Schowalter, Johannes

Johannes married Hirschstein, Magdalene on 22 Jan 1816 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Magdalene (daughter of Herstein, Jakob and Pletscher, Katherina) was born on 17 Mar 1792 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; died on 23 Jul 1879 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Barbara married Rings, Jakob on 13 Apr 1841 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Jakob (son of Rings, Peter and Unknown, Barbara) was born on 29 Oct 1815 in Battenberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany; died on 16 May 1866 in Battenberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Johannes married Hopp, Joanna Christina about 1848. Joanna was born on 18 Oct 1831 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; died on 1 May 1900 in Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jacob married O'Connell, Margaret on 13 Apr 1841 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA. Margaret was born on 13 Apr 1841 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA; died on 12 Aug 1926 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jacob married Dahlem, Maria in 1848 in USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Herstein, Barbara. Barbara was born on 10 Feb 1824 in Obersulzen, Germany; died on 23 Oct 1905 in Kohlhof, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1870, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Residence Post Office: Franklin Centre
• Residence: 1880, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Age: 51; Occupation: Teacher & Preacher; EnumerationDistrict: 008; MaritalStatus: Married; RelationToHead: Self
• Residence: 1900, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head: Head

Notes:

Rev. Christian Schowalter, Bethel College Bulletin, Bethel College, Kansas. Wednesday, April 20, 1938, vol. 25, number 15.

A Memorial Biography

It was in the time of the Reformation that the lives of three brothers living in Switzerland, John, Jacob, and Christian Schowalter, were in danger. Religious persecutions were spreading. The Schowalter brothers fled from their homes and found refuge in western Germany near the peasant village of Weissenburg, Alsatia. Here the trio became tenants on the manors of Schamach and Gaisberg not far from the western bank of the stream made immortal in song and myth, the Rhine River.

One of these brothers, who went north into Germany from Scenic Switzerland, was the ancestor of Christian Schowalter, early Mennonite educator in America, pastor, mission worker, and a founder of the General Conference of Mennonite Churches.

Born at Asseheim, Bavria, Germany
Born November 11, 1829, at Assenheim, Bavaria, Germany, young Christian Schowalter started going to public school at the age of six years. When fourteen he went to work for three years on his father's farm. Although his parents, John and Magdalena Schowalter, had but moderate means they were eager that the studious boy should go on with his education and at seventeen he enrolled at a normal school in Beugen, studied hem two years, and continued his normal school training at Schiers in the canton of Graubuenden in eastern Switzerland.

Graduating at Schiers in July, 1849, he taught school for one year in Deutschhof, Bavaria. Receiving an invitation from Haysville, Ohio, to teach school there, Schowalter in 1850 in a company of seventy-two persons migrated to America.

Taught in Ohio and at Donnellson, Iowa

He taught in Ohio three years and in 1853 went to teach a parochial school at Donnellson, Iowa. Here in Donnellson, Iowa, the young school teacher became acquainted with Rosina Haffner whom he married on October 25, 1855.

The pastor of the Mennonite Zion Church at Donnellson died in 1861 and that same year Schowalter was chosen pastor of this church by lot. Beginning his pastorate in December 1861 Reverend Schowalter continued in the ministry for forty-three years. He introduced the Sunday School in his church and was instrumental in interesting the young people of his congregation in music. This church was very active in supporting mission work and in 1867 when the Mennonite Mission Board arranged to send Philip Rabbit, a Cheyenne Indian from Oklahoma, to attend Bethel College the members responded generously in giving money for the Indian's school expenses.

Promoted Idea of Greater Church Unity

In 1858 a movement for greater unity among Mennonite churches was begun. Schowalter, then a school teacher, was one of the promoters of the idea. Next year when a meeting was held to outline steps for such a unification, he was chosen as secretary. He became a member of the committee that drew up the constitution for the conference, was a member of the committee that prepared the Handbook for Ministers, and president of the Foreign Mission Board from 1896 to 1902. The question of higher education for Mennonite youth came up in
conference circles and Reverend Schowalter mapped out a course of instruction and principles on which a school could be conducted. His plans met with favor and on January 2, 1868, he was induced to become principal of the Wadsworth School, Wadsworth, Ohio, and was the first man ever to head a Mennonite institution of higher learning in America. He held this position nearly two years and at the end of his principalship visited Germany with his family.

