Heinrich Edward MERTEN, Esquire, born 25 March 1829, Aachen, Westphalia, Prussia (now Aachen, Germany), son of Hermann Heinrich and Carolina Sybilla (HULLENHUTTER) MERTEN. He died 10 November 1907, 10:00 P.M., Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois, United States of America. He was 78 years, 7 months and 16 days old. He was buried 12 November 1907, Barker/Hood Cemetery, Clinton County, Illinois (Located east of Kaskaskia College). He never used his first name in this country. He always went by Edward Merten. He never used the Heinrich.
Edward married Josephine HANKE 25 Feb 1857, Madison County, Illinois. She was born 14 Mar 1836, Austria, daughter of Francis and Maria Ann (WALTER) HANKE. One census record says Josephine was born in Germany and one says Austria. Her death record says that she was born in Germany. The history of the family says she was born in Austria. But it is a fact that her brother, Judge Joseph Hanke, Esquire of Trenton, Clinton County, Illinois, was born in Aussig, Bohemia (later known as Usti, Czechoslovakia), which was under the control of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Caroline died 2 Sep 1903 at 4:30 P.M. of Organic Heart disease at the age of 67 years, 5 months and 19 days, Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois, United States of America. She was buried next to Edward on 4 Sep 1903, Baker/Hood Cemetery. Her undertaker was Haussler & Cornell of Centralia. Edward's was Kohl of Centralia. The physician for both was S. H. Wilcox of Shattuc.
In 1839 Edward, as he was called, he never used Heinrich in this country, came to America with his father. His father died shortly after arriving in America. And his mother had died in Prussia (Germany), he therefore went to live with an uncle who lived close by. When he was 16 years old, he began working as a farm laborer, also learning the trade of the wheelwright, which he soon abandoned. He later went to St. Louis and worked with his brother in his brother's store and was thus engaged for several years.
In 1857, at the age of 28, Edward moved to Trenton, Clinton County, Illinois and began working in his brother-in-law's store (Judge Joseph HANKE). Joseph was a very successful man and was one of the founding fathers of Trenton. He also held the office of mayor of Trenton. Besides his store and political offices, he had a farm and a few other businesses, including a vineyard, from which he produced wine.
Edward met Josephine in St. Louis where she was living with her sisters, Anna (HANKE) KALT and Agnes (HANKE) BURDA. His coming to Illinois happened because of his marriage to Josephine.
In 1858, a year after moving to Trenton, Edward purchased a farm in Madison County, near Trenton.
On 14 Sep 1860, the census shows Edward (28) and Josephena (24) MATON and their son, Julius MATON age 1, living in Trenton, Clinton County, Illinois with Josephine's brother, Joseph HANKE age 40. Also in the household was Ferdinande HANKE age 27; Moritz PIRRZEL age 24; and Mary ROLL age 10. Edward was listed as a farmer. Edward was listed as being born in Prussia. Josephine, Joseph, Ferdinande and Moritz were all listed as being born in Bohemia. Julius and Mary were born in Illinois. Joseph was listed as a merchant. His real estate was valued at $15,000.00. His personal property was valued at $10,000.00. (Note: Ferdinande HANKE was a male. This must have been a brother of Joseph's and Josephine's, but I don't know anything more about him.SF)(Note: Joseph HANKE became a wealthy merchant and was a judge and mayor of Trenton. He also had a coal mine and a vineyard for making wine.SF)(Note: I do not know who Moritz PIRRZEL or Mary ROLL is.SF)
In 1861, after having improved the farm land that he bought, Edward sold it and moved to Meridian Township on the eastern edge of Clinton County. He then purchased 40 acres of land on section 33 in Meridian Township in Clinton County, near the village of Shattuc. He later bought more land until he had 400 acres, all improved. He built a nice two-story home and engaged in general farming, an occupation in which he prospered.
On 16 Jun 1870, the census shows Edward (41) and Josephine (31) MERTEN living in Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. With them were their children Julius age 10; Miraia age 6; Richard age 3; and Alice age 1. Edward was a farmer. His real estate was valued at $4,000.00. His personal property was vauled at $1,225.00. It showed that Edward was born in Germany and that he was a United States citizen.
