(A transcript of some handwritten papers, originally penned by Diedrich (Richard) (Dick) Adolph Seggerman, son of Rixte Ludeman Seggerman.)


Mrs. Rixte Seggerman a resident of this vicinity for the past 70 years, widow of the late Jasper Seggerman, died at her home in this city Thursday evening at 7:15, age 88 years 6 months and 20 days.

She had been in failing health for several years and had not been on her feet since last October, being afflicted toward the last with dropsy and other ailments.

Rixte Ludeman was born in the providence (sic) of Hanover East Friesland Germany Febr. 11th 1838. She came to America at the age of 18 years and located in the vicinity of Eureka, Ill. She was married March 26th 1859 to Jasper Sehggerman and for several years they lived in the vicinity of Eureka and Benson. Their first home was a log cabin and they delivered grain, and dressed hogs to Peoria their nearest market.

They moved to Minonk township in 1874, on a farm four miles southeast of the city where they lived for 20 years. When the Illinois Central built the Minonk-Kempton Railroad branch in 1880, the Seggermans boarded the section consisting of 8 men, 6 horses and a team of mules (the new barn had been built at that time, while the old stable was still standing. The roof on the old stable was covered with straw or grass hay).

In 1894 they came to Minonk and the city has since been her home. The husband past (sic) away here on May 10th, 1905. Those who survive the aged womans death are one brother, Frank Ludeman of Peoria and seven children; Mrs. Margaret Huntling, of Los Angeles, Calif.; Henry Seggerman, of Pekin; Mrs. Agatha Johnson, of Pontiac; Dick Seggerman and Mrs Jesena Jenkinson, of Chicago; Albert Seggerman at home, and Mrs. Helena Harms of Minonk.

There are 34 grandchildren and 30 greatgrandchildren. Two children preceded their mother in death, John, who died in October of 1922, and the youngest child, Mrs. Anna Eilts who passed away in July, 1816 (sic).

Mrs. Seggerman was a devout member of the Advent Christian church (not a 7th day sabbeth (sic) keeper.) and lived the teaching to the very best of her ability.

Throughout her long life she was entirely devoted to her family and also made friends of all with whom she came in contact.

Kind, patient, loving as a wife and mother, she left behind her a rich heritage worth while.