Amish Mennonites in - Tazewell County Genealogical

355 Pages·2016·3.58 MB·English

by  Joe Staker

Amish Mennonites
in Tazewell County, Illinois
(INCLUDING WOODFORD COUNTY)

GENEALOGY

Part Two of Five

Completed January 2022 ▪ Compiled by Joseph Peter Staker
ABERSOLL - BACHMAN/BAUGHMAN - BECHLER/BECKLER - BECK - CAMP
DONNER - FARNY - GERBER/GARBER - GINGERICH - KENNEL - KISTLER
LEMAN - MOSIMAN - NAFZIGER - OSWALD - RUVENACHT
SALZMAN - SCHROCK - SCHWEIZER

Genealogy and history of 103 families that came to
Tazewell and Woodford Counties 1830-1856
Amish Mennonites in Tazewell County, Illinois

Above, an etching made from John M. Roberts' 1831 drawing of Peoria.

On the cover, clockwise from upper left: Tazewell County, Illinois; a Bernese ducat from 1703; a mail mark
from the packet ship Poland, 1835; flag of Haut-Rhin (Upper Alsace); and Bryan Nicklow with the Peter
Ropp family Bible he rediscovered in 2006. Background: From the church at Hilterfingen, looking across
Lake Thun to the Swiss Alps. Photo by Jen Staker, 2017.

TAZEWELL COUNTY IN 1833 (BOLD OUTLINE) AND TODAY (GRAY)

Posted online as
https://tcghs.org/research-guides/amish-mennonites-in-tazewell-county/
courtesy of the Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society, Pekin.
Because this text is posted online in a format identical to hard copies,
page numbering starts from the cover (page 1).

Amish Mennonites in Tazewell County, Illinois
(including Woodford County)
Part Two of Five
Text only copyright © January 2022. Permission is given to reproduce up to 50 lines
without a formal request. [email protected]
2
Amish Mennonites in Tazewell County, Illinois
PART TWO OF FIVE

MOSIMAN Mosiman of St. Quirin 4
Marie/Maria Rocher (or Rusche) 11
SALZMAN Salzman of Petit-Tenquin 13
SCHROCK Schrag of Wynigen 19
John Schrock of Groveland 32
GINGERICH Güngerich of Heimberg 44
John Gingrich or Gingerich 46
Joseph 'Joe Gold Rush' Guingrich 51
John Gingery 55
FARNY Farny of Bistroff 59
Farny of Bisping 62
SCHWEIZER Schweizer of Steffisburg 72
Visitor Joseph Schweitzer 79
Canadian Schweitzers 80
CAMP Kempf of Rhodes 84
RUVENACHT Rouvenacht of Rhodes 92
'Ruewenach' 96
ABERSOLL Abresol of Rhodes 98
Second Cousin John Abersoll 102
LEMAN Lehmann of La Broque 104
BACHMAN Bachman: Bachmann of Richterswil 109
John Bachman of Danvers 109
Woodford County Bachmann/Bachmans 119
Heinrich/Henry of Putnam County 134
GERBER AND Gerber and Garber 136
GARBER Gerber of Elm Grove 136
The Gerbers (Metamora and Washington) 145
Garber (Elm Grove) 149
The Groveland Gerbers 152
Apostolic Gerbers (Morton) 153
BECHLER AND Variations of Bächler 154
BECKLER Bavarian Becklers 154
Bächler of Garrebourg 158
Bechler of Montgomery 169
NAFZIGER Naffzger of Uetendorf 174
The Birlenbach Branch 176
The Essingen Branch 204
Nafzgers on the Phoenix and Brotherhood 222
BECK Beck of Neustadt im Odenwald 226
DONNER Danner of Mühlhofen 229
KISTLER Kistler of Richen 235
KENNEL Von Känel of Aeschi and Reichenbach 240
Kennel of Kirchheimbolanden 240
Kennel of Diffembach-lès-Hellimer 248
OSWALD Oswald of Oberhofen 253

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Amish Mennonites in Tazewell County, Illinois
Mosiman of St. Quirin

In Canton Bern, a Mosiman or Mosimann was a farmer on land reclaimed from swamp or forest. Families are
associated with Biglen, Rüderswil, Signau, Sumiswald, Trub, and Worb, all 10-20 miles east of the city of Bern.
Amish Mennonite minister Michael Mosiman was not only the first Amish Mennonite to be ordained as an
elder in Illinois, but also figured in the Egly Amish phase of the movement's 'gradual progression.' He played a part
in the establishment of what is now the Evangelical Mennonite Church of Groveland, and served as an elder there.1
Jacob Mosiman/Jacques Mosimann was born before 1715 (based solely on the birth year of his first
identified child). We found nothing to indicate where he was born, or his parentage.2
Before 1735 he married Magdalena Rüfenacht. In that year they were living on the Struthof at Natzwiller,
Lower Alsace. The obituary of his son of the same name described Jacob/Jacques as someone who had been a
cultivator at Salm.
Their children include:

