Custer Family


CHRIS CUSTER FAMILY

Seated Left to Right: Hannah Custer, Mary Custer (daughter), Christopher Custer.
Standing Left to Right: Charles, Luther Custer, William, and Henry (sons). William
was my grandfather, Chris and Hannah were my great-grandparents.

Chris & Hannah left Germany in October of 1862 and arrived in New York 12 Jan 1863. Christopher's
mother came with them, but died and was buried at sea. The ship carried 254 passengers, 178 in
steerage class, which is where they traveled. the manifest showed 21 infants and 50 children. The voyage should
have teken about 45 days, but they got lost and the trip actually ended up taking 3 months, 3 weeks and a few days.
Many died, needless to say - what horrible conditions they had to endure.

They made their way to Petersburg, Menard County, after landing (Christopher's brother Joseph had
come to the area years earlier and persuaded Christopher that this was the land he was seeking). Christopher and Hannah
were married in St. Paul's Church in Petersburg on 2 Feb 1863.

Submitted by: Denny Custer


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