Story of Sophia Meyer Westerhouse Siblings

Sophia had an older brother, William, two younger sisters Minnie and Matilda, one younger brother Charles.

*Story of William Herman Meyer & Ella V Anderson*

William was born 29 Oct 1867 in Hesper, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas. He was the older brother of Sophia. During 1875 and at the age of eight, William moved with his family from Hesper, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas to Big Spring, Montgomery, Missouri. The Grasshopper Plaque of 1874 and other harsh weather events were too much for the family to live in the area. Big Spring was where his uncle, Henry Edler (first husband of Mary Westerhouse), and aunt, Katie Edler (wife of Henry Westerhaus) lived. 

William's father, Hermann Meyer, died at the age of 51 on 17 Aug 1888 when he was twenty-one years old. William and all his siblings (Sophia, Wilhelmina, Matilda, Charles) were still living at home. His mother, Amalia Meyer, remarried Frederick Meyer 18 Oct 1890, and he brought four children into the marriage and home (Anna, Albert, Charles, Oscar). 

The 1910 federal census shows William,, age 39, married for ten years, own mortgaged farm, works as farmer. Describes Ella, wife, age 30, married for ten years, two children born, two children living, not working. Lists children, Herman and Viola, age 8 and 2, Herman was going to school.

1910 federal census for Bear Creek, Montgomery, Missouri 

(William Meyer household)

Ella Anderson Meyer died at their farm in High Hill, Bear Creek, Montgomery, Missouri 1 Feb 1918 at the age of 37.

Ella Meyer obituary (Montgomery County Leader) - 8 Feb 1918

 

After Ella's death, William spent his life farming until ill health forced his retirement in 1931.  At that time, he lived with son, Sterling Meyer and family in St Louis, Missouri until death.

William Meyer obituary (Montgomery Standard) - 27 Jul 1941

William and Ella Meyer gravestone 

at Mount Pleasant Cemetery (High Hill, Missouri)

Based on William’s Obituary, he was a highly respected citizen in the High Hill, where he served as steward on the church board.  He was a member of the Pine Hall school board and served in this capacity for many years.

*Story of Wilhelmina Matilda Meyer & John Henry Zweifel*

Wilhelmina was born 21 Dec 1870 in Hesper, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas. She went by the name Minnie and was a younger sister of Sophia. During 1875 and at the age of five, Minnie moved with her family from Hesper, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas to Big Spring, Montgomery, Missouri.  The Grasshopper Plaque of 1874 and other harsh weather events were too much for the family to live in the area.  Big Spring was where her uncle, Henry Edler (first husband of Mary Westerhouse), and aunt, Katie Edler (wife of Henry Westerhaus) lived. 

Minnie's father, Hermann Meyer, died at the age of 51 on 17 Aug 1888 when she was eighteen years old. Minnie and all her siblings (William, Sophia, Matilda, Charles) were still living at home. Her mother, Amalia Meyer, remarried Frederick Meyer 18 Oct 1890, and he brought four children into the marriage and home (Anna, Albert, Charles, Oscar). 

Minnie Meyer and John Henry Zweifel - marriage license - 16 Mar 1895

John Henry and Minnie Zweifel

The 1900 federal census shows John, born Mar 1870, age 30, married for five years, born in Missouri, renting farm, working as farmer. Describes Minnie, wife, born Dec 1870, age 29, married five years, three children born, one child living, born in Missouri (actually Kansas). Lists child, Selma, daughter, born Feb 1900.

1900 federal census for New Florence area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri

(John Zweifel household)

The 1920 federal census shows John, age 49, married, born in Missouri, own mortgaged farm, working as farmer. Describes Minnie, wife, age 49, married, born in Kansas, not working. Lists children, Selma and William and Herbert, ages 19 and 13 and 10, William and Herbert going to school.

