Johan Adam Schömbs of Paris

The French Schömbs

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The Story of Johan Adam Schömbs (*1815 Dorn Dürkheim, +1908 Deutschland)

The story of Johan Adam Schömbs (*17.09.1815 Dorn Dürkheim) has undergone a major revision. In some cases there may be markups indicating where final editing is required. (July 2012)

The story of Johan Adam is told in two parts. The first is a narrative as written by Alain Schömbs (*1937 Paris). It gives wonderful detail of the history of the family. If you like, you can read it in French. Below the story by Alain is additional information with more emphasis on the present day French Schömbs. Read both as they are quite different.

The French Narrative by Alain Schömbs (1937)

History of the French and Parisian branch of the Schömbs Family

9 November 1839
This is the first documentation of the arrival of Adam Schömbs, our ancestor, in France and specifically Paris. Adam was the son of Mathias Schömbs (*1787 Friesenheim). It is from this date we give birth to the French and Parisian branch of the descendants of Mathias, the great-great-grandson of Zacharias Schömbs (*1707).

The date of arrival in Paris is attested by the visa "No. 85 of the Grand Ducal Hessian Legation in Paris allowing him to stay in this city." The visa is on the page of his passport. This registration document is evidence that Adam belonged to the trade-guild.



German Passport of Johan Adam Schömbs
Upper right: page showing Mannheim (1836) and Heidelberg (1838). Click image to enlarge, Back to return Lower right: page showing visa #85. Click image to enlarge, Back to return

Adam Schömbs was born 17 September 1815 in Dorn-Dürkheim, Germany, the son of Mathias Schömbs, wheelwright by trade, and Mary Catherine Weber (*1792 Darmstadt).

In 1835,
Adam continued his apprenticeship with his father and embarked on a journey of discovery through parts of Europe as indicated in his passport : Stuttgart, Ulm, Augsburg, Munich, Zurich, Lucerne, Berne, Fribourg ... are the cities where he learned his trade as a coachmaker.

In 1839,
Adam settled in Paris. He was established on 1 February 1840 at 94, rue de la Pépinière in the 8th district (8ème arrondissement) and declared himself "a carpenter or coachbuilder shop."

Marriage .. Adam was married 30 November 1847 in the Paris Town Hall in the 10th arrondissement. Adam takes as his wife Henriette Marie Louise ILLIG, aged 30 and born in Darmstadt (Grand Duchy of Hessen) 14 February 1817. Henriette was without profession, customary of the day.

Marriage Certificate for Adam Schömbs and Henriette Marie Louise Illig
Click image to enlarge

At the time of their marriage they lived at 29, Rue de Babylone. Thirty three months before their marriage their first child Pierre Henri (February 23, 1845) was born, the first descendant of Zacharias Schömbs born in France and more exactly in Paris. This marriage addressed a particular situation as a second baby was due (May 1848). Henriette Marie Louise was the daughter of Ludwig Illig, paper manufacturer known in Erbach, Germany. He became in 1824 "Courrier du Domaine du Grand Duchy of Hesse." Ludwig died in Darmstadt in 1834. His wife emigrated in 1856 with their son Carl from Paris to the United States.

Passport page documenting Adam's return trip to Dorn-Dürkheim in 1854
Click image to enlarge

On 27 May 1848,
the second son of Adam and Henrietta was born, seven months after their marriage. Was this the regularization of a difficult situation or was the child premature? The given name of the child was Charles Adam. We are his direct descendants.

December 19, 1854,
Adam returned to Dorn-Dürkheim for a stay which will last until December 29, 1854. This seems to be his last visit to Germany. The purpose of the visit was undoubtedly to rectify a tax problem related to his parents' property. Perhaps also he had to deal with some Illig family matters?.

Note: We have a transcription of a document from Dorn-Dürkheim attesting Adam's visit in 1854:

"Certificate of land holding
Adam Schömbs, carpenter, currently living in Paris, in order to run his business, attests that he is born here and that he owns all the belongings of his parents (who are still alive) and that he pays his taxes according to the local law.
Dorndürkheim, 22 December 1854
Die Großherzogliche Bürgermeisterei (The grand ducal mayor)"

In 1863,
while they remained at 103 rue de Sèvres, Adam and Henrietta signed a deed of lease of two dwellings at 55, rue de Sèvres and a field where they can build a shed for a carriage works, a forge and a warehouse. It is interesting to note on the deed of lease that the landlord signs with three XXX's, while Adam signs his name. His beautiful signature proves that he could read and write. An insurance policy taken out to "La Paternelle" 22 February 1860, for a period of 10 years, gives a diagram of the location. The documents shown appear inconsistent. The insurance policy dates from 1860 and the lease from 1863. However, the addresses are the same!


