I will go all the way back to the arrival of the ships that were part of the Gesellschaft back in 1839 and follow a family branch until we find a mail carrier in Benton, Missouri. The family was named Tirmenstein, and I have done several stories about individuals in that family before. Here is … More Benjamin Franklin, Son of Thomas Jefferson
Elda Hemmann is today’s birthday girl. She was born on December 17, 1890, the daughter of Benjamin and Emma (Sachman) Hemmann. For many years, her father was a teacher in East Perry County. He taught at the Lutheran school in Wittenberg from 1892-1902. Then from 1903-1925, he was the teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in … More Eldest Girl Elda
There are times when I think that God gets involved in the process of my blog-writing. In this case, the story you are getting today was first intended to be written yesterday. I did a bunch of research on it before finding out that the birthday that inspired it was not December 15, but it … More The Lueders/Lehner Link
I have always loved Nativity scenes. I remember all of the Nativities from my childhood in the homes of my family. My Grandma & Grandpa Wilcox had a brightly painted papier-mache set from Ben Franklin dime-store. My Mom had an abstract acrylic set from Hallmark. My favorite piece in the sets has always been the … More The Advent of Greatness via a Humble Donkey
I have often run across stories crediting the town of Wittenberg, Missouri with being a place where orphans could find a home. I can think of three surnames off the top of my head that were involved in orphans being given homes. Those names were Burroughs, Mirly, and Nennert. After looking at some more evidence … More The Richter Adoption Agency
You are about to read the type of story that you won’t read often. It’s a tale in which a bride and a groom each have fathers whose name was Claus Stueve. It doesn’t take long to figure out that such a marriage would involve a Stueve marrying a Stueve. Let’s begin by looking at … More Claus Stueve – Father and Father-in-Law
We are so pleased to exhibit the historic Thilenius Distributing Model AA Ford truck. We are thankful to LaDonna and the late Howard Thilenius for this accession. It has been fun to use it in our collection. Today, Santa brought the truck to Altenburg, to deliver this giant tree! A very special thanks to Meier … More Santa Claus Came to Town
It seems like Dollar Stores are popping up everywhere across America. Today I will tell the story of what quite possibly was the first “Dollar Store” to exist in Murphysboro, Illinois. It was called Buck’s Grocery, and the couple involved in that store come right out of our German Family Tree. It all starts with … More The Buck Store
The Log Cabin College had its first day of school on this day, December 9th, 1839. That makes today its 180th birthday. That also means that today is the 180th anniversary of Concordia Seminary which is now located in St. Louis, because they use that day as the beginning date of their institution. Our museum … More Happy 180th Birthday, Log Cabin College
We have another 150th birthday to celebrate today. Jacob Martin Darnstaedt was born on December 8, 1869, the son of Johann and Christiane (Mueller) Darnstaedt. The story of Martin’s parents was told in the post, Seelitz Sweethearts. Martin was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg. Here is his baptism record. Martin can be found … More Martin and His Girls
