) were my children’s 5th great-grandparents. Their research took me to villages I had not yet researched but I wasn’t surprised they had me searching through the parish records of the town I live in. The parish registers of baptisms, marriages, and burials for Echternach (blue cross) date from 1637 to 1797 and include the villages of Bech, Osweiler, and Steinheim (all in Luxembourg) and Ernzen, Ferschweiler, Irrel, Menningen, and Minden (all in Rhineland, Germany) (ruby icons).

Minden and Steinheim

Johannes Bertelius [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Minden lies at the confluence of the Nims, a tributary of the Prüm, and the Sauer on the German side. The village was formerly attached to Echternach, but since the abbey was abolished it now belongs to the Edingen parish. Across the Sauer on the Luxembourg side lies the village of Steinheim (Steenem in Luxembourgish). It was also attached to Echternach and today belongs to the commune of Rosport. In a document from the 7th century, the place was called “Staneheim.” In earlier times quality stone was quarried there. In the Trierischen Chronik in 1822 Court of Appeals judge Müller tried to prove the stones used for the construction of the Roman baths near the monastery of St. Barbara in Trier, which had been uncovered that year, originated from Steinheim.

Susanna WEBER aka Susanna FEILEN

Susanna was baptized on 10 January 1750 in Minden.[1] She was the daughter of Matthias WEBER and Anna Margaretha FEILEN who married on 19 November 1748 in Echternach.[2] She was Matthias’ first born but not Anna Margaretha’s. Her mother was previously married in 1745[3], had a son in 1747[4], and was widowed in January 1748[5]. Ten months later she married Matthias.

Susanna had five known full siblings, all baptized in Minden where they were born: Maria on 14 September 1752, Peter on 2 August 1755, Maria on 9 May 1758, Johann on 14 December 1760, and Matthias on 13 April 1763[6]

Susanna WEBER married Joannes CLEMENT on 20 November 1771 in Steinheim.[7] If you take a close look at the marriage entry in the church records, you may ask, can this be the correct record?

In prasentia Petri Saubert ex Birckelt et Matthia Feilen ex Minheim R.D. Lucius Solemniza vit nomine meo in Stienheim matrimonium inter honestos adolescentes Joem filium gegitimum Danielis Clement ex Steinheim et Susanna filiam legitimam Matthias Feilen ex Minheim.

In the presence of Petri Saubert from Birckelt and Matthias Feilen from Minheim, R.D. Lucius solemnized a marriage in Steinheim between the respectable young Joem, legitimate son of Danielis Clement from Steinheim, and Susanna, the legitimate daughter of Matthias Feilen from Minheim. 

Susanna and her father Matthias were seen with the surname FEILEN, her mother’s maiden name, on the marriage record. This was not unusual as men and their families were at times known by their wives’ surname if they were living and/or working in the woman’s family home and/or business.

Joannes CLEMENS aka Joannes CLEMENT

Joannes “Jean” CLEMENT (1750-1827) was born about 1750 in Steinheim. No baptismal record has been found. The estimated year and place were taken from his death record.[8] He was seen as the son of Daniel CLEMENT on his marriage record (above). A woman named Elisabetha, wife of Daniel CLEMENT, died on 6 November 1777[9] and a man named Daniel CLEMENT died on 29 June 1778[10], both in Steinheim. These are believed to have been Joannes’ parents.

Over the years entries were found for Joannes with his surname spelled CLEMENT and CLEMEN. By the time he died his surname spelling had changed to CLEMENS.

Susanna and Joannis’ Children

Susanna and Joannes were the parents of eight children. When their first child was born in 1773 the mother’s maiden name was seen in the parish register as FEILEN. Later, at the time of the baptisms of their next seven children, she was seen with her father’s surname, WEBER.

1. Elisabeth was baptized on 22 September 1773 in Steinheim; the godparents were Matthias Weber of Minden and Elisabeth Clement of Steinheim. Her godparents were likely her paternal grandmother and her maternal grandfather.[11]
2. Lucia was baptized on 9 December 1775 in Steinheim; the godparents were Peter Sauber of Steinheim and Lucia Diemer of Ernzen. Lucia Diemer was the wife of Johann Feilen, the brother of the maternal grandmother.[12]
3. Anna was baptized on 17 March 1780 in Steinheim; the godparents were Mathias Sauber and Anna Maria Hemsthal, both of Steinheim.[13]

Following the births of the first three children and before Susanna became pregnant with her fourth child, two of her daughters died. Lucia on 19 August 1781[14] and Anna Maria in 1782.[15]

4. Pierre was baptized on 12 March 1783 in Steinheim; the godparents were Peter Kayser of Berdorf and Margaretha Feilen of Minden.[16]
5. Johann was baptized on 9 February 1786 in Steinheim; the godparents were Johann Peters of Bollendorf and Maria Catharina Grupper of Steinheim.[17]

The family was now made up of one daughter and two sons. Their oldest child, daughter Elisabeth died on 11 May 1787.[18] It was about this time the family name spelling changed from CLEMENT to CLEMEN likely due to a change in the person who was in charge of making entries in the parish records (clearly seen in the change in handwriting).

