Fiegenbaum, Michael Frederick

Michael married Connors, Diane [Group Sheet]

1. Fiegenbaum, Ruskin Charles
2. Fiegenbaum, Neil Tyler

Other Events:

• Education: Oregon, USA; at Oregon State University
• Census: 1930, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Graduation: 1940, Kearney, Buffalo County, Nebraska, USA
• Moved To: 1955, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA

Notes:

Education:
William earned a master's degree in education and taught at the Children's Farm Home until his retirement in 1980.

Military Service:

     William enlisted in the Army on 14 March 1942 at Fort Crook, Nebraska. According to his obituaries, William served in the US Army, 96th Division, during World War II and was also in the Korean Conflict.

Census:
According to the 1930 enumeration of 442 North 11th Street, conducted by Maude M. Fiegenbaum, William Edward, age 11 (born in Nebraska), was living with his parents, W. Edward (age 60) and Maude M. (age 51) Fiegenbaum.

Graduation:
According to one of his obituaries, "Mr. Fiegenbaum...graduated in 1940 from Kearny [sic] Teacher's College in Nebraska. He taught for a short time in Burns, Wyo., before joining the U.S. Army."

Buried:
The cremated remains of William and his wife were inurned in Willamette Memorial Park (glass niche #430, unit #2).

Died:

     The following is a transcription of an obituary for William Fiegenbaum II which appeared in the Albany Democrat-Herald, of Albany, Oregon on 15 October 1991.

          William Fiegenbaum II

     July 3, 1918 - Oct. 15, 1991
     William E. Fiegenbaum II, 73, of The Dalles, died Tuesday.
     Mr. Fiegenbaum was born in Geneva, Neb., and graduated in 1940 from Kearny [sic] Teacher's College in Nebraska. He taught for a short time in Burns, Wyo., before joining the U.S. Army. He served overseas in the 96th Division during World War II.
     He married Alice Louise Steffgen on Nov. 15, 1943, in Medford, and they moved to Albany in 1955. His wife died in 1982.
     Mr. Fiegenbaum earned his master's degree in education from Oregon State University and taught at the Children's Farm Home until his retirement in 1980.
     He collected jazz and swing records from the 1920s, '30s and '40s.
     Surviving are sons W. Edward III of Eugene; Michael and Patrick, both of Portland, Martin of the Dalles and John of Albany; daughter Susan Salveson of Tucson, Ariz.; and two grandchildren.
     A sister died before him.
     Burial of cremains will be at Willamette Memorial Park. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at AAsum Funeral Home with the Rev. Patrick Walsh officiating.
     Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

     The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for William Edward Fiegenbaum. Gretchen Leenerts reported that the article had appeared on 17 October 1991 in The Dalles Chronicle, of The Dalles, Washington.

     William Edward Fiegenbaum, a resident of The Dalles and formerly a longtime resident of Albany, died at his home here on Tuesday 15 October. He was 73. Mr. Fiegenbaum was born 3 July 1918 in Geneva Nebraska to William E. and Maude (Montgomery) Fiegenbaum. He was raised and graduated from high school in that community in 1935. He then attended the Kearney State Teacher's College, now the University of Nebraska, at Kearney, graduating in 1940. After college he served in the U. S. Army during World War II, returned home, and then later served during the Korean Conflict. He married Alice Louise Stefgen in Medford, Oregon on 15 November 1943. Together they lived in several communities until moving to Albany in 1955. In 1960 Mr. Fiegenbaum began teaching at St. Mary's Academy in Albany, then moved to the Farm Home in Albany and taught there until he retired in 1980. His wife preceded him in death in February of 1982. He lived in Albany until moving to The Dalles in 1990 to be near his son. Survivors include five sons Martin of The Dalles, William, Michael, Patrick and John all of Portland; one daughter, Susan Salveson of Klamath Falls and five grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at the Aasum Funeral Home in Albany Saturday at 1 p.m. Disposition was by cremation. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

William married Steffgen, Alice Louise 15 Nov 1943, Medford, Jackson County, Oregon, USA. Alice (daughter of Steffgen, Henry William and Spohn, Clara Marie) was born 22 Sep 1923, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; died 15 Feb 1982, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA; was buried , Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1930, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Moved To: 1941, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA
• Moved To: 1955, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA
• Residence: Jul 1966, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA
• Residence: Dec 1974, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1930 enumeration, Alice L. Steffgen, age 6 (born in Nebraska), lived with her parents, Henry N. [sic] Steffgen (age 36) and Clara M. Steffgen (age 31), and her three brothers, Michael P. Steffgen (age 12), Paul F. Steffgen (age 10), and Lawrence E. Steffgen (age 8).

Buried:
The cremated remains of Alice and her husband were inurned in Willamette Memorial Park (glass niche #430, unit #2).

Died:

The following is a transcription of an obituary for Alice Louise Fiegenbaum which appeared on 15 February 1982 in the Albany Democrat-Herald, of Albany, Oregon.

          Alice Fiegenbaum

     Memorial services for Alice Louise Fiegenbaum, 58, 2533 Wheeler St., who died Monday at Albany General Hospital, will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the Aasum Funeral Home. The Rev. Dennis O'Donovan will officiate and cremation will be at City View Crematorium in Salem.
     Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
     She was born Sept. 22, 1923, at Geneva, Neb., where she received her education.
     She moved to Albany in 1941 and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. A telephone operator, Mrs. Fiegenbaum worked at Camp Adair and the 20 years for Pacific Northwest Telephone Company.
     She married William E. Fiegenbaum on Nov. 15, 1943, in Medford. He survives.
     Other survivors include five sons, W. Edward of Eugene, Martin and John, both of Albany, and Michael and Patrick, both of Portland; one daughter, Susan Salveson, Tucson, Ariz.; three brothers, Michael Steffgen, Salem, Paul Steffgen, Arkansas, and Lawrence Steffgen, Eagle Lake, Calif.; and two grandchildren.

The following is a transcription supplied by Jane Michel of an obituary for Alice Louise Fiegenbaum. Jane reported that the article had appeared on 25 February 1982 in the Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska.

          Alice Fiegenbaum Dies In Oregon

     Alice Louise Fiegenbaum, 58, of Albany, Ore., died Monday in Albany General hospital following a lengthy illness.
     Born in Geneva, she moved to Oregon in 1941. She worked as a telephone operator at Camp Adair and later worked more than 20 years for Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Co. until illness forced her to retire. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic church.
     Surviving are her husband, William of Albany, Ore.; sons, W. Edward of Eugene, Ore., Michael and Patrick, both of Portland, Ore., and daughter, Susan Salveson of Tucson, Ariz.; brothers, Michael Steffgen of Salem, Ore., Paul Steffgen, in Arkansas, and Lawrence Steffgen, Eagle Lake, Cal.; and two grandchildren.

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1892, Oregon, Holt County, Missouri, USA
• Occupation: Between 1899 and 1955, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; jewelry and optical business
• Residence: Feb 1914, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: Apr 1923, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: Jan 1934, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: Sep 1945, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1870 enumeration, William, born in January of that year in Iowa, lived with his parents, Frederick (age 39) and Louisa (age 37), and eight brothers and sisters, ages 17 years to 2 years.

Residence:
In November 1892, the Holt County Sentinel, of Oregon, Missouri, reported a family reunion at the home of Rev. Fred Fiegenbaum and his wife. Attending the week long celebration was "Ed Fiegenbaum, lately of Chicago, who will spend the winter with his parents." This appears consistent with one of his obituaries which reported that after finishing his education at the Chicago College of Horology his mother prevailed upon him to live "at home" and he began practicing watch-making and repair at Oregon, Missouri for about five years.

Residence:
According to an obituary in January 1934, Benjamin Friedrich Fiegenbaum was survived by his brother, "Edward Fiegenbaum of Geneva, Nebraska."

Buried:
Burial was in Geneva Cemetery (lot 408), next to his wife. The grave of an infant son is also in this cemetery.

Died:

The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for William Edward Fiegenbaum. Gretchen Leenerts reported that the obituary had appeared on 13 January 1955 in the Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska.

