The event that triggered today’s story is a wedding that took place in Perryville, Missouri 140 years ago on this date. That would be where this pair got started, but it certainly would not be where this couple remained all their lives. Let’s begin with the groom. Louis Phillip Hooss was born on November 15, … More Louis Hooss – Traveling Man
Friederick Oswald Schade was born on December 29, 1867, so he qualifies to be today’s birthday baby boy. Oswald would be celebrating his 156th birthday today. Oswald was the 4th child born to his parents, August and Elizabeth (Brandt) Schade, according to our German Family Tree. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altenburg. Like several other baptism … More Oswald Schade – Bachelor Barber
Gertrude Anna Kunigunde Schenck was born on November 30, 1892, so if she was still alive, Gertrude would have to blow out 131 candles on her birthday cake today. Before I go any further, let me say that the surname, Schenck has shown up in a few posts in the past. Also, the surname, Schenk, … More Hotel Perry – A Family Business
A Huber/Hooss marriage took place in the bride’s home on All Saints Day 125 years ago in Perryville. I will be discussing the lives of the bride and groom, along with their connection to a few other individuals who were connected to this couple. Joseph Huber was born on May 16, 1867, the son of … More Huber and Hooss
I am sure most people can point to some aspect of their own childhood that helped prepare them for their future livelihood. I think one of today’s main characters was such a person whose childhood prepared her for her future as a housekeeper. Here is why. Selma Nennert grew up in a hotel/boarding house. She … More Selma’s Own Boarding House
John Hooss and Mary Magdalena Kiesler were married in Perryville 150 years ago. I will attempt to tell the tale of a prominent family in Perryville history. I will begin with documenting the early years of John Hooss. John Hooss was born on February 1, 1848, the son of Henry and Barbara (Fath) Hooss. His … More Hooss Celebrating Their 150th Anniversary?
The story today begins with the birth of Stella Bates on June 12, 1872 in Grafton, Illinois…or does it. Our German Family Tree says that she was born on June 12th, but after doing plenty of research on this story, I discovered that her gravestone and death certificate indicate that her birthday was on July … More Roy’s Ties to Stella’s Hotel
Right now, Perry County is gearing up for a very special event which will occur this August…..a total solar eclipse. People from all over our country and all over the world will be visiting our area for this astronomical phenomenon. These people will need places to stay. It is my understanding that all the hotels … More Keepers of the Hotels
I was attracted to this story because of the name Gothard Pfennighausen. As near as I can tell, this name means something like “penny house” in German. He married Emma Hooss on June 9th at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville in 1890. Gotthard’s trail led to many different places…..and several changes in names. Plus, there … More Name Changing
As the town of Wittenberg grew, especially after the arrival of the railroad, there became the need for a hotel. As people arrived into Wittenberg by steamboat, and later by railroad, they would look for a place to spend the night. Also, the railroad workers would sometimes need a place to stay. Susan Birner is … More Birner Hotel – Wittenberg
