Family History of the Philip Sutter Family of Towanda, Illinois This is a limited version of the family history of the Philip Sutter family of Towanda, Illinois done in September of 1988. Information further than what is indicated may be obtained from the Historical Society and a copy of the booklet is located at the Towanda District Library under the number 929.2 in the local history section. This history begins with Philips father, John Sutter, who was born in Baden, Germany in April 23, 1827, served in the German Army for 12 years who emigrated to America when he was 33, about 1854. He worked 6 years in Albany, New York, moved to Bloomington, Illinois to work as a farm hand, and later purchased a farm near Towanda, 80 acres in Section 19, Towanda Township where his family grew up and where he spent his remaining days. He married Cheresa Brannakerk, June 9, 1856 in Bloomington, Illinois. She also was born in Baden German October 6, 1829 and emigrated to America in 1849. Both were members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bloomington. They were parents of 10 children as follows: Joseph, John, Mary, Anna, George, Philip, Rose, Lucy, Henry, Lena, 1856-1937, 1858-1920, 1860-1927, 1861-1929, 1863-1948, 1867-1945, 1868-1948, 1870-1932, 1872-1942, 1873-1937, married Mary Kerber and resided in the Cooksville area. married Catherine Lausterer and resided in the Holder area. married William Kerber and resided in Arrowsmith/Colfax area. married Nicholas Kerber who died and in 1908 she marred his Brother John Kerber and they resided in the Fletcher area. married Harriet Burbank and resided in the Holder area. married Magdalena Geiger and resided in the Towanda area. never married and resided in the Towanda/Normal area. married Luis Kraft and resided in the Towanda/Normal area. married Carrie Lichtenberg and resided in the Normal area. married H. Edward Hilpert and resided in the Stanford area.
Philip, the sixth child married Magdalena Geiger on February 26, 1896. He was 29 and she was 32. The Sutter's were Catholic and the Geiger's were German Lutheran. She would not marry him until he gave up his religion. Magdalena's father, John G. Geiger, gave them the farm in Money Creek Township where they lived all their lives and where their children were born. Their children were: Leslie Reuben, born December 17, 1896 Lurene Elmira , born May 5, 1898 Minnie Alvena, born March 12, 1900 Cleon Philip, born June 13, 1901 (surviving twin) Merle Geiger, born March 29, 1903 Myron Herbert, born May 15, 1905 Delmar Eldon, born March 20, 1907 Wilbur Bernard, born February 28, 1909
Towanda District Library - Towanda Area Historical Collection
