Pfeiffer & Schwartzel Family History
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Pfeiffer & Schwartzel Family History
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The Schwartzel Family began in Germany and spread to America Joseph Schwaerzel
Joseph
and Elizabeth Schwartzel began their immigration to America in the spring of
1854, with their three children, Joseph Adam,
Carlottia and Charles. Their
immigration began in Wiesbaden, Germany and ended in New Albany, Indiana.
Joseph was
born in Konigstein, Germany or at least he was baptized there as Carolus (Carl)
Joseph Schwaerzel in the Parochial Church of Konigstein on July 7, 1811[1].
His father
was Hieronimus (Jerome) Schwaerzel, a miller and his mother was Margaretha
Schwaerzel. Joseph grew up in the small farm town of Hattersheim which is
located on the Main River near Frankfurt, Germany.
He lived in Hattersheim until he moved to Wiesbaden to marry Elizabeth.
Apparently he grew up learning the trade of a shoemaker and later, after
moving to New Albany he continued his trade opening a store on State Street.
Elizabeth
Schwartzel was born, Sophie Elizabetha Christine Preiher, on May 30, 1821, in
Wiesbaden, Germany to George Preiher and Katharina Elizabeth Reitzel Preiher.[2]
George
Preiher was a day laborer. Hattersheim where Joseph lived, was about twenty miles from Wiesbaden, and was part of the Ducal (Duchy) of Hochst. Wiesbaden was part of the Duchy of Nassau. Before Joseph could move to Wiesbaden he had to obtain permission. On January 27, 1842, Joseph Schwaerzel obtained permission from the Duchy of Nassau, for acceptance into the Community of Wiesbaden and permission to marry Elizabetha. Preusser (Priher).[3]
Hattersheim,
Germany[1] Joseph probably was a member of St. Martin’s Church, which has been in existence since the mid 1800's. And, probably left family members behind in Hattersheim. Today, there are still Schwartzels in Hattersheim. Records show that Joseph and Elizabeth had four children[1]: Johanna Maria Margaretha Katharina Schwaerzel Born January 12, 1843 Adam Joseph Schwaerzel Born April 4, 1849 Carlotta Margaretha Schwaerzel Born August 30, 1851 Karl (Charles) Schwaerzel Born December 3, 1853 In order for the Schwaezel’s to legally travel outside the Duchy of Nassau, Joseph had to obtain permission. On March 27, 1854, Joseph obtained his permission. When they began their adventure, Joseph Adam was four, Carlottia was two and Charles was only an infant. There was no indication that their first child, Johanna traveled with them. Possibly, she died before they left Germany. The following is the description of Joseph, which was listed on his pass:
Travel Pass
Description Occupation Shoemaker Married Yes Age 43 Height 5 Ft., 8 inches Color of Hair Brown Cut of Hair Short Shape of Forehead High Color of Eyebrows Brown Color of Eyes Blue Shape of Nose Pointed Shape of Mouth Ordinary Teeth Sound Beard Brown Chin Round Shape of Face Oval Color of Skin Healthy His Accompaniment Wife and three children With the pass in hand, the family traveled to the port at Le Havre, which is on the northern coast of France in the Normandy area. Le Havre is situated at the mouth of the Seine river and is the second port of France, established in 1517 by Renaissance king Franqois 1st. Upon arriving in Le Havre they obtained passage on the Robert Parker [1][2], a sailing ship which made a number of trips to America in the 1850's from either Le Havre or Liverpool, England. The Robert Parker carried 351 passengers to America on that trip. After several weeks of sailing, 3,118 miles, they arrived in New York on May 22, 1854. Besides the Schwartzel family, there was a Conrad Schwartzel listed with Joseph and his family. Conrad was probably a relative and was listed as the same age as Elizabeth, 33. There is no record as to what happened to Conrad. He did not appear to have traveled to New Albany.
[1] Mary and Bill Landherr visited Hattersheim in the summer of 1994. They provided the photographs.
[1] Recorded information from Joseph Schwartzel’s Baptismal records. [2] Recorded abstract from the Civil Station’s Register of Births at Wiesbaden. [3] Record of Abstract Number Reg. 3462, the government of the country of Duchy Nassau.
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