Biehn

Elma Cook Biehn and Frank Biehn
(Source:  Photo and caption courtesy of Carolyn Biehn Caflisch)

Hazel Biehn in 1917
(Source:  Photo and caption courtesy of Carolyn Biehn Caflisch)

Hazel Biehn (Perkins) in 1966
(Source:  Photo and caption courtesy of Carolyn Biehn Caflisch)

Roy and Alan Biehn
(Source:  Photo and caption courtesy of Carolyn Biehn Caflisch) 

Elliott Cook and Caroline Burgess Cook
(Source:  Photo and caption courtesy of Carolyn Biehn Caflisch) 



The Biehn Family
(Source:  Photo and caption courtesy of Carolyn Biehn Caflisch)
 

Alan Elliott and Roy F. Biehn, sons of Frank Joseph Biehn and Alma Irene Cook Biehn
Alan Elliott Biehn (1901-1972)
Roy Frank Biehn (1904-1988)
(Source:  Photo and caption courtesy of Carolyn Biehn Caflisch)



Roy Biehn
(Source:  Photo and caption courtesy of Carolyn Biehn Caflisch)


 

Roy Biehn
(Source:  Photo and caption courtesy of Carolyn Biehn Caflisch)


 

Alan, Hazel, Roy Biehn
(Source:  Photo and caption courtesy of Carolyn Biehn Caflisch)

Frances Heidersdorf and Henry Biehn wedding photo
(Source:  Ancestry.com submitted by Beth Christoffel 10-17-2010 on family site)

Biehn
(Note:  Although the Biehn family are pioneers of Paris Township, Kenosha County, this biography is added for those researching the Heidersdorf and Myers families of Somers Township)

Among the well-to-do farmers and stock raisers of Paris Township is Henry Biehn, who owns and operates a valuable farm of eighty acres.  A native of Kenosha County, he was born in Paris Township, on the 1st of November, 1858, and is a son of Henry and Margaret (Myers) Biehn, both natives of Germany, the former born in 1825 and the latter in March, 1836.  The father served for two years in the German army and then came to the United States, as he had heard much concerning the unusually good opportunities offered the young men in this country.

He located in Kenosha County and for several years worked as a farm hand but following his marriage bought eighty acres of land, which he cleared and brought under cultivation as soon as possible.  he built a substantial residence and also erected barns and other buildings and made many improvements upon his farm.  After our subject was married the father bought 120 of land in another part of Paris Township and took up his residence there, where he passed his remaining days, dying in November, 1892.  He was a member of the German Lutheran Church and in all relations of life sought to follow the teachings of Christianity.  In politics, he was a Democrat and held a number of offices, service as Town Chairman, and Assessor of his township.  He was well informed and public-spirited and supported all movements seeking the general welfare.  He had a wide acquaintance throughout the county and was highly respected.  His father,  William Biehn, passed his entire life in the fatherland and gave his attention to farming.

Henry Biehn, Sr., was married in Kenosha County to Miss Margaret Myers, a daughter of George Myers, an early settler of Paris Township, and to this union were born 11 children, of whom nine survive, namely:  George, who is engaged in farming and fruit raising in the State of Washington; Henry; Carrie, the wife of C.E. Heidersdorf, who is foreman in the Belle City shops in Racine; Jacob, a real estate dealer of Milwaukee; Mary, the wife of John Adams, secretary of the YMCA at Fond du Lac; Maggie, who married Otto Schuetz, a farmer of Racine County; Frank, who is conducting a meat market and grocery in Union Grove; Emma, the wife of George Kruescher, a farmer of Paris Township; and John, who is a contractor living in Tacoma, Washington.