6. Hubert was baptized on 8 July 1788 in Steinheim; the godparents were Hubert Helfen of Kirsch and Anna Maria Goeden of Steinheim.[19]
7. Anna was baptized on 20 February 1792 in Steinheim; the godparents were Christian Schneider of Minden and Anna Maria Grupper of Steinheim.[20] She lived only two days.[21]
8. Elisabetha was baptized on 30 October 1796 in Steinheim; the godparents were Johann Feilen of Minden and Elisabeth Wagner of Steinheim.[22]

The youngest of Susanna and Joannes’ children was my children’s 4th great-grandmother.

Genealogy Sketch

Name: Joannes CLEMENS
Parents: Daniel CLEMENS and Elisabetha
Name of spouse: Susanna WEBER
Parents of spouse: Matthias WEBER and Anna Margaretha FEILEN
Whereabouts: Steinheim, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Relationship to Cathy Meder-Dempsey: children’s 5th great-grandfather

1. Joannes CLEMENS and Susanna WEBER
2. Elisabetha CLEMENS
3. Catharina SCHERFF
4. Margaretha GORGES
5. Catharina “Catherine” “Ketty” “Ged” SCHWARTZ
6. Marcel Mathias MEDER
7. Cathy’s husband
8. Cathy’s children

The children begin to marry

The first of Susanna and Joannes’ children to marry was Pierre who married Marguerite KOENIG on 9 January 1809 in Rosport.[23] Pierre’s brother Johann must have met Marguerite’s sister following their marriage as Johann married Anna Maria KOENIG six years later, on 17 January 1815 in Rosport.[24]

By 1815 four of the eight children born to Susanna were deceased and two were married leaving only Hubert (27) and Elisabetha (19) at home. The family surname was now spelled CLEMENS in most records. Ten years later Susanna WEBER died on 4 March 1725 in Steinheim at the age of 75.[25] She left her husband Joannes (75), son Hubert (37), and daughter Elisabetha (28).

Nearly two years later Elisabetha at the age of 30 married the 34 years old Michel SCHERFF (1792-1865) on 12 February 1827 in Born.[26] Elisabetha and Michel’s story can be read here.

Joannes CLEMENS died on 25 September 1827 in Steinheim at the age of 77.[8] Three of his children were married. It is not known what became of his fourth child, Hubert who was not located in the marriage or death records of the commune of Rosport. Did he go off to work in another village or town in Luxembourg; in France, Germany, or Belgium; or did he emigrate to one of the Americas? Or do I really need to go back and check the parish records for deaths from the time of his birth in 1788 until 1797 (end of available church records online)?

Joannes and Susanna’s sons Pierre and Johann did not live to the ripe age of their parents. They died only a few years after their father, Pierre on 27 February 1830[27] at the age of 46 and Johann on 6 March 1831[28] at the age of 45.

The only known living child of Susanna and Joannes was their youngest, Elisabeth. She outlived her siblings by forty years, dying on 17 June 1870 at the age of 73.[29] She did not live quite as long as her parents but came close to their 75 and 77 years.

This post brings me halfway through my children’s paternal 5th great-grandparents.

