Fiegenbaum, David William

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA

Notes:

Birth:
Sources report the year of birth as either 1883 or 1884. David himself, at the time of his registration for the U.S. World War I military draft in 1918, reported that he was born on 2 March 1883. His death certificate, apparently informed by his wife, recorded his date of birth as 2 March 1884.

Census:
According to the 1900 enumeration, David (age 17) lived in the household with his father, Edward Fiegenbaum (age 45) and his father's wife, Mary S. Fiegenbaum (age 35), his father's two daughters, Edna Fiegenbaum (age 8) and Margaret Fiegenbaum (age 7), and his father's nephew, George Fiegenbaum (age 24). Also in the household were two servants, Mary Helbrung (age 22), and Fred Gregwere (age 21), employed as a carriage driver.
     George Edward Fiegenbaum was the son of Frederick Adolph and Amelia Maria (Kriege) Fiegenbaum.

Died:
David died of a cerebral hemorrhage at St. Luke's Hospital at St. Louis.

David married Springer, Rebecca Charlotte 26 Mar 1910, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA. Rebecca (daughter of Springer, Henry James and Evans, Mary Virginia) was born 5 Oct 1882, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA; died 10 Nov 1970, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Census (family):
According to the 1910 U.S. enumeration, the household at 501 North Main Street consisted of David and Rebecca Fiegenbaum, both age 27 and married for less than one year; they had no children.

Residence (family):

     According to information on his World War I draft registration card, filed on 12 September 1918, David William Fiegenbaum, age 35, and his wife, Rebecca Fiegenbaum, lived at 404 Center Street, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois. David reported that he was an assistant manager at Oliver Chilled Plow Works, at 2516 N. Broadway, St. Louis Missouri. The Registrar of the local draft board described David as a man of medium height and stout build; with gray eyes and brown hair. There were no physical characteristics that would disqualify David for military service.

Census (family):

     According to the 1930 U.S. enumeration, the household at 412 Fourth Street consisted of David W. Fiegenbaum, a 46 year old bank examiner and his wife, Rebecca C. Fiegenbaum, also age 46. They were both born in Illinois and were married at age 26. Also in the home were their three daughters, all born in Illinois and attending school: Elizabeth J. Fiegenbaum, age 14; Julia E. Fiegenbaum, age 13 [sic] ; and, Rebecca C. Fiegenbaum, age 12. Residing at 404 Fourth Street was Elizabeth's maternal grandparents, Henry J. Springer (age 81) and Virginia Springer (age 71) and her mother's brother, Henry J. Springer, Jr. (age 36).

1. Fiegenbaum, Julia Evans was born 31 May 1914, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA; died 3 Oct 2002, Illinois, USA.
2. Fiegenbaum, Elizabeth Jane was born 8 Dec 1915; died 23 Jan 2003, Fairfax, Virginia, USA; was buried 19 Jul 2004, Arlington, Northampton County, Virginia, USA.
3. Fiegenbaum, Rebecca Charlotte was born 26 Oct 1917, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA; died 16 Dec 2001, Troy, Lincoln County, Missouri, USA.

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Linton Township, Allamakee County, Iowa, USA
• Moved To: 1865, Madison County, Illinois, USA
• Census: 1870, Summerfield, St. Clair County, Illinois, USA
• Degree: 1876, City of New York, New York, USA; M.D.; Address:
  Bellevue Hospital Medical College
• Occupation: Between 1876 and 1927, Madison County, Illinois, USA; a physician
• Census: 1880, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA

Notes:

Census:

     According to the 1860 enumeration, Edward W. Fiegenbaum, age 6 (born in Missouri), lived with his parents, Wm. (age 38) and Sophia (age 36) Fiegenbaum, and three siblings: F. A. (age 8), Henry (age 1) and Amelia B. (age 1).

Census:

     According to the 1870 enumeration, "Edward Feigenbaum," age 15 (born in Missouri), lived with his parents, "Wm. Feigenbaum" (age 45) and "Sophia Feigenbaum" (age 44), and six brothers and sisters: "F. Adolph Feigenbaum" (age 18), "Bertha N. Feigenbaum" (age 11), "Julius H. Feigenbaum" (age 11), "Martha S. Feigenbaum" (age 8), "Livia Feigenbaum" (age 6), and "Mina Feigenbaum" (age 3).

Degree:

     According to the alumni record of the New York University School of Medicine (the successor to Bellevue Hospital Medical College) published in 1908, Edward William attended McKendree College from 1868 to 1870, and he was a surgeon at Madison County (Illinois) Hospital from 1878 to 1886.
     Edward's name appeared in the annual catalogues of McKendree College, at Lebanon, Illinois, as a student in the Scientific Preparatory course of study (1868-1869), in the Classical Preparatory course (1869-1870) and a freshman in the Collegiate course (1870-1871). He does not appear in later catalogues as an alumnus of the college.

Occupation:

     The following biographical sketch was published in 1912 in Centennial History of Madison County, Illinois, and its People: 1812 to 1912.

     Edward William Fiegenbaum, M. D., has practiced medicine in Edwardsville since 1876 and has been a resident of the city for over forty years. Successful in his profession, a public-spirited citizen and an energetic business man, he has a well-merited place among the men of influence and ability at the present period of Madison county’s history.
     Born at Boonville, Missouri, December 4, 1854, he became a resident of this county when his parents located at Highland in 1865, and since 1870 his home has been in Edwardsville. From the public schools he entered, in 1868, McKendree College at Lebanon, was a student there until 1870, and in 1874, he entered the St. Louis Medical College. In 1876 he was graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York, and in the same year began practice at Edwardsville. In a few years he attained a front rank in his profession. Though in every way one of the modern representatives of medicine and surgery, he followed the custom of older physicians in compounding his prescriptions in his own pharmacy. His office and handsome residence on Main street has been a welcome landmark to an entire generation.
     For several years Dr. Fiegenbaum was county physician and at various times he has been local representative of the state board of health and the state board of charities. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Illinois State Medical Society, the St. Louis Medical Society, and is president of the Southern Illinois Medical Society and secretary of the Madison County Medical Society. His medical library is one of the best in Edwardsville and his interest in knowledge extends to many fields. He has served on the board of education and without participation in practical politics has been identified with all measures for the advancement of the welfare of his city and county. He has been a member of the Methodist church since he was twelve years old and represented the Southern Illinois Conference as lay delegate to the General Conference at Los Angeles in 1904. In politics he is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the board of directors of the Madison County Centennial Association and is enthusiastic and active in society work.
     Dr. Fiegenbaum represents the third generation of a German-American family. His grandfather, Adolph Fiegenbaum, immigrated to this country and settled in Missouri. William Fiegenbaum, the father, was ten years old when the family came to this country and for sixty-one years of his life he was a prominent minister of the German Methodist church, his field of service including stations in Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. His death occurred in 1906. He married, at St. Louis, Sophia Gusewelle, who was also a native of Germany. Their children were: Adolph F., Dr. Edward W., Dr. Julius H., Bertha A., Martha and Lydia Mary. Dr. Julius H. is a resident of Alton.
     Dr. Fiegenbaum married May 15, 1881, Miss Julia Gillespie, who died in 1886. On June 11, 1890, he married Miss Mary E. Springer.

Census:

     According to the 1880 enumeration of the third ward, Edward Fiegenbaum, age 25, a physician and surgeon, was a boarder in a hotel operated by Hugh and Ruth Kirkpatrick.

Buried:
He was buried in Section II, lot 99.

Edward married Gillespie, Julia B. 15 May 1882, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA. Julia (daughter of Gillespie, David and Barnsback, Minna A.) was born 1856, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA; died 18 Mar 1886, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA; was buried , Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: Jun 1880, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA

Notes:

Census:

     According to the 1880 U.S. enumeration of the household in Ward 2, Julia Gillespie, age 23, single, at home, lived with her parents, David Gillespie (age 51) and Minna Gillespie (age 45), and her three siblings: Edwin Gillespie (age 18); Henry Gillespie (age 15), and Mary Gillespie (age 10).
     Also living in the home were two single borders: Carrie Houck (age 23) and Clay H. Lynch (age 32), a grain dealer. There were also two single servants: Mary Mansfield (age 18), born in Maryland of Irish parents; and William Meek (age 26), a farm laborer whose parents were born in Bohemia.
     In 1882, Julia B. Gillespie, daughter of David and Minna (Barnsback) Gillespie, became the first wife Dr. Edward William Fiegenbaum. Clay Hardin Lynch, one of the boarders, married one of Dr. Fiegenbaum's sisters, Martha Lizette Fiegenbaum, in 1884.
     A short distance from Julia Gillespie's home where two families of relatives. These included Isabella J. (Gillespie) Sherman, her husband, Moses Sherman, and their daughter, Martha Sherman; and also Elizabeth Eleanor "Nellie" (Gillespie) Brink, her husband, Wesley R. Brink, their two daughters, Florence Brink and Julia Brink.
     Living in the Brink household was Martha A. (McGrew) (Hynes, or Hinds) Gillespie, the second wife of Matthew Gillespie. She was the mother of Elizabeth Eleanor "Nellie" (Gillespie) Brink and Isabella J. (Gillespie) Sherman, and the step-mother of David Gillespie, who was the son of Matthew Gillespie and his first wife, Nancy Gordon. She was therefore a grandmother to all the children in these three households.

