Wilhelm (William) HILLGAERTNER (HILGÄRTNER)
Birth:
20 Oct 1854
Kesselbach, Londorf, Großherzogtum Hessen-Darmstadt
Death:
15 Nov 1929
Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Burial:
1925
Hunt (Porter) Cemetery, Hunt Woods, Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Marriage:
3 Nov 1883
Evangelische Zion Kirche, Burlington, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Father:
Mother:
Notes:
1895 Iowa State Census of Des Moines Co, Burlington Twnshp:
Dwelling 4850 (On Hunt Road)
William Hillgardner, age 40, born Germany, Farmer, Lutheran, subject to military duty, entitled to vote at general elections
Louisa Hillgardner, age 32, born Germany, keeping house, Lutheran
Elisebeth Hillgarner, age 10, born Des Moines Co, Iowa
Maria Hillgarner, age 9, born Des Moines Co, Iowa
Charles Hillgardner, age 3, born Des Moines Co, Iowa
Laura Hillgardner, age 5, born Des Moines Co, Iowa
Bertha Hillgardner, age 1, born Des Moines Co, Iowa
From: guenther.hilgartner@deinf.mail.abb.com
To: lhilgert@amwaw.edu.pl
cc: mwhil@earthlink.net
Subject: Hilgartner
Hello Hildegartis
I got a call from my sister and she got a letter from Polen regarding Hilgartner.
Let me give you in a summary my knowledge of the of the name and of the history of my family.
At the time I am the oldest within our family tree. My family comes from Bavaria. That means in generally South Germany or Austria or today a part of Czechslovakia.
150 years ago a part of Austria, a part of Bavaria and a part of Czechslovakia (Böhmerwald) was united under Bavaria. My family came exactly from Gansau in the Böhmerwald (today a part of Czechslovakia) and had to left this part of Bavaria after the 2nd war when the Russian Army occupied this area.
My father Johann (* 1909) was
the oldest son from Johann (* 1882) and we was
the oldest son from Martin and he was
the oldest son from Math us and he was
the oldest son from Johann (* 1760).
Since 1920 one part of our family is living in Austria and the tree is living in Bavaria. Our family has very good connections to Austria.
I left Bavaria 10 years ago and have a nice house in Rheinland Pfalz (wine area), which was 100 years ago also a part of Bavaria.
What we don`t know is where did Johann`s father come:
Did he come from South Tirol (before 1918 a part from Austria and today Italy) or did he come from Hessen near Darmstadt in Germany?
(The family of Robert Hilgartner in the US was located near Darmstadt. I wrote Robert by e-mail many times but I am without any answer. Do you know Robert ? In the US there are more than 200 Hilgartner).
That`s in a short way the history of my family.
_____________________________________________________________
Let me give you some information about the name of Hilgartner without my family.
Generally the family names were born in 1200 an comes from the Germanic word HILDEGARD which means: Sch tzerin des Kampfes (the security patron for the fight).
Since 1200 you can find names like:
1279 Henricus maritus Hildegardis
1322 Heinrich Hildegard der Alte
1298 Henricus filius Henrici Hildegartis
1334 Ludwig Hildegerter
1368 Henrich Hillgerter
1514 Hennchen Hildegarth
1579 Adam Hilgartt
and similar
1640
Johann Hilgartner from Kesselbach in Hessen
other names today are Hildengart, Hilgarten, Hilg rtner, Hillgartner, Hillgärtner
I have much more information regarding the name. What I am missing is the history of my familiy before 1700 What I am also missing are the names of the brothers Martin and Matthaus and where did they go.
I am willing to share all the information with you.
I hope to hear something from you.
Best regards,
Günther Hilgartner *1940 in Gansau Böhmerwald (today Czechslovakia)
He died in the home of his daughter, Luise Krekel, at 12129 Augusta Road, Union Township, Burlington, IA.
Burlington Hawk-Eye, 16 Nov 1929
75-Year-Old Farmer Dies After Long Illness, Funeral Sunday 2 P.M.
William Hillgartner, 75, Des Moines county farmer, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. A. G. Krekel, two miles west of town on the lower Augusta road, yesterday morning. He had been in poor health for several years.
Mr. Hillgartner was born in Kasselbauck, Germany, October 20, 1854, and came here from Germany 46 years ago. He was married to Miss Louise Roemer November 5, 1883.
He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. A. G. Krekel and Mrs. William Whorton, both of Burlington, and Mrs. A. B. Jackson of Omaha, Neb.; one son, Carl Hillgartner of Burlington, and eight grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 P.M. from the home of his daughter, Mrs. Krekel. Interment will be in Porter cemetery.
Londorf (Climbach) Geburts Protocoll (Birth and Baptism)
Microfilm #1201525
Geburts Protocol 1858-1867
1854, No. 114, page 403 - Wilhelm Hillgärtner
In the year of Christ one thousand eight hundred fifty-four, born on the twentieth of October around two o'clock in the morning, after credible notification presented here (or "after proper banns"- nach geschehener glaubhafter Anzeige), in Beuern to the Church Office in Londorf (Pfarrai Londorf, Wilhelm Hillgärtner, Citizen (Ortsbürger) and stonemason (Maurer) in Kesselbach, with his legal wife (Ehefrau) Philippina neé Grieb, the first child, a son, was born, and on the twenty-ninth of October was baptized and given the name
Wilhelm
Witnesses/Sponsors:
1) Wilhelm Römer, (son) of the young Heinrich Römer, Citizen and farmer (Ackermann) of Allertshausen, Kesselbach
2) Margaretha Hillgärtner, (daughter) of Caspar Hillgärtner, Citizen and farmer of Allertshausen, with his wife Elisabeth neé Schäfer ...following the Protocoll with the father and me, the pastor (Pfarrer), have signed our names.
