George Daniel Messing, the son of George Daniel Johann and Barbara Anna (Lutz) Messing, was born November 25, 1833, in Hesselhurst, Baden, Germany.  He fought as a Private in the Civil War for Co. B of the 46th Wis. Infantry, enlisting February 6, 1865.  His unit was organized at Madison, Wisconsin and moved to Louisville, Kentucky by March 5-10th.  It then proceeded to Athens, Alabama, April 22-24th.  It attached to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Sub-District, District of Middle Tennessee, Dept. of the Cumberland.  It served along the line of the Nashville and Decatur Railroad until September when on the 27th, 1865, it was mustered out.  Twenty men were lost to the regiment due to disease.  Sadly, George's daughter, Amelia died December 30, 1865, while her father was serving in the war.  She was just five months old (b. July 11, 1865).

 

After settling in Almond, Wisconsin George began a grove of apple trees and in the spring of 1878, he was selling young trees for replanting.  It was said he gave considerable thought to fruit culturing and knew which trees would withstand the freezing temperatures of Wisconsin.  The following year the journal commented on how cheap George Messing was willing to sell a lot of ornamental and useful willow baskets he'd made.

 

February 24, 1877, the Steven's Point Journal of Portage County, Wisconsin noted in an account of the "Oldest Inhabitant" that George Messing had settled in the town of Almond in 1856 and recorded these memories: "in ’60 there was no sleighing after the first of February. That a number of the farmers in his town sowed their wheat along in the middle of March. The crops the following fall were very heavy throughout the county, and Mr. M. anticipates a like result from this weather, the coming harvest." 

 

In 1881, George built an addition to his house.  It was the same year his relative living just across the way, Andrew Lutz, built a large barn 40' x 70' barn.

 

George being a good talker, became involved in the Beulow murder case and even traveled to Madison in March of 1891 to plead with Gov. Peck for the release of Charles Holtz.  We don't know if he was able to soften the governor's heart and have the old man released.

 

Shortly before Christmas of the following year (1892), their little grandchild who was suffering with the croup died in the home of George and Mary.  She was the daughter of Orville and Clara Ann (Messing) Rogers.

 

In 1893, George received a much needed increase in his Civil War pension.

 

This item was found in the Oct. 12, 1895 Steven's Point Journal:  "Mrs. Laura Sparks and husband of Black River Falls arrived at the home of her father, George Messing, last Thursday night, where they will make quiet a stop, visiting their connections and many acquaintances in the neighborhood."  The next month George commenced work on his recently purchased property in Black River Falls.

 

George Messing is buried in the Sherwood Cemetery, Clark Co., Wisconsin.  His spouses were Mary Ann Eager (m. bef. 1857) and Henrietta Zimmerman Erdman (m. 1884).

 

Sources: Census Records, Stevens Point Journal (Stevens Point, Portage Co., Wis.); Veteran's Grave Registration, Family Records and family stories contributed by Mary Davis.

 

* * * *

 

Death of Mrs. M. C. Hetzel

 

Mrs. M. C. Hetzel died at the family home in the village of Almond at 9 o’clock last Friday evening. She had been in poor health for about two years, the result of a severe attack of grip. On Friday, however, she appeared to be unusually well and was contemplating a visit to a neighbor. She was up and around the house but at about 2 o’clock in the afternoon she was stricken with paralysis, accompanied by hemorrhage of the brain and stomach, and did not regain consciousness.

 

Amanda Melvina Messing was born in the town of Oasis, Waushara County, March 13, 1857, but when a child moved with her parents to Almond. On Sept. 9, 1872, she was married to M. C. Hetzel, and they lived on a farm a short distance north of the village until about eight years ago, when they moved to the village.

 

She is survived by her husband and six children, her death being the first break in the family circle. The children are Mrs. Jack Keffner and Ernest Hetzel of Hetzel, Arthur H. Hetzel of this city, Alvin Hetzel of Almond and Misses Lydia and Ruth, who live at home.

 

The funeral was held from the Almond Germany Methodist Church at 2:20 Monday afternoon, Rev. Ludwig officiating. Among those who attended the funeral were the father, two brothers and four sisters of the deceased, as follows: George, Daniel and Ellery Messing, Mrs. Ed Zimendorf, Mrs. John Sparks and Mrs. Jesse Sparks, all of Nevins, Clark County, and Mrs. Ernest Stubles of Granton.