     William Edward Fiegenbaum, the ninth child of Rev. Frederick William and Louisa (Otto) Fiegenbaum, was born at Des Moines, Iowa 5 January 1870. The family moved from Iowa to charges in Missouri and Kansas. William Edward joined the church at the age of 13 at Wathena, Kansas after taking catechetical instruction from his father. He graduated from the high school at Lawrence, Kansas in 1890. After serving an apprenticeship with a Kansas jeweler and optometrist, he finished his education at the Chicago College of Horology. His father now being stationed at Oregon, Missouri, his mother prevailed on him to remain at home, and he began watch-making and repairing at Oregon, where he remained five years. It was here he met Miss Maude Mary Montgomery, and after she finished her education, they were married 8 October 1901. In the meantime Edward visited his brother Louis, a pioneer druggist at Geneva, Nebraska, and was persuaded to move his jewelry store to Geneva, where he operated a jewelry and optical business, at first in his brother's drugstore. After a short trip, Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum came to Geneva and occupied a cottage on the corner later known as 442 North 11th Street. In 1912 the cottage was replaced with a commodious home where they continued to live. Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home in Geneva 7 October 1951. On 6 September 1953 Mrs. Fiegenbaum passed to her eternal home. After a brief illness Mr. Fiegenbaum joined her in the celestial world 5 January 1955 on his 85th birthday. Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum were the parents of three children: Frederick Robert who lived just five months; Frances Montgomery now Mrs. L. F. Klein of Lincoln; and William Edward II of Geneva. There are five grandchildren: Mrs. Gretchen Klein Turner of Lincoln, Mrs. Nancy Klein Hopkins of Albuquerque, New Mexico; William Edward Fiegenbaum III, Susan Louise Fiegenbaum and Michael Frederick Fiegenbaum of Geneva. There is also a great grandchild Karen Turner. Ed, as he was know to all, was active in civic, lodge and church circles. He had served as secretary to the Republican County Central Committee, was president of the Geneva Commercial Club years ago at the time it instituted the first united effort for better roads for Fillmore County. He was for 25 years secretary of the Local Modern Woodmen of America. He became a Mason at the age of 24 in Oregon, Missouri. After locating in Geneva, he demitted and joined Geneva Lodge No. 79. He also received the degrees of the Royal Arch and the Council. He also belonged to the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum were life-time members of the Methodist Church. During their more active years they served their church in many official capacities. Mr. Fiegenbaum had held the offices of secretary, treasurer, and chairman of the board. During his chairmanship of the board he instituted the idea of a Memorial Fund which has gathered momentum through the years. He was regular in his church attendance, a good listener, and greatly enjoyed the organ and choir music. Mr. Fiegenbaum was always a great supporter of Geneva High School athletics. He attended all the games and was interested in the welfare of the players. Like all true fans he hated to see the home boys lose, but gave due credit to their opponents. The town baseball team always held his interest. Years ago when the big lodge picnics were held in Geneva, Ed was usually on the arrangements committee. His hobby was golf, which he had played for years, enjoying the game up to a few days before his death. Mr. Fiegenbaum's illness was of only a week's duration. He was at his place of business Wednesday, 29 December, entering a Lincoln hospital the next day. His condition became rapidly worse. Services were held at the First Methodist Church Friday afternoon, 7 January, at two o'clock. Mrs. H. A. Rosenau sang his favorite hymn, "Be Still My Soul," with Miss Gayle Walton at the organ. The tribute was given by Dr. F. F. Pfoutz, minister. Masonic services were conducted at the cemetery, with Guy A. Brown giving the oration. The pallbearers were Joseph Bixby, George Cruse, Robert Bailey, Howard Hamilton, John Edgecombe and Tyler Edgecombe. Interment was in the Geneva Cemetery.

Wilhelm married Montgomery, Maude Mary 8 Oct 1901, Oregon, Holt County, Missouri, USA. Maude (daughter of Montgomery, David and Davis, Hannah) was born 28 Oct 1878, Buchtel, Athens County, Ohio, USA; died 6 Sep 1953, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, USA; was buried 8 Sep 1953, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: Jun 1880, York Township, Athens County, Ohio, USA
• Census: Jun 1900, Oregon, Holt County, Missouri, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1880 U.S. enumeration, Maud M. Montgomery, age 2, lived with her parents, David Montgomery, age 40 and earning a living weighing coal, his wife, Hannah Montgomery, age 24 and keeping house, and two siblings: Arthur Montgomery, age 6; and Nellie B. Montgomery, age 4.

Census:
According to the 1900 U.S. enumeration, Maud Montgomery, age 21, single, a school teacher, lived in the East ward with her uncle and aunt, Robert Montgomery, a 62 year old "Capitalist," and Frances Montgomery, age 59, and two other single women identified as Robert Montgomery's nieces: Nellie Montgomery (age 24) a music teacher; and Grace (age 17), in school.

Buried:
Burial was in Geneva Cemetery (lot 408). Her husband was buried beside her in 1955. The grave of an infant son is also in this cemetery.

Died:

The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for "Mrs William E. Fiegenbaum." Gretchen Leenerts reported that the obituary had appeared on 10 September 1953 in the Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska.

     Mrs. Fiegenbaum's services held at Methodist Church. Mrs. William E. Fiegenbaum of Geneva passed away at a Lincoln hospital at 10:50 a.m. Sunday, 6 September 1953, aged 74 years, 10 months and 8 days. She had been in ill health several months and was taken to the hospital Thursday, August 27th. Maude Mary Montgomery was born in Jackson, Ohio 28 October 1878. At the age of four and one-half years the family moved to Oregon, Missouri. After the death of her mother, she and her two sisters were reared and educated by an uncle, Robert Montgomery. She graduated from the Oregon High School, and attended Kansas State University and Western College at Oxford, Ohio. On 8 October 1901 she and William Edward Fiegenbaum were united in marriage and they came to live in Geneva, Nebraska which has been their home ever since. Three children blessed their marriage, Frederick Robert, who tarried with them just four and one-half months; Frances Montgomery, now Mrs. L. F. Klein of Lincoln; and William Edward II, who has just returned to Geneva after serving as a captain in the United States Army in Germany. Mrs. Fiegenbaum was a member of the Presbyterian Church during her girlhood. Following her marriage she and her husband united with the Methodist Church of Geneva, and for half a century they have loved and served this church faithfully and officially in many capacities. She also belonged to Chapter "O", P. E. O., the Geneva Woman's Club, and its several departments, and the O. K. Kensington. There are four grandchildren, Gretchen Turner, Nancy Klein, Susan Fiegenbaum and William Edward Fiegenbaum III, and one great grandchild, Karen Turner. Two sisters, Mrs. Henry Fiegenbaum of Springfield, Nebraska and Mrs. Grace Dungan of Oregon, Missouri also survive. A year and 11 months ago Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and at that time received the greetings and good wishes of a multitude of friends. Mrs. Fiegenbaum requested no flowers at the service, but suggested that any expressions of sympathy might be made in the form of a contribution to the Memorial Fund of the church which she loved for more than fifty years. Funeral services were conducted at the First Methodist Church of Geneva Tuesday morning, 8 September at 10:30. Dr. F. E. Pfoutz, pastor, gave the tribute. Organ music was provided by Miss Gayle Walton, the church organist. Mrs. Fiegenbaum's favorite hymn, "Crossing the Bar," was read with organ accompaniment. The pallbearers were Lyman Brooke, Lyle Cumberland, Tyler Edgecombe, John C. Gewacke, Charles Grothe and Harold Heath. Ushers were C. M. Humphrey and Wayne C. Winchell. Interment was in the Geneva Cemetery.

Notes:

Married:

     The following announcement of the wedding of Edward Fiegenbaum and Maude Montgomery was published on 11 October 1901 in The Holt County Sentinel, of Oregon, Missouri.

          Cupid's Captives.