(Kesselbach is a village about two miles east of Climbach. Allertshausen is a village less than a mile southeast of Climbach.)
Wilhelm undoubtedly came to Burlington because he already knew of the area from cousins and others in the Londorf-Rabenau area whose kin had previously emigrated to Iowa. The 1890 Census shows his first cousin living in the Rock Spring area of Union Township:
House 160, Family 162 - Hillgardner, John. *Nov 1837 Germany; emigrated 1862. Wife Lucinda, *Feb 1838 Iowa. Children - Edwin L, * Feb 1873; Clara L., *Nov 1875.
Others from the Londorf-Rabenau region already in Des Moines County were:
The History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Containing a History of the County, its Cities, Towns, Etc. Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1879.
Hillgartner, Wm.
far., S. 6; P.O. Burlington
Mr. Hillgartner is a native of Germany, born in 1835; emigrated to the United States in 1855; settled in this county the same year. Married Miss Elizabeth Magel, of this township; she was born in 1840; were married in 1862; have seven children - Mary A., Lizzie M., Henry Edward, Charley Sibert, Katie Augusta, Clara Louisa and William Julius. Mr. H. Is Republican; members of the Evangelical Church; he owns 175 acres of land, well stocked and improved.
Microfilm 1195988
Londorf Kirchenbuch
Gebohrne im Jahre 1835
S. 642, Nr. 62
On 12 June 1835 at about midday four o'clock, to Johann Balthasar Hilgärtner,citizen and farmer in Kesselbach, and his wife Catharina geb. Strack of Weitershain, a son was born, the third child and second son, and on the 20th of the same month was baptized and given the name Wilhelm. Taufpathen: Wilhelm Strack, son of Johann Heinrich Strack of Weitershain, the mother's brother.
MAGEL, S.
far., S. 11; P. O. Burlington; an old resident of this county; native of Germany; born in 1812; emigrated to this country in 1835; same fall came to this county; the settlements at that time were few and far between; Burlington but a small village. Mr. M. married Miss Mary Lee; she was born in Germany; came to Burlington in 1834, where they were married; have ten children living: William, Elizabeth, Henry, Charles, Conrad, Peter, Mary, Margaret, Theodore and Benjamin. Members of the Lutheran Church; Mr. M. is a Democrat. Owns 165 acres of land and several thousand dollars' worth of city and other property; he has worked diligently and planned wisely for what he has gained, and in the success which has crowned his efforts he feels amply compensated for all his labors; he is social in nature and highly esteemed as a neighbor and citizen.
Mary Lee was probably Mary Lich. There are Lichs buried in Hunt's Cemetery, and Lichs living in Union Township today confirm that some of the early emigrants changed the name to "Lee" wich Americans could more easily pronounce. Lich is a common surname in the Londorf-Rabenau parish area.
Microfilm 1195988
Londorf Kirchenbuch
Gebohrne im Jahre 1812
S. 306, Nr. 3
On 5 January 1812 at about nine in the morning, to Siebert Magel, citizen and farmer of Gelshausen and his wife Catharina geb. ______, the fourth child, a son, the second son, and on the 8th of the same month was baptized and given the name Siebert. Taufpathen: 1. Seibert Magel, single legitimate son of Johannes Magel, citizen and farmer of Ruddingshausen; 2. Anna Maria Magelin, single legitimate daughter of juror Wilhelm Magel of Ruddingshausen.
Another Hilgärtner living in Union Township was:
House 148, Family 158 - Hillgardner, Caspar, *Sep 1847 Germany; emigrated 1870. Wife Mary, *Jun 1858 Iowa. Children - Ida B, *Jan 1886; Minnie, *Jan 1890.
National Archives Passenger Lists
FHC Microfilm 1027025
Ship S.S. Plantyn, Ship's Master Robert Scott
Antwerp to New York
Arr. 4 Aug 1882
Hillgartner, W., age 28, Germany, workman, Steerage
PLANTYN
The "Plantyn" was built in 1879 by A.Stephen & Sons, Glasgow for the Belgian company, Engels Line. She was a 2,328 gross ton ship, length 320.3ft x beam 36ft, straight stem, one funnel, three masts (rigged for sail), iron construction, single screw and a speed of 10 knots. Launched on 17 Sept 1879, she left Glasgow on her maiden voyage to New York and Antwerp on 1 Oct 1879. On 27 Nov 1879 she commenced her first Antwerp - New York voyage for the Engels/White Cross Line joint service. Her last voyage from Antwerp to New York commenced 19 Oct 1883 and she was abandoned at sea while on passage from New York to Antwerp. Most of her passengers and crew were saved by the Jersey brigantine "G.D.T." and she sank the same day. [North Atlantic Seaway by N.R.P.Bonsor, vol.3, p.996]
According to the _New York Times_, the Belgian steamship PLANTYN, Capt. Scott, arrived at New York on 3 August 1882, from Antwerp 20 July 1882, with merchandise and passengers, to Funch, Edye & Co.