Henry Biehn, of this review, attended the district schools in his boyhood and youth and also early became familiar with agricultural work.  After putting aside his textbooks he devoted his entire time to assisting his father until his marriage, which occurred in 1882, when he began farming independently.  In 1888 he purchased the old homestead farm of 80 acres of rich land in Paris Township and he has since tiled it, thus adding to its value.  He has made many other improvements upon the place and takes justifiable pride in keeping everything in a good condition.  He does general farming but gives special attention to the raising of thoroughbred Shropshire sheep.
Mr. Biehn was married in 1882 to Miss Fannie Heidersdorf, a daughter of Christian and Margaret (Meyers) Heidersdorf, early settlers of Somers Township.  Her father is deceased, but her mother is still living at the age of 80 years.  Mr. and Mrs. Biehn have two children:  Camilla, the wife of Charles Fonk of Paris Township; and Howard, at home.
(Source:  City and County of Kenosha Record of Settlement by Frank H. Lyman, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1916)

Oakwood Cemetery Burials, Somers

Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

 

Cook - Biehn Marriage
"On Wednesday November 2, Miss Alma Cook, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Cook was united in marriage to Frank Biehn by the Rev. A.M. Sanford of the Rescue Mission, Milwaukee in the presence of a hundred invited guests.  The bride was attended by her sister, Mabel.   The bride has been a successful teacher in Kenosha County; the groom a prosperous farmer and proprietor of the Star Creamery.  They will take a brief wedding trip to Madison.  They will make their home in Paris Township."
(Source:  Racine Journal Nov 9, 1898)

Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Additional Information
 Some members of the Biehn family are buried at Sylvania Cemetery in Yorkville Township, Racine County.
1.  Heinrich (Henry) Biehn, Sr. was born on December 5, 1827 in Ketzenbach, Rheinbaum, Germany.
2.  He served two years in the German army before coming to America in April of 1851.
3.  Margaret Myers was born March 11, 1836 and she died May 13, 1897.
4.  Henry died November 9, 1895 in Paris Township.
5.  Caroline (Carrie) Biehn was born May 4, 1861.
6.  Jacob Biehn was born April 5, 1863.
7.  John Biehn was born March 3, 1867.
8.  Mary Elizabeth Biehn was born June 17, 1869.
9.  Frank Joseph Biehn was born October 4, 1871.
10.  Margaret Biehn was born January 22, 1873.  She married Otto Schultz June 5, 1895 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Paris Township.
11.  Emma A. Biehn was born April 17, 1875.  She married George Kreuscher May 25, 1893 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Paris Township.
(Source:  Sylvania Cemetery records, copyright 1991, Mary Ann Culshaw Falk, and the Sylvania Cemetery Board of Trustees)


Biehn Family "In the News" in Somers
"John W.  Fink sold the east 113 acres of his farm with the buildings to Jacob Biehn.  Mr. Fink retains the west 40 acres."
(Source:  Racine Daily Aug. 16, 1899)

"Mr. and Mrs. George Biehn and family, formerly of Somers, but who have spent a number of years in the State of Washington, arrived in Somers last week and will make Racine their future home."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Mar. 1, 1898)

"Jacob Biehn is out with a new Champion binder."
(Source:  Racine Daily July 31, 1900)

"Jacob Biehn has recovered from his late illness and is able to be out again."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Feb 6, 1900)

"Mr. and Mrs. Frank Biehn spent Thursday at the Pet Stock Show in Chicago and visited with Mr. and Mrs. L.R. Fink at Forest Glen, on their return."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Jan. 29, 1900)

"Somers Mutual Fire Insurance Co. was organized Sept 12, 1873 and commenced business on that date.  Amount of insured in force on Dec. 31, 1899 was $582,355.  Officers elected for year 1900 are:  President, Samuel S. Strong; Secretary Isaac T. Bishop; and Treasurer Jacob Biehn."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Jan. 11, 1900)

"Mr. Jacob Biehn put up a windmill last week for pumping water."
(Source:  Racine Journal Jan 13, 1904)

"Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Biehn placed a new piano in their home Friday afternoon."
(Source:  Mar 21, 1904)