In 1876, Edward was elected supervisor of Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. He served two terms.
On 15 Jun 1880, the census shows Edward (45) and Jospehine (42) MERTEN living in Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. With them were children Julius age 20; Richard age 14; Alice age 11; Robert age 8; Frank age 6; and Rosa age 2. Edward was a farmer. He was born in Prussia. Josephine was listed as being born in Austria.
On 8 Jun 1900, the census shows Edward (71) and Josephena (63) MERTIN living in Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. With them were their children Richard age 34; Robert age 28; and Rosa age 22. The census stated that Josephine had given birth to 9 children and that only 6 were living at time of census. It showed that he had become an American citizen in 1839. It showed that he owned his home and farm free of morgage.
Edward and Josephine saw to it that their children received an education, attending the local schools. Religion, however, played a small part in their lives. They were good people with good morals, but adhered to no religious denomination. The Hanke's were Jewish, but some of the family, including Uncle Joseph Hanke, converted to Catholicism.
Politically Edward adhered to the Democratic Party, but always reserved the right to vote for the man he felt was most suitable for the position. Edward was honored with a number of local offices. He was Justice of the Peace for about twenty years. He also represented Meridian Township upon the Clinton County Board of Supervisors. He held the position of Treasurer of the School Board for twenty years. Edward was one of the men who named the townships in Clinton County.
Edward's and Josephine's life story is a story of two immigrants from Western Europe who truly succeeded in the great land of America.
Children of Heinrich Edward and Josephine (HANKE) MERTEN:
1. Julius MERTEN, born 20 Mar 1860, Clinton County, Illinois.
Julius married Anna MAIER.
(See Julius and Anna (Maier) Merten)
2. child MERTEN. died by 1900.
3. Maria MERTEN, born 1864, Clinton County, Illinois. She died at the age of 14 on 11 Nov 1878, Clinton County, Illinois.
4. Richard MERTEN, born 1 Sep 1866, Clinton County.
Richard married Lydia L. CONRAD.
(See #4, following.)
5. Alice MERTEN, born 3 May 1869, Clinton County.
Alice married Henry F. SCHMIEDS
(See #5, following.)
6. Robert MERTEN, born 15 Jan 1872, Clinton County.
(See #6, following.)
7. Frank MERTEN, born 4 Apr 1874, Clinton County.
(See #7, following.)
8. child MERTEN. died by 1900.
9. Rosa MERTEN, born 1878, Clinton County.
Rosa married Gustave August FRANCOIS
(See #9, following.)
Richard MERTEN, born 1 Sep 1866, Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. He died 24 Jan 1947, Carlyle, Clinton County, Illinois.
Richard married Lydia L. CONRAD.
In May 1910, the census shows Richard (43) and Lydia (30) MERTEN living in Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. With them were Richard's brother and sister, Frank MERTEN age 37; and Rosa MERTEN,/b> age 32. Richard and Frank both listed as farmers.
On 7 Jan 1920, the census shows Richard (52) and Lydia (38) MERTIN living in Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. With them was their daughter Lucille MERTIN age 8; and Richard's brother Frank MERTEN age 44. Richard owned his home and farm free of morgage.
On 15 Apr 1930, the census shows Richard (63) and Lydia (50) MERTEN living in Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. With them was their daughter Lucille age 18; and Richard's brother Frank MERTEN age 54. Richard's real estate was valued at $5,000.00. Frank was listed as a Carpenter.
Richard had a granary.
Child of Richard and Lydia L. (CONRAD) MERTEN:
4-1. Anna Lucille MERTEN, born 1912 and died Apr 1961, age 49. Lucille and Tony are buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
Lucille married Anthony J. �Tony� PONYI 18 Apr 1934, Shattuc, Clinton County, Illinois. He was born Harrisburg, Illinois, son of Anthony J. and Susan PONYI. He died at age 51, sometime after 1961.
Tony worked for the CB&Q Railroad.
They were members of the St. Peter�s United Church of Christ.
He was a veteran of World War 2.
Children of Anthony J. and Anna Lucille (PONYI) MERTEN:
4-1-1. Phyllis PONYI,
Phyllis married Merle CHADDICK.
