Michael Clauss

Born 11 Jan 1800 in Alsace Lorraine

Death in Butler County, PA

Naturalized in Butler County, PA in 1854

Marriage before Dec 1833

Spouse was Maria Eva Schmidt

Birth

Death

First child was Elizabeth born in Dec 1833

Found this family in Butler County Census Records in 1840, 1850, and 1860

NOTES:  Up until the 1860 census, Michael's  place of birth is listed as Germany (so does she).  Then in 1860, Michael lists his birthplace as France - Maria Eva's remains Germany.  A great Grand uncle on the Clouse side wrote that he was from the Alsace Lorraine area that toggled back and forth between German and French rule.  But there are so many Claus's in the online records there (written in French) that I can't tell what is what.  I have pulled the LDS German Catholic church record microfilms for Maria Eva's home town in Germany and found her baptismal records.  But there is nothing there for Michael.  And no marriage record for them at this Catholic church.  I cannot locate a marriage record for them in Butler County: court house, Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese archives, St. Patricks all null.  They would have married sometime before 1833 - their first known child was born Dec 1833.  But I don't know where:  I don't know if they were married in America or somewhere in Europe prior to arriving in the US.  Maria Eva's father/mother arrived in America sometime between 1822 and 1833.  There is an 11yr gap in her youngest sister's birh.  All Maria Eva's siblings born before 1823 were born in Germany.  But the youngest sister, born in 1833 was born in Butler, PA.  But I can't find him (Johann Schmidt/Schmitt/Smith) or Michael on any immigration or ship lists.

Michael and Maria Eva's oldest child, born in Dec 1833, was Elizabeth Clause Neff.  She married Pius Neff and moved to Chandlerville, IL.  Their eldest daughter was Mary Neff Eutenuer.  On Mary's death certificate, completed by her middle son, it lists Mary's mother, Elizabeth, as being born in Chambersburg, PA.  I inquired to Chambersburg Historical/Genealogical societies and learned that they do not have any birth or marriage records - church or otherwise - that date back this far. 

Forward from Michael and Maria Eva I have.  I have Maria Eva's lineage going back very far.  But Michael is a big brick wall.  I can't find his parents.  I can't confirm his siblings.  Nothing.  He received his naturalization in 1854 and penned his name "Clauss", but other than the St. Joe history, he went by CLOUSE.  Michael's children who went to Illinois went by CLAUSE.  There are other Clauss/Claus/Clouse's in Butler County in his era - around Saxonburg there is a family.  But I haven't been able to prove any connection to them.  On the naturalization records he states that he is a "native of Germany, citizen of France" and denounces the Emperor of France when taking his oath of allegience.

If you can help with this search, please contact Joyce.