Johannes Fassnacht (1822 - 1863)

Biography

Johannes Fassnacht was born/baptized 31 May 1822 in Altensteig, Baden-Württemberg^[1][2][3] His godparents were the Aunt and Uncle of his wife-to-be (Regina Fassnacht)!

He was confirmed 1836 Altensteig, Schwarzwaldkreis, Wurttemberg^[4]

• In both the Altensteig Ortsippenbuch AND on the church's Familienbuch (p. 393 of Film #1201934), there is NO mention of what became of Johannes. No record of him after his confirmation. No mention that he moved to America. There are other entries throughout the church records with similar facts lacking, but it's odd because almost every other sibling of his has information included about them, including their emigrations.
• With him on the ship were his "fiancee" Regina Erhardt as well as his younger brother Christoph (incorrectly recorded as "Christine").

He emigrated 21 Jun 1849 on the ship "Minesota" from Liverpool (listed immediately above Regina Erhardt, who he would marry a month later. ^[5]

He married 22 July 1849 Regina Erhardt at St. John's Evangelical & Lutheran Church, Buffalo, New York. Witnesses: "two at church."^[6]. A copy of this record may possibly be located at State University of New York Buffalo.^[7]

In 1853 they resided at 239 E. Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY, laborer ^[8]

On 13 May 1853 filed intention to become citizen, Erie County Court, Buffalo, NY; witnesses: August Schmitt, John Wandall^[9]

12 May 1855: naturalized as citizen, Erie County Court, Buffalo, NY^[10]

1858: Brewer, residing at Main & Best ^[11]

1860: 7th Ward, Buffalo, Erie, NY (image 187 on ancestry.com); with Regina, Elizabeth and "Meena" (Wilhelmina), dwelling 1237, family 1623. Enumerated and indexed as Taschmecht (!)

• 1861: Brewer, residing 176 Oak Street^[12]

1863: Brewer, residing Mortimer near Genesee^[13]

Johannes Fassnacht died 30 Aug 1863 Buffalo, Erie Co., New York^[14][15]

• John L. Smith mentioned that Johannes made the beer and a partner [Max Roth?] sold it, pocketing the profits- this apparently led to Johann's illness and subsequent death- ( heart trouble???). Cousin George Redlein mentions a Max Roth as being responsible for Johann's problems- ( a swindler?) Note: we've since discovered that Johannes and Regina had a son that they named after Max. The boy must not have survived long, though, as he is not listed with them in the 1860 census. Max Roth (the partner) was also godparent/sponsor to two children of Johannes & Regina.
• Johannes & Regina were originally buried at Concordia then moved to Forest Lawn cemetery in 1895.

He was buried 3 September 1863, Concordia Cemetery, Buffalo, Erie, New York ^[16][17]

In 1895, his body was moved to Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, Erie, New York. ^[18][19]

Sources

1. ↑ Evangelische Kirche Stuttgart 1664-1917, Hauptstaatsarchiv Stuttgart, FHL #1901931, Band 4, Baptisms 1822, page 168, #26
2. ↑ St. Paul's and St. Mark's United Church of Christ, Buffalo, NY, FHL 1901556 & 7; Item 8 Deaths 1855-1871, pg. 117
3. ↑ Burkhart Oertel, Ortssippenbuch der Stadt Altensteig, Frankfurt am Main: Zentralstelle fur Personen-und Familiengeschichte, Neubiberg: Selbstverlag, 1987, pg. 67, entry 753
4. ↑ Evangelische Kirche Altensteig-Stadt (OA. Nagold), Kirchenbuch, 1664-1917, LDS Film #1201931 (Items 2-3) - 1201935; Stuttgart: Hauptstaatsarchiv Stuttgart, 1984
5. ↑ Registers of Vessels Arriving at the Port of New York from Foreign Ports, 1789-1919. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M237, rolls 1-95. Family Identification: 2664305; Roll Number: 80
6. ↑ St. John's Evangelical & Lutheran Church, Buffalo, NY Church Records 1829-1868; FHL 0370920 or 22
7. ↑ "New York, Church Records, 1660-1954", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG5L-DWSM : Sun Mar 10 15:42:21 UTC 2024), Entry for Johann Fastnacht and Regina Ehrhard, 22 July 1849.
8. ↑ 1853 Buffalo City Directory
9. ↑ Vital Records, Erie County Court, State of New York, Liber 15, pg. 468
10. ↑ Vital Records, Erie County Court, State of New York, Liber 15, pg. 468
11. ↑ 1858 Buffalo City Directory
12. ↑ 1861 Buffalo City Directory
13. ↑ 1863 Buffalo City Directory
14. ↑ Forest Lawn Cemetery Type: Cemetery Title: Cemetery Records (Multiple at Forest Lawn)
15. ↑ St. Paul's and St. Mark's United Church of Christ, Buffalo, NY, FHL 1901556 & 7 Item 8 Deaths 1855-1871, pg. 117
16. ↑ Forest Lawn Cemetery, Cemetery Records (Multiple at Forest Lawn), Lot No. 123, Section 8
17. ↑ St. Paul's and St. Mark's United Church of Christ, Buffalo, NY, FHL 1901556 & 7; 1901556, Item 8: Deaths 1855-1871
18. ↑ Forest Lawn Cemetery, Cemetery Records (Multiple at Forest Lawn), Lot No. 123, Section 8
19. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/87638590/john-fassnacht: accessed 14 August 2022), memorial page for John Fassnacht (1822–30 Aug 1863), Find a Grave Memorial ID 87638590, citing Forest Lawn, Buffalo, Erie County, New York, USA; Maintained by Jay Boone (contributor 46889203).

Acknowledgements

• Jillaine thanks fourth cousin and genealogy partner D. McCabe for the early research that contributed so much to the knowledge of our history.