Person:Johann Adam Vidua (1)

NOTES: Two sources of interest on Adam Vidua:

1. Produced by: Wesphalia Historical Society, Of Pilgrimage, Prayer and Promise - A Story of St. Mary's, Westphalia 1836-1986 (Westphailia Michigan, 1986), p. 11, 23, 24, 17 Apr 1999, Christopher S. Schafer , 118 W. Claremore Dr., Lansing, MI 48911, email: schaferc118@comcast.net. Library of Congress catalog card number: 85-080615, Copywrite 1986. " pp. 23, 24

- Adam was born 11 Sept. 1795 in Langenfeld/Eifel, Germany s/o Moritz Fedewa and Maria Gertrud Kloeckner. He arrived in Westphalia in 1841, with his family, and settled in Sec. 4 of the township. In Germany, Adam was a farmer and a capable Mastermason with a secure career. He was convinced to come to Westphalia through the letters of Johann Fox. Had 6 children.

p. 11 - Adam Vidua's Passport document:

Translation of Document -- Passport 1/2 Thaler (In the seal)

No. 28 Passport

Description of Passport holder 1. Religion: Catholic 2. Age: 45 years 3. Height: 5'2" 4. Hair color: Dark Brown 5. Forehead: Medium 6. Eyebrows: Brown 7. Color of eyes: Blue 8. Nose: Pointed 9. Mouth: Medium 10. Beard: Gray-brown 11. Chin: Round 12. Face: Oval 13. Face Color: Healthy 14. Stature: Stout 15. Destinctive marks: None

Signature of Passport holder

 Vidua

Stamp and Fees: 1) Stamp 15 2) Fees 10

       25

Royal Prussian States

Travel -- Passport to a foreign country valid for 6 months to: Mason-Bricklayer Adam Vidua born in Langenfeld residing in Langenfeld with his wife Maria Catherine Müller, 40 and his children, Johann 20, Eva 19, Mathias 17, Johann George 15, and Michel Vidua 9 years old. In order to emigrate to North America from Langenfeld across Neuwied, Rotterdam, Harve to New York. Application granted by the Mayor of Virneburg stating the legitimacy of passport; asking civil and military authorities to guarantee safe conduct and give aid and refuge in case of emergency.

This passport has to be presented to magistrates of any city or town visited for more than a 24-hour period.

 Granted, Koblenz

Royal Administration

 (Division of Judiciary)

Issued by: (Signature)."

2. Shiawassee County Genealogical Society, Portrait and Biographical Album of Clinton and Shiawassee Counties Michigan (Chapman Bros. Printing, Chicago, Ill. 1891), pp. 630, 631, 14 Jun 1999, Library of Michigan, 717 W. Allegan, P.O. Box 30007, Lansing, MI 48909, F572.c7 p799z c.2. "The grandfather of Mr. Fedewa bore the name of Morris and spent his entire life in Germany, rearing five sons and four daughters. In this household band was a son, Adam, who was born in 1795 and when he had grown to manhood married Mary K. Miller. To them were born the following children: John, Mathias, George, Maggie and Eva. The entire family emigrated in company in 1841, and coming at once to Michigan located in Westphalia Township, Clinton County. There the father died in 1864, and the mother in 1879. The father had bought forty acres of land and afterward added to his estate until he had an entire quarter section. Wild animals abounded in the neighborhood and bear often carried off the hogs. Mr. and Mrs. Fedewa passed through the usual experiences of those who developed wild land, but lived to see what had been an almost tractless forest converted into fruitful fields. Both were members of the Catholic Church."

"Before he (John Fedewa) left his native land he had become a mason--a trade in which his father (Adam) and grandfather (Moritz) were engaged." This short biography on Adam Vidua is a portion of a larger biographical sketch on his eldest son John Fedewa.

1.   aka Adam Fedewa