1863 Lease for 55, rue de Sèvres Click image to enlarge	Drawing of the property from the 1860 insurance policy Click image to enlarge

Adam Schömbs died in 1908. At this time we do not know when his wife Henriette died or where they are buried.

The Second Generation of Parisians

Charles Adam Auguste Schömbs

Charles Adam, the son of an un-naturalized foreigner was fortunate to be exempt from French military service which, for the future, had positive consequences. He lived with his brother at 79, rue de Grenelle in the 15ème arrondissement and practiced the trade of his father, a coachmaker. He met Josephine Hortense Marie Fournier, a laundress, aged 20 (born 22 September 1848 in Coutoire Hamel on the Somme, France). They lived on Boulevard Montrouge at No. 40 (14ème arrondissement). They married 29 April 1869 in the Town Hall in the 14ème arrondissement and received that same day their nuptial blessing in the Reformed Church of Paris.

They received a Bible that day in which Charles Adam recorded major family events, births and deaths.


Marriage Register for Charles Adam Schömbs and Josephine Hortense Marie Fournier Click image to enlarge	Marriage Certificate Click image to enlarge

Charles and Josephine had 7 children, 3 died prematurely (*)

Henri Charles Albert (1870-1877) 7 years (*)
Marie Rosine Hortense (1872-1878) 6 years (*)
Charles Edmond Jules (1875-1963) 88 years
Henriette Zoé Charlotte (1878-1963) 85 years
Julie Marie Louise (15/02/82-17/02/82) 2 days (*)
Edmond Louis Auguste (1883-1962) 79 years
Louis Henri Adam (1889-1963) 74 years

The entries by Charles Adam Schömbs in the family Bible recording the deaths of family members are true poems:

« Aujourd'hui, 16 juillet 1877, jour de douloureuse mémoire, j'enterre mon garçon Henri Charles Albert Schömbs décédé le 14 juillet 1877 à 5 heures du soir à l'âge de 7 ans 3 mois. « Mon pauvre petit. Le seul regret que j'ai, c'est de ne pas t'avoir toujours contenté dans ta courte vie. Et pourtant tu étais bien simple. Pardonnes-moi ».

"Today, 16 July 1877, day of painful memory, I bury my son Henri Charles Albert Schömbs, died 14 July 1877 at 5 o'clock in the evening at the age of 7 years 3 months. "My poor boy. The only regret I have is not always having you satisfied in your short life. And yet you were very humble. Forgive me. "

« Ce 2 juillet 1878, presque une année après la douloureuse séparation de mon garçon Henri, je conduis à sa dernière demeure ma fille chérie Rosine Marie Hortense Schömbs décédée le 30 juin 1878 à 11 heures du soir à l'âge de 6 ans moins 14 jours ». « Ta courte vie n'a été qu'une longue souffrance et au moment ou je te croyais sauvée, la mort implacable t'a enlevée à notre affection et à notre amour. Tu es près de ton frère. Sois heureuse avec lui ».

"This 2 July 1878, almost one year after the painful separation from my son Henry, I take to her final resting my beloved daughter Rosine Marie Hortense Schömbs, died 30 June 1878 at 11 o'clock in the evening at the age of six years less 14 days. " "Your short life was one long suffering and when I thought you were saved, cold death has removed you from our affection and our love. You are close to your brother. Be happy with him. "

« Le 18 février 1882, je conduis près de ses frère et sœur, ma fille regrettée Rosine Marie Louise Schömbs, décédée le 17 février 1882 à 6 heures du matin à l'âge de 2 jours ». « Petite fleur à peine éclose, tu nous a quittés trop vite pour pouvoir t'admirer, mais nous t'aimons tout de même. Repose doucement près de tous ceux qui nous sont chers en nous attendant ».