The steamship PLANTYN was built by A. Stephen & Sons, Glasgow, for the Engels Line, of Belgium, and was launched on 17 September 1879. 2,328 tons; 97,62 x 10,97 meters/320.3 x 36 feet (length x breadth); straight bow, 1 funnel, 3 masts; iron construction, screw propulsion, service speed 10 knots.
17 September 1879, maiden voyage, Glasgow-New York-Antwerp. 27 November 1879, first voyage, Antwerp-New York, in Engels Line-White Cross Line joint service. 19 October 1883, last voyage, Antwerp-New York. 6 December 1883, bound from New York for Antwerp, abandoned at sea with the loss of approximately 10 lives; sank the same day [Noel Reginald Pixell Bonsor, _North Atlantic Seaway; An Illustrated History of the Passenger Services Linking the Old World with the New_ (2nd ed.; Jersey, Channel
Islands: Brookside Publications), vol. 2 (1978), pp. 821, 823, and 825; vol. 3 (1979), pp. 995 and 996-997; vol. 5 (1980), p. 1891].
William Hillgaertner and Luise Römer entered the United States through Castle Garden. More than a dozen forts were built to defend New York Harbor at the time of the War of 1812. The Southwest Battery was constructed on the rocks off the tip of Manhattan Island between 1808 and 1811. Although fully armed and staffed, the fort never had occasion to fire upon an enemy. In 1817, the fort was renamed Castle Clinton in honor of DeWitt Clinton, Mayor of New York City.
The army vacated the fort in 1821 and the structure was deeded to New York City in 1823. In the summer of 1824, a new restaurant and entertainment center opened at the site, now called Castle Garden. A roof was added in the 1840s and Castle Garden served as an opera house and theater until 1854.
On 3 August 1855, Castle Garden, now leased to New York State, opened as an immigrant landing depot. During the next 34 years, over 8 million people entered the United States through Castle Garden, until it was closed on 18 April 1890.
1895 Iowa State Census of Des Moines Co, Union Twnshp:
Dwelling 4850 (On Hunt Road)
Willam Hillgardner, age 40, born Germany, Farmer, Lutheran, subject to military duty, entitled to vote at general elections
Louisa Hillgardner, age 32, born Germany, keeping house, Lutheran
Elisebeth Hillgarner, age 10, born Des Moines Co, Iowa
Maria Hillgarner, age 9, born Des Moines Co, Iowa
Charles Hillgardner, age 3, born Des Moines Co, Iowa
Laura Hillgardner, age 5, born Des Moines Co, Iowa
Bertha Hillgardner, age 1, born Des Moines Co, Iowa
Anna Luisa (Louise) RÖMER
Birth:
9 May 1862
Climbach, Londorf, Großherzogtum Hessen-Darmstadt
Death:
13 Sep 1913
Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Burial:
17 Sep 1913
Hunt (Porter) Cemetery, Hunt Woods, Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Father:
Mother:
Notes:
Evangelische St. Lucas Gemeinde, Burlington, Ia
Kirchenbuch II, 332
Hillgärtner, Louise geb. Römer. Died 12 Sep, buried 17 Sep in Porter's Cemetery (Hunts). Age 51-4-4. Ps 39,8. (There is no record of their grave in Porter's Cemetery.)
Burlington Hawk-Eye 16 Sept 1913
Mrs.Wm. Hillgaertner
Mrs. Louise Hillgaertner passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. B. Jackson, No. 523 South Tenth Street, after an illness of nine months, Monday morning. Louise Roemer was born in Germany May 9, 1862, and had long been a resident of this county, the husband being one of the progressive, successful farmers of Flint River Township (sic: this is wrong, as they lived on Hunt Road in Union Township. Another William Hillgaertner, not closely related, farmed in Flint River Township.). The good woman was held in the highest esteem by a wide circle of friends in the city and the county. She is survived by the husband, William Hillgaertner, and the following children: Mrs. A. B. Jackson, of this city; Mrs. A. G. Krekel, of Fairmount, Neb.; Miss Bertha and Carl and John Hillgaertner, at home; also three sisters, Mrs. Fred Scheihing and Mrs. Carl Scheihing, of Oklahoma, and Mrs. Henry Westphalen, of Scribner, Neb.
The funeral will take place from the A. B. Jackson home, No. 523 South Tenth street, at 1:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. The Rev. Carl Schieb of the St. Lucas Church, will officiate and friends are invited to these services.
Reportedly buried in this cemetery, though there is no trace of the grave.
