John Opp was born in Germany to Peter and Agnes (Mayer) Opp on 26 September 1843. Sometime around 1843 to 1865, Peter and his family immigrated to the United States. He meet Lydia Ann (Lidiana) Opp in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The families must of knew each other as Peter Opp's family moved to Berks County and lived almost next door to Lydia's family according to the 1860 census. Lydia's father's name was Henry Opp who was born in Germany. Henry immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 1845. Lydia was born in Pennsylvania. John Opp and Lydia were married in Oshkosh Wisconsin, 26 Jan. 1865. Their first known child was born 18 Nov 1867 (Agnes Julia Opp). John served in the Civil war. He served in Company K, fifty-first Wisconsin Infantry.
" The fifty-first Wisconsin Infantry Regiment was organized at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, WI, during February, March and April of 1865. Eight companies left the state in the latter part of April and proceeded to St. Louis, Missouri. The other four companies were mustered out shortly thereafter. The eight companies at St. Louis were assigned duty in western Missouri until August, when the regiment was returned to Madison, Wisconsin. The unit was mustered out by companies from the 11th to the 30th of November, 1865, and then disbanded." (Expert from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum).
John and his family moved to Missouri before 1876. There was born William in 1876, Louise, 1878 and Otto born in 1883. My guess is that when John served in the Civil War, He discovered he liked Missouri. There was also a large German population in Missouri, especially in St. Louis (where he served), and was able to preserve the German way of life by being involved in a German Community. In 1888 John and his Family moved to Pueblo Colorado. There, John and Lydia lived for the rest of their lives. Both died in 1931. Louise Lydia Opp married William McClain Murray 7 December 1898 in Pueblo Colorado. They were married for almost 8 years when William died (appendicitis) two months after Earl was born. Louise was left to raise 4 boys (Harold, Edward, Herbert, and Earl) on her own. Family stories relate that there was a 5th boy who died before Earl was born. The older boys were chopping wood and the axe head flew off the axe handle and killed the 5th boy.
John's Father, Peter Opp was reported from a wealthy family in Germany. The name used to be Count Von Oppen. They owned a Castle. Peter Opp brought his entire family to America, just before the eldest son, John George was old enough to be drafted into the German army. The family came to America in a sailing ship, the Owego, requiring 27 days to cross the Atlantic from Havre to the port of Castle Garden, NY, 27 April 1857. On the passenger manifest John was listed as Johan, age 13. Little is known of John's early years in America. The family had other Opp relatives in Pennsylvania, either in Bucks County or Berks County. John became acquainted with Lydia Ann, a daughter of the Pennsylvania family and a 2nd or 3rd cousin to John. Our next record of John is his marriage to Lydia in Oshkosh, WI in January 1865. John had been married only two months when he enlisted in the army for service in the Civil War on 10 Mar. 1865. His occupation was shown as a farmer. He was paid $100 bounty for his enlistment. We believe his brother John George enlisted at the same time. John must of been taken prisoner almost immediately after going into battle, he was held in a war prisoner camp until after the war was over a few months later. He was discharged at Madison, WI having only served 5 months 11 days. I recall him saying that about the only food they had in prison camp was carrots, and he no longer wanted to eat any carrots. John returned to Oshkosh and learned the trade of Carpenter, living there until 21 April 1871. The Opp brothers, John George and John must of been close, both having married sisters, Lovina and Lydia. Both families moved next to Warrensburg, MO, Southeast of Kansas City, in 1871. The remaining seven children were all born in Warrensburg where John apparently worked as a carpenter. Five children died in infancy. Fred the youngest was killed, age 19 in an accident at CF&I steel mill at Pueblo, CO, in 1904. On 27 Sept. 1885, John became a citizen as recorded in Finney County Kansas (Western Kansas). He was age 42. Also in 1885, the family moved to Pueblo, Co where they lived for 18 years until Sept. 1903, when for some reason he and Lydia separated. Now, 60 years of age, John moved by himself to