Sources:
[1] Luxembourg, registres paroissiaux, 1601-1948 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Echternach > Baptêmes 1638-1676, 1706-1760 > image 245 of 291. 1750 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-32401-1757-49?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-SP1:1500937901,1500973966 : accessed 13 August 2015).
[2] Ibid., Echternach > Mariages, décès 1706-1778 > image 100 of 293. 1748 Religious Marriage Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32399-12628-34?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-PYM:1500937901,1501028848 : accessed 13 August 2015).
[3] Ibid., Echternach > Mariages, décès 1706-1778 > image 92 of 293. 1745 Marriage Record (left page, 4th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L971-1X3T?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-PYM%3A1500937901%2C1501028848 : 9 January 2015).
[4] Bodo Bölkow and Richard Schaffner, Familienbuch 2 der Pfarrei St. Lambertus Edingen an der Sauer Daten bis 1798 aus den Kirchenbüchern der Pfarrei Echternach (damals für Minden und Menningen zuständig) mit Edingerberg, Minden u. Menningen 1680-1899 Edingen selbst ab 1705 (2000), page 196, family nr. 822. Roths-Feilen family group.
[5] Luxembourg Church Records, Echternach > Mariages, décès 1706-1778 > image 234 of 293. 1748 Death Record (left page, 8th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-8971-169B?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-PYM%3A1500937901%2C1501028848 : 9 January 2015).
[6] Bölkow and Schaffner, FB Edingen, page 196, family nr. 822. Roths-Feilen family group.
[7] Luxembourg Church Records, Echternach > Mariages, décès 1706-1778  > image 160 of 293. 1771 Marriage Record (right page, 5th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L971-16P2?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-PYM%3A1500937901%2C1501028848 : 9 January 2015).
[8] Luxembourg, Registres d’état civil, 1662-1941 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Rosport > Naissances 1889-1890 Mariages 1797-1890 Décès 1797-1853 > image 1110 of 1410. 1827 Death Record No. 26. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11613-14127-96?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-L6L:n1038283664 : accessed 5 Apr 2010).
[9] Luxembourg Church Records, Echternach > Mariages, décès 1706-1778  > image 282 of 293. 1777 Death Record (left page, 3rd entry from bottom).(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L971-1XGK?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-PYM%3A1500937901%2C1501028848 : 9 January 2015).
[10] Ibid., Echternach > Mariages, décès 1706-1778 > image 283 of 293. 1778 Death Record (left page, 3rd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-9971-1XGM?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-PYM%3A1500937901%2C1501028848 : 9 January 2015).
[11] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes 1761-1797 > image 65 of 131. 1773 Baptismal Record ( left page, 8th entry).  (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-8971-1X7D?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-PY3%3A1500937901%2C1501065634 : 9 January 2015).
[12] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes 1761-1797 > image 76 of 131. 1775 Baptismal Record (left page, 8th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-8971-1XQL?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-PY3%3A1500937901%2C1501065634 : 9 January 2015).
[13] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1779-1787 > image 45 of 319. 1780 Baptismal Record (left page). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-9HGX?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-FM4%3A1500937901%2C1501004260 : 9 January 2015).
[14] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1779-1783 > image 104 of 177. 1781 Death Record (right page, 8th entry). “Luxembourg registres paroissiaux, 1601-1948,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-MD5X?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-YWT%3A1500937901%2C1500939202 : 9 January 2015).
[15] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1779-1783 > image 139 of 177. 1782 Death Record (left page, 7th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-MDR3?cc=2037955&wc=STHC-YWT%3A1500937901%2C1500939202 : 9 January 2015).
[16] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1779-1787 > image 149 of 319. 1783 Baptismal Record (right page, last entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-94RR?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-FM4%3A1500937901%2C1501004260 : 9 January 2015).
[17] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1779-1787 > image 260 of 319. 1786 Baptismal Record (right page, top).  (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WM-942J?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-FM4%3A1500937901%2C1501004260 : 9 January 2015).
[18] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1779-1787 > image 317 of 319. 1787 Death Record (left page, 1st entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-94GG?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-FM4%3A1500937901%2C1501004260 : 9 January 2015).
[19] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1788-1797 > image 12 of 331. 1788 Baptismal Record (right page, 3rd entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WM-94RR?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-4W5%3A1500937901%2C1500937902 : 9 January 2015).
[20] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1788-1797 > image 131 of 331. 1792 Baptismal Record (left page, first entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-9CH5?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-4W5%3A1500937901%2C1500937902 : 9 January 2015).
[21] Ibid., Echternach > Baptêmes, mariages, décès 1788-1797 > image 145 of 331. 1792 Death Record (left page, 7th entry). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WM-9C8Q?cc=2037955&wc=STHZ-4W5%3A1500937901%2C1500937902 : 9 January 2015).
[22] Luxembourg Civil Records, Echternach > Tables décennales 1823-1892 Registres paroissiaux 1779-1797 Naissances 1796-1808 > image 936 of 1446. 1796 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11573-69388-66?cc=1709358&wc=9RY9-3TL:129623201,130776701 : accessed 10 August 2015).
[23] Ibid., Rosport > Naissances 1889-1890 Mariages 1797-1890 Décès 1797-1853 > image 110 of 1410. 1809 Marriage Record No. 1 (part 1). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11613-16270-46?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-3TL:130314401,130555301 : accessed 13 August 2015).
[24] Ibid., Rosport > Naissances 1889-1890 Mariages 1797-1890 Décès 1797-1853 > image 146 of 1410. 1815 Marriage Record No. 2. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11613-8390-85?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-3TL:130314401,130555301 : accessed 13 August 2015).
[25] Ibid., Rosport > Naissances 1889-1890 Mariages 1797-1890 Décès 1797-1853 > image 1085 of 1410. 1825 Death Record No. 5. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11613-8498-12?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-L6L:n1038283664 : accessed 5 April 2010).
[26] Ibid., Mompach > Naissances 1834-1890 Mariages 1797-1814, 1796-1809, 1799-1830 > image 1061 of 1393. 1827 Marriage Record No. 2.  (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12131-134204-2?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-LHS:2047330937 : accessed 7 Apr 2010).
[27] Ibid., Rosport > Naissances 1889-1890 Mariages 1797-1890 Décès 1797-1853 > image 1134 of 1410. 1830 Death Record No. 6. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DY34-JJ?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-3TL%3A130314401%2C130555301 : accessed  14 April 2017).
[28] Ibid., Rosport > Naissances 1889-1890 Mariages 1797-1890 Décès 1797-1853 > image 1143 of 1410. 1831 Death Record No. 8. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DY36-8J?cc=1709358&wc=9RY4-3TL%3A130314401%2C130555301 : accessed 14 April 2017).
[29] Ibid., Mompach > Mariages 1831-1890 Décès 1796-1814, 1799-1830, 1799-1880 > image 1393 of 1480. 1870 Death Record No. 13. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12874-16490-66?cc=1709358&wc=9RYW-MNL:130097801,130138901 : accessed 9 August 2015).