Londorf (Climbach) Geburts Protocoll (Birth and Baptism)
Microfilm #1201525
Geburts Protocol 1858-1867
1862, No. 20, page 426 - Luisa Römer
In the year of Christ one thousand eight hundred sixty two, on the ninth of May in the evening around eight o'clock, after credible notification presented here (or "after proper banns"- nach geschehener glaubhafter Anzeige) in Climbach, a branch (filial, affiliated church/chapel) belonging to the (combined, joint) parish here, of Balthaser Römer, Citizen(Ortsbürger) and farmer (Ackermann), himself with his legal wife (Ehefrau) Barbara neé Weller, the second child, the second daughter was born, and was baptized the eighteenth of the same month and given the name
Luisa
Witnesses/Sponsors:
1) Wilhelm Heuß, (son) of Jacob Heuß, Citizen and farmer of Beuern in County (Kreis) Giessen, legitimate unmarried son; and
2) Katharina Weller, (daughter) of Balthaser Weller, Citizen of Wieseck and forester (Flurschützer) of Badenburg by Giessen, legitimate unmarried daughter, following the Protocoll the father of the child and I, the pastor (Pfarrer), have signed our names.
In the 1900 Census of Union Township, Des Moines Co, 18 Jun 1900, Sheet 74-23-9A (341).William Hillgardner and his wife Louise are living in House No. 178, Family No. 188 in the ennumeration. In this record the date of emigration for both William and Louise is 1882.
Germans to America, Vol. 43
May 1882 - August 1882
National Archives Passenger Lists
FHC Microfilm 1027022
Ship W A Scholten (Master's name illegible)
Rotterdam to New York
Arr: 3 Jun 1882
Römer, Anna, age 24, Germany, Steerage
W. A. SCHOLTEN
The steamship W. A. SCHOLTEN was built by Robert Napier & Sons, Glasgow, for Nederlandsche-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (Holland America Line) and launched on 16 February 1874. 2,529 tons; 106,98 x 11,64 meters/351 x 38.2 feet (length x breadth); clipper bow, 1 funnel, 3 masts; iron construction, screw propulsion, service speed 10 knots; accommodation for 50 1st-class passengers, and 600 in steerage. 16 May 1874, maiden voyage, Rotterdam-Plymouth-New York. 18 November 1887, sailed from Rotterdam; 19 November 1887, sunk in collision with the British steamship ROSA MARY in the English Channel, with the loss of 132 lives [Noel Reginald Pixell Bonsor, North Atlantic Seaway; An Illustrated History of the Passenger Services Linking the Old World with the New (2nd ed.; Jersey, Channel Islands: Brookside Publications), vol. 3 (1979), p. 909 (pictured on p. 886).
According to Nathaniel Anderson of Burlington, Iowa, Wilhelm's and Louisa's great-great-grandson, the family tradition is that Wilhelm Hillgärtner and Louisa Römer left Climbach in 1872 because they were in love, wanted to get married, and his father Wilhelm Hilgärtner, a prosperous stonemason of Kesselbach, disapproved of Wilhelm marrying Louisa, who was from a poor Römer family in Climbach. So they got some money together and separately left for America, headed for Iowa where Wilhelm already had relatives living and farming amidst a sizeable Londorf-Rabenau emigrant colony in Union Township.
Among these, Wilhelm's first cousin Johannes (John G.) Hillgärtner was already there, having emigrated 1 March 1858 from Paris. He was a successful farmer in the Rock Spring area of Union Township. He and his wives, Louisa and Lucinda Helmick (twins), are buried in Rock Spring Cemetery.
Children
Marriage
1
Birth:
20 Aug 1884
Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Death:
9 Jul 1949
Des Moines Co, Iowa
Notes:
Nathaniel Anderson, great-grandson of Lizzie Hillgaertner Krekel writes:
Arthur Krekel was born in the same vicinity as my great-grandmother, Luisa Römer Hillgärtner. His family had been from the Burlington area, but they were living in Nebraska at the time of his birth. Then they moved back to Burlington after Arthur's mother was frightened by a band of Indians who came to the home wanting food on a day when her husband, Arthur's father, was not there. When Mr. Krekel returned, he found his wife and children loaded in a wagon with the family possessions, the team hitched and ready to go. After telling her husband about the Indians, she said, "The children and I are going back to Burlington. You can come if you want to."
Thus Arthur met and married Lizzie in 1909. They immediately moved to Nebraska to rent land owned by Art's parents, and both their children were born there. So it was that my grandmother spent her early childhood in Nebraska until her family again returned to Burlington in 1924, moving directly onto the farm where I now live at 12129 Augusta Road.
They bought the farm originally settled by a man named Magel, who was also from the Climbach-Kesselbach area. Mr. Magel had built a substantial brick house in the 1850s. My parents and I live in the same house today.
Sponsor: Elisabeth Dietz
Kirchenbuch II, 221
Palmsontag 8 Apr 1900
Louise Elisabeth Hillgärtner, born 20 Aug 1884. John 2, 10.
2
Christine Eleonore (Laura) HILLGAERTNER (HILGÄRTNER)
Birth:
23 Feb 1886
Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Death:
6 Aug 1903
Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Marr:
Notes:
Evangelische St. Lucas Gemeinde, Burlington, Ia
Kirchenbuch II, 323
1903, No. 12/54
Hillgärtner, Laura. Died 6 Aug 1903, buried 9 Aug 1903 in Hunts Cemetery. Age 17-5-15. Ps. 31,16.
She died of typhoid fever after a 10 day illness.
The grave stone is in the second row, going from North to South, the fifth grave plot from the gate. The granite stone has been toppled from its base but is in excellent condition. She is buried next to her Grandfather, Balthasar Römer, in the fourth grave plot from the gate.