     For some time it has been rumored in Oregon society that one of our most popular young ladies, who from young girlhood has grown up in our midst, was about to pass from the paternal roof to take her light and joy to the home of another - We refer to Miss Maude, niece of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Montgomery, of this city. The rumor developed into a fact as appeared by the wedding invitations that were issued. The happy bridegroom is Edward Fiegenbaum, a jeweler of Geneva, Nebraska, and who several years ago was engaged in the same business in our city.
     The church was neatly decorated in festoons, the altar being banked with potted palms and other plants. Just before the arrival of the wedding party, Miss Gertrude Stock sang a beautiful love song, "Answer," by Robyns.
     The ceremony was performed at the Presbyterian church, and promptly at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 8th, 1901, the bridal party entered, preceded by the ushers, Messrs. Dr. Jonas Whitmer and Charles Zachman, and attendants, Miss Leona Schulte and Charles Bunker. The party passed down the aisle to the chancel to the music of Mendelssohn's wedding march, played by the sister of the bride, Mrs. Henry Fiegenbaum. Underneath a large monogram in red and green stood the contracting parties, while the bride's pastor, Rev. Henry A. Sawyers, spoke the words that made these two very excellent young people, husband and wife.
     Upon the benediction being performed the bridal party retired to the strains of a beautiful march, and they and relatives repaired to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery where a reception and luncheon was given, and at 1:20 p.m., Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum took their departure for a brief bridal trip, and after October 20th will be at home at Geneva, Nebraska, where the groom has just completed a cozy cottage.
     The bride was attired in a beautiful gown of castor bean de soisee, trimmed elaborately in lace medallions and embroidered chiffon. The maid of honor wore a handsome gown of castor cloth, with pink and brown trimmings.
     The bridal presents were numerous and handsome, evincing the high regard in which they are held by their friends. Both young people are very popular with a large circle of friends, and all unite in wishing them the very best the world affords.
     Those present from a distance were: Mrs. Louis Fiegenbaum and daughter, Inez, and Mrs. S. Schickley, of Geneva, Nebraska; Mrs. Clarence Pickenbrock, of Ellston, Iowa; Mr. Fred Sexauer, of Ankney [sic], Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Montgomery, Mound City; Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Austin, Forest City; Mr. Hi Montgomery and children, of Skidmore; Rev. H. Fiegenbaum, St. Joseph.

The following is a transcription (courtesy of Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts and Jane Michel) of an account of the golden wedding anniversary celebration for William Edward and Maude Mary (Montgomery) Fiegenbaum. The article appeared in the Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska, on 18 October 1951.

          Mr. And Mrs. W. E. Fiegenbaum

     Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Fiegenbaum of Geneva celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Sunday afternoon, 7 October 1951, by holding open house from 2 to 5 at their home. Many relatives and friends from Geneva and from a distance came to honor Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum, who have lived in this community all of their married life. Mr. Fiegenbaum had been in business here two years before his marriage.
     Maude Montgomery and Ed Fiegenbaum were married October 8, 1901, in the Presbyterian Church at Oregon, Mo. A reception was held after the ceremony. Following a short wedding trip, the couple went to housekeeping in Geneva in a cottage on the lot where they now live. The present home was built in 1913.
     Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum have two children, Frances, now Mrs. L. F. Klein of Lincoln, and Capt. W. E. Fiegenbaum, now in the regular army and stationed in Munich, Germany. They have four grandchildren, Mrs. Gretchen Turner of Enid, Okla., Nancy Klein of Lincoln, Susan and W. E. Fiegenbaum III of Munich, Germany. They also have a great-granddaughter, Karen Turner of Enid, Okla.
     In addition to those who called during the afternoon of the golden wedding observance, many sent cards, letters, telegrams, flowers and gifts in honor of the occasion. Of particular interest was a beautiful Dresden figurine which their son, Capt. Fiegenbaum, and family sent from Germany. Guests also were interested in viewing Mrs. Fiegenbaum's wedding dress, newspaper clippings, pictures and other mementos of 50 years of married life. Included in the collection was a silver loving cup that was presented to the parents of Mr. Fiegenbaum on their golden wedding anniversary in 1902. It is engraved with the date and the names of their nine children, of whom Edward is the youngest. The cup will belong to William E. Fiegenbaum II and then will pass on to the fourth generation, William Edward III being the only male descendant.
     Assisting in the dining room at the observance were Mrs. Charles Warner, Mrs. F. M. Holtz, Mrs. John Brice, Mrs. Maude Stringfield, Mrs. Tyler Edgecombe, Mrs. Porter Sloan and Mrs. Robert Waring. Miss Delia Fisher and Mrs. Guy Case assisted Mrs. L. F. Klein in receiving guests. Miss Nancy Klein had charge of the guest book.
     Refreshments were French pastries, mints and coffee. The table service was gold and white china. A beautiful lavender orchid corsage was a gift of Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Klein.
     Among the out-of-town guests present to honor Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum were the following:
     Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Klein and Nancy of Lincoln; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fiegenbaum of Springfield, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ewing of Chicago; Misses Louise and Wilma Miller of Wathena, Kas.; Mrs. Gould Larzelere of Troy, Kas.; Mrs. Rolland Beery of Kansas City, Mo.; Bruce Claussen of North Platte; Mr. and Mrs. M. P. Martin of Lincoln; Mrs. F. K. Klein and Miss Dorothy Klein of Kearney.

Residence (family):
"Mr. and Mrs. William Edward Fiegenbaum" of Geneva, Nebraska attended the celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of William's parents at Oregon, Missouri in April, 1902. William was identified as a jeweler.

Census (family):

     According to the 1910 enumeration of the home on State Street, the household consisted of William E. Fiegenbaum, head of household, age 40, born in Iowa, married for 8 years, a jeweler and owner of a jewelry store; Maude M. Fiegenbaum, wife, age 32, born in Ohio, married for 8 years; and Francis M. Fiegenbaum, daughter, age 5, born in Nebraska, single.

Census (family):
According to the 1930 enumeration, conducted by Maude M. Fiegenbaum, the household consisted of "W. Edward Fiegenbaum, head of household, age 60, born in Iowa, married, a jeweler and optician; Maude M. Fiegenbaum, wife, age 51, born in Ohio, married; and William Edward Fiegenbaum, son, age 11, born in Nebraska.

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1910, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1900 enumeration of Farmers Valley Precinct, Henry Steffgen, age 6 (born October 1893 in Nebraska), lived with his parents Michel and Mary Steffgen, and with his two sisters, Elizabeth Steffgen (age 17) and Agnes Steffgen (age 9).

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration of Momence Township, Henry Steffgen, age 16 (born in Nebraska), lived with his parents "Nick Steffgen" (age 53) and Mary Steffgen (age 57), his sister, Elizabeth Steffgen (age 27), and the hired man, Henry Berkbigler (age 28).

Buried:
According to obituaries, funeral services were held at St. Helena's Catholic Church. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, on the eastern edge of town.

Died:
The following transcriptions of obituaries for Henry W. Steffgen were provided by Jane Michel. Both notices originally appeared in The Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska. The first was published in December 1974; the second appeared on 2 January 1975.

          Grafton Rites for Henry W. Steffgen

     Henry W. Steffgen of Hastings, formerly of Geneva, passed away Sunday, December 22, 1974. He was 81.
     Funeral services will be conducted from St. Helena's Catholic church in Grafton at 10 a.m. Friday, December 27, 1974, with interment in Holy Cross cemetery, Grafton.


          Grafton Rites Are Held for Henry Steffgen

     Henry Steffgen, son of Michael and Marie Steffgen, was born October 26, 1893. He passed away December 22, 1974, at the Mary Lanning hospital in Hastings.
     He was united in marriage to Clara Spohn in 1916. To this union was born three sons; Michael, Paul and Lawrence, and one daughter, Alice.
     Henry, a former resident of Fillmore county, has made his home at Memory Manor of Exeter the past three years.
     Preceding him in death are his parents, Michael and Marie Steffgen; a sister, Mrs. Katherine Budler; also an infant sister.
     Survivors include his children; Michael of Salem, Ore.; Paul of Winthrop Arbor, Ill.; Lawrence of Tracy, Cal., and Mrs. William (Alice) Fiegenbaum of Albany, Ore., also a sister, Mrs. Hannah Berkbigler of Geneva and nieces and nephews.
     Rosary was held December 26 in Geneva. Funeral services were held at St. Helena church in Grafton, Friday, December 27, with Rev. Urban Schmitt officiating. Mrs. Paul O'Connor and daughters were in charge of the music.
     Pallbearers were Wayne Budler, Bernard Budler, Joseph Reinsch, W. W. Biegert, Floyd Pontine and Cecil Perkins, nephews of the deceased. Burial was in the family lot in the Holy Cross cemetery in Grafton. Farmer & Son Funeral Home of Geneva was in charge.

