Hellweg, Charles Augustus

Other Events:

• Baptism: 20 Jul 1856, Muscatine, Muscatine County, Iowa, USA
• Census: 1860, Rock Island, Rock Island County, Illinois, USA
• Graduation: 1878, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA; Address:
  Hahnemann Medical College

Notes:

Birth:
According to birth records in the Hellweg-Danker family bible, Charles was born at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

Baptism:
According to the register of the German Methodist Episcopal Church at Muscatine, Charles was baptized by H. Fiegenbaum. This is almost certainly a reference to Rev. Heinrich Hermann Fiegenbaum (1821-1905). At the time he was a Presiding Elder in the German Methodist Episcopal Church, serving an area that stretched from Galena, Illinois, where he was probably residing, to St. Paul, Minnesota.

Census:
According to the 1860 enumeration, "Charlotte Helvick," age 4 (born in Missouri), lived with her parents, Peter Helvick (age 42), a Lutheran clergyman, and Martha Helvick (age 37), and seven siblings, ages 17 to 1 year of age.

Graduation:
Charles graduated after completing a course of study in homeopathic medicine.

Buried:

     According to Charles' obituaries, his body was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Chicago, where his daughter, Irene, had been buried in 1889.


Died:

     The following obituary appeared in the Adams County Union-Republican, of Corning, Iowa, on Wednesday, 29 January 1913:

          DIED

     Dr. Charles A. Hillweg [sic] died at his residence in west Corning Sunday morning, January 26, 1913, at about 12:40 o'clock, after an illness of perhaps a year, the result of spinal trouble caused by a fall near the Bacon hotel. A short funeral service was held at the home Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock under the auspices of Olive Camp M. W. A., of Corning, of which Mr. Hillweg was a charter member. B. J. Gibson gave the ritualistic work of the order. The body was taken to Chicago on train No. 12 Tuesday for interment accompanied by relatives of the deceased. Dr. Hillweg, son of Rev. and Mrs. Peter Hillweg, was born in Muscatine 56 years ago last June. He spent some time in Chicago where he graduated from the Hannaman [sic] Medical school. In Chicago he was married about 32 years ago to Miss Ella Hastings. He and his wife spent a few years in Milwaukee, Wis., then came to Corning some 25 years ago. Dr. Hillweg was a homeopathic physician and had a large practice in this locality. He was a good doctor and will be missed by many, in fact Dr. Hillweg was the only physician of the homeopathic school in Corning. To Mr. and Mrs. Hillweg three children were born. Irene, who died in Chicago 24 years ago the 19th of the present month; Charles, who is a dentist located in Chicago, and Miss Aileen, who resided at home with her parents. Besides his wife and children deceased leaves three sister [sic], Mrs. Etta Snyder, residing at Garner, Iowa; Mrs. Dr. Snyder and Mrs. Feigenbaum [sic]; also two brothers, Ed Hillweg, of Minneapolis, who visited here the latter part of last week, en route to western points, and John H. Hillweg, of Wisconsin. Mr. Hillweg was a member of the Court of Honor lodge as well as a charter member of the Modern Woodmen. The son Charles Hillweg, of Chicago, also Mrs. Hillweg's sisters, Miss Elizabeth Hastings and Mrs. John Herron, of Chicago, came to attend the services here and to accompany the relatives to Chicago, where the remains will be laid to rest beside the daughter who had preceded in death. Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved ones in their sorrow.

     The following obituary was published in the Adams County Free Press, of Corning, Iowa, on Saturday, 1 February 1913:

     Friends in this city were saddened on Sunday morning when the words flashed through town that Dr. C. A. Hillweg [sic] had passed away the previous night at 12:40 at the family residence. The funeral services were held at the home Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock under the auspices of the Order of Modern Woodmen of America, and the body taken to Chicago on No. 12, where it was placed in a vault. The funeral will be held later and interment will take place at Calvary cemetery beside his little daughter, Irene who died in Chicago in 1880. The body was accompanied by his son Charles Hillweg and two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Kittie Heron and Miss Elizabeth Hastings all of Chicago. Mrs. Hillweg and Miss Aileen will remain here until the funeral is arranged for when they will join the relatives at Chicago. Charles A. Hillweg was born June 20, 1857, at Muscatine, Iowa, and was next to the youngest child of Rev. and Mrs. Peter Hillweg. He entered the Hannaman [sic] Medical college at Chicago where he graduated in 1878 at the age of 21 years. He was married to Miss Anna E. Hastings of Chicago January 1, 1878. They immediately went to West Bend, Wis., where the doctor practiced his profession of homeopathy. In 1887 the family removed to Corning where he enjoyed a fine practice for many years. Three children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Hillweg. Irene, who died in 1889; Chas. of Chicago and Miss Aileen, who resides at home and is engaged in teaching. Besides his wife and two children the [word is missing] leaves two brothers, John Hillweg of Hayward, Wis., and Ed of Minneapolis. The latter was here Friday to see his brother. He also leaves three sisters, Mrs. Etta Snyder, Mrs. Dr. Louise Snyder and Mrs. Lizzie Fiegenbaum of Garner, Iowa. His fatal illness was caused by a severe fall 3 years ago which gradually developed into locomotor ataxia. None knew better than he that his days were numbered, and when he was taken to Chicago a few weeks ago to a noted specialist he diagnosed his case in every detail to the noted doctor, and told him that his race was run. Dr. Hillweg was a member of the Court of Honor and the M. W. A. and held life insurance to the total of $5,000, leaving his family well provided for. He was a very genial gentleman and very much enjoyed a friendly visit and had a wonderful memory for names, dates and faces, places and events and often regaled his friends with stories for which he was especially entertaining. Dr. Hillweg leaves many friends in Corning who will long remember him with [pleasure?].

Charles married Hastings, Anna Ella 1 Jan 1878, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA. Anna was born 1 May 1858, Thorold, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Residence (family):

     The following biographical sketch of Charles A. Hillweg was published in 1892.

     Dr. Charles A. Hillweg, of Corning, was born in Muscatine, Iowa, June 26, 1856, the son of Rev. P. and Martha (Danker) Hillweg. His father was a German Methodist Episcopal minister, who is now retired after thirty-two years of service, and his mother is also still living; they are residing in this State. Mr. Hillweg finished his education at the Platteville Wisconsin State Normal School, then taught school one year, began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. H. T. Snyder, and finally graduated, in 1878, at the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago. He began practice in Iowa, then followed his profession in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in 1886 established himself in Corning. His thoroughness and conscientiousness soon brought him a large patronage, as he is one of the best representatives of his school in this part of the State. Of course he is recognized as a sufficiently well qualified physician by the State Board of Health. He is also a practicing surgeon.
     In Chicago, in 1878, he married Miss A. E. Hastings, a native of Canada, and they have three children. One daughter, M. Irene, died at the age of eight years: Charles M. U. and Aileen I. are living.
     In his political views Dr. Hillweg is a stalwart Republican. At present he is chairman of the County Central Committee.

     One of Charles' obituaries reported that the family took up residence in Corning, Iowa in 1887.

1. Hellweg, Irene was born 12 Jun 1880, West Bend, Washington County, Wisconsin, USA; died 19 Jan 1889, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA; was buried , Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA.
2. Hellweg, Ulysses Charles was born 31 Dec 1884, West Bend, Washington County, Wisconsin, USA; died Yes, date unknown.
3. Hellweg, Isabelle Aileen was born 12 Mar 1890, Corning, Adams County, Iowa, USA; died Yes, date unknown.

Other Events:

• Immigration: 1839, City of New York, New York, USA
• Moved To: Apr 1843, Iowa, USA
• Occupation: Between 1847 and 1897; a pastor in the German Methodist Church

Notes:

Birth:
The Duchy of Bremen, a holding of the Hanoverian Crown from 1715, was abolished in 1823 and became part of Landdrostei Stade, an administrative district of the Kingdom of Hannover. In 1972, the communities of Assel and Hüll were united; they exist within the larger municipality of Drochtersen, Landkreis (District) Stade, Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Federal Republic of Germany); it is about 45 kilometers northwest of Hamburg.

Occupation:

     The following is a transcription of a biographical sketch from Die Nordwest Deutsche Konferenz der Bischöflichen Methodistenkirche: Geschichtlich, Sachlich und Biographisch Geschildert. Although this book was published in 1913, the last paragraph of this sketch speaks of the aborted celebration of the 50th anniversary of Peter's appointment to the ministry and suggests that this biography was actually written in 1897.

          Peter Hellweg.

