This is a translation of the 1858 census for Josefstal.
The importance of this census is that it listed the “Mother” colony for each family that settled in Josefstal in 1852.
There were additional settlers who would come in later years, but this is the record for February 1858. (updated Apr 2020)
Josefstal - Skripalovo, Russia 
I just found out that I have relatives from Josefstal. My Great, Great, Great Grandfather moved to the Josefstal Colony from Kamenka in 1852. His name was Michael Schafer and my Great, Great Grandfather Jacob Schafer was born 1 July 1878. My Great Grandfather Jacob Schafer was born in Josefstal, Russia 18 Oct 1900 and came to the U.S. in 1907. When my Great Grandfather married my Great Grandmother, the priest changed their name to Schaefer. My Grandfather’s name was Frederich J. Schaefer Sr., my Father’s name was Frederich J. Schaefer Jr. and my name is Anthony M Schaefer.
I find this fascinating stuff.
Hey! Wonderful to hear from you! Would you happen to have any old photos, documents or letters from Russia at all you might share? Please drop me a line at: tedgerk@yahoo.com
My grandparents were also from Josefstal, came to Canada from Russia in the 1920’s.
Best wishes, Ted Gerk
Nothing from Russia, just a note from my (Great) Uncle Father Bernard Schaefer. He just gave me the information. I do have an old picture, but I don’t know from when or the persons in the picture.
Is it possible to see it? I might be able to help.
Is Fr Schaefer still living and I went to Madonna High School with his sister Dolores They lived next door to us The Schabbs in Aurora, Illinois. On Hankes Ave
Yes. Father Bernard Schaefer is alive. He is a monk at Marmion Abbey in Aurora, IL.
Hallo aus Deuschland ,Meine vater Geboren in Josefstal heist jakob Schefer ,1934 2.august
Hello! Please write me at tgerk@shaw.ca
Do you have any photographs from Josefstal?
Hey…would you have any old photographs or documents from Josefstal?
Tony Schaefer, was your great Uncle Father Bernard Schaefer born in Aurora, Illinois and does he have sisters named Dolores and Regina, Barbara?
He was born in Aurora, IL.
well your uncle and family lived nest door to us on Hankes Avenue and my maiden name is Schabb