Sponsors: Leonore Römer and Christine Bergen.
Kirchenbuch II, 221
Palmsontag 8 Apr 1900
Eleonore Hillgärtner, born 23 Feb 1886. Jer 29, 13.
3
Birth:
2 Mar 1889
Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Death:
Jan 1948
Appleton, Outagamie Co, Wisconsin
Notes:
Sponsors: Elise Römer
Kirchenbuch II, 223
Palmsontag 5 Apr 1903
Marie Elise Hillgärtner, born 2 Mar 1889. Matth. 7, 13.14.
4
Birth:
14 Jul 1891
Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Death:
19 Apr 1932
Burlington, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Notes:
Baptismal record notes that he was born in Union Township.
Sponsor: Carl Wilhelm (Scheihing?)
Kirchenbuch II, 225
Palmsontag 16 Apr 1905
Carl Wilhelm Hillgärtner, born 14 Jul 1891. Phil 1, 6.
1920 Federal Census
Union Twp., Des Moines Co., IA; ennumerated by Mrs. Katheirne Moore
Hillgartner, William, Rents, Male, White, 28, Married, Reads and Writes; Born in Iowa; Father and Mother born in Germany, Mother Tongue: German; Speaks English; Occupation: General Farmer
5
Birth:
28 Aug 1893
Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Death:
2 Feb 1930
Burlington, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Notes:
From Loren William Whorton`s Journal:
My Mother`s people were all farmers and still farmed in the area when I was growing up. After her death when I was seven, my brother and I spent a good part of the summer on our Aunts farm. A farm is a good place to grow up, not only do you learn about nature, life and death but also the value of hard work and discipline. Then most of the work was done by hand or with animals. Horsepower, then was really by horse. My uncle got his first tractor when I was about twelve and the romance started to go out of farming then. Before the machinery took over completley we had many great days working with animal power. Many great memories, both good and bad still remain from the time spent on that farm. Of course, as with most such memories the reality is not as good as the memory.I can remember my mother slightly. My father was not very good to her and her short life was not very happy. I recall some isolated incidents, starting school and being worried about that. I remember going with my mother and granmother (father`s mother) around to taverns looking for my father though I don`t know why. I remmeber my mother walking to my Aunts farm ( a distance of several miles) and cutting a Christmas tree so that we would have one. It`s kind of sad that I don`t remember more about her personality. She was almost a saint but some of that was because of her early death. I`m sure she was a good person but, human. I remember lying with my head in my cousins lap during a summer on my aunt`s farm and having her show me the stars and tell me one was my Mother and she was watching out for me.
From paper of Loren Whorton about death and dying:
When my mother died I was seven, it became an obsession and mystery to me to learn about death. It was a mystery that I didn`t understand. She was there one day and then she was completely gone. It was strange the way I felt. She was always good and did her best to care for us and I guess I loved her although, not being too clear on the concept of love. I don`t remember that I really missed her although I am sure that I did.After her death we lived with my father`s parents.
Mrs. Bertha Hillgartner Whorton. wife of William Bryan Whorton, 901 Jefferson St., (Burlington) died at Mercy Hospital at 5:15 a.m. Feb. 26, 1930, following a long illness. She was 36 years old.
Mrs. Whorton was born in Union Township, August 28, l894 and eight years ago (1922) was married to Mr. W.B. Whorton who survived her. She was a member of St. Lukes Evangelical Church. She is survived by 3 young children (2 sons and a daughter),Two sisters, Mrs. Art G. Krakel, Burlington, Iowa and Mrs. A.B. Jackson of Omaha, and one brother Carl Hillgartner of Burlington, Iowa. Funeral Services will be held at Prugh`s Chapel Friday at 3 p.m. with burial at Aspen Grove Cemetary, Burlington, Iowa.
Judith Whorton Henderson writes, "There is a skelton here. Supposedly Bertha was standing on a balcony holding Joyce who was 2 months old and William pushed her either off the balcony or down the stairs. Supposedly she had internal injuries and they couldn`t afford a doctor so she was supposed to have died from these injuries a year later. Both Mom and Dad have heard that story from various people. After her death William left and would return sporadically to Burlington and sometimes stop and see his parents. Dad saw more of him than Joyce or Cleo. I saw him once before his death. He seemed to be a very cold and unfriendly person. He was also an alcoholic which contributed to his death."
Mrs. W.M. Whorton Dies at Local Hospital
After Extended Illness
Mrs. Bertha Whorton, wife of William B Whorton 901 Jefferson Street died at Mercy Hospital at 5:15 a.m. yesterday, following a long illness. Mrs. Whorton was born in Union Township, August 28, 1891 and eight years ago was married to William B. Whorton who survives her. She was a member of St. Luke`s Evangelical Church. She is survived by 3 young children, two sons and a daughter; two sisters, Mrs. A.G. Krekel of Burlington and Mrs. A.B. Jackson of Omaha and one brother Carl Hillgartner opf Burlington. Fred Whorton of Burlington whose funeral is today is the Uncle of William B. Whorton. Funeral Services will be held from Prugh`s Chapel Friday at 3 p.m. with burial in Aspen Grove Cemetary.