1. Christian/Christianne Mosimann was baptized in the Catholic church at Schirmeck, Lower Alsace Sept. 4, 1735.
2. Jacob/Jacques ‘Jagi’ Mosimann was born circa 1740, and died at Les Quelles, La Broque March 14, 1820. Circa
1763 he married Barbe Rŭbi/Roby. She was born circa 1743, and died at La Broque Jan. 15, 1811, a daughter of
Pierre Rŭbi/Roby and Barbe Joder (see RŬBI/ROBY/RUBY in the Appendix for background on her family). They
farmed at l'Abbateux, in Le Hang basin near Boug-Bruche (10 miles southwest of Schirmeck). He became a minister
and elder at Le Hang. With Peter Gerber he signed a petition for Anabaptist exemption from military service on
behalf of the Salm congregations in 1808. His civil death entry created at La Broque described him as cultivator
Jacques Mosimann, 80, a resident of aux quevelles [Les Quelles, Le Broque] who had been a cultivator at Salm. He
was the widower of Barbe Roby, and the son of the deceased Jacques Mosimann, who had been a cultivator at Salm.
His mother was not identified. One witness was cultivator and son-in-law Peter Neuhaŭser, 40, aux quevelles [a
resident of Les Quelles]. Les Anabaptistes des Vosges fancifully described visiting Jacob/Jacques ‘Jagi’ Mosimann
in his home at Le Hang. However, we note that it was first published in Paris in 1860. The author named on the title
page, literary historian Alfred Michiels, was born in 1813; Mosimann died at age 80 in 1820. It has been suggested
that the publisher simply dusted off an old manuscript and put it out under the name of his best-selling writer. The
veracity of a book on Anabaptists in remote locations would not be examined or challenged by Paris critics.
Scholarly lists of Michiels books do not include this one.
"…At the end of three quarters of an hour, we arrived on the edge of Le Hang. It is a basin surrounded
by mountains, which seem to protect against noise and curiosity the modest sectarians. Two main heights
dominate the least summits, the Climont on the left, in the shape of a saddle, and the Heumont on the right, in

1 The Evangelical Mennonite movement has become the Mennonite Brethren in Christ, but the church in Groveland has
retained its historic name.
2 We could not identify the original source of one version of the origin of this family. It starts with Andres Mosiman and
Madlen Ramseÿer, who were married at Signau March 30, 1655.2 At the time they were living in Schűpbach, a hamlet on the
east side of the village that is now within Signau. For background on the church at Signau see ENGEL. Their children include:
1. Anni Mosiman was born at Schűpbach, and baptized at Signau Jan. 20, 1656. Witnesses included Peter Ramseÿer,
Anna Gerig, and Barbli Äshliman.
2. Michel Mosiman was baptized at Signau May 27, 1660. Witnesses included Daniel Neuenschwand, Michel Anthoni,
and Madlen Bärtschi.
3. Christianus Mosiman was baptized at Signau Nov. 15, 1663. Witnesses included Christen Dällenbach, Daniel
Bächler, and Elsi Peter.
Michel Mosiman was baptized at Signau May 27, 1660.
On Jan. 23, 1697 at Signau he married Anna Lűthi. She was baptized there May 3, 1663, a daughter of Ŭli Walti and
Catharina Engel. Witnesses included Jost Kräienbuhl, Anna Gfeller, and Anna Saltzman.
Their children include:
1. Hannes Mosiman was baptized at Signau Nov. 28, 1697. Witnesses included Christen Dällenbach, Elias Brand, and
Elsbeth Mosiman.
2. Barbara Mosiman was baptized at Signau Feb. 26, 1699. Witnesses included Hanns Lűthi, Babi Bärtschi, and
Elsbeth Lűthi.
3. Maria Mosiman was baptized at Signau July 7, 1700. Witnesses included Christen Jutzi, Maria, and Anna.
⸺ A Signau baptism entry created Dec. 3, 1706 names Barbara Mosiman, a daughter of Ŭlrich Mosiman and Anna
Lűthi.
⸺ A Signau baptism entry created Aug. 9, 1711 names Hans Ŭlrich Mosiman, a son of Ŭlrich Mosiman and Anna
Lűthi.
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Amish Mennonites in Tazewell County, Illinois
the shape of a cone; further on, the Ormont rises its majestic head. From the edges of this small amphitheater,
we could see, in the golden evening light, Colroy la Roche, Saulxures, the town of Saales, with a romantic
aspect, and Provenchères, and Colroy la Grande. A dozen small farms scattered at the bottom of the basin, a
cold land where the streams that descend from the hills maintain perpetual humidity…
Novelists, poets and painters are always looking for curious interiors, in order to place their characters,
which the novelty of the decor makes more interesting. They would therefore have been delighted with the
room where a brave woman led me after I had supper of an omelet, a salad, and a glass of wine…
Three large windows, slightly arched upwards, lit the room, two from the front and one from the side.
Up to three feet high, a pine paneling covered the walls; and benches of the same wood, with German-style
backrests, skirted two walls… A large sack of wheat occupied the middle of the parquet floor without a hitch;
dried beans, not stripped of their pods, were stacked against a paneling; in a corner, on a large oak table, honey
was dripping. Opposite one another, two spacious wardrobes, with copper hinges and shiny fittings, seemed to
be sentinels before two beds set up at the back of the room like ancient monuments. They were large and deep
oak boxes, surmounted by a canopy and surrounded by curtains. On the lintels, a whole squadron of crockery
was placed in rows. There were six brightly colored soup tureens, a host of cups, mugs, decanters, and
candlesticks… we will hastily finish our inventory by mentioning an armchair covered in black leather, an
articulated round table, a bedside table, beech wood chairs, with the seat of the same material, and a Bible in
folio, fitted with clasps, sleeping like a venerable matron on a window sill. The many objects did not clog the
room, where we could have held a council. It was in one of the deep crates, under a scalloped cornice of soup
tureens, that I settled in and prepared to sleep ... The next day I met Mr. Mosiman, the owner of the house, who
had been absent the day before and returned while I slept. This tall old man, with a white beard collar, was the
first servant of the town, the first minister in office… Mr. Mosiman had the gentleness and benevolence that
characterize the sect, and was only interested in a life of religion and practicality. Beyond that, he saw only
useless things…"
One child, Barbe, can probably be attributed to Jacob/Jacques ‘Jagi’ Mosimann and Barbe Rŭbi/Roby. The second,
Anne, is linked by her marriage entry:
■ Barbe Mosimann was born circa 1767, and died at La Broque Dec. 21, 1793. She married André
Chérique [Göerig/Gerig] of La Broque. He was born at La Broque Feb. 16, 1764, and died there Jan. 24,
1844, a son of André Chérique and Elizabeth Roqui. Her civil death entry descibed her as Barbe
Mosimann, 26, wife of Salm cultivator Andre Chrique. It was witnessed by cultivator Christianne
Naiheuser. Signatures looked like Andreas Chirch, Christian Naihŭser, and Ullrich Vongond. On March
7, 1794 at La Broque, André remarried to Marie Brechbühl. She was born at Bellefosse in 1771, a
daughter of Martin Brechbühl and Anna Bachmann of Bénaville (she was a sister to Magdalena
Brechbühl who married Christian Rupp, a son of Jacob Roup and Elizabeth Sommer).
a. Anne Mosimann was born at Les Quelles April 15, 1783, and died there March 6, 1854. On March 10,
1799 in the hamlet Salm at La Broque she married Pierre/Peter Neuhauser [in his signature his first name
looked like ‘Pnttnr’]. He was born at Salm Nov. 8, 1782, and died at La Broque March 15, 1822, a son of
Jean Neuhauser and Suzanne Zender. One witness was the bride’s father Jacques Mosimann, 58.
Following Pierre's death, Anne remarried to André Bacher at Bourg-Bruche Nov. 2, 1827.
■ Barbe Mosimann may belong here. She was born circa 1735, and died in the foundry town Klingenthal, Lower
Alsace (adjacent on the east side of Natzwiller) April 29, 1771. She married Matthias Ulrich. He was born circa
1725 (a very loose estimate), and died at Klingenthal April 10, 1764. For background on this couple see ULRICH.

