Part 3....Found facts and records.
On the following pages are shown some historic facts on which much of this
history is based. Some information varies somewhat from definitely known
facts. Some of this might be considered printer's errors and others typographical errors and others misunderstandings. Reference is made to "Notes" in
part IV setting forth explanations. References are denoted thusly "( )".
SIMON TREFZGER'S NOTE BOOK
Simon Trefzger kept a note book in which he entered facts about his family,
other pertinent information and also recipes for his bakery goods. All entrees
are in German even though some are Anglicized. As relates his family he has
written the following: On the inside cover of the book; Martin Buehler, 59
years old. Franziska Kaeser Trefzger, died April 9, 1908 - 88 1/2 years old.
Charles Schmidt was 18 years old. Marie Ann George born Trefzger, 79 years
old. MY mother, 78 3/4 years old - father, 65 years old."
On the first page is; "I. Simon Trefzger was born the 16th day of October,
1831 at Wehr. Katharina Scherr was born 24th day of April, 1833, married
the llth day of April, 1852 (NOTE. The 2 is written over with blue ink by a
"3"). Maria Luisa Trefzger, born 7th September, 1853 (NOTE. Written over
September in blue is "January" and over the 3 a "4" ). My mother died 26th
of January, 1869, age 78 3/4 years old, father 65 years old."
Another page: Daughter Emma Lina Trefzger born 28th of November, 1854, 9
o'clock in the evening under the sign of the fish. Son Adolph Trefzger born
24th January, 1857, 11:45 at night under the sign of the goat. Died April 3,
1905 - 48 years and 2 months. Joseph Trefzger born 27th October, 1858, 1:30
in the afternoon under the sign of the twins. Karl Trefzger born 16th Febru-
ary, 1860, 7 o'clock in the evening under the sign of the goat."
Another page:.'Joseph Trefzger died 7th March, 1860 early in the morning at
6 o'clock, buried in grave No. 506. Friderich Trefzger born 24th November,
1861, 10 o'clock in the morning. Died, 2nd August, 1862 (NOTE. This last
line is written with a different pen and the script is more anglicized.)
Friderich, the second, born 6th day May, 1863, 5 o'clock in the morning,
died 9th August, 1863, 3:30 in the morning. Ludwig Trefzger born 3rd Febru-
ary, 1865,"died 27th November, 1873 - 8 years, 9 months, 24 days. Sophie
Helena Trefzger (NOTE. "Helena" is written above the line and inserted by
means of a "V" between Sophie and Trefzger - See also NOTE under Rudolph),
born lst December, 1867, 2 o'clock in the morning."
Another page: "Fridolin Schmidt born December 8, 1856, died Aug. 16, 1896 -
39 1/2 years old. Adolph Trefzser died April 8, 1905. Marie Tr. George, born Feb
12, 1886, died Sept. 14, 1905. Charles Schmidt born Feb 12, 1886, died Feb.
16, 1904."
Another page: "Gustave (NOTE. This is crossed out and above is written
"Rudolph Gustave") born 21st July, 1869, 4:30 in the morning, Baden Germany,
Wehr. (NOTE. Son Fred recalls that when Simon returned to this country in
1871, he found that his brother, Anton, had 2 children whom he called
"Gustav" and "Sophie", the same as Simon had done. In order to avoid confusion,
Simon decided to call his children by their middle names, namely, Rudolph
and Helena. However, Sophie Helena never did like these names so took unto
herself the name of "Anna," by which she has been known. (This last account
is as told by Anna on several occasions to her nieces.) Fridrich Wilhelm,
born 22nd February, 1871, 9 o'clocK in the morning in Wehr, Baden. Isabella
born October 3, 1875, 7 o'clock in the evening. (NOTE. AL1 this is circled
out with a pen and next follows) Rosa Petronella Trefzger, born 3rd October
1875, in Peoria at 7 o'clock in the evening (NOTE. It looks as though Simon
Trefzger first intended to call Nellie Py another name. No detail could be
ascertained about this) Marianna Saenger born Agster died 26th September,
1872, 64 years old, died a Scherr."
Another page: "Father died 9th January, 1854, 68 years old (NOTE. Two places
in his book he shows his father as being 65 years old. This last is correct)
Mother died 26th January 1 1869) -78 3/4 years old. Anton Senger died llth
November, 1869. Elizabeth Scherr died 29th January, 1870, 35 years old."
********
PERMIT
It was necessary before leaving Germany to have a permit or pass. This Permit
is numbered 356, issued by "Grossherzogthum Baden for Simon Trefzger and his
wife and 2 children, Maria Luisa and Emma Lina and his brother, Anton, 26
years old and sister, M. Anna Trefzger, 29 years old, all born and residents
of Wehr with the destination, Amerika, with the purpose to settle there."
Issued 31st of March, 1855. Identification of Simon: Age - 23 years; height
5 feet, 4 inches; stature - slim; face, shape - round, color - blond; hair -
blond; eyebrows - brown; eyes - grey; nose -thick; mouth - large; beard -
brown; chin - round; teeth - good; no other identification marks." This contains his signature which is in German script. On the back side are various
endorsements with these dates, in order, "April 2, 1855; April 4, 1855; April
7, 1855; April 29, 1855.