 

The pallbearers were David, John and Michael Mehne, A. Rath, Fred Palmer and Clarence Wood.

 

Source: Stevens Point Daily Journal (Stevens Point, Portage Co., Wis) Tuesday, 1 Sept. 1908

 

* * * *

 

Mrs. M. C. Hetzel

 

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur A. Hetzel were summoned to Almond last Friday afternoon by a message announcing the dangerous illness of his mother, Mrs. Michael C. Hetzel, but were unable to reach there until a couple of hours after her death, which took place at 8:40 that evening. About two years ago Mrs. Hetzel suffered an attack of the grippe, from the effects of which she never recovered. Last summer she spent several weeks at a Milwaukee sanitarium, but the treatment proved of little benefit. Her condition did not appear to be alarming, however, she being up and about the house nearly every day. About the middle of the afternoon a stroke of paralysis, followed a few minutes later by a violent hemorrhage from the stomach and within a few hours her spirit had passed away.

 

Amanda Melvina Messing was born in the town of Oasis, Waushara County, March 13, 1857, making her upwards of 51 years of age. The family moved to Almond when Melvina was a child and she was married in that township Sept. 9, 1872, to Michael C. Hetzel. They continued to live on a farm three miles north of Almond village until eight years ago, when they moved to what is now the corporation.

 

Mrs. Hetzel is survived by her husband and six children, the son and daughters being Mrs. Edna Keffner and Ernest Hetzel of Almond, Arthur A. Hetzel of this city, Alvin, Lydia and Ruth Hetzel of Almond. The later two young ladies live at the parental home. The deceased lady’s aged father, Geo. Messing, lives in Clark County, as do her two brothers, Dan. and Ellery Messing. There are also six sisters left to mourn.

 

Funeral services were held at the German M. E. Church, Almond, Monday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. Ludwig officiating, followed by interment in the cemetery near Hetzel postoffice.

Mrs. Hetzel was one of the kindest and most lovable of mothers, a good and true wife, a sincere Christian and a neighbor who was always ready and willing to assist in relieving sorrow and distress.

 

Source: Gazette (Stevens Point, Portage Co., Wis.) 2 Sept. 1908

  

* * * *

 

Almond –

 

George Messing of Wood County is visiting relatives here. George was a “before the war” Almond citizen and carried a lot of Almond history in his head.

Source: Stevens Point Daily Journal (Stevens Point, Portage County, Wis.) Friday, 22 Jan. 1909

 

* * * *

 

George Messing, who for the past fifteen years has lived in Wood County, was here last week to look after his Almond farm property. George is 78 years old, was one of Almond’s first settlers and wore the blue in the Civil War.

Source: Stevens Point Daily Journal (Stevens Point, Portage County, Wis.) Friday, 10 Feb. 1911

 

* * *

 

John Hetzel, Jacob Mehne, Jr., and C. E. Webster, under the appointment of Judge Conway of Grand Rapids, appraised the Almond farm of the late George Messing Wednesday, June 26.

Source: Stevens Point Daily Journal (Stevens Point, Portage Co., Wis.) 28 June 1912

 

* * * *

 

Michael C. Hetzel

 

Following an illness of several months with chronic bronchitis, which finally developed into bronchial pneumonia, causing the death about one month later, Michael C. Hetzel passed away at his home, 207 East Avenue, at 2 o’clock last Saturday morning. Friends who had long known the condition of Mr. Hetzel, were not prepared to receive this early announcement of his passing away, and it was indeed a great shock to the members of his immediate family and other relatives.

 

M. C. Hetzel was born in Germany, Nov. 23, 1849, and was therefore sixty-five years of age. He came to this country with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Hetzel, when about four years old, and after a short residence in Milwaukee, came to Portage County, locating on farming land in the town of Almond, which had been the family home until about four years ago, when Mr. Hetzel moved to this city. Mrs. Hetzel, whose maiden name was Miss Amanda Messing, to whom he was married Sept. 9, 1872, passed away Aug. 28, 1908.