"William E. Tucker, of Sylvania, has sold his two creameries located at Kellogg's Corners and Union Grove, to Frank Biehn, former owner of the Star Creamery and Paris Corners Creamery.  Mr. Biehn will take possession about Aug. 1.  The price paid for the property is said to be $7,000.  Those creameries are admitted to be the finest in the county and the butter supply is taken exclusively by Racine parties.  Mr. Biehn retains the services of the present butter makers."
(Source:  Racine Journal July 24, 1903)

"A doctor was called to attend a very sick horse for Jacob Biehn last week.  The animal has about recovered."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Dec. 26, 1901)

"Mrs. Jacob Biehn was taken to the Sanitarium in Kenosha last week."
(Source:  Racine Weekly March 29, 1904)

"Mrs. Jacob Biehn who lies very low with tuberculosis of the bowels and stomach, was removed to St. Mary's Hospital in Racine."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Aug. 23, 1904)

"Mr. Jacob Biehn will have an auction on Friday this week, November 23."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Nov. 20, 1906)

"Mr. Jacob Biehn is unloading brick at Somers for the foundation of his new barn.  Mr. Biehn moved into his new home Monday afternoon."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Nov 30, 1907)

"Mrs. Louisa Shenkenberg, formerly of Milwaukee and Mr. Jacob Biehn of the Town of Somers were united in marriage at 2 o'clock on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a few relatives and friends.  The Rev. Williams of the Presbyterian Church performed the ceremony.  Mr. and Mrs. Biehn will reside in Somers where they have built a fine residence."
(Source:  Racine Weekly, Nov 13, 1907)

"The creamery station in the Town of Paris just south of Union Grove, belonging to Frank Biehn, was destroyed by fire last night at about eight o'clock causing a loss of about $2,000.  The station was in charge of Mike Perry, who discovered the fire and gave the alarm, but as there was no protection and the fire had gained a headway there was nothing to do but watch it burn.  The station was used by Mr. Biehn for receiving milk from the farmers, and the cream was separated and sent to the Union Grove creamery to be manufactured into butter.  Mr. Biehn was called to the place and will doubtless soon make arrangements for another station there.  There was some insurance on the building."
(Source:  Racine Weekly, Apr. 9, 1907)

"One of the notable weddings of the summer in southern Wisconsin will be the marriage of Miss Mary Biehn, only daughter of Mrs. Margaret Biehn of the Town of Somers, and John W. Adams, general secretary of the Kenosha branch of the Young Men's Christian Association.  The wedding will take place on next Wednesday afternoon, July 9.  More than a hundred guests will be present at the wedding, the guests including many well known Y.M.C.A. men from all parts of the state.  Mr. and Mrs. Adams will go west for a wedding trip and will spend their honeymoon in the shadow of Pike's Peak.  The groom is one of the best known Y.M.C.A. workers.  He was for some time superintendent of the Y.M.C.A. at Ravenswood, Illinois but when new life was given to the Kenosha Association, Mr. Adams came to Kenosha to accept the position of general secretary here.  Through his influence a splendid $25,000 building was built and new interest was aroused in the work of the the Association in Kenosha until at the present time the Association is the third largest in Wisconsin."
(Source:  Racine Weekly, July 8, 1902)