********
NATURALIZATION PAPER
Is dated September 1, 1860 with witnesses, WIlliam George and George Ditwig(?)
********
PASSPORT
Dated March 11, 1867. This is a piece of parchment paper, 18 x 24 inches,
folded in half to be size, 18 x 12 inches. This paper has a large watermarlt
of "E PLURIBUS Unum DEPARyMENT OF STATE." It is issued to "Simon Trefzger
with his wife and five minor children." Description of Simon is:" Age - 35 year
years; Stature -5 feet, 4 inches; forehead - broad; eyes - greyish blue; nose -
thick; mouth - common; chin - pointed; hair - darkbrown; complexion - pale;
face - oblong."This contains Simon's signature in a firm english script as
well as that of William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
********
DECK PLAN
This is a deck plan of the North American Lloyd, twin screw steamer
"George Washington." A ship with 37,000 tons displacement. On this plan
Simon has written that they occupied room No 512. This had an upper and
lower berth and a sofa berth on the other side of the room. The deck is
called the "E- Saloon Deck." This is the boat taken by him, his wife and
Anna in 1910.
*********
THE HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY, ILLINOIS - 1880
Johnson & Company published the above history in which is found the follow-
ing concerning Simon Trefzger. -t is safe to assume that the information con-
tained herein was furnished by SImon Trefzger himself. Errors therein must
be printer's errors; Page 696 : "TREFZGER, SIMON, baker and confectioner, 521
and 523 Main Street, was born in Baden, Germany, October 16, 1831, and is the
son of Simon Trefzger and Julianna Grune (1), native of Baden, was raised,
went to school, and learned the trade of baker there, and came to America in
1855, landing in New York in May (2) of that year. He worked as journeyman
for two years in Cincinnati, and for one year in Oxford, 0., and came to
Peoria in 1858; worked at his trade for three years and then started in busi-
ness for himself on Fulton Street, where he remained for six years and then
Bold out (3) and paid a visit to his native country} remaining there four
years, and then returning to the land and city of bis adoption, resumed busi-
ness at the old stand, where he remained till 1873 (4), in which year he came
to his present location. He does, perhaps, the largest retail business in the
city. He owns his store and lot on which it stands, and resides in the upper
story of the building. He married in Germany in the Spring of 1852, Miss
Cathrina (5) Scherr a native of Germany, by whom he has had twelve children,
eight (6) now living: Mary Louise, Emeline, Adolph, Charles, Sophie, Annie, (6)
Rudolph, Francis (7) and Petronella. Himself, wife and family are members of
German Catholic Church."
*********
HISTORY OF PEORIA (IN GERMAN)
The following is a translation of an article which appears in this history
as published by Rev. Bess. It contains a picture of Simon Trefzger. The
writeup is under the general heading of "German Businessmen and Prominent
Citizens of Peoria in 1904-5." Mr. Trefzger was born October 16, 1831 in
Baden. He attended school there and then learned the bakery and confection-
ery trade. He came to America in 1855 and after working 2 years in Cincinnati
and 1 year in Oxford, Ohio, came to Peoria in 1858, which became his second
home. After 3 years he established his own business on Fulton Street. He
stayed there till 1873 ( 10), with the exception of 4 years which he spent in
the old country. Then we find Mr. Trefzger on the corner, which through his
large bakery and confectionery business he built there, became one of the
best known corners, namely, Main and Mbnroe Streets. Today his son, Charles,
continues to carry on the business in a new building which Mr. Trefzger
built adjacent to the building on the corner, in the same way as formerly.
Mr. Trefzger married Miss Katharina Scherr in the Spring of 1852. Their mar-
riage was blessed with 12 children of whom 7 still live: Marie, Emma,
Charles, Anna, Rudolph, Frederick and Petronella. Mr. Trefzger, with his
family is one of the main pillars in the Sacred Heart Church and is one of the
old, established German businessmen."