Henry married Spohn, Clara Marie 19 Jun 1916, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. Clara (daughter of Spohn, Philip and Braden, Mary A.) was born 7 May 1898, Utica, Seward County, Nebraska, USA; died 21 Jul 1966, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA; was buried 23 Jul 1966, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Seward County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1910, Madison Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: 1936, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1900 enumeration of L Precinct, Clara M. Spohn lived with her sister, Rosa L., both of whom were children of Philip and his second wife, Mary A. Braden. Also in the household were Clara's two step-brothers, "Willie A." and John L., children from her father's first marriage, to Frances Drummer.

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration, Clara M. Spohn (age 11) lived with her parents, Philip and Mary A. Spohn, and her sisters, Rosa L. Spohn (age 10), "Eiva S. Spohn" (age 8), and "Josia L. Spohn" (age 6).

Residence:
According to her obituary, Clara moved to Albany, Oregon in 1936.

Buried:
A requiem mass was celebrated at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Clara was buried at Willamette Memorial Park.

Died:
The following is a transcription of an obituary for Clara (Spohn) Steffgen provided by Jane Michel, who reported that the obituary was published by The Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, on 28 July 1966.

          Clara Steffgen Former Genevan Dies In Oregon

     "Clara M. Steffgen, former Fillmore county resident, passed away at the General Hospital in Albany, Ore., July 21, 1966, at the age of 68. She became ill shortly after arising the day before and entered the hospital. Next day she suffered a heart attack that proved fatal. She had been the housekeeper for St. Mary's Catholic church rectory in Albany the past 14 years.
     "Clara Marie Braden was born at Utica, Neb., May 7, 1898. The family moved to Fillmore county in her youth and she received her education in the schools in this county. She was married to Henry Steffgen at Grafton June 20, 1919, by Rev. B. Sproll. She resided near Grafton and in Geneva until she moved to Albany, Ore., in 1936. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and had taken part in many church activities since living there.
     "Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. W. E. Fiegenbaum of Albany; three sons, Michael of Salem, Ore., Paul of Waukegan, Ill., and Lawrence of Erling, Cal.; three sisters, Mrs. H. H. O'Donnell of Omaha, Neb., Mrs. Frank Collicotte of Grand Junction, Col., and Mrs. Larry Ayres of Albany; two half-brothers, John Spohn and Bill Spohn of Antioch, Cal., and 11 grandchildren.
     "Requiem Mass was celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's church in Albany, Father Martin W. Doherty officiating. Interment was in Willamette Memorial park.
     "Mrs. Steffgen's sister Josie, Mrs. Collicotte, had been visiting in Albany on a vacation trip and the two had had a good visit. The son Lawrence came from Erling, Cal., for the service, bringing Susan Fiegenbaum, who had been visiting there."

     According to the Fillmore County, Nebraska record of the marriage of Clara and Henry W. Steffgen, Clara's maiden name was Spohn. The maiden name mentioned in this obituary is actually the maiden name of Clara's mother.
     It should be noted that the county record of the marriage contains many internal contradictions. According to the document, the marriage occurred on either June 19 or 20 at either Geneva or Grafton, Nebraska. Although the document does at one place give the year of the marriage as 1919 (the year also reported in the obituary), all of the remaining mentions of the year of the marriage in the county marriage record uses 1916.

Notes:

Married:
Henry and Clara were married by Rev. Bernard Sproll. Jack Walter and Rosa Spohn were the witnesses.

It should be noted that the Fillmore County marriage record, which includes the application for marriage license, the marriage license, the marriage certificate, and a report of marriage in one document, contains a number of internal contradictions. According to this document, the marriage may have taken place on either the 19th or the 20th of June, at either Grafton or Geneva, Nebraska.


Marriage License:
At the time, Henry was living in Grafton and Clara was living in Geneva.

It should be noted that the Fillmore County marriage record, which includes the application for marriage license, the marriage license, the marriage certificate, and a report of marriage in one document, contains a number of internal contradictions.


Residence (family):
According to his World War I draft registration card, completed on 5 June 1917 at Momence Precinct, Fillmore County, Nebraska, Henry Steffgen, age 23 years, was a farmer living at Grafton, Nebraska. He was born on 26 October 1893 at Stockham, Nebraska. He stated that he was married and that his dependants included his wife and one child. He was described as Caucasian male of slender, medium build, with gray eyes and brown hair.

Census (family):
According to the YEAR enumeration, the household consisted of Henry William Steffgen, head of household, age 26, born in Nebraska, married, a farmer; Clara Marie Steffgen, wife, age 21, born in Nebraska, married; Mickel Philip Steffgen, son, age 2 years, 7 months, born in Nebraska, single; Paul Francis Steffgen, son, age 3 months, born in Nebraska, single.

Census (family):
According to the 1930 enumeration, the household consisted of Henry N. [sic] Steffgen, head of household, age 36, born in Nebraska, married (at age 23), mechanic at a garage; Clara M. Steffgen, wife, age 31, born in Nebraska, married (at age 18); Michael P. Steffgen, son, age 12, born in Nebraska, single, attending school; Paul F. Steffgen, son, age 10, born in Nebraska, single, attending school; Lawrence E. Steffgen, son, age 8, born in Nebraska, single, attending school; Alice L. Steffgen, daughter, age 6, born in Nebraska, single, attending school.

Other Events:

• Baptism: 18 Apr 1830, 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
• Census: 1850, Wapello Township, Louisa County, Iowa, USA
• Occupation: Between 1853 and 1914; a pastor in the Methodist Episcopal Church
• Occupation: Sep 1864; Presiding Elder of the Burlington District
• Moved To: Oct 1902, Wathena, Doniphan County, Kansas, USA

Notes:

Birth:
He was born in Bauerschaft Hohne, a "township" of Lengerich.

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

Immigration:

     Friedrich was about 4 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 River, arriving at St. Louis, Missouri about 3 or 4 July. They appear to have settled initially in Femme Osage Township, St. Charles County, Missouri before moving a few years later moved to nearby Hopewell, in Warren County, Missouri. Around 1850, Friedrich, his parents, another brother still living at home settled near Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa.

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.

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.

Occupation:

     The following biographical sketch appeared in the Souvenir der West Deutschen Konferenz der Bischöflichen Methodistenkirche in 1906.

     F. W. Fiegenbaum was born in the parish of Lengerich, Administrative District of Münster, Prussia on 12 April 1830. With his parents, Adolf and Christina Fiegenbaum, he came to America in 1834. They lived near Hopewell, Warren Co., Mo., until he was 21 years of age. On 19 February 1846, at a quarterly convocation under the leadership of Presiding Elder H. Köneke and Preacher Franz Horstmann, he was converted. On the next morning he received the call to the ministry, but refused, on three grounds: 1. the ministry appeared to him to be a pauper's life, with a salary of only $150 to $200; 2. the responsibilities appeared too great; 3. his schooling was too scanty. After years of struggle and earnest trial, he declared himself willing to accept the call, and in the Spring of 1853 ventured forth. He served in the following fields: Peoria, Ill, 1½ years, 1853-54; Cedar Lake, Ind., 1854-55; Sherrills Mount, Iowa, 1855-57; Freeport, Ill., 1857-59; Salem, Minn., 1859-60; St. Paul, First Congregation, 1860-62; Washington 1862-64; Burlington, Iowa District, 1864-66; Wapello 1866-68; Des Moines 1868-70; Polk City 1870-73. He was then the victim of a nervous disorder and was for several years superannuated and then returned to the ministry: Milton, Iowa, 1876-79; Canton, Mo., 1879-82. He was then transferred to the West German Conference and served Wathena, Kan., 1882-84; Eudora 1884-86; Clay Center 1886-88; Lawrence 1888-92; Oregon, Mo., 1892-96. At this point his health collapsed and he was again superannuated. He gives heartfelt thanks that God has blessed his work. He has no regrets that he served the Lord; he is sorry only that he was not better prepared for the great task before him. His home is in Wathena, Kan.


Occupation:
The first annual session of the Southwest German Conference was held on 29 September 1864 in the Washington Street Church, at St. Louis. Bishop Janes named the presiding elders to the five districts of the new conference: Philipp Kuhl, to the St. Louis District; Gerhard Timken, to the Belleville District; Friedrich Fiegenbaum, to the Burlington District; Heinrich Lahrmann, to the Quincy District; Michael Schnierle, to the St. Joseph District.

