Stude ● Stutter ● Studr An Accumulated History 15 generations of Studers from the 1590's to 1992 Published June 1992 Spanning from Alsace, France to Canada and the U.S.A.

Table of Contents Cover: The cover design. The cover was created to compliment the times. A 23 The children of Joseph and Margaret. desire to blend the feeling of the past with the look of the new Studer era. 25 Two pages of miscellaneous photos. A variety of pictures and people. 2 Credits (financial and otherwise). Disclaimers regarding content. 27 A list of names. A compilation of names that have relationship to the name 3 A Studer discovers his European roots. This is a brief description Studer. All of these names were taken from this book. of Dick Studers story. The journeys that were made, the inspiration that was found. The reason for this book. 29 The primary chart. A direct lineage chart listing our direct line ancestors. 7 A history of the name "Studer". Which Studers are related and why. 30 William & Matilda and the Key Code. This page is followed by series of pages that will (in order of birth) show the descendants of the children of 9 Life in Switzerland During the Sixteenth Century. Joseph and Catherine Studer. 10 Alsace, France. A colorful story about the history, the land and the people. 96 The children of Nicolaus & Sarah. Two pages of information that were provided to us by descendants of Nicolaus. We thought it appropriate to 12 The Studer name appears in France in 1591. Records found in Sewen give them acknowledgement and consideration. parish indicate that the Studer heritage did indeed exist in the 1500's. 98 The children Margaret & Frank Immerfall. Two pages of information 13 Amandus and Francisca make a change. Their decision to travel to Canada that were provided to us by descendants of Margaret. We thought it appropriate to give them acknowledgement and consideration. 13 The Letter. A translation of a charming letter that was written to Amandus by his sister Therese. We are assuming this is the last known communication between our European relatives and our U.S. ancestors. An Accumulated History of Studers was published June of 1992. Our expectation in compiling this book was to retain and share the knowledge of our history; that history 14 Two Courageous people. The transition between Canada and America. which is housed in the minds of our dearly loved Uncles and Aunts. It was compiled and assembled with one specific goal in mind, to provide a visual record for future 15 Amandus moves his Family to America. This is the story of their passage. generations of Studers. Particularly descendants of Joseph and Catherine Studer. It the moves on to the Obituaries of both Amandus & Francisca. Our expectation was to create a simple, easy to comprehend document. A document that would give direction to those members of our family who ask, "Aunt who?" We 16 The children of Amandus and Francisca. Photos & brief histories included. hope that our goals have been achieved and thank you for interest and support.

19 A story about Joseph & Catherine and their lineage. This is followed by For additional copies of this book, please write to: Bill or Louise Studer, 230 22nd brief histories of each of their children. Avenue North, St. Cloud, MN 56303. ● To provide additional information to our 22 Joseph A. Studer farms in St. Cloud, Minnesota. genealogical cause, please write to: Dick Studer, 718 15th Street S.E., St. Cloud 56304

Page 1 Credits...financial and otherwise. Financial support is herein attributed to the following: Rob and Garla Studer For Genevieve (Studer) Mahigan Dick and Gretchen Mahigan Barbara Mahigan Joe and Bernice Studer Bill and Louise Studer Larry and Ginnie Studer Mary Ellen (Studer) and Leo Sufka Dick and Evie Studer Daniel P. Studer

Acknowledgement of contribution and participation. RESEARCHER/GENEALOGIST: Richard E. (Dick) Studer CHIEF EXECUTIVE WRITER: Richard E. (Dick) Studer EDITOR/WRITER: Richard A. (Ric) Studer ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Gina Louise Studer

PUBLISHER: A photo of the village of Oberbruck as was seen in the early 1900's. Gina Louise Studer ILLUSTRATION/DESIGN EDITOR: An Accumulated History of Studers was compiled primarily by Richard E. (Dick) and Gina Louise Studer Gina L. Studer. To the best of our knowledge, the research and information presented herein, is correct and complete. Most of the dates that are shown on the charts were HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTOR: Richard E. (Dick) Studer dates and information provided to us by family members from each line. We pray any errors in dates or spelling are minimal. Understand that editorial license was exercised EDITORIAL AIDS: in order to limit the length and enhance the readability of this publication. All photos Louise,Rosemary, Linda, Dottie, Mary Ellen, Nina,Tracy and Angel were chosen for their interest value as well as their ability to visually represent the indi- STEERING COMMITTEE: vidual. Please do not view this document as the absolute last word on Studer Genealogical Dick, Larry, Mary Ellen, Louise, Joe, Gina History; rather use this book as a guide, a reference for understanding your birth place- ment within this family. ©An Accumulated History of Studers. All rights are reserved. Acknowledgement is given to Lyle LaRose and Irene Studer for their contributions Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Please contact Gina and work in Studer Genealogical Research. Thank you. Studer via email ([email protected]) for consent on reproduction.

Page 2 A special thanks to all of you translated; it said that the bible was the to numerous to mention, property of Sebastian Studer and his wife without your generosity Anna Marie Fritz of the village of Overbush! this book and it contents would not have been The revelation of the name of a village possible. was an exciting discovery. It would be a simple thing to look up the name of the village ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ and then plan to visit the location. But alas, no one was able to find a village named A Beginning Overbush on any of the maps of France. here was little direct Undaunted, Dick and Larry decided to have knowledge another translation made of the text and the regarding the Studer translator (a gentleman educated on the T continent), told them that the name of the family history. No official documents or any certain village was actually Oberbruck, located in the information was available. Alsace region of France. Armed with this The only known physical new knowledge the brothers had little evidence was a (very old) difficulty locating the village on the maps. family bible which had Oberbruck lay in a sleepy little valley in the been passed down through Vosges mountains near the Rhine River just the generations. It had northwest of Basel, Switzerland. Excited been given to Amandus about this new information, Dick and his wife Studer by his mother upon his Evie made plans in 1977 to visit this small American descendant of this departure for the new world. village on their journey to Switzerland. This A Studer discovers proud family (or simply as an interested Amandus then passed the would be a solid starting point for Dick. his European roots friend) may enrich your own life. That bible on to his son A way to somehow your world will be a larger and Joseph, who later passed research the In Richard E. Studers many travels in the more inclusive place because of the the bible on to his son limited western hemisphere and beyond he has knowledge that Studers fill the world. Joseph A. Studer. information that checked civic records and telephone Joseph A. Studer gave his father had directories for traces of his venerated family Thank you. We love you all. the aged bible to his passed on to him name in every village and town, finding eldest son James A. about his roots. Studers the world over. From each country Richard E. (Dick) & Evelyn Studer, Studer. Upon James Now Dick could and in all walks of life, there seem to be Lawrence (Larry) Studer, A.'s death, his brother clarify his father's Studers at every turn. Perhaps not all directly Genevieve C. (Gen Studer) Mahigan, Lawrence (Larry) received the treasured bible. comment, that related-but indeed carrying a venerated name. Dick had knowledge of this bible and sought Joseph's own Mary Ellen (Studer) Sufka, grandfather had come to America in 1847 From tracing the families tree, a sense of out his brother Larry hoping to find valuable from this very region. Dick could not resist pride in history now permeates Richards life, Joseph M. (Joe) Studer, information within the bibles pages. Together the opportunity to explore his family's history making him perhaps more whole and certainly Louise A. Studer Dick and Larry examined the bible and found and was determined to discover more more appreciative of his ancient and exciting that it contained some handwritten German Gina and Richard A. (Ric) Studer knowledge while visiting the area. heritage. We hope that through this