********
DIAMOND JUBILEE
The April 10, 1913 issue of this paper (a local daily German newspaper of that
time), gives a most detailed account of the 60th wedding anniversary celebra-
tion of Simon and Katharina Trefzger. The publisher and editor, Bernard Cre-
mer, was a very close personal friend of the Trefzeers. Here translated is
that part which has to do with the family history. The pictures of the jubi-
larians appears at the top of the article: "A feast seldom celebrated was
held here today by the family of Simon Trefzger, namely the sixtieth jubilee
of a happy marriage of Simon Trefzger and Miss Catherine (5) Scherr which
took place in Wehr in Baden. Two years (9) later the young couple came to
America and settled first in Cincinnati. In 1858 the family came to Peoria
and Mr. Trefzger operated a bakery on Fulton Street. After the civil war he
moved the entire family back to Germany and stayed there five (4) years, re-
turning here in the Spring of 1873 (4). He then built (10) a bakery at the
corner of Main and Monroe Streets, across from the Post Office, which is nOW
operated by his son, Charles. SInce then Mr. and Mrs. Trefzger have made two
more visits to the old country. Three years ago they made an extended trip
to Europe and made a pilgrimage to Rome where they had an audiance with Pope
Pius X.(11) The reader will remember the accounts of this in the "Demokrat"
at that time. A great celebration was held for the couple and their daughter,
Miss Anna Trefzger, who accompanied her parents, in the home town at which
over 400 persons were in attendance, including the mayor, other high officials
and church dignitaries, who joyously cellebrated the visit of the Americans
(12)..........It seems appropriate that the couple began the day by attending,
wi h their family, a solemn high mass which was celebrated in the Sacred
Heart Church, of which the family was one of the founders.......The entire
family of relatives joined the couple at Holy COmmuniOn. AT the close of the
mass a special blessing was imparted and all joined in singing the "Te Deum."
As the couple left the church they were showered with rice. The Ladies Altar
and Rosary Society of the church presented Mrs. Trefzger with a basket of 60
fresh roses. This evening there will be a great celebration at the Trefzger
home which will be served by caterer, Mr. Hellry Huebillger. The family of Fritz
Trefzger and George Berger, son and son-in-law, respectively, from Cincinnati,
were in attendance in spite of the high water in the area (13). The relatives
from California who had planned to come were prevented by the weather (14).
Of the twelve children there are seven still living: Mrs Mary Bauer, Mrs.
Emma Schmidt, Miss Anna Trefzger, Mrs. Petronella Berger, Carl, Fritz and
Rudolph Trefzger. The family of the late Adolph Trefzger, who at One time was
city treasurer here, lives in San Diego, California, as does Mr. Rudolph
Trefzger. The latter will soon marry Miss Rose Young in Santa Anna, Orange
County, California and will make a honeymoon trip to Peoria. The jubilee
couple is a model for all in Peoria and enjoy good health in spite of their
ages (he is 81 and she is 80 years old) and all sIgns point to many more
happy years together. We and the entire community, congratulate them."
********
PROPERY OWNERSHIPS
The first recorded ownership of property of SImon Trefzger in Peoria County
was his purchase of a part of Lot 6 in Block 10 in the Original Town of Peoria,
conaisting of 25 feet on Fulton Street and extending 72 feet along the alley.
This he purchased from Henry Pease, et al, on June 27, 1864 for $3,000.00
On February 3, 1879 he bought an adjacent 12 1/2 feet of equal length from John
H. Bruggeman. All this Fulton Street property was sold to I. C. Edwards, Novem-
ber 19, 1901
On August 17, 1872 be bought 35 1/2 feet on Main Street by 100 feet on Monroe
Street, being parts of Lots 1 and 2 in Block 17 of the Original Town of Peoria
This he purchased from Newton Matthews.
On May 31, 1880 he bought the north 71 feet of Lot 3 in Block 17 from Peter
Colcord Bartlett, which is the homestead property, now a parking lot.
On July 6, 1885 he bought entire Lots 9 and 10 in the same block. This is the
property where the Pere Marquette Hotel now stands, plus some footage to the
rear of the hotel.
On August 11, 1885 he sold a part of Lot 9 in the same block, to the Ursuline
Sisters for a convent yard. These Sisters taught at Sacred Heart School.
On April 28, 1886, Adolph Trefzger bought the property on Bryan Street and
sold it to his father, SImon Trefzger, on May 1, 1900.
On March 14, 1903 he sold 66 feet on Main Street by 114 feet on s. Madison
Street, parts of Lots 9 and 10 (corner of Main and S. Madison Street) to
Walter Spurk
On July 29, 1903, he sold 35 1/2 feet by 45 1/2 feet, beginning at a point 54 1/2 feet
back from Main Street, to his son, C1Jarles.
Under the terms of the will of Simon Trefzger, the property where the Pere
Marquette stands, was devised to his children except Charles. Charles was
devised the bakery corner at Main and S. Monroe Streets. Anna received the
40 1/2 feet, being the southerly part, that is> that part of the house formerly
occupied by SImon Trefzger as his home. _Mary received the northerly 30 1/2 ft.
The bakery corner property is now jointly owned by the three children of
Charles TrefzBer, namely, Charles Joseph Trefzger, Miss Marie Trefzger and
Mrs. Florence Bourscheidt.
On March 5, 1925 the Pere Marquette property was sold to the Pere Marquette
Building corporation.
The share owned by Mary Bauer of the homestead property is held under a trust
for the benefit of Anna Trefzger who receives the income thereof and at
whose death the property passes to the heirs of Mary Bauer. Anna Trefzger's
part is held under a trust for her benefit. At her death it will pass to
her heirs.
Emma Schmidt inherited the property on Bryan Street, consisting of a 2 apart-
ment building and a shgle dwelling, being 505 and 507 respectively. This
later passed to the son, Louis, on the death of Emma. At the death of Louis
it passed to his widow who since has disposed of it .
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