Joseph H. Kersting, 1867–1943

Joseph H. Kersting was born 28 September 1867 in Missouri, the son of Dietrich Kersting and Adolphine Billmeyer. He had three half-sisters: Bertha, Justina, and Louisa Kersting. Joseph’s younger brother Albert was born in December 1869. The family lived at 611 Rutger in St. Lous, Missouri, when Albert died on 24 July 1870.

Joseph’s father Dietrich died between 1870 and 1872. His mother Adolphine married George Kaiser in 1875.

Joseph H. married Elizabeth Cuddy on 13 April 1892. Joseph H. was a laborer, a laundry proprietor, and a confectioner over the next several years. By 1900, the couple lived on S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, along with William Cuddy, Elizabeth’s brother.

By 1910, Joseph H. was living at 2118 Waverley Place in St. Louis, the home of John Sutcliff Overton and his wife, Justina, Joseph H.’s half-sister. He continued to live at the Waverley Place address until sometime after 1930, adding stock clerk and salesman to his résumé.

In the 1940 census, Joseph H. was living at 2124 Grand, St. Louis, with his second wife, Marie, his half-sister Justina Overton, and a lodger named William Meyer. He was a real estate salesman who owned his business and the residence, which was valued at $25,000.00.

Joseph H. Kersting died on 1 August 1943 and was buried at Sunset Burial Park in St. Louis. Mr. Kersting had been a member of Knights of Pythias, Wabash Lodge No 248, and Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie No. 41.

Submitted by Beth Davis
June 2025

© 2025, St. Louis Genealogical Society
Return to St. Louis City/County Biographies.

Last Modified: 26-Dec-2025 18:08