They lived in Dwight, Illinois.
4-1-2. Floyd Edward �Flip� PONYI.
Flip married Lela Kay TROTTER 18 Oct 1959, Dahlgren, Illinois. She was born 13 May 1940, Keenes, Illinois, daughter of Marshall and Alma (BUCHANAN) TROTTER. She died 22 Mar 1987, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois. She was buried in Thomason Cemetery, Wayne City, Illinois.
She lived in Walnut Hill, Marion County, Illinois.
They are membersof the Free Will Baptist Church.
Lela was a beautician.
Children of Floyd Edward and Lela Kay (TROTTER) PONYI:
4-1-2-1. Tamara "Tammy" PONYI.
4-1-2-2. Michael PONYI,
Lived in Cherry Point, North Carolina.
4-1-2-3. Richard PONYI of Centralia, Illinois.
4-1-3. Violetta Mae PONYI,
Violetta married Howard IRVIN.
They lived in Centralia, Illinois.
(The photo following was taken about 1918 at Uncle Richard's farm near Shattuc. Lucille is the little girl. I'm not sure which one is Uncle Richard. Uncle Frank is the one with the mustache. Photo taken by Beatrice Merten.)
Alice MERTEN, born 3 May 1869, Clinton County, Illinois. She died 7 Apr 1945.
Alice married Henry F. SCHMIEDS 12 May 1892, St. Louis, Missouri, according to family records. According to Clinton County marriage records, Alice married Henry SCHNIEDES 17 May 1892, Clinton County, Illinois. His name is also listed as SCHMIDING and SCHNIEDER in Clinton County records. The correct spelling is SCHMIEDES. Henry was born 10 Jan 1864, Essen, Germany. Henry died 22 Jul 1931, St. Louis, Missouri. Death Record #8143. Meek & Dickman were the undertakers. Burial in Valhalla Cemetery, located at 7600 St. Charles Rock Road, Pagedale, St. Louis County, Missouri. Informant for the death record was his son, Erwin F. SHCMIEDES of 2831 Union.
On 11 Jun 1900, the census shows Henry F. (36) and Alice (31) SCHMIEDES living at 3919 Page Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri. With them were their sons Ervin F. SCHMIEDES age 6; and Adolphus J. SCHMIEDES age 3. Henry came to the United States in 1878. Henry was a meat salesman.
On 17 Apr 1910, the census shows Henry F. (46) and Alice J. (40) SCHMIEDES living on Park Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. With them were their sons Erwin D. SCHMIEDES age 15; and Adolph E. SCHMIEDES age 13. Henry was a butcher.
On 3 Jan 1920, the census shows Henry (55) and Alice (50) SCHMIDES living at 3007 Park Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri. With them were their sons Erwin SCHMIEDES age 25; and Edward SCHMIEDES age 23. Also with them was daughter-in-law, Lillie age 17. They were renting their home. Henry immigrated from Germany in 1878 and naturalized in 1887 in Pennsylvania. Henry was a meat cutter at a butcher shop. Erwin was a mail carrier for the post office. Edward was a printer.
On 11 Apr 1930, the census shows Henry (66) and Alice (58) SCHMIEDES living at 2851 North Union Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri. They were renting their home, living next to their son Erwin and his family. They were paying $87.50 a month for rent. Henry was a grocery store proprietor.
On Henry's death certificate, it said that he was the proprietor of Union Creamery in St. Louis, Missouri. His address was 2851 West Union, Ward 4, St. Louis, Missouri.
Children of Henry and Alice (MERTEN) SCHMIEDS:
5-1. Ervin F. SCHMIEDS, born 8 Jun 1894, St. Louis, Missouri. He died Jul 1973. Last place of residence was St. Louis, Missouri. Photo at right is that of Ervin and his wife.
Erwin married Lillie ___?___ .
(See #5-1 following.)
5-2. Edward Adolphs SCHMIEDS, born 11 Sep 1896, St. Louis, Missouri.
Edward married Adele Louise HENNIGER.
(See #5-2 following.)
Erwin Frank MERTEN, born 8 Jun 1894, St. Louis, Missouri, son of Henry and Alice (MERTEN) SCHMIEDES. He died Jul 1973. Last place of residence was St. Louis, Missouri.