"On 18 February 1882, I take to her brother and sister, my daughter Rosine Marie Louise Schömbs, died 17 February 1882 at 6 o'clock in the morning at the age of two days." "Little flower that has just bloomed, you left us too quickly to admire you, but we love you anyway. Gently rests almost all who are dear to us waiting for us. "

« Le 16 novembre 1908. Mon épouse regrettée quitte ce monde pour toujours, après une longue vie de travail et de fidélité. Marie Joséphine Hortense Fournier ». « Ainsi tout passe sur la terre, Amour, fidélité, dévouement, Belle fleur éphémère qu'emporte le moindre vent ».

"On 16 November 1908. My late wife left this world forever, after a long working life and loyalty. Marie Joséphine Hortense Fournier. " "So any place on earth, love, loyalty, dedication, Belle ephemeral flower blown by the slightest wind."

The Parisian branch of the family Schömbs is thus made up:

The Family of Charles Adam and Marie Hortense Schömbs
Back row: Charles (1875/1963), Louis (1889/1963), Henriette (1878/1963) and Edmond (1883/1962)
Front row: Marie Hortense (1848/1920) and Charles Adam (1848/1920)
Click image to enlarge, Back to return

The photo appears to have been taken in about 1905
Charles must be 30 years old; Louis, 16; Henrietta, 27; and Edmond, 22
Marie Hortense and Charles Adam 57 years

At the time of their marriage (Thursday, 29 April 1869) we can assume that Charles Adam carried on the trade with his father and that Marie Hortense began her laundry business with her stepmother (or perhaps mother-in-law) who is established at 1 rue de la Bienfaisance, 8ème arrondissement.

1869,
is a year that will change the course of the history for imperial France. Napoleon III makes decisions that will lead the country into war. Charles Adam Schömbs is fortunate to be the son of an un-naturalized foreigner. He is not required to participate in the war declared against Prussia. In 1870, the Prussians, Russians and others invaded France and deposed the emperor Napoleon III. They encircle Paris. Charles and Marie Josephine, together with his father Adam and mother Henriette Marie Louise, live through difficult years.

As Germans,
what was their experience? What were their relations with the local Parisienne population? And how did they endure the beginning of 1871, one of the most tragic periods of Paris history, a French civil war and Paris being ruled by an occupier. How did they live under bombardment from the barricades, the restrictions on the people? Unfortunately we have no family documentation describing this period. Only two documents dated February 15, 1871 provide information, laissez-passer (permits for entry and passage) issued by the French and German authorities to Adam.


1871 Permission to travel from the French authorities Click image to enlarge	1871 Permission to travel from the German (occupying) authorities Click image to enlarge

It seems, on examination of these documents, that their work was not terribly disturbed, as Adam is allowed out of Paris (through the portal of Vitry) to get to Bretigny (Bretigny-sur-Orges, south of Paris ) for "commercial business".

Question :
Bretigny-sur-Orges is more than 30 kms from Paris. How was he able to make this trip? How long did it take ?

Note:
On the French permit exist two seals. On the German permit the stamps are identical to the French stamps but written in German (representation of the French Republic!).

In 1871,
Adam was age 56. How late into his life did he continue his profession? It is possible that his son Charles Adam worked with him and that he turned over the reins of the company to Charles.

In 1891 and 1892,
Charles Adam is working for the company but as "Charron associate" or "cartwright associate" of Pierre Henry Schömbs (born in Paris in 1845, 10ème), his brother.


1892 Notice to Pay in the newspaper Click image to enlarge	1897 Notice to Pay in the newspaper Click image to enlarge

A notice to pay the "license relating to the year 1892" is published in the newspaper. However, in 1897, another warning to pay for personal-security contributions and license/patent is issued against Schömbs, resident of 5, rue de Vienne, 8th ème, occupation cartwright. This warning references a local workshop, house or other location at 6, rue Bargue, 15th ème. It is here that Henriette was born in 1878. A business card actually says that the business premises are located at that address:

Business Card for
Schömbs, Father and Sons
Click image to enlarge

It also indicates that the company is operating at this address under the name "Schömbs FATHER AND SONS."

Charles Schömbs at work
Click image to enlarge

One can see in the picture of Charles on the right the type carriage (hypomobile) the company of Adam and his son made.

Le 1, rue de la Bienfaisance (Street of theBenevolent),
For her part Marie Hortense operated a laundry business at 1, rue de la Bienfaisance, Paris 8ème. The establishment date for the laundry is not determined. It may have been opened at the time by Marie Josephine.

