Elizabeth Maria Christina was born 12 Apr 1865 in Higginsville, MO, the first-born child of Heinrich Wilhelm & Wilhelmine Christina (Schoppenhorst) Hünefeld. In 1974 Frank Schoppenhorst (1889-1979), a nephew of Mrs. Huenefeld, shared this story as it was told to him: As Wm Huenefeld and family decided they were going to move back to Warren County, their one little girl said, “ I am not going to leave here.” And, as a fact, she did not—She became ill and died.” This child was then buried in the corner of their field. It was the beginning of the German Evangelical Church Cemetery of Higginsville – now called the Salem U.C.C. Church of Higginsville, MO.

Little Elizabeth died at the age of four years, five months, and ten days. Facing the cemetery entrance and then just to the left is her grave, within sight of the Huenefeld home then and present-day. A 2005 photo of the house is at right.

Among the original founders of the German Lutheran Church known as the Evangelical Salem Church which was organized in 1870, the Huenefeld family returned to Warren County sometime after 1880 and later moved on to Montgomery County.
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online History of Lafayette County, Missouri
by Missouri Historical Company, St. Louis
Publication date 1881
Publisher Saint Louis, Missouri historical co.
Collection library_of_congress; americana
Digitizing sponsor Sloan Foundation
Contributor The Library of Congress
p 409:

The German Lutheran Church at Higginsville, known as the "Evangelical Salems Church," was organized in 1870. The original members were Adolph Wehrman and wife, Herman Haefer and wife, W. Huenefeld and wife, C. Haefer and wife, H. Offel, Sen., and wife, H. Schmieder and wife, H. Farre and wife, Aug. Caulher and wife, A. Henker and wife, H. Offel, Jr., and wife.

The building is a frame one, erected in 1871 at a cost of $1000. It was dedicated Oct. 29, 1871, the Rev. Henry Haefer, the present pastor, preaching the dedicatory sermon. Mr. Haefer has had charge of this church since its organization, with the exception of the time between 1873 and 1877, when the Rev. Frederick Drewel had it in charge. At present there are 75 members belonging. The pastor resides in a parsonage built by the congregation at a cost of $1800. The Sabbath school consists of 45
scholars and eight teachers. During the three months of March, April and May a private school is in progress in the church building, in charge of the pastor.