text and messages which were clearly from the hand of the information/stories within, you as an Plus an older time. Part of the text was already Page 3 After landing in Geneva, Switzerland, Evie discovered that people with the name the name Studer they asked for information picturesque villages before arriving in Dick and Evie searched the phone book for Studer had inhabited the city since the time of and were told that the Studers in the area had Oberbruck. The first stop in Oberbruck was the name Studer and found the crusades in the come here in 1600 from Luzern, Switzerland. the church. Located next to the church was a many. Virtually all were year 1200. From When Dick told the Studers of Murbach, that small general store. At the store, Dick and French speaking. From Zurich the excited he and Evie were headed for Oberbruck (in Evie were given information on how to locate Geneva they traveled to duo boarded a train the Masevaux-Doller valley area) they replied the parish house. Arriving at the parish house Interlachen which is at the which took them that the Studers of Oberbruck weren't related they discovered that the priest spoke no foot of the Jungfraujoch and through Basel and to the Murbach Studers. This surprised Dick English. Subsequently they were taken to the the Bernese Oberland then on into the but he remained undaunted. He and Evie nearby school where the teacher spoke mountains. Here they found Alsace region of continued their exploration of Murbach. In English. Our travelers told the teacher of their a large stone monument in a France, to the city the cemetery next to the monastic ruins Dick desire to find the birth record of Amandus and small park which was of Mulhouse. At and Evie found that nearly half the graves were promptly lead to the office of the mayor, dedicated to a Bernhard last Dick was in the bore the name Studer. They also found a large which conveniently was located in the school Studer who was an early region of his monument dedicated to the memory of those building. In the mayors office a clerk explorer of the area. They European ancestry. who perished in both of the great wars of the examined a large leather bound book of also discovered many living past century. Among the honorees were two records and found the handwritten entry Studers in the area, among Dick and Evelyn Studer, the first explorers. After arriving in Studer names. recording the birth of one Amandus Studer, them a liquor distributor and the operator of a Mulhouse, Dick and Dick's great-grandfather. Dick and Evie now small chalet type hotel. In the Swiss capital of Evie rented a car and drove on to Murbach, a Driving on along the Rhine River valley knew that they were indeed standing upon the Bern they found hundreds of Studers listed in small village built around the ruins of a the intrepid pair turned into the Masevaux- same ground that Amandus had trod upon so the phone book, including many professionals Benedictine monastery. Finding a family with Doller river valley traveling through many many years ago. and entrepreneurs. When it was discovered that the Moving on to Luzern, Dick and Evie American visitors were not actually strangers visited with a Dr. and Mrs. Max Studer. Max but in fact long lost relatives of their friends was a retired physician. He and his wife were and neighbors, the villagers were quick to a wellspring of information regarding the offer the information that several families of Studer heritage. They taught the American Studers still lived in Oberbruck and some of Studers about the history of the Studer name the surrounding villages. In Oberbruck, they and provided them with a copy of the were informed that many Studers lived in the authentic Studer crest. Max also gave them a next village Dolleren. Dick and Evie book about the history of Studers from the proceeded to Dolleren and there examined the Entlebuch valley area of the canton of Luzern. church and cemetery. Once again they found Max then advised them to visit the village of many Studers from the past. Because of the Murbach while in Alsace because many late hour and their need to rise early (to Studers from the Luzern area had apparently reconnect with the train back to Switzerland) settled there. the weary couple decided not to make any further investigations. Their trip was nearly The next stop was Zurich. The travelers over, they choose instead to take down names found there several hundred Studers listed in and addresses from the phone book so that the city directory, once again this included they might contact their possible relatives by numerous business professionals. Dick and The church in the village of Oberbruck in Alsace, France. This was Dick and Evelyns first stop in Oberbruck. mail after returning to America.

Page 4 Back in the U.S.A. Dick and Evie wrote The next day the three drove further to several of the addresses they had gathered down the Doller to the old yet still beautiful and quickly received a response from the village of Oberbruck. They stopped to Rene and Rose Studer family of Masevaux explore the cemetery (of course) where they who said that they would be happy to assist met a woman who directed them to the home them in their quest to find blood relatives in of Aloise Lemble. They discovered that his France. Dick's excitement was renewed by mother was a Studer. Aloise was thrilled to this information. He shared his European meet the Americans, and together they were experience with his brother Larry and was able to establish a common ancestry through able to ignite a fire in him as well. When their Sebastian Studer. It was an exhilarating sister, Genevieve, agreed to accompany them, moment. Aloise, the new found cousin, led the three siblings decided to tour the area Dick, Larry and Gen to the oldest parish in where Dick and Evie had made their valley which was located in the village of discoveries in the fall of 1977. Sewen. They again did research and discovered many more Studers alive and well The American Studers then wrote to in the peaceful little village. Rene Studer informing him of their plans. To A gathering of French and American Studers: Rose, Larry, Dick, Genevieve (Mahigan) and Andre Studer. prepare for their visit the family did further adventure to Europe.❦ Father Litzler (he spoke English), who had Later that same day (back in Oberbruck), research. Larry ordered a copy of the been recommended to the family by friends in a young boy they had met near the church, microfilmed records of births, deaths, and Minnesota whom he had also assisted in their took them to meet a Pierre Studer and his marriages for the village of Oberbruck from search for their European roots. Father Litzler family. One of Pierre's children spoke English the Mormon Genealogical Library in Crystal, "When the American cousins accompanied Dick, Larry and Gen to the MN. With the assistance of their brother came" The 1978 Journey. home of Rene and Rose Studer where a historic meeting was Joseph M., Dick, Larry and Gen perused the n early September of about to take place. records for two days. Every time the name 1978, the three Studer was mentioned the document was Isiblings, Gen, Larry The group was photocopied. When these documents, which and Dick, flew to warmly greeted by Rene were handwritten in French and German, were Frankfurt, Germany. and immediately invited translated they proved to be very fruitful. They rented a car and in for Alsatian white Among the records were those of the birth and drove down the Rhine wine and appetizers. In marriage of Sebastian Studer born 1776, as Valley to Strasbourg. this relaxed setting they well as the birth records of his sixteen children They crossed the Rhine were able to compare from two wives and the death records of into France and Alsace, research, deciding at last several children as infants. The marriages of taking the "Route Du that although it appeared Sebastian's children and the births of their Vin" (or wine route of that most of the Studers children were noted as well. A large chart Andre Studer. Our cousin and Mayor of Dolleren. Alsace) south through in the valley were was prepared showing relationships from and with his assistance, communication the beautiful wine- related to the Americans Sebastian and his son, Amandus, down flourished. Our travelers were informed that making village of Rene Studer. A European cousin. and more research through the generations, connecting Dick, Studer was a very old name in the valley. It Obernai and past the monastery of Mont Saint would be necessary to prove this conclusively. Larry, Gen, Joe M., etc. to the Studers of was explained that the Studers had come to Odile, the patron saint of Alsace. Soon the That evening they were served a traditional Oberbruck. This chart was completed and France from Switzerland and that many American Studers came to the tiny village of Alsatian dinner and fell asleep eager to find brought with them on their next great Studers lived in the village of Dolleren. So on Rodern. There they met with a parish