She moved to Reading from Nicetown, Pennsylvania, (near Philadephia) following the death of her husband in 1836. She lived in Reading in 1847 per the deed to the property. On her daughter, Catharine Eberth's death record in the church, she is listed as Magdalena.
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In a newspaper article from 1902-Reading's First "Wash Frau"-Mrs. Catharine M. Hess, the First "Wash Frau", came to Reading nearly 70 years ago and died 44 years ago, in the log house still standing at the northwest corner of 10th and Walnut. She had learned from her father in Germany how to pow-wow and to make salves and soap and other preparations to cure all kinds of aches, pains, cuts, bruises, burns, scalds, felons, crysipelas, scrofula and other ailments of a kindred nature, and people from far and near called upon her for treatment. Her funeral was one of the largest ever held in Trinity Lutheran Church, the edifice not being large enough to contain all who came to attend the services.
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Reading Eagle-Dead-August 13, 1858
Mrs. Hess, better known as the "Wurst Frau", died yesterday morning. She was celebrated for her medicinal recipes, and was much sought after for advice and remedies by persons from all parts of the State.
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In the Historical Review of Berks County-Summer 2003 Issue, her 3rd great-granddaughter, wrote a story about Catharine and her powwowing-entitled Reading's Wash Fraus.
She moved to Reading from Nicetown, Pennsylvania, (near Philadephia) following the death of her husband in 1836. She lived in Reading in 1847 per the deed to the property. On her daughter, Catharine Eberth's death record in the church, she is listed as Magdalena.
----
In a newspaper article from 1902-Reading's First "Wash Frau"-Mrs. Catharine M. Hess, the First "Wash Frau", came to Reading nearly 70 years ago and died 44 years ago, in the log house still standing at the northwest corner of 10th and Walnut. She had learned from her father in Germany how to pow-wow and to make salves and soap and other preparations to cure all kinds of aches, pains, cuts, bruises, burns, scalds, felons, crysipelas, scrofula and other ailments of a kindred nature, and people from far and near called upon her for treatment. Her funeral was one of the largest ever held in Trinity Lutheran Church, the edifice not being large enough to contain all who came to attend the services.
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Reading Eagle-Dead-August 13, 1858
Mrs. Hess, better known as the "Wurst Frau", died yesterday morning. She was celebrated for her medicinal recipes, and was much sought after for advice and remedies by persons from all parts of the State.
---
In the Historical Review of Berks County-Summer 2003 Issue, her 3rd great-granddaughter, wrote a story about Catharine and her powwowing-entitled Reading's Wash Fraus.
Family Members
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Henry Godlieb Smith
1817–1858
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MAJ John Conrad Schmidt
1819–1885
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Christian Frederick Smith
1820–1904
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Karolina Phillippina "Jeama" Smith Wieland
1822–1899
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Male Schmid
1823–1823
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CPL William Smith
1824–1898
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Catharina Magdalena Smith Eberth
1826–1903
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Carl Friderich Schmid
1827 – unknown
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Christiana Margaretha Schmid
1828 – unknown
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Carl Friderich Schmid
1830 – unknown
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Anna Maria "Mary" Smith Schick
1833–1892
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Joseph Benjamin Smith Sr
1835–1910
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See more Schmid Hess or Kusterer memorials in:
- Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery Schmid Hess or Kusterer
- Reading Schmid Hess or Kusterer
- Berks County Schmid Hess or Kusterer
- Pennsylvania Schmid Hess or Kusterer
- USA Schmid Hess or Kusterer
- Find a Grave Schmid Hess or Kusterer
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