"Gertrude and Dorothy Biehn, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Biehn of Somers, Kenosha County, who disappeared from their home on Monday night, were found in Racine last night and they were not kidnapped from their home.  Gertrude was at the home of O. Parker, 2815 Washington Avenue and Dorothy at the residence of L.K. Sears, 1715 Washington Avenue, where they had secured positions as servants.  After reading in the local papers of the disappearance of the Biehn girls, Messrs. Parker and Sears became suspicious of the two strange girls in their homes and at once communicated with Attorney Peter J. Myers, uncle of the two missing girls, and it was not long before the identity of the girls was established.  Mr. Myers at once notified the parents of the girls where they could be found and the story of kidnapping was exploded.
The two girls made a statement that they believed they were worked too hard on the farm and that disagreements often prevailed between them and their stepmother.  Believing that they could better themselves, the girls decided to leave home and seek to improve their conditions.  Plans were laid for the departure, unknown to their parents and successfully carried out.
On Monday afternoon they packed what clothing they could in two grips.  Early in the evening they entered their rooms.  Waiting until their father and mother were asleep they quietly got out of the house, intending to get the last electric car into Racine, but missed it.  The walked to a brick yard and found the watchman, a colored man, and asked if they could not remain in his shack until morning, explaining that they were going to Racine and missed the car.  Consent was readily given the girls.
When daylight came the girls, appearing to be well supplied with money, offered to pay the colored man for his kindness, but he refused to received pay.  Catching the first electric car north the girls reached Racine early Tuesday morning.  Immediately they searched for employment and were engaged at the Parker and Sears homes, where servants were desired, given fictitious names.  Then came the publication of the disappearance and possible kidnapping and the notification to the uncle Peter J. Myers.  The girls state that they got away from home alone, that no persons assisted them and that there was no man and carriage in the deal at all.  It was simply dissatisfaction at home and a determination to leave.  They are still at the Parker and Sears homes.  Whether the parents will take them home remains to be seen."
(Source:  Racine Journal, Aug. 25, 1908)

Curtis



1887 Partial Somers Map, Berryville area
Section 7, John Curtis parcels

Albion L. Curtis Obituary
"Albion L. Curtis, age 65 years, one of the most prominent retired farmers in Racine or Kenosha Counties, died about 4:20 o'clock this morning, at the family residence, 1414 Wisconsin Street.  Mr. Curtis had been ill about one month, and the immediate cause of his demise was anaemia. 
Mr. Curtis was born in New York state, March 30, 1850, and his parents were Mr. and Mrs. John Curtis.  More than fifty years ago he came to Wisconsin and settled in Somers Township, Kenosha County where he was engaged as a farmer for more than thirty-five years.  At that time the country was practically a wilderness, but by thrift and enterprise Mr. Curtis cultivated a fine farm.  He witnessed the growth and aided the development of the vicinity.
Some years ago Mr. Curtis sold the largest part of his farm to the Chicago & Northwestern railway, where immense freight yards are to be located eventually.
For fifteen years Mr. Curtis lived practically a retired life in Racine.  By the hundreds who knew him he was held in the highest esteem for his many excellencies of character and the upright and honest life he lived.
He was a kind and indulgent father and husband, a man of genial and kindly manner.  He was strictly temperate in his habits, and he enjoyed the confidence of all with whom he came in contact.
There survive his widow, three sons, William Curtis of Fargo; Harold and Ward Curtis of Racine; one daughter, Mrs. Belle White of Racine, and one sister.
The funeral will take place on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the house, 1414 Wisconsin Street.
(Source:  Racine Journal December 5, 1915)

Clara Amelia Curtis Obituary
"Funeral services over the remains of Miss Clara Amelia Curtis, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Curtis, 1414 Wisconsin Street were conducted from the family residence by Rev. Haylett at 1 o'clock this afternoon.  There were a large number of relatives and friends present to pay their last tribute to the deceased, who so young in life has passed to the great beyond.  A number of beautiful floral pieces decorated the casket as a testimonial of affection and respect.  A quartet sang appropriate selections.
The pall bearers were Peter Myers, Frank B. Swingle, S.H. Hansche, Alfred Hansche, John Hansche and Julius Hansche.  The remains followed by a long funeral cortege, were driven to Mound Cemetery, where they were interred in the family plot."
(Source:  Racine Journal Oct. 26, 1900)

Toase

Henry Toase was born in Lancashire, England about 1798.  He came to America in May of 1846.  He was married to Miss Mary Croft, daughter of John and Dorothy Croft.  They had a son, William, and a daughter Mary Ann.  They lived in Mt. Pleasant Township, Racine County.  Henry died December 10, 1868.  Mary (called Ann) married again to George Haigh, a recent widower, on July 16, 1871 in Racine County.  Mary died on September 2, 1893.  Both Henry and Mary are buried at Sylvania Cemetery.