Observed Golden Wedding Anniversary

In 1905 Reverend and Mrs. Schowalter celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Failing health two years later caused Reverend Schowalter to retire from the ministry and on April 13, 1907, he passed away at the age of seventy-eight years. Through his zeal and interest in Christian cooperation and organization, Reverend Schowalter will long be remembered as
furthering a closely-knit unity among Mennonite churches that today has grown into a General Conference in North America with a membership of 156 churches. Friends who were members of Reverend Schowalter's church at Donnellson, Iowa, attended school with him as their teacher; and who performed the marriage ceremony for them, have made a memorial gift of $1000 to the Bethel College Memorial Fund in honor of this pioneer pastor, conference organizer, and teacher.
__________________________________________________________________________ ___

Schowalter, Christian, Rev., pastor of the Mennonite Church and teacher of the German school, Primrose; born Nov 11, 1828, in Bavaria, Germany; was educated at a seminary in Germany and followed teaching there about one year; in the fall of 1850, emigrated to the United States, stopped in Ashland Co., Ohio, attended the Vermilion school there under Prof. Dieffendorf; in the spring of 1853, came to Lee Co. and located in Franklin Tp.; the same year established a German school, also organized the Mennonite Church, and the following year the church was built; Mr. S. was ordained as a minister in 1861, sinch which time he has officiated as Pastor of the Church, and has taught the German school since 1853. Married Miss Rosann Haffner, of this county, Oct 25, 1855; she was born May 14,1835, in Bavaria, Germany; their children are Edward H., Minno W., Rudolph C., Barbara K., Hannah M., Christopher A., John B., Jacob A.; lost 5 - Menno, John, Babette, William and an infant.

Source:
The History of Lee County, Iowa
Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879
Franklin Township,

__________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________

Source: German Christlicer Bundesbote, 25 April 1907, p. 6; Translated by Liz Osborne

[Sketch of Elder Christian Schowalter]

Dear Messenger Reader,

On the 16th of April we bore the earthly body of our dear old teacher, who as school teacher and Elder of the church gave so much of his life and time to the Zion community in Donnellson, Iowa, to the grave. In the funeral procession, together with his dear family, were a large multitude of mourning friends and acquaintances from near and far who had been lovingly taught by him and kept in the way of faith, body and soul. Up to the end, he strongly preached to us by letter, by words, and by life. But our loss is his gain. He, who was suddenly released from this life in the evening of April 13th, suffering a sudden stroke, has over come the world. -- Now because our dearly beloved was so suddenly taken from us, we almost cannot believe it that we must be separated from him always in this life, yet in reality he remains with us still in his works and his example, which he was allowed to do by the grace of God in the kingdom of Christ. Would that his
influence and example would be in all of us a fruitful seed!

The following brethren were involved in the funeral service: Pastor Fauth of the Evangelist Church of Donnellson spoke from 2 Kings 2:12; S. M. Musselmann of Wayland, Iowa spoke from 1 Corinthians 1:5, 9-10; and Peter P. Hilty took his text from Acts 8:2.

Christian Schowalter first percieved the light of this world on November 11, 1828, in his home in Rhine Bavaria, Germany. In his youth, he attended different schools in Germany and in Switzerland, training himself to become a teacher. In the 1850 he came to America to the area of Ashland, Ohio, and taught in the schools there approximately 3 years. In 1853, he came to teach in Lee County, Iowa, and in the congregational school of the Zion Mennonite Church and in West Point. On October 25th, 1855 he wed Rosina Haffner. From this union issued 14 children, 6 of whom proceded him to their heavenly home. From 1855 to 1862 he served as a teacher in the German
Zions School. At the end of the year 1861 he was selected an Elder, and served as both Elder and teacher in the congregation until 1868. In 1868 he accepted a call to be a teacher in the Mennonite educational institution in Wadsworth, Ohio. There he served two years, greatly blessing his fellow man.

In 1870 he returned to Lee County, Iowa, and resumed work as teacher and elder in the Zion congregation again. He continued teaching and preaching until 1888, when he laid down the teaching profession, but continued to serve as Elder until October 1904, when he had to step down due to ill health. On the whole, he held 39 years of shcool, and served 43 years in the office of Elder.

He and his wife lived to celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary in October 1905, in the company of their living children. The last 3 years of his life was marked by heavy suffering, but he carried his cross patiently and without murmur. The survivors - his wife, 8 children, and 14 grandchildren - mourn now over the loss of their loved one, but not as those who have not hope in Christ: "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." [Revelations 14:13]
[A biography for the Bundesbote Calendar 1908 will be published later]

____________________

____________________

Christian Schowalter, "the Teacher"
by Gerd Schowalter, Bad Kreuznach

Young Christian grew up in Assenheim near Ludwigshafen, where he also received his basic schooling. After that he worked for three years on his parents' farm. But then his desire for further education became so strong that he followed this inclination at the age of 17 years and took up studies in Beuggen near Basel at the pedagogical institution there. After two years he transferred to the teacher training institution in Schiers, East Switzerland. There he took his final teaching examination at the age of 21.

He received his first teaching assignment in 1849, at the age of 21, at the Mennonite elementary school in Deutschhof, Southern Palatinate. This small settlement was at that time part of a Mennonite congregation that also included Kaplaneihof, Haftelhof, Schafbusch (Alsace) and Geisberg (Alsace). Deutschhof soon became the center of this congregation, and a church has existed there since 1841-42. When the school was founded is not certain, but in any case it existed until around 1861.