Erwin married Lillie ___?___ . She was born 1902/03, Missouri.
In Jun 1817, his World War 1 Draft Registration Card has, Erwin Frank SCHMIEDES age 22, born 8 Jun 1894, St. Louis, Missouri. He was living at 3007a Park Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri. His occupation was chaufeur Carrier. He was single. He was medium in height and slender in build. He had blue eyes and light brown hair.
On 11 Apr 1930, the census shows Erwin (35) and Lillie (27) SCHMIEDES living at 2853 North Union Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri. With them were their daughter Edith age 9; and Alice age 6. Erwin was a mail carrier.
Daughters of Erwin Frank and Lillie (___?___) SCHMIEDES:
5-1-1. Edith SCHMIEDES, born Oct 1921.
5-1-2. Alice SCHMIEDES.
Edward Adolphs SCHMIEDES, born 11 Sep 1896, St. Louis, Missouri, son of Henry and Alice (MERTEN) SCHMIEDES. He died 26 Apr 1971, Union Printers Home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Last place of residence was St. Louis, Missouri.
Edward married Adele Louise HENNIGER 11 Jun 1920, St. Louis, Missouri. She was born 1 Feb 1902, Belleville, St. Clair County, Illinois. Adele died 4 May 1979, San Bernardion County, California.
In 5 Jun 1818, his World War 1 Draft Registration Card has, Edward SCHMIEDES age 21, born 11 Sep 1896, St. Louis, Missouri. He was living at 3007a Park Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri. His father was born in Germany. Edward was employed by the Von Hoffman Printing Company, 105 South 9th, St. Louis, Missouri. His nearest relative was Alice SCHMIEDES, same address. He was medium height and slender in build. He had brown eyes and brown hair.
Daughter of Edward Adolphs and Adele Louise (HENNIGER) SCHMIEDES:
5-2-1. Ruth Claire SCHMIEDES, born 4 Jun 1921, St. Louis, Missouri.
Ruth married Clyde V. EVANS.
(See #5-2-1 following.)
Ruth Claire SCHMIEDES, born 4 Jun 1921, St. Louis, Missouri, daughter of Edward Adolphs and Adele Louise (HENNIGER) SCHMIEDES. Ruth died 19 Jun 1975, Riverside County, California.
Ruth married Clyde V. EVANS 12 Jun 1942, Santa Ana, California. He was born 29 Jan 1920, St. Louis, Missouri, son of Raymond and Louise (NICOLAS) EVANS. Clyde died 31 Dec 2005. Clyde married after the death of Ruth and moved to Littleton, Colorado.
Clyde and Ruth moved to California during World War 2 and both remained there until Ruth's death.
Daughter of Clyde V. and Ruth Claire (SCHMIEDES) EVANS:
5-2-1-1. Madeline Lee EVANS, born 10 Apr 1945, Santa Ana, California.
Madeline married Charles F. COFFILL, Jr.
(See #5-2-1-1 following.)
Madeline Lee EVANS, born 10 Apr 1945, Santa Ana, Orange County California, daughter of Clyde V. and Ruth Claire (SCHMIEDES) EVANS.
Madeline married Charles F. COFFILL, Jr. 2 Jan 1970, Norton Air Force Base, San Bernardino County, California. Charles was born Feb 1946.
From Madeline, "When my Grandmother Adele died on May 4, 1979, I inherited 36 acres of farmland in Carlyle, or Centralia, Clinton County, IL. This property I believe had been inherited by my Great Grandmother Alice Merten Schmiedes and passed down to my Grandfather Edward Schmiedes. The property was always under a Tenant Farmer Agreement between my Grandparents and then through me with Alfred & Garnell Hugo, whose farmland was adjacent to my land. I had the property from 1979 until the early 1990's when we had a financial need and I was forced to sell the property. I sold it to Roger Hugo, son of Alfred and Garnell Hugo, who again, had Tenant farmed the land and this was a way for Roger to have land of his own, which again, was adjacent to his parent's property."
In 1980, Madeline and Charles moved to Salt Lake City, Utah for Charles' Aerospace job, after he left the air force.
