George W. Castrope corporal  Co. D, 26th MO Inf 

George William (Wilhelm) Castrop

March 25, 1840 – December 19, 1914

George Wilhelm Castrop was born March 25, 1840 in Delbruck, Germany to Conrad A. Castrop and Elizabeth Lange Castrop.  Delbrück (according to Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delbruck ) is a town in the east of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany in the Paderborn district. 

George’s father, Conrad, also known as Johann Conrad Arnold Castrop, was born December 18, 1807 in Delbruck and died February 7, 1883 in Osage county, Missouri.  He is buried in the Saint Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Westphalia, Missouri. ¹  Elizabeth, (also known as Anna Maria Elisabeth Lange-Castrop) was born October 11, 1806 in Barbrok, Westfalen, Germany.  Conrad and Elizabeth were likely married around 1839.  She died July 4, 1852 in Delbruck and is buried at St. Johannes Baptist Katholisch, Delbruck, Westfalen, Germany. ²

Conrad next married Maria Francisca Bernardina (Dinah) Koester.  Bernardina was born December 11, 1822 in Delbruck the daughter of Arnold Koester and Elizabeth Tiggey ¹⁰.  Bernardina and Conrad were  married sometime around 1853 or 1854. 

Less than a year after Bernardina gave birth to baby girl, Elizabeth, Conrad took his family to America.  They boarded the SS Tuisku at Bremen and sailed first to New York and then to New Orleans where they arrived on November 30, 1855.  Conrad was 42 years old when he left Bremen and listed himself as a peasant on the passenger list.  He traveled in the “deck house” of the Tuisku with Bernardine age 32 and their 48 week old baby, Elizabeth.  George then 15, Henry (Heinrich) age 16, Therese (Elizabeth) age 11, and Ana age 7 were quartered below decks.  All 4 are believed to be children of Conrad’s first wife, Elizabeth, although Henry is never mentioned in most family histories. 

Their family’s destination was listed on the passenger list as St. Louis, so it is likely that they traveled there by boat up the Mississippi river from New Orleans.  From there a steamboat trip up the Missouri river could have taken them to their new home near Westphalia in Osage county.  It is equally possible that they took the recently completed Pacific Railroad that would take them to the northern part of Osage county. 

Picture of the Tuisku from the Focke Museum in Bremen, Germany

Westphalia is considered the oldest German/Catholic community west of the Mississippi River.  It is likely that the Castrop family attended the St. Joseph’s Catholic church (pictured to the right) built in 1848 and one of the oldest Catholic churches in Osage county.  In fact Conrad and Bernardina are buried in the old part of the St. Joseph cemetery.  Conrad’s stone shows birth December 18, 1807 and death on February 7, 1883.  Bernardina’s stone shows birth on December 10, 1822 and death on December 26, 1895.

At the time of the Civil War, George W. Castrop was still living in Westphalia.  He stated he was 22 when he enlisted on Oct. 10, 1861.  He was a single farmer with a height of 5 feet 8 ¼ inches.  He had blue eyes, flaxen hair and a light complexion.  He was mustered as a corporal of company D on Jan. 10, 1862 at Castle Rock, Missouri by Lt. William Wherry.  He would serve in the 26^th Missouri until he was wounded in the right arm at Champion Hill on May 16, 1863.  The wound was so severe that his arm had to be amputated.  George was discharged and sent home.  The 1915 Osage County Business Directory listed the veterans from that county.  In it George was identified as the color bearer for the 26^th Missouri. ⁴¹  That position of honor required the bravest men to carry the national colors at the head of the regiment into battle.  The bearers became a natural target for enemy fire with the colors a desirable battle trophy to capture by the enemy.

George’s recovery after the loss of his arm evidently went well and by the summer of 1865 he was engaged to marry Elizabeth Markoni, the daughter of Henry Markoni and Gertrude Blumenkempfer.  Elizabeth, who was born in Westphalia on October 6, 1838 ¹⁰, would marry George on August 1, 1865. 

Elizabeth was the widow of Frederick (Fritz) Lueckenhoff, who was born in Prussia on March 29, 1829 and died of disease in 1864 ³¹.  It is believed that he served in the Home Guard during the Civil War and may have become ill during his service.  Elizabeth and Fritz were married April 2, 1856 ¹⁰.  They had 4 children:  ¹⁰

• Joseph born December 10, 1856 and died December 30, 1927.
• August H. born August 31, 1858 and died December 31, 1913.
• Gertrude born August 1, 1860; married August Werner Oct 21, 1879; died Mar 16, 1945.
• Herman born August 7, 1863; married Emma Burton 10 Sep 1893; died 16 May 1934.

