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Message Board > Fredrick, Freida and August Gerdes
Fredrick, Freida and August Gerdes
The Tampico Area Historical Society encompasses parts of Whiteside County and Bureau County in Illinois. Focus is on Tampico, Hume Twp., Hahnaman/Deer Grove, & Prophetstown in Whiteside County & Yorktown & Thomas in Bureau County.
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Jim Ethridge
1 post
Aug 23, 2013
4:35 PM 		Fredrick is the father and August and Fredia are brother and sister/ August Gerdes shows up in 1900 US census age 25 living as a border. Fredia shows up married to a Jackobs from her village in Germany. They lived in Rockfalls. August married Tina Gerdes of Milledgeville. What happened to them before 1900. Where did they come from in Germany. Fredrick apparently had two wives maybe three. Katherine Johnson was one. One he left in Germany. Please help!

Last Edited by Jim Ethridge on Aug 23, 2013 4:36 PM
Denise
914 posts
Aug 24, 2013
12:13 PM 		MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION ON GERDES FAMILY
1940 United States Federal Census about August T Gerdes
Name: August T Gerdes
Respondent: Yes
Age: 65
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1875
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: Germany
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1940: Wysox, Carroll, Illinois
Farm: Yes
Inferred Residence in 1935: Wysox, Carroll, Illinois
Residence in 1935: Same House
Resident on farm in 1935: Yes
Citizenship: Naturalized
Sheet Number: 2A
Occupation: Farmer
House Owned or Rented: Owned
Value of Home or Monthly Rental if Rented: 1300
Attended School or College: No
Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 4th grade
Hours Worked Week Prior to Census: 35
Class of Worker: Working on own account
Weeks Worked in 1939: 52
Income: 0
Income Other Sources: Yes
Household Members: Name Age
August T Gerdes 65, lived in same house 1935,
Tina Gerdes 63
Elsie K Gerdes 31, abt. 1909, IL
Helen G Gerdes 29, abt. 1911, IL
Laura A Gerdes 21, abt. 1919, IL
Doris L Gerdes 18, abt. 1922, IL [see obit below]
Robert E Gerdes 17, abt. 1923, IL [see obit below. M. Jeane Pollard] Bob has passed away, but Jeane still lives in Tampico.

GENEALOGYTRAILS/CARROLL COUNTY, IL
BETHEL CEMETERY
South Otter Creek Drive
Milledgeville, Wysox Township
Carroll County Illinois
http://genealogytrails.com/ill/carroll/carrollcembethela-g.html
GERDES, August 03 Mar 1875 23 Apr 1951 Tena Meyers
GERDES, Tena (Meyers) 09 Dec 1877 02 Jan 1974 August Gerdes

IL DATABASE ONLINE - MARRIAGES http://www.ilsos.gov/isavital/marriageSearch.do
JACOBS, LOUIS GERDES, FREDA 1895-02-27 00009175 WHITESIDE
GENEALOGYTRAILS/WHITESIDE CO./IL
OBITUARY OF DORIS (nee: Gerdes) ETHERIDGE http://genealogytrails.com/ill/whiteside/obitE3.html
DORIS (GERDES) ETHRIDGE , 73, of Polo died Wednesday October 12, 1994 in CGH Medical Center in Sterling . A daughter of August and Tina (Meyer) Gerdes, she was born September 19, 1921 in Milledgeville. She and Ivan Ethridge were married April 27, 1943 in Milledgeville. She had been employed at Pilgrim’s Café and Central Stamping in Polo prior to Micro Switch in Freeport , from which she retired. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid Society, Milledgeville. Surviving are her husband,; two sons, Sheldon (Marilyn) Ethridge of Rockton and James (Veree) Ethridge of Joliet; and three grandchildren. Survivors also include four sisters, Margaret Albers and Elsie (Elmer) Pilgrim, both of Milledgeville; Florence Webster of Davis and Irene (Herman) Ukena of Polo; and four brothers, George Gerdes of Lanark and Robert Gerdes of Tampico. (Transcriber’s Note: It doesn’t name the other two brothers.) Preceding her in death were three sisters and four brothers. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran church with the Rev. Michael Lawyer officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling


TAMPICO HISTORICAL SOCIETY OBITUARIES
http://www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com/articles/article/1323792/99733.htm
Robert Gerdes

A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent at www.garlandfuneralhome.com on the Internet.

TAMPICO Robert E. Gerdes, 85, of 207 N. Joy St., Tampico, died Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at CGH Medical Center. He hauled milk and farmed in the Milledgeville area; and owned and operated Gerdes Ford Tractor Sales and Service, Polo, and Gerdes Ariens Lawn Mower Sales, Tampico.

Mr. Gerdes was born Nov. 24, 1922, the son of August and Tena (Meyers) Gerdes. He married Jean M. Pollard on Dec. 11, 1962, in Raymondsville, Texas.