Buried:
Julia's burial site is next to her husband's, whose second wife was buried on his other side.

Notes:

Married:

     Marriage license 188 was issued on 12 May 1882 in Madison County, Illinois, to E. W. Fiegenbaum, a 28 year old physician and surgeon, and 26 year old Julia B. Gillespie. Both were residents of Edwardsville, Illinois. They were married on 15 May 1882 at Edwardsville, Illinois by William H. Scott, a minister of the Gospel.

Other Events:

• Baptism: 26 Sep 1824, Lengerich, Province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia
• Immigration: 1834, Missouri, USA
• Census: 1840, Charrette Township, Warren County, Missouri, USA
• Census: 1840, Femme Osage Township, St. Charles County, Missouri, USA
• Occupation: From 1847 to 1906; a minister of the German Methodist Church.

Notes:

Birth:
He was born in Bauerschaft Hohne, a "township" of Lengerich.
     Some family genealogists report the name of this man as "Wilhelm Hermann." According to researchers who have consulted the baptism register from the evangelical church in Lengerich, the given names were recorded as "Hermann Wilhelm." Also, some immigration records refer to him as "Herm. W." Fiegenbaum. For the time being, I have chosen to record his given names as Hermann Wilhelm.

Baptism:
Hermann Wilhelm was baptized in the evangelical church at Lengerich.

Immigration:

     Hermann was about 10 years old when he emigrated from the Hohne section of Lengerich, in the Province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia with his father, Adolph (age about 40), his mother, Christine (age about 37), and four brothers and sisters (ages 13 to less than 1 year). The family is reported to have disembarked at New Orleans, Louisiana in late June 1834 and to have traveled up the Mississippi, arriving at St. Louis, Missouri about 3 or 4 July. They appear to have settled initially in Femme Osage Township, St. Charles County, Missouri. A few years later they moved to nearby Hopewell, in Warren County, Missouri. Around 1850, Hermann's parents and two brothers still living at home settled near Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa. By then, he was already married and embarked on a career as a minister in the German Methodist Episcopal Church.

Census:
The 1840 U.S. census enumerated eight people living in the "Rudolph Feigenbaum" household in Charrette Township, Warren County, Missouri.

Census:
The 1840 U.S. census enumerated eight people living in the "A. Frigenbottom" household in Femme Osage Township, St. Charles County, Missouri.

Occupation:

     His sixty some years of service included stations in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin. William was licensed as an exhorter in 1847 and ordained in the ministry the following year. His first charge was the church in Highland, Illinois. What follows is a portion of the historical sketch of the "German Methodist Episcopal Church," written by Rev. Wm. Schwind, as it appeared in the History of Madison County: Illustrated: with Biographical Sketches of Many Prominent Men and Pioneers, published in 1882 by W. R. Brink & Company of Edwardsville, Illinois. This section on the church in Highland, Illinois, gives a glimpse of the life of a Reiseprediger (German for "traveling" or circuit preacher), of which William and his brothers, also ministers in the German Methodist Church, were all prime examples:

     "Rev. Wm. Fiegenbaum [came to Highland] in 1848. In the fall of the same year the building of a church was commenced and carried on until it was under roof. Its completion was delayed till the following spring. It was dedicated on the 26th of June, 1849, by Rev. Henry Koeneke, presiding elder. The church is 40 by 30 feet, two stories high, with steeple and bell. The lower story was built of rough stone; the upper story was built in partnership with the American Methodist, which relation is still sustained. Its value is about $2,000. ....The mission at that time already embraced a large territory and many appointments. It included Edwardsville, Fosterburg, Staunton, Looking Glass Prairie, Beaver Creek, Blackjack, Smooth Prairie, Silver Creek, Ridge Prairie, The Bluff, Moro and Upper Alton. The membership in the whole field of labor numbered 67 at the time the church was dedicated. Rev. Wm. Fiegenbaum was in charge of the mission with two assistant preachers. They were Rev. J. Keck and Rev. Herman Kock, who is now President of Central Wesleyan College, Warrenton, Mo....
     "Great and exhausting were the labors of those early pioneer preachers, but they felt themselves equal to almost any emergency. With heroic devotion to their work and self-denying determination, they shared the hardships and difficulties of the early German settlers. They were on horseback almost every day, seeking the lost sheep of the house of Israel, preaching in log cabins, school houses, and where ever they could get any hearers, many or few, to teach them the way of righteousness, expecting very little compensation but what the great Shepherd might please to give them at the great day. And their labors were not in vain. Many persons became converted and rejoiced in the experience of a new life.
     "When in the year 1849 the Cholera broke out, eight to ten persons died almost every day at Highland. Rev. Wm. Fiegenbaum was stopped on his rounds for fear he would spread the disease. But then he went to nurse the sick and dying, often day and night, for two months, administering faithfully to their bodily and spiritual wants. After that he resumed his labors and was eminently successful in building up the societies in Madison county. Several years later a new church was built at Beaver Creek, where a society still exists. Most of the above mentioned appointments are still places for public worship; they are either formed into separate organizations or connected with other charges."

Buried:

     According to an obituary, the funeral was held at the German Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. Rev. J. G. Hildenstein had charge of the service. Rev. Dr. F. Brinkmeier of Belleville, Presiding Elder of the district was to speak in German, and Dr. G. B. Addicks, President of the Central Wesleyan College at Warrenton, Missouri would speak in English. Rev. William Fiegenbaum was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Died:

The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for Rev. William Fiegenbaum. Gretchen Leenerts reported that this account had appeared on 30 November 1906 in the Edwardsville Intelligencer, of Edwardsville, Illinois.

     Reverend William Fiegenbaum of this city, an aged servant of the Lord, was called away today to the promised reward. He died at 1:15 this morning, peacefully as he had lived. Several times of late, he had observed that he was glad to state that he suffered not at all. Rev. Fiegenbaum's death was not due to any particular ailment. Right up to dissolution his pulse and respiration were normal. Up to this week he ate three hearty meals a day and exercised by walks. It seemed merely as if the alloted span of his life had been reached, and without sickness or pain he received a message to lay down the load and enter into the kingdom whose joys he had spent his lifetime in preaching. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at two o'clock from the German Methodist Church and will be in charge of Rev. J. G. Hildenstein. Rev. Dr. F. Brinkmeier of Belleville, Presiding Elder of this district, will speak in German, and Dr. G. B. Addicks, President of the Central Wesleyan College at Warrenton, Missouri will speak in English. William Fiegenbaum was born 17 September 1824 in Laengrich, Westphalia, Germany and had therefore attained, at the time of his death, the age of 82 years, 2 months and 12 days. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Fiegenbaum, who came to this country with their family in 1834. They landed at New Orleans and came up the Mississippi to St. Louis, removing thence to what is known as the Femme Osage District near St. Charles. They took up farming, but William did not feel drawn to that line of work and went to St. Louis and commenced clerking in a store. There he recognized the need for live, energetic preachers and dedicated his life to the work. Without special preparation other than his home studies he was received into the ministry, and began 4 March 1847 at Highland, this county. His labors extended over a large field, as he had a circuit which required fourteen days' traveling on horseback to cover. On 27 September 1849 he was married in St. Louis to Sophia Gusewelle. She died 7 September 1904. It will be observed that the family anniversaries came on sevens in September: Mr. Fiegenbaum's birthday being 17 September, their wedding anniversary 27 September and Mrs. Fiegenbaum's death on 7 September. There are six children: Fred A., Dr. Edward W., and Martha wife of C. H. Lynch all of Edwardsville; Dr. Julius H. of Alton; Bertha, wife of Rev. Charles F. Blume, of Winona, Minnesota; and Lydia, wife of Rev. H. C. Jacoby of Quincy. Of the original family, two brothers and two sisters are living: Rev. Fred W. Fiegenbaum of Wathena, Kansas; Rev. H. R. Fiegenbaum of Connell, Washington; Mrs. Wellemeyer of Warrenton, Missouri and Mrs. Winters of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Rev. Henry Fiegenbaum, another brother, died two years ago, and this was the first break in the original family in seventy years. The family was noted for its connection with the church. The father, Adolph Fiegenbaum, was a carpenter, but every one of his sons became a minister and the daughters all married ministers. Rev. William Fiegenbaum's territory was extended all along the Mississippi Valley, to Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Northern Illinois. From 1870 to 1875 he was pastor of the German Methodist Church in Edwardsville. In 1893 after continuous service of almost half a century he retired, and since then lived quietly in a little cottage on Union Street, preferring to maintain his own household, look after his chickens and the other routine of a home. He preached frequently here, however, and on 16 September of this year, on the occasion of the conference in Edwardsville, he delivered an address at the church which will always be remembered by its hearers for its force and the deep piety expressed. The excitement of that day and the eloquent effort he made seemed to tell upon him and he was never quite so energetic afterwards, though he got about as usual. Rev. Fiegenbaum was of the old stock, sturdy and strong as to physique and mentality, one who lived well, continued active and thought deeply. He rounded out the biblical span of years, ministered to with the tenderest care by his children and possessing the veneration and affectionate respect of all who knew him.