priest, out more about this wonderful place. Page 5 to Dolleren. about the activities of Studers throughout dedicated to the memory of Gottlieb Studer in the choir. After the service they had Switzerland from the past to the present. He (1804-1890) who was an early explorer of the refreshments at a local bistro where they were With the aid of one of Pierre's sons they had mentioned that a large number of Studers mountains in the vicinity. Earlier we had told introduced to more local Studers. They had traveled to the village of Dolleren. There they lived in the Entlebuch valley between Luzern you about the monument at Interlachen, another traditional Alsatian dinner and Maire sought out Andre Studer who was the mayor and Bern and especially in the village of dedicated to Bernhard Studer, another famous Anne played the accordion. Everyone danced of the village. Dick, Larry and Gens' meeting Escholzmatt. It was in this village that our mountain explorer. Evidently, the Swiss a waltz or two. After this delightful repast, with Andre and his family was aided by the intrepid trio first stopped upon their arrival in Studers were big on exploring mountains, Dick, Gen and Larry were feeling a bit more translating skills of his daughter Jeannene. Switzerland. although if one thinks about it for a moment refreshed and decided to make one last trip of Without delay they were able to establish their there isn't much else in Switzerland to explore. discovery. Driving to the wine village of common bloodline. Andre and his family In Escholzmatt the Americans visited Ribeauville, north of Colmar, they stopped at a were thrilled and eager to "talk" with their with Werner Studer who operates a liquor As the tired explorers began their return to Franciscan Convent with the intent of "new family" from across the sea. manufacturing company which was started Alsace they found Studers virtually around discovering information regarding Sister many years ago by his grandfather. He every corner. In the city of Visp, in the Rhone The next day Larry, Gen and Dick drove Cesaree (Amandus' sister). They were unable informed them that there were many other valley, everywhere they looked they found to discover anything further about her. to the village of Murbach where they visited Studers in the town and introduced them to the Studers listed in the directories. They spoke to the monastery. They then traveled on to St. However they did find out that one of the family of Hans and Rosie Studer who a family who told them that there had been retired sisters in residence, a Marguerite Amaran, a small village where the sister of managed a bakery and grocery store. Hans Studers in Visp for hundreds of years. In the Amandus Studer, a Franciscan nun had lived Studer, was from Dolleren. They spoke with was very helpful in researching the Studer Village of Zermatt, nestled in the foothills of Marguerite and she related to the Americans and died. They were able to obtain a record of name in the area and had found a copy of the the Matterhorn, they found many Studers but her death and found out that in the Franciscan through Andre Studer. The Sisters had records no motorized vehicles, the latter being banned of four Studer women who had served their custom she was buried at the convent of the by a local ordinance. Also in their travels the Congregation Des Soeurs Du thres St. God as member of the community over the last three Studer siblings found their namesakes in two hundred years. Sauveur in Oberbronn (a city north of western Austria, Northern Italy and Strasbourg). The following day they visited Lichtenstein. In Lichtenstein they met an art The reunion of the American and with a woman named Teresea Paris whose dealer named Studer who traced his heritage to European Studers in Alsace, 130 years after mother was a Studer. Later in the evening the tall, thin Studers from southern Germany.. their common ancestor had left France for the weary travelers had a sumptuous dinner at the Passing through St. Gallen, along Lake new world, was a great thrill for all involved home of Andre and Rose Studer in Dolleren. Constanz, they crossed the Rhine Falls into the and the adventure of a lifetime for the three They were warmly invited to return the next Black Forest area of Germany and then on to Studers from Minnesota. It established a link week after their trip through Switzerland. Alsace. There was no way to avoid it; they between the old and new world family that They happily accepted and went to sleep, simply "had to" visit the peaceful little Doller will enrich both continents for generations. dreaming of what might lie ahead on their ❦ River valley one more time before returning to Swiss adventure. America. It was difficult for Larry, Dick and Gen to say goodbye to their newly discovered cousins Studer street located in Bern, Switzerland. Dick, Gen and Larry were exhausted from and the scenic region of Alsace. But they Studer research in family crest in the local archives. Hans gave a their arduous travels but pressed on as they managed to pull themselves together and pack copy of the crest to Dick as well as an arrived for their final day in their ancient for the return journey. They each carried with Switzerland explanation of the images on the crest. Thanks homeland. They were welcomed once again them new and interesting information which in to the home of Andre and Rose Studer. needed to be shared with their own families uch of the historical information to Hans assistance, Dick, Larry and Gen were They attended mass together at the Holy Cross back in the U.S.A. With both joy and sadness used in this text came from Dr. able to discover many interesting facts about Catholic Church where Andre's daughter, they embarked on their return passage. Max Studer of Luzern, Switzerland. Studers. For example, in Bern there is a M Maire Anne played the organ. Andre also sang Max Studer had also told Dick a great deal Studer street, a park and a monument Page 6 Upon their return to America the travelers These men proved to be a wellspring of The group hated to leave Normandy. It accompanied by David Studer. David is the (Dick, Larry and Gen) shared their acquired knowledge, regaling the Americans with tales was a town that held both cherished and son of Joseph M. Studer. knowledge and information with Irene Studer of their ancestry and their own fascinating poignant memories. For Dan, Normandy was and Lyle LaRose (of the Frank M., branch of pasts. the area where he had participated in the great By this time the American and French the Studer line). Irene and Lyle live in operation "Overlord" during the Nazi conflict. Studers had become old friends and enjoyed Canada. Both have done extensive research of Emiles' great-grandfather, born in But Joe M., Dick and Dan were also eager to four full weeks of tale telling, wine drinking, their own into the heritage of the Studer Oberbruck and a direct relative of Sebastian, make the journey to Cavaillon, a very old, and laughing. They were once again, family. had left home in the middle 1800's for picturesque community near the fabled revitalizing a centuries old bond of blood Normandy, where he worked as a steel Riviera, in southern France. There they were relation. A unique bond between all those the Obviously, this account would not have to meet with world over who proudly bear the name Studer. been possible without the historic journey of Maurice Studer the children of Joe A., and we thank them.❦ This was the last of the European and his cousin journeys that the American Studers would Louis who take. Current contact is maintained through operate a letter writing and phone calls. In fact, several Studers visit France photographic years ago our young European cousins took again in 1982, 1984, 1986 studio. Both interest in visiting us in Minnesota and have Maurice and done so on a few occasions. fter the trip, word spread among the Louis were born children of Joe A. Studer (and in Dolleren, ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ Athrough them to Studers in Minnesota, Alsace, and are Iowa, etc.), of the wonderful discovery of related to their living blood relatives in Europe, Other American members of the family became interested in guests. The Stude ● Staude visiting these far off places. The American group reveled Studers wanted to meet the people whose both in the A history of the name blood-ties the years could not forget. Plans glorious climate were made, savings started accumulating and This is but one of many views of the lovely Alsatian countryside. of Cavaillon and "Studer" within several years another trek was the company of worker. Emile resisted the occupying Nazi he development of family names in underway. This time brothers Joseph M. and Maurice and Louis. forces in the late 1930's and early 1940's. Europe can probably be traced to the Daniel joined Dick in crossing the Atlantic, Eventually he was apprehended and held at Once again the close of a trip was both a Texpansion of the early Roman Empire. returning once again