Survivors include his wife; daughter, Roberta Konneck, of Tampico; son, Chester "Chet" Gerdes, of Sterling; sister, Elsie Pilgrim, of Sterling; three grandsons; a great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 13 brothers and sisters.
The funeral is at 3 p.m. Saturday at Garland Funeral Home
[Note: Jean (nee: Pollard) Gerdes is still living in Tampico]

Last Edited by Denise on Aug 24, 2013 1:56 PM
Denise
915 posts
Aug 24, 2013
12:14 PM 		Cont'd from above message:
GENEALOGYTRAILS/CARROLL COUNTY, IL
http://genealogytrails.com/ill/carroll/carrollobitsA3.html
MARGARET (GERDES) ALBER , 98, of Milledgeville died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004 at Sterling Pavilion Nursing Home. Mrs. Alber ws born Aug. 2, 1906 in Prophetstown, the daughter of August and Tena (Meyer) Gerdes. She married Clarence Alber on Dec. 4, 1930. He died July 18, 1989. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Milledgeville, and the Ladies Aid Society. She enjoyed sewing/crocheting and baking. Survivors include two daughters, Lois (Dan) Nye and Ruth (Leland) Byson, both of Milledgeville; two sisters, Florence Webster of Freeport and Elsie Pilgrim of Milledgeville; two brothers, George Gerdes of Lanark and Robert of Tampico; six grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral is at 10:30 Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Milledgeville with the Rev. Kathleen Burheimer, pastor, officiating. Burial at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling.

[Father of Jeane Pollard, wife of Robt. Gerdes]
CYRUS POLLARD , 95, of Lanark died Wednesday, January 15, 1997 at Freeport Memorial Hospital . Son of James A. and Etta (Billbro) Pollard, he was born October 4, 1901 in Wayne County . He and Velma Lucille Carroll were married December 18, 1924 in Fairfield . He was a minister 58 years, serving more than 50 years in the Mount Carroll region. He was a member of Mount Carroll Church of God. Surviving family members include his wife; two daughters, Marion (James) Myers of Lanark and Jean (Robert) Gerdes of Tampico; one son, Jack (Phyllis) Pollard of Lanark; 10 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were six sisters and five brothers. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Mount Carroll Church of God with the Rev. Robert Phelps of Pleasant Valley Church of God officiating. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery .
Contributed by Alice Horner

GENEALOGYTRAILS/CARROLL CO/IL
LANARK CEMETERY
Rock Creek Township
VOLKERS, Raymond L.
Obituary 04 Sep 1904 14 Oct 1998 Helen Gerdes
m. 8 Oct 1940 James and Alma (Christman) Volkers
RAYMOND L. VOLKERS , 94, of Lanark, a retired farmer, died Wednesday October 14, 1998 at Freeport Memorial Hospital . A son of James and Alma (Christman) Volkers, he was born September 4, 1904 at Pearl City . He was a graduate of Shannon High School . On October 8, 1940, he and Helen Gerdes were married at Milledgeville. She died in 1994. After retiring from farming, he worked for Lanark School District . His memberships included Trinity Lutheran Church in Lanark and Carroll County Farm Bureau. Surviving are one daughter, Marian (Ivan) Haijenga of Forreston; and two grandchildren, Rita Haijenga of Henry and Richard (June) Haijenga of Forreston. Preceding him in death in addition to his wife were his parents; two sisters, Genevieve Gast and Gwendolyn Shafer; and two brothers, Randall and Forrest Volkers. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Russell-Frank Funeral Home in Lanark, and burial will be at Lanark Cemetery . The Rev. Kim Lee-Brown of Trinity Lutheran Church will officiate.
Contributed by Alice Horner
http://genealogytrails.com/ill/carroll/carrollobitsV.html#rlv1726
Denise
916 posts
Aug 24, 2013
7:21 PM 		Jim, I think I may be confused as to what you are asking. Did you read what I wrote about the Ancestral Village? Where to get their Naturalization papers & how it will give you their home village/town. Also see the LDS familysearch.org. The first US Federal Census record they would show up on is 1900, since the 1890 was mostly destroyed in fire. Local directories may have a listing or plat maps if they owned land. Jeane (Pollard) Gerdes is still living in Tampico. She was the wife of one of August's sons, Robert Gerdes, who has since passed away. She knows all of the children of August. Are you looking for the children of Frederick? I will check on that.

Last Edited by Denise on Aug 24, 2013 8:07 PM
Denise
917 posts
Aug 24, 2013
8:14 PM 		Fred may have been dead before the 1900 census. Have you checked the online Gazette index? Here a just a FEW of the listings for GERDES, including an obit for a Fred Gerdes in 1885:
Jacobs, Louis obituary 4 Nov 1903;6;2
Jacobs, Louis obituary 4 Nov 1903;Standard;6;1
Jacobs, Louis funeral rites 6 Nov 1903;6;1
Jacobs, Louis funeral rites 6 Nov 1903;twGazette;4;4

Jacobs, Louis Mrs. obituary 11 April 1927;12;2

Gerdes, John H. marriage license issued; Mary Yeager 1 July 1882;wGazette;5;2

Gerdes, Fred E. obituary 4 May 1885;3;2

Gerdes, Garrett weds Mrs.Sartoris' niece 9 April 1887;wGazette;8;4

Gerdes, Gerhard weds Louisa H. Emshof 7 April 1887;wStandard;1;4

Gerdes, John obituary 3 Dec 1883;3;2
Gerdes, John Mr. & Mrs. son born in May 22 May 1884;3;2
Gerdes, John Mr. & Mrs. daughter born in Aug 9 Aug 1889;wGazette;8;3

Gerdes, Mary Mrs. obituary / funeral rites set 2 Oct 1895;Standard;5;3
Gerdes, Mary Mrs. obituary / funeral rites set 3 Oct 1895;Standard;5;2
Gerdes, Mary Mrs. obituary / funeral rites set 3 Oct 1895;wStandard;7;1
Gerdes, Mary Mrs. obituary / funeral rites set 4 Oct 1895;wGazette;4;4

Gerdes, John Mr. & Mrs. son born in Feb 3 March 1897;Standard;5;1
Gerdes, John Mr. & Mrs. son born in Feb 4 March 1897;wStandard;5;1