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

52 Ancestors: #33 SCHERFF-CLEMENS, A Family Dependent on Each Other

Week 33 (August 13-19) – Defective, Dependent, & Delinquent: In 1880, there was a special census schedule for “Defective, Dependent, and Delinquent Classes” — the blind, deaf, paupers, homeless children, prisoners, insane, and idiotic. Do you have someone in your family tree who would have been classified as such? (To learn more about the special 1880 schedule, see my post, “Do You Have a Defective Ancestor?“)

A Researcher’s Wish List

As soon as I read Amy’s post, Do You Have a Defective Ancestor? I knew wanted to search for two of my 4th great-grand uncles, John G. “Jehu” (deaf & dumb) and Jubal (idiot) SUMNER. Although I have my own little trick to access FREE census records these schedules are only available on Ancestry.com with a subscription. The Research Manager in my genealogy program is going to come in handy when I decide to subscribe again. In the meantime….

Imagine what your research would be like if the census had been taken every 3 or so years instead of once a decade. What would you wish for on the census to make your research easier? Maiden names? Birthdates? The name of the town instead of the state for the birthplace? Religious affiliation? The whereabouts of a missing household member? Signature of the head of household? Wish no more if you are one of the lucky ones to have ancestors in Luxembourg. Thanks to FamilySearch these census records are FREE although browse only.

House Name (Maison dite)

Along with the above research helpers the Luxembourg census also included the house name (maison dite). In Luxembourg the homes of long established families were known by their surname or their occupation. The SCHERFF-CLEMENS family lived in a house called Steimetz or Steimes in 1855, 1858, 1861, 1864, 1867, 1875, and 1880. [see census discussion below] Steimetz is an occupation, i.e. stone mason, and a surname. In later years, on the census, the street where the family lived, Duerfstrooss, was listed instead of the house name. I’m certain the SCHERFF-CLEMENS family was living in the ancestral home of the paternal grandmother’s family since she was a STEIMETZ.

The Father

Michel SCHERFF (1792-1865) was born and baptized on 2 July 1792 in Born. His parents were Joannes SCHERFF (1754-1805) and Maria STEIMETZ (1763-1833).[1]

1792 Baptismal Record for Joannes Scherff [1]

Michel’s godparents were Michael BRAUN from Givenich and Catharina STEIMETZ, his mother’s sister, from Born. His father Joannes and his godmother Catharina signed the baptismal record with a mark (Hand X zeichen) while his godfather Michael BRAUN had a very strong signature. (above)

Michel, the oldest of four known children, was only 12 1/2 years old when his father Joannes SCHERFF died on 20 January 1805 in Born. (see next image for 2nd part)

The Mother

Elisabetha CLEMENS (1796-1870) was born and baptized on 30 October 1796 in Steinheim. She was the daughter of Suzanna “Susanne” WEBER (1750-1825) and Joannes “Jean” CLEMENS (1750-1827).[2], [3], [4] An extract of her baptismal record was obtained as evidence of her birth when she married in 1827.

1827 Extract of 1796 Baptimal Record of Elisabetha Clemens (part 1)[2]

1827 Extract of 1796 Baptimal Record of Elisabetha Clemens (part 2)[3]

This extract of the baptismal record led me to the original church record.[4] (below)

Original 1796 Baptismal Record for Elisabetha Clemens [4]

Her godparents were Joannes FEYLEN of Minheim (today known as Minden in Germany) and Elisabetha WAGENER of Steinheim. It’s important to pay attention to the godparents. The mother Susanne was from Minden and I wondered if Joannes FEYLEN could be a relative. I hadn’t researched Susanne’s parentage. Sometimes you have to go with the flow and check out these things. I won’t go into how I pulled this ancestor out of the hat but it turns out Susanne’s mother was a FEILEN per her 10 January 1750 baptismal record (right page, 2nd entry under 1750). The relationship to Joannes FEYLEN will have to wait for later.

Elisabetha’s mother Susanne WEBER died 4 March 1825 in Steinheim at the age of 65 years.[5] Her father Jean CLEMENS died 25 September 1827 in Steinheim also at the age of 65 years.[6] His birth/baptismal record has not been located to confirm his age at time of death.

The Marriage

Michel SCHERFF married Elisabetha CLEMENS on 12 February 1827 in Born.[7] Michel was 33 and Elisabetha was 30 years old. Michel’s mother Maria STEIMETZ and Elisabeth’s father Joannes CLEMENS were present and consented to the marriage. The bride and the mother of the groom were unable to right and made their mark (Hand X zeichen). The four witnesses were all from Born and possibly distantly related to the groom. The handwriting on the marriage record is faint and difficult to read. As the marriage took place in Born the bride Elisabetha, who was from Steinheim, had to produce a record of her birth and her mother’s death. These extracts were found at the end of the marriage records for 1827. The supporting documentation helped decipher the faint handwriting on the marriage record.

