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- Maria Kersten Chilton Times January 2, 1897
Christmas day brought with its joys its sorrows, also; for on that day Grandma Kersten, the venerable mother of Theodore and Henry Kersten of this city, died, at the age of 82 years, 11 months and one day. She had enjoyed good health up to a few weeks ago when she began to fail and finally answered the summons of Him who doeth all things well.
Maria Kersten, nee Sieben was a native of Germany, having been born Jan. 24, 1813 in Frasselt, Kries Cleve, Province of the Rhine, Germany. She grew to womanhood in her native home and was married to Gerhard Kersten in 1841. Fourteen years after their marriage the couple emigrated to the United States and in 1855 located on a farm in the town of Woodville where they began the hard work that all sturdy pioneers of their day had to undergo.
In 1864 they moved into the town of Brillion and in February of the following years, her husband died. However, with the assistance of her son, Math, Mrs. Kersten continued to run the farm until 1876 when she came to Chilton and made her home with her son, Theodore, with whom she resided until her death.
The deceased was a woman of sterling character, remarkable for her devotion to her family and her church. That she was a good mother was evident from the care and attention she received in her declining years from her children and grandchildren who idolized her. She was buried on Monday from St. Mary's church, the services being conducted by Rev. Fr. Hens, assisted by Rev. Fr. Westkamp of St. John, Rev. Fr. July, of Stockbridge and Rev. Fr. Cummane of this city.
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1813 - 1896 (83 years)