Gerdes, Henry G. engaged to Alice McCutchion 11 Oct 1895;wGazette;B2;1
Gerdes, Henry G. weds Alice McCutchion 23 Oct 1895;4;3
Gerdes, Henry G. weds Alice McCutchion 23 Oct 1895;Standard;8;3
Gerdes, Henry G. weds Alice McCutchion 24 Oct 1895;wStandard;1;3
Gerdes, Henry G. weds Alice McCutchion 25 Oct 1895;wGazette;3;1
Gerdes, Henry G. engaged to Alice McCutchion 8 Oct 1895;8;2

Gerdes, August Mr. & Mrs. son born in Feb 17 Feb 1908;4;1
Gerdes, August Mr. & Mrs. son born in Feb 17 Feb 1908;Standard;6;2
Gerdes, August Mr. & Mrs. son born in Feb 19 Feb 1908;Standard;3;3

Gerdes, Freida weds August L. Jacobs 28 Feb 1895;Standard;8;2

Gerdes, August weds Tena Myer 3 Dec 1901;swStandard;6;1
Gerdes, August weds Tena Myer 6 Dec 1901;swStandard;6;1
Gerdes, August Mr. & Mrs. son born in Sept 1 Oct 1902;5;1

Gerdes, John P. obituary 2 Jan 1902;Standard;6;2

Gerdes, August Mr. & Mrs. daughter born March 15 16 March 1904;6;1
Gerdes, August Mr. & Mrs. daughter born March 15 16 March 1904;Standard;6;1
Gerdes, August Mr. & Mrs. son born in Oct 3 Oct 1902;twGazette;3;4
Gerdes, August Mr. & Mrs. daughter born in March 22 March 1904;swStandard;7;4

Gerdes, Tena weds John J. Long 5 Feb 1910;3;4

Gerdes, Frieda weds Fred Malberg 24 Feb 1927;14;4

Alber, Margaret T. Gerdes (Clarence) obituary 2 Jan 2005;A6;3

If any of these are of interest to you, I would contact Marilyn Anderson at the Sterling Public Library where the newspapers are archived on microfilm. Sterling Public Library
Jennifer Slaney, Director
102 West Third Street
Sterling, Illinois 61081
SPL-Director@comcast.net
Phone: 815-625-1370
Fax: 815-625-7037
GENEALOGY DEPT., Marilyn Anderson,
SPL-Genealogy@comcast.net
Denise
918 posts
Aug 25, 2013
10:32 AM 		Jim,
Is this the same manifest?
From GERDES Family



New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 about Friedr Gerdes
Name: Friedr Gerdes
Arrival Date: 30 Apr 1882
Birth Date: abt 1837
Age: 45
Gender: Male
Ethnicity/ Nationality: Prussian (German)
Place of Origin: Prussia;Germany
Port of Departure: Bremen, Germany
Destination: New York,United States of America
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Ship Name: Prince Frederick Wilhelm

If so, I read the adult female as Marie.

Friedrick Gerdes, 45
Marie, 46
Anna, 17
Joh, 11
Frida, 6
Aug., 8

New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 about Marie Gerdes
Name: Marie Gerdes
Arrival Date: 30 Apr 1882
Birth Date: abt 1836
Age: 46
Gender: Female
Ethnicity/ Nationality: Prussian (German)
Place of Origin: Prussia;Germany
Port of Departure: Bremen, Germany
Destination: New York,United States of America
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Ship Name: Prince Frederick Wilhelm

New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 about Anna Gerdes
Name: Anna Gerdes
Arrival Date: 30 Apr 1882
Birth Date: abt 1865
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Ethnicity/ Nationality: Prussian (German)
Place of Origin: Prussia;Germany
Port of Departure: Bremen, Germany
Destination: New York,United States of America
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Ship Name: Prince Frederick Wilhelm

New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 about Joh Gerdes
Name: Joh Gerdes
Arrival Date: 30 Apr 1882
Birth Date: abt 1871
Age: 11
Gender: Male
Ethnicity/ Nationality: Prussian (German)
Place of Origin: Prussia;Germany
Port of Departure: Bremen, Germany
Destination: New York,United States of America
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Ship Name: Prince Frederick Wilhelm

New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 about Aug Gerdes
Name: Aug Gerdes
Arrival Date: 30 Apr 1882
Birth Date: abt 1874
Age: 8
Gender: Male
Ethnicity/ Nationality: Prussian (German)
Place of Origin: Prussia;Germany
Port of Departure: Bremen, Germany
Destination: New York,United States of America
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Ship Name: Prince Frederick Wilhelm

Last Edited by Denise on Aug 25, 2013 11:09 AM
Denise
919 posts
Aug 25, 2013
12:19 PM 		Sterling Daily Gazette
July 22, 1941

MILLEDGEVILLE
GERDES CLAN GATHERS FOR REUNION SUNDAY
The Gerdes family reunion was held Sunday at Lowell park. The picnic dinner at noon was served to the following: Mr. and Mrs. Herman Ukena and daughter Arllen and son Herman of Sterling. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond of Sterling, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Volkers of Pearl City, Mr. and Mrs. August Gerdes and family, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Gerdes and sons, Larry and Ronald, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Gerdes and sons, David and Paul, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Gerdes and sons, Arlen and Duane, Mr. and Mrs. Fred-Melberg and sons, Donald ad Lyle, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Alber and daughter Lois and Ruth of Milledgeville.