to the lovely Alsatian the infamous Buchenvald concentration camp welcome and saddening experience. Joe M., Previous to this time in history, a single name countryside. for over two and one-half years before his Dan and Dick Studer were nearly spent as was normally sufficient to identify and differentiate individuals within a village, tribe, On this trip they had planned to visit liberation by Allied forces. His brother they returned to their homes back in the or clan. This was generally attributed to the Studers in other areas of France as well as the Robert, was forced into labor in Berlin for the U.S.A. small populations involved in these groups. Alsace area. Along with meeting their long German Bundestadt as a streetcar operator. One would think that the emotional lost relatives in Masevaux and the Doller Roger was made to hide out on a remote farm intensity of 4 trips to Europe within a span of The early Romans (descendants of the valley, Joe M. and Dan were able to to avoid conscription into the National 8 years would have slowed Dick Studer's pace first city building peoples the Etruscans), used accompany Dick to Normandy where they Socialist army. considerably. But No! In 1986, the dedicated single names. However, as their empire grew called on the family of Roger Studer in the Dick along with Joe M. and Dan ventured with more cities and tribes coming under one village of Domfront. With Roger were his forth to Europe once again. This time jurisdiction, accurate record keeping became father, Emile-age 92 and Uncle Robert-age 87. more important. As a result of this growth Page 7 and the efficient Roman bureaucracy, Roman Fortunately for us, the breakup of the Roman but simply because of their name. Butcher, Taylor, Cooper, Baker, because of an citizens found themselves referring to their empire allowed people to slip back into their identifying trait as in Barbarossa (red beard in city name or clan name to separate themselves old habit of using one name. More than likely By the 1200's AD these "family" names Italian), Swift, Short, or Grosse (German for from other individuals with the same single they were inclined to this so as to avoid had become very common among the rich and large) or simply from the father's given name, name. For example, if a Centurion showed up wasting time on introductions. were being taken on by more and more Johnson (John's son), or Pavlova (daughter of at the door of young "Livinius" of the village commoners who were seeking status for Pavel). Across modern America of Rostus, demanding payment of past During the remainder of the dark ages the themselves and their progeny. This prevailed one can find an endless variety of due taxes, Livinius might protest use of a single name continued to be the until virtually an entire population in some surnames, arising from many that surely the Centurion must be custom among European people of all regions would have similar names. (Sigh, different languages and cultures. mistaken and perhaps is really classes. This custom continued back to square one) Each has a unique and interesting until about the late 900's AD. looking for the know tax There seemed to be little hope of varied story behind it. The meaning of a dodger Livinius of Prastis, a Towards the close of this last names at this point in time. Enter one of word lies in the feeling of its village some miles down the time period several noble the most significant events in European creation and a family name can give us clues road. After much persuasion families (from an area which is history to change the path of naming. The as to the origins of the family itself. the Centurion would exit, now considered to be Northern Crusades. A succession of wars waged by One such story involves the poor but leaving a visibly shaken Italy) chose to revive the Holy Christian warriors against the "infidels" Livinius who vows forevermore proud peasant farmers of the beautiful little Roman custom of taking who occupied the holy land of Palestine, in country of Switzerland. These poor peasants to be known as Livinius Rostus so on a second name. Their particular the city of Jerusalem. As as to avoid similar confusion, a tilled the rather impoverished soil of the small motivation was simple- misguided, ill advised, racist and ultimately valleys and hillsides of this often intimidating possible long stretch in the local dungeon, to separate and elevate inconclusive as these ventures may have been, or worse. mountainous country. They eked out a themselves from the they did serve to open up the (mostly meager living, surviving only through the Many different factors were used to masses of common stagnant) sates of Europe to a world of new protection and benevolence of their feudal determine additional names in these times. folk. A second name and exotic things. This in turn eventually lead lords. They fought the rocky soil on their Such variables as tribal names, physical seemed to suit this to the blossoming of the Renaissance miniscule plots of land, holding on as landmarks or regions; fathers name, mothers purpose quite well and and the spread of European tenaciously as the many short, stubby, name and occupation were considered in over the next several culture around the globe. flowering bushes and shrubs which grew establishing an identity in the community and centuries the practice grew and was As a result these noble, amongst the crags and the tors. In empire as a whole. Some free thinking refined. As a result of this refinement, high minded yet Schweisser-Deutsche or Swiss-German, the individuals even took on fourth, sometimes a belief developed that if a father was misguided warriors word for this type of low, ground hugging fifth names to commemorate some remarkable a powerful man, then he might seek brought with them an shrub is called "stude" or "staude". During event or to call attention to a particularly some measure of immortality by exposure to the practice the time period when everyone (including unique ability or physical attribute. As the passing on that power to his sons. The of assuming family peasants) was taking a second family name, empire approached its latter days the litany of second name of this powerful man was a names. Soon nearly all many of these Swiss farmers found that they one man's name could and sometimes did symbol of that power, and by passing it on to Europeans had adapted the practice could relate strongly to the persistent, become a ridiculous, long winded affair. If each succeeding generation the weight of this of using two names, one a given name and stubborn little shrubbery of their homeland. our friend Livinius Rostus had a father named symbol lent a type of legitimacy to the second a family name. These peasants took its name as their own., dynastic designs of the parent. In this way a Gregorius, who made swords for a living and There were many methods available to the adding an "R" to the end of "Stude" walked with a noticeable limp, he could family could strive to maintain their status in personalized the noun and created the name the community over the course of many European patriarch of the middle ages to use conceivably burden himself with the in naming his family. Names sprung out of a Studer, which meant, quite literally "of the cumbersome name of: Livinius Rostus, son of generations, often amassing great wealth and bush". possessions not through competence or merit family's environment, such as Brook, Stone, Gregorius the lame, the creator of swords. Forest, Lake etc., from one's occupation ie., Page 8 To Date, this is considered the most several Studers for whom there appeared to be pronounced as "stewed air" with an accent on mountainous country and the growing authentic Studer crest. no known blood connection to his branch of the second syllable. In Germany the name is population created a scarcity of arable land. the Studer bush, even when the bloodlines sometimes spelled S T U T T E R and These factors in combination, were The representational symbols located on could both be traced directly to European pronounced "stewt terr" with only slightly instrumental in forming the atmosphere of the crest indicate the: ancestors. more emphasis on the first syllable than on the desperation which permeated certain regions second. of Switzerland in the middle 1500's. The name Studer is a very old and respected name throughout Switzerland as In the experience of this writer the most As the feudal system reached its logical well as the surrounding countries of France, common mispronunciation of the name is limits to sustain society, a new class appeared. Italy and Germany. The Studer name is "studd urr" with a soft vowel sound replacing Merchants, craftsmen and other specialists mentioned in the records of the city of Zurich the hard "U" as in "five card stud". There is and "middle men" as early as April 26, 1287. In the canton no grammatical basis for this error, as a single appeared to provide (state) of Luzern (Lucerne) it has been consonant following a vowel almost always the supportive common since the beginning of the 15th means that the vowel is to be pronounce with services necessary century. There are a large number of people a hard or long sound. Perhaps the confusion for life. In the bearing the Studer name in the following can be traced to the legendary romantic meantime the castle Swiss cantons: Zurich, Bern, Luzern, reputation of Studer males, although this based city states Schwys, Zug, Fribourg, Basel, Solothurn, evidence is based primarily on hearsay and became more Aargau, Thurgau, St. Gallen and Wallis. In therefore should not be considered as cumbersome and crowded and the noblemen 1977 there were 475 Studers listed in the scientifically accurate enough for inclusion in could no longer manage the entire community. ● Flowering bush or brush (at the top) Zurich telephone directory. An even larger any book, with as high a level of factual Families grew and villages sprang up separate ● Hand plow (underneath the bush) number were listed in the directory of the city integrity as this work aspires towards.