A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE JOHN AND BARBARA SUTTER FAMILY

This history, as collected by Joseph E. Burkey, 410 North McLean Street, Bloomington, Illinois, in the year 1963, who is the son of Lena (Sutter)Burkey, who is the granddaughter of John and Barbara Sutter.

John Sutter, was born in 1795. Barbara Oesch, his wife , was born in 1799.
They were both born in Bavaria, a province in southwestern Germany, where their five sons and five daughters were born.
They owned a great deal of land near a little village called Derf, where they lived. The farm work was done by hired help. Daily, John Sutter inspected his estate from the back seat of a carriage, driven by one of the hired men, and drawn by a team of fine black horses.
At the present time, there is, on this estate, a burying ground in which there are a number of tombstones bearing the names of Sutters, and these may have been the ancestors of the John Sutter family.

John Sutter was a minister in the Amish Mennonite Church, with which the Sutter family was affiliated.
As Mennonites, the Sutters believed that warfare was unscriptural.
The German government had a system where by when a man reached the age of twenty years, he had to take two years of military training.
However, a man could escape this training by hiring another man to take his place.
Christian Sutter, a son of John Sutter, was at the age to take his training, but since the military service was against the religious principles of the family, it was decided that he should hire a replacement and should go to America.

In the Mennonite Historical Library, at Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana, there is a certificate which is Christian Sutter�s farewell from the Royal Bavarian Army. This document bears the date, May 22,1848.

Landing in America, Christian Sutter came inland to Tazewell County, Illinois where he worked on a farm for about a year.
He then married Magdalena Nafziger and started farming for himself.
Being very poor and unaccustomed to such a crude mode of living, he became very homesick.
Wishing to have the rest of the family join him in America, he wrote interesting letters back to Germany telling o the beautiful, progressive country that he was now living in.
These letters, together with his disapproval o his younger son to enter the Military Service, were a great inducement to his father, John Sutter, to come to America.
In 1850, he sold his estate and made the journey to America with the rest of his family, with the exception of one son, Joseph who was now in the Military Service and was suppose to remain for one more year.
Thus the father, John Sutter, and his wife Barbara, their three sons: John,Jacob and Andrew and five daughters: Magdalena, Katherine, Barbara, Elizabeth, and Veponica secured their passes and made their way to a French port.
While waiting there for their boat, they were joined by Joseph who had deserted the army and followed them.
When the time came to embark, the shipmaster found one too many persons for the passes they had given him and would not let Joseph go without a pass.
His father, John, asked if he could pay for it. John Sutter was not worried about a shortage of money and he said that it it were a question of money, he could fix it.
The shipmaster secured a pass and John Sutter produced the money. It was a happy day for Joseph when the ship left the shore out of the reach of the army officials.

It was a long, stormy and weary voyage.
Mrs. John Sutter became so ill that it was feared at one time that she would not live to see America.
After thirty-six days at sea they reached New York. From there, they traveled to Buffalo: and via the Great Lakes to the little town called Chicago, Illinois; then by the Chicago and Illinois rivers to Peoria, Illinois.
Upon their arrival at Christian's home, the family was sorely disappointed and wanted to turn back.
Being very angry with Christian, the brothers went out into the woods and discussed the matter and it was decided to seek revenge on him by giving him a beating.
When they returned to do so, Christian�s wife locked the door and would not let them in, so they again went out into the woods and spent the night there.

John Sutter immediately bought a section of land in Morton Township for $2.00 per acre.
In a few years it became quite settled around there. Forgetting their old home in Germany, the Sutters became contented to live here. Other Amish Mennonites settled near them in four districts-Morton, Roanoke, Peking, and Metamora. John Sutter preached in each districts every fourth Sunday.
As there were no church buildings, services were held in the homes.
As the children grew, they left the Sutter estate for new homes;
John and Christian went to Hopedale, Illinois;
Katherine (Sutter) Backman went to Roanoke, IL;
Joseph Sutter went to Michigan;
Barbara (Sutter) Backman and Veponica (Sutter) Birkey went to Fisher,IL;
Elizabeth (Sutter) Ackerman remained in the old settlement, which is now Groveland, IL;
Andrew Sutter, the youngest of the boys, went on west to Phoenix, AZ and on to California.
Magdelana (Sutter) Kaufman and Jacob Sutter settled at Milford,NE.
Today the descendants of John and Barbara Sutter live in almost every state of the union.

John Sutter was not only a minister, but he also compiled a German Prayer Book which was published by John Funk in Elkhart, Indiana, in 1874.

Jacob Sutter was born November 27, 1833, in Germany.
While living in Illinois, he was married to Katherine Wagler.
Later, he moved to Nebraska where he lived for 46 years.
He died February 26, 1923, at the age of 89 years, 2 months, and 29 days.
His first wife, Katherine Wagler, died July 30, 1908.
He was again united in marriage to Magdalena Yordy, with whom he lived until his death. He had fifteen children, eight sons and seven daughters.
One son and three daughters died quite young.