Cultivator Christian/Christianne Mosimann was baptized in the Catholic church at Schirmeck, Lower Alsace
Sept. 4, 1735, and died after 1793.
Recall that Swiss emigrants desired a permanent record of their presence so their descendants would be eligible
for local privileges and eventually citizenship. The lefthand margin note on his baptism (or more accurately
registration) entry described him as Christianus Musimann Anabaptistarum filius – Christian Mosimann Anabaptist
son. In Schirmeck baptizatus est Christianus, filius Jacob Musimann et Magdalena Ruffach conjuge
Anabaptistarum commorantiam in Struthoff en la parochia – Christian was baptized, a son of Anabaptist couple
Jacob Mosimann and Magdalena Ruffach [Rüfenacht] of Struthoff [in Natzwiller, four miles southeast of
Schirmeck] in this parish. The Struthof at Natzwiller is associated with an Anabaptist Sommer family (see
SOMMER for background on this location). Witnesses signed as Jean de Saint Martin and Catherine Monfort,
though the text described them as Joannes Saint Martin and Catharina Montfort, wife of Jacobi Parisot.
Circa 1757 he married Marguerite Liechti, who was born circa 1733, and died after 1793. They resided at
Malplaquet (five miles west of Schirmeck, now in the department of Vosges), a location within walking distance of
La Broque and the Ropp's and Ŭlrich's home at Plaine. Familiar family names found at Malplaquet in the mid-
1700s include Fongond, Luethi, Neuhauser, Göerig/Scherich/Chérique/Gerig, and Sommer.
Sometime between 1758 and 1763 they relocated 24 miles to the north to La Charmille farm at St. Quirin (now
in the department of Moselle). St. Quirin held a number of smallholdings and a substantial glassmaking trade.
5
Amish Mennonites in Tazewell County, Illinois
Children of Christian/Christianne Mosimann and Marguerite Liechti include:

1. Jacob Mosimann was born at Malplaquet Feb. 10, 1758, and died at Diane-Capelle Jan. 27, 1842. He was a
cultivator on La Charmille farm at St. Quirin. He married Elisabeth Stücker (found as Schticker, Schtiker, and
Steker). She was born circa 1760, and died at St. Quirin May 10, 1804.3 On Jan. 19, 1805 at St. Quirin he remarried
to Marie Mayer, who was born circa 1773 and was living at Cirey. She was a daughter of Jean Mayer, living at
Angomont, and the deceased Elizabeth Steiner. Children of Jacob Mosimann and his first wife Elisabeth Stücker
include:
a. Marie Mosimann was born circa June 1790. She was 24 years, four months old when she married Jean
Suisse at St. Quirin Oct. 22, 1814. He was born at Fribourg June 5, 1790, and died at Saales, Lower
Alsace, a son of Joseph Suisse and Marie Barbe Abresole. At the time of the marriage he was 24 years, 4
months old, and worked in d'Albin mill between Azoudange and Fribourg.
b. Christian/Chrétien Mosimann was born at St. Quirin June 4, 1793. He was a witness at his older sister's
wedding in 1814; the entry gives the same age for both. He served as a soldier in the 139th Regiment
1812-14, and in 1857 received the veteran's Médaille de Sainte-Hélène as Christophe Mosimann of St.
Quirin. On Feb. 18, 1822 at St. Quirin he married Marie Catherine Wolff. She was born March 13,
1797, a daughter of operator Nicholas Wolff and Rose Dalancouth.
c. Anne Mosimann was born in 1797, and died at St. Quirin June 16, 1799.
2. Barbe Mozimann/Mosimann was born circa 1759, and died at Turquestein May 13, 1819. Circa 1777 she married
Peter Bächler/Pierre Bechler. See BECHLER/BECKLER for background on this couple.
3. Christian/Christ Mosimann was born Feb. 10, 1760. He married Marie Elisabeth Bächler/Bechler. She was born
circa 1755 (or perhaps Feb. 17, 1756), and died at Métairies-St. Quirin Jan. 15, 1805 (see BECHLER/BECKLER for
background on her family). A census of Mennonite families created April 27, 1809 listed the household of 'Xtiane
Moziman' with six children at Metaires. One source says Christian/Christ died on La Charmille farm at St. Quirin
March 17, 1812; however, no civil entry is found there. He certainly died before January of 1814. Their children
include:
a. Freni/Véronique Mosimann was born circa 1789, and died at Haraucourt-sur-Seille, Moselle March 14,
1815. On Oct 1, 1809 at St. Quirin she married Joseph Sommer (1785-1873), a son of Jean Sommer and
Barbe Brechbühl.
b. Christian/Chrétien Mosimann was born at St. Quirin June 3 or 4, 1793 (per his civil birth entry dated '4
June 2'). On Feb. 18, 1822 at St. Quirin he married Marie Catherine Wolff. She was born at St. Quirin
March 13, 1797, and died there Jan. 31, 1862, a daughter of Nicolas Wolff and Marie Rose Lalanconte.
c. Barbe Mosimann was born at St. Quirin Dec. 25, 1794. She was identified as Marie Mosimann upon her
death at Herbéviller, Meurthe-et-Moselle Jan. 6, 1814. Her civil death entry described her as a 20-year-
old single woman, a daughter of the deceased Christian Mosiman and Marie Pecheler. It was witnessed
by cultivator Jacob Vercler, 30.
d. Elisabeth Mosimann was born circa 1798, and died at Saulxures-lès-Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle Jan. 27,
1823. Her civil death entry said that she was 25 years of age, a daughter of Crittian Mosiman and
Elisabeth Barceler. Witnesses included day laborer Jacob Voilerich [he signed Jacob Ŭllerich], 25; and
laborer Christian Guerbert, 68 [he signed Christian Gerber].
e. Jean Mosimann was born at Métairies-St. Quirin March 1, 1798, and died at Bourg-Bruche, Lower
Alsace March 26, 1868. On July 3, 1823 at Ste. Marie-aux-Mines he married Barbe Haas, a daughter of
Jacques Haas and Barbe Wagler.
f. Michel Mosimann was born at Métairies-St. Quirin Dec. 11, 1799 (per his marriage entries, though no
civil entry is found there), and died at Bourg-Bruche Aug. 9, 1880. On March 28, 1825 at Bourg-Bruche
he married Magdalena Bächer. Their civil marriage entry described his parents as Christiane Mosiman
and Elisabeth Pecheler. The bride was described as Magdeleine Pecher, 20, born at Saales May 30, 1796,
a daughter of the deceased Jacob Pecheur, who had died at Bourg-Bruche March 24, 1824, and Agnes
Kerique [Göerig], who was present and consenting. Witnesses included cultivator Michel Mosiman, 62,
from Montigny, Meurthe, paternal uncle of the groom; cultivator Jacob Pecheur, 40, Vermont [in
Vosges], brother of the bride; and cultivator André Pecheur, 31, brother of the bride. Magdeleine died at
Bourg-Bruche Dec. 12, 1834. On March 12, 1835 at Bourg-Bruche Michel remarried to Barbe Bächer.
Their civil marriage entry described the bride as Barbe Pecheur [Bächer], 27, born at Bourg-Bruche June
26, 1808, a daughter of Christianne Pecheur, 59, and Anne Dholder, 59, farmers from Climont. Barbe
died at Boug-Bruche Dec. 6, 1854. On May 25, 1856 Michel married a third time to Catherine Abresol.
Their civil marriage entry described the groom as Catherine Abresol, 54, born May 22, 1803 at