     This obituary was published in The Holt County Sentinel (Oregon, Missouri) on 7 December 1906.

          Pioneer German Minister Dead.

     The death of Rev. William Fiegenbaum, one of the pioneer preachers of Southern Illinois, occurred at his home in Edwardsville, Illinois, Friday morning, November 30, 1906, at 1:15 o'clock, in his 83rd year. He had been able to be about until a short time prior to his demise.
     He was a native of Germany and came to this country when a lad of 10 years, his parents locating in Missouri. He early concluded to enter the German Methodist ministry, and was ordained at the age of 21. He continued in the ministry until a few years ago, when he was put on the superannuated list. With his aged wife, who died a year ago, he celebrated his golden wedding anniversary several years since, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
     During his ministerial career he was stationed in Misseuri [sic], Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, the greater portion of the time in the southern portion of Illinois. The children surviving are Dr. J. H. Fiegenbaum, of Alton, Illinois; Dr. E. W. Fiegenbaum and Mrs. C. H. Lynch, of Edwardsville, Illinois; Adolph Fiegenbaum, of Washington, D. C; Mrs. Rev. C. F. Blume, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mrs. Rev. Jacoby, of Quincy, Illinois.
     Rev. Fiegenbaum was in Holt county at an early day, about 1851. At that time he was located at Jefferson City, and from there traveled on horseback over the entire portion of Northwest Missouri, his territory reaching as far as Rock Port, Atchison county. He was engaged in Missionary or rather frontier work, his duties being to hunt up the German families in this section of the country, and he would then hold services at the various homes he would visit, at that time there being no German churches in the small towns. When here in those early days, about 1851, we are informed, he helped to cut and haul the logs to build the first German M. E. church and parsonage combined, ever built in Holt county, which was located in this city near the present location. He was, many years after this, in 1877, stationed here, for one year, as pastor in charge of the German M. E. church, of this city. At this time his wife was living, and beside his wife, four of their children, Julius, Bertha. Martha and Lydia were with them. They will be remembered by many of our older citizens, and all were held in high esteem by our citizens.
     He was the second of four brothers, all of whom were German M. E. ministers, and the three eldest of the brothers and a sister, lived to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. The eldest of these was Rev. Henry H., who died in St. Joseph, Mo.. Friday, January 13, 1905, and who was pastor here for three years in 1874-5-6. Rev. F. W , who had charge of the church here for several years, and afterwards made this his home for a few years, when about three years ago he removed to Wathena. Kansas, where he is now residing. Rev. Rudolph, stationed at Connell, Washington. Rev. William Fiegenbaum was an uncle of Mrs. Mina Curry, of this city.

Hermann married Gusewelle, Sophia 1 Oct 1849, St. Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri, USA. Sophia (daughter of Gusewelle, Frederick Wilhelm and Hoen, Catherine) was born 2 Feb 1826, Pollhagen, Principality of Schaumburg-Lippe; died 7 Sep 1904, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA; was buried 10 Sep 1904, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Immigration: 1846, Missouri, USA

Notes:

Buried:
Sophia was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Died:

     The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an funeral announcement for "Mrs. William Fiegenbaum." Gretchen Leenerts reported that this account had appeared on 9 September 1904 in the Edwardsville Intelligencer, of Edwardsville, Illinois.

     The funeral of Mrs. William Fiegenbaum, brief mention of whose death was made in Wednesday's Intelligencer, will be held tomorrow, Saturday afternoon at two o'clock. The services will be held at the German M.E. Church and the interment is to be at Woodlawn. The pall bearers will be: George Stullken, E. F. Koch, Jule H. Stolte, Henry Stullken, Louis F. Kriege and Edward Dude. Mrs. Fiegenbaum was aged 78 years, 7 months and 5 days. Her maiden name was Sophia Gusewelle, and she was born 2 February 1826 in Pollhagen, Germany. In 1846 she sailed for America, landing in St. Louis on New Year's Day 1847. She was married to Rev. William Fiegenbaum 27 September 1849 in St. Louis. Their union was blessed with eight children, two of whom died in infancy. The six living children, all of whom were with her when death came, are: Fred A., Dr. E. W., and Mrs. Martha Lynch of Edwardsville; Dr. J. H. of Alton; Mrs. H. C. Jacoby of Granite City and Mrs. C. F. Blume of Winona, Minnesota. Her venerable husband also survives and there are 23 grandchildren. She has two sisters, Mrs. Christine Kaeser of Pittsfield and Mrs. Dora Wille of Forber Station, Missouri. The family came to Edwardsville in 1870 and stayed until 1875, then lived at Pittsfield, Bunker Hill, Alton and other points where Mr. Fiegenbaum had pastorates. The wife united with the church the year she came to St. Louis and was not only a helpmeet to her husband in the home, but was a "frontier missionary," traveling with him through Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and Iowa, in the sparsely settled districts and aiding at all times in the religious work. Hers was a character as strong as that of her rugged husband, and she was ever his aid and helper through their long married life. Their golden wedding was celebrated five years ago. Mrs. Fiegenbaum's death was due to no ailment, merely a breaking down due to old age, and she sank gradually during the past ten days until the end came at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon.

Notes:

Married:

     Although obituaries for Hermann Wilhelm Fiegenbaum and Sophia (Gusewelle) Fiegenbaum and also a newspaper account of their golden wedding anniversary all report that they were married at St. Louis on 27 September 1849, a record of the marriage, filed and recorded on 23 October 1849 at St. Louis, certified that Rev Henry Könecke, a Minister of the Gospel, "joined in wedlock" Reverend William Figenbaum [sic], of Highland, Madison County, Illinois, and Miss Sophia Gisewelle [sic], of St. Louis, Missouri on 1 October 1849.
     The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an account of the golden wedding anniversary celebration for "Rev. and Mrs. William Fiegenbaum." Gretchen Leenerts reported that this account had appeared on 29 September 1899 in the Edwardsville Intelligencer, of Edwardsville, Illinois.

