Stephenson County Illinois World War 1 Veterans

Honor roll of the Great War, Stephenson County, 1917-1919

This small booklet contains all the known men and women who participated in World War 1 and claimed their home of record as Stephenson County, Illinois. By participation, this record does not limit this to soldiers, but also contains the records of those men and women who served the Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., and other non-fighting positions. This book is free to read or download.

Biographical Sketch of Allen A. Alderfer

Allen A. Alderfer had been a merchant and connected with different enterprises in Topeka for many years, and is one of the well known citizens. He came to Kansas when he was about twenty-one years of age. He was born at Sterling, Illinois, August 16, 1865, a son of Philip and Matilda (Siegfried) Alderfer. Both parents were natives of Pennsylvania, his father of Laneaster, and from that state he moved to Akron, Ohio, and later to Sterling, Illinois, where he is now living retired. He spent his active business career as a cigar maker and farmer. The mother died in … Read more

Genealogy of John and Christian Fretz

Old Fretz Homestead, Bedminster

A brief history of John and Christian Fretz and a complete genealogical family register, is a record of people who crossed an ocean for their beliefs, carved homes out of wilderness, and built churches where they could worship in peace. It’s brings to light the kind of history that’s often overlooked: the slow, steady work of building a life and heritage. In putting this record together, Rev. Fretz gave thousands of descendants a way to connect with their past, and a reason to be proud of it.