     Unser selig heimgeganger Vater Hellweg wurde geboren am 13. März 1817 zu Assel, Hannover, Deutschland.
     Er kam im Juli 1839 nach New York, ging das nächste Jahr nach New Orleans, und kam im Frühjahr 1841 nach Marietta, Ohio. Hier trat er in den Stand der heiligen Ehe mit Martha Danker, einer Tochter von Rev. Geo Danker. Da seine Gattin schon bekehrt war, so gingen sie am Weihnachtabend zur Kirche. Die Predigt von Bruder H. Köneke ergriff ihn heilsam, auf Einladung ging er an den Betaltar, und als man sang: "Wie der Nebel muß verschwinden" u. s. w., da ging in mitternächtlicher Stunde der Morgenstern auf in seinem Herzen.
     Im April 1843 kam das junge Ehepaar nach German Creek, Iowa. Durch ein Schreiben an Vater Danker kam das nächste Jahr ein Prediger Namens J. [or, I; in the text, the two letters are identical] Mann dorthin. Bruder Hellweg missionierte und lud seine Landsleute ein zum Gottesdienst in seinem Hause. Bald erhielt er Licenz zum Predigen und im Jahre 1847 wurde er durch Bruder L. S. Jacoby als Reiseprediger ausgesandt.
     Von obigem Datum bis zum Herst 1875 war er tätig als Reiseprediger. Um diese Zeit zog er auf eine Farm bei Charles City, wo er 15 Jahre wohnte. Die letzten Jahre verlebte er in Garner, Iowa, bei seinem Schwiegersohn, Adam Schneider, allwo er auch starb. Vater Hellweg ist ein tüchtiger Bußprediger gewesen, der viele Seelen zum Herrn geführt. Liebe zum Werk der Seelenrettung und treu zu sein mit dem, und in dem, das ihm anvertraut war, sind seine Haupt-Charakterzüge gewesen. Die Kirche seiner Wahl war ihm sehr teuer, und der "Apologete" unentbehrlich. Wenn er ihn las, war es eine Erquickung für ihn. Die wichtigsten Artikel bezeichnete er, und die lieben Seinen lasen dann diese Stücke zuerst. Da Bruder Hellweg in den letzten Jahren fast gar nicht hören konnte, und demgemäß die Gottesdienste wenig besuchte, so erhielt er sich doch ein warmes Herz durch Betrachtung der Bibel, sowie durch Lesen des Predigtbuches und unserer Zeitschriften, als auch durch betenden Umgang mit dem Herrn. Das Wohl der Gemeinde lag ihm sehr am Herzen; wenn Leute bekehrt wurden, dann weinte er Freudentränen. Von seinen früheren Erlebnissen erzählte er gerne, und stets mit Thränen.
     Eigentlich krank war Vater Hellweg nur wenige Tage. Am 5. Februar 1897 entschlief er sanft und selig im Herrn. Als die Sprache ihn verließ, zeigte er nach oben, als ob er sagen wollte: "Ich gehe heim!"
     Neun deutsche und ein englisher Prediger wohnten der Leichenfeierlichkeit bei. Gattin, drei Söhne und drei Töchter schauen ihm nach, währen drei Kinder vorangegangen sind.
     Da Bruder Hellweg das älteste Glied unserer Konferenz war, so gedachten wir, diesen Herbst sein fünfzigjähriges Amtsjubiläum zu feiern. Doch nun feiert er droben. Seine Werke folgen ihm nach.

     I have attempted a translation, thus:

          Peter Hellweg.