3 Considering the location, it is likely that Elisabeth was a descendant of the Swiss farm laborer Michel Stequer and Anne
de Paradis, who married at St. Blaise-la-Roche in 1702. Their descendants are often found as 'Stequaire.' This was an early
offshoot of the Stücker family.
6
Amish Mennonites in Tazewell County, Illinois
l'Abbateux, Rhodes Sept. 15, 1830, a daughter of the deceased André Abresol, who had died at Rhodes
Sept. 15, 1830, and Barbe Becker [Bächer/Pecheur], who had died at Pisdorf, Saverne [Bischtroff-sur-
Sarre] Sept. 13, 1850. One witness was Jean Delbach [Dellenbach], 50, a farmer at au Hang [Le Hang,
Bourg-Bruche], brother-in-law of the groom.
4. Anne Mosimann was born in 1761, and died circa 1789. In 1779 she married weaver Christian Roth, who was born
at Ste. Marie-aux-Mines circa 1751, and died at Xouaxange Feb. 13, 1845 (recorded under the name 'Christian
Rhodes'), a son of Johannes/Jean Roth and his first wife Anna Blank. 4 This means that minister Nicholas Roth and
minister Michael Mosiman, who jointly initiated the Defenseless Mennonite congregation at Groveland, were cousins
− sharing Christian Roth and Anne Mosimann as uncle and aunt. See ROTH for background on this couple.
5. Michel Mosimann was born circa 1763. He was the father of minister Michael Mosiman.
6. Marie Mosimann was born on La Charmille farm at St. Quirin circa 1764. She married Michel Bächler, and died at
Bourscheid, Moselle Oct. 31, 1797 (she is found in records there as Marie Moyemont). See BECHLER/BECKLER
for background on this couple.
7. Jean/Hans Mosimann was born circa 1765, and died at St. Quirin Sept. 19, 1793. Before 1793 he married Anne
Marie Brechbühl, who was born at St. Quirin Sept. 25, 1771, and died in 1857. On Jan. 25, 1798 at St. Quirin she
remarried to Joseph Eymann of Herbéviller (who signed his own name 'Eiman'). He was born at ‘La Adevant’ in the
principality of Salm (this may have been the farm Devant le Moulin [in front of the mill] at Saales) Dec. 25, 1771, a
son of Christian Eymann and Elisabeth/Inée Sommer. Marriage witnesses included Michel Mosimann and Christian
Roth, described as brothers-in-law of the bride. They became cultivators at Fauconcourt, Vosges.
8. Elisabeth Mosimann was born at St. Quirin in 1767, and died at Turquestein Jan. 30, 1848. Circa 1793 she married
cultivator Christian Brechbühl. He was born circa 1761, and died at Turquestein April 1, 1813, a son of Ŭlrich
Brechbühl and Barbe Sommer. Their surname was often found in Turquestein records as Prachpierre. Their
children, all born in their home on Richardville farm at Turquestein, include:
a. Marie Brechbühl was born Jan. 30, 1794, and died at Herbéviller Feb. 10, 1827. On Dec. 3, 1811 at
Turquestein she married 24-year-old Jacob Vercler [Würgler], born at Oberstinzel March 25, 1787. He
was a son of Joseph Vercler and Marie Abersol. Marie's civil death entry gave her age as 34, suggesting
she was born in 1789.
b. Freni/Frény/Véronique/Françoise Brechbühl was born Sept. 1, 1798, and died at Deyvillers, Vosges
March 12, 1871. On July 17, 1817 at Turquestein she married Joseph Fongond. He was born at
Malplaquet, La Broque Oct. 26, 1775, and died at La Broque March 10, 1820, a son of Jacob Fongond
and Barbe Schérique/Chérique [Göerig]. On May 11, 1825 at Turquestein she remarried to Jacques
Krehbiel (found as 'Kreipiller'). He was born at La Broque July 27, 1799, a son of Jacob Krehbiel and
Marie Barbe Voillery [Olry derived from Ŭllrich].
c. Elisabeth Brechbühl was born Dec. 18, 1801, and died at Turquestein Sept. 17, 1842. On Feb. 27, 1823
at Turquestein she married Joseph Dubois.
d. Catherine Brechbühl was born Feb. 28, 1809, and died at Turquestein Sept. 30, 1878. On Nov. 19, 1829
at Turquestein she married Joseph Sommer. He was born at Cirey-sur-Vezouze, Meurthe-et-Meuse Feb.
23, 1796, and died at Turquestein Nov. 7, 1850, a son of Christian Sommer and Marie Barbe Verly.
9. Joseph Mosimann was born at La Broque Aug. 7, 1775 (per his marriage entry). On Dec. 12, 1793 at Gondrexange
he married Anne Marie Zwalter. She was born at Gondrexange Sept. 10, 1776, a daughter of Christian Zwalter and
Marie Risser (see the Appendix, ZWALTER for background on the family). Their marriage entry described the
groom as Joseph Mosimenn, age 18 years, three months, and five days; born at La Brock Aug. 7, 1775; a resident of
St. Quirin; and a son of cultivator Christiane Mosimann and Marguerite Liechte of St. Quirin. The bride was
described as Anne Marie Zvalter, age 17 years, three months, and eight days; born at Gondrexange Sept. 10, 1776; a
daughter of cultivator Christiane Zvalter and Anne Marie Risse of Gondrexange. It was witnessed by mother-of-the-
groom Marguerte Liechte, 60; brother-of-the-groom Christian Mosimann, 33; brother-of-the-groom Michael
Mosimann, 27; cultivator Jean Suisse, 30, of Rhodes; and cousin-of-the-bride Nicolas Risse of Sarrebourg, 30.5
Joseph and Anne Marie lived at Imling until at least 1802, then at Azoudange, Moselle until at least 1810. In October
of 1830 the family sailed from Le Havre aboard the Superior, accompanied by an extended family of Oyers from
Niderhoff, Moselle. They arrived at New Orleans Dec. 4, 1830. The nationality of the entire party was given on the
passenger list as 'Suisse,' or Switzerland. The names and ages as found on the passenger list differ from what we
found in other sources: Jos.h Mosiman, 54; Maria Mosiman, 45; Christian Mosiman, 27; Jos.h Mosiman, 25; Mad.