In the last few years of its existence, the school instruction alternated between Deutschhof and Kaplaneihof. Children from both settlements attended together, one month here and one month there. The classrooms were in buildings that are now used for agricultural purposes (Deutschhof: a room in Jakob Schowalter's widow's upper story, then remodeled by a later owner, Herbert Hege, and today owned by Paul Jaiser; Kaplaneihof: the so-called old house no. 113, serves as Otto Schowalter's machinery shed today).

The parents of the pupils took turns providing the teacher with his meals. His monthly salary was a modest 6 gulden. The school board's assessment of Christian Schowalter's work was "We were very satisfied."

In 1850, he received a call from America, which he followed. With 72 other persons, he emigrated, to take a teaching position in Hayesville, Ohio. He worked with the congregation there for three years.

In 1853 he became the teacher for the Zion congregation in Donnellson, Iowa. There not only was his work blessed but he also met his future wife, Rosina Haffner (born May 18, 1836, in Quirnheim, Palatinate, daughter of Christoph H. and Barbara Bergtholdt, who were married in Quirnheim on Oct. 25, 1855), who was his distant cousin. Fourteen children were born to the couple, six of whom died young, one stillborn. Of the children who survived, seven married and one remained single. Therefore there were also numerous descendants.
The school parents of the Zion congregation, most of whom had enjoyed a religious upbringing in Germany, wished the same for their children. For their progressive way of thinking, a dynamic teacher like Christian Schowalter was just right. He soon began giving the instruction for which the congregation had hired him. He started out in a former barn in 1853 with the following subjects: English, German, reading, arithmetic, geography, and science, but above all, religion and catechism instruction. At times he had up to 100 pupils! During the summer he established a German school, where he likewise took over all subjects. His pupils, who were instructed eleven months a year, received a solid education and even certain advantages over other elementary school children.

He was a very eager and enthusiastic pedagogue, who liked being called "the teacher." Many also knew him as "the preacher"; for in his Zion congregation he was also named preacher through a drawing of lots. He delivered his first sermon on Christmas Day in 1861 and remained in the position of elder until shortly before his death, roughly 43 years. He baptized, administered communion, and served in the Franklin and Salem Mennonite churches in Lee County and Washington County.

For a while he also served the West Point Mennonite Church, where he had to preach on Sunday afternoons. He was brought there by one of his sons by horse-drawn wagon (much to the regret of his son, who always had to care for the horses).

Under his determined leadership, the Zion congregation founded its first Sunday School in 1878. Here the children were not only made familiar with Bible stories but also challenged to practice love of neighbor. A practice that became well-known was that the children sold their Thanksgiving Day gifts and donated the proceeds to missions. For mission work was also one of Schowalter's concerns. He served outreach missions forty-two years, six of them as chairman. In the Kleine Missionszeitung [Little Mission Newspaper], he always wrote the children's section, through which little ones became interested in mission work very early on.

Christian Schowalter is one of the founders of the first conference of Mennonite congregations in America. The general conference still exists today in the USA, Canada, and South America under the name General Conference Mennonite Church, with around 240 member churches. The first meeting of its two congregations (Zion and West Point) was held in 1859. Because he served both, he, together with Daniel Krehbiel, probably provided the initial impetus for the union. He offered his services to the new conference as secretary, a position he continued to hold for 46 years except for a one-year interruption.

At the third meeting, Schowalter developed his plans for the Mennonite Conference School, which he soon made a reality by founding the higher education system of the Mennonites in the USA. Thus, he also became headmaster of the Christliche Bildungs-Anstalt der Mennonitengemeinschaft [Christian Educational Institution of the Mennonite Denomination] in Wadsworth, Ohio. But he remained there only two years, because his Zion congregation in Donnellson wanted him back, and because Julius von der Smissen, a fully trained theologian, had come from Europe and seemed to be better suited for the School of Theology (for training preachers and missionaries) as well as for the general administration.

For the conference, he [Schowalter] drew up a new German Catechism and in collaboration with others, a handbook for church elders.
Before returning to the Zion congregation, he made a trip to Europe in 1869, which led him to his old home town. Above all, he visited his aged mother, who was living in Kohlhof near Assenheim, Palatinate, with her daughter, Mrs. Blickensdörfer.

Christian Schowalter, "the teacher," is one of the pioneers of the New World. He performed every possibly kind of work one could name today under the following job titles: teacher, pastor, author, notary, mission worker, physician, and farmer. Even his knowledge of natural healing gave him an additional activity field, for often he had to make sick calls and dispense advice after his preaching services. Even these services he performed without remuneration, true to his watchword, "Words are little more than hollow noise if deeds do not follow."
Christian Schowalter retired from preaching in 1907, because he had cancer. He died soon after that, on April 12, 19007, at the age of 78 years. A monument in Donnellson, Iowa, reminds posterity of him and his work.

(According to Reuben Neff Donnellson, Iowa, 1964, a student at Bluffton College.)