 

No one could be more highly esteemed in any community that was Mr. Hetzel in that town and village of Almond, he having lived in the latter place for about six years before coming to this city, and no one was more deserving of esteem. He was thoroughly honest in the different walks of life, ever a worker for the higher ideals, both as a Christian, citizen and worker in the cause of temperance, and all who knew him thoroughly and well, mourn his memory. Six children survive as follows: Mrs. Edna Keffner, Waupaca; Ernest Hetzel, Almond; Arthur A., city; Alvin, Waupaca; Misses Lydia and Ruth, at home, but the latter had been teaching at Winnetka, Ill., during the past school year. A brother and two sisters are also left, David Hetzel, and Mrs. Barbara Keffner of Almond and Mrs. James Sternitzky of Marshfield.

The members of the family were all present at the funeral, which took place from the residence at 8:30 o’clock Tuesday morning, Rev. F. L. Hayward of St. Paul’s M. E. Church, to which the deceased belonged, officiating, after which the remains were taken to Almond for interment beside those of his wife, and where Rev. Elske, pastor of the German M. E. Church officiated.

 

Source: Gazette (Stevens Point, Portage Co., Wis.) 23 Dec. 1914

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 

The information below is on Jacob Messing (b 1844), brother to George Messing (b 1834). Jacob married Elizabeth Lutz; whose parents are Andrew and Elizbeth (Geberin) Lutz, Sr.

 

 

Real estate

 

Andrew Lutz to Jacob Messing, 40 acres, town of Almond, 600 dollars.

 

Source: Stevens Point Daily Journal (Stevens Point, Portage Co., Wis.) 19 Oct. 1878

 

* * * *

 

Andrew Lutz

 

Pioneer and Well Known Business Man Gone.

 

The death of Andrew Lutz, Sr., occurred at 8:45 o’clock Sunday evening at his home on Water Street, which he erected two years ago after selling the brewery and his old home. His death came after a long illness with dropsy and other complications. He was first taken sick a year ago in June but was able to be about until October, since which time he has been confined to the house and his death has been expected almost daily. He was care4d for by his aged wife, who will be seventy-seven years old on June 29. She was also assisted by her daughters, Mrs. Messing and Mrs. Ernst of Princeton and by the deceased’s brother Jacob of Grand Rapids. All have spent much of their time here for several months.

 

Mr. Lutz was born in Baden, Germany, in the village of Eckartsweier, on November 1, 1822. He came to American in 1851, followed a year later by his wife and family. After landing in New York he came direct to Wisconsin, locating in Racine County, where he spent about a year. He then removed with his family to Almond this county, where he spent fourteen years on a farm. In 1867 he moved to this city and bout an interest in the brewery on Water Street South, which he continued to own and operate until 1897, when he sold it to Gustav Kuenzel, the present proprietor. Form 1867 to 1882 he was in partnership with his brother Jacob. In the later year Jacob sold out and moved to Grand Rapids leaving Andrew sole proprietor until 1897.

 

Mr. Lutz married Miss Elizabeth Goepper in Bade on December 26, 1814. Twelve children were born to them of whom seven survive: Andrew, of Meehan Station, Mrs. Jacob Messing of Princeton, John of this city, Mrs. John Ernst of Princeton and Gus, George and Jacob of this city. All are married but Jacob.

He also leaves four brothers. They are Michael of Grand Rapids, John of this city and David and Jacob of Grand Rapids. Two sisters are dead.

 

On December 26, 1894, Mr. and Mrs. Lutz celebrated their golden wedding. They went through the marriage ceremony with the same heartiness which had characterized the making of their first marriage vows fifty years before. Rev. R. H. Weller performed the memorial ceremony in the Episcopal Church. After the ceremony the golden wedding feast was given at the Rink Opera House and nearly 500 guests sat down to hearty evening dinner. Many congratulatory speeches were made and other not gifted with oratory expressed in private to the worthy couple their appreciation of their oft extended hospitality and many favors. The couple also received numbers of valuable presents that testified to the esteem in which they were held by a large circle of friends.

 

Mr. Lutz was a good hearted citizen of a strong German type. He was sympathetic and generous to a fault and hosts of friends were from time to time encouraged and assisted by his kindly words and open purse. He was a member of the Stumpf Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the funeral services will be in charge of that branch of the order.

 

The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. from the Friedens Evangelical Church Rev. F. G. Ludwig officiating.