Signatures of the groom, father of the bride, four witnesses, civil servant, and the marks of the bride and mother of the groom.[7]

The Children

As seen in the marriage record Michel and Elisabetha were not a young couple when they married. Their first child was born 14 months after the marriage, the second followed 5 years later, and their third and last 16 months later. Elisabetha was 5 days short of her 40th birthday when she gave birth to her last child and only daughter Catharina.

1. Johann SCHERFF born 8 Apr 1828 in Born.[8] He married Margaretha GOTTONG (1830-1903) on 27 Jan 1858 in Mompach.[9] Johann died 7 Dec 1901 in Born.[10]
2. Peter SCHERFF born 24 Jun 1833 in Born.[11] He married Catharina WEYLAND (1839-1912) on 5 Feb 1862 in Mompach.[12] Peter died 18 Mar 1912 in Born.[13]
3. Catharina SCHERFF born 25 Oct 1836 in Born.[14] She married Johann GORGES (1838-1913) on 14 Jan 1868 in Mompach.[15] Catharina died 2 Nov 1908 in Born.[16]

The Census

On 22 December 1843 the SCHERFF-CLEMENS family was enumerated in Born. The surname was spelled Schärff instead of Scherff. The birthdates are not all exact matches. Michel was working as a garde champêtre or rural guard (forest ranger, game warden). The children were all living at home and between the ages of 15 and 7.[17]

1843 Luxembourg Census

On 3 December 1846 the birthdates were once again included. The surname was spelled correctly. Michel was now working as a day laborer, Elisabetha was taking care of the household and three children.[18]

1846 Luxembourg Census

On 31 Dec 1847 the SCHERFF-CLEMENS household remained unchanged. The census form was in German and French and included a column with the length of time a person had been living in the community. Michel and the children had been living there since birth. Elisabetha had been living in Born for 20 years, since her marriage in 1827. Michel’s occupation was once again garde champêtre.[19]

1847 Luxembourg Census

In Dec 1849 the person who enumerated the census added the German translation of the headers for columns 2, 3, and 4. The SCHERFF-CLEMENS household remained the same. Michel’s occupation is illegible to me while the sons worked as day laborers. His wife Elisabetha and their daughter Catharina did not work outside of the home.[20]

1849 Luxembourg Census

On 31 Dec 1851 when the census was taken the information requested was the same as in 1847 – including the length of residence. As on all the census forms, for the place of birth the town was listed and if a person was a foreigner his country of origin was to be included. Although the sons were 24 and 18 they were still living at home and listed as not working. Michel was now the town crier/messenger (Gemeindebote).[21]

1851 Luxembourg Census

The census taken on 4 Dec 1852 gives very little information compared to the previous census. Missing in the SCHERFF-CLEMENS household is the younger son Peter. I cannot decipher Michel’s occupation but believe it may be another term (perhaps French) for Gemeindebote.[22]

1852 Luxembourg Census

On 3 Dec 1855 the SCHERFF-CLEMENS family is seen living in a house called Steimetz. Son Peter is back home. Michel is seen as a day laborer and most likely his sons are working with him. This census was signed Michel Scherff. Why is his signature on the census sheet? I had a look at several households before and after this one and came to this conclusion: Michel SCHERFF was the enumerator![23]

1855 Luxembourg Census

On 3 Dec 1858 the SCHERFF-CLEMENS family, living in a house called Steimetz, had a new member in the family. Their oldest son Jean married Margaretha GOTTONG in January of the same year and the newlyweds were living with his parents and siblings. Michel’s occupation is the same as it was in 1852 but I still cannot decipher the word. The enumerator for the census was once again Michel SCHERFF and his son Jean SCHERFF signed instead of the head of household.[24]

1858 Luxembourg Census

On 3 Dec 1861 the home of the SCHERFF-CLEMENS family was still known as Steimetz. Michel was 70 years and 2 months and still working as the town crier, his wife Elisabetha was 68 years and 6 months, his son Peter was 27 years and 6 months and worked as a stone mason (Steinmetzer), and their daughter Catharina was 25 years and 3 months and did not work.[25] Their son Jean, his wife, and their second son (their first died at 7 weeks) had moved out of the family home however the census page found for them indicated they also lived in the house named Steinmetz.[26] Jean SCHERFF was the enumerator of the 1861 census for Born, his father signed this page and the page found for Jean was signed by his wife Margaretha GOTTONG.

1861 Luxembourg Census

The census taken on 3 Dec 1864 shows two families living in the Steimens house. Michel, Elisabetha, Catharina and her illegitimate son Jean are one family. Son Jean, his wife Margaretha, and their daughter Catharina are the second family.[27] Son Peter was also married with two children. His home was called beim Steimens Pit, meaning “at Peter Steimens’ ” or “at Peter Steimetz’s.”[28] Not only were houses known by the name of a family or their ocupation, a person could also be known by the name of his house or his occupation. So Peter SCHERFF, the grandson of Maria STEIMETZ, was known by his father’s mother’s maiden name Steimetz OR by his occupation which was Steinhauer on the 1864 census or Steinmetz.