Moved To:

     Friedrich Wilhelm retired from active service in the German Methodist Episcopal Church in 1895. He and his wife continued to live in Oregon, Missouri, their last charge, until 1902. Early in October, 1902, the Holt County Sentinel (Oregon, Missouri) reported that Rev. F. W. Fiegenbaum was in Wathena, Kansas to superintend the construction of a residence he and his wife planned to occupy sometime in the middle of that month. On 17 October, the newspaper reported that the couple had move that week to Wathena.

Buried:
Funeral services were held from the home and from the German Methodist Church. Frederick William Fiegenbaum was buried in Bellemont Cemetery at Wathena, where his wife had been buried in 1911.

Died:
The following obituary was published in The Holt County Sentinel, of Oregon, Missouri, on Friday, 6 March 1914. The newspaper was published by Thomas Curry, Rev. Friedrich Fiegenbaum's nephew-in-law.

          Death of Rev. Fiegenbaum.

     Rev. Frederick Fiegenbaum, the last of four brothers, all of whom were pioneer German Methodist preachers in the central and western states, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 1914, at Wathena, Kas., where he had lived ten years.
     He was pastor of the Oregon German M. E. church during the years 1892-96, and was an uncle of Mrs. Tom Curry, of this city.
     Rev. Fiegenbaum was nearly 84 years old, and all of the brothers attained about the same age, and were active in the pulpit until within a few years of their deaths. Not only were the brothers Methodist preachers, but their two sisters, who survive, married preachers, one a regular pastor, and the other a local preacher of the Methodist church. The family is widely known in German Methodism in this country.
     Rev. Frederick Fiegenbaum was born in Ladbergen, Germany, April 10, 1830. He came to America in 1832 with his parents, Adolph and Christine Fiegenbaum, and settled in Warren county, Missouri, where he grew to manhood. His early years were spent on the farm. Then he went to St. Louis, where his older brothers and sisters had found employment for him. With them he was brought into contact with a German Methodist revival, and after being converted he felt the call to the ministry, as his two older brothers were.
     Rev. Fiegenbaum had charges in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. There being no German conference when he entered the ministry, he joined the Rock River conference, then later the Southwest German, now the St. Louis conference, and from there he was transferred to the West Missouri conference. His last charge was at Oregon, Mo., from where he moved to Wathena. His wife, who was Miss Louise Otto, and to whom he was married at Wapello, Iowa, when he was 21 years old, died November 30, 1911. The other brothers were Rev. William, Rev. H. R., and Rev. Henry Fiegenbaum, the last named for a number of years a resident of St. Joseph, died in that city, January 13, 1905.
     Six sons and three daughters survive, as follows: Adolph H., Washington, D. C.; Louis S. Lincoln, Neb.; Theodore J., Western, Neb.; Benjamin F., Lawrence, Kas.; Henry, Springfield, Neb.; Edward W., Geneva, Neb.; and Mrs. Matthew Sexauer, Ankeny, Iowa; Mrs. Jacob Miller, Wathena. The sisters are: Mrs. Elizabeth Wellmeyer [sic], Warrenton, Mo., age 86, and Mrs. Mina Winter, Casper, Wyo., aged 82.
     The funeral was held at Wathena, Kas., Sunday, March 1, services being conducted from the home and from the Wathena German M. E. church, burial being at Wathena.
     Mrs. Tom Curry, of this city, and Mrs. Carrie Steinmetz, of St. Joseph, who was here visiting, nieces of the deceased, attended the funeral.

     Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts provided the following transcription of an obituary which appears to have been published in a newspaper serving Wathena, Kansas.

     Frederick William Fiegenbaum was born in Ladbergen, Prussia 10 April 1830. His parents emigrated to the United States in 1834 and located in the neighborhood of Hopewell, Warren County, Missouri, which was his home until he was 21 years of age. On 19 February 1846, while attending a quarterly meeting, he was converted and became a member of the Methodist-Episcopal Church. the following morning he received a call to enter the ministry, but did not begin active work until the spring of 1853. In 1852 he was married to Louisa Otto, who passed to her reward 30 November 1911. Ten children were born to them, of whom one died in infancy. Six sons and three daughters survive. Mrs. Minnie Sexauer of Ankeny Iowa; A. H. Fiegenbaum of Washington D.C.; Mrs. Lydia M. Howard of Sac City, Iowa; Louis Fiegenbaum of Lincoln, Nebraska; Theodore Fiegenbaum of Western, Nebraska; Mrs. Emma Miller of Wathena, Kansas; Benjamin Fiegenbaum of Lawrence, Kansas; Henry Fiegenbaum of Springfield, Nebraska and William Edward Fiegenbaum of Geneva, Nebraska. He was superanuated in 1895 and lived in Oregon, Missouri until 1902 when he and his wife moved to Wathena. After the death of Mrs. Fiegenbaum, he visited among the children, and in September he came to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Emma Miller. His strength was failing at this time and grew weaker until he finally passed peacefully to his reward 27 February 1914, aged 83 years, 10 months and 17 days. Father Fiegenbaum's presence in the community will be greatly missed. Those who knew him well, even the child on the street, always had a word and a smile from him; he was staunch, and loyal to the last for right and truth, especially anxious always for the upbuilding of the church in the community in which he lived. He never missed going to all the services in the town, when he was able, and was especially strong in his belief that the children had an important part in the church as in the family. The bereaved family will always remember his anxiety and loving thoughtfulness for each alike, and may the Spirit of our Christ, who was Father Fiegenbaum's guide, in all things be ours. The funeral was held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. from the house to the German M. E. Church. Rev. E. Crepin and Rev. J. H. Bishop preached in English and Rev. Buechner of St. Joseph in German. Burial was in Bellemont Cemetery by the side of his life's companion, all the children being present. Other relatives in attendance were: Miss Anna Fiegenbaum, Mrs. Steinmetz, both of St. Joseph, Missouri; Mrs. Tom Curry of Oregon, Missouri and Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Winter of Topeka, Kansas.

Friedrich married Otto, Louisa 11 Apr 1852, Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa, USA. Louisa (daughter of Otto, Heinrich and Rolfe, Elizabeth Margueretha) was born 13 Aug 1832, Venne, Osnabrück, Kingdom of Hanover; died 30 Nov 1911, Wathena, Doniphan County, Kansas, USA; was buried 3 Dec 1911, Wathena, Doniphan County, Kansas, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Immigration: Abt 1833, USA
• Moved To: 1902, Wathena, Doniphan County, Kansas, USA

Notes:

Immigration:
The Otto family emigrated from Osnabrück when Louisa was about 9-12 months old. The family stopped first in Warren County, Missouri. Some years later they relocated to Washington County, Iowa, and then settled near Wapello, in Louisa County, Iowa.

Moved To:
Louisa's husband, Friedrich Wilhelm Fiegenbaum, retired from active service in the German Methodist Church in 1895. They continued to live in Oregon, Missouri, their last charge, until 1902.

Buried:
Funeral services took place in the afternoon at the German Methodist Church. Louisa was buried in Bellemont Cemetery. Her husband was later buried here as well.

Died:

     The following are transcriptions supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of three obituaries for Mrs. Louisa (Otto) Fiegenbaum. Gretchen Leenerts did not report exactly when and where these obituaries were published.

Mother Louisa Fiegenbaum (nee Otto) was born 13 August 1832 at Fennes, Hanover, Germany. Her parents came to this country when she was only one year old. At first they settled in Warren County, Missouri and after several years the family moved to Washington County, Iowa. In early youth she was converted at German Creek Mission and became a member of the M. E. Church. On 11 April 1852 she was married to Frederick W. Fiegenbaum of Wapello, Iowa, who survives her. This union was blessed with ten children, of whom one died in early infancy, six sons and three daughters surviving her, all being permitted to be present and look once more upon that dear but travel-worn face of her who watched lovingly and prayerfully over them during the years of childhood, for the responsibility of bringing up the children rested mainly on her. Soon after their marriage her husband was called to the ministry of the M. E. Church. His duty sent him away from home a great part of the time, casting upon her many burdens intended for stronger shoulders. But willingly she underwent many hardships and privations for the Lord's sake during the more than forty years which her husband spent in the ministry. He always had in her a true and devoted helpmeet; indeed, exerting a good influence everywhere. About ten years ago she had the rare privilege of celebrating her golden wedding. The deceased enjoyed fairly good health until about eight months ago, when she had an attack of la grippe followed by rheumatism, which caused her much pain and suffering. On 20 November she suffered a slight stroke of paralysis, followed by a severe one three days later, affecting her entire right side and rendering her speechless. Her mental powers were more or less affected. In this helpless state she remained for one week, when her soul departed for that better world at the noon hour Thanksgiving Day 30 November 1911. A few months before she was entirely helpless, she praised to her pastor the sustaining grace of her Lord and Savior and expressed her conviction that "the Lord doeth all things well, generally as well with her." She has now entered that rest the Lord has provided for them that put their trust in Him, and love Him, and we hope and pray to follow her when our hour comes.