Last Edited by Denise on Aug 26, 2013 10:38 AM
Jim Ethridge
4 posts
Aug 25, 2013
6:11 PM 		Yes that is the same manifest. Who is Marie then? I assumed it was a wife but maybe a sister?
Denise
920 posts
Aug 26, 2013
7:29 AM 		A REVIEW OF YOUR QUESTIONS & MY ANSWERS:
Fredrick is the father and August and Fredia are brother and sister

August Gerdes shows up in 1900 US census age 25 living as a border.

Q. Fredia shows up married to a Jackobs from her village in Germany. They lived in Rockfalls.
A. The IL Database Online shows the following marriage in Whiteside County. Marriage certs can be obtained from the County Clerk, Whiteside County.
JACOBS, LOUIS GERDES, FREDA 1895-02-27 00009175 WHITESIDE

Another guide: Genealogical Research at the IL State Archives

Q. August married Tina Gerdes of Milledgeville.
A. There is no record of this marriage in the online database because they married after 1900. However, the certificate can be obtained from County Clerk, Whiteside County.

Q. What happened to them before 1900?
A. They did not arrive unitl 1882. The first census record available after their arrival would be the 1900. However, If they lived in Rock Falls (or vicinity), I would check with the Terry Buckaloo with the Sterling/Rock Falls Historical Society and/or Marilyn Anderson, president of the Whiteside Genealogical Society and head of the Genealogy Dept.in the Sterling PUblic library, where the WCGS archives their items. SPL-Genealogy@comcast.net They could be listed in Town Directories, land ownership, etc.

Q.Where did they come from in Germany?
A. Your Family Tree on Ancestry shows: Friedric Gerdes notes the following information:
Birth 28 Aug 1850 in Westerstede, Ammerland, Niedersachsen, Germany
Death 08 Jan 1939 in Sheffield, Franklin, Iowa, USA - Do you have reason to think they were from some other town/village?

Q. Fredrick apparently had two wives maybe three. Katherine Johnson was one. One he left in Germany.
A. Have you had an opportunity to review any church records, either domestic or from the ancestral town? Are you familiar with the FamilySearch Wiki for German Research?

Q. Who is Marie then? I assumed it was a wife but maybe a sister?
A. Unfortunately, this manifest does not give any relationships. A marriage record may show up in the ancestral church records.

Please help!
I gave you SOME of the GERDES news articles in the Sterling Gazette Newspapers (pub. 1854-present). There are TWO websites for the Gazette. One is an INDEX only. They other is the actual newspaper article online. Not all years/dates have been uploaded yet. See my list in prior message. You can also do your own search:
STERLING GAZETTE INDEX ONLINE

Sterling Gazette Newspapers (articles) Online


If there is something else specific you would like me to check, please let me know or post here for others to help as well.

Last Edited by Denise on Aug 26, 2013 10:12 AM
Denise
921 posts
Aug 26, 2013
10:18 AM 		I noticed some of the following information is missing from your Family Tree:
An obituary for Frieda H. Gerdes Melberg can be found in the Sterling GAzette:
Melberg, Frieda (Fred) obituary 15 Nov 1960;2;1
Melberg, Fred Mrs. funeral rites 19 Nov 1960;2;2

Melberg, Lyle E. (Carolyn Lathrop) obituary 11 June 2001;A5;2*
Melberg, Lyle E. (Carolyn Lathrop) obituary 12 June 2001;A5;2*

Melberg, Fred (Fredia Gerdes) obituary 14 Feb 1985;A6;1

Melberg, Donald (Claudia Steffes) obituary 11 Feb 2006;A2;1*

NOT SURE IF THESE ARE THEIR CHILDREN:
Melberg, Fred Mr. & Mrs. son born in Sept 18 Sept 1902;Standard;5;1
Melberg, Fred Mr. & Mrs. daughter born in Sept 4 Sept 1905;swStandard;6;1
Melberg, Fred Mr. & Mrs. daughter born in Sept 5 Sept 1905;Standard;5;3

Contact Marilyn Anderson, Sterling Public Library for copies.

Statewide Marriage Index"ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Statewide Marriage Index
Search Criteria: Melberg
Groom Bride Date Volume Page Lic No. County
MELBERG, FRED BARNES, EMMA 1899-08-23 00010338 WHITESIDE

I noticed you have Friedrick Gerdes as living in IA in 1880, but he immigrated to the USA in 1882. Did he make an earlier trip?
Were you able to make your trip to Jever at the end of May?
I hope some of the information I have provided is helpful in your quest.

Last Edited by Denise on Aug 27, 2013 6:24 AM
Denise
923 posts
Aug 27, 2013
10:49 AM 		Jim, You'll notice that the list of articles in Gazette also lists the maiden name of their wives. These were missing on your Family Tree on Ancestry, so they may be helpful. I hope you are getting these msgs. If you get a chance, let me know if you are getting them please.
Jim Ethridge
5 posts
Aug 27, 2013
5:51 PM 		I have received all of this. I am officially retired but working 20 hours a week and today cleaned a deck and stained it ( my daughter) I was supposed to find some graves today....not. I have started the combine and merge but dates don't match and I see I have duplicates wives and husbands but that happens when you have with the same name (James) and (Sarah) are just two. I relied on family trees for information and I am now thinking that was not such a good idea. I wanted to contact the Gazette today but got home too late. I really want that home town village of August and his family. I'm having a great time. Keep the info comming! Jim (you are a fantastic mentor and I am learning so much (by the hour)
Denise
924 posts
Aug 27, 2013
7:53 PM 		Hi Jim, If you want those articles, you need to contact Marilyn Anderson @ the Sterling Library, not the Gazette. They don't archive the old papers. Marilyn's email is SPL-Genealogy@comcast.net. Be sure to give her the issue date, page # & column #. Here's an example:
NAME SUBJECT DATE OF NEWSPAPER ISSUE/PAGE #/COLUMN #
Gerdes, August observes wedding anniversary--41st 8 Dec 1942;9;2 < The 8 Dec. 1942 is the issue date of newspaper. The 9;2 is the page & column number. Another option is to go to the Sterling Library and view the articles yourself. If you are not in the area you can also check into an inter-library loan with your local library. I do recommend contacting Marilyn though. She may offer other suggestions. She is a walking encyclopedia on Whiteside County and also the president of Whiteside County Genealogical Society.

