Selzer, Magdalene (née Schildgen)

Magdalene Schildgen Seizer, 633 Park avenue, Wilmette, is second in length of continuous residence of New Trier citizens. She was born on December 3, 1853, in the home of her parents on Ridge road, Winnetka, north of Winnetka avenue. When the Chicago and North Western railroad was built in 1854, the family, fearful of prairie fires which might be started by sparks from the locomotives, sold their home and purchased a farm on what is now Illinois road, near Hibbard road. Mrs. Seizer states that, having no horses or oxen, the men of the family carried the household effects from the former home to the new one

On April 21, 1874, Magdalene was married to Mathias Seizer, who was born on the ocean while his parents were enroute to America. Mrs. Selzer lived on the home farm until 18 years ago, since which tine she has lived in Wilmette. The farm was divided among the couple’s children