* Mary, who married John Noel, at Schickley, Nebraska, is still living and is of the age of 94 years. She and her family live in Nebraska.

Lizzy, who married Peter Detwiller, has some of her family living around Milford, Nebraska;

Anna, who married Noah Rediger, lived around Milford, Nebraska and in Californian and also in Pennsylvania:

Lena, who married Christian Schrag had two children, John and Katie Schrag. John is deceased and Katie, with her family now live around Niles, Michigan.
Lena again was united in marriage to Valentine M. Burkey at Milford, NE. They were the parents of Joseph E. Burkey, 410 North McLean Street, Bloomington,IL.
John who married Lena Murer and his family now live around Lebanon, OR and in California.

Peter who married Fannie Murer, and his family now live around Kalispell MT.
Sam who married Lizzie Murer, and his family live in Oregon and Washington; Christian whose first wife was Muade Klengelsmith, and who, after her death was again united in marriage to Ella Ballester, and his family now live around Akron Ohio.
Joseph, who married Anna Wreck, now live around Milford, Nebraska, Hopedale, Illinois,and Kouts, Indiana.
Dan, who married Katie Miller, is still living together with his wife, in Lincoln, NE, with his family living in NE, IL and CO.
The family of John and Barbara Sutter is now going into the eighth generation. Farming no longer remains the leading occupation of the members of the Sutter family. There are factory workers, garage men, truckers, doctors, nurses, bookkeepers, accountants, ministers, teachers, salesmen, lawyers, bankers, domestic servants and others represented in the family of the descendants.

Sutter Family

Generation No. 1

1. Andrew J.2 Sutter (Johannes1 Suttor) was born 14 May 1841 in Forsthop, Bavaria, Germany , and died 5 Feb 1921 in Phoenix, Maricopa Co., AZ . He married Magdalene Klopfenstein 21 Feb 1864 in Woodford Co., IL, daughter of John Klopfenstein and Catherine Klopfenstein. She was born 30 Mar 1846 in Belfort, France, and died 15 Nov 1914 in Phoenix, AZ

More About Andrew J. Sutter:

Burial: Good Hope Cemetery, OK Occupation: Mennonite minister More About Magdalene Klopfenstein: Burial: Near Alene, OK

Children of Andrew Sutter and Magdalene Klopfenstein are:
2 i. John B.3 Sutter, born 18 Feb 1865; died Jul 1939.
3 ii. Joseph E. Sutter, born 22 Sep 1867; died 26 Apr 1954.
4 iii. William D. Sutter, born 2 Jan 1870; died 21 Aug 1900.
5 iv. Samuel Stanley Sutter, born 10 Mar 1872; died 21 Sep 1954.
6 v. Andrew F. Sutter, born 10 Apr 1874; died 3 Nov 1970.
7 vi. Moses P. Sutter, born 5 Jul 1875; died 9 May 1886.
8 vii. Walter David Sutter, born 28 Feb 1878 in IL; died 9 Apr 1954.
9 viii. Edward E. Sutter, born 15 Mar 1881; died 2 Nov 1953.

Ancestors of Andreas Suttor

Generation No. 1

1. Andreas Suttor1, born 15 May 1841 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria Germany; died 05 February 1921 in Phoenix, AZ. He was the son of 2. Rev. Johannes Suttor and 3. Barbara Oesch. He married (1) Mary Klopfenstein2.

More About Andreas Suttor:
Census: 1860, Boynton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL3

Generation No. 2

2. Rev. Johannes Suttor4, born 24 May 1796 in Bavaria, Germany5,6; died 02 August 1887 in Tazewell Co., IL7,8. He was the son of 4. Johannes Suttor and 5. Magdalena Stahly. He married 3. Barbara Oesch in Germany.

3. Barbara Oesch8, born 1799 in Bavaria, Germany; died 27 November 1884 in Tazewell Co., IL. She was the daughter of 6. Christian Oesch and 7. Katharina Burki.

Notes for Rev. Johannes Suttor: Places of residence: Hellmansberg, Bavaria - Tazewell Co., IL Other references: Mennonite Family History issue October 1991; Christian Nafziger Book.

More About Rev. Johannes Suttor:
Burial: Men. Cem., Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL Census: 1860, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL pg. 149 Immigrated: 16 October 1850-((date taken from Family Bible in possession of Mr. Amos Sutter, Hopedale, Illinois)), to New York Occupation 1: Farmer Religion: Mennonite Minister
Original passenger list- 11 November 1851
Listing for the Ship "Samuel M. Fox" -Havre, France to New York 11 November 1851

Notes for Barbara Oesch: Places of residence: Hanfeld, Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany; Morton Twp., IL.