4 His civil death entry stated that he was born at Ste. Marie-aux-Mines. The 1805 wedding entry of his oldest son identified
him as a resident of Basel.
5 Nicolas Risser was a son of Jacob/Jacques Risser and Catherine Roupe/Ruppe/Rupp, and married to Barbe Engel; see
ROPP.
7
Amish Mennonites in Tazewell County, Illinois
Mosiman, 23; Mary Mosiman, 22; Francis Mosiman, 14 (female); Cat. Mosiman, 16; and Jacob Mosiman, 25.6 We
could not determine Joseph and Anne Marie's residence in America. Their children include:
a. Elisabeth Mosiman was born at Imling, Moselle Jan. 26, 1799, and died at Farmdale in 1875. On Feb.
18, 1830 at Turquestein, Moselle she married Jacob Oyer. He was born circa 1778, and died at Farmdale
Nov. 14, 1885, a son of Johannes/Jean Oyer and Jacobine Réglé. At the time of the marriage Jacob
already had children from a first wife, Suzanne Schertz, who had died at Turquestein July 2, 1829. See
OYER for a list of their children.
b. Christian Mosiman was born at Imling Dec. 6, 1801. On the civil marriage entry for his cousin
Christianne Mosiman and Barbe Chérique, created at Chazelles-sur-Albe Nov. 13, 1824, he was
described as a 23-year-old cultivator from Frémonville, Meurthe-et-Moselle and a cousin of the groom.
In 1835 he married Barbe Schmitt/Smith. She was born Oct. 16, 1811, and died at Danvers Nov. 17,
1889, a daughter of Jean Schmitt/John Smith and Anna Sommer. In 1840 they bought land at Milford,
Butler County with Peter Litwiller and Marie Mosiman. The family can be found on the 1850 census of
2nd District (now Alexandria), Campbell County, Kentucky as Christian Musselman, 50, France;
Barbaray, 37, France; John, 16, Ohio; Anna, 14, Ohio; Francis, 12, Ohio; Joseph, 6, Ohio; Christopher, 5,
Ohio; and Peter, 4, Ohio (they appear on the same page as Barbara's parents). The 1860 census of St.
Clair, Butler County, Ohio shows them as as farmer Christian Moseman, 60, born in France; Barbara, 47,
born in France; and children born in Ohio including John, 25; Fanny, 22; Joseph, 20; and Christian, 18;
their house guests included Elizabeth Birkey, 18, of Illinois; and Ann Smith, 20, born in France. After
Christian's death, Barbara lived at Danvers with her daughter Anna (July 16, 1835-Sept. 27, 1923) and
son-in-law Christian Augspurger. Herald of Truth, Dec. 1, 1889: “On the 17th of November, near
Danvers, McLean Co., Ill., of the infirmities of old age, Barbara Mosiman (maiden name Schmidt) aged
78 years, 1 month and 1 day. Buried on the 18th in Imhoff's graveyard. She leaves five children, three
sons and two daughters, 39 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and many friends who followed her to
her last resting place. Services in the church by Joseph Stuckey from Ps. 39:5,6 and by Peter Schantz at
the grave.” A bit of confusion has been caused by a marriage that took place in Butler County, Ohio
Sept. 3, 1866. A couple recorded as Joseph Moseman and Catharine Esher were actually Joseph
Mosiman, a son of this couple, and his cousin Catherine Escher, a daughter of John E. Escher and
Frances/Francis/Fanny Mosiman.
c. Madelaine Mosiman was born at Azoudange Oct. 20, 1805.
d. Marie Mosiman was born at Azoudange Oct. 11, 1807, and died in 1871. She married Superior
passenger Peter Litwiller (1808-1875), a son of Johannes/Jean Lidviller and Freni Zehr (also found as
Françoise or Véronique Serre).
e. Joseph Mosiman was born at Azoudange Aug. 2, 1810.
■ Jacob/Jacques Mosiman was born in 1814. He is found in a number of sources, but we could not identify
a birth entry.
⸻ The 10-year civil index at Frémonville, Meurthe-et-Moselle lists an entry for the death of 13-year-old
Jean Mosimann created May 7, 1826. Unfortunately the full death entries between approximately 1803
and 1831 are missing. Was this Jacob? Or a hitherto unknown son? Or someone from another family?
f. Frances/Francis/Fanny Mosiman was born Oct. 10, 1817 (headstone), and died in Ford County Sept. 10,
1889. In 1843 she married Hans/John E. Escher. He was born at Kulmbach, Bavaria Dec. 14, 1815, and
died in Ford County Feb. 27, 1898. They are found on the 1850 census of District 2, Campbell County,
Kentucky as farmer John E. Escher, 32, Germany; Francis, 20, Germany; Catharine, 4; Magdalene, 4;
Anna, 2; and Mary, six months; all children born in Kentucky. In 1856 they resettled at Groveland,
where the 1860 census shows them as farmer John Asher, 41, France; Francis, 40, Bavaria; Catherine, 14,
Kentucky; Magdalene, 12, Kentucky; Anna, 10, Kentucky; Caroline, 8, Kentucky; Joseph, 7, Kentucky;
Mary, 4, Kentucky; Frances, 3, Illinois; Christian, five months, Illinois; and Fred Birling, 35,
Wertemberg [Württemberg]. In 1864 they went to Chenoa, and then Gridley; in 1870 they arrived in
Ford County.7 The 1870 census of Drummer Township, Ford County has farmer John Escher, 52, Borne
[likely intended as Bayern for Bavaria]; Fanny, 50, France; Joseph, 17, Kentucky; Mary, 15, Kentucky;
Fanny, 13, Kentucky; Christian, 10, Illinois; Anna, 20, Kentucky; and Caroline, 19, Kentucky. The 1880
census of Drummer has farmer John Escher, 64, Bavaria; Fanny, 61, France; Anna, 28, Kentucky; farm
laborer Joseph, 27, Kentucky; farm laborer Christ, 20, Illinois; and farm laborer/boarder William Blane,
44, Prussia. They were living next door to the family of Peter Litwiller, 39, born in Ohio to parents from
Alsace. Historical Atlas of Ford County, Illinois (1884) shows J. Escher as the owner of 180 acres in the

