Heinrich Friedrich Carl Wilke is today’s birthday boy. He was going to be called Charley during most of his life, so that is the name I will use. Charley was born on July 31st, and I chose him for today’s story because I figured today would be his 140th birthday. Our German Family Tree says … More Charley and Annie – Lixville/Hilderbrand Wilke’s
Today’s birthday boy began his life in Altenburg, but almost his entire life was spent across the Mississippi River in Illinois. While there, he married two women, one of whose parents were from Altenburg. He also became a local storekeeper in Jacob, Illinois. So, let’s get started. Bernard Heinrich Arthur Dietrich was born on July … More The Dietrich Store – Jacob, Illinois
Ed McMahon used to introduce Johnny Carson by using the phrase, “Heeeere’s Johnny.” Today’s birthday boy had the first name, John, and a middle name that began with an “E”. That should explain today’s title. This birthday boy is also a man who could also be described as another “Yount Yamnitz”. Johann Ernst Yamnitz was … More Heeeere’s…John E.
Wilhelmine Ruehling is today’s birthday girl. She was born on July 28, 1845, so today would be her 180th birthday. I will be telling her story today. Wilhelmine was the daughter of Gottlieb and Christina (Thurm) Ruehling. She was born in Germany, and her family came to America in 1853 when Wilhelmine was 8 years … More Minnie and Tobias – New Wells Scholl’s
When I went to my Kindergarten class at St. Jacobi Lutheran School in Jennings, Missouri, my first principal was a man named Kenneth Markworth. Today, I will tell the story of Mr. Markworth’s grandparents. His grandfather is today’s birthday boy, and he was born in Perry County. Being a Perry County boy himself, I wonder … More Rev. Gottfried Markworth – Midwest Pastor
The birthday girl for today’s post is Emilie Amalie Rosalia Frentzel. She would go by the name Emily, so I will use that name. She was born on July 26, 1895, so today would be her 130th birthday. Emily was the daughter of Alvin and Elizabeth (Ruhkopf) Frentzel. Emily was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church … More Master Sergeant Clyde McClure – U.S. Army
I’ve been hoping to write this particular blog post for a couple of weeks now—but I couldn’t until the display was finally up. And now I’m pleased (and yes, a little relieved) to announce that our newest South Gallery exhibit is complete! The exhibit—Faith Documented—features a beautiful and moving collection of baptism, confirmation, and marriage … More Museum Musings for Friday, July 25
I really intended to write a new story for the blog today, but it did not take me long to determine that today was going to be one for me to share an old story. I always start my search for a new story by checking to see if anyone would be celebrating their 200th … More Biltz’s Bicentennial Birthday
It is a rare occasion when I use a confirmation record as a starting point for a story, but that is the case today. That confirmation record was noticeable because it did not happen at the normal time in a person’s life. Most Lutheran youngsters get confirmed when they are about 14 years old. Today’s … More Fred Weltecke – Jackson Justice of the Peace
I may show my age when I say this, but I remember a style of music called funk. Perhaps some of you remember the song, “Play That Funky Music” sung by Wild Cherry. That genre of music was made famous by James Brown. Today, you will read about another James, one who married a woman … More Longtown’s Doc Russell and His Funke Bride