They are memebers of the United Methodist Church.
In 2008, they live in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Daughter of Charles F., Jr. and Madeline Lee (EVANS) COFFILL:
5-2-1-1-1. Victoria Ann COFFILL, born 12 Feb 1972, Riverside, Riverside County, California.
Victoria married Kurt LIEDTKE 25 Jun 1995, Salt Lake City, Utah.
In 2008, they are living in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sons of Kurt and Victoria Ann (COFFILL) KIEDTKE:
5-2-1-1-1-1. Samuel Charles LIEDTKE, born 7 Jan 1999, Salt Lake City, Utah.
5-2-1-1-1-2. Benjamin Evan LIEDTKE, born 13 Feb 2005, Salt Lake City, Utah.
5-2-1-1-2. Lorraine Lynne COFFILL, born 18 Aug 1973, Torrance, Los Angeles County, California.
Lorraine married Chris BALSER 22 Jun 1996.
In 2008, they live in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sons of Chris and Lorraine Lynne (COFFILL) BALSER:
5-2-1-1-2-1. Carson F. BALSER, born 14 Aug 2002, Salt Lake City, Utah.
5-2-1-1-2-2. Brennon C. BALSER, born 1 Jun 2005, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Robert MERTEN, born 15 Jan 1872, Clinton County, Illinois. He died 5 Jun 1949, Clinton County, Illinois. Robert and Minnie are buried in Elmwood Cemetery.
Robert married Minnie MILLET 12 Mar 1902, Clinton County, Illinois. She was born 12 Sep 1881, Illinois, daughter of Josephine MILLETT. Minnie�s parents were both born in France. Minnie died 20 Jul 1972.
In May 1910, the census shows Robert (35) and Minnie (30) MERTEN living in Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. With them were their children Leila age 4; and Edward age 1.
On 7 Jan 1920, the census shows Robert (47) and Minnie (37) MERTIN living in Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. With them were their children Lela age 8; Edward age 11; and Clarence age 3. Robert owned his home and farm free of morgage.
On 15 Apr 1930, the census shows Robert (58) and Minnie (49) MERTEN living in Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. With them were sons Edward age 21; and Clarence age 13. Also with them was Minnie's mother, Josephine MILLET. Robert's real estate valued at $10,000.00.
6-2. Edward F. MERTEN, born 17 Sep 1908. He died 6 Jun 1982, age 73 in Virden, Illinois, near Springfield. He is buried in Valhalla Cemetery, Belleville, St. Claire County, Illinois.
Children of Edward F. MERTEN:
6-2-1. Don MERTEN.
Don married Nina ____?____.
6-2-2. Barb MERTEN.
6-3. Clarence L. MERTEN, born 27 Jul 1916. He died 1 Oct 1985, age 69, St. Louis, Missouri. Last place of residence was in Hoffman, Clinton County, Illinois. He is buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
Clarence married Dorothy CONRAD 16 Sep 1939, Carlyle, Clinton County, Illinois. She was born 17 Dec 1917, Shattuc, Clinton County, Illinois., daughter of William and Louise (HEINZMANN) CONRAD. She died 8 Jun 1994. She was a nurse.
Clarence owned and operated Merten Electric in Hoffman, Illinois.
Children of Clarence L. and Dorothy (CONRAD) MERTEN:
6-3-1. Robert R. "Bob" MERTEN, born 20 Feb 1949, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois. He died 18 Dec 1997, Lake Township, Clinton County, Illinois. He is buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
Bob married Patricia McDERMOTT 17 Jul 1969, Louisville, Kentucky.
Children of Robert R. and Patricia (McDERMOTT) MERTEN:
6-3-1-1. Rod MERTEN.
Rod married Kim ___?___.
They lived in Lexington, Kentucky.
Son of Rod and Kim (___?___) MERTEN:
6-3-1-1-1. Austin Robert MERTEN.
6-3-1-2. Heather MERTEN.
Heather lives in Canton, Georgia.
6-3-2. Marilyn MERTEN.
Marilyn married Roger COLLINS.
They lived in Dallas, Texas. And in 1997,lived in Springdale, Arkansas.
