My great great grandfather Christian A Hilderbrand was born 1807 in Germany; died Dec 19, 1864 in Minnesota. He married (2) Mary A Smith Nov 15, 1844. I don't know alot about him except I know that his first wife, mother of my great grandmother, died before he left Germany with his then current wife and daughter Cecelia. I came across this newspaper article that was written prior to the turn of the century and I have written it as it was written. The parts in parenthesis are my notations.

Rev. Christian A Hilderbrand, a native of Germany, born in 1807, was educated for the ministry of the Lutheran church; came to the United States, landing at New York, June 15, 1846 where he followed his calling two years. In 1848 he went to Canada, remaining until 1851, when he came west to Illinois, where he preached the Gospel seven years, after which he came to Mower county and settled in section 30, and built a log house, in which he lived until his death onDecember 19, 1864. His widow remained on the farm for ten years, after which she lived with a daughter a short time and with a son two years. She now lives [again, this was written many many years ago] at the village of Adams. Mr. Hilderbrand was married to Mary A Smith, November 15, 1844. She was a native of Germany, born November 7, 1816. {End of quoted material}

Their children are August M who died January 3, 1847, Louis, Henry, Benjamin August, Jr., Lena, Peter and Ida C.

Rev.Hilderbrand was the first Lutheran minister in the town of Adams.

My great grandmother (his daughter, Cecelia) married a John Trodler and with this name we have found no information except that he died enroute home in a horse and buggy around the turn of the century. John and Cecelia Trodler made their home and raised their family in Lyle County, Minnesota where my grandmother was born.. I know that they had two children that lived. Charles Trodler who died approximately 1958, who never married and my grandmother Cecelia .

Child of Christian A Hilderbrand and unknown wife
1. Cecelia Hilderbrand, born Abt. 1840 in Dresdan, Germany; married John Trodler.

Children of Christian Hilderbrand and Mary Smith are:

1. August M Hilderbrand, died Jan 03, 1847.

2. Louis Hilderbrand.

3. Henry Hilderbrand.

4. Benjamin Hilderbrand, born Jan 07, 1853 in Canada; married Josephene Olson Jul 20, 1876.

Notes regarding Benjamin Hilderbrand:

was the proprietor of the "Hildebrand House". He was born in Canada and lived with his parents until he was 23 when he went for himself, opened a meat market and continued in the same for five years and then sold it to A Ehrans, who still operates it. (at the time the original journal was written). Then he bought the only hotel in the village and opened it as the Hildebrand House, (he is who changed the spelling) , has a livery stable in connection and is now running one of the best hotels in Southern Minnesota. He has also a billiard hall for the accommodation of his guests. He has a grain warehouse where he stores farm produce bought from the farmers. He has been prominent in town and county affairs, has held the office of marshal in the village, is at present the deputy sheriff of this part of the county. Again, end of journal entry.

5. August Hilderbrand Jr.

6. Lena Hilderbrand.

7. Peter Hilderbrand.

8. Ida C Hilderbrand, born Nov 15, 1863 in Mower County; married Albert D Harris May 16, 1882.

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