Maria Sophia STAHLSCHMIDT

GEDCOM Note

Godmother: Maria Catharin Gerlach nee Padberg Godfather: Johannes Sauerwald, Grönebach

Chruch record list date of birth as 1st March. However, according to Köster oral history she was born on 29 Feb, a leap year and this date was celebrated every 4 years by the family, at a time when birthdays were not usually celebrated.

A dominant force in the family. All adult children handered over their wages to her and were given pocket money. She banked the rest and was able to give each child a financial start when they married or left home.