A warning for payment "license" from 1883, attests to the location of the laundry as well as a receipt from 1886. Although the exact address is not given, the notice is issued by the office of the direct contributions of the 8ème arrondissement, European quarter.

It should be noted on the document below (in its left column) that Paris had 2,210,831 inhabitants in 1886.

1, rue de la Bienfaisance became the residence for the family and the place of birth for Julie, and Louis Edmond. However, it seems unlikely that the whole family was able to live in the one room next to the laundry shop. In some documents mention is made of 5, rue de Vienne (accessible by a court from 1, rue de la Bienfaisance) where they may have had an apartment.


Notice and Receipt from 1886 Click image to enlarge	Front of the laundry at 1, rue de la Bienfaisance, circa 1900 One can recognize Marie Hortense (second from the left), Louis (sitting) and Edmond (right) among the workers (laundresses) Click image to enlarge

In 1900,
Marie Hortense was age 52. She managed the small business. It is assumed that her daughter Henriette (22 years old at the time) was working with her, as Henriette later took over responsibility for the laundry. At what point? We do not know but perhaps at the time of her mother's death in 1920. This responsibility, Henriette held until December 26, 1941. At that time she transferred power to her brother Louis, as she was imprisoned for acts of resistance. Released in 1944 with the arrival of American troops, the laundry did not resume its activities. She was then 66 years and very physically diminished. The laundry was closed.

The third generation of Parisians

In 1900,
the children of Charles and Mary Hortense are or soon will be adults : Charles is 25 years old, Henrietta 22, Edmond 17 and Louis 11. To these four children, we must add two cousins, Eugenie and Celestine (married Henri Haguet), daughters of Pierre Henri Schömbs born in 1845 in Paris, Unfortunately we have no documents to provide information on the life of Henri Schömbs. One of the daughters lived on rue Clouet in the 15ème arrondissement.


From left to right: Eugenie and Louis Schömbs, Celestine Schömbs and her husband Henry Haguet	Edmond, Eugenie, Louis and Celestine Schömbs (future Madame Haguet)

The cousins were undoubtedly dress-makers in residence. ( ???)

Charles Edmond Jules Schömbs (1875/1963)

On 1 December 1896 Charles Edmond was at Chalons sur Marne as a soldier in the 25th Artillery Regiment. In his letter home he expressed his difficulties to ride a horse and the legacy it leaves for his seat. On 14/09/1898, he is still at Chalons. He wrote to his father "... when I get out of the regiment you can judge whether I did not behave as a serious boy to deserve everything I've done before! " ( ???).

In March 1900 Charles Edmond is at Havre. He is housed in a hotel. In a letter to his father he requests "... kindly send Vaugirard leather so I can fix my shoes. I send you the extent of my soles ... and make the nails of the size in my drawing so they do not extend through to the other side like last time. " The rest of the story proves that it is much wiser.

It was Charles Edmond who, on 17 November 1908, handled the funeral and burial expenses of his mother, Marie Hortense, at Cemetery Yvry in the family vault which survives today. In 1963, at the time of his death he lived on rue Dulac (Paris 15ème) with his wife Suzanne and daughter Henriette. He held high office in the French Railways. His wife Suzanne was not working and his daughter Henrietta had a career in banking.


We can identify in the photograph, circa 1911: Front row : Henrietta, daughter of Charles and Suzanne Schömbs. 2nd row : Celestine Schömbs / Haguet, Louis Schömbs and Suzanne's mother Henrietta. 3rd row : assumed to be Henri Haguet, husband of Celestine. Click image to enlarge	1919 Drawing by Charles Schömbs to his mother Click image to enlarge

A drawing made in 1919 and signed Charles Schömbs is dedicated to his mother Eugenie? Is this the Charles we have been describing? If so, his mother was not Mary but Eugenie Hortense! He had a good stroke of the pen.

Henriette Zoé Charlotte Schömbs (1878/1963)

Doubtless the most outstanding woman of the family. Many anecdotes revolve around her personality. For the next generation (André, Alain and Eliane) it was "Aunt Henriette."

It is thanks to Aunt Henrietta that we can today relate the events of the family Schömbs since 1830. She had the foresight to collect and preserve old documents and many photographs. These were then taken over by her brother Louis and her nephew Alain, who currently holds this family treasure.