 

Source: Stevens Point Daily Journal (Stevens Point, Portage Co., Wis.) Monday, 1 May 1899

 

* * * *

 

Mrs. Andrew Lutz Dead.

 

Death Comes to Aged Resident as Result of a Stroke of Paralysis.

 

Mrs. Andrew Lutz passed away at her home at 124 Frances Street at 8:50 Sunday morning as the result of paralysis. At 10 o’clock on Thursday morning of last week, while hoeing in her garden she suffered a serious stroke of apoplexy. Her son, Jacob, was near by at the time and she had just told him to pull some radishes for dinner. As he was on his way to the radish bed he saw her drop the hoe and pitch forward to the ground. He carried her to the house, but she was unconscious and remained so until she died as stated Sunday morning.

 

Elizabeth Geberin was born in Eckartsweier, Baden, Germany, on July 29, 1828, nearly 87 years ago. She was married to Andrew Lutz in their native land on Dec. 26, 1844. He came to America in 1851 and she in 1852. In 1855 they settled at Almond, and in 1867 removed to this city and engaged in the brewery business, which they continued until about 16 years ago, when the property passed into other hands and which has since been incorporated into the Stevens Point Brewery Co. on Water Street.

They celebrated their golden wedding on Dec. 26, 1894, in an elaborate style. They renewed their vows at the Episcopal Church, with the rector, Rev. R. H. Weller, now bishop of Fond du Lac, officiating. The service was followed by a wedding dinner at the Rink Opera House, at which 500 persons were served. After the dinner the festivities concluded with a grand ball, at which Mr. and Mrs. Lutz showed the young folks how they danced in Germany 50 years before. It was one of the most notable wedding or anniversary celebrations ever held in Stevens Point, and there were guests from many neighboring cities. The mayor and common council, Stumpf and Shaurette Lodges, I. O. O. F., the Central City band and many other societies and organizations took part.

 

Mr. Lutz passes away in April, 1899. They are survived by six children, Andrew of Meehan, Mrs. Elizabeth Messing of Princeton, August Lutz of this city, Mrs. Mary Ernst of Princeton, George and Jacob of this city, the last named residing with his mother. There were originally 13 children, including three pairs of twins. One baby died on the water coming over from Germany, and the others also passed away in infancy or tender years except John, one of the older sons, who died suddenly at his home here in October, 1908. They deceased was a very kindly disposed person, and leaves many personal friends who will regret the parting, though she had already far exceeded the allotted time.

 

The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon. There will be prayer at the residence at 1 o’clock, followed by a public service at the German Evangelical Church at 1:30, Rev. F. G. Ludwig of Merrill, a former local pastor, officiating.

 

Source: Stevens Point Daily Journal (Stevens Point, Portage Co., Wis.)Monday,  20 June 1910

 

* * * * *

I am uncertain if this article refers to the daughter of George Messing or Jacob Messing.

 

Almond –

 

The measles have made Clara Messing very sick.

Source: Stevens Point Daily Journal (Stevens Point, Portage Co., Wis.) 8 April 1882

 

Family Files

 

Messing Family Tree & Messing Family View; contributed by Mary Davis.

 

Children with Mary Ann

Amanda Messing b. 1857

Julia Messing b. 4 Nov 1861
Clara Ann Messing b. 11 Jun 1863
Amelia Messing b. 11 Jul 1865
Alice Lucinda Messing b. 19 Dec 1866 in Wisconsin

Augusta E. Messing b. 1868-69

George D. Messing b. 1870

 

1870 Federal Census--Almond, Portage, Co., Wisconsin
Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Value Real Estate	Value of Personal Estate	Nativity
George Messing	36	Male	W	Farmer	$1,200	$480	Baden
Marion Messing	34	Female	W	Keeping House			Canada
Amand Messing	13	Female	W	At School			Wisconsin
Julia Messing	8	Female	W	At School			Wisconsin
Clara  Messing	7	Female	W	At School			Wisconsin
Lucinda Messing	3	Female	W	At Home			Wisconsin
Augusta E. Messing	1	Female	W				Wisconsin
George D. Messing	2 months	Male	W				Wisconsin

1870 Census record provided by Mary Davis.

 

 

