Today's census schedule show the family of Johann Michael Drees, my husband's great-great-great grandfather through his paternal grandmother's branch. In 1850, Johann Michael, or John Michael, was living in Minster, Ohio and working as a blacksmith. (Click on image for a larger view.)
The John M. Drees Family, 1850 U.S. Census
John Michael was 38 years old and living with his younger second wife, Catherine. His first wife, Christina Elisabeth Schemmel, passed away on July 30, 1849 and he was married later that year toMaria Catherine Wellerding. The five children listed on this census form are Christina Elisabeth's children. My husband's great-great grandfather, J.M. "Mike" Drees was not born until 1851. Also living with John Michael is his younger brother, Henry, also a blacksmith, who later goes on to become a Catholic priest (and actually the head of his order in the United States - good topic for another blog post). The 44-year old woman, 'Agnes Swelerding,' is likely Catherine's mother.
After researching this family more, I discovered that Johann Michael Drees is actually somewhat of a 'celebrity' in the history of Minster. He was one of the founding members of the town and served as the town's first mayor. His was the subject of a short biographical sketch in The History of Western Ohio and Auglaize County, by C.W. Williamson (published in 1905):
After researching this family more, I discovered that Johann Michael Drees is actually somewhat of a 'celebrity' in the history of Minster. He was one of the founding members of the town and served as the town's first mayor. His was the subject of a short biographical sketch in The History of Western Ohio and Auglaize County, by C.W. Williamson (published in 1905):
Biography of Johann (John) Michael Drees, The History of Western Ohio and Auglaize County, pages 838-839.
Here is a photo of John Michael Drees that was published in Pilgrims All: A History of St. Augustine Parish, Minster, Ohio, 1832-1982. Personally, I see a pretty good resemblance between John Michael and my father-in-law (his great-great-grandson), especially considering there are four generations separating them.
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©2013, copyright Emily Kowalski Schroeder