____________________________________

Extract from a letter from Christian Schowalter, dated Feb. 11, 1907, to his nephew and niece in Kohlhof

Yesterday, by grace, we were privileged to enjoy a splendid celebration. Our dear pastor P. P. Hilty entered into marriage with sister Barbara M. Koller; that is, he had his wedding. The church was packed, despite the cold weather. I'll try to describe what happened: Yesterday morning, around half past nine, the couple came to me at my home to pick up the necessary health regulations and family documents for the authorities, which have to be sent to the authorities along with the marriage certificate. At half past eleven, they entered to the nearby church with me while a hymn was played on the organ. when they and I had taken our places, I had the congregation sing a hymn. Then Pastor Muselman from Wayland, Iowa, stepped into the pulpit, read a chapter from the scriptures and prayed. Then I had the mixed choir sing, whereupon Brother Muselman again stepped to the pulpit and delivered a sermon. After that, the congregation sang, and I followed with a marriage sermon, for which I stayed seated because I can't do it standing any more. After this address on John 16:9b, the men's choir sang again. Then followed the blessing and closing hymn. Then the individual members were invited to offer greetings and blessings to the newlyweds.

In an hour and a half, everything was over. It was a simple ceremony, without any fanfare. The bride's family invited guests to a meal, but not many were able to go, because it was 4 and 3/4 miles away, and because another church service was scheduled for the evening. Besides, the roads were not very good for traveling.

Now I commend you to God and his grace. Write back soon, before I wander out of this world and into the next.
With regards from your uncle, Chr. Schowalter.

From the same letter, concerning military service:

How much longer does August have to serve, until he is released? We Mennonites in America, who have declared ourselves defenseless, have no love for the soldier's life. We are also exempt from, but in the event of war, if a Mennonite's name is drawn, we have to pay a tribute, which up to now has been 300 dollars. Great efforts are being made to put an end to war. But will they succeed?

_________________________________

The Picture of Mother, from a letter written by Christian Schowalter dated January 18, 1866:

"On the Saturday before Christmas, the 23rd of December of last year, when I was pacing back and forth in my study, preparing for the pre-communion sermon, a neighbor came to me with several letters. Among them was one from Germany. I opened it right away, and: Mother, Mother, what did I see? Mother, as she lives and breaths. Mother!!-the word resounded through the whole house. My dear wife, who was in the kitchen, didn't know what to make of it. Until she came and saw. Ah, there were tears in my eyes; I was so overjoyed that I didn't know what to do. I held the picture in my hand again: That is my dear mother, same as before. She still looks as she did when I left her, only plumper and more perfect. I just have to coax a few motherly words from those kind lips, I thought, to hear the long sound of your voice I've missed for so long. And I would gladly have taken wing over land and sea at the speed of the wind to greet the subject of the picture. That was and is and will remain a great joy. A thousand thanks, thank-you for this..."

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Christian married Haffner, Rosina on 25 Oct 1855 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. Rosina (daughter of Hafner, George Christoph and Bergthold, Anna Barbara) was born on 18 May 1836 in Evangelisch,Ebertsheim,Pfalz,Bavaria; died on 22 Feb 1917 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; was buried in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Heinrich married Stauffer, Barbara on 10 Jun 1860. Barbara was born on 24 May 1833 in Laumersheim, Germany; died on 18 Feb 1905 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Magdalene married Hartmetz, Peter on 5 Feb 1874 in Battenberg, Bayern, Preußen. Peter (son of Hartmetz, Valentin and Seyb, Friederike Dorothee) was born on 20 Aug 1848; died on 16 Oct 1935. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Schwaner, Anna Elizabeth. Anna was born on 16 Apr 1851 in Frankenberg, Germany; died on 8 Oct 1925 in St Louis, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married Kiedaisch, John Frederick on 10 Dec 1874. John was born on 15 Sep 1837 in Wurttemburg, Germany; died on 9 May 1911 in Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Catherine married Schwaner, Christian Casper on 23 Nov 1870. Christian was born on 27 Sep 1848 in Frankenberg, Germany; died on 23 Feb 1905 in Winterset, IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Nolkemper, Caroline on 30 Sep 1879. Caroline was born on 28 Jan 1856 in Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA; died on 14 Mar 1936 in Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Biickensdorfer, Christian. Christian was born on 7 Oct 1848 in Kohlhof, Germany; died on 7 Nov 1924 in Kohlhof, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Henninger, Herman. Herman was born on 14 Oct 1851 in Forsterstad, Germany; died on 7 Apr 1932 in Neuwied, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elisa married Blickensdorfer, Frederick on 2 Jul 1889. Frederick was born on 23 Feb 1861 in Kohlhof, Germany; died on 22 Jun 1949 in Kohlhof, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1880, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head: Daughter
• Residence: 1900, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head: Daughter

Notes:

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Hanna married Neff, Fred J on 4 Oct 1904. Fred was born on 4 Oct 1876 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; died on 21 Apr 1970 in Burlington, Des Moines, Iowa, USA; was buried in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1870, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Residence Post Office: Franklin Centre