Portland Oregon where he lived for three years. Lydia was left alone at Beulah where she took in washing to support herself, doing it all by hand. In April 1906 John applied for and was granted a pension as a Civil War Veteran. His application listed four living children; Agnes, 1866; William, 1868 (sp 1874); Otto, 1882, and Louisa, 1884 (sp 1878). John next lived for a number of year at the Soldiers Home at Sawtelle, CA. He was still at the home in 1926 and afflicted with arthritis and debilitating health. John moved back to Colorado in about 1927-1928, living at times with his son, Otto in Pueblo. Later on he and Lydia reconciled, probably through son, William, and the two were living in Lydia's small home in Beulah in 1930. John Opp died in Pueblo in Feb. 1931, age 87. He lies buried in the family plot at Roselawn Cemetery at Pueblo. Lydia died only a few months later in June 1931. John's estate amounted to $257.54. My personal recollection of John Opp was that of a 5 year old boy talking to an 80 year old man. He visited in our home there at the ranch often in 1929-1930, his son, William bringing him down to visit. He was usually dressed in a dark suit with vest and watch draped across the front. At that time we had a large book about the Civil War, about 3-4" thick. He would often read portions of the book perhaps remembering incidents familiar to him about the war in which he had served as an infantry soldier. By- Roy Roper, (a Great Grandson of John Opp). Canon City, CO, Nov 1997.
" The fifty-first Wisconsin Infantry Regiment was organized at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, WI, during February, March and April of 1865. Eight companies left the state in the latter part of April and proceeded to St. Louis, Missouri. The other four companies were mustered out shortly thereafter. The eight companies at St. Louis were assigned duty in western Missouri until August, when the regiment was returned to Madison, Wisconsin. The unit was mustered out by companies from the 11th to the 30th of November, 1865, and then disbanded." (Expert from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum).
John and his family moved to Missouri before 1876. There was born William in 1876, Louise, 1878 and Otto born in 1883. My guess is that when John served in the Civil War, He discovered he liked Missouri. There was also a large German population in Missouri, especially in St. Louis (where he served), and was able to preserve the German way of life by being involved in a German Community. In 1888 John and his Family moved to Pueblo Colorado. There, John and Lydia lived for the rest of their lives. Both died in 1931. Louise Lydia Opp married William McClain Murray 7 December 1898 in Pueblo Colorado. They were married for almost 8 years when William died (appendicitis) two months after Earl was born. Louise was left to raise 4 boys (Harold, Edward, Herbert, and Earl) on her own. Family stories relate that there was a 5th boy who died before Earl was born. The older boys were chopping wood and the axe head flew off the axe handle and killed the 5th boy.
John's Father, Peter Opp was reported from a wealthy family in Germany. The name used to be Count Von Oppen. They owned a Castle. Peter Opp brought his entire family to America, just before the eldest son, John George was old enough to be drafted into the German army. The family came to America in a sailing ship, the Owego, requiring 27 days to cross the Atlantic from Havre to the port of Castle Garden, NY, 27 April 1857. On the passenger manifest John was listed as Johan, age 13. Little is known of John's early years in America. The family had other Opp relatives in Pennsylvania, either in Bucks County or Berks County. John became acquainted with Lydia Ann, a daughter of the Pennsylvania family and a 2nd or 3rd cousin to John. Our next record of John is his marriage to Lydia in Oshkosh, WI in January 1865. John had been married only two months when he enlisted in the army for service in the Civil War on 10 Mar. 1865. His occupation was shown as a farmer. He was paid $100 bounty for his enlistment. We believe his brother John George enlisted at the same time. John must of been taken prisoner almost immediately after going into battle, he was held in a war prisoner camp until after the war was over a few months later. He was discharged at Madison, WI having only served 5 months 11 days. I recall him saying that about the only food they had in prison camp was carrots, and he no longer wanted to eat any carrots. John returned to Oshkosh and learned the trade of Carpenter, living there until 