Margaret Konrath’s life stands as an extraordinary reflection of the pioneer experience in Mercer County. From her origins in Alsace, her grueling journey to the United States, and her life as a founding member of the Washington Township community, to her recognition as one of America’s oldest living twins, Margaret’s story is as inspiring as it is unique. Her remarkable journey is rich with the details of perseverance, faith, and a profound commitment to building a better life for her family and community.
A Long Voyage from Alsace
Born Margaret Speck on July 20, 1834, in Niederheim, Alsace, she was the daughter of Michael and Kathryn Speck. This region, with its French governance and German-speaking Lutheran population, provided a complex cultural upbringing for Margaret. Her education was in French, but her religious and community life centered around the German language, deeply embedding her faith and cultural identity.^1
In 1854, at the age of 20, Margaret and her family embarked on a daring journey across the Atlantic. The voyage lasted 34 days, a grueling and often perilous passage for immigrants of the time. The Specks were driven by a vision of a new life, seeking stability and opportunity in the United States amidst political and economic upheaval in Alsace. This determination to endure such an arduous trip speaks to the resilience and fortitude that would define Margaret’s life.^2
Upon arrival, the family settled in Loudonville, Ohio. Margaret soon began working as a domestic servant for the Fennig family, a position that introduced her to George Konrath, another Alsatian immigrant who would become her husband. Their shared background and vision for a new life in America laid the foundation for their 64-year marriage.^3
Establishing a Home in Mercer County
Margaret and George were married in 1857 by Rev. Locker at the Fennig household, beginning a life together that would traverse multiple locations before settling permanently in Washington Township, Mercer County. After brief stays in Macedonia and Loudonville, they returned to Mercer County and established the Konrath homestead, which would remain the family’s center for decades.^4
Pioneer life in Washington Township was no easy feat. Margaret and George cleared dense forests, transforming them into fertile farmland that sustained their growing family. Margaret’s strength was legendary, as she took on tasks alongside her husband that were physically demanding even by today’s standards. Together, they raised eight children, four of whom survived to adulthood: Mary, Elizabeth, John, and Michael.^5
Their farm became a hub of activity and growth for Washington Township. Margaret’s husband, George, was described as a small man of sturdy build, known for his tireless work ethic and character. He embodied the pioneer spirit, but Margaret was every bit his equal in labor and devotion to their shared goals.^6
St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church: A Legacy of Faith
Margaret and George were instrumental in the founding of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1861, the first Protestant congregation in Washington Township. The couple’s faith was a guiding force in their lives, and their commitment to the church remains one of their most enduring legacies.^7
George’s donation of the land for the church and cemetery underscored the family’s devotion to their community. The church began as a modest structure near Wabash, serving as a spiritual anchor for local families. Margaret’s active participation in the church, from its inception through its growth and challenges, reflected her deep faith and determination to support its mission. The church endured hardships, including a devastating tornado in 1886, yet it thrived due to the resilience of its members and the leadership of families like the Konraths.^8
Margaret’s Lutheran faith provided her strength throughout her life. Even as her eyesight failed in later years, she found solace in the hymns she had memorized during her youth, reciting them often during moments of quiet reflection.
National Recognition: America’s Oldest Living Twin
Margaret’s life took on a new dimension of recognition in the 1920s when she and her twin sister, Catherine Petot, were celebrated as the oldest living twin sisters in the United States. Their birthdays became annual events of local and national significance, drawing attention to their shared history and longevity.^9
In 1925, Margaret and Catherine’s 91st birthdays were highlighted in newspapers across the country, including The Akron Beacon Journal, which praised their extraordinary lives. By 1926, their story was featured by the Associated Press, which described the annual celebration of their lives in Mercer County as a reflection of the region’s pride in its pioneer heritage. The twins’ remarkable longevity became a symbol of the enduring strength and vitality of Mercer County’s early settlers.^10
Margaret’s Final Years and Legacy
Margaret’s passing on January 28, 1927, at the age of 92, marked the end of an extraordinary life. Her funeral at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, officiated by Rev. G.A. Schellhase, was a solemn reflection of her profound contributions to her family, faith, and community. She was laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery near Wabash, beside her husband, George, who had preceded her in death in 1921.^11
Margaret left behind two sons, two daughters, 13 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her legacy is inseparable from the story of Washington Township. Her life represents the strength, determination, and faith of Mercer County’s early settlers. From her harrowing journey across the Atlantic to her recognition as one of America’s oldest twins, Margaret’s story is a testament to the human spirit and the transformative power of community.
George Konrath: A Partner in Building Washington Township
George Konrath, Margaret’s husband, was equally integral to their story. Born in Alsace on September 3, 1833, George emigrated to America in 1854, making the same arduous journey as Margaret. He worked various jobs before marrying Margaret and settling in Mercer County, where he became a respected figure in the community. Described as a man of unshakable faith and integrity, George’s contributions to the church and township mirrored Margaret’s own dedication.^12
Conclusion: A Life Worth Remembering
Margaret Konrath’s life is a cornerstone of Mercer County history. Her journey from Alsace, her resilience as a pioneer, her dedication to family and faith, and her recognition as one of America’s oldest twins all combine to make her story one of extraordinary significance. Margaret’s legacy is not just a reflection of her personal achievements but a testament to the collective efforts of Mercer County’s early settlers who built a thriving community from the wilderness.
Her story, rich with detail and perseverance, continues to inspire. Margaret Konrath is not only a historical figure; she is a symbol of the resilience, faith, and community spirit that defines Mercer County’s past and present.
Notes
- The Coldwater Chronicle, February 4, 1927, p. 1.
- The Lima News, February 1, 1927, p. 4.
- The Coldwater Chronicle, October 14, 1921, p. 1.
- Ibid.
- The Daily Advocate, September 15, 1926, p. 5.
- The Coldwater Chronicle, October 14, 1921, p. 1.
- Mercer County Historical Society, Mercer County Ohio History 1978, p. 54.
- Ibid.
- The Akron Beacon Journal, June 18, 1925, p. 13.
- Associated Press, September 4, 1926.
- The Coldwater Chronicle, February 4, 1927, p. 1.
- The Coldwater Chronicle, October 14, 1921, p. 1.
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