If you do your own search for the online index, I recommend you only put a surname in the "Subject" box and leave the "Description" box empty. This will alleviate duplicate returns - i.e.; John Smith married Jane Doe, & Jane Doe married John Smith. Some people have trouble doing their own search, so if there is someone you want me to check on, just let me know.

As for the 'other' trees on Ancestry - I'm going to offer my personal opinion and advice as a professional genealogical researcher - NEVER use information from anyone elses tree unless they have cited their sources. If there are no sources listed, do not add it to your tree until you have documented the information. It is my biggest pet-peeve about Ancestry - with their 'shaking leaves' and links to other trees. In my humble opinion, if it is not cited and either proven, documented or have a preponderance of evidence to substantiate it, then 'it didn't happen.' Some may disagree with that theory; I offer it merely as my opinion based on 14 yrs. experience. (smile) I think you have enough to keep you busy for awhile. Those news articles will most likely offer new clues and information to add to your tree. Remember to 'cite your source' when you add it to your tree. Ancestry is a wonderful way to gather your family history, just be careful and verify & cite your sources. Best of luck and know that I am only a msg board or email or phone call away, if you need help.

Last Edited by Denise on Aug 27, 2013 8:11 PM
Jim Ethridge
7 posts
Sep 11, 2013
8:32 PM 		Looking for information on this relationship and this could be my great grandparent's.

Katherine Johnson

B:
25 May 1873 in Germany
D:
9 Apr 1927 in Coloma, Whiteside, Illinois

Friedrick Gerdes B: 26 Aug 1850 in Westerstede, Ammerland, Niedersachsen, Germany

August could/would have been their son
Jim Ethridge
8 posts
Oct 18, 2013
7:34 AM 		Finally I have a little news but more questions. How can I send a picture to you? The picture is from page 81 of the Riverside Cemetery Plot book. Section 6.T. "K" Lot 5 is where Frederick, and Frieda A Gerdes are buried along with Frieda's husband Louis. The graves stones are in pretty poor condition but I have not found some to take the pictures for documentation. That takes care of 3 of the plots 2,4 and 6. Plot 1 is empty. Plot there has someone in it but the cemetery cannot put a name to them (yet) They are looking into it. Plot 5 is the puzzle. W
From GERDES Family
ho is Teitem Gerdes who died on October 1, 1895 and is buried there?

Last Edited by Denise on Oct 18, 2013 12:26 PM
Denise
930 posts
Oct 19, 2013
8:26 AM 		Jim,
I will try to work on this over the week.
D
Jim Ethridge
9 posts
Feb 18, 2014
2:25 AM 		In the Obit from Sterling News Gazette on Mrs. Louis Jacobs (Frieda Gerdes)(paper dated April 14,1927) was listed two 1/2 sisters (Anna Morganstern and Mrs. Wilhelm Haak) both of Sterling Illinois. I know nothing of these two great aunts. Can you give me any information?
Denise
958 posts
Feb 19, 2014
2:13 PM 		Jim,
Given our precarious weather, you may get a faster response from Marilyn Anderson in the Sterling Library for these obits:
Stanley, Anna M. Morganstern (Howard S.) obituary 11 May 1990;A2;4-5
Morganstern, Anna weds Howard Stanley 12 April 1926;2;1
Oops! I thought this was your person, but THIS Anna Morganstern would have been Anna Stanley in 1927.

No Wilhelm found on Sterling Gazette Index Online, Ancestry.com, IL Database Online/Marriages.

I did find a Wilhelmina Haak on Sterling Gazette Index Online: Haak, Henry (Wilhelmina Guenther) obituary 2 Nov 1926;2;4

Also found a Willliam J Haak, wife - Mabel in Sterling on several sites:

1930 Sterling City Directory:
Wm., Henry B,& Carl F. all listed at RD 2 in Sterling, IL

ANCESTRY.COM
1940
Name: Mabel M Haak
Age: 37
Estimated birth year: abt 1903
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birthplace: Illinois
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Home in 1940: Jordan, Whiteside, Illinois
Map of Home in 1940: View Map
Inferred Residence in 1935: Jordan, Whiteside, Illinois
Residence in 1935: Same House
Sheet Number: 10A
Household Members: Name Age
William J Haak 46
Mabel M Haak 37
CHILDREN:
Dorothy M Haak 14
Marjorie A Haak 12
Ruth H Haak 11

Jordan is a township in Whiteside County, in the Sterling metro area.

U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-Current about Mabel M. Haak
Name: Mabel M. Haak
Last Residence: 61081 Sterling, Whiteside, Illinois, USA
BORN: 11 Dec 1902
Died: Jan 1995
State (Year) SSN issued: Illinois (Before 1951)

U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 about Mrs Mabel Haak
Name: Mrs Mabel Haak
Gender: Female
Residence Year: 1937
Residence Place: Sterling; Rock Falls; Morrison, Illinois
Publication Title: Sterling, Illinois, City Directory, 1937

GAZETTE INDEX ONLINE:
Haak, Mabel M. Echternach obituary 13 Jan 1995;A2;3-4

The Sterling Public Library has new email accounts.
Marilyn Anderson, Genealogy Dept. = SPL-Genealogy@comcast.net

Last Edited by Denise on Feb 19, 2014 2:59 PM
Jim Ethridge
10 posts
Jan 05, 2015
12:47 PM 		I found this small lead on one of my grandfather's step sisters.