21 April 1871. The Opp brothers, John George and John must of been close, both having married sisters, Lovina and Lydia. Both families moved next to Warrensburg, MO, Southeast of Kansas City, in 1871. The remaining seven children were all born in Warrensburg where John apparently worked as a carpenter. Five children died in infancy. Fred the youngest was killed, age 19 in an accident at CF&I steel mill at Pueblo, CO, in 1904. On 27 Sept. 1885, John became a citizen as recorded in Finney County Kansas (Western Kansas). He was age 42. Also in 1885, the family moved to Pueblo, Co where they lived for 18 years until Sept. 1903, when for some reason he and Lydia separated. Now, 60 years of age, John moved by himself to Portland Oregon where he lived for three years. Lydia was left alone at Beulah where she took in washing to support herself, doing it all by hand. In April 1906 John applied for and was granted a pension as a Civil War Veteran. His application listed four living children; Agnes, 1866; William, 1868 (sp 1874); Otto, 1882, and Louisa, 1884 (sp 1878). John next lived for a number of year at the Soldiers Home at Sawtelle, CA. He was still at the home in 1926 and afflicted with arthritis and debilitating health. John moved back to Colorado in about 1927-1928, living at times with his son, Otto in Pueblo. Later on he and Lydia reconciled, probably through son, William, and the two were living in Lydia's small home in Beulah in 1930. John Opp died in Pueblo in Feb. 1931, age 87. He lies buried in the family plot at Roselawn Cemetery at Pueblo. Lydia died only a few months later in June 1931. John's estate amounted to $257.54. My personal recollection of John Opp was that of a 5 year old boy talking to an 80 year old man. He visited in our home there at the ranch often in 1929-1930, his son, William bringing him down to visit. He was usually dressed in a dark suit with vest and watch draped across the front. At that time we had a large book about the Civil War, about 3-4" thick. He would often read portions of the book perhaps remembering incidents familiar to him about the war in which he had served as an infantry soldier. By- Roy Roper, (a Great Grandson of John Opp). Canon City, CO, Nov 1997.
John Opp was born in Germany to Peter and Agnes (Mayer) Opp on 26 September 1843. Sometime around 1843 to 1865, Peter and his family immigrated to the United States. He meet Lydia Ann (Lidiana) Opp in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The families must of knew each other as Peter Opp's family moved to Berks County and lived almost next door to Lydia's family according to the 1860 census. Lydia's father's name was Henry Opp who was born in Germany. Henry immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 1845. Lydia was born in Pennsylvania. John Opp and Lydia were married in Oshkosh Wisconsin, 26 Jan. 1865. Their first known child was born 18 Nov 1867 (Agnes Julia Opp). John served in the Civil war. He served in Company K, fifty-first Wisconsin Infantry.
" The fifty-first Wisconsin Infantry Regiment was organized at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, WI, during February, March and April of 1865. Eight companies left the state in the latter part of April and proceeded to St. Louis, Missouri. The other four companies were mustered out shortly thereafter. The eight companies at St. Louis were assigned duty in western Missouri until August, when the regiment was returned to Madison, Wisconsin. The unit was mustered out by companies from the 11th to the 30th of November, 1865, and then disbanded." (Expert from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum).
John and his family moved to Missouri before 1876. There was born William in 1876, Louise, 1878 and Otto born in 1883. My guess is that when John served in the Civil War, He discovered he liked Missouri. There was also a large German population in Missouri, especially in St. Louis (where he served), and was able to preserve the German way of life by being involved in a German Community. In 1888 John and his Family moved to Pueblo Colorado. There, John and Lydia lived for the rest of their lives. Both died in 1931. Louise Lydia Opp married William McClain Murray 7 December 1898 in Pueblo Colorado. They were married for almost 8 years when William died (appendicitis) two months after Earl was born. Louise was left to raise 4 boys (Harold, Edward, Herbert, and Earl) on her own. Family stories relate that there was a 5th boy who died before Earl was born. The older boys were chopping wood and the axe head flew off the axe handle and killed the 5th boy.