Children of Roger and Marilyn (MERTEN) COLLINS:
6-3-2-1. Lauren COLLINS.
6-3-2-2. Lindsey COLLINS.
6-3-3. Judith Ann MERTEN, born 6 Aug 1941, Hoffmann, Illinois. She died 17 Dec 1964, Duluth, St. Louis County, Minnesota.
Judith married John Gordon JONES, 16 May 1960, Centralia. He was born 15 Jan 1940, Marion County, Illinois, son of Jesse Green and Levada Gladys (COX) JONES of Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
Children of John Gordon and Judith Ann (MERTEN) JONES:
6-3-3-1. Sherri Lynn JONES, born 2 Aug 1962, Duluth, St. Louis County, Minnesota.
Sherri married Steven Shawn KOLLMAN 28 May 1983, Euless, Tarrant County, Texas. He was born 7 Jul 1963, Arlington, Tarrant County, Texas, son of William Seth and Mildred Maxine (WESTERMAN) KOLLMAN.
Childrenof Steven Shawn and Sherri Lynn (JONES) KOLLMAN:
6-3-3-1-1. Christina Marie KOLLMAN, born 8 Oct 1988, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas.
6-3-3-1-2. Judith Louise KOLLMAN, born 28 May 1990, Euless, Tarrant County, Texas.
6-3-3-1-3. Stephanie Michael KOLLMAN, born 15 Apr 1992, Grand Prairie, Dallas County, Texas.
6-3-3-2. Deborah JONES, born 18 Sep 1964, Duluth, St. Louis County, Minnesota.
Deborah married Brent DODSON 22 Mar 1986, son of Gloria J. GUTHRIE of New Hampshire.
Frank MERTEN, born 4 Apr 1874, Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. He died 24 Jan 1947, of a heart attack at 7:00 p.m., in the home of his brother, Robert, where he had been living. He died the same day as his brother's, Julius' funeral. Frank's funeral was held Monday, 27 Jan 1947, Farnier and Sons Funeral Home, Centralia, Illinois. Buried at Elmwood Cemetery. He was 72 years old.
Uncle Frank never married, but was a very handsome man. He was really loved by his brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces.
On 8 Jun 1900, the census shows Frank MERTEN living with his brother, Julius MERTEN, and he was a clerk in Julius�, store.
In May 1910, the census shows Frank MERTEN living with his brother, Richard MERTEN, in Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois.
On 7 Jan 1920, the census shows Frank MERTIN living with his brother, Richard MERTIN, in Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. He was farming.
On 15 Apr 1930, the census shows Frank MERTEN living with his brother, Richard MERTEN, in Meridian Township, Clinton County, Illinois. He was listed as a carpenter.
He was a carpenter by trade.
Rosa MERTEN, born Oct 1878, Clinton County, Illinois. She died October 1957.
Rosa married Gustave August FRAN�OIS Sep 1913. He was born May 1883, Clinton County, Illinois, son of August and Mary (THOUVENIN) FRAN�OIS. Grandson of Joseph FRAN�OIS. August died after Feb 1920 and before Apr 1930.
August FRAN�OIS, Sr. was born 5 Jun 1851, Missouri. He died 1 Jan 1920 and is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, Carlyle, Clinton County, Illinois. Both of his parents were from France. Mary E. THOUVENIN FRAN�OIS was born 6 Jan 1851, France. She died 27 Sep 1940. She is buried at St. Mary's.
Rosa was a very beautiful woman.
Rosa and August at one time owned and lived in the Lemen-Frakes house, 321 South Franklin Street, Salem, Illinois. They bought the house from Rosa's brother, Julius MERTEN, in 1915. Records show that they owned the house until 1923, but according to the 1920 census, they were living in Tonti Township.
Between 1916 and 1920, August FRANCOIS, Jr. and Rosa (MERTEN) FRANCOIS owned 120 acres in Section 4 of Centralia Township, Marion County, Illinois. Their children mentioned on the land record were Lester and Anita. This would place the land ownership after the birth of Anita in 1916 and before the birth of Frank Milton in 1920. The land originally belonged to August FRANCOIS, Sr., which he purchased in 1883.