Henriette at age 38 in 1916 Click image to enlarge	Membership card for the private Club des Ondines Click image to enlarge	Henriette in swim wear Click image to enlarge

An intelligent woman, she assembled a remarkable library of old books (some dating from the fifteenth, sixteenth and eighteenth centuries). Alas, a part of this library was destroyed during a flood in the building where she lived in the 1950s (106, rue du Ranelagh, Paris 16ème). Born in 1878 (rue Bargue, 15ème), Henriette approached the twentieth century with innovative ideas. She was one of the first women to be part of a boating club and have made the journey from Paris by swimming 6 km in the Seine. An elegant woman (like her cousins) she does not lack charm. Although never married, she was often courted as shown in some of the letters which have survived. Besides her work at the laundry Henriette traveled. Found in the archives are several letters that give an indication of her destinations:

A letter to her father, dated 14 July 1914, sent from Switzerland. She is going from Zermatt to Berne. She makes a hike up the Matterhorn and is at 4000 meters (13,000 feet)
On 09.13.1926 her brother Louis sent her a letter to an address in Biskra, Algeria (delivery)
Finally, a postcard, dated May 14, 1937, posted Amsterdam, addressed to her brother Louis. She wrote a laconic message "rain, but not cold ..."

1939,
the entry into war against Germany, Henriette engaged in resistance to lead a clandestine struggle against the German occupiers. She was arrested 21 June 1941 for distributing leaflets, participating in the night clandestine meetings and anti-German and anti-Vichy (against the regime of Petain, the puppet installed by the Germans) activities. Interned until 29 June at the prison of La Petite Roquette, then later at the Fresnes, she was transferred to Rennes (Ille et Vilaine). She was released 4 August 1944 by the arrival of U.S. troops but did not return to Paris on 5 January 1945.


Internment card for Henriette by the Vichy government Click image to enlarge	Minister of Justice Record ordering the internment of Henriette Click image to enlarge

At age 67 she returned greatly handicapped (a kidney) and struggled to resume a normal life (she liquidated her laundry). She resided until her death with her brother Louis at 106, rue du Ranelagh, Paris 16ème.

A sorrowful period for the family. However, two stories make us smile today. These stories are from 1944, at the time of the collapse of Germany. Aline Mercier Schömbs, beautiful sister-in-law of Henriette, had received permission to visit Henriette. Aline was accompanied by her son Alain. Always looking for various foods (given the restrictions at the time), she brought back a box of sweetened condensed milk to the hotel. She visits Henriette and leaves Alain atthe hotel with the box of milk ... It took several minutes for him to open the box and swallow the contents ... In his childhood (7 years) he had never tasted something so delicious.

In the same period, it was her brother Louis who also received permission to visit Henriette. Louis also took his son Alain along. Always in search of food, Louis found a calf's head. Well wrapped, it will do well on the return trip to Paris. That was not counting the hazards of transportation. Scorching heat, the train stops and an incessantly long ride due to the still bombed out railway. The return trip took 24 hours to reach the capital. Arriving home, Louis was proud to present his acquisition to his wife Aline. She unwraps the calf's head ... It was invaded by maggots that had greatly multiplied during the trip. Inedible? In times of scarcity, absolutely not. A good wash with vinegar ... the head was eaten for several meals.

Edmond Louis Auguste Schömbs (1883/1962)

Edmond's occupation was upholsterer and decorator but he could not practice his trade until after the war of 14/18 (World War I). Indeed, he was one of those men who were born at the wrong time. Called up in 1909 for his military service, he was released three years later. But then in 1914 he was recalled and sent to the front.

He received head injuries while defending a position with the rest of his unit 25 August 1914. He was evacuated to a hospital where he was cared for until September 1915. As he could not return to the front (his injury had caused significant hearing loss), Edmond was assigned to an aviation group as a mechanic. Released at the end of the War, he was cited for the Order of the Division for "having taken command of of his squad although wounded" ...


Edmond in February 1915 Click image to enlarge	Summary of Edmond's different assignments Click image to enlarge	Citation for Merit in WWI Click image to enlarge

Born in Paris in the 14ème, Edmond married Salome BRECHEISEN. They had one son André and lived at 110, Boulevard de la Chapelle in the 20ème arrondissement of Paris. He worked as an upholsterer and decorator in Paris. His studio was located on the rue des, a few steps from their home. His reputation led him to perform major construction projects, in particular that of the Château de la Muette in Paris.


