NameCharles / Karl Fehrenbacher
BirthJan 24, 1834, Kappel am Rhein, Baden, Germany
DeathNov 28, 1909, Spangler, Pa.
BurialSt. Nicholas Church Cemetery, Nicktown, Pa.
FatherMichael Fehrenbacher (1810-1897)
MotherMaria Anna Stumpp (1812-1850)
Spouses
BirthJan 28, 1839, Lilly, Pa.
DeathNov 21, 1904, Spangler, Pa.
BurialSt. Nicholas Church Cemetery, Nicktown, Pa.
FatherJacob Heinz (1814-1854)
MotherElizabeth Sanders (1816-1864)
MarriageSep 2, 1856, St. Benedict's Church, Carrolltown, Pa.
ChildrenAlbert J. (1857-1924)
 Michael Augustus (1860-1938)
 Joseph Charles (1862-1934)
 Charles Gallitzin (1863-1947)
 Ambrose Sylvester (1866-1870)
 Margaret Ann (1869-1905)
 John Leonard (1871-1900)
 Elizabeth (1873-1933)
 Mary Caroline (1874-1963)
 William Celestine (1877-1936)
 Henry Albert (1881-1941)
Notes for Charles / Karl Fehrenbacher
Karl, anglicized Charles, immigrated in 1853. He declared his intent as "Charles Fehnebach" to become a U. S. citizen in the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas May 5, 1855, and was naturalized on October 3, 1860, as witnessed by his father and his uncle, Augustin. He was always known as "Charles" rather than his given name.
In November of 1864, Charles was drafted for the Civil War when he was one of 14 drawn from a name wheel of 20, for Blacklick Township. He served as a Private in the 171th Pennsylvania infantry, Company E. Military service records indicate that the company was mustered in on November 2, 1862, at Camp Curtin, for a 9 month tour of duty.
Charles and Matilda Farabaugh lived in Carroll Township, Cambria County, Pa., and later became farmers in Blacklick Township, before retiring to Spangler, Pa.
Charles was called for jury duty in December of 1868. Then in 1869, he served on a jury for the trial of an Edward F. Burk, accused of murdering Jacob Settlemoyer near Wilmore, Pa. The jury found him guilty of second degree murder. Charles was also called for jury duty in 1874 and 1883. In 1875, he was serving as a Blacklick Township Supervisor with a Peter Wagner.
On September 25, 1879, Charles applied for a military pension.
In early 1885, it was reported that he had a six week trip to visit his father and brothers in Minnesota.
The 1890 Census schedule of pension recipients indicates that he enlisted on October 16, 1863, and was discharged on August 4, 1864, that his post office address was in Nicktown, Pa., and that his disability was "Chronic Diahrea Rheumatism."
On July 4 of 1890, Charles attended a picnic at the farm of his first cousin Leonard Farabaugh in Carroll Township. Three of Leonard’s boys got into Charles’ spring wagon, “when the horses, both young, got frightened, wheeled around suddenly and started running down the hill until they reached a bend in the road where the horses, wagon and occupants were thrown in a pile in the fence corner. One little boy was badly cut about the head. Mr. Farabaugh was badly injured about the head, shoulders and hips by being kicked with the horses and the other two childen were slightly scratched. The wagon was a total wreck and the horses badly hurt. At the latest accounts all were getting along well and Mr. Farabaugh, although still feeling the effects of his injuries was able to be about.”
In 1893, it was reported that Charles had legal proceedings against a Thomas Miller and others, which was settled for the defendants paying costs, and also that Thomas Miller’s proceedings against sons John and Charles Farabugh, Jr., for assault and battery, also settled with those defendants paying costs. In the same year, it was reported that a Thomas McDade died in the home of Charles Farabaugh, of Blacklick Township.
In 1903, he was embroiled in a lawsuit after granting an option to purchase land. E.E. Brillhart obtained an assignment of the option and sued for specific performance after Charles refused to accept money, when the option to purchase land was tendered. Charles claimed that he was German and could not read the termination date for the option. The disposition of the case was not reported.
Charles’ Will of September 11, 1909, indicated he was living with the family of his son A.J. in Spangler, Pa. It directed payment of $200 for Masses to be said for himself, his deceased wife and relatives; $100 for funeral expenses; $500 and all household goods for his daughter-in-law Martha Farabaugh; a gold watch to A,J.; the 50 acre SE portion of the Blacklick Twp. farm to son Charles, with coal rights; the house and lot on Bigler Ave., Spangler to son Joseph, who occupies it; and the 234 acres of remaining farmland on the Blacklick Twp. parcel, acquired by three different deeds, and two additional houses with lots on Bigler Ave. was to be sold and the proceeds divided 2/13 plus $114.08 each to son A.J., son Michael, daughter Caroline, grandsons Albert and Modestus Miller jointly, and 1/13 plus $57.04 to son Harry, 2/13 minus $385.93 to son William, and 2/13 to daughter Elizabeth minus $147.40. Son A.J. was appointed executor. Charles died in Spangler at his home. “He was taken suddenly ill Saturday and sank until the end came [Sunday].”
Notes for Mary Matilda (Spouse 1)
Matilda died of a paralytic stroke.
Last Modified Mar 9, 2021Created Sep 1, 2022 using Reunion for Macintosh