1. Whiteside Co IL Obituaries - Genealogy Trails
genealogytrails.com/ill/whiteside/obitS6.html
o
o
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois ...... 1930, in Sterling, the daughter of Howard and Anna (Morgenstern) Stanley.


If I am reading this correctly: Anna Morgenstern had a husband name Howard Stanley and a daughter named Melva Taylor? Is this correctly assumed and if it is can someone tell me more?
Denise
1008 posts
Jan 07, 2015
4:34 PM 		Hi Jim,
Melva Taylor is not related to the above family. She is a very nice lady that transcribes articles from the Sterling Gazette newspapers and then submits them to the website(s) that can best utilize them, including ours. However, if you are referring to the obit for Jean Stanley, you are correct that her parents were Howard and Anna (nee: Morgenstern) Stanley. That article was contributed by Cynthia Lane. Melva Taylor did transcribe 36 of the obits on that page though.

Last Edited by Denise on Jan 07, 2015 4:44 PM
Jim Ethridge
11 posts
Jan 10, 2015
8:45 AM 		Hi Denise,
I found three items this morning:

1.
Name:
Katherine Wilhelmine Haak
[Katherine Wilhelmine Guinther]

Birth Date:
17 Aug 1857

Birth Place:
Odinburg, Germany

Death Date:
9 Dec 1947

Death Place:
Sterling, Whiteside, Illinois

Burial Date:
12 Dec 1947

Burial Place:
Sterling, Whiteside, Illinois

Cemetery Name:
Riverside Mausoleum

Death Age:
90

Race:
White

Marital Status:
W

Gender:
Female

Residence:
Sterling, Whiteside, Illinois

Father Name:
Anton Guinther

Father Birth Place:
Odinburg, Germany

Mother Name:
Marie Behrens

Mother Birth Place:
Odinburg, Germany

Spouse Name:
Henry

FHL Film Number:
1991972

I will send them under separate cover as I keep loosing them.
Jim Ethridge
12 posts
Jan 10, 2015
8:49 AM 		O B I T U A R I E S
For
Whiteside County Illinois

WILLIAM J. HAAK , 904 W. 6th St., Sterling, passed away at 11:45 a.m. Sunday in his home after an extended illness. Mr. Haak was born Sept. 30, 1893 in Germany, the son of Henry and Minner Guinther Haak. He came to the United States at the age of two with his parents and resided in this area since that time and farmed north of Sterling for many years, retired from farming in 1942. After moving to Sterling he was employed by International Harvester Company. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Bonnell and Mrs. Eugene (Marjorie) McCarter of Sterling; two sisters, Miss Alma Haak of Sterling and Mrs. Anna Crook of Denver, Colo.; two brothers, Henry B. Haak of Sterling, and Herman A. Haak of Denver, Colo., and three grandsons. His parents, three brothers and two sisters preceded him in death, as did a daughter, Ruth, who died in 1948. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call after 7 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m Wednesday in the funeral home, Rev. Warren C. Weeg, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will take place in the Riverside Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 2, 1964 - Monday, pg 2
This is item 2 and I believe this Henry Haak to be the husband of Miss Guinther
Jim Ethridge
13 posts
Jan 10, 2015
8:56 AM 		Hi,
3rd item:
NAME: Anna M Morgenstern
AGE: 35
BIRTH DATE: Mar 1865
BIRTHPLACE: Germany
HOME IN 1900: Sterling, Whiteside, Illinois
RACE: White
GENDER: Female
IMMIGRATION YEAR: 1882
RELATION TO HEAD OF HOUSE: Wife
MARITAL STATUS: Married
SPOUSE'S NAME: Carl Morgenstern
MARRIAGE YEAR: 1890
YEARS MARRIED: 10
FATHER'S BIRTHPLACE: Germany
MOTHER'S BIRTHPLACE: Germany
MOTHER: NUMBER OF LIVING CHILDREN: 3
MOTHER: HOW MANY CHILDREN: 3
OCCUPATION: View on Image

NEIGHBORS: View others on page

HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS: NAME AGE
Carl Morgenstern
41
Anna M Morgenstern
35
Marie C Morgenstern
6
Carl L Morgenstern
3
Anna Morgenstern
11/12
George Siemers
29
Adam Reidle
44

And now the two big questions: How are these two ladies step sisters of my grandfather August ans listed in the Obit? Or do I have the wrong people?
Denise
1009 posts
Jan 10, 2015
10:27 PM 		Jim, Let me review this and see what I can find. Hoping our trusty sleuth, Jack, might offer some insight as well. :) I just wanted to acknowledge that I've read you message.
Denise
JackP
207 posts
Jan 12, 2015
6:26 PM 		Hi Denise,

I watch this board (which is the best) every day. However, I don't key things in like I did there for a while as I seem to think I'm stealing someones post. Several months ago, a LaDue farm north of Yorktown came across in a message, and it happens to be the farm that my great grandfather was farming and the first of his two children were born there. As I had ancestors arrived in Whiteside in wagons from PA.,1848, I can make a lot of connections. For the above post, I'll have to pass as I see it, the author is going to need some time for leg work in Court Houses, looking for naturalization papers.