Back row from left: Edmond, his sister Henriette, unknown and his brother Louis. Front row: his son André, an unknown, his wife Salome and unknown Click image to enlarge	Edmond on the bike of his son André Click image to enlarge

Louis Henri Adam Schömbs (1889/1963)

Probably because he was the youngest of the family, Louis became the family pet. He came into the world on December 5th, 7 months into the pregnancy. Did Louis want to enter into life the same year as the Eiffel Tower? More likely because of the age of his mother, who was 41 years old. At that time it was rare for a woman to give birth to a child so late in life, especially after so many pregnancies. It was his sister Henriette (11 years old at the time) who would look after him and all his life bring him great affection, if not reverence (reference from her nephew Alain).

Given his fragility at birth, Louis was raised in cotton (it seems they put him in a shoebox). And since it was winter, he spent his first months by the wood burning stove on which were the women's heating irons from the laundry. Premature birth did not prevent him from becoming a handsome man. Adored by his sister Henriette and his cousins, he had them in whirling dances of the capital. ( ???) It should be noted that Louis is the only male in the family to not have the Schömbs face but rather that of Fournier (his mother).

He spent his childhood and adolescence, it seems, typically in the midst of his family. There were a few exceptions : fights with his friends from public school, secular students against private schools and Catholics. Louis practiced the profession of accounting.


Louis and his brother Edmond Click image to enlarge	Louis, his beard and his horse Click image to enlarge

We find Louis also in 1909 beginning his military service. He was released in 1912. But like his brother Edmond, he would face the full brunt of the upheaval of the Great War. He was recalled in 1914 and not released until 29 March 1918. Assigned to the artillery he fought at the rear of the infantry. The two brothers found themselves at the front as shown in next picture. At that time, Louis had a beard.

Between his initial military service and mobilization for the War Louis was married 8 March 1913 to Louise Maria PREAUX (born 17 March 1883 at Sermaize Les Bains on the Marne, divorced from John Murer). Their marriage lasted until 1 July 1930, the date of death of Louise. They had no children.

In 1934,
Louis traveled in the USSR. He wrote to his sister Henriette on 24 April 1934 "At sea on Alexi Rykov ... Right now we sail to Petrograd in the Gulf of Finland ... Soon ... Leningrad."


Louis and his wife Maria Louise Préaux while he is on leave in 1915 Click image to enlarge	Passport and visa from the Soviet authorities, authorizing his entry into the USSR Click image to enlarge	1935 Photo of Louis Click image to enlarge

His passport indicates he still lives at 5, rue de Vienne, Paris 8ème. The 1935 photograh is at that address, showing the shared courtyard buildings and the rue de Vienne and rue de la Bienfaisance. The photo clearly illustrates the door to the back of the laundry. Comment on the back of the 1935 photo above: "Life is not cheerful after the bombing. This is the work ... And above all do not not believe that "peeling small red radishes is easy." Done in the year of grace 1935. A compassionate. ( ???)

Louis (right) with his wife Aline and his brother Edmond
The photograph is taken on the footbridge over the railway line "Porte d'Auteuil Gare St-Lazare" (the inner ring road) has disappeared. This bridge, at the end of the rue du Ranelagh, provided access to the Bois de Boulogne
Click image to enlarge

Since his teens Louis worked as an accountant with various companies. World War II (39/45) did not favor him. He was unemployed or working odd jobs. He took care of the laundry of his sister Henrietta, who gave him full powers during her three year incarceration. His management seemed to be good because a family friend, Arthur Feore, wrote to Henriette on 4 January 1944 "... the laundry is running like clockwork. There is a line of people standing in front to bring their laundry. Poor Louis will soon call on the gendarmes to channel and discipline this human flood. It is sewn with gold that you come back." It was probably to give courage to Henriette, still detained, who had just had a kidney removed.

Louis was also involved in covert action against the German occupation. At the end of hostilities, he worked as an bank accountant until his retirement.

Remarriage
On 4 June 1936, Louis re-married. His second wife was Augustine Mercier, born 28 April 28 1900 in Briennon on the Loire. They live in the 18th arrondissement, at 12, rue Fauvet. They were not long at this address, as they then resided at 106, rue du Ranelagh dans le 16ème.