❦ from the castles. There the specialists setup of Bern. As of the late 1970's, "Studer" their shops and homes. The strain on the The bush represents the Name "Stude" in ranked as the third most popular surname in limited farming land in various areas became German...meaning (brush or bush). all of Switzerland, giving credence to the Life in Switzerland unbearable. Many peasants, faced with the These symbols were typically assumed by fertility and staying power of both the shrubs prospect of working less and less land to feed peasantry before the 1200's in Europe. and the strong people who carry their name. During the Sixteenth Century more and more mouths, revolted against their Therefore, in Europe there are many noble landowners. Amidst this climate of This old and bloodlines that carry similar surnames. rimarily because of its geography, chaos many families chose to move to other revered name Switzerland has remained isolated from cantons of Switzerland and some even made According to a prominent Swiss can be spelled Pthe rest of the European continent. the difficult journey to surrounding countries. genealogist from Basel (a city in the northeast and pronounced Both politically and socially it has little or no portion of Switzerland), there are numerous in several different manners, often dependent tradition as a place of great change. Perhaps In 1519 Huldreich Zwingli, a priest from flowering shrubs in Switzerland and nearly as on the path taken by the migrating family to the most significant departure from this Zurich, began preaching a reformed concept many peasant families that took on the name arrive at their final destination. Or perhaps history of inertia is its pivotal role in moving of religion. He and other clergy had become of Studer as their own. As a result, not all the disposition and listening skills of the European religion (research Catholicism) into disillusioned with the Catholic church, citing Studers are related by direct bloodline. In various clerics and clerks who had desire to a period of dramatic reformation. Early in the an emphasis on matters material and political, order to determine whether any two American record items such as names. The standard sixteenth century several Swiss theologians accompanied by an equal drop in the level of Studers are related by blood, one must follow spelling is S T U D E R, which is normally challenged the dominant Catholic Church. pious behavior of the papacy as a reason to the family genealogical line all the way back pronounced "stew derr" with the accent on the This lead to numerous adversary situations reform the church into one which more to the exact valley where the family first syllable. In both France and Italy the between theologians and the Church. closely met the needs of the common sinner. originated. This writer has himself met name is most often spelled the same but Simultaneously, the physical limitations of the These new religious ideas spread out from

Page 9 Zurich to include the cantons of Bern, Basel, ALSACE, FRANCE when the empire was divided among his establish a Pan-Germanic, Reich, or super- Glarus, St. Gallen, and many people were grandsons, Alsace was partitioned to a state, which was obviously to include Alsace- converted to Protestantism. Ruling lords and lsace is a province of France. Located German prince. It remained a German state Lorraine. When France was over run and barons were quick to embrace the new in the northeastern corner of the until the middle 1600's when it became part of occupied in 1939-40 by the German army, religion (probably to the chagrin of the Acountry, it borders on Germany, along France. In 1871 Bismarck, in his war to Alsace once again came under German scholarly men who had initiated the reforms), the Rhine River, to the east and with consolidate the German states, considered the dominance until it was liberated by Allied and immediately forced all of those within Switzerland to the southeast. Along with province one that rightfully belonged within forces in 1944-45. It remains part of France their sphere of influence to do likewise. Many Lorraine (its neighboring province to the the German sphere of influence and he to this day. families of simple folk had no need or desire northwest), Alsace has been an area of expended great energies in conquering it. to change the religion that had served them for considerable contention between France and Perhaps the primary reasons that this generations. They were suddenly faced with a famous region has been the subject of such dilemma that could rend the very fabric of fierce dispute and desire are its large amount their lives. Rather than abandon Rome and of natural resources and its broad range of her church, many of the Swiss poor chose to agricultural and industrial products. move to cantons which still allowed Catholic Geographically, the region is home to the worship or leave the country entirely. As a Vosges (Volzh) range of mountains, which run result many settled in Italy, Austria, Germany along the western edge of the Rhine River or the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France. Valley. Many Rhine tributaries run through the region, creating a series of valleys, each In the latter half of the century, for one or with their unique attributes. The mountains, perhaps both of the above reasons, possibly valleys and foothills teem with an abundance two families of Studers living in the northwest of lakes and trees, and are home to many corner of Switzerland (near the French game animals, such as deer and wild boar. boarder) decided to pull up their roots and Fishing and hunting are important to the local look for the proverbial greener pastures. They economy and also to the quality of life in the had heard of a small valley which branched area. Naturally, timber is a vital local off from the main Rhine River valley in the A map of the Alsatian area, highlighting the village of Oberbruck in Alsace, France. resource, as well as the mining of potash, coal, Alsace area of eastern France. This pretty Germany throughout the last century. Due to iron ore and salt. Alsace has long been valley was not very far away and was the strong influences from both cultures, over Alsace remained part of the expanded recognized as an important center for the surrounded by forest covered mountains with a duration of many years, both countries have German state for nearly fifty years, until manufacture of textiles. Along with these lakes, wild boar, deer and an abundance of felt justified in claiming the area as its own. Kaiser Wilhelm II and his forces were varied products the area also grows wheat, wild berries, herbs, and flowers. Because of Several wars have been fought between the defeated in the great war of 1913-18. rye, barley, oats and hops. the Great Black Plague of the early part of the two nations in the recent past, with the prize Although the war was not specifically Perhaps the most significant result century only eight people were left living in being the possession of this important region. fought over Alsace, when France was this little vale. There was fertile farmland asked what spoils of war they might of the unique blend of French and aplenty in this valley, just waiting to be settled The claims on Alsace go back many desire they quickly asked for Alsace- German influences,has been the and tilled once again. Verily this must have years, to the fourth and fifth centuries A.D., Lorraine, which they were granted development of an extensive wine seemed to be the Garden of Eden to the when Teutonic bands drove out the Celtic immediately. Unfortunately this peace making industry. Neither fully French oppressed Catholic farmers from Switzerland. tribes who lived in the area. Eventually the was once again short lived. The rise of the or German in style, it draws on the best With prayers and sweat the small band of region became part of the Holy Roman National Socialist party in Germany during elements of both, resulting in dessert wines of Studers made their way west Alsace.❦ Empire as it was consolidated under the early 1930's led to a renewed fervor great character and delicacy, both dry and Charlemagne in the late 700's. Years later, among Adolph Hitler and his cohorts to sweet, as well as table wines of both German

