30. Matthias SCHMIDT
Don't know which wife is mother of which children. All are listed under second wife for convenience.
He came to America on 22 June 1857 with his children Johann, Christian, Peter, Jacob and Catherina aboard the Hattie Hexie, departing Marseilles and arriving at New York City in June of 1857, along with his youngest brother George Schmidt. He is listed on the 1860 census for Will County, and died around 1862 in Will County.
Not found since 1860 census. Possibilities: 1870 census Belleville, Illinois: Jacob, age 31, Prussia, Elizabeth, age 22, IL, Louise 3, George 1; Anna Vosin, 11, IL. Also 1870 Hancock Co., IL: Jacob, age 31, Prussia, Gertrude age 30, Prussia (living with a Martin Schmidt from Prussia with a daughter born Saxony). Yet another possibility: Cook Co., IL 1880 Jacob, age 42 Prussia, Catherine born Luxembourg, age 40, Matthias, age 12, Peter age 10, Joseph age 5.
She immigrated here with her family in 1857.
Catherine died in the Alton State Hospital, Alton, IL where she had been interred for senility; guardian was her son, Daniel. Catherina met Martin when she was 17 years old, so we believe they did not know each other until they came to this country. In the 1900 census for Effingham, IL, Catherine indicates she was the mother of 14 children, 10 surviving. Their children are not listed in this data base, but are available from Allyson Monroe Tilton at AllysonMT@aol.com
The son of Martin Sonnenberg (born 1810 Oldenburg, Germany). Both Martins were blacksmiths and Martin, Jr. was a mechanic, as well. Martin came to this country at age 17 with both parents and possibly with a sister Anna who married George Schmidt in Will County in 1864. Martin was naturalized at Will County in 1860.
Census records and marriage records show the family name as Sonnenburg, Sonnenburge, Sunberg, Sonberg and even Sullenbragh. Martin served for 3 ½ years in the Civil War; according to Martin’s pension papers, According to Civil War papers, Martin was 5’9”, had brown hair and blue eyes, and weighed about 140 lbs.