On 12 Sep 1918, his Military Registration Card has, August Adam FRANCOIS age 35, born 4 May 1883. He lived at 321 South Franklin, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. He was a carpenter. His nearest relative was Rose E. FRANCOIS, same address. He was medium height with slender build. He had gray eyes and black hair."
On 4 Feb 1920, the census shows August (36) and Rosa (40) FRANCOIS living in Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them were their children Lester age 4 years and 11 months; and Anita age 3 years and 7 months. They were renting their home. It shows August as a farm laborer. The census shows that August's father was born in Missouri and that his mother was born at sea in United States waters.
In Apr 1930, the census shows the widowed Rosa FRANCIS age 51, as head of household, living in Sandoval, Marion County, Illinois. With her were her children Lester E. age 15; Anita F. age 13; Frank M. age 9; and Edgar M. age 5. Rosa owned her own home, which was valued at $800.00.
Rosa later lived in a house near Shattuc and south of the original Merten Farm. The house was across the road from the house of her brother, Richard MERTEN.
Children of Gustave August and Rosa (MERTEN) FRAN�OIS:
9-1. Lester Earl FRANCOIS, born 28 Jan 1915. He died Sunday, 5 Oct 1986. Last place of residence was Salem, Marion County, Illinos. They are buried at East Lawn Cemetery, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
Lester married Dorothy M. OGLESBY. She was born 25 May 1924. She died 26 Apr 1989. Her last place of residence was Salem, Marion, Illinois.
Children of Lester Earl and Dorothy M. (OGLESBY) FRANCOIS:
9-1-1. Richard FRANCOIS,
Richard married Mary Ann HIGGINS. The daughter of Everett and Marie HIGGINS.
In 2006, Richard lives in Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
Son of Richard and Mary Ann (HIGGINS) FRANCOIS:
9-1-1-1. Charles FRANCOIS, born 21 Jul 1953, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
Charles married Deidre MOSS, daughter of Lynette MOSS.
Children of Charles and Deidre (MOSS) FRANCOIS:
9-1-1-1-1. Zachary FRANCOIS.
9-1-1-1-2. Richard FRANCOIS.
9-1-1-1-3. Danielle FRANCOIS.
9-1-1-1-4. Sean L. FRANCOIS, born and died 31 Jan 1995.
9-1-1-2. Michelle Lynn FRANCOIS, born 27 Apr 1974, Centralia.
Michelle married Michael BECKER.
Sons of Michael and Michelle Lynn (FRANCOIS) BECKER:
9-1-1-2-1. Dustin Cole BECKER,
9-1-1-2-2. Mason Levi BECKER,
9-1-2. Gary FRANCOIS,
He lived in Salem, Illinois.
9-1-3. Robert FRANCOIS,
He lived in Salem, Illinois.
9-1-4. Nancy FRANCOIS,
Nancy married ___?___ LEWIS.
They lived in Salem, Illinois.
9-1-5. Betty Jo FRANCOIS,
They lived in Memphis, Tennessee.
9-2. Anita Fern FRANCOIS, born 12 Mar 1916. Buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
Anita married Ray ARNING, 12 Oct 1940, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois. He was born 29 Nov 1908 near Hoyleton, Washington County, Illinois, son of Edward W. and Denia (SCHILLING) ARNING. He died 25 Oct 1996, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
Ray had been the Senior Captain for the Centralia Police Department.
He served in the United States Army during World War 2 as military police.
They were members of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Children of Ray and Anita Fern (FRANCOIS) ARNING:
9-2-1. Kenneth ARNING.
They lived in Centralia, Illinois.
9-2-2. Sandra ARNING. Married Mr. MOSS.
They lived in Reno, Nevada.
9-3. Frank Milton FRANCOIS, born 16 Dec 1920, Marion County, Illinois. He died 1 Mar 1994. Last place of residence was Flint, Genesee County, Michigan.
9-4. Edgar Merten FRANCOIS.
The Meridian and East Fork Townships Yahoo Group has genealogies and many old photos of Shattuc, Illinois and many old pictures of some of the families of Meridian and East Fork Townships. There is a file section for histories and genealogies of East Fork and Meridian Townships. There are photo albums for you to place your own photos of your family. You can also place your own family genealogies in the file section.