Page 10 and French varietals. The most famous of the Because of the presence of Swiss, (cherry), Duetsch (dark red plum), Mirabelle MASEVAUX VALLEY many varieties of Alsatian wines is the Austrian, German, and French cuisine's, the (small yellow plum), Marc (grape), and Poire ARE ALL COUSINS incredibly dry and fruity Muscat. It far food of Alsace is every bit as varied and d'Alsace (pear). surpasses other wines from this grape, which interesting as the wine. Primarily influenced According to a study made by M. Andre can be much too heavy and sweet, by classic French cuisine the food of Alsace is It is said by seasoned travelers Studer, professor of history at the College of burying the rich fruit qualities of prepared with the utmost care. Specialties of throughout the world that the Alsatian people Kingersheim and originally form Kirchberg, this well known dessert wine. the region include Tourte de la Valle'e de truly know the harmony of good food, wine the Studers of Masevaux Valley should all be Alsatian Reislings are also Meunster, a rich, oven baked, puff pastry and liqueur. They are admired for their ability cousins. substantially drier and more stuffed with meunster cheese. There is also to enjoy life to its fullest. This love of life in A perusal of parish and civil records delicate than their German Tarte Flambe'e/Flammekuedie or onion the face of constant political turmoil makes resulted in determining that all the Studers counterparts, perhaps because tart, which is a tasty pastry Alsace and its people a symbol of hope and actually living in the valley, descending from of the unique growing filled with onions and lean fortitude. It is a country where good living is the same ancestor, Jacob Studer, of Rimbach, conditions of the area. The bacon. The game of the more important than just about anything. married in 1647, survivor from the Thirty Pinot Blanc is excellent with region dominates local Behind Alsaces invitation lies promise, so Year War. The Studer name appears in the Hors d'oeuvres and the Tokay is dishes. Local fish, such as many reasons for accepting, so much that first parish registers, at the end of the 16the full bodied and strong. The wine pike, perch, trout and fresh commands surrender. Century, which confirms the belief that they that is perhaps most closely associated water salmon from the The Studer name has been a part of the were immigrants coming to live in the valley with Alsace is Gewurtztraminer (Gaverts Rhine are prepared in Reisling history of Alsace since the late 1500's when after that war. trameener). As the name hints this wine is the sauces ie. Truite au bleu made with butter and the first Studers left their native Switzerland result of the hybridization of a French grape almonds. ham with spring asparagus, chicken looking for the promise of a new land and a Jacob Studer had four children, 23 great- and a German. It yields a spicy, light bodied in Reisling, pheasant with sauerkraut, saddle new day. Over the last 400 years they have grand children, of which seven were boys who yet slightly sweet and fruity wine that is a of venison, suckling pig and liver dumplings, suffered through the hardships of both war in turn had 60 children. Actually in the 12th delight with salads and desserts. as well as a variety of pates and homemade and revolution. or 13th generation, there are several hundred royal sauerkraut use the abundant local Studers descending from Jacob. In Rimbach The wine industry of Alsace is centered They have shared in resources in a special and delicious way. alone during the 19th century, you can find along the well known Route du Vin (wine the many wonderful Munster/Meunster cheese, with its soft and 300 entries of births, marriages and deaths road) which runs for 75 miles through the aspects of living in delicate flavor is a local tradition. Many concerning this family. Entries are well foothills of the Vosges. It runs past the ruins the beautiful Alsatians enjoy a Kugelkopf cake, flavored enough numerous at Oberbruck since 1743, of medieval castles, through vineyards shot countryside of with dark red plums (quetsch) or a cherry Sewen (1747), Kirchber (1792), and Dolleren with autumn colors, and picturesque flower Alsace. Some (kirsch) souffle as the perfect finish for the (the first Studer arrived during the decked towns and villages. Traveling along stayed, some left, perfect meal. Revolution). the Route du Vin affords one many excellent generations were born, raised, married, begot, lived and died. Our Alsatian ancestors are and vistas over Alsatian plains stretching to the In Alsace there is a law which allows its In these documents you can find several were a hardy, courageous people and every Black Forest on the horizon. All of these senior citizens the right to make their own interesting events concerning the population member of this tall and majestic Studer family wonders combine to attract many visitors schnapps and liquors. They are distilled using of the centuries past: big families of ten or tree of many branches should be proud that its from the world over, who come to sample the traditional rural and familial methods, more; a high infant mortality; high hopes for roots extend deep into Alsatian soil.❦ wide variety of Alsatian wines and utilizing the fruits, berries and herbs which are the feeble; practice of in-breeding (marriages gastronomic specialties while drinking in the grown locally, many coming wild from the with the Ringenbach, Bindler, Ebert, Behra, "An English Translation Of abject beauty with which God has bestowed pastures and mountain slopes. There are over Kessler, Holstein); professions related to land French Newspaper Article" this magical land. twenty common varieties of the Eaux de vie (more day workers than proprietors); and the (water of life) in Alsace, the most well know THE STUDERS OF THE wood workers, also some artists (shoemakers of which are: Framboise (raspberry), Kirsch and tailors), and a school master... Page 11 In brief, a world of modest people actual walking distance, and nearly every one Jean Georges (born in 1801), Joseph Antoine breakthrough in establishing the correct leading an existence much more precarious of them has a textile mill. This area has (born in 1802), Nicolas (born in 1803), Anne location of our heritage in Europe. Note: "We than ours.❦ survived wars involving France, Germany, Marie (born in 1805), Jean Javier (born in of the Joseph and Catherine line are Austria, Hungary and 1807), Emile (born in 1808), Florine (born in descendants of Amandus (Aime) who is Russia. It became a textile 1810) and Helene (born in 1811). Florine and Sebastians son, from his second wife Anna center of West Central Helene died 9 and 8 days after their respective Marie Fritz. Europe as well as home to a births and Anna Maria herself passed on a large foundry and steel mill. mere 36 days after the birth of her last child The late eighteenth and It is also home to numerous Helene on March 30th, 1811. early nineteenth centuries families of Studers. Possibly Anna Maria were a time of great Documents found at Sewen died from a turmoil, upheaval and parish including baptismal, combination of grief hardship in France and nuptial and funeral records and childbearing over the European are among the oldest in the complications. Modern continent in general. valley. These records doctors would probably The revolutions in the indicate that the Studer have advised her against New World, the name first appeared in the the final pregnancy after continuing wars with valley in 1591. The "first" the death of Florine but England and the never Studer names to appear in this was the early years of ending descent into these records were, Joannes the nineteenth century and decadence of the Sr., Joannes Jr., (whose medicine was a crude French monarchy, middle name was Jacobus) science at best. Sebastian all in the face of and Jacobus, who was the married once again on famine and son of Joannes Jr. From October 18, 1813 to Anna economic collapse, led France through these families and their Marie Fritz, again in Oberbruck. Sebastian her own revolution. Unlike America, which progeny the Studer name obviously took great pleasure in impregnating was able to effectively "retool" a democracy and blood line spread women named Anna Marie, as this couple had when it faced its own collapse, France's throughout the valley and seven children of their own. Two of whom republic became dominated by the military beyond. died at early ages. Their children were: which led to the formation of a totalitarian The home of Sebastian Studer, Oberbruck. Two cousins stand outside the door. Florine (born in 1814), Amandus (Aime empire under the dictator