Evangelische St. Lucas Gemeinde
13th & South Streets
Burlington, Iowa
Kirchenbuch II, 38
1893, No. 22
Bertha Luise, Tochter v. W. Hillgaertner u. dessen Gattin Luise, geboren Roemer, geb. 28 Aug 1893 in Union Township, getauft am 18 Nov 1893 in 1500 Central Ave. Pathin: Frau Hanna Niemeier.
Kirchenbuch II, 227
Palmsonntag 12 Apr 1908
Bertha Hanna Luise Hillgärtner, born 28 Aug 1893. 1 Mos 15, 1.
6
Johann Friedrich (John Frederick) HILLGAERTNER (HILGÄRTNER)
Birth:
20 Jul 1899
Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa
Death:
5 Oct 1918
Camp Dodge, Polk Co, Iowa
Marr:
Notes:
The following are letters from John Hillgartner to his sister Lizzie
while in the Army transcribed in handwritten print by Nat Anderson, his
great grand nephew. Along with the letters came pictures of John and
postcards that he sent. I received the package on May 28, 2002 and have
put all the information in the Hillgärtner notebook.
John died at age 19 in Fort Dodge, Iowa of pneumonia after having Spanish
Influenza.
(Postcard) Denver, July 31, 1918
I arrived in Denver all OK. I leave here at nine o-clock this morning.
will write later
From Johnnie Hillgartner
_______________________________________________________________
Fort Logan Col. July 31, 1918
Dear Sister (Louise "Lizzie" Hillgartner Krekel)
Well I got here this morning at 90 30/ O clock it surely is a dandy place
something doing all the time. I don`t have nothing to do today but rest
up. I can get a good view of the Mountains and see snow on the tops of
some, they are about twenty miles away but they look like they are only
about 2 or three. its about as hot as in Nebraska but not quite as windy.
How is Mrs. fasnach getting along By this tijme they get all they can eat
and have some left yet.
Well, I guess I will close for this time as I don1t Know any more to
write. Well answer soon for I think the way I heard we all leave here
before the fifth of August as they are going to use this camp for drafted
men. so awnser soon
address me-Mr. John F. Hillgartner Fort Logan Colorado in care of the
Y.M.C.A.
_______________________________________________________________
Fort Logan Colorado
Dear Sister
Aug. 2-1918
Will drop you a few lines to let you know I am sitill here and like it
fine. It rained a little this afternoon But is not now. I got my uniform
to day I got a good fit but I haven`t drilled any yet But I have past the
examination and cget vaxinated tomorrow. I also took out 10,000 dollars
in insurance which I left in you name if I don`t get Back. I don`t think
I will be inthis camp very long for they are sending them out every
night. Jake Lusk is not here any more. We have a great time in the
evening but go to bed at nine O clock and get up at 5.15 in themorning.
How is Eddison Hall coming and does he still crack jokes. Well I guess I
will close for I got to get back to my Barrck or what you call it
Adress me Mr. John Hillgartner Fort Logan Colorado % Y.M.C.A.
Send me a hair cut and a shave the next time you go to town.
________________________________________________________________
Fort Logan, Colorado
Dear Sister-all
Aug. 3, 1918
Will drop you a few lines to let you Know I am getting a long fine. I got
vaxinated today it didn`t hurt me a bit. It is warm out here it looks
like its gone to Rain now. I was of(off) all afternoon to-day and can
stay out till 12/30 tonight we have something going on every night get to
go to moving picture show to-night its everything free. How is Harley
Fachnack and is Bertha Roemer still there. We get good meals here even
watermelon and stuff like that you want to wrtie to me often. I havent
got no mail from you yet. What is Walter doing and does Jenkins still
hunt for cinnimon Rolls. I am in the Fifth company but you Keep on
sending my mail as I give my adress. How is Peter morgan and veryBody
else in Fairmont (Neb.) send me the Chronicle so I will have some news to
read also tell Walter to write to me. Well I guess I will close.
Address me Private John F. Hillgartner
Fort Logan Colorado In care of the M.M.C.A.
Be sure and write to me (tell Art (Krekel) to write)
________________________________________________________________
Fort Logan Colorado Aug. 4, 1918
Dear Sister
Received your letter today sure was glad to here from you It is cloudy
out here today and looks like Rain
I like the Army fine and dandy but is kind of lonesome on SUnday. I have
drilled much yet but they dont drill much here. I expect to leave about
Tuesday for a different camp. Does Walter still come over or not. I seen
a flock of ducks fly over yesterday But I didn`t have a gun so I couldn`t
take a shot at them. I am going to my Barrack in a few minutes for its
alsmost supper time so I think I will close hoping to here from you soon
Adress me John F. Hillgartner Fort Logan Colorado In care of YMCA
How is Cecil and Viletta?