John's Father, Peter Opp was reported from a wealthy family in Germany. The name used to be Count Von Oppen. They owned a Castle. Peter Opp brought his entire family to America, just before the eldest son, John George was old enough to be drafted into the German army. The family came to America in a sailing ship, the Owego, requiring 27 days to cross the Atlantic from Havre to the port of Castle Garden, NY, 27 April 1857. On the passenger manifest John was listed as Johan, age 13. Little is known of John's early years in America. The family had other Opp relatives in Pennsylvania, either in Bucks County or Berks County. John became acquainted with Lydia Ann, a daughter of the Pennsylvania family and a 2nd or 3rd cousin to John. Our next record of John is his marriage to Lydia in Oshkosh, WI in January 1865. John had been married only two months when he enlisted in the army for service in the Civil War on 10 Mar. 1865. His occupation was shown as a farmer. He was paid $100 bounty for his enlistment. We believe his brother John George enlisted at the same time. John must of been taken prisoner almost immediately after going into battle, he was held in a war prisoner camp until after the war was over a few months later. He was discharged at Madison, WI having only served 5 months 11 days. I recall him saying that about the only food they had in prison camp was carrots, and he no longer wanted to eat any carrots. John returned to Oshkosh and learned the trade of Carpenter, living there until 21 April 1871. The Opp brothers, John George and John must of been close, both having married sisters, Lovina and Lydia. Both families moved next to Warrensburg, MO, Southeast of Kansas City, in 1871. The remaining seven children were all born in Warrensburg where John apparently worked as a carpenter. Five children died in infancy. Fred the youngest was killed, age 19 in an accident at CF&I steel mill at Pueblo, CO, in 1904. On 27 Sept. 1885, John became a citizen as recorded in Finney County Kansas (Western Kansas). He was age 42. Also in 1885, the family moved to Pueblo, Co where they lived for 18 years until Sept. 1903, when for some reason he and Lydia separated. Now, 60 years of age, John moved by himself to Portland Oregon where he lived for three years. Lydia was left alone at Beulah where she took in washing to support herself, doing it all by hand. In April 1906 John applied for and was granted a pension as a Civil War Veteran. His application listed four living children; Agnes, 1866; William, 1868 (sp 1874); Otto, 1882, and Louisa, 1884 (sp 1878). John next lived for a number of year at the Soldiers Home at Sawtelle, CA. He was still at the home in 1926 and afflicted with arthritis and debilitating health. John moved back to Colorado in about 1927-1928, living at times with his son, Otto in Pueblo. Later on he and Lydia reconciled, probably through son, William, and the two were living in Lydia's small home in Beulah in 1930. John Opp died in Pueblo in Feb. 1931, age 87. He lies buried in the family plot at Roselawn Cemetery at Pueblo. Lydia died only a few months later in June 1931. John's estate amounted to $257.54. My personal recollection of John Opp was that of a 5 year old boy talking to an 80 year old man. He visited in our home there at the ranch often in 1929-1930, his son, William bringing him down to visit. He was usually dressed in a dark suit with vest and watch draped across the front. At that time we had a large book about the Civil War, about 3-4" thick. He would often read portions of the book perhaps remembering incidents familiar to him about the war in which he had served as an infantry soldier. By- Roy Roper, (a Great Grandson of John Opp). Canon City, CO, Nov 1997.
" The fifty-first Wisconsin Infantry Regiment was organized at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, WI, during February, March and April of 1865. Eight companies left the state in the latter part of April and proceeded to St. Louis, Missouri. The other four companies were mustered out shortly thereafter. The eight companies at St. Louis were assigned duty in western Missouri until August, when the regiment was returned to Madison, Wisconsin. The unit was mustered out by companies from the 11th to the 30th of November, 1865, and then disbanded." (Expert from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum).