     Rev. and Mrs. William Fiegenbaum celebrated their golden wedding Wednesday. As the anniversary, so was the day, bright and fair, and with sunshine as clear and golden as the purest ingot of the precious metal that ever ran from a crucible. Every circumstance smiled upon the anniversary and combined to make it a joyous one. The venerable couple were in the best of health and spirits, friends old and new were there to greet them and wish them well, and it is safe to say that no one of all the throng derived as much pleasure by half from the affair as did the guests of honor. The celebration occurred at the residence on Main Street of their son, Dr. E. W. Fiegenbaum. The house and grounds had been lavishly decorated in honor of the event. Taking advantage of the season, every corner and nook of the residence blossomed with golden rod, and its appropriateness was remarked upon all sides. At night the handsome lawn was lighted with many electric lights, forming a very pretty picture. According to the invitations the festivities began at 2:30, but in reality they commenced at noon, when the family gathered at dinner. Forty relatives sat down to the meal. Rev. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum occupied the places of honor. Rev. H. C. Jacoby made an address, the family united in singing a verse and then after grace came the discussion of the meal. In the afternoon the guests began to arrive, and they came until the house was packed. Some to spend the afternoon, others who could tarry but a little while dropped in to pay their compliments, listen to the music and then return to business or other pursuits. Rev. Jacoby delivered an address in German and was followed with short addresses in English by Past Presiding Elder W. E. Ravenscroft and Dr. J. L. Cunningham. In the evening there was an address by Dr. J. A. Autrim, of St. Andrew's. One feature which was especially pleasing to the assemblage was the music. Schwarz orchestra played throughout the celebration, concluding with the "Golden Wedding March." During intervals the Fiegenbaum Mandolin Club rendered choice selections, and there was vocal music by the members of the German Methodist Choir. It was thought that perhaps all the members of the German Methodist Church could not be reached by mailing invitations, so a general invitation was extended from the pulpit, and the members were present almost without exception. Among the many handsome presents was a $10 gold piece, accompanied by a congratulatory poem from the Church Society. Rev. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum have not had uneventful lives as are usually supposed to tend to long life. Both are natives of Prussia. Rev. Fiegenbaum came to this country at an early age. He was licensed as an exhorter in 1847 and the following year was ordained to the ministry. His first charge was at Highland, and after the completion of his first year there he went to St. Louis to claim his bride, Miss Sophia Gusewelle, who had been in America at that time about a year. They were married on September 27 in the afternoon at the German Methodist Church on Washington Street then one of the most pretentious structures in St. Louis. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr. Henry Koeneke. Rev. Koeneke and Mrs. Timpkin, of Peoria, who were the witnesses to the wedding, are still living, as is also Mrs. Dora Lahrman, of St. Joseph, Missouri, the lady who tendered them a wedding supper. At that time ministers were allowed but two years as a charge, so at the completion of the year following their wedding, Rev. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum were assigned to a new town. They went to Watertown, Wisconsin, driving overland all the way. Then they were transferred to Booneville, Missouri, and during the forty or more years following, traversed nearly the whole of Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. Rev. Fiegenbaum's service for the Master covered a period of over 50 years, and he still preaches when occasion demands. The family is noted for the fact of its connection with the ministry. The three brothers, Henry of St. Joseph, Missouri; Fred of Oregon, Missouri; and Rudolph of Garner, Iowa, were all ministers, the former two now superannuated. The two sisters, Mrs. Minna Winter of Omaha, Nebraska and Mrs. Katherine Wellemeyer of Garner, Iowa, each married a minister. Henry Fiegenbaum and Mrs. Wellemeyer celebrated golden weddings a year ago, and Fred's occurs next year. All the children of Rev. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum were present with their families, 19 of their 21 grandchildren being there. The children are: Mrs. Charles F. Blume of Winona, Minnesota; Mrs. Jacoby, wife of Rev. H. C. Jacoby, pastor of the Taylor Avenue German Methodist Church, St. Louis; Dr. J. H. Fiegenbaum of Alton, and Dr. E. W. Fiegenbaum, Fred Fiegenbaum and Mrs. C. H. Lynch of this city. Other out of town guests were: Mrs. Christian Kaeser of Pittsfield, a sister of Mrs. Fiegenbaum, who was present at the wedding 50 years ago; Mrs. Henry Krome, of near Wanda, who was seatmate with Mrs. Fiegenbaum at school in Germany 62 years ago; Mr. and Mrs. John Zimmerman, Mrs. Brinkman and Mrs. Goesch of Bunker Hill and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pitts of Alton.

Census (family):

     According to the 1860 enumeration, the household consisted of Wm. Fiegenbaum, age 38, born in Prussia, a "M. E. Minister;" Sophia Fiegenbaum, age 36, born in Prussia; F. A. Fiegenbaum, age 8, born in Wisconsin; Edward W. Fiegenbaum, age 6, born in Missouri; Henry I. or J. Fiegenbaum, age 1, born in Illinois; and Amelia B. Fiegenbaum, age 1, born in Illinois.

Census (family):

     According to the 1870 enumeration, the household consisted of "Wm. Feigenbaum," age 45, born in Prussia, a U.S. citizen, a minister; "Sophia Feigenbaum," age 44, born in Prussia, keeping house; "F. Adolph Feigenbaum," age 18, born in Wisconsin; "Edward Feigenbaum," age 15, born in Missouri; "Bertha N. Feigenbaum," age 11, born in Illinois, attended school within the year; "Julius H. Feigenbaum," age 11, born in Illinois, attended school within the year; "Martha S. Feigenbaum," age 8, born in Minnesota, attended school within the year; "Livia Feigenbaum," age 6, born in Minnesota; and, "Mina Feigenbaum," age 3, born in Minnesota.

Census (family):

     According to the 1880 enumeration of 12th Street, between Jefferson and Washington, the household consisted of "William Tigenbaum," age 56, born in Prussia, married, a German Methodist Pastor, his wife, "Sophia Tigenbaum," age 55, born in Prussia, married, keeping house, and four children: "Bertha E. Tigenbaum," daughter, age 21, born in Illinois, a salesmann [sic]; "Julius H. Tigenbaum," son, age 21, born in Illinois; "Martha Tigenbaum," daughter, age 18, born in Minnesota; and "Lydia M. Tigenbaum," daughter, age 16, born in Minnesota.

Census (family):

     According to the 1900 enumeration, the household consisted of William Fiegenbaum, head of household, born September 1824 in Germany, age 75, married for 50 years, immigrated to USA in 1834, a "Minister of the Gospel;" and Sophia Fiegenbaum, wife, born February 1826 in Germany, age 74; married for 50 years, a mother of 8 children (6 of them still living), immigrated to USA in 1846.

Other Events:

• Occupation: From 1849 to 1881, Madison County, Illinois, USA; a lawyer and judge

Notes:

Birth:
David was the eldest child of Matthew Gillespie (1807-1861) and his first wife, Nancy Gordon, and their only child to survive to maturity.

Occupation:

     The following is a brief biographical sketch published in 1882 in History of Madison County, Illinois; Illustrated; With Biographical Sketches Of Many Prominent Men And Pioneers:

     David Gillespie was born in Edwardsville, Ill., September 30, 1828. He was the eldest child of Matthew and Nancy (Gordon) Gillespie. His mother died during his early childhood. David in his youth had but few of the advantages for obtaining an education that are now enjoyed by nearly every child in the land. The State was then in its infancy, and the school system but imperfectly operated. His education was therefore mainly obtained at the select or subscription schools, with a short time spent at Shurtleff College. As a boy or man he was always a careful student, and by his industry acquired a vast fund of general information. So thorough and complete was his system of study that he could at any time call to mind and into practical use anything that he had ever read or learned. He had a remarkably retentive memory, and was well-versed in the sciences and literature of the day. He was in the broadest and most liberal sense of the term a self-made man, which, in after years, was fully demonstrated by his powers of clear thinking, practical reasoning and self-reliance. Several years before he had attained his majority he had conceived the idea that he would like to follow the profession of law. He accordingly became a student of law in the office and under the direction of his uncle Joseph Gillespie. Here he obtained the mental food that stimulated his active mind. The intricacies of the proper government and conduct of man with his fellow man, as laid down by Blackstone, Kent, Story, and other eminent jurists, found a fertile field in the mind of the young student; and on arriving at twenty-one years of age he was admitted to practice at the bar. He had, however, previously attended a course at the law school in Cincinnati, Ohio. From the time of his enrollment as an attorney-at-law until the day of his death he was actively employed in his chosen profession.
     Few, if any, lawyers ever practiced at the bar in Madison county who were more thoroughly acquainted with the philosophy and intricacies of the law than he. As a lawyer he worked with zeal and energy for the cause of his client, but he would never resort to any unfair or unlawful means to win a case. He became a successful practitioner from the fact that he possessed legal abilities of a high order, and by his honesty and integrity won the confidence of judges and juries. He participated in several important causus celebre, which have shed lustre upon the jurisprudence of the State of Illinois. As an advocate he was both witty and logical, and when his full powers were aroused and called into requisition in the interests of his client, his language became not only ornate, but truly eloquent.
     In 1861 he was appointed Master in Chancery, a position he filled with credit for twelve successive years. While discharging the duties of that office, he was further honored by being elected to the office of County Judge, which position he filled from December, 1865, to December, 1869. With all the multiplicity of duties devolving upon him as Master in Chancery, he never neglected his extensive law practice, and at the same time made a record as County judge that his friends may point to with pride, as being among the purest and most economical in the history of Madison county.
     His death occurred at his home in Edwardsville, after a very brief illness, on the evening of August 1st, 1881.
     He was married to Miss Minna A. Barnsback, October 8th, 1855. She was the daughter of the late Julius L. Barnsback. His widow, two sons and two daughters survive him.
     In his social and family relations, he was one of the purest and best of men - ever true to his friends and to the principles that he believed to be right. In politics, he was a Republican.