Mrs. Louisa Fiegenbaum, (Otto), who departed this world at the noon hour on Thanksgiving day, was given her last earthly honors by a host of relatives and friends when her remains were lain to rest at Bellemont Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, 3 December 1911. Last earthly honors? No! No! Who could efface her memory from the mind of her husband, her children and all dear and near to her? With all of them, remembering means honoring. The funeral exercises took place at the German M. E. Church, conducted by the pastor, E. Crepin, assisted by Rev. W. J. Byers and Rev. J. A. Dickman. The deceased was born 13 August 1932 at Fenne, Hanover, Germany. Her parents came to this country when she was only one year old. At first they settled in Warren County, Missouri and after several years, they moved to Washington County, Iowa. In early youth she was converted and became a member of the Methodist-Episcopal Church. She married Frederick W. Fiegenbaum of Wapello, Iowa on 11 April 1852, who shortly after was called into the ministry of the M. E. Church. She devoted over forty years of her life, not only to the well being of her family, but was also a true helpmate to her husband in his work. Only he who knows something about the life of the pioneer preacher can imagine what privations and hardships she underwent for the Lord's sake. But her labors have not been in vain. The love and affection of her husband and her nine surviving children were a constant source of happiness and satisfaction and have cast sunshine upon her old age and her last days. The Lord, too, has been kind, a humble home, free from pressing and distressing want she could enjoy, and what may the harvest be now? We trust, what no eyes has seen and no ear has heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, will be prepared for her, for she loved the Lord.

Crossed the River: It is with keen sorrow we announce the death of another of those splendid, sacrificing, devoted Christian wives and mothers - Mrs. F. W. Fiegenbaum, which occurred at her home in Wathena, Kansas on Thursday of last week, 30 November 1911, aged 79 years. She will be remembered here as the devoted helpmeet to her husband, Rev. F. W. Fiegenbaum, who was pastor of the German M. E. Church here in 1892-6. She was born in Germany 13 August 1832, and prior to her marriage was Louisa Otto, and became the wife of F. W. Fiegenbaum in Iowa 11 April 1852. The sacrifices made by the wife of the pioneer preacher were many and called for the manifestation of all the Christian forbearance and fortitude possible -- these were borne by her cheerfully and willingly for her Master's sake, and that her husband might be encouraged in his efforts to extend the Gospel. We of today cannot estimate what the sacrifices made in those days meant -- but through them we can realize some of the many blessings that have come to us by reason of these sacrifices. Mother Fiegenbaum became the mother of ten children, and she lived to see them all, with the exception of one who died in infancy, develop into that splendid manhood and womanhood, that brings so much comfort and pride to mother, as she slowly slides down life's slope. She is survived by her husband and the following children, all of whom were present at the funeral, the six sons acting as her pallbearers, as mother gently raised these, in her arms, when helpless, so too they gently lowered her casket to its last resting place, that she may await the resurrection: Mrs. Jacob Miller of Wathena, Kansas; Mrs. Minnie Sexauer of Ankeny, Iowa; Mrs. Lydia Howard of Sac City, Iowa; A. H. Fiegenbaum of Washington, D.C.; Louis Fiegenbaum of Lincoln, Nebraska; Theodore Fiegenbaum of Western, Nebraska; B. F. Fiegenbaum of Lawrence, Kansas; Henry Fiegenbaum of Springfield, Nebraska and W. E. Fiegenbaum of Geneva, Nebraska. Impressive funeral services were held from the home in Wathena, Sunday, December 3rd.

Notes:

Married:

     The following article was published in The Holt County Sentinel (Oregon, Missouri) on Friday, 18 April 1902.

          FOR FIFTY YEARS.
          Rev. Frederick Fiegenbaum and Wife, of This City. Celebrate
          Their Golden Wedding, Friday. April 11.

     In company with his parents and brothers and sisters, there landed at New Orleans, one fine summer day in June, 1834, bright lad of four summers. From there they took a steam boat, landing at St. Louis where the cannon were booming and flags waving in honor [word obscured] the nation's 42nd birthday. Here they rested for a while, after a nine-weeks journey across the ocean. Then the family proceeded to Warren county, Mo., and engaged in farming.
     This lad of four is today a gray haired veteran in the service of his Master, and has passed his three-score and ten. He was born in Old Prussia, Germany, April 10th, 1830. He remained upon the farm and became a farmer. When 17 years of age he was converted and united with the M. E. church. He felt he was called to enter the service of his Master; but he liked the farm life and felt that he should continue in this work. In 1850 he went with his parents to Wapello, Ia. The lad; the farmer boy is today our fellow townsman, the Rev. Fred Fiegenbaum, who on Friday of last week, April 11th, celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary.
     While living in Warren county, one of his neighbors, named Otto, had a nice little girl, and they became acquainted of course; they left the neighborhood, and the families became separated, but they again met in Iowa; the acquaintance was renewed, which in due time resulted in a wedding, and Frederick Wilhelm Fiegenbaum and Miss Louisa Otto, became husband and wife, the ceremony being performed in the German M. E. stone church in Wapello, Ia., April 11, 1852.
     The ceremony uniting these two people was performed by the groom's brother, Rev. Henry Fiegenbaum, who on this 50th anniversary was present to renew those bonds that had united these people for those long fifty years. Who amid all the trials and adversities of life had gone hand in hand; heart to heart; soul to soul along down life's rugged pathway - Loving and serving their Master - Loving and serving each other. Feeling all through these years as the 23 Psalm - 1-4 has taught them:
     "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."
     One year after his marriage, he still felt that he should enter the field of the ministry - he felt that he could no longer resist the call, and entered for a four years' course of preparation in Brush College in this state, and in the spring of 1853 he entered his Masters's [sic] service and began preaching at Peoria, Ill., where he remained for nearly two years. On September 13, 1857, he was ordained a deacon by Bishop E. S. James at Rock Island, Ill., September 13, 1857, he was ordained an Elder by Bishop E. R. Ames, at Marion, Ia. From 1853 to 1893 he was actively engaged in the work of the ministry excepting two years, 1872-3, which years he rested on account of health, and in 1873-5 he took a two years' course at Mount Pleasant, Ia. Forty years, service in the Master's vineyard - Many of these years were such as try one's zeal and earnestness. When he entered the service, there were but few railroads; traveling from station to station was chiefly by horseback; the exposures were of such character, that only the strong and sturdy could withstand them. Only his advanced years and with feeble health, incident thereto, caused him to surrender his work, which he did here in 1896. During these 40 year [sic] she [sic] has been stationed at the following places:

Peoria, Ill.........................1853-55
Cedar Lake, Ind...............1855-56
Chirls [sic] Mount, Ia......1856-58
Freeport, Ill......................1858-60
Salem, Minn....................1860-61
St. Paul, Minn..................1861-65
Burlington, Ia., Dist.........1865-67
Wapello, Ia......................1867-69
Des Moines, Ia................1869-71
Polk City, Ia....................1871-73
Wilton, Ia........................1875-78
Canton, Mo.....................1878-81
Wathena, Kan.................1881-83
Eudora, Kan...................1883-85
Clay Center, Kan............1885-88
Lawrence, Kan...............1888-92
Oregon, Mo....................1892-96