More About Barbara Oesch: Burial: Men. or Landes Cemetery, Tazewell Co., IL Religion: Mennonite

More About Johannes Suttor and Barbara Oesch: Marriage: Germany

Children of Johannes Suttor and Barbara Oesch are: i. Magdalena Suttor8, born 13 July 1821 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria Germany; died 24 February 1909 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; married (1) John Bachman; married (2) Joseph Kaufman; married (3) Jakob Ingold 06 November 1843.

More About Magdalena Suttor: Burial: East Fairview Cemetery, Seward Co., NE

More About Jakob Ingold and Magdalena Suttor: Marriage: 06 November 1843

ii. Christian Suttor8,9, born 21 April 1823 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria Germany10,11; died 11 May 1899 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL12,13; married (1) Magdalena Nafziger 17 March 1850 in Tremon, Tazewell Co., IL14; born 181915,16; died 25 May 1871 in Tazewell Co., IL17,18; married (2) Barbara Augsberger 15 April 1873 in Tazewell Co., IL19.

More About Christian Suttor: Burial: Mennonite Cemetery, Hopedale, IL Census: 1860, Hittle Twp., Tazewell Co., IL20 Immigrated: 1848 21,22 Occupation: 1893, Retired farmer23

Marriage Notes for Christian Suttor and Magdalena Nafziger: VOL/PAGE: A/172 LIC: 1575

More About Christian Suttor and Magdalena Nafziger: Marriage: 17 March 1850, Tremon, Tazewell Co., IL24

iii. John Suttor25, born 14 March 1825 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria Germany25,26; died 11 December 1904 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL27,28; married Magdalena Good 27 March 1855 in Tazewell Co., IL29; born 14 February 183530,31; died 18 August 1921 in Tazewell Co., IL32,33.

More About John Suttor: Burial: Mennonite Cemetery, Hopedale, IL33 Census: 1860, Boynton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL34 Property: 1857, 1/4 section in Hopedale area

Notes for Magdalena Good: Last name spelled "Guth" on marriage license.

More About John Suttor and Magdalena Good: Marriage: 27 March 1855, Tazewell Co., IL35

iv. Barbara Suttor36, born 21 February 1827 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria Germany; died 10 January 1903; married John Bachman 04 November 1855 in Tazewell Co., IL37.

More About John Bachman and Barbara Suttor: Marriage: 04 November 1855, Tazewell Co., IL37

v. Joseph Suttor38,39, born 10 October 1829 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria Germany; died in USA; married Magdalena Zehr. vi. Katharina Suttor40, born 23 August 1831 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria Germany; married Andrew Bachman 20 April 1857 in Tazewell Co., IL41.

More About Andrew Bachman and Katharina Suttor: Marriage: 20 April 1857, Tazewell Co., IL41

vii. Jakob Suttor42,43, born 27 November 1833 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria, Germany44,45; died 26 February 1923 in Milford, Seward Co., NE46,47; married (1) Catharina Wagler 10 February 1858 in Tazewell Co., IL48; born 23 March 1838 in Alsace, Germany49,50; died 30 July 1908 in Milford, Seward Co., NE51,52; married (2) Magdalena Yordy 14 February 190953; born 1843 in MO.

Notes for Jakob Suttor: Places of residence: Forsthof - Morton Twp. - Milford, IL. References: Mennonite Family History issue Oct 1991; Tazewell Co., IL marriage records-bk. 1 page 342 1860 census Morton Twp. Tazewell Co., IL p.144 1900 census Milford, Seward Co., NE pg. 149A 1920 census Milford, Seward Co., NE pg. 129A.

More About Jakob Suttor: Burial: East Fairview Cemetery, Milford, NE53 Cause of Death: "lagrippe" Census: 1860, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL54 Immigrated: 16 October 1850, to New York55 Occupation 1: Farmer55 Religion: Mennonite

Notes for Catharina Wagler: Tombstone says "Gone but not forgotten" Obituary: "Sister Sutter was a faithful member in the A.M. Church from her youth. Funeral services were held at the Fairview Church near Milford, July 31, by Jos. Schlegel. Text, II Tim. 4:1, and N. E. Roth, Rev. 21:7."