Notes:

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Other Events:

• Grandma #: 814571
• Residence: 1870, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Residence Post Office: Franklin Centre
• Residence: 1880, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Age: 18; Occupation: Works On Farm; AttendedSchool: Yes; EnumerationDistrict: 008; MaritalStatus: Single; RelationToHead: Son
• Residence: Abt 1897
• Residence: 1900, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1910, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1910, Franklin Twp, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head
• Residence: 1920, Keokuk, Iowa, USA; Relation to Head: Head; Residence Marital Status: Married/Ward 6
• Residence: 1926, Keokuk, Iowa, USA

Notes:

General Conference Mennonite Church, Christlicher Bundesbote (CBB), 6 Jun 1928 p. 7

Schowalter, Keokuk. -- Edward Henry, Sohn von Prediger Christian und Rosina Schowalter, war geboren 27. Oktober 1861 in der Nähe von Donnellson; Lee Co., Iowa. Im Alter von 15 Jahren wurde er auf sein Bekenntnis getauft und in die Zionsgemeinde bei Donnellson aufgenommen, deren treues Glied er bis zu seinem Tode blieb. Er graduierte von der Denmark Akademie von Denmark,
Iowa, und von der Schule in Wadsworth, Ohio. Im Alter von 19 Jahren wurde er Lehrer in der Schule in Berne, Indiana. Später ging er nach Halstead, Kansas, wo er im Sommer die Gemeindeschule deutsch und im Winter englisch lehrte. Am 25. Dezember verehelichte er sich mit Elise Koehn. Diese Ehe war mit 5 Kindern gesegnet, von denen 4 noch am Leben sind, eins starb Klein.

In 1889 lehrte er die Indianerschule auf der Farm vom Aeltesten Christian Krehbiel. Dann bekam er einen Ruf von seiner Heimatgemeinde, ihre Gemeindeschule zu lehren. Diese Schule hatte bisher sein Vater Christian Schowalter viele Jahre gelehrt. Er nahm 1890 diesen Ruf an und zog in die Nähe von Donnellson. Eine Reihe von Jahren lehrte er die Schule im sommer deutsch und im Winter englisch. 1901 gab er das Lehren auf, um Farmer zu werden. Im Jahre 1919 zog er nach Keokuk, Iowa, wo er bis zu seinem Tode lebte.

Am 24. Dezember 1928 erkrankte er an Influenza und Lungenentzündung und starb am 14 März 1929, im Alter von 67 Jahren. Er hinterläßt seine liebe Frau und 4 Kinder, eine Schwester, 3 Brüder und viele andere Verwandte und Freunde. Er war viele Jahre Lehrer und Superintendent der Sonntagschule, Vorsteher und Schreiber der Gemeinde. Die Leichenfeier fand statt von seinem Heim in Keokuk unter der Leitung von seinem Seelsorger Br. John E. Kaufman, Prediger der Zionsgemeinde, Donnellson, Iowa, unterstützt von Rev.
Bisping von Keokuk. Seine Leiche wird im Gewölbe aufbewahrt, bis die Wege besser werden, dann wird das Begräbnis auf dem Kirchhofe in Donnellson sein.

And here's a rough translation:

Edward Henry, son of Elder Christian and Rosina Schowalter, was born on the 27th of October 1861, in the vicinity of Donnellson, Lee County,Iowa. At the age of 15 years he was baptized up on confession of the faith, and received into the Zion Church in Donnellson, whose faithful member he remained up to his death. He graduated from the Denmark Academyin Denmark, Iowa, and from the school in Wadsworth, Ohio. At the age of19, he became a teacher in the school in Bern e, Indiana. Later he went to Halstead, Kansas where he taught in the community (high?) school German in the summer, and English in the winter.

On the 25th of December he was married to Elise Koehn. This marriage was blessed with 5 children, one of whom died when small, and 4 of whom are yet alive. In 1889, he taught at the India n Training School on the farm of Elder Christian Krehbiel. Then he recieved a call from his home community to teach in the school there, where his father Christian Schowalter had taught many years. He answered this call in 1890, and returned to the Donnellson area. He taught several years, German in the summers, and English in the winters. He left teaching in 1901 to take up farming. In the 1919, he removed to Keokuk, Iowa, where he lived up to his death.

On the 24th of December 1928 he contracted Influenza and Pneumonia, and died on the 14th of Ma rch, 1929, at the age of 67 years. He leaves behind his dear wife and 4 children, a sister , 3 brothers, and many other relatives and friends. He was many years a teacher and superintendant of the Sunday School, and a director and clerk in the community (church records??). The funeral was held in Keokuk (?) under the direction of Brother John E. Kaufman, elder of the Zion Church, Donnellson, Iowa, with the assistance of Rev. Bisping of Keokuk. The body is stored in the vault until the roads improve, when a funeral will be held in the church house at Donnellson.