1920 federal census for New Florence area of Danville, Montgomery, Missouri

(John Zweifel household)

The 1930 federal census shows John, age 60, married at age 24, born in Missouri, own farm, working as farmer. Describes Minnie, wife, age 59, married at age 24, born in Kansas, not working. Lists son, William, age 23, single, working as farmer.

1930 federal census for New Florence area of Danville, Montgomery, Missouri

(John Zweifel household)

John died 12 May 1938 in New Florence, Danville, Montgomery, Missouri. 

John Henry Zweifel obituary (Montgomery County Leader) - 20 May 1938

After John Henry died, Minnie continued to live on the farm. Her son, William and his family lived with her on the farm. 

The 1940 federal census shows Minnie, age 69, widow, completed sixth grade, born in Kansas, own farm valued at $700. Describes William, son, age 33, married, completed seventh grade, working as farmer. Lists Allie, William’s wife, age 31, married, completed seventh grade. Lists Melb Jean, William and Allie’s daughter, age 1.

1940 federal census for New Florence area of Danville, Montgomery, Missouri

(Minnie Zweifel household)

Minnie died 23 Mar 1952 in New Florence, Danville, Montgomery, Missouri.

Minnie Zweifel obituary (Montgomery Standard) - 3 Apr 1952

John Henry and Minnie Zweifel gravestone 

at Big Spring Methodist Church Cemetery (Big Spring, Missouri)

*Story of Matilda Christian Meyer & Richard Kopp*

Matilda was born 26 Jan 1873 in Hesper, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas. She was a younger sister of Sophia. During 1875 and at the age of two, Matilda moved with her family from Hesper, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas to Big Spring, Montgomery, Missouri.  The Grasshopper Plaque of 1874 and other harsh weather events were too much for the family to live in the area.  Big Spring was where her uncle, Henry Edler (first husband of Mary Westerhouse), and aunt, Katie Edler (wife of Henry Westerhaus) lived. 

Matilda's father, Hermann Meyer, died at the age of 51 on 17 Aug 1888 when she was fifteen years old. Matilda and all her siblings (William, Sophia, Wilhelmina, Charles) were still living at home. Her mother, Amalia Meyer, remarried Frederick Meyer 18 Oct 1890, and he brought four children into the marriage and home (Anna, Albert, Charles, Oscar).

Richard family immigrated from Prussia before settling on a farm in Danville area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri.

The 1870 federal census shows Richard, son of John and Hannah Kopp, age 12, attending school, born in Prussia.

1870 federal census for Danville area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri 

(John Kopp household)

The 1880 federal census shows Richard, age 21, living with the Lichte household as a hired hand, single, working as laborer, born in Prussia.

1880 federal census for Lower Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri 

(Frederick Lichte household)

Richard was married two times before marrying Matilda in 1896. No more details are known about these marriages.

Matilda Meyer and Richard Kopp marriage license - 5 Dec 1896

Matilda and Richard Kopp

The 1900 federal census shows Richard, born Sep 1859, age 40, married for three years, born in Germany, own farm free of mortgage, working as farmer. Describes Matilda, wife, born Jan 1873, age 27, married for three years, zero children born and living, born in Missouri (actually Kansas). Lists Ida, daughter, born Oct 1887, age 12, single, attending school. John, servant, born 1868, age 31, single, born in Ohio, working as farm labor.

1900 federal census for Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri (Richard Kopp household)

The 1910 federal census shows Richard, age 50, married for thirteen years, born in Germany, immigrated in 1865, naturalized, own farm free of mortgage, working as farmer. Describes Matilda, wife, age 37, married for thirteen years, two children born and living, born in Kansas, not working. Lists children, Mable and Eva, ages 9 and 7, both attending school.

1910 federal census for Danville, Montgomery, Missouri 

(Richard Kopp household)

The 1930 federal census shows Richard, age 70, married for 24 years, born in Germany, immigrated in 1865, naturalized, own farm free of mortgage, working as farmer. Describes Matilda, wife, age 56, married for 24 years, born in Kansas, not working.