Augustine went by the nickname Aline.

Two children came from this union: Eliane, born in Paris 14ème and Alain, born in the 18ème. Starting from 1937, 106, rue du Ranelagh was the location of the family home. Not far from 1, de la rue de la Bienfaisance.

Descendants of Johann Adam Schömbs

Children: (3)

3.1.....Pierre Henri Schömbs (*23.02.1845 Paris,10eme)

On 14.05.1870 in Paris Pierre Henri married Marie Jules Berthe Grandvoinet, daughter of François and Célestine Grandvoinet.

Children: (3)

3.1.....Célestine Rosine Julie (Haguet) Schömbs (*03.02.1871 Paris)

3.2.....Pierre Henri Julien Schömbs (*14.02.1873 Paris)

3.3.....Eugénie Célestine Abertine Schömbs (*01.10.1877 Paris)

3.2.....Charles Adam Schömbs (*27.05.1848 Paris, 15eme, +1920 Paris)

Charles Adam Schömbs married Marie Joséphine Hortense Fournier (*1848 Coutoire-Hamel, +1920), daughter of Florent and Geneviève Cocuel Fournier. The wedding was on 29.04.1869 in Paris.

Children: (6)

6.1.....Henri Charles Albert (*05.04.1870 Paris 8eme), +1877)

6.2.....Marie Rosine Hortense Schömbs (*04.07.1872 Paris 8eme, +1878)

6.3.....Charles Edmond Jules Schömbs (*05.09.1875 Paris, +1969)

In 1905 Charles was married to Suzanne Adrienne Pélagie Caillot (*1880 Paris, +1961), daughter of Zéphirin and Blanche Ogéne Lemaître Caillot.

Children: (1)

1.1.....Henriette Schömbs (*1906, +2002)

6.4.....Henriette Zöe Schömbs (*15.02.1882 Paris 8eme, +1963)

6.5.....Edmund Louis Auguste Schömbs (*12.10.1883 Paris, 8eme, +07.12.1962 Paris)

Edmund Schömbs married Salome Brecheisen (*17.02.1885 Woerth/Sauer, +30.06.1949 Paris).

Children: (1)

1.1.....Andre Schömbs (*16.06.1924 Paris, 10eme, +09.10.2007)

Andre Schömbs was married to Anne-Louise Hamann (*20.08.1922 Mulhouse, +16.01.1996 Paris).

The Cemetery at Montparnasse
Charles Edmond Jules Schömbs,
Susanne Schömbs and Henriette Schömbs

6.6.....Louis Henri Adam Schömbs (*07.12.1889 Paris, 8eme, +04.1963 Paris, 8eme)

Louis Schömbs was married in 1934 to Augustine "Aline" Mercier (*28.04.1900 Brienon/Loire, +04.1984 Poissy ).

Children: (2)

2.1.....Eliane Schömbs (*1928 Paris 14 eme)

2.2.....Alain Louis Schömbs (*1937 Paris 18 eme)

Alain Schömbs is married with Christiane Lucienne Hurtret (*1934 Paris, 15eme).

Children: (2)

2.1.....Muriel Andrée Aline Schömbs (*1962 Paris 11eme)

Muriel Schömbs was married first to Herve Decorniquet (*1962 Surenne).

Children: (2)

2.1......Cécile Decorniquet (*1983 Aubergenville)

Cécile is an accomplished photographer. Visit one of her websites. With her mother Muriel they are also publishing books.

With her partner Laurent Petit Foreix, Cécile had two children.

Children: (2)

1.1.....Paul Petit Decorniquet (*2010 Paris)

1.1.....Blanche Petit Decorniquet (*2013 Paris)

In Muriel's second marriage with Olivier Lefaucheux (*1966 Meulan), they also have a daughter. Muriel is a writer who specializes in fairy tales, witches, mythology and books about herbal plants. Olivier has a career in software development, managing a business that consults and provides services in IT. On the side he enjoys reading and building motorcycles.

2.2......Zoé Lefaucheux (*2001)


Paulo and Zoé avril 2012 Click image to enlarge	Pauline and Clémence at Schömbs 2008 Séverine, Eric, Christiane and Alain Click image to enlarge

2.2.....Eric Louis Schömbs (*1967 Paris 10eme)

At the age of 15 Eric began taking classes to learn the trade of making jewelry and specifically setting stones. For ten years he worked his way up the profession. Today he works with a firm, directing a team of six, that supplies product and services to the leading retailers in the world. Their client list includes firms such as Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. Eric's team specializes in setting large stones.