John and his family moved to Missouri before 1876. There was born William in 1876, Louise, 1878 and Otto born in 1883. My guess is that when John served in the Civil War, He discovered he liked Missouri. There was also a large German population in Missouri, especially in St. Louis (where he served), and was able to preserve the German way of life by being involved in a German Community. In 1888 John and his Family moved to Pueblo Colorado. There, John and Lydia lived for the rest of their lives. Both died in 1931. Louise Lydia Opp married William McClain Murray 7 December 1898 in Pueblo Colorado. They were married for almost 8 years when William died (appendicitis) two months after Earl was born. Louise was left to raise 4 boys (Harold, Edward, Herbert, and Earl) on her own. Family stories relate that there was a 5th boy who died before Earl was born. The older boys were chopping wood and the axe head flew off the axe handle and killed the 5th boy.
John's Father, Peter Opp was reported from a wealthy family in Germany. The name used to be Count Von Oppen. They owned a Castle. Peter Opp brought his entire family to America, just before the eldest son, John George was old enough to be drafted into the German army. The family came to America in a sailing ship, the Owego, requiring 27 days to cross the Atlantic from Havre to the port of Castle Garden, NY, 27 April 1857. On the passenger manifest John was listed as Johan, age 13. Little is known of John's early years in America. The family had other Opp relatives in Pennsylvania, either in Bucks County or Berks County. John became acquainted with Lydia Ann, a daughter of the Pennsylvania family and a 2nd or 3rd cousin to John. Our next record of John is his marriage to Lydia in Oshkosh, WI in January 1865. John had been married only two months when he enlisted in the army for service in the Civil War on 10 Mar. 1865. His occupation was shown as a farmer. He was paid $100 bounty for his enlistment. We believe his brother John George enlisted at the same time. John must of been taken prisoner almost immediately after going into battle, he was held in a war prisoner camp until after the war was over a few months later. He was discharged at Madison, WI having only served 5 months 11 days. I recall him saying that about the only food they had in prison camp was carrots, and he no longer wanted to eat any carrots. John returned to Oshkosh and learned the trade of Carpenter, living there until 21 April 1871. The Opp brothers, John George and John must of been close, both having married sisters, Lovina and Lydia. Both families moved next to Warrensburg, MO, Southeast of Kansas City, in 1871. The remaining seven children were all born in Warrensburg where John apparently worked as a carpenter. Five children died in infancy. Fred the youngest was killed, age 19 in an accident at CF&I steel mill at Pueblo, CO, in 1904. On 27 Sept. 1885, John became a citizen as recorded in Finney County Kansas (Western Kansas). He was age 42. Also in 1885, the family moved to Pueblo, Co where they lived for 18 years until Sept. 1903, when for some reason he and Lydia separated. Now, 60 years of age, John moved by himself to Portland Oregon where he lived for three years. Lydia was left alone at Beulah where she took in washing to support herself, doing it all by hand. In April 1906 John applied for and was granted a pension as a Civil War Veteran. His application listed four living children; Agnes, 1866; William, 1868 (sp 1874); Otto, 1882, and Louisa, 1884 (sp 1878). John next lived for a number of year at the Soldiers Home at Sawtelle, CA. He was still at the home in 1926 and afflicted with arthritis and debilitating health. John moved back to Colorado in about 1927-1928, living at times with his son, Otto in Pueblo. Later on he and Lydia reconciled, probably through son, William, and the two were living in Lydia's small home in Beulah in 1930. John Opp died in Pueblo in Feb. 1931, age 87. He lies buried in the family plot at Roselawn Cemetery at Pueblo. Lydia died only a few months later in June 1931. John's estate amounted to $257.54. My personal recollection of John Opp was that of a 5 year old boy talking to an 80 year old man. He visited in our home there at the ranch often in 1929-1930, his son, William bringing him down to visit. He was usually dressed in a dark suit with vest and watch draped across the front. At that time we had a large book about the Civil War, about 3-4" thick. He would often read portions of the book perhaps remembering incidents familiar to him about the war in which he had served as an infantry soldier. By- Roy Roper, (a Great Grandson of John Opp). Canon City, CO, Nov 1997.
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