William Toase

William Toase funeral photo
(Photo courtesy of Jim Smith)

Children of Henry and Mary: William Toase. 

Born April 24, 1836 at Lancashire, England, William Toase married Sarah Maria Longwell who was born December 2, 1840 at Yorkshire, England.  Sarah was the daughter of Hugh and Letta Maria Longwell of Somers Township.  William registered for the Civil War in June 1863. He was very musical and organized many programs in the community.  William adopted Sarah's sister's child May, who was born November 22, 1878, who married Horace Lee as his first wife on September 10, 1898.
Sarah died September 2, 1893 and William died March 28, 1903 of diabetes, which caused gangrene to set in.  Both are buried at Sylvania Cemetery.


Mary Ann (called Ann) Toase.  

Born July 15, 1838 in England.  She married William Drinkwater (his second wife) on December 26, 1860.  She died April 28, 1893.
(Source:  Mary Ann Culshaw Falk and Sylvania Cemetery Trustees)


Partial 1887 Somers Township map, Kenosha County
Section 2 shows S. Toase.  Notice the Toase property is adjacent to 2 parcels owned by the Longwell's.

William Drinkwater

William Drinkwater funeral photo
William Drinkwater was born in Manchester, England November 1824.  He came to America with his parents in 1842 and settled in Sylvania,  Town of Yorkville, Racine County, Wisconsin.  On December 25, 1847, he married Elizabeth Smith in 1830 in England, daughter of Samuel Smith of the Town of Mt. Pleasant, Racine County. They had one daughter, Sarah Jane.  William left for the Gold Rush in California with Isaac Bowers, Richard Lee and Edward Lee.  While he was there, he received word that his wife was very ill and he should hurry home.  She died September 22, 1857 before he arrived home.  William married again on December 26, 1860 to Mary Ann Toase, daughter of Henry and Mary Toase.  Sarah remained with her grandparents and later became a schoolteacher.  William and Mary moved to a farm on the Racine-Kenosha County Line Road in the Town of Yorkville.  Mary Ann died April 28, 1893 and William died April 1902.
(Info from Sylvania Cemetery, Exploring Family Ties, by Mary Anne Culshaw Falk)
Photo taken by W.G. Powers in Union Grove, Wisconsin
(Photo courtesy of Jim Smith)

More About Toase
"The woods owned by the later William Toase was swept by a fire on Sunday afternoon supposed to have been started by some careless hunters.  The wind was in the south which fact alone saved the surrounding timber from one of the most disastrous fires that could take place.  As the flames worked against the wind the progress was not very rapid although several acres were burned over during the afternoon.  Help arrived in the evening when thru hard work the fire was extinguished."
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date November 13, 1903)


"Professor William Toase wishes to announce he has leased his farm and will devote his time to his profession.  Professor Toase is one of our ablest singing teachers.
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date November 17, 1898)


"Prof. William Toase, of the town of Mt. Pleasant, one of the oldest residents of the county and who has been a singing master for over 40 years, is dying at his home a few miles southwest of Corliss, of blood poisoning.  One of the professors feet has become so bad that it has nearly rotted off.
Prof. Toase is about 70 years old.  He came to this county over fifty-five years ago, his father having settled here when the county was only a wilderness.  Early in life the son took to music and became famous as a singer and organizer of singing classes.
Almost every singing class of note in Racine and Kenosha counties the professor has organized handled in competition.  He has also arranged hundreds of concerts and sang times without number at the annual reunions of the Racine Count Old Settlers' society and Kenosha County society.
He is, or was, a very large and powerful man, of fine appearance and known to every farmer in the southern section of Wisconsin.  His large number of friends will be pained to learn of his condition."
(Source:  Racine Journal March 27, 1903)


