Elisabeth "Lizzie" Scharenbroch

Franz Herr and his wife, Elisabeth "Lizzie"

Elisabeth "Lizzie" Scharenbroch

Elisabeth “Lizzie” Scharenbroch was born in Eil, Germany on December 15, 1834. At age 20, she came to the USA in 1854 with her parents and siblings. They left on their voyage across the ocean from Antwerp, Belgium and arrived in New York harbor on July 18, 1854. This was before Ellis Island or even Castle Garden had been established. Sometimes a doctor would come aboard the ship and check passengers whom may be sick. If not sick, you were free to disembark the ship and be on your way.

On April 17, 1860, she married Franz “Frank” Herr Sr. The couple made their home in Meeme, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. They raised nine children: Anna Marie “Mary”, Agnes, Henry, Gerhard Franz, John, Katarina “Kate,” Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie,” Anna Hannah W, and Franz “Frank” Jr. In the 1900 census, Elisabeth lists that she had had 9 children and 6 were still living.
Franz “Frank” Herr and Elisabeth “Lizzie” Scharenbroch
Lizzie’s brother, Christian Scharenbroch, married Mary Magdalene Herr. Lizzie’s husband was Mary Magdalene’s Uncle. A little confusing, but their children were double cousins, as they were related on both sides.

In the 1900 census of Meeme, Wisconsin, Franz Herr’s occupation is listed as “Capitalist.” It does not list the value of his real property and personal property. Daughter, Agnes, at age 37 is the only one still living at home. The census was taken on June 19, 1900.