The Marckel Scrapbook - Theresa (Moenikes) and Anton Pessefall

From the scrapbook of Doris E. Marckel Bates of Defiance, Ohio.

Date on the cover - March the 11th, 1906

A collection of newspaper articles about the folks of Defiance County, Ohio, all undated and with no source named.

"DEATH OF MRS. ANTON PESSEFALL 

Obedient to the summons of the Divine Master, Mrs. Anton Pessefall, of Adams township, has past (i.e. passed) to her eternal reward.  Her maiden name was Theresa Moenikes.  She was born October 4 1835 at Bergheim, district of Steinhelm, county of Huexster, kingdom of Prussia, Germany, being one of a family of nine children, of whom but two still survive, a brother and a sister.

She was joined in matrimony to Anton Pessefall, May 9, 1857, in the parish church of Pembsen by their pastor, Rev. Father Neukirgen.  Thereafter, they resided at Mulsheim (Mulheim) until September 7, 1872, when she and her husband and eight children emigrated to America.  Passage was taken from Bremen in the steamship 'Rhine' (Rhein), at that time the best vessel of the North German line.  After an uneventful voyage of eight days, landing was made at Castle Garden, New York City.

Traveling overland, they reached Louisville, Ky. where a month was spent with relatives.  Then, after a year's sojourn at Crown Point, Ind., Mr. Pessefall conceived a removal to Defiance county, O. Accompanied by four of his children, the trip was made by wagon in seven days, the others followed later by rail.  Within two weeks after their arrival here, a farm of 80 acres in Section 19 was purchased and the family at once began to build a pleasant home, which has ever since been their residence

The couple were blessed with nine children, all of whom have flown from the parental home.  They are: Mrs. John Schmid, H. C. Pessefall, and Mrs. Chas. F. Ashbacher of Defiance; B. F. Pessefall of Stryker; Mrs. James Carpenter of East Noble township; Mrs. Bernie Ossage of Glandorf; Mrs. Frank Krabach of Holgate; Charles Pessefall of Defiance; and Henry J. Pessefall who is yet at home.  There are also fifteen grandchildren.

Mrs. Pessefall was a true woman, a consistent Christian, a kind neighbor, an indulgent mother, and a faithful helpmate. Her death occurred Sunday evening, December 6, 1896, from congestion of the brain.  She was aged 61years, 2 months and 2 days.

The last sad rites were observed at St. Michael's Catholic church, North Ridge, Rev. J. B. Heiland officiating. Interment on the Ridge."

Theresa actually had ten children - 

a daughter, Mary, died in infancy.

The tombstones of Theresa and her husband stand in Riverside Cemetery.                                                                              Anton Pessefall married several years after Theresa's death on February 8, 1898, to Mary Herbert.  In 1902, he rented his farm to Eli Markel and then moved to Holgate.  He died there in 1905.

"PIONEER DIES AT HOLGATE                                                                                                   ANTON PESSAFALL was born in Merishiem, Westphalia, Germany, March 27, 1832.  Married Miss Theresa Monekes May 3, 1857 and came to this country with his family in 1872.                                                                                               He remained a short time in Louisville, Ky. and about a year in the town of Crown Point, Ind. and then came by wagon to Defiance County, locating in Adams township.                                                                                                                          His first wife died December 6, 1896 and February, 1898, he married Mrs. Mary Herbert of Delaware township, this county  With her, he moved to Holgate two years last October and there he departed this life Friday morning, at 2 o'clock.

He was taken ill with stomach trouble last July and since that time, has been bedfast almost constantly.  Of the ten children born to him, there are nine now living: Mrs. Minnie Schmid, A. C. Pessafall, Mrs Theresa Ashbacher of this city; Benjamin Pessafall of Stryker; Mrs. Frances Carpenter of Noble township; Mrs. Carrie Osage of Glandorf, O.,; Mrs. Lizzie Crabach of Holgate; Charles Pessafall of Adams township; and Henry Pessafall of Holgate.

His second wife survives him, also 19 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  Funeral services will be held in the Catholic church at Holgate, O. Monday morning, February 27th.  Father Tennyson will officiate and after the services, the remains will be brought to Defiance at 10 a.m. over the B & O railway and placed in the vault at Riverside cemetery."