Napoleon. Years of The Studers of the Doller born in 1815), Catherine (born in 1819), warfare and the ensuing rape of the land valley had large families. Of these families Therese (born in 1823) and Augustin (born in accompanied by disease and famine brought a The Studer name one in particular stands out. Joannes Antonius 1825). Catherine, as her half-sisters before dark cloud over much of France and Europe Studer and his bride Maria Negelin. Joannes her, died only 8 months after her birth. from which many sought to escape. By the appears in France: 1591 was a cobbler in the village of Oberbruck and 1830's and the 1840's the emigration of large one of his son was named Sebastian. numbers of Europeans to the Americas had he church of Sewen (the oldest church Sebastian was raised and educated in the little The "Certificate" begun in earnest. in the parish) serves the villages at the village. As a young man he joined his father very end of the Doller River valley. It The above is a certified copy of the birth T in the business of shoemaking. Sebastian It was during this period of depression also serves the Roman Catholics in the small certificate of Amandus (Aime) Studer. It was married Anna Maria Ringenbach on the 9th of that the young Amandus Studer came into villages of Oberbruck, Dollern, Rimbach, obtained in Oberbruck Alsace France, on the June, 1800 in Oberbruck. They were blessed manhood. Amandus, as well as his half- Ermansbach, Kirchberg and Wegsheid. These 11th of October in 1977 by Richard E. (Dick) with nine children: Sebastian Jr. (born 1800), brother Sebastian Jr. and half sister Anne Alsatian towns are very close together, within and Evie Studer. This was our most important Page 12 Marie, became cobblers as had their father impressions, happy ones and unhappy ones, four days a week, in a factory. The mother and grandfather before them. Amandus remain in our memory. Dear brother and took from somebody five small pieces of married Francisca Bollinger of Sopp-le-haut sister-in-law, I wish you a very happy new wood (firewood) which were worth a small (a nearby village) on September 11, 1843. year, I wish you in this the new year health, amount of money. The people reported her to Sebastian Sr., his father, had died two years contentment, patience in suffering and if the the police and she got consequently a penalty earlier and Amandus and his new bride were Lord God decides to call us up, which easily of four weeks in prison. Also they owed three faced with a bleak future. Franciscas' uncle, could happen, peace in heaven. However I months rent to a Jew who auctioned off their Nicholas Dietrich, had left for a far away will pray to God that he still will grant you furniture to recover the money. Consequently place called St. Agatha in Ontario, Canada. many years. The same I wish your children the mother did not know what to do and went There he homesteaded land and wrote to his (the end of the first written page) although out of her mind. On the 15 November in the family (in the old country) of the wondrous most of them did not write to me yet nor gave morning after the husband left for work the opportunities available to those willing to me any sign of their friendship. I remember mother took her children, one after the other brave dangerous travel and work hard in the you daily in my prayers and ask the dear to a room and cut their throats with a razor new world. Amandus and Francisca chose to mother of God (Mary) to protect you. I also knife and finally did the same to herself. The face a decision that would change their lives Sister Cesaree, a Fransican Nursing Nun who pray that your whole family will be blessed woman was pregnant too and therefor and the lives of countless others forever.❦ belonged to the order of Saint Sauveur in Overbronn, and don't forget to raise your children in committed sevenfold murder. What made this Alsace, France. Sister Cesaree was born on March Christ's Catholic religion and make sure they 1823 in Oberbruck, Alsace, France to Sebastian Studer woman do this awful deed? Distress and and Anna Marie Fritz. She entered the convent on learn how to pray. I myself am healthy again misery certainly were contributing factors but Amandus and Francisca December 8, 1853 and made her perpetual vows on and am able to work again. God be praised. lack of faith in Christ also were involved June 30, 1867. She died May 12, 1893 in Saint Oh how happy one is if one can even in old because for years she neglected here duties make a change Amarin, Alsace, Haut Rhin, France. She was a sister age fulfill ones responsibilities. About our towards religion and became dependent on of Amandus (Aime) Studer. Her given name was family I cannot tell you much. As far as I alcohol which let her (end of third page) fall mandus and Francisca Studer made Therese Studer. the decision to go to the Canada know they are all healthy, I only know that into the abyss of eternal damnation. She sometime in 1846 or 1847. They August who lives in Bordeaux was sick and could have asked for help and one would have A of Caroline his sister I have not heard in a helped. But lack of faith and the wretched would leave behind Amandus' mother, his THE LETTER brothers, sisters and many friends, (his father long time. alcohol were instrumental in her undoing. This is a translation of the letter that Sebastian had died in 1841). Therese (Amandus' sister) wrote to Amandus. I am curious to know whether you have I hope to hear soon of you and your Just before they left on their journey, We are assuming that this is the last contact or recovered from the influenza, which occurred children. Tell them if I would not be so old I Amandus' mother Anna Maria, gave them a communication between Alsatian and in some orders but nobody died of it. Your would come personally to wish them a happy bible. This bible had been hand made by American Studers since the letter was sent to wife is O.K. too I hope. We here in the Elsass New Year. One hears often that people travel Anna Maria's brother George Fritz. It was Amandus in America. It was dated December did not have a bad year. The fruits grew well from Elsass to America just as one travelled in inscribed with a message written in German, 10, 1890 post marked St. Amarin. It wasn't as did the wine. One is content since the earlier times to Paris. until 1978 that Richard Studer made contact prices did not go up. Yet there are daily things by Amandus' sister, Therese. Therese was a I will now end my letter. I hope you once again with our European cousins. brought about by want and laziness. You nun of the Franciscan order. She wrote in the remain healthy and well and don't forget to bible "Goodbye and good luck to my brother" probably know (the end of the second page) Dear brother and sister-in-law: remember me in your prayers. (And should I it was dated March 8th, 1847. Pause for a the town or village of Oderen or Marrahilf. there lived a poor family, the husband Arnold die before you remember my poor soul moment and recall the reference to a bible Since we again approach the end of the old 30 years old, his wife 28 years old with five because I have almost nobody but you left in with an inscription. This is indeed the year and soon start the new year, I present to children, the oldest 9 and the youngest one this world). At the time it is very cold here, said same bible. you, my most precious on earth, my best year old. The father had to go to the army for during the last 14 days much snow has fallen. heartfelt wishes. Again a year disappeared in a couple of weeks, came back and worked for Otherwise the fall was very nice weather wise. the ocean of eternity and only the strongest Page 13 I don't know what more to write, I greet you a homestead in that city. St. Agatha was a emigrated from France and was settled in St. all through the holy heart of Jesus and Mary Two Courageous people small colony of German speaking peoples, Agatha with her husband, August Bruxer. and remain your loyal sister unto death. ittle is known of how Amandus and many from the Alsace and Lorraine regions of Perhaps the uncle, Nicolas Dietrich, Francisca accomplished their passage France. Located Northwest of Toronto the persuaded both sisters to take a risk and Soeur Cesaree (her signature) Lto Canada. All we are certain of is that colony was, according to the 1967 St. Agatha emigrate to Canada. they arrived in St. Agatha, Ontario, Canada, centennial book, started by groups of Amish There is no doubt that it is Therese who is Each of Amandus' and Francisca's ten soon after crossing the Atlantic. We are and Mennonite farmers escaping religious writing to Amandus. She at 67 and he 75! children were born while the family resided in ❦ presuming that upon arrival, they sought out persecution in 1824-26. She writes well, such a letter! Canada. In order of birth they were: August Francisca's uncle, Nicolas Dietrich, who had (born in 1848), several years earlier started

We believe this to be the first home of Amie and Francisca in St Agatha, Canada.