1930 federal census for Danville, Montgomery, Missouri 

(Richard Kopp household)

Richard died 6 Feb 1934 in Danville, Montgomery, Missouri at his farm.

Richard Kopp obituary (Montgomery County Leader) - 9 Feb 1934

After Richard died, Matilda moved in with her daughter, Mabel and family in Danville.

The 1940 federal census shows Matilda Kopp, Mother-in-law, age 67, widow, completed eight grade, born in Kansas.

1940 federal census for Danville, Montgomery, Missouri 

(Weltner Stuart household)

Matilda died 20 Oct 1964 at University of Missouri Medical Center, Columbia, Boone, Missouri.

Matilda Kopp obituary (Montgomery Standard) - 29 Oct 1964

Matilda and Richard Kopp gravestone 

at Big Spring Methodist Church Cemetery (Big Spring, Missouri)

*Story of Charles Frederick Meyer & Jessie Mabel Coil*

Charles was born 25 Jan 1877 in Big Spring, Danville, Montgomery, Missouri. He was the younger brother of Sophia.

Charles's father, Hermann Meyer, died at the age of 51 on 17 Aug 1888 when he was eleven years old. Charles and all his siblings (William, Sophia, Wilhelmina, Matilda) were still living at home. His mother, Amalia Meyer, remarried Frederick Meyer 18 Oct 1890, and he brought four children into the marriage and home (Anna, Albert, Charles, Oscar). 

Before marriage, The 1880 federal census shows Jessie, daughter of Edward and Julia Coil, age 1. Lists a much older brother, Eugene, age 26, working as laborer.

1880 federal census for Lower Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri 

(Edward Coil household)

The 1900 federal census shows Jessie living with her widowed grandmother, born Jan 1879, age 21, single, working as servant.

1900 federal census for Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri 

(Louisa Niedergerke household)

Charles Meyer and Jessie Coil marriage certificate - 29 Aug 1902

Jessie and Charles Meyer

The 1910 federal census shows Charles, age 33, married for seven years, born in Missouri, renting farm, working as farmer. Describes Jessie, wife, age 31, married for seven years, two children born, two children living, born in Missouri, not working. Lists children Vernon and Victor, ages three and two. Lists Charles mother, Mollie, living with them, age 64, widow, renting the farm she owns to Charles.

1910 federal census for Big Spring area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri

(Charles Meyer household)

The 1920 federal census shows Charles, age 42, married, born in Missouri, renting farm, working as farmer. Describes Jessie, wife, age 40, married, born in Missouri, not working. Lists children Vernon and Victor and Ruth, ages 13 and 11 and 4. Lists Charles mother, Mollie, living with them, age 75, widow, un-naturalized, renting the farm she owns to Charles.

1920 federal census for Big Spring area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri

(Charles Meyer household)

The 1930 federal census shows Charles, age 53, married at age 25, born in Missouri, renting farm, working as farmer. Describes Jessie, wife, age 51, married at age 23, born in Missouri, not working. Lists daughter, Ruth, ages 14, attending school. Lists Charles mother, Mollie, living with them, age 83, widow, renting the farm she owns to Charles.

1930 federal census for Big Spring area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri

(Charles Meyer household)

The 1940 federal census shows Charles, own farm, house value $1200, age 63, married, completed senior year in high school, born in Missouri, working as farmer, works 60 hours per week. Describes Jessie, wife, age 61, married, completed eigth grade, born in Missouri, doing housework. 

1940 federal census for Big Spring area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri

(Charles Meyer household)

Charled died 5 Jan 1947 in Big Spring, Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri at his farm.

Charles Meyer obituary (Montgomery County Leader) - 10 Jan 1947

Jessie died 29 Jul 1959 at her sons home, Victor Meyer in Danville, Montgomery, Missouri.

Jessie Meyer obituary (Montgomery Standard) - 6 Aug 1959

Charles and Jessie Meyer gravestone 

at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery (Big Spring, Missouri)