According to the obituary for ``Chris Schmelbech'' in the Parkersburg paper, he was born deaf and dumb. He came to the USA at age 3. He lived for many years with the Nicklaus families and with Thole Cramer for the last five years of his life. It also states he was ``possessed of considerable property'' and ``was a man who attended strictly to his own business. He was a good worker and in spite of his affliction seemed to enjoy life.'' He was killed by a train while walking to town along the railroad tracks.
Christian Schmerbach filed his intention to become a citizen of the United States on 3 Oct 1892 in Jo Daviess Co., Illinois Circuit court.
Sources for this individual: @S58@ @S161@ @S70@ @S176@ @S177@