These farmers were soon followed by a large Joseph (born in 1850), Ignatius (Nate, born in number of Catholics such as the Studers, who 1851), Theresa (born in 1853), Maria Agatha were searching for the same sort of religious (born in 1855), Nicholas (born in 1856), freedoms. Here, census records indicate that Amandus Jr. (born in 1858), Gregory (born in the Studers resided at Erbs Road, lot #5, 1860), Margaret (born in 1862), and Frank M., Wilmont township, in a two story house. (born in 1866). During this period in Ontario they may It is believed that the Studers had always have lived at another address which is not harbored a desire to go to the United States. known. Also found in the above mentioned Several of their children were approaching records, are references to a Fritz family that marrying age and the U.S. civil war was over. Amandus and Francisca Studer, the courageous travelers from Europe. may or may not have been related to Because of strong religious beliefs and Amandus' mother. Also mentioned was concerns regarding the mixing of faiths, it Francisca's sister, Agatha Bollinger, who had Page 14 became apparent that the family's "door" to those two households. Theresa married a For reasons unknown the two families of The obituaries are taken directly from newspapers emigrate to the vital land of opportunity was gentleman named George Spengler, who German speaking French pioneers moved closing rapidly. If they hoped to keep their evidently had no sisters. Joseph married themselves, once again, West. About 1882 Obituary of family intact and fruitful in faith they would someone he had undoubtedly know most of they arrived in the Wesley and St. Benedict, Amandus Studer, SR. need to move on. With the reality of time life, Catherine, the daughter of Nazarus and Iowa area. These two small farming pressure clear in their minds the Studers Aurelia Hoffer. They were married on communities are located west of Mason City July 9, 1904 aged resident passed away. gathered the clan together and prepared for the January 21, 1872. near Algona in northcentral Iowa. It was here, Amandus Studer, Sr., who moved to town second major move of their lives.❦ three years ago is dead at the age of 89 years, after almost a year of suffering from a complication of diseases. The end came Friday night and the funeral services were Amandus moves his held Monday morning at the Schillermoeller Family to America of Wesley attended by Rev. Erdman. The remains being laid to rest in the family lot. n about 1868 or 1869 Amandus, Francisca and their ten children made The deceased was born at Oberbruck, Itheir way from Ontario to the small France, November 5, 1815 where he was farming community of Lena, Illinois. There married to Francis Bollinger in the year 1844. were many German speaking people in the They came to America in 1846, settling in vicinity and one hypothesis offers that some Canada. In 1869 they moved to Illinois and earlier immigrants from the St. Agatha area six years later to Iowa. The past three years had informed them of the opportunities in this he has resided in Wesley, living across the region. Hence forth the move to Lena, Illinois Pioneer farming at its best. Note: Three steers, One mule and One horse comprise the team. street from his son Nathan. He was the father which is located just northwest of Freeport in of 10 children, nine of whom survive him-six the northwest corner of Illinois. It is believed Perhaps it was the promise of greener in the midst of some of the most glorious farm sons and three daughters: August of Sexton, that the Studers were accompanied on their pastures or simply wanderlust, but after land on the planet, that the families settled on Joseph of St. Cloud, MN, Frank of St. journey by Franciscas' cousin, Aurelia approximately five years the Studer and a mostly permanent basis. The remainder of Benedict, Nathan, Amandus, Jr., Gregory and (Heaner) (she was an adopted child) Dietrich Hoffer families undertook another move. In Amandus and Franciscas' children married Mrs. George Spengler of Wesley, Mrs. Peter and her husband Nazarus Hoffer, along with the year 1873 or 1874 they moved to the and settled in the Wesley, Corwith and St. Paul of Lena, Il., and Mrs. Frank Immerfall of their children. Nazarus had also been a Ackley, Iowa area and resumed farming. Benedict areas. They did considerable Avon, MN., all being present at the funeral cobbler in St. Agatha and the two families services. Ackley is located midway between begetting and by the early 1900's the Studers were very close. After the move to Lena, the Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Fort Dodge in were both numerous in number and in acreage He led an upright Christian life and was Studers made a change in their lifestyle and central Iowa. This time the move did not of rich farm land, much of this land remains in much devoted to his church. All who had the began farming. ❦ include the entire family as Mary, Theresa and the family to this day. pleasure of his acquaintance could be counted Four of the Studer children were married their husbands remained in the Lena and Amandus and Franciscas lived what we can as friends and this was shown by the large during the time period that the family lived in Freeport areas. Records show that Amandus' only hope to be rich and satisfying lives. The funeral procession, there being 57 teams in Lena. August married Mary Margaret Paul son Joseph owned a farm in Ackley and that following are the obituaries of both Amandus line. and his sister Mary (Maria Agatha) married five of his children were born while living and Francisca. These obituaries were taken Almost 61 years he and his devoted wife Mary Margarets brother, Peter Paul. Ignatius there. Very little else is know about the life of from the text of newspapers of the area and walked together life's way in the bonds of also married during this time period. There the two families during the eight or nine years are typed in exactly as they were typed in the wedlock, mutually sharing its joys and its must have been quite a path trod between that they farmed this part of Iowa. original newspaper of the time. sorrow, its successes and its disappointments, Page 15