     The following biographical sketch was published in The Bench and Bar of Illinois; Historical and Reminiscent, published in 1899.

     Judge David Gillespie was one of the lawyers who attained distinction at the bar of southern Illinois and by his courteous bearing and profound knowledge of jurisprudence fully sustained the majesty of the law and added new luster to the judicial history of the state. This record would be incomplete without a memoir of this most respected man, and can it better be given than in the words of his old-time friend, Judge H. S. Baker, who when the bar of Madison county had assembled to pay tribute of respect to the member who had been taken from them by death, said:
     "May it please the court: I have been requested by the members of the Madison county bar to suggest unto your Honor the death of David Gillespie, one of the ablest and oldest of our lawyers. He died at his home in Edwardsville, on the 1st day of August, 1881, after a brief illness. The shock with which the announcement of his death was received pervades our entire community and could not have been greater had the announcement been that he came to his death by violence.
     "David Gillespie was born on the 29th of September, 1828, in the town of Edwardsville, Illinois. He was the son of the late Mathew Gillespie, and his wife, Nancy Gillespie. Her maiden name was Gorden and she was the daughter of Robert Gordon. Both of David Gillespie's grandparents emigrated from Monaghan county, Ireland, as early as 1819, and settled in Illinois. David Gillespie, in his youth, like the rest of us who were born and reared in Illinois contemporaneous with him, had but few advantages for acquiring an education. As a rule we had to pick up as best we could the rudiments of knowledge from that class of itinerant school-teachers who at that period traveled around from one settlement to another, dispensing their own small fund of information. The log cabin and Webster's spelling-book of 1828 have given place to stately school-houses of 1881, which sit like castles upon our elevated hills, and the vast and attractive course of learning embraced in our modern school-books. After being taught by our itinerant teachers more than the teachers could teach, Mr. Gillespie for a short period attended school at Shurtleff College in Upper Alton, Illinois, where under the tuition of learned and refined teachers he laid the foundation of that knowledge upon which he afterward raised the superstructure of his professional success.
     "After leaving college Mr. Gillespie at once entered the office of his uncle, Judge Joseph Gillespie, and commenced the study of law. As an evidence of the avidity with which he pushed the study of his profession, it may be said that, several years before he arrived at the age of manhood and could be admitted as an attorney at law, he had mastered the entire course of reading allotted to him and had graduated at the law school of Hamilton, Ohio, with high and deserved honors. It was not for him to drag his weary thought through the pages of Coke, of Blackstone, of Kent, of Chitty and of Story. To him those pages were enchanted ground illuminated by that knowledge which he had made up his mind to master.
     "After completing his course of study and upon arriving at the age of twenty-one years, he was admitted to practice as an attorney at law, in 1848, and at once formed a copartnership with Judge Joseph Gillespie in the practice of his profession in this city. Judge Joseph Gillespie even at that time was ranked among the leading lawyers of Illinois and had a practice coextensive with his reputation; and I am informed that during the time of their copartnership, David Gillespie attended to almost the entire office business of the firm, arranging the pleadings and preparing the cases. In 1861, upon the election of Joseph Gillespie as judge of our circuit court, David Gillespie formed a partnership in his profession with Charles F. Springer, which continued until the death of Mr. Springer in 1871. He then entered into partnership with Mr. Cyrus Happy, which was dissolved only a short time previous to his death.
     "David Gillespie was married October 8, 1855, to Miss Minna Barmback, of Madison county, Illinois, by whom he had six children, four of whom, with his widow, survive him.
     "In his home, in social and professional circles, Mr. Gillespie was ever kind and courteous and in his death the community lost one of its best citizens. He achieved high distinction at the bar and he deserved it, for he was ever careful to conform his practice to a high standard of commercial ethics and had a comprehensive knowledge of law and was masterful in its application to litigated questions. As he won success and prominence in his professional career, so he in private life endeared himself to all who knew him by the simple nobility of his character."

Buried:
He and family members were buried in Section II, lots 105-106.

David married Barnsback, Minna A. 8 Oct 1855, Madison County, Illinois, USA. Minna (daughter of Berensbach, Julius Louis Hans and Gonterman, Mary Melinda) was born 12 Nov 1834, Illinois, USA; died 25 Jan 1888, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA; was buried , Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA

Notes:

Birth:

     In many documents, the given names of this woman are reported as Minna A. Barnsback. There are, however, some variations. In a biographical sketch published in 1887 of her brother, Henry C. Barnsback, she was identified as Minna C. Barnsback. This is also the form of her name which appeared on her own marriage license as reported in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900, an online database of the Illinois State Archives.
     The form of this woman's name as it appears in this genealogical database is an arbitrary choice until a more definitive answer is discovered.

Census:

     According to the 1850 U.S. enumeration, Mina C. Barnsback, age 16 and attending school, lived with Julius L. Barnsback (age 50) and Mary Barnsback (age 42). There were three other children in the home: Henry Clay Barnsback, age 12; Julius Barnsback, age 9; and, Mary E. Barnsback, age 5. Also in the household were four male boarders, ages 20 to 42, from Switzerland, Germany and Pennsylvania.

Buried:
She and family members were buried in Section II, lots 105-106.

Notes:

Married:
According one biographical sketch of David, published in 1899, he and his wife were the parents of six children, four of whom survived him. At this time, this genealogical history has details of only four children.

Census (family):

     According to the 1880 U.S. enumeration, the household in Ward 2 consisted of David Gillespie, a 51 year old lawyer, his wife, Minna Gillespie, age 45, keeping house, and their four children: Julia Gillespie (age 23); Edwin Gillespie (age 18); Henry Gillespie (age 15), and Mary Gillespie (age 10). There were two single boarders: Carrie Houck (age 23) and Clay H. Lynch (age 32), a grain dealer. Also living in the home were two single servants: Mary Mansfield (age 18), born in Maryland of Irish parents; and William Meek (age 26), a farm laborer, he and his parents were born in Bohemia.
     The next household enumerated in this census consisted of Moses Sherman (age 42, a grain dealer), his wife, Isabella Sherman (age 38) and their daughter, Martha Sherman (age 12). Also living in the household was a servant, Mary Childres (age 16).
     And the dwelling enumerated after the Sherman's was the home of Wesley R. Brink (age 30, a publisher), his wife, Nellie Brink (age 26), and their two daughters, Florence Brink (age 3) and Julia Brink (age 1). Also living in the household was Wesley's mother-in-law, Martha Gillespie (age 64, a widow), and Louisa Bernius (age 20), a servant.
     What the 1880 census does not reveal is the close family ties woven through these three homes and foreshadowing extended family associations. Wesley Brink's mother-in-law, Martha A. (McGrew) (Hynes, or Hinds) Gillespie, the second wife of Matthew Gillespie, would have been the mother of Wesley's wife, Elizabeth Eleanor "Nellie" (Gillespie) Brink. Martha was also the mother of Isabella J. (Gillespie) Sherman and the step-mother of David Gillespie, who was the son of Matthew Gillespie and his first wife, Nancy Gordon.
     In 1882, Julia B. Gillespie, daughter of David and Minna (Barnsback) Gillespie, became the first wife Dr. Edward William Fiegenbaum. Clay Hardin Lynch, one of the boarders living in the Gillespie home in 1880, married one of Dr. Fiegenbaum's sisters, Martha Lizette Fiegenbaum, in 1884.

Other Events:

• Baptism: 26 Dec 1793, Ladbergen, Grafschaft Tecklenburg
• Immigration: 1834, Missouri, USA
• Naturalization: 1838, St. Charles County, Missouri, USA
• Census: 1850, Wapello Township, Louisa County, Iowa, USA

Notes:

Birth:
Adolph's date of birth in 1792 has been reported as both December 17 or 19.

Immigration:

     Adolph was about 40 years old when he emigrated from the Hohne section of Lengerich, in the Province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia with his wife, Christine, age 37, and their first five children (ages 13 to less than 1 year). The family is reported to have disembarked at New Orleans, Louisiana in late June 1834 and to have traveled up the Mississippi, arriving at St. Louis, Missouri about 3 or 4 July. They appear to have settled initially in Femme Osage Township, St. Charles County, Missouri. They later moved to nearby Hopewell, in Warren County, Missouri. Around 1850, Adolph, Christine and at least two sons still living at home settled near Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa.