After George and Elizabeth Castrop were married, they settled down in Westphalia to raise their family.  Besides Elizabeth’s 2 children from her previous marriage, she would have 3 children with George.  Their first were twins, William George and Bernidina (Regina) Elizabeth (Maria Bernardine) born on December 16, 1867 ¹⁰.  Then a second daughter, Maria Bernadine (Maria Regina), was born Dec. 16, 1867 ¹⁰.  Both Elizabeth and Mary would become Benedictine Nuns changing their names to Sister Evangelista and Sister Placida respectively.  George William did not survive infancy.  He died on January 6, 1869.and is buried in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Elizabeth Markoni Castrop died on September 4, 1884 of “neuraligis” according to her death record.  While no records of a grave stone exist, church records indicate that she is buried in the old section of the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Westphalia.

Over a year after his first wife’s death, George Castrop married Miss Louisa Fechtel on October 6, 1885.  She was the daughter of Anton Fechtel and Gertrude Ortmeyer.  Anton and Gertrude are buried in the old part of the St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Anton was born September 5, 1817 and died October 1, 1864.  Gertrude was born April 8, 1823 and died March 27, 1891.

Louisa was born March 4, 1852 in Westphalia.  The Anton and Gertrude Fechtel’s children listed in the 1860 Osage county, Missouri Census and from church records.  ¹⁰

Louise Fechtel was also married before she married George Castrop.  Interestingly enough, she married Casper Fechtel on August 7, 1877.  There doesn’t appear to be any indication of how they were related prior to their marriage.  Casper was born about 1849 in Mastolde, Westfalen, Germany to Herman Fechtel (b abt. 1797) and Anna Catherine Verlhoff (b abt. 1809). ¹⁰  Casper was 7 ½ years old when he and his family came to America leaving from Bremen on board the “Anna Delius” and landing at New Orleans  on November 6, 1857.  ⁵³

Casper and Louise had two children, a son and daughter.  Anton was born Aug. 15, 1878 and died Feb. 24, 1968.  He married Mary Hilkemeyer, who was born Feb. 17, 1880.  Mary Fechtel was born Sep. 8, 1880 and died April 2, 1937.  She married Charles Joseph Huber (Sept. 27, 1876-June 3, 1955).  Casper Fechtel died Jan. 2, 1882 at the age of 32.

Louisa and George Castrop would have 3 children together.  Their names and records are:

George Castrop was a farmer working with his father Conrad prior to the Civil War.  After the war and with only one arm, he had to find less strenuous employment.  He eventually owned and operated a saloon in Westphalia at the corner of Main Street and Maries Avenue.  This was at a time before the streets of Westphalia were paved.  According to Osage county history, Maries Avenue was often referred to as “Mud Street.” 

George was also involved in the political scene of his community.  He was chosen as an alternate to the 1880 Republican Convention for district 11 in Missouri.  The convention was held at Chicago, Illinois on July 2 and would nominate James A. Garfield for president.  Garfield would go on to win the national election by less then 2000 votes.  His was one of the shortest presidencies after being assassinated in 1881.  He was succeeded by his VP, James Arthur.

George and his family were also strong Catholics and attended the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Westphalia.  As mentioned earlier his two daughters from his first marriage became Benedictine Nuns.  Their home was often the site for celebrating Corpus Christi, a feast of celebration on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday commemorating the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

Louise Fechtel was also married before she married George Castrop.  Interestingly enough, she married Casper Fechtel on August 7, 1877.  There doesn’t appear to be any indication of how they were related prior to their marriage.  Casper was born about 1849 in Mastolde, Westfalen, Germany to Herman Fechtel (b abt. 1797) and Anna Catherine Verlhoff (b abt. 1809). ¹⁰  Casper was 7 ½ years old when he and his family came to America leaving from Bremen on board the “Anna Delius” and landing at New Orleans  on November 6, 1857.  ⁵³

Casper and Louise had two children, a son and daughter.  Anton was born Aug. 15, 1878 and died Feb. 24, 1968.  He married Mary Hilkemeyer, who was born Feb. 17, 1880.  Mary Fechtel was born Sep. 8, 1880 and died April 2, 1937.  She married Charles Joseph Huber (Sept. 27, 1876-June 3, 1955).  Casper Fechtel died Jan. 2, 1882 at the age of 32.