6 The National Archives Quarterly Abstract of New Orleans Passengers 1820-75 show J. Mosiman, 23, male; M., 54, male;
C., 45, female; Jph., 27, male; M., 25, male; M., 23, famale; F., 22, female; C., 10, female; and J., 25, male. This may only
reflect that it is copy of a copy.
7 Per the obituary of daughter Mary Ann Escher Suter in the Gibson City Courier, Dec. 23, 1937, provided by Jeff Cassens.
8
Amish Mennonites in Tazewell County, Illinois
northwest corner of Section 22. Drummer Township. John and Fanny are buried in Drummer Township
Cemetery at Gibson City, Drummer Township, Ford County.
g. Catherine Mosiman was born circa 1820 (census and obituary), and died at Boynton Feb. 13, 1909. On
Aug. 30, 1841 she married Christian Birkey of the 'Big Birkeys.' He was born in Bavaria Sept. 29, 1810,
and died in Tazewell County Sept. 26, 1885. See BIRKY/BIRKEY, THE BIG BIRKEYS for
background on this couple.
10. Freni/Véronique Mosimann was born circa 1772, and died at Landser, Upper Alsace (two miles southeast of
Mulhouse) March 16, 1839. On July 7, 1793 at Hattigny she married cultivator Johannes/Hans/Jean Roth. Their
civil marriage entry names them as 'Jean Rothe' and 'Fréni Mosimanne.' He was born Oct. 10, 1773, and died at
Landser Oct. 16, 1826, a son of Jean Roth and Marie Lehman (found as 'Laimann') who lived on Boutier farm at
Hattigny. Freni's parents are named as 'Christianne Mosimanne' and 'Créte Lihti' of St. Quirin. Witnesses included
uncle-of-the-groom Christian Laimann [Lehman], 33, living on Boutier farm at Hattigny; uncle-of-the-groom Joseph
Laimann, 22; brother-of-the-bride Christianne Mosimanne, 30, living on La Charmille farm at St. Quirin; and
brother-of-the-bride Michel Mosimanne, 28, also living on La Chamille farm. Freni and Jean lived on Risholz farm
at Hattigny.

Michel Mosimann was born circa 1763, and died at Montigny, Meurthe-et-Moselle June 12, 1842.8
In 1790 he married Susana/Suzanne Brechbühl. She was born Aug. 27, 1765, and died at Montigny Jan. 18,
1848, a daughter of Ŭlrich Brechbühl and Barbe Sommer.
Michel’s death entry gave his age as 80, and his surviving wife was 77. It was witnessed by son-in-law George
Zehr, a 48-year-old cultivator.
They had nine children while farming at Chazelles-sur-Albe, Meurthe-et-Moselle; three died young.

1. Joseph Mosiman was born at St. Quirin Aug. 9, 1792. Pierre Sommer’s Historique des Assemblées describes him as
‘Joseph Mozimann,’ an elder of the Herbéviller/Domèvre-sur-Vezouze congregation; he represented that
congregation at a Meuse assembly of ministers in 1836. He married Catherine Zehr (1795-1882) and had three
children.
2. Jean Mosiman was born at St. Quirin Sept. 24, 1793, and died there Nov. 23, 1793.
3. Marie Mosiman was born at St. Quirin Nov. 6, 1794, and died at Repaix March 19, 1853 or 1855. On March 2, 1814
at Chazelles-sur-Albe she married Jean Lidviller/Litwiller, a laborer at Richeval, Meurthe-et-Moselle. He was born
at Richeval circa 1783, according to the marriage entry, and died at Repaix May 13, 1851, a son of Johannes/Jean
Lidviller/Litwiller and Freni Zehr. (It is easy to confuse this couple with Peter Litwiller, Jean's younger brother, and
his wife Marie Mosiman, who was a daughter of Joseph Mosiman and Marie Zwalter of Azoudange).
4. Christian/Christianne/Christophe Mosiman was born Nov. 20, 1797, and died at Repaix, Meurthe-et-Moselle on Dec.
9, 1844. He was an elder of the Herbéviller/Domèvre-sur-Vezouze congregation and the Repaix congregation. On
Nov. 13, 1824 at Chazelles-sur-Albe he married Barbe Chérique [Göerig/Gerig], a daughter of André Cherique and
Marie Brechbühl of La Broque, Lower Alsace.
5. Pierre Mosiman was born July 12, 1800.
6. Elisabeth (later Elizabeth) Mosiman was born June 23, 1802, and died at Sarrebourg March 11, 1876. On April 7,
1822 at Chazelles-sur-Albe she married cultivator George Zehr of Chazelles-sur-Albe. He was born at Gros-
Réderching Aug. 28, 1794, and died at Montigny, Meurthe-et-Moselle April 4, 1849, a son of Michel Zehr and his
first wife Anne Marie Kohler of Bitche. George was a witness on the civil death entry of his father-in-law Michel
Mosimann at Montigny in 1842.
7. Jean Mosiman was born Jan. 26, 1803, and died at 3½ years of age.
8. Michael Mosiman was born at Chazelles-sur-Albe May 3, 1806.
9. Anne Mosiman was born Dec. 18, 1809, and died at Chazelles-sur-Albe April 10, 1821.

Michael Mosiman was born at Chazelles-sur-Albe, Meurthe-et-Moselle May 3, 1806. His civil birth entry
actually spells his name Michel Mozimanne, and describes his parents as cultivator Michel Mozimanne, 40 (he
signed Michel Mosman), and Susanne Briephfiehle. Witnesses included cultivator Joseph Aumann, 43 (he signed
Ioseph Eiman), and farm equipment operator Christianne Rouge, 46 (he signed Christian Roth), residents of
Chazelles-sur-Albe.
He is thought to have arrived at New York City in 1831. He spent time in Lancaster County before continuing
on to Butler County, where he worked two years in a mill.
The pace of settlement farther west in Illinois picked up after the Black Hawk War of 1832. In 1833 minister
Christian Engel (1765-1838) traveled from Moselle to Illinois and established the first Amish Mennonite
congregation at Partridge Creek.