Naturalization:

On 2 April 1838 in St. Charles County Circuit Court, Adolph Fiegenbaum, age 44, a native of Prussia and a resident of St. Charles County, declared his intention to become a citizen of the USA.

     I Adolphus Fiegenbaum do declare that I am a native of Ladbergen, Kingdom of Prussia, that I am about forty [sic] four years old; that I emigrated from Ladbergen that I there owed allegiance to King William III King of Prussia, that I am a Carpenter by profession, and that I am married to Cristina Peterjohan, and that I have six children, that I landed in New Orleans in June 1834 and that I intend to settle in the State of Missouri. I further declare that it is my bona fide intention to become a citizen of the United States, and to renounce and abjure forever, all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign Prince, Potentate, State and Sovereignty whatever, and particularly to William III of Prussia.
               [Adolph's signature]
     Subscribed and sworn to in open Court, this 2nd day of April A.D. 1838.


Census:
The 1850 U.S. Census found the Fiegenbaums living in Wapello Township, Louisa County, Iowa. According to the enumeration, the household was composed of Adolph, age 57, a farmer; Christine, age 54; Frederick, age 21, a day laborer; and, Rudolph, age 14.

Buried:
Adolph was buried in Concord Cemetery at Garner, Iowa.

Died:
Adolph died at the home of his son-in-law, H. F. Wellemeyer, in Garner, Iowa, where he had been living for about the last year of his life.

     The following obituary appeared in Der Christliche Apologete, on 29 January 1877.

     Am 11. Januar 1877, des Abends um 10 Uhr, starb, alt und lebenssatt, aber selig im Herrn, Vater Adolph Fiegenbaum. Vater F. wurde geboren am 17. December 1792 in Kirchspiel Ladbergen, Regierungs=Bezirk Münster, Königreich Preußen. In 1832 kam er nach Amerika und ließ sich in St. Charles County, Mo., nieder; von dort zog er nach Warren County, Mo., woselbst er mit seiner Gattin nebst drei seiner Kinder unter der Arbeit Br. Zwahlen's erweckt und nach dem unter der Arbeit des selig entschlafenen Br. F. Horstmann gründlich zu Gott bekehrt wurde, und schloß sich auch daselbst der Kirche seiner Wahl an, der er treu blieb bis an's Ende. Die übringen drei seiner Kinder wurden schon früher in St. Louis, Mo., zu Gott bekehrt. Immer war Vater F. opferwillig, nie machte er Einwendungen, als der Herr einen seiner Söhne nach dem andern in's Predigtamt rief. Endlich kam auch die Reihe an den jüngsten Sohn, auf den der alte Vater sich stützen wollte in seinen alten Tagen; auch er sollte nun das elterliche Haus verlassen. Der Vorstehende Aelteste meinte: Nein, das geht nicht, daß ich den alten Leuten auch noch den entreiße! Doch der Vater war willig, auch diesen noch zu geben. O, welche Opferwilligkeit, ihr Väter!
     In den letzen drei Jahren hatte Vater F. viel zu leiden, indem er sich durch einen Fall derart verletzte, daß er hülflos war und behegt und gepflegt werden mußte wie ein Kind, welches auch gewissenhaft und mit Liebe geschah. Er trug alles mit Geduld und ergeben in den Willen Gottes, wissend, daß dieser Zeit Leiden der Herrlichkeit nicht werth sei, die an ihm geoffenbart werden sollte. Er sehnte sich, daheim zu sein bei seinem Herrn. "Ja," sagte er, "ich möchte nun gerne heim gehen, dann ich habe schon lange darauf gewartet." "O ja," sagte er dann wieder, "ich gehe auch bald heim." Sein jüngster Sohn sagte mehrere Tage vor seinem Ende zu ihm: "Vater, du gehst nun bald über den Jordan." "O," sagte er, "durch den Jordan bin ich schon dindurch." Wenn die Schmerzen groß waren, rief er dem Herrn um Hülfe an. Er hat auch geholfen und alle Leiden ein Ende gemacht.
          Nun ist es überwunden,
          Nur durch des Lammes Blut,
          Das in den schwersten Stunden
          Die größten Thaten thut. Hallelujah!
     Ja, er hat nun übermunden, was wir noch zu überwinden haben. Er ist nun daheim bei siener Gattin, die ihm vor etwa 5 Jahren voran ging in einer lebendigen Hoffnung des ewigen Lebens. Er hinterläßt vier Söhne, die alle auf Zions Mauern stehen und schon manche Seele den Weg zum Himmel zeigten. Nebst dem hinterläßt er zwei Töchter, wovon eine die Gattin des Br. Winter, gegenwärtig Preidiger in Springfield, Ill., und die andere, hierselbst wohnend, die Gattin von Br. Wellemeyer ist, in dessen Hause er starb, und die ihn auch hegte und pflegte bis an den Tod. Alle schauen ihm nach im Glauben und in der lebendigen Hoffnung des ewigen Lebens. Mögen sie Alle wieder vereinigt werden als eine "volle Familei," wo sein Scheiden mehr ist. Welche Freude wird das sein, wenn all mit der blutgewaschenen Schaar einstimmen in das: "Heil sei dem, der auf dem Stuhl sitzt, unserm Gott, und dem Lamm! Amen. Lob und Ehre, und Weisheit, und Dank, und Preis, und Kraft, und Stärke sei unserm Gott von Ewigkeit zu Ewigkeit! Amen."
     Garner, Iowa.          C. W. Henke

An English translation might read thus:

     On 11 January 1877 at 10 o'clock in the evening, Father Adolph Fiegenbaum died, aged and finished with life, but blessed by the Lord. Father Fiegenbaum was born 17 December 1792 in the parish of Ladbergen, in the administrative district of Münster, Kingdom of Prussia. He came to America in 1832 and settled in St. Charles County, Mo.; from there he moved to Warren County, Mo., where he, with his wife and three of his children, was inspired by the work of Brother Zwahlen and thereafter was thoroughly converted to God by the mission of the blessed, departed Brother F. Horstmann, and embraced the church of his choice to which he was faithful for the rest of his life. The other three of his children had already turned to God in St. Louis, Mo. Father F. was always self-sacrificing and never objected when the Lord called one after another of his sons to the ministry. Eventually it became the turn of the youngest son, on whom the aged father wished to depend in his waning days; he, too, was to leave the parental home. The presiding elder objected: It is not right that I should take him away from the old folks! But the father was willing to surrender this son as well. Oh, what selfless devotion, your ancestors had!
     In the last three years, Father F. suffered much from a fall in which he injured himself in such a way that he was helpless, requiring protection and care as if he were a child, which was done conscientiously and with love. He met it all with forbearance and surrendered to God's will, knowing that the suffering of this time would not be worth the glory that would be revealed to him. He longed to be home with his Lord. "Yes," he said, "I wish to go home; I have waited for it for a long time." "Oh, yes," he repeated, "I am going home soon." Several days before the end, his youngest son said to him: "Father, you are soon going over Jordan." "Oh," he said, "the Jordan is already behind me." When the pain was great, he cried out to the Lord for comfort. He came to his aid and brought the suffering to an end.
          Now is it vanquished,
          Through the Blood of the Lamb alone,
          Which in the darkest hours
          Accomplishes the greatest deeds. Hallelujah!
     Yes, he has now conquered what we must still overcome. He is now at home with his wife who 5 years earlier preceded him into the expectation of eternal life. He left four sons, all of whom stand on Zion's walls and have already shown many souls the road to heaven. He also left behind two daughters, one of whom is the wife of Brother Winter, the current pastor in Springfield, Ill., and the other, living here, is the wife of Brother Wellemeyer, in whose house he died and who also protected and nurtured him until his death. Everyone looks to him in faith and the expectation of life everlasting. May they all be reunited as a "complete family," where his parting is. What joy there will be when everyone joins their voices with the blood-washed flock: "Hail to Him, who sits on the Throne, our God, and to the Lamb! Amen. Praise and glory, and psalms, and thanks, and praise, and strength, and power to our God, for ever and ever! Amen."
     Garner, Iowa.          C. W. Henke

     The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for Adolph Heinrich Fiegenbaum which she reported had appeared on 18 January 1877 in the Hancock Signal, of Garner, Iowa.