Louisa and George Castrop would have 3 children together.  Their names and records are:

George Castrop was a farmer working with his father Conrad prior to the Civil War.  After the war and with only one arm, he had to find less strenuous employment.  He eventually owned and operated a saloon in Westphalia at the corner of Main Street and Maries Avenue.  This was at a time before the streets of Westphalia were paved.  According to Osage county history, Maries Avenue was often referred to as “Mud Street.” 

George was also involved in the political scene of his community.  He was chosen as an alternate to the 1880 Republican Convention for district 11 in Missouri.  The convention was held at Chicago, Illinois on July 2 and would nominate James A. Garfield for president.  Garfield would go on to win the national election by less then 2000 votes.  His was one of the shortest presidencies after being assassinated in 1881.  He was succeeded by his VP, James Arthur.

George and his family were also strong Catholics and attended the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Westphalia.  As mentioned earlier his two daughters from his first marriage became Benedictine Nuns.  Their home was often the site for celebrating Corpus Christi, a feast of celebration on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday commemorating the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

Image provided by Cecilia Kingsland

 

Close up of George and Louisa Castrop from previous image.  Notice George’s empty sleeve.  A reminder of his service in the Civil War.

In the late fall of 1914, George Castrop began having respiratory problems accompanied by a heavy cough that required treatment from his doctor, G. A. Bowles.  George declined in health until he died on December 19.  The doctor listed his cause of death as bronchial and gastric catarrh.  Bronchial catarrh is considered to be bronchitis, which if not treated properly can develop into pneumonia or influenza.  Gastric catarrh is generally considered to be a chronic form of gastritis not normally considered to be fatal.  A lack of appetite and pain, loss of weight and pain after meals are some of the symptoms.  Henry Bourne, an undertaker form Westphalia, prepared George’s body, which was then buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. 

Tombstone of George and Louisa Castrop located in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Westphalia, Missouri.  Image provided by Cecelia Kingsland.

Other Castrop Family Members

Henry Garrett (John Henry) Castrop

Henry Castrop was another son of Conrad Castrop, but his mother was Conrad’s second wife Bernardina Koester.  Henry was born January 28, 1863 in Osage county, likely in Westphalia, Missouri.  It is believed that he is the same Henry Castrop who was the captain of the river steamboat “Frederick” hauling shipments on the Osage and Missouri rivers during the 1880’s. He reportedly married Anna Bernadina Radmacher about 1895.  She died in 1897.  He next married Caroline Birkel, who was born September 26, 1875 and died in Saline county on May 11, 1925.  Henry’s death certificate said that he died in Saline county, Missouri on February 24, 1937 of Pulmonary T. B.  In fact, the children listed below who died at an early age all died of some form of lung problem, most typically T. B.  Henry and Caroline are buried in All Saints Cemetery in Saline county.  Henry’s and Caroline’s children are listed below:

Frederick Joseph Castrop

Joseph Castrop is another child of Conrad and Bernadina Castrop.  He was born January 28, 1865 in Westphalia, Mo.  He married Mary Mertensmeyer May 13, 1891 in the St. Joseph’s Catholic church in Westphalia.  Mary or Maria was born March 3, 1870 and would die of a cerebral hemorrhage in St. Mary’s hospital at Jefferson City on May 8, 1948.  Joseph died of coronary thrombosis on August 25, 1941.  Their burial site is not specifically known.  Joseph’s death certificate stated West Glasgow, Missouri and Mary’s stated Gilliam, Mo.  Joseph and Mary’s children include the following:

Mary Francisca Castrop

Mary Castrop was born Feb. 3, 1857 to Conrad and Bernadina Castrop.  She married Joseph Kramer about 1880.  Joe was born in Cole county and his birth date must be calculated from his death certificate.  It was noted that he was 81 years, 8 months and 3 days.  He died on Feb. 1, 1923, which would make his birth date May 29, 1841, however the 1900 Cole county census showed Joes’ birth as having been in June 1841.  Joe’s cause of death was listed as “mitral regurgitation.”  Mary or Maria died August 24, 1925 with the cause of death as chronic bronchitis.  Both are buried at Taos, Missouri.  The following individuals are their children:

Maria Catherine (Katharina/Katie) Castrop

Catherine (Katie) Castrop was the daughter of Conrad and Bernardina Koester-Castrop.  She was born in Westphalia on February 23, 1858.  She married William (Wilhelm) Knuever on October 18, 1881 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Westphalia, Mo. ⁴⁴.  He was born July 4, 1842 the son of Herman and Mary (Rehling) Knuever, both German immigrants.  Catherine died on April 22, 1953 at the age of 95.  William died December 24, 1916.  Cause of death for both was attributed to senility, but William’s death certificate also indicated chronic malaria as well hardening of the arteries.  Both are buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Westphalia, Mo.  The following individuals are there children.