On the 24th of December 1928 he contracted Influenza and Pneumonia, and died on the 14th of March, 1929, at the age of 67 years. He leaves behind his dear wife and 4 children, a sister, 3 brothers, and many other relatives and friends. He was many years a teacher and superintendant of the Sunday School, and a director and clerk in the community (church records??). The funeral was held in Keokuk (?) under the direction of Brother John E. Kaufman, elder of the Zion Church, Donnellson, Iowa, with the assistans of Rev. Bisping of Keokuk. The body is stored in the vault until the roads improve, when a funeral will be held in the churchhouse at Donnellson.

__________________________________________________________________________ __

1925 Population Census of Iowa
Lee County, book 208
Keokuk city
1 January 1925

Lines 43 & 44
1343 Des Moines

Schowalter, Edward | Husband | M, W, 63 | Married | Owns House, Free of Mortgage; house valued at $4,500, insured for $1500 | Completed grade school; highest grade completed 6th grade | can read and write | place of birth Iowa | Father: Schowalter, Christian; born Germany | Mother: Haffner, Rosa.; Germany | Parents married in Iowa | Religion: Mennonite

Schowalter, Elisa | Wife | F, W, 60 | Married | in the US 39 years; in Iowa 39 years | Completed grade school; highest grade completed 8th grade | can read and write | place of birth Germany | Father: Kohn (possibly Koehn), Benj.; born Germany | Mother: DN (don't know); born Germany | Parents married in Germany | Religion: Mennonite (the actual page has had all dittoes filled in by a person other than the original enumerator; in this case there is a ditto for Elisa's religion on the line below Edward's "Mennonite", but the person who filled in the dittoes wrote Meth for Methodist as all the other "M" religions on the page were Methodist; the ditto marks remain faintly visible underneath the word Meth.).
__________________________________________________________________________ ____


Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Edward married Koehn, Elise on 25 Dec 1886 in McPherson, Kansas, USA. Elise (daughter of Koehn, Benjamin and (Koehn), Unknown, daughter of Schowalter, Peter and Eymann, Maria) was born on 11 Nov 1864 in Antonovka, Ostrog, Volhynia, Ukraine; died on 27 Apr 1943 in Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA; was buried on 30 Apr 1943 in Donnellson, Lee County, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

stillborn

The Schowalter Book

stillborn

Other Events:

• Residence: 1870, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Residence Post Office: Franklin Centre
• Residence: 1880, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head: Son

Menno married Basinger, Susan on 24 Jan 1886. Susan was born on 21 Jul 1863 in Mahona County, Ohio; died on 27 Jul 1935 in Moundridge, McPherson, Kansas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1870, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Residence Post Office: Franklin Centre
• Residence: 1880, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head: Son

Notes:

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Rudolph married Griffill, Camilla D. on 23 Aug 1893. Camilla was born in 1874. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Bales, Jessie. Jessie was born on 19 Nov 1874 in Des Moines, Polk, Iowa, USA; died on 10 Oct 1914 in Ankeny, Polk, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1870, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Residence Post Office: Franklin Centre
• Residence: 1880, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head: Daughter

Barbara married Schnebele, Jacob on 7 Feb 1897. Jacob was born on 9 Nov 1862 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; died on 28 Jan 1934 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1880, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head: Son

Christopher married Seyb, Katherina M. on 24 Feb 1897. Katherina was born on 7 Oct 1876 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; died on 16 Feb 1946 in Fort Madison, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1880, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head: Son

John married Kirchner, Elizabeth Sophia on 1 Apr 1902. Elizabeth was born on 22 Sep 1882 in Illinois, USA; died on 25 Apr 1920 in Creston, Union, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Other Events:

• Residence: 1880, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head: Son
• Residence: 1900, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Relation to Head: Son
• Residence: 1910, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Son

Notes:

Never Married

The Schowalter Book

Never Married

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Elizabeth married Schalter, Jakob on 19 May 1892. Jakob was born on 15 Jun 1865 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; died on 15 Aug 1950 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Heinrich married Latscha, Magdalene on 3 Feb 1894. Magdalene was born on 30 Apr 1871 in Mehlingen, Kaiserslautern, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; died on 23 Feb 1952 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Marie married Stauffer, Wilhelm on 27 Mar 1897. Wilhelm was born on 24 Feb 1870 in Eppstein, Germany; died on 31 Mar 1940 in Eppstein, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rudolph married Schnebel, Anna on 17 Feb 1918. Anna was born on 11 Mar 1884 in Obersulzen, Germany; died on 24 May 1957 in Battenberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rudolph married Hutwohl, Maria on 30 Apr 1904. Maria was born on 13 Dec 1883 in Niederflorsheim, Germany; died on 13 May 1915 in Battenberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Wurtz, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was born on 7 Oct 1885 in Sembach, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Charles married Koopmann, Dorothea K. on 28 Apr 1896. Dorothea was born on 3 Aug 1873 in St Louis, Missouri, USA; died on 1 Mar 1951 in St Louis, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Mann, Augusta. Augusta was born in 1880; died on 3 May 1913 in St Louis, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Mueller, Elizabeth on 18 Jul 1901. Elizabeth was born on 21 Aug 1884 in Philadelphia, PA; died on 15 Mar 1962 in St Louis, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Dora married Merz, William A. in Jun 1907. William was born in 1882; died in 1907 in St Louis, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Wind, Tillie on 19 Apr 1912. Tillie was born on 19 Sep 1889 in St Louis, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Arthur married Henneberger, Lulu E. on 11 Jun 1917. Lulu was born on 28 Mar 1894 in Cincinnati, OH. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Walter married Hogan, Mabel I. on 9 Sep 1903. Mabel was born on 7 Aug 1876 in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Moss, Maude M. on 5 Sep 1905. Maude was born on 20 Jun 1883 in Ottawa, La Salle Co., Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Marie married Mash, William Bestwick on 29 Jun 1919. William was born on 26 Jul 1890 in Bridgewater, Oneida, New York, USA; died on 28 Feb 1961 in Clinton, New York, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Marie married Marsh, William Bestwick on 29 Jun 1919. William was born on 26 Jul 1890 in Bridgewater, Oneida, New York, USA; died on 28 Feb 1961 in Clinton, New York, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Karl married Jenkins, Katherine on 25 Oct 1912. Katherine was born on 19 Apr 1886 in Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edward married Kummer, Meta Louise on 19 Nov 1921. Meta was born on 6 Jul 1891 in Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA; died on 16 Jan 1957 in Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Shannon, Bessie Eveline on 14 Nov 1899. Bessie was born on 29 Jul 1871 in Winterset, IA; died on 31 Mar 1957 in Winterset, IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Dabney, Lenore on 27 Sep 1900. Lenore was born on 7 Aug 1880 in Winterset, IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rolla married Surber, Nellie May on 29 Oct 1902. Nellie was born on 17 Aug 1880 in Warren Co., Iowa, USA; died on 11 May 1953 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Katherine married Kolasa, Walter on 28 Aug 1924. Walter was born on 31 Jan 1897 in San Francisco, California, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Larson, Hannah Marie on 31 Mar 1906. Hannah was born on 7 Jul 1886 in Örebro, Sweden; died on 19 Jan 1918 in Moline, Rock Island, Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Hofford, Viola Ester Hussey on 16 May 1922. Viola was born on 14 Jun 1886 in Auburn, Cayuga, New York, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Hazel Christine, Weiss on 2 Jul 1913. Weiss was born on 19 Mar 1889 in Stillwater, Washington, Minnesota, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Clarence married Chester, Clara Belle on 25 Jul 1942. Clara was born on 23 Jan 1901 in Fort Madison, Lee, Iowa, USA; died on 5 Sep 1961 in Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edward married Peters, Edith Mae on 8 Nov 1916. Edith was born on 17 Apr 1895 in Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ralph married Klepfer, Clara on 6 Sep 1916. Clara was born on 20 Oct 1893 in Hamilton, Illinois, USA; died on 14 Mar 1951 in Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Karl married Schnebel, Elisa on 19 Nov 1908. Elisa was born on 31 Mar 1885 in Obersulzen, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Dina married Bergthold, Jakob Christian on 19 Nov 1908. Jakob was born on 30 May 1873 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; died on 27 Oct 1937 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elisa married Richter, Karl on 5 Sep 1907. Karl was born on 27 Nov 1879 in Leipzig, Germany; died on 23 Nov 1956 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

August married Schowalter, Anna on 8 May 1913. Anna was born on 13 Apr 1889 in Friedelsheim, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Risser, Anna Elizabeth. Anna was born on 12 Dec 1893 in Friedelsheim, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Gausmert, Ellinor. Ellinor was born on 15 Jan 1899 in Gnadau, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Endermann, Rudolf. Rudolf was born on 19 Mar 1889 in Neuwied, Germany; died on 24 May 1945 in Neuwied, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
World War #1

Herman married Goebel, Elizabeth on 30 Mar 1920. Elizabeth was born on 27 Jan 1897. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Otto married Schalter, Hilda on 10 May 1925. Hilda was born on 7 Feb 1897 in Meckenheim, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Frederick married Egar, Dora on 17 Oct 1933. Dora was born on 15 May 1908 in Neuhemsbach, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Frances married Lowenberg, Arnold H. on 12 Sep 1923. Arnold was born on 25 Dec 1896 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; died on 24 Jan 1998 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Alta married Schweer, Walter on 21 Mar 1936. Walter was born on 24 Nov 1901 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; died in Apr 1983 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Notes:

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Reuben married Hulsebus, Irene on 11 Jul 1941. Irene was born on 24 Feb 1918 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; died on 2 Oct 1996; was buried in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: Wyoming, Kent, Michigan, USA
• Residence: 1900, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1910, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Son

