From Quilting to Family History: Searching for German Monument

A Monument for Theodore Freywald!

Most of you know me because I have been active in the quilting community for more than 30 years. After retiring from teaching in the field my new mission is to write a book about the ancestry of each of my grandparents.  I've finished one and started another. In the meantime my husband has become ill, and I'm working on his family history while he can still answer my questions. Most of his family has been here only 3 or 4 generations coming from France, Germany and Poland.  I have found some fascinating people in the process.

Dragoons may have dressed like this.

So I'm asking for your help in locating a monument in Kyllburg Germany. I am told it is in Nord-Rhein-Westfalen area. It was erected in 1871 to honor the 5 soldiers from this community that fought for Napoleon. Our ancestor was Theodore Freywald (1783-1847) of the 16th Regiment of Dragoons during the years 1805-1815. Dragoons are soldiers or guards mounted on horseback.

About the monument: It is described as a shaft on a square base with a cross on the top. A profile of Napoleon is on the front. Enscription "For the Wars of Napoleon." The names of the soldiers are inscribed on it. Do you know where this is located?

For each ancestor's biography, I try to find something to use as a symbol. Long ago there were no cameras and selfies! It would be wonderful if I would be able to connect with someone that can send a digital photo of this monument and the names of the soldiers it honors; for my book. Theodore was a brave man, some of his children immigrated to America. See photo of Magdalena below.

Please repost this request to anyone you know that might live in this area of Europe.  Thank you so much.

Magdalena Freywald 1825-1907

My next post will be about the old tulip quilt that I am reparing.  It is done.

Ann Fahl