Valentin Wohlhuter (1825 - 1907)

Born 1 Dec 1825 in Auenheim, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France

Husband of Salome (Gerst) Wohlhuter — married 1851 in Cook County, Illinois

Descendants

Died 20 May 1907 at age 81 in Downers Grove Twp, DuPage, Illinois

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Biography

Valentin was born in 1825. Valentin Wohlhuter ... He passed away in 1907. ^[1]

Emigrated to the US in 1848. He settled in NY initially and later moved to IL in 1850 living in Dutchman's Point, where he bought 40 acres and farmed. After a couple years, he sold the farm, buying 3 acres and a store in Gower, Downers Grove Twp. He operated a store in Section 35 of Downers Grove, DuPage Co, IL.

1855 Illinois State Census shows him as living in Downers Grove Twp, DuPage Co, IL. Household includes 2 males under the age of 10 (Valentin & George), 1 between 10 & 20 (unknown), and 1 between 20 & 30 (Valentin). There are also 2 females, 1 under age 10 (Sarah) and 1 between 20 & 30 (Salome). It is not clear who the male age 10 to 20 is. Valentin & Salome were too young to have a child in that age group. It probably was one of Salome's brothers, most likely Frederick.

1860 Census shows him as age 35 living in Lyons, Downers Grove Twp, DuPage Co, IL with his wife Salome, children Salome, Valentine, George and Louise; and two brother-in-laws, Christian & Frederick Garst. Occupation was storekeeper. The form shows his place of birth as France. Wohlhuter was misspelled as Woohender on the Census forms and the Garst surnames were misread as Gast.

1865 Illinois State Census shows him living in Downers Grove Twp, Downers Grove, IL. Household includes 1 male & 1 female between ages 30 & 40 (Valentin & Salome), 2 females under the age of 10 (Caroline & Louisa), 2 males between 10 & 20 (Valentine & George), & 1 female between 10 & 20 (Sarah). Name was mispelled as Wohuler.

He shows up on IRS Tax Assessment lists several times in the 1860's as being taxed on licenses as a retail dealer. In 1865 he was also taxed on cattle & swine. In 1869 the Gower Post Office was started at his store, and on January 27, 1870 he was appointed as postmaster.

1870 Federal Census shows him as age 45 living in Gower, Downers Grove Twp, DuPage Co, IL with his wife Salome (listed as Sarah), sons Valentin & George, daughters Louisa & Caroline, and brother-in-law Christian Garst. It shows his birthplace as Alsace, France. Last name was mispelled as Woolhutter. He is listed as "Val".

1880 Federal Census shows him as age 54 living in Downers Grove Twp, DuPage Co, IL with his wife Sarah, son Valentin, daughters Louise & Caroline. His place of birth is shown as Alsace and occupation is listed as merchant. Last name is mispelled as Wolhether. He is listed as "Val".

1900 Federal Census shows him as age 74 living in Downers Grove Village, DuPage Co, IL with his wife Salome. Birhtplace is shown as Germany, birth date as Dec 1825, year of immigration was 1848 and married in 1851. Occupation is merchant.

Buried at St. John's Cemetery, (Lace) Darien, DuPage, Illinois

Sources

1. ↑ Entered by Daniel Jens, Nov 16, 2011

4. 1855 Illinois State Census , Roll ILSC_2189A; Line 31, Jul 1855.

5. 1860 Census, Roll M653_175; Page 136, 12 Jul 1860.

6. 1865 Illinois State Census, Roll ILSC_2175; Line 23, 3 Jul 1865.

7. U.S., Appointments of U. S. Postmasters, 1832-1971, Volume Year Range: 1865-1878, 27 Jan 1870. Post Office Location: Gower, Du Page, Illinois.

8. 1870 Census, Roll M593_217; Page 430, 6 Aug 1870.

9. 1880 Census, Roll T9_204; Page 35; District 253, 12 Jun 1880.

10. 1900 Census, Roll T623_298; Page 1A; District 29, 1 Jun 1900.

11. Du Page County (Ill.). Board, Du Page County (Ill.). Board of Supervisors, C. W. Richmond, History of DuPage County Illinois, Googe eBook, Page 129.

12. Findagrave.com, Memorial# 5901680.