Died: at the residence of H. F. Wellemeyer, Garner, Hancock County, Iowa, in the evening of 11 January 1877, and the evening of his life -- tired of this world but happy in the Lord, Father Adolph Fiegenbaum, aged 84 years and 26 days. Father Fiegenbaum was born in Perish Ladbergen, Circuit of Muenster, Prussia on 17 December 1792. In 1832 he came to America and settled in St. Charles County, Missouri, and from there moved to Warren County in the same state, where with his wife and three of his children he was truly converted, under the ministration of Rev. Frank Horstmann, and at the same time joined the M.E. Church, of which he was a member to the end of his life. The other three children were converted in St. Louis. In 1850 he moved from Missouri to Louisa County, Iowa, where he resided until about a year ago when he came to Hancock County, Iowa, with the family of Mr. H. F. Wellemeyer. During this last three years Father Fiegenbaum had to suffer a great deal, from injuries received in a fall, rendering him helpless, so that he had to be handled like a child. He bore all of this with great patience and gave himself up to the will of God, knowing that the sufferings of the present are not worthy to be compared with the Glory which shall be revealed hereafter. He had a desire to go home, for he often said, "I would like to go home now, for I have waited long," and then would repeat, "I shall go home." He has now gone to meet his wife who went some five years ago to that better land "where sin and sorrow are no more." His four sons are all living, and are in the ministry; Rev. H. R. Fiegenbaum, at present located here in Hancock County, is the youngest of the four. There are two daughters, one the wife of Rev. Winter, Pastor of a church at Springfield, Illinois; where the father, Professor F. W. Winter, is Principal of the Garner School, the other, the wife of H. F. Wellemeyer of this place, at whose house he died. All hope to meet him again where parting is no more. May they all be united in that world to come, as a full family, to praise the Lord forever. F. W. Henke, Pastor.

Adolph married Peterjohann, Christine Elisabeth 25 Oct 1820, Ladbergen, Province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia. Christine (daughter of Peterjohann, Johann Hermann and Otterman, Anna Maria Elisabeth) was born Abt 1796, Lengerich, Province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia; died 17 Sep 1871, Colesburg, Delaware County, Iowa, USA; was buried 1871, Colesburg, Delaware County, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Immigration: 1834, Missouri, USA
• Census: 1840, Femme Osage Township, St. Charles County, Missouri, USA
• Census: 1850, Wapello Township, Louisa County, Iowa, USA
• Census: 1870, Wapello Township, Louisa County, Iowa, USA
• Burial: 1877, Garner, Hancock County, Iowa, USA

Notes:

Birth:
According to other researchers and secondary sources, Christine's date of birth occurred in 1795, 1796 or 1797. The place of birth has been identified as either Ladbergen or Lengerich, in Westphalia, Prussia. Further research is required to resolve this matter.

Immigration:

     Christine was about 37 years old when she emigrated from the Hohne section of Lengerich, in the Province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia with her husband, Adolph, about age 40, and their first five children (ages 13 to less than 1 year). Christine's sister, Maria, also made the trip with them. The family is reported to have disembarked at New Orleans, Louisiana in late June 1834 and to have traveled up the Mississippi, arriving at St. Louis, Missouri about 3 or 4 July. They appear to have settled initially in Femme Osage Township, St. Charles County, Missouri. They later moved to nearby Hopewell, in Warren County, Missouri. Around 1850, Adolph, Christine and at least two sons still living at home settled near Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa.

Census:
The 1840 U.S. Census enumerated 8 people living in the "A. Frigenbottom" household in Femme Osage Township, St. Charles County, Missouri.

Census:
The 1850 U.S. Census found the Fiegenbaums living in Wapello Township, Louisa County, Iowa. According to the enumeration, the household was composed of Adolph, age 57, a farmer; Christine, age 54; Frederick, age 21, a day laborer; and, Rudolph, age 14.

Census:
The 1870 U.S. Census recorded that Christine, age 73, keeping house, and Adolph Fiegenbaum, age 76, unemployed, were living in Wapello Township, Louisa County, Iowa.

Burial:
Upon her death in 1871, Christine was buried at Colesburg, Iowa. When Adolph, her husband, died in 1877 and was buried in Concord Cemetery at Garner, Iowa, Christine's body was moved to Concord Cemetery to lie beside his.

Died:
The month of her death has been reported as either January or September.

Notes:

Married:

     The record of Adolph and Christine's marriage in the archives of the evangelical church at Ladbergen identified Adolph as a Zimmermann (carpenter) living in the Wester Bauerschaft (district) of Ladbergen. After the marriage, Adolph and Christine lived in Lengerich, Christine's home town, where Adolph supplemented his skills as a carpenter by farming. Lieselotte Fiegenbaum, from her research on the family, has identified Adolph as a Heuerling or tenant farmer.
     Tenant farmers were low on the social scale in Ladbergen at the time. "They owned no land, and they lived in rented houses on larger farms. Every large or middle-sized farm in Ladbergen had one or more tenant houses (in German: Heuerhäuser) scattered over the farm. The highest number on any farm in Ladbergen was seven; two or three was common. Each tenant farm house had its own plot of 7 to 12 acres. The tenants rented the houses and plots for life. The tenant farmers were not the same as sharecroppers or rental farmers in the American sense. They had only a small plot to themselves, and they did not need to give any of the yield to the landowner. They were essentially renters of houses who paid for their dwellings with a small amount of cash and a specified number of days of labor. In the 19th century the tenants were typically relatives of the landowners, but this was decreasingly the case after the turn of the century."


Census (family):
The 1840 U.S. census enumerated eight people living in the "A. Frigenbottom" household in Femme Osage Township, St. Charles County, Missouri. The household consisted of: 5 males (2 at less than 5 years of age; 1 at 5 years to less than 10 years; 1 at 15 years to less than 20 years; 1 at 40 years to less than 50 years old) and 3 females (1 at less than 5 years of age; 1 at 10 years to less than 15 years; 1 at 40 to less than 50 years old).

Census (family):
The 1840 U.S. census enumerated eight people living in the "Rudolph Feigenbaum" household in Charrette Township, Warren County, Missouri. The household consisted of: 5 males (1 at less than 5 years of age; 1 at 5 years to less than 10 years; 2 at 15 years to less than 20 years; 1 at 40 years to less than 50 years) and 3 females (1 at 5 years to less than 10 years of age; 1 at 10 years to less than 15 years; 1 at 40 years to less than 50 years).

Census (family):
According to the 1860 enumeration, the household consisted of "Adolph Feigenbaum," age 67, born in Germany, a farmer; "Christina Feigenbaum," age 63, born in Germany; "Rudolph Feigenbaum," age 23, born in Missouri, who was married within the year; and "Elisabeth Feigenbaum," age 23 or 26, born in Germany, who was married within the year. This last person was no doubt the former Elizabeth Ann Krümpel; she and Rudolph, youngest child of Adolph and Christine, had been married in January 1860.

Census (family):
According to the 1870 enumeration, the household consisted of Adolph Fiegenbaum, age 76, born in Prussia, unemployed, a U.S. citizen; and Christena [sic] Fiegenbaum, age 73, keeping house.

Other Events:

• Residence: Bef 1850, Schaumburg-Lippe [Germany]
• Immigration: Dec 1850, Madison County, Illinois, USA
• Naturalization: 16 May 1857, Madison County, Illinois, USA

Notes:

Immigration:
Frederick emigrated from Schaumburg-Lippe, Germany. He disembarked at New Orleans, Louisiana and settled in Madison County, Illinois.

Frederick married Hoen, Catherine. Catherine was born 1802, Germany; died 1880, Troy, Madison County, Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Birth:
Douglas Scott also identifies this woman as Caroline M. Haynes.

Other Events:

• Occupation: lawyer and politician
• Moved To: 1819, Madison County, Illinois, USA

Notes:

Birth:
He was the eldest of two sons born to David and Sarah Gillespie. The family emigrated from County Monaghan, Ireland shortly before Matthew's birth.

Occupation:

     The following biographical sketch appeared in the History of Madison County, Illinois; Illustrated; With Biographical Sketches Of Many Prominent Men And Pioneers, published in Edwardsville, Illinois, in 1882.