     Our blessed late Father Hellweg was born on 13 March 1817 at Assel, Hannover, Germany.
     He came to New York in July 1839, removed the next year to New Orleans, and in the Spring of 1841 came to Marietta, Ohio. Here he entered into holy matrimony with Martha Danker, a daughter of Rev. Geo. Danker. As his wife was already converted, on Christmas Eve they attended church. Brother H. Köneke's sermon stirred him in a salutary manner, at the invitation he approached the alter and as they sang "How the Fog Must Lift," etc., because in the wee hours the morning star swelled his heart.
     In April 1843 the young married couple came to German Creek, Iowa. Following a note to Father Danker, a preacher by the name of J. Mann showed up the next year. Brother Hellweg evangelized and invited his countrymen to church service at his home. Soon he obtained a license to preach and in 1847 Brother L. S. Jacoby dispatched him as a circuit preacher.
     From the above mentioned date until the Fall of 1875 he was active as a circuit preacher. At this time he was drawn to a farm near Charles City where he lived for 15 years. He passed his last years at the home his son-in-law, Adam Schneider, in Garner, Iowa, where he died. Father Hellweg became a proficient preacher of repentance who lead many souls to the Lord. Love of the work of salvation and fidelity to those who placed their trust in him were the hallmarks of his character. His chosen church was very dear to him and the "Apologist" was absolutely essential. Reading it was a comfort to him. He made note of the most important articles and read them first. Because in his last years, Brother Hellweg could hardly hear a thing, and accordingly attended church services infrequently, he preserved a warm heart by contemplation of the Bible, by reading books of sermons and our newspapers, and by prayerful company with the Lord. The welfare of the community was of great interest to him; when people were converted, he cried tears of joy. He loved to tell stories of his early experiences, and always with tears.
     Father Hellweg was seriously ill only a few days. On 5 February 1897, he passed away peacefully and blest by the Lord. As speech left him, he pointed upwards, as if he wanted to say: "I am going home!"
     Nine German and one English preachers attended the funeral services. The widow, three sons and three daughters survive him; three children have preceded him.
     Because Brother Hellweg was the eldest member of our Conference, we had thought to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his appointment this Fall. Now he celebrates up above. His works succeed him.

     The Apologist mentioned above is Der Christliche Apologete. Deutsches Organ der Bischöflichen Methodistenkirche (The Christian Apologist. German Organ of the Episcopal Methodist Church), a newspaper founded 1844 in Cincinnati, Ohio by Wilhelm Nast.

Buried:
Peter was buried in Concord Cemetery.

Died:

     The following is a transcription of an obituary which is reported to have appeared in the Adams County Free Press, of Corning, Iowa, on 11 February 1897.

     Peter Hillweg died in Garner, Hancock county, Iowa, at 8 o'clock, Friday morning, February 5, 1897, aged 79 years, 10 months and 21 days.
     Deceased was the father of Dr. C. A. and E. W. Hillweg, who are well known to all are [sic] readers. He was the first German Methodist minister in the state of Iowa, and his first charge was at Farmington in 1847. For twenty-eight years thereafter he continued actively at the work. Mr. Hillweg died suddenly, not having been ill until but a short time before his death. It was probably a collapse of the vital forces. His wife and six children, three sons and three daughters, survive him. Of these, Dr. C. A. Hillweg and E. W., who now lives in Des Moines, are well known to our readers. All the children were present at the funeral, which occurred last Sunday afternoon. The pall bearers on this occasion were all ministers, each of whom had known the deceased for twenty years at least.
     There seems to have been an affinity for the ministry in the old gentleman's family. Beside being a minister himself, his father-in-law and one son-in-law were followers of that high calling.

     A biographical sketch of Rev. Hellweg published in 1913 reported that he had lived the last years of his life with his son-in-law, Adam Schneider.

Peter married Danker, Martha 12 Nov 1841, Marietta, Washington County, Ohio, USA. Martha was born 21 Nov 1822, Amt Ottersberg, Duchy of Bremen; died 1898; was buried , Garner, Hancock County, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Birth:
The Duchy of Bremen, a holding of the Hanoverian Crown from 1715, was abolished in 1823 and became part of Landdrostei Stade, an administrative district of the Kingdom of Hannover. Ottersberg is now a municipality in Landkreis (District) Verden, Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Federal Republic of Germany); it is about 28 kilometers east of Bremen.

Buried:
Martha was buried in Concord Cemetery.

Notes:

Married:
According to a biographical sketch of Peter, published in 1913, the couple had 9 children.

Census (family):
According to the 1860 enumeration, the household consisted of Peter Helvick, age 42, born in Hannover, a Lutheran clergyman; Martha Helvick, age 37, born in Hannover, the wife; Anna C. Helvick, age 17, born in Ohio; John Helvick, age 15, born in Ohio; George H. Helvick, age 13, born in Ohio; Louisa Helvick, age 11, born in Ohio; Mary E. Helvick, age 9, born in Missouri; Henrietta Helvick, age 7, born in Missouri; Charlotte Helvick, age 4, born in Missouri; and Edward Helvick, age 1, born in Illinois.

Census (family):
According to the 1870 enumeration, the household consisted of Peter Hellwig, age 53, born in Hannover (both parents of foreign birth), a clergyman and a U.S. citizen; Martha Hellwig, age 47, born in Hannover (both parents of foreign birth), keeping house; Henrietta Hellwig, age 16, born in Mississippi, attending school; Edward Hellwig, age 10, born in Illinois, attending school.