1864 Luxembourg Census

On 2 January 1865, a month after the above census sheet was filled out, Michel died in his home at 0ne o’clock in the morning.[29]

On 3 December 1867 his widow Elisabetha CLEMENS was living in the Steimetz house. She was 75 years old and working as a day laborer. With her in the household were her grandson Jean and her daughter Catharina. Elisabetha, seen as Elise, could not write and her son Jean SCHERFF signed for her.[30]

1867 Luxembourg Census

The 1867 census was the last before Elisabetha’s death on 17 June 1870 in Born.[31]

Her oldest son Jean and her daughter Catharina continued to be enumerated in the house called Steimetz in 1875[32], [33] and 1880[34], [35]. They were listed separately which may indicate the homeplace was large enough for two families to live as two households.

Dependent

What did I learn from this census study? Michel and Elisabetha and their three children Johann, Peter, and Catharina had to be a close-knit family. They lived together in the Steimetz family home even after the children married and started their own families. They depended on each other. Although I haven’t seen the pre-1843 census records, I can imagine Michel’s mother Maria STEIMETZ must have lived with them, or they with her, in the Steimetz home until her death in 1833.

It is my firm belief the Steimetz family home was a multigenerational home for the STEIMETZ and later the SCHERFF families. The family’s welfare was dependent on each member of the family. When Maria was still living she most likely helped care for her grandchildren while her son and daughter-in-law cared for her. This dependence on  family members continued as the next generation joined the family.

The Grandchildren

The three children of Michel and Elisabetha gave them 23 grandchildren – all born in the little village named Born. Michel lived to see the first six although two pre-deceased him. Elisabetha lived to see the first eleven, nine were living when she died.

G.Ch 1: Peter SCHERFF (Johann) born 9 Apr 1859 in Born and died 27 May 1859 in Born.
G.Ch 2: Peter SCHERFF (Johann) born 2 Sep 1860 in Born and died 19 Jan 1863 in Born.
G.Ch 3: Johann (the elder) GORGES (Catharina) born 30 Jan 1862 in Born. He married Barbara BECHTHOLD (1864- ) before 1885.
G.Ch 4: Jacob SCHERFF (Peter) born 24 Dec 1862 in Born and died 14 Nov 1941 in Dudelange. He married Anne LANG (1857-1924) on 5 Feb 1887 in Dudelange.
G.Ch 5: Catharina SCHERFF (Peter) born 26 Feb 1864 in Born.
G.Ch 6: Catharina SCHERFF (Johann) born 13 May 1864 in Born and died 4 Jul 1898 in Born.
G.Ch 7: Dorothea SCHERFF (Peter) born 6 May 1866 in Born and died 17 Jun 1932 in Beaufort.
G.Ch 8: Peter SCHERFF (Johann) born 22 Jul 1866 in Born and died 19 Jul 1875 in Born.
G.Ch 9: Margaretha GORGES (Catharina) born 27 Jul 1868 in Born and 23 Oct 1938 in Osaweiler. She married Johannes “Johann” “Jean” SCHWARTZ (1866-1920) on 24 Aug 1891 in Rosport.
G.Ch 10: Johann SCHERFF (Peter) born 18 Mar 1870 in Born and died 15 Sep 1921 in Born. He married Anna BIERCHEN (1880-1965) on 21 May 1902 Mompach.
G.Ch 11: Maria GORGES (Catharina) born 4 Jun 1870 in Born and 30 Jun 1921 in Born. She married Mathias LEMMER (1878- ) on 30 Dec 1906 in Mompach.
G.Ch 12: Elisabeth GORGES (Catharina) born 11 Oct 1871 in Born and died 6 Sep 1894 in Born.
G.Ch 13: Anna SCHERFF (Peter) born 26 Dec 1871 in Born.
G.Ch 14: Johann SCHERFF (Johann) born 4 Oct 1873 in Born. He married Anna-Elisabeth “Anna” BECHTHOLD (1872- ) on 16 Jan 1899 in Mompach.
G.Ch 15: Anna SCHERFF (Peter) born 25 Feb 1874 in Born
G.Ch 16: Peter GORGES (Catharina) born and died 16 Oct 1874 in Born.
G.Ch 17: Helena GORGES (Catharina) born 5 Jan 1876 in Born.
G.Ch 18: Michel SCHERFF (Peter) born 14 Jul 1877 in Born.
G.Ch 19: Peter GORGES (Catharina) born 16 Apr 1878 in Born and died 25 May 1906 in Born.
G.Ch 20: Mathias GORGES (Catharina) born 9 Mar 1880 in Born.
G.Ch 21: Mathias SCHERFF (Peter) born 25 Apr 1880 in Born and died 7 Jul 1880 in Born.
G.Ch 22: Johann (the younger) GORGES (Catharina) born 24 Jun 1883 in Born.
G.Ch 23: Georges SCHERFF (Peter) born 16 Feb 1886 in Born.