_______________________________________________________________
Fort Logan Colorado
Aug. 6, 1918
Dear Sister & all
Will drop you a few lines to let ya know I like the Army life fine, but
do write more for I go down to YMCA looking for mail every chance I get
but get fooled. It is raining here today but it does that nearly every
evening so its nothing new. I am in Co. 5 but address me like I sign it
when I dare. I am getting shy on stams so I wont be able to writ so much
but you keep on writing I only drilled a day since I been here like
drilling ifne only wish they would drill everyday so I don`t get
lonesome. I aint seen Know body I know yet since I Been here got a letter
from Mary ( Mary Hillgartner Jackson) I surely was tickled to get it. I
took a six mile hike yesterday afternoon but I enjoyed it for we went in
the country a ways and it put me in mind of thrashing or following Arts
walking cultivator. I guess I will drill tomorrow anyway I hope so when
are youse coming to Chene or have you changed your mind what is Walter
doing and why dont he write to me. I have wort to him last week. I havent
got nothing to do till five thirty and then I have to eat supper well I
wont be lonesome no more for Jake Lich just came in.
I am sure glad to see him I sure thought he was gone he don`t like the
Army the way he talks But I like it fine will close But for Christ sake
write soon. address me this way-Mr. John F. Hillgartner Fort Logan,
Colorado % of YMCA
_____________________________________________________________
Fort Logan Colorado Aug. 7, 1918
Dear Sister
Recieved your most welcome letter today thought I would answer it right
away. well its pretty hot today surely had a big rain out here last night
why don`t Walter write to me or is he mad. So Old Man Fasnact Killed a
rat Sunday Iwill have him tell me about it when I come back but the way
the men are coming in here it looks like it will be a long time before I
get bak if you can sent me a few 3 cent stamps for I am out of them and
wont get paid for a whole month yet send right away so I will get them.
Jake Lusk is still here But he is on the outgoing list so he wont be here
long how is Art and all the others by this time.
I drilled all morning and took a 8 mile hike this afternoon. I will show
Art how to pick hay when i get back. I like the drilling fine only wish
theyw ould drill me more or longer so I couldn`t get lonesome. The way
the papers read I hear we dont think we will cross but I hope I get
across befoe its over for it will be a greatlife I can draw anteen checks
but I dont for I want to save my mone so if I get a fulow I can come and
see youse. Well I guess I will close for this time so awnser soon as you
get this letter; adress Mr. John f. Hillgartner Fort Locgan Col. In Care
of YMCA
Tell Harley I will be back to eat Christmas dinner with youse all. ans
soon
_______________________________________________________________
Camp Dodge, Iowa
Dear Sister
Am in Camp Dodge Iowa got your quarter and stamps all ok Thanking you for
them. I dont expect to be here long I must close for I got to go and
drill was in Lincoln sunday all mornign
Address me: Privat John Hillgartner Camp Dodge, Iowa In Care of YMCA-91
Be sure and put 91 down or I wont get it Ans soon
_____________________________________________________________
Camp Dodge Iowa Aug. 16 1918
Dear Sister
will drop you a few lines to let you know I haven`t heard from you &
since I am in Camp Dodge. I was on gard duty all night last night only
thing I see run across my Post was a cat say Lizzie send me socks down
here for I can wear any collor how is art getting along I havent had a
pay day since I been here how is Walter I guess I will drill here for a
while has Kelly gone to Army yet or ont tell him it will all be over by
the time he comes. I do wish I will get a fulough befor I leave this camp
so I could come back and see you and Art and Cecil and Violetta But if I
don`t get any I suppose Ill do without well write real soon and tell me
all the news. adress me Private John F. Hillgartner Camp Dodge Iowa %of
YMCA
________________________________________________________________
Camp Dodge Iowa Aug 17 1918
Dear Sister
Received your letter today sure was Glad to here from you its raining
here tonight something like the time last year when Bill stayed all night
at your place last year I also got the chronicle will keep Wallaces
picture for you are allowed to have them also got your stamps thanking
you for hem I expect to be moved to New York the way I heard befor long.
I got a letter from Mary last night she is well and so is the rest of
them. I seen a couple of fellows from Burlington that I knowed but don`t
know where they are at now I wrote Harley a ltetter yesteday I sure will
be glad to here from him. I like the Army fine but could like it better
only thing its a little lonesome but isnt bad as long as I drill or work
at something Sent me one of your pictures for I want one I guess By the
looks o thing I will be gone a hell of a while But it will make me fat. I
havent had a pay day yet although I dont care I will send you all my
money if I dont get a fulough for I wont need it any way and you can keep
what I owe youse and pay Epp and Akin put the rest away untill I get back
and if I don`t get back I don`t care what you do with it. Hois is Eddison
and Lena Kohler and everybody else. Tell walter to write to me unless he
don`t want to I guess I will go the moving picture show at the YMCA
tonight for there is something going on every night.
