No marriage, child illegitimate, no father named.
illegitimate child
A letter written in 1857 by John Gerst's son-in-law, Valentine Scheetz, states that his in-laws had been in America "for more than 22 years." This would put their immigration at 1834 or earlier. A translation of he letter that Valentine Scheetz wrote home to his brother can be found at http://www.fuldaohio.com/letter_home_1857.htm.
The 1880 US census entry for John's daughter Ottilia Gerst Sheetz states that both her parents were born in Fulda, Germany. (This may be a reference to Landkreis Fulda (county Fulda), not necessarily the city of Fulda.
At the time of the 1850 census, 50 year old German-born farmer John Garst lived in Enoch Twp., Monroe County, Ohio with his 40 year old wife Catherine and six children: Casper (16), Matilda (11), Eve (9), Phillip (6), John (5), and Joseph (2). None of the children attended school. The oldest two children were born in Virginia; the younger ones were born in Ohio. Adjacent farms in the census belonged to Leonard Schoeppner and Joseph Crum.
In 1860, 48 year old farmer John Garsh lived in Enoch Twp., Noble Co., Ohio with his 40 year old wife, Katherine and their three youngest children: John (14), Joseph (12) and Jacob (8). All three boys attended school. No place of birth was recorded for anyone in the family.
In 1870, widower John Gerst Sr. was infirm and lived on the farm of his son, John Gerst Jr., in Enoch Twp., Noble County, Ohio. John Sr's birthplace is listed as Hesse Cassel; he was a US citizen. He owned no real estate, but his personal property was worth $700. Adjacent farms int he census belonged to Leonard Schoeppner and John Sternagle.
Notes of Thomas Singer and Irene Fox (great grandaughter) give subject's name as Katherine Kress.
"St. Mary's 150 Years Fulda, OH" by Delores Snider gives subject's name as Katharina Heil, as does a letter written in 1857 by Katherine's son-in-law, Valentine Scheetz. Year of birth and date of death match those given by Irene Fox.
All information obtained from marriage record of daughter Marie Catherine Zimmermann to Jean George Schweinberg, 5 Feb 1829.
All information obtained from marriage record of daughter Marie Catherine Zimmermann to Jean George Schweinberg, 5 Feb 1829.
Occupation: schoolteacher
Occupation: dressmaker
All information obtained from the marriage record of daughter Marie Therese Ritti to Jean George Schweinberg, 7 Apr 1853.
All information obtained from the marriage record of daughter Marie Therese Ritti to Jean George Schweinberg, 7 Apr 1853.
Birth record of illegitamate child does not name a father.
Year of birth calculated from birth records of children.
Birth record of illegitamate child (Louise Schweinberg) does not name a father.
illegitimate child
Louise Schweinberger was the illegitimate child of Marie Ann Schweinberg. Father's name is not known.
illegitimate child
All informtion obtained from the record of second marriage of husband Antione Messer to Richarde Schweinberg, 23 Apr 1838.
Year of birth calculated from birth records of children.