Source citations with links to the birth, death and marriage records of the grandchildren may be requested per email or viewed in my gedcom file.

Defective, Dependent, & Delinquent

I hope you’ve enjoyed how I defected from the theme for it to work for the SCHERFF-CLEMENS family. A theme based on U.S. research records cannot be used when writing about European or other non-U.S. families. Was it a delinquency on my part to twist it around to work for this family who was dependent on each other?

 

 

 

Sources:
[1] Luxembourg, registres paroissiaux, 1601-1948 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Born > Baptêmes 1761-1797, mariages 1761-1797, sépultures 1762-1797 > image 44 of 88. 1792 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32399-4066-61?cc=2037955&wc=STH6-MJQ:1500965969,1500965970 : accessed 10 August 2015).
[2] Luxembourg, Registres d’état civil, 1662-1941 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Mompach > Naissances 1834-1890 Mariages 1797-1814, 1796-1809, 1799-1830 > image 1082 of 1393. 1796 Baptismal Record (extract) part 1 (right page).  (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12131-129477-92?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-LHS:2047330937 : accessed 13 Apr 2013).
[3] Ibid., Mompach > Naissances 1834-1890 Mariages 1797-1814, 1796-1809, 1799-1830 > image 1083 of 1393. 1796 Baptismal Record (extract) page 2 (left page). (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12131-129723-23?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-LHS:2047330937 : accessed 13 Apr 2013).
[4] Ibid., Echternach > Tables décennales 1823-1892 Registres paroissiaux 1779-1797 Naissances 1796-1808 > image 936 of 1446. 1796 Baptismal Record. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11573-69388-66?cc=1709358&wc=9RY9-3TL:129623201,130776701 : accessed 10 August 2015).
[5] Ibid., Rosport > Naissances 1889-1890 Mariages 1797-1890 Décès 1797-1853 > image 1085 of 1410. 1825 Death Record No. 5. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11613-8498-12?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-L6L:n1038283664 : accessed 5 April 2010).
[6] Ibid., Rosport > Naissances 1889-1890 Mariages 1797-1890 Décès 1797-1853 > image 1110 of 1410. 1827 Death Record No. 26. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11613-14127-96?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-L6L:n1038283664 : accessed 5 Apr 2010).
[7] Ibid., Mompach > Naissances 1834-1890 Mariages 1797-1814, 1796-1809, 1799-1830 > image 1061 of 1393. 1827 Marriage Record No. 2.  (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12131-134204-2?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-LHS:2047330937 : accessed 7 Apr 2010).
[8] Ibid., Mompach > Mariages 1831-1890 Décès 1796-1814, 1799-1830, 1799-1880 > image 510 of 1480. 1858 Marriage Record No. 2. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12874-22567-77?cc=1709358&wc=9RYW-MNL:130097801,130138901 : accessed 10 August 2015). Note: The date of birth was found on the tables décennales however the birth record has not been located.
[9] Ibid., Mompach > Mariages 1831-1890 Décès 1796-1814, 1799-1830, 1799-1880 > image 510 of 1480. 1858 Marriage Record No. 2. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12874-22567-77?cc=1709358&wc=9RYW-MNL:130097801,130138901 : accessed 10 August 2015). Note: The bride’s maiden name was spelled Gottung.
[10 Ibid., Mompach > Décès 1895-1912 > image 48 of 143. 1901 Death Record No. 17. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32063-14505-75?cc=1709358&wc=9RT1-4WT:130097801,129657201 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[11] Ibid., Mompach > Naissances 1799-1834 > image 267 of 272. 1833 Birth Record No. 20. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12332-98522-18?cc=1709358&wc=9RYQ-ZNP:130097801,130378501 : accessed 27 April 2015).
[12] Ibid., Mompach > Mariages 1831-1890 Décès 1796-1814, 1799-1830, 1799-1880 > image 536 of 1480. 1862 Marriage Record No. 3. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12874-18912-63?cc=1709358&wc=9RYW-MNL:130097801,130138901 : accessed 10 August 2015).
[13] Ibid., Mompach > Décès 1895-1912 > image 137 of 143. 1912 Death Record No. 6. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32063-14169-91?cc=1709358&wc=9RT1-4WT:130097801,129657201 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[14] Ibid., Mompach > Naissances 1834-1890 Mariages 1797-1814, 1796-1809, 1799-1830 > image 33 of 1393. 1836 Birth Record No. 26. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12131-131830-98?cc=1709358&wc=9RYC-C68:130097801,130406101 : accessed 21 Nov 2014).
[15] Ibid., Mompach > Mariages 1831-1890 Décès 1796-1814, 1799-1830, 1799-1880 > image 567 of 1480. 1868 Marriage Record No. 1. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12874-12362-9?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-L4B:1262051718 : accessed 02 Apr 2013).
[16] Ibid., Mompach > Décès 1895-1912 > image 111 of 143. 1908 Death Record No. 24. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32063-14001-78?cc=1709358&wc=9RT1-4WT:130097801,129657201 : accessed 27 Sep 2014).
