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.

"John " Johannes Scharenbroch 1832-1905

Heinrich's oldest son, John, at age 34, married Catharina Forster in 1866. They had 15 children: Elizabeth "Lizzie", Mary Marie, Anna Maria, Henry, Margaret, Amelia, John Frank, Anthony "Anton" "Francis, W. N., Christian "Christ J, Anna, Paul, Aloysius "Alex" "Alois", and Dora. John was born in Prussia, and his wife, Catharina, was born in Austria (in the 1870 census it says that she was born in Bohemia. In the 1900 census, they both are listed as being born in Germany. This is because the borders were constantly changing.) They lived in the Town of Meeme, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was a farmer. In the 1870 Census, the value of real estate is listed as $2,000 and value of personal estate is $535. The children were born between 1867-1889. Mary Marie and Anna Maria were born eight months apart. In the 1900 census, it states that Catharina had given birth to 15 children and 9 were living. John's death was after 1905 as he is listed in that year's census.

Next time I'll tell a bit about Heinrich's daughter, Elisabeth "Lizzie" who married Franz "Frank" Herr, Sr.

Immigrant Heinrich Scharenbroch

This photo is of Heinrich Scharrenbroich our immigrant ancestor who came from Eil (Cologne), Germany in 1854. At age 49, he came with his wife, Catharina Mueller, and their seven children. They settled in a very small community School Hill in Meeme Township, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He died in 1888. Mary died the same year Unfortunately, I do not have her photo. The seven children: John Johannes, Elisabeth "Lizzie", Gerhard S., Heinrich (Henry) Scharenbroich, Christian "Christ", Maria Mary, and Paul.

Why Have I Created this Blog. . .

I have been interested in my family's history since I was in my late 20's.  Fortunately, I was able to talk to the family elders about what they knew: names, vital statistics, locations, etc.  On my Scharenbroch side, I had had the opportunity to meet six of the eight children of Christian Scharenbroch (Heinrich's son).  All of the Scharenbroch's that I knew left a very memorable impression on me.  By contacting the descendants of Christian, I was able to gather a large amount of knowledge that I would like to share with family members.  I believe most people have an interest in their family's past but for most it is knowledge that has not been passed down.

In this blog, I will publish stories and bits of knowledge that I have about Heinrich Scharenbroch, his wife, and their seven children.  Also, information about their descendants that are deceased.  I will not publish information about living people.  If you have information that you would like to share, I welcome it.  Also, I am in the process of publishing a family genealogy and would like to include all descendants in that work.  Please share your family's information with me.