I don`t think verymany got to DeMOines here although they can go every
Saturday night. everything is free at the YMCA such is moving pictures
and programs well I will close hopeing to hear from you soon. From John
Hillgartner address Pri John F. Hillgartner Camp Dodge Iowa In Care of
Y.M.C.A.-91
Have Arts mother heard from Clarence latley or onot tell me when you
answer (PS) I also got my gun today its pretty heavy to carry and drill
with
_______________________________________________________________
Camp Dodge Iowa Aug 19, 1918
Dear Sister & all
Just a few lines to let you Know I am still alive and hope youse are all
well. I am drilling everyday and so I am pretty tired by night. Has Kelly
Elice gone to camp yet or not. I wonder if he comes to camp Dodge or not
write and let me Know I guess I can get no fulough and come and see youse
although I would like to wful well. But I will come back after the war if
I don`t get planted. I got a letter from Mary she is well and happy. I
can go to Burlington over Sunday but it would only give me a little over
half a day to stay still it would be better then nothing but I aint gone
to get a pass unless I see I can get a fulough for I would rather come
out to your place. I have to walk about a half a mile to the drill
grounds I am gone to be put in the nineteenth division they are getting
up so I will be in a drafted bunch any way how is Art getting along and
Harley I do wish lyou wold write me more often only got one letter from
you since I am in Camp DOdge so Art hasn`t thrashed yet maybe I will get
to help him yet after all That is if I get across and back agin by
Christmas do you ever see Van Ostrand and Gale tell them I said hello
well I guess I will close hoping to hear from you real soon. Your brother
John Priv John F. Hillgartner Camp Dodge Iowa In Care of YMCA-91
________________________________________________________________
Camp Dodge Iowa Aug 21, 1918
Dear Sister
Just a few lines to let you know I recieved your letter today. It rained hear Saturday
________________________________________________________________
Camp Dodge Iowa Sept. 1, 1918
Dear Sister
Will write you a few lines to let you know I am having a pretty good time
up here. Well to start out it is awfull hot up here looks quite a bit
like rain. I was on gard last night and all day today until four O clock.
But I enjoyed it fine probably as good as going to Fairmont or down to
Garbs dance hall. I also like the drilling very much but I get Kind of
lonesome on Sundays but I get along all right just the same. I will send
you some money when I have payday for I guess I cant come back there
until after the war well I dont care much for when I get back after the
war I Know I can Stay. But it may be a long time But I don`t care well
how is every-body in Fairmont by this time also Eddison. I haven`t heard
fro Harley yet although I don`t care if he dont wqnt to write I guess I
cant make him Well I guess Walter is still at home or is he going to
enlist to. Hosis gail and Herman Jones and the home gards making it by
this time I am going to have bayonet practice tomorrow morning and drill
in the afternoon I heard. I recon I will enjoy it ot. I sure do hope they
will send me across soon For I want some real excitement for this here is
to slow. how is McKinleys Mustach write and let me know does he still
come with a bunch of Land Agents or has he quit that monkey bisness. well
I received my socks sure was glad to get them to for my old ones were so
strong they run away from me the other night. You sure get a good place
to sleep my bed couldnot be any better for I got two big wool blankets
and a mattress and pillow it sure is conforbale. I am going to get
another uniform pretty soon also. it sure is fun to be in a camp for
there is excitement mostly all the time Of course I wouldn`t mind being
back there either but I am perfectly satisfied here. I guess art has
still got his car yet ask him if I can run it to town. How is Bill and
the rest getting along I never hear from Walter why dont he write.
Well I heard carls Baby is getting fat the way Mary wirtes I never hear
from him at all ayway. I ain`t waiting for he knows where I am at if he
wants to write
Does Louie Badger still Brag on his rifle or has he gotten over it. Has
Art killed any rabbits yet this year or not I guess he felt proud as a
young rooster with his first spurs when he helped harley work on the Road
well I must close my address is the same P.S. send me a few stamps.
From Johnnie Hillgartner Camp Dodge Iowa YMCA 91
_______________________________________________________________
Sept 3 1918 Camp Dodge Iowa
Dear Sister
I received your welcome letter today. was sure glad to here from you.
Well we are having a real fall rain here Raining all afternoon and vening
is quit cool here also. I have been drilling everyday here sure do like
it. Do you get my letters or don`t you write and tell me I recieved my
socks Saturday and wrote to you Saturday night. Well I wont be here long
FamilyCentral Network
Wilhelm (William) Hillgaertner (Hilgärtner) - Anna Luisa (Louise) Römer
Wilhelm (William) Hillgaertner (Hilgärtner)
was born at Kesselbach, Londorf, Großherzogtum Hessen-Darmstadt 20 Oct 1854.
His parents were Wilhelm Hilgärtner and Philippine Krieb (Grip, Greib).
He married Anna Luisa (Louise) Römer 3 Nov 1883 at Evangelische Zion Kirche, Burlington, Des Moines Co, Iowa . Anna Luisa (Louise) Römer was born at Climbach, Londorf, Großherzogtum Hessen-Darmstadt 9 May 1862 daughter of Johann Balser (Balthasar) Römer and Barbara Weller .
They were the parents of 6
children:
Louise Elisabeth (Lizzie) Hillgaertner (Hilgärtner)
born 20 Aug 1884.
Christine Eleonore (Laura) Hillgaertner (Hilgärtner)
born 23 Feb 1886.
Maria Elisa (Mary) Hillgaertner (Hilgärtner)
born 2 Mar 1889.
Carl Wilhelm (Charles) Hillgaertner (Hilgärtner)
born 14 Jul 1891.
Bertha Hanna Luise Hillgaertner (Hilgärtner)
born 28 Aug 1893.
Johann Friedrich (John Frederick) Hillgaertner (Hilgärtner)
born 20 Jul 1899.
Wilhelm (William) Hillgaertner (Hilgärtner) died 15 Nov 1929 at Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa .
Anna Luisa (Louise) Römer died 13 Sep 1913 at Union Township, Des Moines Co, Iowa .