"At 2 o'clock this morning, William Toase, the oldest and best known singing master in Racine County, in fact Southern Wisconsin, died at his home of blood poisoning. Prof. Toase was born in Yorkshire, England, April 24, 1835, and with  his parents settled in Racine County when but 8 years old.  When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted September 21, 1864, in the First Wisconsin, Heavy Artillery, and was promoted to Corporal of his company, in a very short time.
Mr. Toase served three years and made a good brave soldier.  After the War he returned to his home and resumed the study and teaching of music, principally vocal lessons were given.  He possessed a remarkable clear voice and he was in demand at every gathering of note where a musical program was to be given. One daughter survives.  Funeral will take place on Monday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the house in Mt. Pleasant.
(Source:  Racine Journal)


"The adopted daughter, Mrs. Horace Lee, objects to Probating that of late Professor William Toase.  In the county court this morning objection was made to probating the will of the late Prof. Toase, of the town of Mt. Pleasant.  The objections were made by Mrs. Horace Lee, an adopted daughter, through her attorneys.
In his last will Prof. Toase, after the customary provisions for his funeral expenses, makes the following bequests: First - To Fanny Blackburn, his niece, he wills his farm of 80 acres, and all personal property except mentioned later.  To George Blackburn, his horse, cart, harnesses and carpenter tools.  Second - To his adopted daughter, Mrs. Horace Lee, $300 in cash, one bureau and its contents and other household goods. The farm willed to Mrs. Blackburn must not be sold for a period of ten years after his death.  Fanny Blackburn is named as the executrix.

The step-daughter objects to the allowance and probate of the instrument propounded by Fanny Blackburn as the last will and testament of William Toase, upon the following grounds:  First - That said instrument was not duly executed by the said William Toase, deceased, as his last will and testament in the manner provided by law.  Second - That at the time of said execution of said instrument, the said William Toase was not of sound mind and had not sufficient mental capacity to make a will.  Third - That the execution of said instrument was procured by undue influence exercised over and upon the said deceased by said Fanny Blackburn.

Some testimony was heard by Judge Heck, but the hearing was adjourned to May 14.  It is said that in the bureau willed to the nice there was found certificates of deposit amounting to $1,200.  The 80 acre farm is worth $50 per acre.
(Source: Racine Weekly, publication date May 8, 1903)

More About Ann Toase
Obituary for Wm. Drinkwater.
"Wm. Drinkwater died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Henry Blackburn on April 28, 1902, aged 77 years, of cancer of the throat, and was interred in the Sylvania Cemetery on May 1.
Mr. Drinkwater was one of the earliest settler in Racine County, having come to this county from England, in 1844.  He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Smith in 1847, and her death occurred four years later, one child, now Mrs. M.J. Smith was born of this union.
In 1851 he traveled across the then hostile country to California in the search for gold, returning three years later, being only partly successful in the gold fields.  In 1858 he married again, his bride being Miss Ann Toase, sister of Prof. Wm. Toase of Sylvania.  They made their home on a farm northwest of Windsor Station, now Sylvania, for over twenty years, going from there to a large farm on the County Line Road, formerly owned by Jerry Slater.  Here several years ago, Mrs. Drinkwater died.
Eight children were the fruit of the second marriage, viz: Mrs. Albert (Mary Rosette) Murgatroyd, Mrs. Geo. (Fanny Ida) Blackburn who married a second time to Samuel Bowers, son of Isaac Bowers; Mrs. Henry (Ella May) Blackburn, Miss Cora Drinkwater who married Paul Wilkins in Milwaukee, and William H. married Laura Blaine, Charles who married Margaret Myers, James Abraham married Marie (Mame) Rasmussen, and Frank R. Drinkwater who ended up living in Atwater, Ohio.
(Source:  Racine Weekly May 13, 1902 and Mary Ann Culshaw Falk and the Sylvania Cemetery Trustees)