More About Catharina Wagler: Burial: Milford Cemetery, NE Census: 1900, Mother of 14, 10 living Immigrated: 1850 Religion: Mennonite

More About Jakob Suttor and Catharina Wagler: Marriage: 10 February 1858, Tazewell Co., IL56 Married by: Rev. Andrew Roop

1 Jakob Suttor b: 27 November 1833 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria, Germany d: 26 February 1923 in Milford, Seward Co., NE

..+Catharina Wagler b: 23 March 1838 in Alsace, Germany m: 10 February 1858 in Tazewell Co., IL d: 30 July 1908 in Milford, Seward Co., NE

..........2 Jacob W. Sutter b: 27 April 1867 in Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL d: 28 August 1897 in Milford, Seward Co., NE

..............+Phoebe Schertz b: 24 December 1869 in IL d: 30 August 1943 in Milford, Seward Co., NE

......................3 Levi E. Sutter b: 28 December 1894 in Beemer, Cuming Co., NE d: 28 August 1962 in Porter Memorial Hospital, Valparaiso, Porter Co., IN

..........................+Iva Pearl Reinhardt b: 20 March 1897 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL m: 05 September 1915 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL d: 29 November 1988 in Pavilion Healthcare Center, Valparaiso, Porter Co., IN

..................................4 Willard Leroy Sutter b: 25 June 1916 in Kouts, Porter Co., IN d: 29 May 2000 in Porter Memorial Hospital, Valparaiso, Porter Co., IN

viii. Elisabeth Suttor57, born 01 March 1836 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria Germany58,59; died 30 June 1884 in Tazewell Co., IL59,60; married (1) Joseph Miller 08 January 1854 in Tazewell Co., IL61; married (2) John Ackerman 09 February 1871 in Tazewell Co., IL62; born 24 May 1819 in Germany63,64; died 28 October 1891 in Tazewell Co., IL65.

More About Joseph Miller and Elisabeth Suttor: Marriage: 08 January 1854, Tazewell Co., IL66

ix. Veronica Suttor67, born 11 November 1838 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria Germany; died 16 April 1927 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; married Andrew Birkey 25 March 1857 in Tazewell Co., IL; born 03 March 1830 in Bavaria68; died 11 September 189568.

More About Andrew Birkey and Veronica Suttor: Marriage: 25 March 1857, Tazewell Co., IL

1 x. Andreas Suttor, born 15 May 1841 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria Germany; died 05 February 1921 in Phoenix, AZ; married Mary Klopfenstein.

Generation No. 3

4. Johannes Suttor69,70, born 1765 in St. Goarshausen, Nassau, Rhine, Germany70,71; died 01 June 1844 in Hellmansberg, Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany72. He married 5. Magdalena Stahly.

5. Magdalena Stahly73,74, born in Frankisch-Crumbach, (Oldenwald), Germany; died in Hellmansberg, Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany.

More About Johannes Suttor: Burial: Mennonite Cemetery, Hellmansberg, Germany Moved: Abt. 1800, to Bavaria Occupation 1: Estate Manager Religion: Mennonite

More About Magdalena Stahly: Burial: Mennonite Cemetery, Hellmansberg, Germany Religion: Mennonite

Children of Johannes Suttor and Magdalena Stahly are: i. Christian Suttor75, born 1788 in Munchweiler, Palatinate76; died 12 March 1863 in Hellmannsberg, Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany76; married Elisabeth Nafziger; born Abt. 1789 in Runkel, Hessen-Nassau, Germany76; died 30 January 1869 in Hellmannsberg, Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany76.

More About Christian Suttor: Burial: Mennonite Cemetery, Hellmansberg, Germany

ii. Elisabeth Suttor77, born 1791; died 25 June 1861 in Niederschonfield, nr. Donauworth, Germany; married Jakob Hage 1816 in Forsthof Estate, nr. Neuberg, Danube, Germany.

More About Jakob Hage and Elisabeth Suttor: Marriage: 1816, Forsthof Estate, nr. Neuberg, Danube, Germany

iii. Katharina Suttor77, born 1794; died 27 November 1872 in Forsthof Estate, Neuberg, Danube, Bavaria; married Christian Oesch Abt. 1820 in Forsthof Estate, nr. Neuberg, Danube, Germany.

More About Christian Oesch and Katharina Suttor: Marriage: Abt. 1820, Forsthof Estate, nr. Neuberg, Danube, Germany

2 iv. Rev. Johannes Suttor, born 24 May 1796 in Bavaria, Germany; died 02 August 1887 in Tazewell Co., IL; married Barbara Oesch in Germany.

6. Christian Oesch77, born 1755; died 1834. He was the son of 12. Johannes Oesch. He married 7. Katharina Burki.

7. Katharina Burki77, born 1764; died 1829.

Child of Christian Oesch and Katharina Burki is:
3 i. Barbara Oesch, born 1799 in Bavaria, Germany; died 27 November 1884 in Tazewell Co., IL; married Rev. Johannes Suttor in Germany.

Generation No. 4

12. Johannes Oesch

Child of Johannes Oesch is:
6 i. Christian Oesch, born 1755; died 1834; married Katharina Burki.

Original passenger list- 11 November 1851
Listing for the Ship "Samuel M. Fox" -Havre, France to New York 11 November 1851
Amish Mennonites in Tazewell County, Illinois - compiled by Joseph Peter Stalker

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