1880 Federal Census--Almond, Portage, Co., Wisconsin
Name	Relation	Marital	Sex	Race	Age	Nativity	Occupation	Father's Nativity	Mother's Nativity
George Messing	Self	M	Male	W	46	Baden	Farmer	Baden	Baden
Mary A. Messing	Wife	M	Female	W	44	Canada	Keeping House	Ireland	Connecticut
Julia Messing	Daughter	S	Female	W	18	Wisconsin	Works on Home Farm	Baden	Canada
Clara A. Messing	Daughter	S	Female	W	16	Wisconsin	At Home	Baden	Canada
A. Lucinda Messing	Daughter	S	Female	W	13	Wisconsin	At Home	Baden	Canada
Augusta E. Messing	Daughter	S	Female	W	11	Wisconsin	At School	Baden	Canada
George D. Messing	Son	S	Male	W	10	Wisconsin	At School	Baden	Canada
Laura L. Messing	Daughter	S	Female	W	6	Wisconsin	At School	Baden	Canada
Ada May Messing	Daughter	S	Female	W	4	Wisconsin		Baden	Canada
Florence A. Messing	Daughter	S	Female	W	2	Wisconsin		Baden	Canada
Messing	Son	S	Male	W	3M	Wisconsin		Baden	Canada

Next Household ↓

1880 Federal Census--Almond, Portage, Co., Wisconsin
Name	Relation	Marital	Sex	Race	Age	Nativity	Occupation	Father's Nativity	Mother's Nativity
Andrew Lutz	Self	M	Male	W	34	Baden	Farmer	Baden	Baden
Minna Lutz	Wife	M	Female	W	30	Prussia	Keeping House	Prussia	Prussia
Charles Lutz	Son	S	Male	W	8	Wisconsin	At School	Baden	Prussia
Frank Lutz	Son	S	Male	W	3	Wisconsin		Baden	Prussia
Henry Lutz	Son	S	Male	W	2	Wisconsin		Baden	Prussia
Albert Suthiem	Other	S	Male	W	16	Prussia	Farm Laborer	Prussia	Prussia

 

1900 Federal Census - Wood, Wood Co., Wisconsin

Name

Relation

Race

Sex

Birth Month

Birth Year

Age

Marital

Marital Years

Kids born

Kids living

Birth Nativity

Father Nativity

Mother Nativity

Occupation

George Massing (Messing)

head

w

m

Nov.

1835

65

married

15

Germany

Germany

Germany

Farmer

Henrietta Massing (Messing)

wife

w

f

Nov.

1854

45

married

15

4

4

Germany

Germany

Germany

Fred Massing

son

w

m

Aug.

1874

25

Single

Wisconsin

Germany

Germany

Farmer Laborer

Emard "Emma" Massing

daugther

w

f

Sept.

1891

8

Single

Wisconsin

Germany

Germany

Easterd Massing

daughter

w

f

Jan.

1893

7

Single

Wisconsin

Germany

Germany

1900 Census record provided by Mary Davis.

 

1905 State Census - Cary, Wood Co., Wisconsin
Name	Relation	Sex	Age	Martial	Birth Nativity	Parents Nativity	Occupation
Geo. Messing	head	male	72	married	Germany	Germany	Farmer
Henrietta Messing	wife	female	52	married	Germany	Germany	House keeper
Regina Messing	daugther	female	15	single	Wisconsin	Germany	House work
Ida Messing	daugther	female	13	single	Wisconsin	Germany
Fred Erdrman	Step-son	male	26	single	Wisconsin	Germany	Farming

1905 Census record provided by Mary Davis.

 

1910 Federal Census - Cary, Wood Co., Wisconsin

Name

Relation

Sex

Race

Age

Marital

Marital Years

Kids born

Kids living

Birth Nativity

Father Nativity

Mother Nativity

Imm. Year

Occupation

H. E. Anderson

head

m

w

42

m1

3

Sweden

Sweden

Sweden

1882

Dairy Farmer

Emma Anderson

wife

f

w

19

m1

3

Wisconsin

Germany

Germany

Cles Anderson

son

m

w

2

s

2

2

Wisconsin

Sweden

Germany

Delma Anderson

daughter

f

w

5 m

s

Wisconsin

Sweden

Germany

Georg Messing

f-n-law

m

w

76

w

Germany

Germany

Germany

1884

unreadible

1910 Census record provided by Mary Davis.

 

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