I still spend a lot of time researching our mid-west history. With all the books that available on the internet now, I have been able to piece together some interesting (for me) material. If you ware a military hat and research Tecumseh, you can come real close to proving that Tecumseh, did not die at the Battle of the Thames. He has made tracks in history, but keep in mind that the tag Tecumseh was a screen name for him.

Good luck Jim,
Jack
Jim Ethridge
14 posts
Jan 13, 2015
6:52 PM 		Here is the Haak connection:
(Katherine) Wilhemina (Minnie) Gunther
Birth 17 Aug 1857 in Aldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, Niedersachsen, Germany
Death 9 Dec 1947 in Sterling, Whiteside, Illinois, United States

Wilhemina went under three other first names. But where does the step sister fit?
Jim Ethridge
15 posts
Jan 16, 2015
8:26 AM 		Denise, A whole bunch of things:

In the April 20, 1951 Sterling New Gazette, page 2 The Obit on August T, Gerdes mentions his brother Henry. I can't locate him anywhere. In the same article we have located and documented Freida Jacob's and have her as a sister!

2)I found her and August in the Archives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (Rock Falls) He was confirmed there and lists Friedrich Eden Gerdes as his father and Cath. Janssen as his mother. Frieda lists Fredrick Geider as her father and Katherine Johnson as her mother. I have assumed those are name variations. Both of them in church records identify Oldenburg Germany as home town.

In the April 11, 1927 Sterling New Gazette, page 12 The Obit on Mrs Louis Jacobs "two step sisters of Sterling". but....I still do not 'see' the connection.

On the naturalization car it indicated that August Gerdes was naturalized on October 26, 1896 in WHITESIDE CO.

Summary:
1. The two step sisters belong to Frieda Jacobs.
2. August has a brother Henry currently missing.
3. If page 81 of the Riverside Cemetery Plot book. Section 6.T. "K" Lot 5 - is correct; the letter F. on the document has been confirmed as Fredrick Gerdes and he died on March 20, 1886.

Questions: Any record of that death? or his birth?
the family has him being born on 28 Aug 1850 in Germany but no record of that yet either.
Where is Henery Gerdes?

I am going back to the church records again. You have been great!
Jim Ethridge
16 posts
Jan 18, 2015
5:25 AM 		Some new information: The cemetery has Teitem spelled incorrectly. The church records have it spelled: Teite Marica Gerdes. The m was tacked on the end of her first name. Church records have her being born 18__ (the last two digits are in the binder of the book and I can't read them, She home church in Germany was listed as Gohenkirche, Amt. Feren, Oldenbug, Germany source:Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Archives
Jim Ethridge
17 posts
Jan 19, 2015
9:01 AM 		I am just checking out genealogy trails of whiteside county and I found this

:Riverside Cemetery Index

NAME BIRTH DEATH SPOUSE PARENTS
STRALOW, Anton George 24 Mar 1871 10 Nov 1969 Katherine Gesine Dirks Eibe & Teite (Gerdes) Stralow

I have not foundb out anymore about the people listed. I think that Teite Gerdes is mine! All I found out so far is that church has members with last names the same as Stralow
Denise
1013 posts
Jan 21, 2015
2:32 PM 		Re: Summary:
1. The two step sisters belong to Frieda Jacobs.
2. August has a brother Henry currently missing.
3. If page 81 of the Riverside Cemetery Plot book. Section 6.T. "K" Lot 5 - is correct; the letter F. on the document has been confirmed as Fredrick Gerdes and he died on March 20, 1886.

#1. ?

#2. Do you know that Henry came to USA? Do you know how old he was in item that referenced him? Did he die as infant? Stay in Germany?
NAME: Heinrich Friedrich Gerdes
GENDER: Male
BAPTISM DATE: 18 Jan 1874
BAPTISM PLACE: Evangelisch,Bockhorst,Westfalen,Prussia
DEATH DATE: 16 Mrz 1875 (16 Mar 1875)
FATHER: Friedrich Wilhelm Gerdes
MOTHER: Catharine Wilhelmine Wittkamp
FHL FILM NUMBER: 473562
(there were other Heinrichs listed)

Did you see the listings for Heinrich Gerdes in German Births on Ancestry> I'm assuming you already checked the Gazette listings for Henry G Gerdes:Gerdes, Henry G. engaged to Alice McCutchion 11 Oct 1895;wGazette;B2;1
Gerdes, Henry G. weds Alice McCutchion 23 Oct 1895;4;3
Gerdes, Henry G. weds Alice McCutchion 23 Oct 1895;Standard;8;3
Gerdes, Henry G. weds Alice McCutchion 24 Oct 1895;wStandard;1;3
Gerdes, Henry G. weds Alice McCutchion 25 Oct 1895;wGazette;3;1
Gerdes, Henry G. engaged to Alice McCutchion 8 Oct 1895;8;2

Did you ever contact Jean Gerdes, wife of Bob Gerdes? Bob was a son of August & Tena. Jean may know where Henry, brother of August, settled. She may also be able to answer some other family questions. I recommend you write to her first, perhaps asking her permission to call, if that is easier for her. She is in her 80's now and basically a very private person. I do not know how receptive she will be. If you write, I would include a stamped, return envelope as well as your phone number. Explain WHO you are & why you are asking. Be as specific and concise as possible. Good luck!

#3. Contact Connie Landheer, County Clerk's office for death record. Vital Records Information: clandheer@whiteside.org

The above should give some immediate answers as well as possibly lead to other answers or clues. I recommend you exhaust these avenues first. Your requests on this board are kind of 'all over the place' and it's difficult for me to help connect the dots. I'm really hoping Mrs. Gerdes will be receptive to your queries - she could offer a lot of help.

