Perchinske & Strohmeyer Family History

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Gertrude Heiler

Gertrude Heiler

Female 1826 - 1905  (79 years)

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  • Name Gertrude Heiler  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9] 
    Birth 16 Mar 1826  Germany Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9] 
    Gender Female 
    FSID M7GR-X9M 
    Immigration 1854  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] 
    Residence 1870  Carrolltown, Cambria, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9] 
    Residence 1880  Barr, Cambria, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] 
    Residence 1900  Barr, Cambria, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] 
    Burial 1904  Nicktown, Cambria, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] 
    53326932_127585612061    		 53326932_127585612061
    Death 25 Apr 1905  Nicktown, Cambria, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] 
    Person ID I1180  Perchinske Strohmeyer Tree
    Last Modified 5 Aug 2025 

    Family Jacob Schirf, Sr,   b. 2 Jul 1831, Baden-Württemberg, Germany Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 1 Feb 1915, Nicktown, Cambria, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 83 years) 
    Marriage 1854  Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location  [10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18] 
    • The marriage records of Jacob and Gertrude have yet to be found, and may never be found. We know that they came over to the U.S. in 1854. The reason for this is that they were definitely not married where so many people list them as being married. I have a paper from St. Philomenas that states there is no record of their marriage at that church. There is a baptismal record. I plan on posting both as soon as I scan the pile of things I have to scan. This should help everyone with sourcing some.
      We know they lived in Sharpsburg, and since they were German they probably attended St. Mary's which was dedicated in June of 1854, but had had services held in the basement since 1852. The inability to find records of a marriage is probably the result of a fire that destroyed St. Mary's church and it's records. In 1866, several months later the cornerstone for a new church was laid, and the church was rebuilt.

      On deducing a date this is how I came upon a timeframe.
      In the Federal Census of 1900 taken 5 June 1900 Jacob and Gertrude list 45 years as being the length of their marriage . That puts the marriage date between 6 June 1854 and 5 June 1855. We can probably assume they were married prior to October 1854 because of the date of the baptism of their daughter Catherine. The 1900 census goes on to state that they have been in the US 46 years and both migrated in 1854, yet have been married 45 years. This shows that the wedding would have probably occurred in the U.S.
      Taking all of this into account the wedding range would be between June and October of 1854. In Sharpsburg because that was where they were living at the time, and being german one can assume they went to the Catholic Church locally that was primarily German, St. Mary's, it was a split off of St. Josephs. The Church also often used priest s from St. Philomena's in Pittsburgh where their daughter was later baptized, and where there is no marriage record for them.
      St. Mary's burned down in 1866, and all records were lost in the fire. Thus there is little chance of finding a record of the marriage.

      (This information from schirf.net)
    • St.Philomena,
    Age at Marriage She : ~ 27 years and 9 months - He : ~ 22 years and 5 months. 
    Children 
     1. Catherine Schirf,   b. 5 Jul 1855, Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 1870 (Age 14 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
    +2. Peter Schirf,   b. 16 Aug 1856, Sharpsburg, Allegheny, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 13 May 1934, Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 77 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
    +3. Sabina A Schirf,   b. 7 Jul 1859, Sharpsburg, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 3 Jul 1945, Sublimity, Marion, Oregon, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 85 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
     4. Conrad Schirf,   b. 8 Oct 1860, Butler, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 19 Sep 1916, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 55 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
     5. Giles Schirf,   b. 1 Mar 1862, Sharpsburg, Allegheny, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 24 Sep 1944 (Age 82 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
     6. John Schirf,   b. 14 Aug 1863, Martinsburg, Blair, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 14 Jan 1949 (Age 85 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
     7. Jacob Schirf, Jr.,   b. 24 Mar 1865, Sharpsburg, Allegheny, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 14 Jun 1881, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 16 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
     8. Nicholas Schirf,   b. 27 May 1869, Martinsburg, Blair, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 3 Jul 1881 (Age 12 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
    Family ID F321  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 5 Aug 2025 

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBirth - 16 Mar 1826 - Germany Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsMarriage - 1854 - Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Residence Post Office: Munster - 1870 - Carrolltown, Cambria, Pennsylvania Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 1880 - Barr, Cambria, Pennsylvania Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 1900 - Barr, Cambria, Pennsylvania Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBurial - 1904 - Nicktown, Cambria, Pennsylvania Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDeath - 25 Apr 1905 - Nicktown, Cambria, Pennsylvania Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 
    Pin Legend  : Address       : Location       : City/Town       : County/Shire       : State/Province       : Country       : Not Set

  • Photos
    German Immigration Ship    		German Immigration Ship
    The year of Our Lord 1882 , day 9 of May preceded by the readings of 3 proclamations no canonical impediments detected, I the undersigned priest between masses joined in solemn matrimony Friedericus Brug, parishioner, legitimate, single, son of Josephus Brug and Christiana Sarter, Married Catholic couple ,( both) deceased with his spouse Bride…
    53326932_127585612061    		53326932_127585612061

    Documents
    Media Item(1).jpg    		Media Item(1).jpg

    Histories
    Gertrude Heiler Information    		Gertrude Heiler Information
    Marriage Information    		Marriage Information
    Marriage Information    		Marriage Information

  • Notes 
    • Jacob's wife, Gertrude Heiler born March 1826 in Germany, immigrated 1854 to America from Wurtemberg, married Jacob in 1855, died 25 April 1904 and was interred in St Nicholas Cemetery, Nicktown, Barr Twp, Cambria County, Pa. In the 1880 Census she was listed as "part blind".
      Jacob Schirf her husband, born March or July 1831 in Germany immigrated to America in 1854 from Wurtemberg, possibly in the same ship, married Gertrude in 1855 and died January 1815. (Obituary published 2 February 1915 in Johnstown "Tribune", Will filed 8 March 1915/8 January1917 in Cambria County Will Book 9, page 626.
      (Information from schirf.net)