     The wife of today and the young bride of 50 years ago, was born in Hanover, Germany, August 13, 1832, and when a mere babe of nine months came to this country with her parents, who settled in Warren county, Mo., thence to Washington county, Ia., then near Wapello, Ia.
     There has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum nine children: three girls and six boys, all of whom are magnificent types of the true, high-minded, honorable, clean citizenship. The children are:
     Minnie Sexauer, whose husband is a farmer near Des Moines, Iowa; they have five children.
     Adolph is a clerk in the war department at Washington; married and has one child.
     Lydia Howard, wife of a farmer, near Sac City, Iowa; they have one child.
     Louis, is a druggist at Geneva, Neb.; is married and has one child.
     Theodore is a druggist at Lincoln, Neb.; is married.
     Emma Miller is the wife of a druggist at Wathena, Kan, they have five children.
     Benjaman [sic] is also a druggist, and in business at Western, Neb.; married.
     Henry is in the hardware business at Lawton Okla; married.
     Edward is the kid of the family and is a jeweler at Geneva, Neb., married.
     In addition to the immediate children, Mrs. Rosana McDougle [sic], of Gowrie, Ia., was here, she being a daughter of Mrs. Sexauer. She was accompanied by her eldest daughter, Mrs. C. W. Piekenrock [sic] and husband of Ellston, Ia. This completed the circle of four generations represented at the anniversary.
     The children are all living and were here to celebrate the anniversary of the wedding of their father and mother. It was just such another glorious April as this - 50 years ago - as brightly prophetic of happiness in their life of activity as Friday last was emblematic of declining years, crowned with peace and honor. That wedding of 50 years ago as other weddings of that time, had little of the pomp and circumstance which grace the nuptials of today. There were no rehearsals, no attendants, no banks of palms and roses, but how much that, solemn service meant, Friday and its memories bear evidence. Father and Mother Fiegenbaum's life here is its own commentary. Its fruitage speaks for it more than eloquence can tell. Their life has been peculiarly blessed. Not a death has broken the circle of their immediate family. Their nine children with their thirteen children enjoyed the 50th anniversary of the wedding of their parents and their grandparents.
     Naturally, Friday April 11th, 1902, was one of joy and thankfulness to these two whose lives have meant so much and who have been greatly and so deservedly blessed. Their home is a modest and unpretentious one, and on account of the limited space the children made their order for a sumptuous dinner and luncheon, which was served at the Lawn hotel, and was most elaborate affair in every detail to which some 50 of the more intimate friends and near relatives were invited, and at their home they with numerous friends came to rejoice with them in attaining what so few attain, not only years, but usefulness.
     Forty-one guests gues's [sic] gathered in the dining room at the Lawn hotel at 1 o'clock. Louis Fiegenbaum, second son of the haypy [sic] couple, had charge of the affair. Rev. Fiegenbaum, of St. Joseph, was the first speaker. He recalled the time when the couple was married by him half a century ago. Rev. John Siekmann, of Oregon, followed with a short address. A. H. Fiegenbaum, a son, then presented the aged parents with a loving cup. On one side were the names of the nine children, all of whom were in attendance. On the other side were the words: "1852 - Wapello, Iowa, Golden Wedding Anniversary, Oregon, Mo., April 11, 1902.
     After the presentation of the cup both the bride and groom made short replies. Robert Montgomery, of Oregon, followed with a few words of congratulation. At the conclusion of the wedding feast the guests repaired to the court house lawn where a photograph of the entire group was taken.
     The children with their families in the order of their ages are as follows:
     Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Sexauer and son, Roscoe, Ankeay [sic], Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Fiegenbaum, Washington, D. C.; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Howard and daughter, Genevieve, Sac City, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Louis S. Fiegenbaum and daughter, Inez, Geneva, Neb.; Mrs. [sic] and Mrs. Theodore J. Fiegenbaum, Lincoln, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Miller and children Louise, Frieda, Wilma, Kenneth, and Katherine, Wathena, Kas.; Mr. and Mrs. Benjaman [sic] F. Fiegenbaum, Western, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fiegenbaum, Lawton, Okla.; Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Fiegenbaum, Geneva, Neb. Other guests were Mrs. Rosanna [sic] McDougall [sic] and daughter, of Gowrie, Ia., Mr. and Mrs. Clara Piekenbrock, Ellston, Ia.; the women being grandchildren; Mr. John Otto, Wapello, Ia.; Mrs. Mary Wagner, Ankeny, Ia.; brother and sister of the bride; Rev. H. Fiegenbaum, brother of the groom; Miss Anna Fiegenbaum, of St. Joseph; Rev. J. Seikmann, pastor of the German M. E. church, Oregon, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Montgomery, Oregon, and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Curry, Willie and Anna Curry, of Oregon.
     The Fiegenbaum family is a remarkable one in one particular; the family consisted of four brothers and two sisters, all of whom are still living, the sisters being widows, and the four brothers were ministers of the German M. E. church. The eldest, Henry began his ministerial work in 1847, and on the same day of the month, April 11, 1847, he too, was married, and 1897 celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary.
     This is the fourth golden wedding to be celebrated in the family. The first that of Rev. and Mrs. Henry Fiegenbaum took place just five years ago Friday in St. Joseph, an interesting ceremony being performed at the German M. E. church. In August, 1897, Henry and Catherice [sic] Wellemeyer, the latter being a sister of the Fiegenbaum brothers, celebrated their golden wedding at their home in Garner, Ia. In 1900 Rev. and Mrs. William Fiegenbaum celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Edwardsville, Ill.
     They were the recipients of handsome presents as follows:
     Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Pieckenbrock berry spoon.
     Mr. and Mrs. Sexauer and family, a half dozen solid silver spoons.
     Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum, three souvenir spoons of Washington, D. C.
     Mr. and Mrs. Frank Howard, a gold handled hat brush and two souvenir spoons of Sac City, Ia.
     Inez Fiegenbaum, a bon bon spoon.
     Anna Fiegenbaum, a linen table cover with fancy yellow border.
     John Otto and Mary Waggoner, a fine clock.
     Mr. and Mrs. Robert Montgomery, a silver, gold lined cake basket.
     Mrs. Sophia Good, St. Paul, Minn., a bon bon spoon.
     They also received several pieces of gold money, amounting in all to several dollars.


Residence (family):

     The family moved to Minnesota in the autumn of 1859. They lived for about one year in Salem, Dakota County while Friedrich served a large circuit of five charges. A son was born here. The family was then in Saint Paul for about 2 years, associated with First Church there; another son was born. From about 1862 to 1864 the family lived in Woodbury, Washington County; a daughter was born here. Friedrich served a circuit consisting of six appointments, some of whom appear to have been in nearby Wisconsin.


Residence (family):

     It seems very likely that the family of Friedrich and Louisa Fiegenbaum lived in Polk County, Iowa from 1869 to at least 1880. A brief biography of Friedrich and Louisa's son, Adolph Heinrich, was published in 1880 as part of a selection of biographical sketches of residents of Crocker Township, Polk County, Iowa. The biography reported that Adolph had been a resident of the county since 1869. At the time, he would have been about 14 years old and it seems probable that he would have been living with his parents and siblings. This was certainly the case one year later when the family was enumerated in Ward 3 of Des Moines, Iowa, in the 1870 U.S census. The biography also reported that in 1880, Adolph was teaching in the local schools in addition to supervising the work on his father's farm near Ankeny, where Adolph lived.


Census (family):
According to the 1870 enumeration, the household in Ward 3 consisted of Frederick Fiegenbaum, age 39, born in Prussia, a U. S. citizen; Louisa Fiegenbaum, age 37, born in Prussia; Minnie Fiegenbaum, age 17, born in Illinois, attending school; Adolph Fiegenbaum, age 15, born in Indiana, attending school; Lydia Fiegenbaum, age 12, born in Illinois, attending school; Louis Fiegenbaum, age 10, born in Minnesota, attending school; Theodore Fiegenbaum, age 8, born in Minnesota, attending school; Emma Fiegenbaum, age 6, born in Minnesota, attending school; Benjamin Fiegenbaum, age 4, born in Iowa; Henry Fiegenbaum, age 2, born in Iowa; and William Fiegenbaum, age 6 months, born in Iowa in January 1870.

Residence (family):

     The Holt County Sentinel (Oregon, Missouri) reported that among the new appointments announced at a session of the West German Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church held at Higginsville, Missouri from 1-5 September 1892, Rev. Fred Fiegenbaum, of Lawrence, Kansas was to become the pastor of the church at Oregon, Missouri. The newspaper noted that he was the brother of "Revs. Henry and William Fiegenbaum, former pastors of the German church in this city."
     On 11 November of the same year, the newspaper reported that Rev. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum were playing host to a week long family reunion. For the first time in eight years all of their children were home at the same time.
     In September 1893, the Holt County Sentinel reported that Rev. F. Fiegenbaum had returned from the German M. E. conference, held at Enterprise, Kansas. He had been reappointed to the church at Oregon, Missouri. And, the church had been moved from the Lincoln, Nebraska, conference district to the Missouri conference district.
     A year later, the same newspaper reported that Rev. F. W. Fiegenbaum would remain at the Oregon, Missouri church for another year. It seems that the pastoral charge included the church at Nodaway, Andrew County, Missouri.

