The Würster family originated in Altdorf, Germany.

The progenitor of the family was Jacob Würster born in 1545. In 1714 an Isaac Würster married a Maria Margaretha Emmerich of Albishiem. Pfalz, Bayern, Germany (this is generation 5) Albisheim is where the family left to come to America. Johann Balthazar Würster (1817-1879) was born in Albisheim and died in West Point, Lee County Iowa.

Obit:
Balthaser Wurster was born in Albisheim, Rheinpfalz, on Oct. 10, 1814 and died Feb. 22, 1879. 

Johann came to America Apr. 6, 1840, and became awakened, as far as we know, through the preaching of Dr. Jacoby and his own brother-in-law, H. Roth, now head Elder in the Northwest Conference, in 1849, and converted to God.  He, with his wife of that time, joined the Methodist Church. 

From the beginning, his motto was, “I and my house will serve the Lord.”  He desired to have not only his wife and children with him in the service of God, but also that his worldly goods should also be there.  He followed the Lord with all that he had. Preachers and other children of God were welcome guests in his house for thirty years.  He was the foundation stone of his community.  He brought up his children in the fear of God and the commandments of the Lord and all who survive him are on the way to heaven.  In the church he filled the posts of official, class leader, manager and Sunday School Superintendent.  He was a father (not ruler) in Israel.  The interests of the Congregation involved him as much as those of his family.  He rejoiced that last year the new church was ready and dedicated, but he was not permitted to go there long with his brothers and sisters. 

Three beloved wives and more children went on before him, the last wife, who suffered long and much, died 14 months before him.  Oh, how short and fleeting is the life of man!  What meetings must there have been when he arrived over there! 

Brother Wurster’s children are all married except the youngest daughter, who kept house for her father.  He complained one day of not feeling well, the day of his death at 8 o’clock in the drugstore, went home and lay down.  His daughter soon came to him and found him in pain.  A doctor and a relative who lived next door were called, but to no avail.  The weary wanderer went to the rest of God’s people, with the last words: “I suffer much, but the dear Savior was ever so good to me and he is now also; oh, Jesus, help me!” and he fell asleep.  Brother W. was loved and esteemed by all who knew him because he lived a life in God.  May his mantle fall on many!

NOTE:  Obit gives birth year as 1814, but census records support 1817. Obit says he had three wives (correct number is four) and that more than three children died before he did.  Only three children who died before him, Anna, Wilhemina Katherina, and Charles, can be accounted for, so he may have fathered other, unknown children who died.