More About Drinkwater, Bowers, Lee, Myers
James Drinkwater was born in Manchester, England in 1798.  He married Jane Phelps and had a son William.  They came to America in 1842 and took up a government claim in Yorkville Township, Racine County.
William Drinkwater was born at Manchester, England on November 8, 1824.  He came to America with his parents in 1842 and settled at Sylvania.  On december 25, 1847 he married Elizabeth Smith who was born April 8, 1830 in England.  She was the daughter of Samuel Smith of Mt. Pleasant Township, Racine County.  They had one daughter Sarah Jane.
William left for the Gold Rush in California with Isaac Bowers and Richard Lee and Edward Lee.  While he was there, he received word that his wife was very ill and he should hurry home.  She died on Septembe 22, 1857 before he arrived home.  William married again on December 26, 1860 to Mary Ann Toase, daughter of Henry and Mary Toase.
Sarah remained with her grandparents and later became a schoolteacher.  William and Mary Ann had 8 children. 
(Source:  Mary Ann Culshaw Falk and the Sylvania Cemetery Trustees)

Heidersdorf, Christian and William

1861 partial map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
Northwest Corner historically known as Kellogg's Corners
Location today I-94 and Racine Kenosha County Line Road
Heidersdorf parcel, Section 6 West, Somers Township

Heidersdorf, Christian
Christian Heidersdorf, Sr. was born in Prussia on Feb. 22, 1813.  He was the son of Conrad and Minnie (Griese) Heidersdorf, both of whom died in Germany.  He worked for several years in the mines in Germany.  After serving his time in the German Army, he came to America in June of 1849 with his brother, William.  They settled first at St. Louis, MO, but when an epidemic of Cholera broke out, they came to Wisconsin and settled in Somers Township.  This family farmed in Paris and Somers Townships.
Christian married Miss Margaret Myers on the Heidersdorf farm on February 15, 1857. Margaret was born December 29, 1836, in Hessen-Homburg, Germany. They had ten children:  5 boys and 5 girls.  Christian died May 5, 1878 and Margaret died September 18, 1913.  They are buried at Sylvania Cemetery.

Children of Christian and Margaret:
William E. married Alice Murray
Christian E. married Caroline Biehn, daughter of Heinrich and Margaret (Myer) Biehn
Frank C. is twin to Frances (Fanny)
Frances (Fanny) Emilia is twin to Frank.  Married Henry Biehn some of Heinrich & Margaret (Meyer) Biehn
Margarette (Maggie) married to William Coughlin.
Harriett (Hattie) is twin to Adaline.  Married Frank Holmes of Kellogg's Corners.
Adaline (Addie) is twin to Harriet.  Married Myron A. Gould, son of Amon T. and Laura (Baker) Gould.  They had four children:  Loren Jay, Max A., Gladys Tabbert, and Gernice, who died in infancy.  The lived in Somers Township.  Gould was a blacksmith at Somers Station.
Wilhelmina (Minnie).  Married to John Woodward.
Henry Walter married Elsa Augusta Alma Reck.
John.  Not married.
(Source:  Mary Ann Culshaw Falk and the Sylvania Cemetery Trustees)