8 The 1793 marriage entry of his younger brother Joseph said Michel was 27, thus born circa 1766.
9
Amish Mennonites in Tazewell County, Illinois
In 1834, Mosiman rode horseback with a friend from Ohio to Peoria. The cholera pandemic had swept the area
the year before, and many families were anxious to sell their land. He eventually settled on the Wesley City area
(now the Creve Coeur neighborhood). It apparently did not take long to get acquainted - according to Tazewell
County records, he married Marie/Maria Rocher there July 13, 1834. Minister Christian Engel performed the
ceremony following a Sunday all-day church service.
On Dec. 18, 1835, Mosiman rode to Kaskaskia to register the purchase 120 acres of public land for $1.25 per
acre. It was situated in Section 5 of Township 27N. This later became Worth, Woodford County.
Apparently he made the trip with his brother-in-law Joseph Rocher and his father-in-law Christophe, who
purchased their own tracts.
In 1840, Mosiman became the first Amish Mennonite elder or full minister [Ger. Völliger Diener] ordained in
the state of Illinois (the title 'bishop' did not come into use in some congregations until the 1860s). His
congregation, known as the Busche Gemeinde or rural congregation, was made up of farmers from East Peoria to
Morton. In the initial years, his congregation may have blended with that of elder Andrew Ropp, who led the Dillon
Creek meeting (later the Pleasant Grove Amish Mennonite Church).
Michael Mosiman's family can be found on the 1840 and 1850 censuses of Tazewell County (while they were
living in Wesley City). The 1840 census describes him as 'Micheal Mosenman,' living next door to 'Joseph Rosha.'
According to the Grantors Index on Sept. 13, 1848 Michael and Marie/Maria paid Coleman Gibson and his
wife $125 for 30 acres. This land in the northwest corner of Groveland became their home for the next 27 years.
And on Jan. 5, 1850 they were paid $100 by her father Joseph Roche, who purchased 72 acres from the eastern side
of their farm.
Marie/Maria Rocher died at Groveland in 1852. She was buried in the Schertz-Mosiman Cemetery at East
Peoria, which is now covered by Interstate 74.
Children of Michael Mosiman and Marie/Maria Rocher born in Illinois include:

1. Christian Mosiman was born March 27, 1835, and died July 4, 1897. He visited Europe in the summer of 1859. On
May 20, 1859 in New York City he filled out a passport application. It stated that he was born at 'Pekintown,
Tazewell Co.' March 27, 1835, and described him as 5-foot 8-inches, complexion healthy, forehead high, eyes blue,
nose medium, hair dark brown. The application was witnessed by Simon Bächler. Simon Baechler became a
minister and a prosperous farmer at Yates, McLean County (see BECHLER/BECKLER). On that trip Simon married
his sister-in-law Elisabeth Wenger. They returned to Central Illinois in the autumn of 1859. On Dec. 28, 1869 in
Tazewell County Christian married Catherine Sommer; the ceremony was performed by minister Joseph Stuckey.
She was born Oct. 15, 1843, and died July 4, 1897, a daughter of Jean/John Sommer and Barbe/Barbara Schertz of
Elm Grove. They had one child who died as an infant. They are found on the 1880 census of Fon du Lac as retired
grocer C. Moseman, 45, born in Illinois to French parents; Catharine, 39, born in Illinois to French parents; and
brother Joseph Moseman, 43, a hardware merchant born in Illinois to French parents. They are buried in Fon du Lac
Township Cemetery at East Peoria.
2. Joseph Mosiman was born in 1837, and died in 1902. He never married. He is buried in Fon du Lac Township
Cemetery.
3. Maria 'Mary' Mosiman was born Sept. 24, 1840, and died at Meadows March 11, 1909. On Feb. 15, 1863, she
married Joseph Claudon. He was born at Réding, Moselle Feb. 16, 1840, and died at Flanagan, Livingston County
Feb. 19, 1898, a son of Nicolas Claudon and Barbara Bechler.
4. Katharine 'Katie' Mosiman was born in 1841, and died in 1843. She is buried in the Schertz-Mosiman Cemetery.
She may have been a victim of the 1843 scarlet fever epidemic.
5. Anna Mosiman was born Sept. 23, 1848, and died Aug. 11, 1914. She married Joseph Staker (1844-1874), oldest son
of Joseph Stecker/Staker and Frena Roth; and later grocer Henry Merchenthaler; their story was told in the STAKER
genealogy.
6. David Mosiman was born Aug. 27, 1849, and died Jan. 23, 1909. He married Anna Staker on Nov. 9, 1869; minister
Joseph Stuckey performed the ceremony.9 She was born July 26, 1852, and died May 14, 1943. They are buried in
Fon du Lac Township Cemetery.

On Feb. 22, 1853, Michael remarried to Barbara Rediger; minister Andrew Ropp conducted the ceremony.
Barbara was born on the Lärchenhof at Wimsheim, Württemberg Sept. 3, 1821, and died April 16, 1886, a daughter
of Benjamin Rediger and Barbara Ehresmann.

9 As Pearl Staker pointed out at the 2003 Morton reunion, the marriage of David Mosiman and Anna Staker (the second
between the families that year) created a bit of name confusion. There was now an Anna (Mosiman) Staker living with Stakers,
and an Anna (Staker) Mosiman living with Mosimans.
10