Schosenhof

Previously, we suspected that there was no street having Schoser in its name. We may have been wrong. There are possibly even two streets, or rather roads, relating to Schosers.

Hüfingen and Bräunlingen, two neighbouring small towns on the eastern edge of the Black Forest, possess roads called 'Schosenweg' and 'Schosemer Weg'. These two roads lead to farms called 'Schosenhof', more precisely to the upper and the lower Schosenhof situated on Hüfingen territory.

The resemblance of those road and farm names could be seen as weak evidence to actually link them to the Schoser family - if there weren't more: In fact, about 20 Schosers are recorded to have lived in Hüfingen in the 19th century! The earliest record refers to the marriage of Ludovik (Ludwig) Schoser in 1813 and the last to the christening of Frida Schoser in 1871.

It is not reported whether any of these Schosers really lived on 'Schosenhof', but who would want to doubt this? Does this make Schosenhof the cradle of a branch of the Schoser family? If so, of which? Today, Schosers have disappeared from Hüfingen and surroundings. Where did they go?

If carrying out some field research, one should not miss to pass by the 'Schosenhof' farms. They are situated in idyllic surroundings and one hosts a quaint inn called 'Schosemer Mostschöpfli'.

Girl power

In their free time, Schosers engage in all sorts of voluntary activities. This seems particularly true for female Schosers.

Sonja Schoser has a soft spot for another dog breed. She is member of the association of German shepherds. In the Mägerkingen section of this association she is 'breeding warden' giving advice on how to rear and breed these dogs.

Simone Schoser takes an active role in Spatzennetz, a parent association running a number of nursery groups and family activities in Tettnang. The association was founded by parents in need of child care not provided for by the authorities. Since 2009, Simone has been member of Spatzennest's management team with responsibility for festivities.

Angelika Schoser makes regular blood donations. In November 2008, she was honoured by the mayor of Burladingen for having donated for the 25th time. Afterwards, all regular blood donors were invited to re-liquefy their blood and have a glass of Champagne.

Reflection before action?

During the school year 2009/10, Luzia Schoser has served as student representative of the senior classes at her school Augustinerschule Friedberg. In spite of the responsibilities which come with this office, she and her fellow representatives still seem to have time for reflection. Moreover, Luzia seems to devote some of her free time to the baking 'Pfitzauf', a Swabian speciality resembling muffins, hopefully also to the benefit of others...

Pfitzauf

Uta Schoser is one of about 200 volunteers visiting families with newborns. In the first year of this campaign of the City of Cologne, the mother of six made already about 40 of such 'children-welcome-visits' to support the families and pass on her own experience. Part of Uta's motivation is her joy to get to see the babies.

Daria Schoser is one of 25 students at Apostelgymnasium in Cologne trained to apply first aid to other students. For those interested, the school plans to extend the qualification to the prevention of mobbing and acts of violence, a programme called 'Fit in Fair Play'.

Finally, Edith Schoser has for more than twenty years served as volunteer at the telephone help line of the Catholic Church Cologne. The line is meant for people in need or those just feeling lonely and looking for someone to talk to.

Carved in stone

Carl Schoser was stone carver in Steinhilben (Germany). The legacy of a work he carried out more than 160 years ago can still be seen in the Saint Pancras church in Steinhilben. It is a baptismal font made of red sandstone. The font was consecreated on 11 October 1846 and, since that day, more than 2600 children have been baptised at this font.

The same Carl Schoser is mentioned in the 'Court and Address Book of the Principality Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen' of 1844. Alongside the then mayor and treasurer, Carl is referred to as 'Saints custodian' ('Heiligenpfleger') of Steinhilben. While this is certain to be an honourable profession it is not quite clear what it actually meant.