My great grandfather was John Charles Max Wittig born 16 Jan 1838 in Coburg, Germany. His father was Johan George Wittig who married Anna Barbara Brotzman in 1820. Johan brought his family to America in the spring of 1853. The rest of the family included Herman, Augusta, Hildegard, Carolina, Clara, and Anna and Emil, a nephew. The mother died 18 Aug 1847. Johan died 21 Oct 1856 in St. Louis, MO. Max volunteered in the Union army and fought at Wilson's Creek under Gen. Nathaniel Lyon. He later reenlisted and fought at Chancellorsville where he was wounded and captured. After his exchange and recovery, he moved to Davenport, Iowa. He married Catherine Reiss at Belleville, IL. They had five girls. Carolina Matilda, b. 5 Mar 1867, d. 1869; Meta b. 17 Apr 1869, d. 28 Oct 1942; Emily b. 9 Mar 1872; Emma (my grandmother) b. 25 July 1875; and Frida b. 28 Sept 1878. Max died 30 Jan 1918. Katherine Reiss Wittig died 2 Apr 1916. I have information on decendents of Katherine and Max and look forward to hearing from cousins from other branches. Fred Stolp