Best of luck and keep us posted on your successes (or if you need other assistance).

Denise

Last Edited by Denise on Jan 21, 2015 3:16 PM
Jim Ethridge
20 posts
Feb 20, 2015
6:16 AM 		Denise, I am tracking down everything you have mentioned but I am missing a piece. In your August 24 2013 comments you mention " Gerdes, Fred E. obituary 4 May 1885;3;2" in a Sterlling news paper. I cannot find it anywhere. On paper ends in 1854 and another begins in 1861. This one eludes me
Denise
1032 posts
Feb 22, 2015
4:42 PM 		Jim,
That is how it is written on the Index page:
Subject Description Date Location
Gerdes, Fred E. obituary 4 May 1885;3;2
During certain time-frames, they published more than one edition/day - there was an evening edition as well as the 'daily'. I would contact Marilyn Anderson at the Sterling Library - she knows those microfilms better than anyone. It may have been the Sterling Standard, vs. Sterling Daily Gazette. I don't have my cheat sheet on hand, to know what was published when. Marilyn's contact information is SPL-Genealogy@comcast.net If for some reason Marilyn is not able to assist you, get back with me & I will check it on my next trip to Sterling.
Jim Ethridge
21 posts
Feb 24, 2015
6:32 AM 		I did make contact Marilyn Anderson at the Sterling Library yesterday. Let you know when she replies
Denise
1036 posts
Feb 25, 2015
8:31 AM 		Great! I'm anxious to see what you find out.
Jim Ethridge
22 posts
Feb 25, 2015
7:41 PM 		Marilyn had a fantastic find today. Here is what she wrote

Hi Jim,
That article is only a small paragraph. It states:

Mr. Fred E. Gerdes, a German well-known in this section, died at his residence in Empire (Emerson) on Saturday, and was buried in the cemetery east of this city this afternoon.
The services were held at the German Lutheran church in this city, at one o’clock p.m. today.

We’re getting ready to close. I will do some more checking tomorrow.

Marilyn

So:
Gerdes, Fred E. obituary 4 May 1885;3;2

is not who is buried in Riverside but....I have to find out more. What a great day
Denise
1037 posts
Feb 26, 2015
8:55 PM 		That's great news, Jim. I told you Marilyn knows those newspapers better than anyone. She is also a 'walking encyclopedia' for Whiteside County. Wishing you cont'd success!
Denise
Jim Ethridge
23 posts
Apr 09, 2015
11:39 PM 		Denise,
I have been on the hunt. I have had great success thanks to your many suggestions. Here is what I have found:

I found my great great grandfather here: http://www.auswanderer-oldenburg.de/


He is Friedrich Eden Gerdes of Kniphausersiel/ Fdw., Wilhelhaven, WHY, NI, D
b 9 Oct 11836 Fedderwarden married April 1868 Fedderwarden to:

Catarine Gescge Janssen
b 7 Nov 1841 Middoge/ Mtd,. Wagerland, FRI, NI, D
d 25 Nov 1875 Kniphausersiel/ Fdw., Wilhelhaven, WHY, NI, D
buried in Fedderwarden

they had 4 children

Tochter (totgeboren)
b 19 June 1869
d 19 June 1869

Johann Heinrich Gerhard Gerdes
b 4 Dec 1870
d 25 Feb 1909 Stockton, San Joaquin, CA, USA

Frieda Gesine Antoinette Gerdes
b 25 May 1873
d 9 April 1927 Sterling, Illinois, USA
m 27 Feb 1895 Sterling, Illinois, USA (Louis Jacobs)

August Theodor Gerdes
b 28 Feb 1875
d 23 April 1951 Milledgeville, Illinois, USA
m 5 Dec 1901 Rock Falls, Illinois, USA (Tena Maria Meyer)

Kniphausersiel/ Fdw., Wilheimshaven, WHY, NI, D (where all 4 children were born)

Jim
Jim Ethridge
26 posts
Jun 25, 2015
7:05 PM 		Denise,
I finally found Henry (Johann Heinrich Gerhard Gerdes). He was admitted to a mental hospital in San Francisco on July 27 1907. He had attempted to kill someone

He identifies Mrs Louis Jacobs of Rock Falls as his sister
Jim Ethridge
28 posts
Jan 17, 2016
2:21 PM 		Denise,
Is there a way to attach a photo here? On August 2013 we found the ship manifest (1882) where Johann (Johannes) arrive at the age of 11 making his birth date about 1871. The I find on June 25th his mental mental hospital in San Francisco on July 27 1907. He is going by Henry now. We know this because the record identifies him as the brother of Frieda Gerdes Jacobs. That is the sister buried at Riverside.

I need help with a German translation. This Joannes Heinrich Gerdes, is the brother of my Grandfather August Theodor Gerdes. This is an Evanjelical Lutheran Church record of 1887 from Rock Falls Illinois. What is the church record telling me? I think it saying that he was born here in 1886. That probably makes them two separate people. I think it identifies his mother but I cannot figure out who that is. I will attach the foto to the Tampico FB account
Denise
1066 posts
Jan 18, 2016
12:50 PM 		Jim,
Only an admin can upload photos. send it to my email: tampicohistoricalsociety@gmail.com with description and I can upload it. I recommend you utilize the Ancestry Message Boards for help with the translations and genealogy. Search on Location boards: http://boards.ancestry.com/localities.ceeurope.germany/mb.ashx as well as on surname boards: Gerdes - http://boards.ancestry.com/surnames.gerdes/mb.a
Facebook also has genealogy help sites by location.

Last Edited by Denise on Jan 18, 2016 12:51 PM


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