Census (family):
According to the 1900 U.S. census, the household in the West Ward consisted of Fred Fiegenbaum, head of household, born April 1830 in Germany, age 70, emigrated to USA in 1834 (resident of USA for 66 years), a naturalized citizen, married for 48 years; and Louisa Fiegenbaum, wife, born August 1833 in Germany, age 66, married for 48 years, mother of 10 children (9 of whom were still living).

Residence (family):

     According to an obituary for his brother, "Rev. William Fiegenbaum," published on 30 November 1906 in the Edwardsville Intelligencer, of Edwardsville, Illinois, the deceased was survived by his brother, "Rev. Fred W. Fiegenbaum of Wathena, Kansas...."

Census (family):
According to the 1910 enumeration, the household consisted of Frederich W. Fiegenbaum, head of household, age 80, born in Germany, immigrated to USA in 1834, married for 58 years, retired; and Louisa Fiegenbaum, wife, age 77, born in Germany, immigrated to USA in 1834, married for 58 years.

Other Events:

• Residence: 1915, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, USA

David married Davis, Hannah 1874, Ohio, USA. Hannah was born 1856, Ohio, USA; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Census (family):
According to the 1880 U.S. enumeration, the household consisted of David Montgomery, age 40 and earning a living weighing coal, his wife, Hannah Montgomery, age 24 and keeping house, and their three children: Arthur Montgomery, age 6; Nellie B. Montgomery, age 4; and Maud M. Montgomery, age 2.

Other Events:

• Immigration: 1869, USA
• Moved To: 1881, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Birth:
According to the 1880 U.S. census, Michael's birthplace was Luxembourg. In subsequent enumerations, the place of birth is reported as Germany.

Moved To:
He and his wife lived in Hamilton and Fillmore counties.

Buried:
Michael was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in a joint plot with his wife.

Michael married Blum, Maria K. 2 Jan 1880, Iowa County, Wisconsin, USA. Maria was born 24 Oct 1858, Mineral Point, Iowa County, Wisconsin, USA; died 25 Dec 1944, Nebraska, USA; was buried 28 Dec 1944, Grafton, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Moved To: 1881, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Moved To:
He and his wife lived in Hamilton and Fillmore counties.

Buried:
According to her obituary, a requiem high mass was celebrated at St. Helena's Catholic Church. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery in a joint plot with her husband.

Died:
The following is a transcription of an obituary for Mrs. Marie Steffgen published in The Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, in January 1945. The transcription and citation were provided by Jane Michel.

     Sorrow cast its shadow over this community with the death of Mrs. Marie Steffgen, who passed away December 25, 1944, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. J. Budler.
     Marie Bloom was born in Mineral Point, Wis., October 24, 1858. January 22, 1880, she was married to Michael Steffgen. To this union five children were born, one dying in infancy. The family came to Nebraska in 1881 and lived in Hamilton and Fillmore counties. Mr. Steffgen passed away in 1931. Mrs. Steffgen had been ill three months, being cared for at her own home and later at the country home of her daughter.
     Left to mourn her departure are three daughters, Mrs. Katie Budler, Mrs. Hannah Berkbigler and Mrs. Agnes Reinsch, one son, Henry, eighteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren.
     Funeral services were held at St. Helena's Catholic church December 28, Rev. A. J. Lutz celebrating a requiem high mass. Burial was in Holy Cross cemetery. Six grandsons served as pallbearers.

Notes:

Married:
According to an obituary for Mrs. Marie Steffgen, the couple had 5 children, one of whom died in infancy.

Census (family):
According to the 1880 enumeration, the household consisted of Michael Stiffgen [sic], age 25, head of household, married, a laborer, born in Luxembergh [sic] and whose parents were also born in Luxembergh [sic]; and, Mary Stiffgen [sic], age 21, wife, married, keeping house, born in Wisconsin and whose parents were born in Prussia.
     Living in the same dwelling and enumerated as a separate household was Kate Bluum [sic], a 53 year old widow, born in Prussia.

Census (family):
According to the 1900 enumeration of Farmers Valley Precinct, the household consisted of Michel Steffgen, head of household, age 43 (born July 1856 in Germany), immigrated to USA in 1869 (in the USA for 31 years and a naturalized citizen), married, a farmer; Mary Steffgen, wife, age 41 (born October 1858 in Wisconsin), married (mother of 5 children; 4 still living); Elizabeth Steffgen, daughter, age 17 (born November 1882 in Nebraska), attending school; Agnes Steffgen, daughter, age 9 (born June 1890 in Nebraska), attending school; Henry Steffgen, son, age 6 (born October 1893 in Nebraska).

Census (family):
According to the 1910 enumeration of Momence Township, the household consisted of Nick Steffgen, head of household, age 53, born in Germany, a naturalized citizen, a farmer; Mary Steffgen, wife, age 57, born in Wisconsin, married for 30 years (mother of 5 children: 4 still living); Elizabeth Steffgen, daughter, age 27, born in Nebraska, single; Henry Steffgen, son, age 16, born in Nebraska, single; Henry Berkbigler, hired man, age 28, born in Missouri, single.

Census (family):
According to the 1920 enumeration, the household consisted of Mike Steffgen, age 63, head of household, married, his occupation is listed as 'none,' he and his parents were born in Germany, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1869 and was a naturalized citizen; and, Mary K. Steffgen, age 61, wife, married, her occupation is listed as 'none,' her parents were born in Germany, she was born in Wisconsin.

Census (family):
According to the 1930 enumeration of Geneva (Ward 3), the household consisted of Mike Steffgen, head of household, age 73, born in Germany, immigrated to USA in 1869, a naturalized citizen, married (at age 23); and Marie C. Steffen, wife, age 71, born in Wisconsin, married (at age 21).

Philip married Braden, Mary A. 5 Oct 1896, Utica, Seward County, Nebraska, USA. Mary (daughter of Braden, Philip and [---?---], Clara) was born Abt 1875, Illinois, USA; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Married:
Philip and Marry were married by "L. A. Dumphy, Catholic Priest." Witnesses were Philip Braden, of Exeter, Fillmore County, Nebraska and Kate Heser, of Utica, Seward County, Nebraska.

Marriage License:
At the time, Philip was residing in Utica, Seward County, Nebraska and Mary was living in Exeter, Fillmore County, Nebraska.

Census (family):
According to the 1900 enumeration of L Precinct, the household consisted of Philip Spohn, head of household, age 44, born March 1856 in New York, married for 4 years, a farmer; Braden [sic] A. Spohn, wife, age 24, born July 1876 in Illinois, married for 4 years, mother of 4 children all still living; Willie A. Spohn, son, born in June 1884 in Nebraska; John L. Spohn, son, born in September 1889 in Nebraska; Clara M. Spohn, daughter, born in May 1899 in Nebraska; Rose L. Spohn, daughter, born in December 1899 in Nebraska
     Mary A. (Braden) Spohn was Philip's second wife. The two daughters are from that marriage. The two son's are from Philip's first marriage, to Frances Drummer.

Census (family):
According to the 1910 enumeration, the household consisted of Philip Spohn, head of household, age 56, born in New York, married (second) for 13 years, a truck farmer; Mary A. Spohn, wife, age 37, born in Illinois, married (second) for 13 years, mother of 4 children (all still living); Clara M. Spohn, daughter, age 11, born in Nebraska; Rosa L. Spohn, daughter, age 10, born in Nebraska; Eiva S. Spohn, daughter, age 8, born in Nebraska; Josia L. Spohn, daughter, age 6, born in Nebraska.

Census (family):
According to the 1920 enumeration, the household consisted of Phillip Spohn, head of household, age 69, born in New York, married, a farmer; Mary A. Spohn, wife, age 44, born in Illinois, married; and, Josephine Spohn, daughter, age 15, born in Nebraska single, in school.

Census (family):
According to the 1930 enumeration, conducted by Maude M. (Montgomery) Fiegenbaum, the household consisted of Phillip Spohn (age 76) and Mary Spohn (age 54).