[17] Luxembourg, Volkszählungen 1843-1900 (images), FamilySearch (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Mompach > 1843 > image 25 of 149. Scherff-Clemens household. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32357-12854-38?cc=2037957&wc=M5LT-921:345859501,345863501 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[18] Ibid., Mompach > 1846 > image 26 of 158. Scherff-Clemens household. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-32355-4055-17?cc=2037957&wc=M5LR-N3Y:345859501,345858602 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[19] Ibid., Mompach > 1847 > image 30 of 153. Scherff-Clemens household No. 29. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-32368-15200-50?cc=2037957&wc=M5LY-ZJL:345859501,345864101 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[20] Ibid., Mompach > 1849 > image 13 of 161. Scherff-Clemens household. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32358-23246-78?cc=2037957&wc=M5LT-821:345859501,345864801 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[21] Ibid., Mompach > 1851 > image 26 of 163. Scherff-Clemens household. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32378-32104-84?cc=2037957&wc=M5GM-K66:345859501,345865601 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[22] Ibid., Mompach > 1852 > image 24 of 176. Scherff-Clemens household. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-32377-33464-25?cc=2037957&wc=M5L1-Y45:345859501,345865501 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[23] Ibid., Mompach > 1855 > image 8 of 166. Scherff-Clemens household. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32378-12281-40?cc=2037957&wc=M5GM-WQQ:345859501,345866501 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[24] Ibid., Mompach > 1858 > image 26 of 165. Scherff-Clemens household No. 21. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32379-16496-16?cc=2037957&wc=M5G9-92Y:345859501,345867601 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[25] Ibid., Mompach > 1861 > image 4 of 176. Scherff-Clemens household No. 3. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32377-2222-95?cc=2037957&wc=M5LB-DPT:345859501,345867101 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[26] Ibid., Mompach > 1861 > image 10 of 176. Scherff-Gotting household No. 7. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32377-2173-77?cc=2037957&wc=M5LB-DPT:345859501,345867101 : accessed 26 April 2015).
[27] Ibid., Mompach > 1864 > image 157 of 181. Scherff-Clemens household No. 35. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32371-5969-83?cc=2037957&wc=M5LY-Y4M:345859501,345868401 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[28] Ibid., Mompach > 1864 > image 143 of 181. Scherff-Weiland household No. 21. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32371-6250-28?cc=2037957&wc=M5LY-Y4M:345859501,345868401 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[29] Luxembourg Civil Records, Mompach > Mariages 1831-1890 Décès 1796-1814, 1799-1830, 1799-1880 > image 1339 of 1480. 1865 Death Record No. 1. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12874-13264-86?cc=1709358&wc=M9M6-L4B:1262051718 : accessed 05 Apr 2013).
[30] Luxembourg Census, Mompach > 1867 > image 85 of 186. Elizabeth Clemens household no. 10. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32383-28029-48?cc=2037957&wc=M5GQ-HZ4:345859501,345869101 : accessed 24 April 2015).
[31] Luxembourg Civil Records, Mompach > Mariages 1831-1890 Décès 1796-1814, 1799-1830, 1799-1880 > image 1393 of 1480. 1870 Death Record No. 13. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12874-16490-66?cc=1709358&wc=9RYW-MNL:130097801,130138901 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[32] Luxembourg Census, Mompach > 1875 > image 79 of 368. Scherff-Gotting household No. 35. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32382-8957-83?cc=2037957&wc=M5G3-N3V:345859501,345870501 : accessed 26 April 2015).
[33] Ibid., Mompach > 1875 > image 59 of 368. Gorges-Scherff household no. 26. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32382-9185-71?cc=2037957&wc=M5G3-N3V:345859501,345870501 : accessed 22 April 2015).
[34] Ibid., Mompach > 1880 > image 55 of 390. Scherff-Gotting household No. 24. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32391-17381-30?cc=2037957&wc=M5G3-DP5:345859501,345872201 : accessed 9 August 2015).
[35] 19. Luxembourg, Volkszählungen 1843-1900 (images), <i>FamilySearch</i> (original records at Luxembourg National Archives, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, Luxembourg), Mompach > 1880 > image 93 of 390. Gorges-Scherff household no. 43. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-32391-17202-76?cc=2037957&wc=M5G3-DP5:345859501,345872201 : accessed 22 April 2015).

Genealogy Sketch

Name: Michel SCHERFF
Parents: Joannes SCHERFF and Maria STEIMETZ
Spouse: Elisabetha CLEMENS
Parents of spouse: Joannes CLEMENS and Susanna WEBER
Whereabouts: Born, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Relationship to Cathy Meder-Dempsey: husband’s 3rd great-grandfather

1. Michel SCHERFF
2. Catharina SCHERFF
3. Margaretha GORGES
4. Catharina “Catherine” “Ketty” “Ged” SCHWARTZ
5. Marcel Mathias MEDER
6. Cathy’s husband

© 2015 copyright Cathy Meder-Dempsey. All rights reserved.

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.