In December 2013 Eric and Séverine Jeanne Ouillon (*1965 Neuilly Sur Seine) were married. They had been together for about fifteen years. Séverine first studied business, receiving her baccalauréat degree in 1987. She primarily worked teaching in factories. She then went back to university and, while still working, studied psychology. She graduated with her diploma in 1998. Today she specializes in the elderly, working in a day hospital for people suffering from alzheimers and splits her time with her practice as a psychotherapist with the elderly.

They enjoy traveling, having at various times been to Croatia, Venice, Prague, Peru, Brazil, Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and the U.K. Eric enjoys music, pingpong, movies and skiing. He cooks a little. Séverine, on the other hand, is a very good cook (we can attest to that) and also likes movies, swimming and biking. They both bike to work in Paris. In 2015 they visited Jim and Pamela Schembs on Mt. Hood in Oregon, USA.

Schömbs in Amerika (Oregon) in 2015: On the Little ZigZag, riding horses, meeting the Finns (8th cousins) and at Timberline Lodge (scenes from The Shining) Click images to enlarge

Children: (2)

2.1......Pauline Jeanne Louise Schömbs (*2000 Les Lilas, Seine Saint Denis)

Pauline enjoys rock climbing, acting, handball and (really) horseback riding. In 2015 she completed her examinations for entry into Lycée (high schoool).

2.2......Clémence Céleste Jeanne Schömbs (*2002 Les Lilas, Seine Saint Denis)

Clémence too likes horseback riding, dance, drawing and movies. Oh, and shopping.

Re-Connection of the French Schömbs (Oktober 1999)
v.l. Eliane Schömbs, Andre Schömbs, Christiane Schömbs, Jim Schembs, Muriel Schömbs, Eric Schömbs, Alain Schömbs

3.3.....Louise Marie Henriette Schömbs (*11.01.1851 Paris)

On 29.04.1869 Louise Marie Schömbs married Joseph Zeidler, son of Norbert and Thérèse Schusser Zeidler.

Children: (3)

3.1.....Albertine Charlotte Louise Zeidler (*15.01.1870 Paris)

3.2.....Louise Henriette Zeidler (*27.07.1873 Paris)

3.3.....Amélie Louise Zeidler (*29.10.1872 Paris)

Re-Connection

It had been since the 19th Century that the French Schömbs were connected to the rest of the family. In 1999 Jim and Pamela Schembs visited the French Schömbs following the Familientreffen in Worms/Herrnsheim. The French had been on holiday in the Ivory Coast and were not able to come to Herrnsheim. Since then the visits have been numerous:


2000 Cécile visited Amerika. With Jim Schembs at the Grand Canyon (above) and Pamela Schembs with the World Trade Center in the Background (below). 2004 Harald Schoembs and his partner Maria (Berlin) enjoy a meal with Cristine and Alain at their home (right) Click image to enlarge


	2005 Schömbs Familientreffen in Deutschland. Above: Erik, Christiane and Alain with Mimi and Ernie Mortensen (La Jolla CA) and Ken Garn (Sarasota FL) at the Worms Dom (Cathedral). Left: Erik, Christiane and Alain Schömbs at the Dorn-Dürkheim Kirche, the hometown church of Johann Adam (*1815) Click image to enlarge

Christmas from Paris, 2006 Back Row, from left: Christiane Schömbs, Cécile Decorniquet, Alain, Séverine and Erik Schömbs, Olivier and Muriel Lefaucheux. Front Row: Pauline and Clémence Schömbs and Zoé Lefaucheux. Click image to enlarge


Schömbs 2008, Deutschland Left: Alain Schömbs in the winery of Arno Schembs with Monika Schoembs standing behind. Right: The French Schömbs pose for a picture in Undenheim. Click image to enlarge

2010 Easter in Paris
And a visit from the Brasilians to the Home of Erik and Séverine Schömbs

Back Row, from Left: Erik and Séverine, Séverine's mother; Adriana, Clair, and Getulio Schemes; Alain Schömbs
Front Row: Pauline and Clémence Schömbs and their grandmother Christiane
Click image to enlarge

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Alain Louis Schömbs (*1937)