     Judge Matthew Gillespie, was born in the city of New York on the 26th of November, 1807, and was the eldest son of David and Sarah Gillespie, there being but two children, Matthew and Joseph. The latter is yet a resident of Edwardsville, and one among its oldest and most honored citizens. They were of Scotch-Irish parentage, the family having emigrated from Monaghan, Ireland, to New York but a short time prior to Matthew's birth. In 1819, the family moved to Illinois when Matthew was but twelve years of age, and with his parents settled in Madison county, where he continued to reside to the time of his decease; and where the privations and struggles incident to pioneer life tended to develop those strong and leading traits of character, which marked his after life. At that early day, the facilities for obtaining an education were very limited; he therefore, received no more than a common school education, and even this was mainly due to the instructions of his mother. It was to her, more than all others, that he was indebted for that early training which made him so useful a man in after life. With his love for books, he became familiar with modern history, and acquired much more than an ordinary knowledge of law and theology.
     In February, 1827, when he was twenty years of age, he, with his brother Joseph, proceeded to the Galena lead mines; from which he returned in the fall of the same year, when he married Miss Nancy Gordon, a sister of the Rev. Joseph Gordon, late of Vandalia. Of this union there was but one child who lived to maturity - the late Judge David Gillespie of Edwardsville. His wife dying, he again married March 10th, 1839, Mrs. Martha Hynes, nee McGrew, a lady of Scotch parentage. Only three children of this marriage grew to man and womanhood; Isabella J, wife of Moses B. Sherman; Nellie, wife of W. R. Brink, both residents of Edwardsville, and Joseph J. living in San Francisco.
     Judge Gillespie was a man of sanguine temperament and positive qualities. He readily arrived at decided opinions on all subjects presented to his consideration, and ever maintained what he deemed to be right with much ability and zeal. His friendships were strong and enduring, and he was ever found a warm champion for those he loved. He was a good judge of human nature, and was rarely, if ever mistaken in the character of men. His hospitality and charities were fully commensurate with his means. His social qualities were of the best order; genial, lively, quick at repartee; he threw around him a degree of animation that made it impossible to feel dejected in his company.
     Mr. Gillespie was an able and efficient public officer; his qualifications were of the first order, and his faithfulness worthy the example of all who are entrusted with public cares. In 1832, he was the elected Coroner of this county; from 1836 to 1838 he was engaged in the Land Office; in 1839, was elected Judge of Probate, which office he honorably filled for four years. Was enrolling and engrossing clerk in the State Senate in 1839 and '40; was elected Treasurer and Assessor in 1844, for four years; was appointed by Gen. Taylor, Register of the Land Office in 1849 for four years; was subsequently elected Police Magistrate of Edwardsville, which office he continued to fill to the time of decease. In all his official positions he performed his duties with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituency. He was strongly imbued with Whig proclivities, and was a great admirer of Henry Clay. After that party became disorganized he affiliated with the Republican party. He was an old and intimate acquaintance of President Lincoln, and gave him the most ardent support for the office of the Chief Magistracy of the United States. The house of Mr. Gillespie, when Mr. Lincoln was stopping at Edwardsville, was one of the latter's favorite places of "breaking bread," and where the family and friends enjoyed the rare treat of listening to the fun-loving anecdotes so peculiar to Mr. Lincoln.
     As a friend to youth, Mr. Gillespie had no superior. He was a zealous advocate of temperance, and by his precepts and example, he labored hard to further the welfare and success of the young men of his time. But of all his excellent memories, his moral, religious, and domestic character is the most pleasant. Early in life he made a profession of religion, and attached himself to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which body he continued a consistent and leading member during its organization in this vicinity. In 1836, he united with the Methodist Church, of which he continued a communicant to the time of his decease. His earnest liberality, zeal, and sound judgment made him a valuable member of the church and of society, and at the time of his death he was one of the trustees of McKendree College. As a neighbor, he was obliging and generous to the last degree, and as a husband and father, he was all that affection could desire.
     He passed to the unknown beyond, on the evening of the 24th of March, 1861. His last words were, "I am gone," and he instantly breathed his last. He was nearly 54 years of age, and had spent a large portion of his life in active, public service, and it can be truthfully said, that the world is better for his living. At this writing, his widow is yet living, and is a resident of Edwardsville. She is now in her sixty-eighth year of age, and is strong physically and mentally for one of her years.*

*For much of the above we are indebted to an article published in 1861 by Mr. E. M. West, who was a warm friend of Judge Gillespie.

Matthew married Gordon, Nancy 13 Dec 1827, Madison County, Illinois, USA. Nancy was born Feb 1809, County Monaghan, Ireland; died 25 Aug 1837, Madison County, Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Married:

     According to the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763–1900, an online database hosted by the Illinois State Archives, Matthew Gillespie and Nancy Gordon received a marriage license in Madison County, Illinois or were married on or about 13 December 1827.

Other Events:

• Immigration: 1820, USA

Notes:

Birth:
Julius was the son of Ludwig Heinrich Julius Berensbach, who died in 1806.
     A biographical sketch of Julius's son, Henry C. Barnsback, published in 1887, contained this explanation of the change of the family name in the U.S.

     "During their residence in this country, the orthography of the family name has been slightly altered, owing to the difficulty which Americans found in giving it the correct pronunciation. The original name is Berensbach, and the history of their family was compiled by Maj. August Berensbach in Hoyershausen, in 1818, and was translated into English in 1842. When George Frederick Julius Berensbach [Julius's uncle] came to the United States he found it was very difficult for the people to pronounce the last syllable of his name properly, and rather than attempt it, the neighbors frequently called him Barns. Not wishing to lose his name entirely, he found himself compelled to alter the final letter of his name to "k," and the name finally became Barnsback, and he has since used that form of orthography, entering his land and executing his papers with that signature."

Immigration:
Julius purchased land in Illinois, where his uncle, George Frederick Julius Barnsback lived, and took up farming.

Died:
The place of death is not known at this time.

Julius married Gonterman, Mary Melinda Mar 1827. Mary was born 29 Mar 1807, Christian County, Kentucky, USA; died 7 Jan 1903, Madison County, Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Madison County, Illinois, USA
• Census: 1870, Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, USA
• Residence: 4 Jun 1896, Madison County, Illinois, USA

Notes:

Birth:
Mary was the daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Ball) Gonterman.

Census:

According to the 1860 U.S. enumeration, the household connected to the Edwardsville post office consisted of Mary Barnsback, a 53 year old housekeeper; Henry Barnsback, a 21 year old printer; Julius Barnsback, a 19 year old law student; and Mary Barnsback, a 14 year old student.

Census:

     According to the 1870 U.S. enumeration, the household consisted of Mary Barnsback, age 63 and keeping house; and, Henry C. Barnsback, a 31 year old merchant.
     Living in the same dwelling, but constituting a separate household were J. M. Armstrong, a 32 year old physician, and Mary E. Armstrong, age 24 and keeping house. Mary E. Armstrong was very likely Mary Barnsback's daughter and youngest child. Also in that household were Ethline and Mary E. Armstrong, both age 2; and, Fanny Tracy, age 10, and identified as a nurse.
     In the next dwelling listed in the enumeration was the household of J. G. Barnsback, a 29 year old merchant, and Mary O. Barnsback, age 24, keeping house. J. G. Barnsback was very likely one of the sons of his neighbor, Mary Barnsback. Living with J. G. and Mary O. was Sally F. Smith, age 18. This could very well be a relative (sister?) of Mary O., whose maiden name was Smith.

Residence:

     The following article was published in the Edwardsville Intelligencer (Edwardsville, Illinois) on Friday, 6 June 1896.

     "On Wednesday, 4 June 1896, the annual meeting of the Old Settlers Union of Madison County was held at St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church at Edwardsville, Illinois. In the afternoon session the organization honored its eldest members.
     "Three pairs of beautiful bouquets brought by Mrs. Eleanor Montgomery, Mrs. A. P. Barnett and Miss Jennie Barnett, were awarded to the ladies and gentlemen according to seniority. Mrs. Mary Barnsack, born in 1807, was the oldest lady, Mrs. Polly Jarvis came next, and Mrs. Emma Rice was third. John W. Coventry, born in 1809, was the oldest gentleman, John Weaver was second and Volney P. Richmond came next."

Died:
At the time of her death, Mrs. Mary Barnsack had been the oldest living resident of Madison County.

Notes:

Census (family):

     According to the 1850 U.S. enumeration, the household consisted of Julius L. Barnsback, a 50 year old merchant born in Germany, with real estate valued at $10,000; Mary Barnsback, age 42, born in Kentucky; and four children: Mina C. Barnsback, age 16; Henry Clay Barnsback, age 12; Julius Barnsback, age 9; and, Mary E. Barnsback, age 5. All of the children were born in Illinois; the three eldest had attended school within the year. Also in the household were four male boarders, ages 20 to 42, from Switzerland, Germany and Pennsylvania.