Clarence married Loomis, Willa on 3 Jul 1913 in Hancock, Illinois, USA. Willa was born on 12 Apr 1886 in Douds, Van Buren, Iowa, USA; died in Jun 1983 in Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Grandma #: 1104386
• Residence: 1900, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1 Jan 1925, Harrison Twp., Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Wife
• Residence: 1930, Harrison Twp., Lee, Iowa, USA; Age: 39; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Wife
• Residence: 1935, Harrison Twp., Lee, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1940, Harrison Twp., Lee, Iowa, USA; Age: 50; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Wife

Notes:

Info from Roger Hervey: Abigail was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her 50's and was in a wheel chair by age 54. Her husband, Otto, was her cargiver for the rest of her life. Her son, Dwight, and his wife Mildred moved into the family farm after they wer married in 1947. Otto and Abigail moved into Donnellson at that time. Otto had cancer, possibly resulting from trauma from his truck being rear-ended.

Birth:
near Halstead

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetery

Abigail married Krebill, Otto Christian on 11 Feb 1914 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. Otto (son of Krebill, Frederick Henry and Rings, Elisabeth) was born on 16 Nov 1885 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; died on 5 Mar 1958 in Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA; was buried in Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: Lee, Iowa, USA; MaritalStatus: Single
• Residence: 1900, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1910, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Son
• Residence: 1942, Keokuk, Iowa; Age: 46

Harvey married Guiss, Gladis on 10 Dec 1924. Gladis was born on 22 Oct 1896 in Nappanee, Elkhart, Indiana, USA; died on 6 Feb 1973 in Danville, Vermilion, Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1900, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1910, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Daughter
• Residence: 1920, Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA; Relation to Head: Daughter; Residence Marital Status: Single/Ward 6
• Residence: 1930, Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head: Daughter
• Residence: 1935, Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1940, Keokuk, Lee, Iowa, USA; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head: Daughter

Notes:

Buried:
Mound Township Cemetery

Frank married Seifried, Ella on 28 Oct 1912. Ella was born on 7 Sep 1895 in Summerfield, St Clair, Illinois, USA; died on 28 Aug 1970 in Halstead, Harvey County, Kansas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rosa married Davis, Andrew on 29 Aug 1923. Andrew was born on 16 Feb 1886 in Newton, Harvey, Kansas, USA; died in Apr 1979 in Moundridge, McPherson, Kansas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rosa married Westerman, Homer on 18 Dec 1912. Homer was born on 28 Apr 1890 in Kendall, Hamilton, Kansas, USA; died on 26 Apr 1913 in Newton, Harvey, Kansas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ann married Erickson, Ray Clifford on 7 May 1950. Ray was born on 9 Aug 1895 in Sheldon, O'Brien, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ann married Anderson, Gummar Magnus on 22 Mar 1921, and was divorced on 7 Apr 1932. Gummar was born on 25 Aug 1898 in Norway. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lorraine married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lorraine married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Adopted

The Schowalter Book

Adopted

Agnes married Myers, Leron on 17 Feb 1927. Leron was born on 15 Jan 1907 in West Point, Butler, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Della married Yaley, Clarence on 21 Feb 1923. Clarence was born on 17 Apr 1891 in Weaver, Humboldt, Iowa, USA; died on 15 Sep 1962 in Fort Madison, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Harold married Hamm, Edith on 21 Jul 1934. Edith was born on 3 Jun 1901 in Huntsville, Schuyler, Illinois, USA; died on 15 Apr 1935 in Huntsville, Schuyler, Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Harold married Yokley, Frances Nadine on 14 Mar 1944. Frances was born on 17 Nov 1904 in Dover, Lafayette, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Meda married Brower, Glenn on 21 Jan 1933. Glenn was born on 23 Aug 1910 in Alberta, Canada; died on 9 Feb 1989 in Greenup, Cumberland Co., Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Charles married Yaley, Florence on 8 Jan 1934. Florence was born on 8 Jan 1910 in Fort Madison, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Arnold married Riggle, Dollie on 25 Dec 1926. Dollie was born on 12 Dec 1909 in Lenox, Iowa; died in Jun 1978 in Creston, Union, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Emil married Brown, Goldie on 25 Nov 1929. Goldie was born on 31 May 1907 in Adams County, Iowa, USA; died in Apr 1985 in Creston, Union, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Harry married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Katherine married Bopp, Herman on 14 May 1921. Herman was born on 3 Dec 1884 in Bobingen, Germany; died on 19 Apr 1956 in Bobingen, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Johann married Hurtel, Margaret on 12 Nov 1921. Margaret was born on 15 Jul 1896 in Dannstadt, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Maria married Keck, Fredrick E on 23 Jun 1922. Fredrick was born on 3 Aug 1881 in Schammheim, Germany; died on 27 Feb 1953 in Schammheim, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married Scherner, Fritz on 30 Dec 1920. Fritz was born on 20 Sep 1888 in Assenheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]