Sources:

1.  Joanne Scobee Morgan, Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Westphalia, Missouri transcription: Jan 25, 2001, Interment.net, Cemetery Records Online.

2.  Dale Wainwright, (dalerose@pacbell.net) family researcher; “Drawing Straight with Crooked Lines” entry for George Wilhelm Castrop. Ancestry.com, posted Aug. 25, 2001:

3.  Saint Joseph Cemetery, Westphalia, Osage County, Missouri transcript, Internment.net, Old Cemetery copied 29 Jul 1971 by Rosalia Johanningmeier, typed by Joanne Scobee Morgan, 2001, http://www.interment.net/data/us/mo/osage/stjoe.htm 

4. Saint Joseph Cemetery, Westphalia, Osage County, Missouri transcript, www.Findagrave.com,

5. Ella Castrop-John Wiegers Family, St. Joseph Sesquicentinnial, 1835-1985, Westphalia, Missouri. Page 228.

6. George W. Castrop estate, Notice of Gran of letters, Linn Osage County Republican, January 7, 1915, p3, c5.

7. “Two Veterans Die” Linn Unterrified Democrat, January 7, 1915, p1, c5.

8. Fechtel, Anton: 1860; Census Place: Jackson, Osage, Missouri; Roll: M653_637; Page: 0; Ancestry.com Image: 223.

9. Luebbert, Mary J. (Fechtel) Death Certificate : #41489, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

10. Reichart, Constance; Church Historian and Genealogist, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Westphalia, Missouri.  E-mail correspondence, May 2008.

11. New Orleans Passenger Lists, 1820-1945 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2006. published on-line by Ancestry.com. Original data:

·  New Orleans, Louisiana. Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New Orleans, Louisiana, 1820-1902. Micropublication M259. RG036. Rolls # 1-93. National Archives, Washington, D.C.

12. Missouri Marriage Records, 1805-2002 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2007. Original data: Missouri Marriage Records. Jefferson City, MO, USA: Missouri State Archives. Microfilm, published on-line by Ancestry.com.

13. 1860; Census Place: Jackson, Osage, Missouri; Roll: M653_637; Page: 0; Image: 223. Anton Fechtel family, published on-line by Ancestry.com.

14. 1860; Census Place: Jackson, Osage, Missouri; Roll: M653_637; Page: 0; Image: 230, Fritz Lueckenhoff family, published on-line by Ancestry.com

15. 1870; Census Place: Washington, Osage, Missouri; Roll: M593_796; Page: 168; Image: 339. George Castrop family, published on-line by Ancestry.com.

16. 1880; Census Place: Washington, Osage, Missouri; Roll: T9_707; Family History Film: 1254707; Page: 493.4000; Enumeration District: 120; Image: 0572. George Castrop family, published on-line by Ancestry.com.

17. 1900; Census Place: Washington, Osage, Missouri; Roll: T623 879; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 78. George W. Castrop family, published on-line by Ancestry.com.

18. Markoni, Henry land sale. 80 acres, Accession No. MO0900_443, document number 19407. U.S. General Land Office Records, 1796-1907 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2008. Original data: United States. Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records. Automated Records Project; Federal Land Patents, State Volumes. http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/. Springfield, Virginia: Bureau of Land Management, Eastern States, 2007.

19. St. Joseph Sesquicentennial, 1835-1985, Westphalia, Mo. Page 228, “Ella Castrop – John Wiegers Family”

20. Notice of Grant of Letters, Estate of George W. Castrop, Dec’d, .Linn Osage County Republican, Jan. 7, 1915, p3, c5,

21. “Two Veterans Die” Linn Unterrified Democrat, Jan. 7, 1915, p1, c5

22. Castrop, George W. Death Certificate : #39670, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

23. Castrop, Henry Garrett, Death Certificate : #13711, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

24. Castrop, Joseph Frederick Death Certificate : #41489, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

25. Castrop, Mary (Mertensmeyer, Mrs. Joseph J. Castrop) Death Certificate : #41489, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