  • Sources 
    1. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVKF-JHJJ : 20 May 2020), Gertrude Catherine Heiler Schirf, 1904; Burial, , ; citing record ID , Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.
      Gertrude Catherine Heiler Schirf, "Find A Grave Index"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVKF-JHJJ

    2. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWXF-3HQ : 15 July 2017), Gertrude Schirf in household of Jacob Schirf, Barr, Cambria, Pennsylvania, United States; citing enumeration district.
      Gertrude Schirf in household of Jacob Schirf, "United States Census, 1880"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWXF-3HQ

    3. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VF3T-9DF : 5 August 2020), Gertrude Schirf in entry for John Schirf and Catharine Mary Nissel, 19 Oct 1897; citing Marriage,.
      Gertrude Schirf in entry for John Schirf and Catharine Mary Nissel, "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VF3T-9DF

    4. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KH6R-732 : 5 August 2020), Gertrude Schirf in entry for Giles Schirf and Mary Elizabeth Kirsch, 15 Sep 1908; citing Marriage.
      Gertrude Schirf in entry for Giles Schirf and Mary Elizabeth Kirsch, "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KH6R-732

    5. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFSR-7X1 : 5 August 2020), Gertrude Hailer in entry for Conrad Schirf and Katharine Wassam, 20 Nov 1913; citing Marriage, Ni.
      Gertrude Hailer in entry for Conrad Schirf and Katharine Wassam, "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFSR-7X1

    6. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M39H-7KQ : accessed 3 September 2020), Gertrude Schirf in household of Jacob Schirf, Barr Township Spangle borough, Cambria, Pennsylvania, Unit.
      Gertrude Schirf in household of Jacob Schirf, "United States Census, 1900"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M39H-7KQ

    7. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZL1-K6R : 19 March 2020), Gertrude Shirf in entry for Jacob Shirf, 1870.
      Gertrude Shirf in household of Jacob Shirf, "United States Census, 1870"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZL1-K6R

    8. [S178] Ancestry.com, Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1967, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2014;), Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission; Harrisburg, PA; Pennsylvania (State). Death Certificates, 1906-1968; Certificate Number Range: 045501-048500.
      Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1967      		 Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1967


    9. [S191] Ancestry.com, 1870 United States Federal Census, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2009;), Year: 1870; Census Place: Carroll, Cambria, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1317; Page: 89A; Family History Library Film: 552816.
      1870 United States Federal Census      		 1870 United States Federal Census


    10. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M39H-7K3 : accessed 3 September 2020), Jacob Schirf, Barr Township Spangle borough, Cambria, Pennsylvania, United States; citing enumeration di.
      Jacob Schirf, "United States Census, 1900"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M39H-7K3

    11. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree.
      Legacy NFS Source: Jacob Schirf - Government record: Death record or certificate: death: 1 February 1915; Nicktown, Cambria, Pennsylvania, United States

    12. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWXF-3H3 : 15 July 2017), Jacob Schirf, Barr, Cambria, Pennsylvania, United States; citing enumeration district ED 207, sheet 451B, NARA microf.
      Jacob Schirf, "United States Census, 1880"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWXF-3H3

    13. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFSR-7XB : 5 August 2020), Jacob Schirf in entry for Conrad Schirf and Katharine Wassam, 20 Nov 1913; citing Marriage, Nickt.
      Jacob Schirf in entry for Conrad Schirf and Katharine Wassam, "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFSR-7XB

    14. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KH6R-73K : 5 August 2020), Jacob Schirf in entry for Giles Schirf and Mary Elizabeth Kirsch, 15 Sep 1908; citing Marriage, C.
      Jacob Schirf in entry for Giles Schirf and Mary Elizabeth Kirsch, "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KH6R-73K

    15. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZL1-K65 : 19 March 2020), Jacob Shirf, 1870.
      Jacob Shirf, "United States Census, 1870"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZL1-K65

    16. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "Family Tree," database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org : modified 30 April 2020, 22:06), entry for Jacob Schirf Sr(PID https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/4:1:M7GR-XML); contributed by various users. PersonID M7GR-XML.
      Jacob Schirf Sr
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/4:1:M7GR-XML

    17. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV29-GBL5 : 3 June 2020), Jacob Schirf, ; Burial, , ; citing record ID , Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.
      Jacob Schirf, "Find A Grave Index"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV29-GBL5

    18. [S152] FamilySearch.org, FamilySearch Family Tree, "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VF3T-9DX : 5 August 2020), Jacob Schirf in entry for John Schirf and Catharine Mary Nissel, 19 Oct 1897; citing Marriage, Ca.
      Jacob Schirf in entry for John Schirf and Catharine Mary Nissel, "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950"
      https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VF3T-9DX


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The Pijzaczynski family name changed many times over the years. In Polish records, Andrew’s surname appeared as Peczynski. He had six children in Poland and five in the United States. After immigrating, his last name varied on documents such as census records, deeds, and death certificates, before his children in the U.S. eventually adopted the name Perchinske. Rumor had it that teachers could not spell the name correctly and eventually his children became Perchinske.

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Fled Country for Religious Freedom

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When Kaiser Wilhelm II ruled as emperor, Fred Brug went to renew his Countship but was told he had to revoke his religious affiliation. The following article how it caused him to flee Germany for the U.S..

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