One of the first things you learn when you begin to study genealogy is this: just because it is carved in stone doesn’t mean it is correct. This cautionary tip, which was meant to encourage researchers to check multiple sources, forewarns of the dangers of simply accepting birth and death dates as they appear on grave markers. After all, as many writers have pointed out, the best person for the job of proofing the dates was likely unavailable when the hammer and chisel came out of the toolbox. But, surely, my ancestors, who were highly-intelligent beings would not have made this type of mistake about their own parents. Wishful thinking.

Marie (Brömstrup) Wessel, my 3rd great grandmother, is buried in the city cemetery outside of Warrenton, Missouri. Carved in stone is the year of her birth: 1809. It is prominently displayed, well-preserved and wrong.

“Maria” was born in Hagenburg, Germany to parents Caspar and Catharina Maria (Schöpper) Brömstrup on February 6. 1811. She was baptized 11 days later under the watchful gaze of godparents Margarethe Brömstrup, Margarethe Gerdemann and Johann Wessling. All of this is captured, of course, in church records that have survived. This same Maria, born February 6, 1811, married Wilhelm Wessel in 1839 as was captured in their marriage record.

People lie about their ages all the time. So I am trying to decide if it’s better or worse that she died “older” than she actually was. Frankly, I doubt that Granny Maria cares. Either way, this mistake is a bit permanent methinks.

Kenfolk: Tranthams
Relation: 3rd great grandmother
Common ancestors: Maria’s parents, Caspar and Catharina Maria (Schöpper) Brömstrup, are my 4th great grandparents