More About Christian Heidersdorf
Christian Heidersdorf (deceased) was one of the excellent farmers and upright citizens of Somers  Township, where he had accumulated a large property through his own exertions.  He was born in Prussia, Germany, January 13, 1813.  He was the son of Conrad and Minnie (Griese) Heidersdorf, both of whom died in Germany.  They had two sons and two daughters, the one survivor being Lizetta, widow of Jacob Barnes, of Paris Township, Kenosha County.
Christian Heidersdorf received a good common school education in his youth, but as his father died when he was still small he was obliged to begin work at an early period in his life.  He worked for several years in the mines in Germany, and later became a mine superintendent.  After serving out his time in the regular army, according to the laws of his land, in 1851 he came to America and settled with his brother William at St. Louis.  When the cholera broke out there they left Missouri and came to Wisconsin, settling in Somers Township.  There he and his brother bought sixty-seven acres of  land, the same on which Mrs. Heidersdorf still lives, and here they built a small frame house.  Later Mr. Heidersdorf added fifty acres to his first land, and later bought ninety acres in Paris Township, and ten acres of woodland.  William never married but lived on this land until his death, and in this home our subject died two years later, in 1878.  He was a man much respected by all who knew him, kind in his family and helpful to his neighbors.  Politically he was a Republican.  He was a member of the Lutheran Church.
On February 14, 1857, on the farm on which his widow now resides, Mr. Heidersdorf was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Meier, who was born in Hessen-Homburg, Germany, December 29, 1835, daughter of Peter and Margaret (Rohr) Meier, the former of whom died in 1842, when his daughter Margaret was seven years old.  Mrs. Heidersdorf was reared in Germany, and came to America with her mother, two brothers and a sister when eighteen years old, and they settled in Parish Township, where the mother died aged eighty-nine years.  Her grandfather, Jacob Meier, was a farmer in Germany, and both he and wife died there, the parents of five sons and one daughter.  Mrs. Margaret (Rohr) Meier was a daughter of Anton and Elizabeth Rohr, farming people who lived to be about seventy-five years old.
To the marriage of Mr. and  Mrs. Heidersdorf were born five sons and five daughters:  William; Christian; Frank and Fannie, twins; Margaret; Hattie and Addie,  twins; Minnie; Henry; and John.
William, was a merchant at Chapin, Paris Township, married Alice Murray, and they have two children, Edna and Harold; Christian, a farmer in Yorkville married Caroline Biehn, and they have three children, Frances, Ethlyn and Alvin; Frank, unmarried, carries on a threshing machine business; Fannie married Henry Biehn of Paris Township and they have two children, Camilla and Howard; Margaret is the widow of William Coughlin of Paris Township, and has two children, Frances and Stanely; Hattie married Frank Holmes, of Yorkville and they have two sons, Ross and Roy; Addie married Myron Gould, a blacksmith of Somers Township, and they have three children, Jay, Max, and Gladys.  The others live at home with the mother in the old homestead in Somers Township.  They are members of the Lutheran Church.
(Source:  Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative Men of Racine and Kenosha County Wisconsin, J.H. Beers & Co., 1906)

More About Heidersdorf
"Frank Heidersdorf and his brother Chris, left for Rush Medical College in Chicago on Saturday morning.  The later had his right limb injured just above the knee several years and and it will be examined by the surgeons."
(Source:  Racine Journal, News Feb. 6, 1895)

"Frank C. Heidersdorf and the Frederick Brothers have purchased new corn shredders."
(Source:  Racine Journal, News Nov. 14, 1900)

"Heidersdorf Bros. made good use of the wind on Friday, sawing twelve cords of wood with their wind mill."
"Messrs. F.S. Heidersdorf and J. Biehn will attend the poultry show in Chicago this week."
"Mr. and Mrs. M.A. Gould of Somers visited at the home of her mother, Mrs. Heidersdorf last Sunday."
(Source:  Racine Journal ,January 23, 1902)

"Philip Horning, who is the employ of the W.E. Heidersdorf of Chapin, erected a Swanson windmill for the F.E. Holmes last week."
(Source:  Racine Journal, June 3, 1902)

"Heidersdorf Bros. will extend their telephone line to Heinry Biehn's this spring."
(Source:  Racine Journal, May 1, 1901)

"Henry Heidersdorf is the happy possessor of a new buggy."
"C.E. Heidersdorf and family attended the Biehm-Adams wedding in Paris on Wednesday."
(Source:  Racine Journal, May 24, 1900)

"Mr. and Mrs. William Coughlin and John Heidersdorf attended the social at Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Smith's of Union Grove last Thursday evening."
(Source:  Racine Journal, February 21, 1901)

"Heidersdorf Bros. shipped some fancy bronze turkeys to Gray, Iowa, the first of the week."
(Source:  Racine Journal, March 27, 1901)

"Henry Beihn, Frank C. Heidersdorf and Frank Holmes returned from a successful deer hunt in Northern Wisconsin on Saturday evening, bringing the evidence of their efforts in the form of three fine bucks."
(Source:  Racine Journal, November 19, 1901)

"Mr. Christian Heidersdorf of Somers moved to the Grimshaw house."
(Source:  Racine Journal ,March 30, 1905)