Note Type
Historical NoteNote
Sophia Flindt Mernitz was married in 1865 to a German Evangelical Minister, Joachim (James) Frederick Mernitz, who was born 1835 in Germany, emigrated in 1851 (or 1853) to settle in the Philadelphia area. They later moved to Freeport, Illinois, became parents of one son, Richard, who became a minister, and eight daughters! Sophia lived into her 90's.
Frances (became Mrs. Charles D. Rugen) was the eldest, born in 1866. The Mernitz family met the Rugen family when they came to Northfield Township when James was called to be minister of St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church, located on Telegraph Rd. (now Shermer Rd.). This church continues in a new building on Willow Rd., now a member of the United Church of Christ. The old church burned, but the old cemetery remains on the site on Shermer Rd.
Frances Mernitz and Charles Rugen (sixth son of Herman) were married May 21, 1885 and spent their lives in the (now) Glenview area.