26. Castrop, Mrs. Louise (Fechtel) Death Certificate : #41489, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

27. Kramer, Mary (Castrop, Mrs. Joe Kramer) Death Certificate : #41489, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

28. Lueckenhoff, August H. Death Certificate : #1931, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

29. Lueckenhoff, Joseph J., Death Certificate : #37719, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

30. Official Proceedings of the Republican National Conventions 1868, 1872, 1876, 1880, Google Book Search.

31. Hermann Family Tree, published Ancestry.com: http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/person.aspx?pid=-1583817548&tid=4554087&ssrc=.0

32. Classic Encyclopedia (on-line edition) Based on the 11^th Edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica (pub. 1911) http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/

33. Castrop, Louisa, obituary http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.missouri.counties.maries/824/mb.ashx

34. 1900; Census Place: Washington, Osage, Missouri; Roll: T623 879; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 78. Joseph Castrop family, published on-line by Ancestry.com.

35. 1910; Census Place: Washington, Osage, Missouri; Roll: T624_803; Page: 21A; Enumeration District: 127; Image: 996. Joseph Castrop family, published on-line by Ancestry.com.

36. 1920;Census Place: Cambridge, Saline, Missouri; Roll: T625_962; Page: 12A; Enumeration District: 184; Image: 89, Joseph Castrop family, published on-line by Ancestry.com

37. Kneuver, Catherine, Death Certificate : #18835, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

38. 1920;Census Place: Cambridge, Saline, Missouri; Roll: T625_962; Page: 12A; Enumeration District: 184; Image: 89. Henry Castrop family, published on-line by Ancestry.com

39. Castrop, Clarence, Death Certificate : #39322, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

40. Castrop, Cecelia, Death Certificate : #29918, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

41. Osage County Business and Individual Directory: 1915.  Online edition: http://www.osagecounty.org/documents/1915busdir/1915index.html 

42. 1900; Census Place: Liberty, Cole, Missouri; Roll: T623 850; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 37. Joe Kramer family, published on-line by Ancestry.com.

43. Kramer, Conrad Arnold Death Certificate : #5607, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

44. Castrop, Maria Catherine and Knuever, William marriage license.  Missouri Marriage Records, 1805-2002 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2007. Original data: Missouri Marriage Records. Jefferson City, MO, USA: Missouri State Archives. Microfilm

45. 1910; Census Place: Jackson, Osage, Missouri; Roll: T624_803; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 123; Image: 852.  William Knuever family, published on-line by Ancestry.com

46. Knuever, Herman H. birth record: Ancestry.com. Missouri Birth Records, 1851-1931 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2007. Original data: Missouri Birth Records [Microfilm]. Jefferson City, MO, USA: Missouri State Archives.

47, Knuever, Alois; Social Security Death Records: Number: 494-24-2879;Issue State: Missouri;Issue Date: Before 1951.

48. Knuever, Anna; Death Certificate : #13402, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

49. Knuever, Henry; Death Certificate : #25546, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

50. Ancestry.com. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2005. Original data: United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls.

51. Scheppers, Elizabeth; Death Certificate: #10966, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

52. Scheppers, August; Death Certificate: #26787, Missouri State Archives, Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1957, Missouri Secretary of State Digital Archives: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

53. Passenger List for the Anna Delius arriving from Bremen, Germany on Nov. 6, 1857.  New Orleans, Louisiana. Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New Orleans, Louisiana, 1820-1902. Micropublication M259. RG036. Rolls # 1-93. National Archives, Washington, D.C

Miscellaneous Information:

THE AGRITOURISM COUNCIL, Osage county, Missouri  http://www.welcometoosagecounty.info/pnts.html

In 1835 German immigrants settled on the Maries, near the present site of Westphalia. In April 1838, P. Helias, a Jesuit missionary, having been sent out to found a central mission, came up the Missouri river on a boat. Finding this mode of travel slow and tedious, the zealous missionary, with his trusted pony, pushed his way into the interior of the country and in May reached the little settlement on the banks of the Maries. Finding a little log church where the settlers worshipped, he determined to found a central mission. June 28, 1838, he entered into a contract with F. Geisberg for a forty-acre tract of land, which that gentleman had homesteaded. Here he founded his mission and named the place Westphalia, in honor of the province in Germany by that name and from where most of the settlers of that day had come.

ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, founded in 1838, is the oldest Catholic parish in Osage County. This church holds the largest collection of relics in the Diocese of Jefferson City. The building features a unique double choir loft and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.