Preservings 11 (1997) - Plett Foundation

Homestead Entry Receipt for SW 5-7-4East, December
16, 1875. Courtesy of John K. Friesen, Box 303,
Niverville, Manitoba, ROA IEO.
watch. At the right moment my grandfather
lifted me and stuffed me under the seat and
told me to stay very quiet. Shortly after leaving
our farm yard for Steinbach my grandfather
asked my father whether he left his daughter at
home. He confirmed it with a “YES”. At that
moment grandfather reached underneath the
seat and pulled me out saying, I do not think
so. He explained to my father it had been his
idea and not mine to hide underneath the seat
and sneak a ride to Steinbach.
“... my grandmother sitting in a wheelchair.
She had crippling arthritis. She endured much
pain the last twelve years of her life.
“... my grandparents’ garden, especially the
plum trees. My grandfather would shake the
trees so the ripe fruit would fall to the ground.
We grandchildren were then allowed to pick
them into a pail and eat as many as we preferred.
Grandfather had very short fingers. We
were happy to see uncle John instead of grandfather
dole out peanuts at christmas. His hands
were larger, so we knew we would get a bigger
share.
“... little mounds of dirt overgrown with
grass on the south side of my grandparent’s
house. My brother and I would play tag in this
area and jump from one little hill to the other.
Christmas was special to us. We would recite
short poems and bible verses. Our reward would
be a nice red apple, peanuts and candies. It
seems I still can hear the beautiful sound of the
latch on the outside door of the old house. Try
hitting a hard piece of wood against a hollow
pipe. You will know what I mean.
“... spending one week of holidays with my
grandparents together with my cousin Ernie
Friesen. It was an enjoyable week. I also recall
that my grandmother was confined to a wheelchair
for twelve years due to arthritis.
“... that my parents lived at my grandparent’s
place the first few years of their married life.
In later years young people of the district would
gather at their house for an evening of entertainment
such as blind-man’s buff. I recall the
evenings in winter sitting around the old wood
stove where it was nice and warm.
“... my grandmother due to arthritis confined
to a wheelchair the last twelve years of her life.
She used to say that God made her youngest
son, John, grow taller and stronger than any of
No. 11, December, 1997
her other children so that he could more easily
carry and take care of her.
“.... Grandfather acquired a considerable
reputation as a horse breeder. Most of his horses
were from pure stock. At his death he is said to
have asked that they be sure to arrange his legs
in a comfortable position in the coffin because
they had given him so much pain.
“... staying overnight at my grandmother’s
place. During the night she would call her son
John. He would go and change her position in
bed so she could sleep more comfortably the
rest of the night. Family members gathered at
grandfather’s death bed. Shortly before he died
grandfather with outstretched hand touched the
person closest to the bed and said, “Is this
Jesus?” and his soul left his earthly body.
Conclusion.
To the Christian much of history is a
fulfilment of God’s will and of his judgement
(New York Times). As we read this article, may
the fulfilment of God’s will become part of our
history as it is part of the history of my grandparents,
Aron Schwartz Friesen and Anna
Loeppky Friesen.
Descendants.
Some of the descendants of Aron Schwartz
Friesen and Anna Loeppky Friesen still wellknown
in the Niverville Steinbach area include
the following: grandson Ernest A. Friesen,
former mayor of Steinbach; Dr. Rhinehart
Friesen, retired medical doctor in Winnipeg,
Brain Kliewer, former Steinbach automobile
dealer who was killed in an airplane accident
in Thunderbay, Ontario, and Tim Friesen,
former manager of Manitoba Mennonite Mutual
Insurance Co. Steinbach. Jakob F. Kliewer,
Steinbach, is another grandson.
Acknowledgements
Lawrence Klippenstein - Mennonite Heritage
Centre
John Dyck - Hanover Steinbach Historical Society
Inc.
My cousins: Mrs. Aganetha Doerksen, Mrs.
Katherine Penner, Miss Margaret Friesen, Mrs.
Anna Reimer, and Mr. Henry F. Kliewer, all of
Steinbach, Mr.Erdman P. Friesen of Niverville,
Mr. Henry F. Friesen and Dr. Rhinehart Friesen
of Winnipeg.
Sources:
Dr. Rhinehart Friesen, “Strassburg,” in John
Dyck, editor, Working Papers (Steinbach,
1990), pages 109-114.
John K. Friesen, “Friesen, Aaron,” in F.
Kaita, editor, Niverville: A History (Niverville,
1986), pages 105-6.
John K. Friesen, “Friesen Cemetery,
Strassburg,” in Preservings, No. 8, June 1996,
Part Two, pages 51-52, and Carillon News article
October 23, 1985.
Coming in the next issue: “Unregistered
Chortitzer cemeteries in
the Niverville area,” by John K.
Friesen.
53
Hanover Hanover Steinbach
Steinbach
Historical Historical Historical Society
Society
Purpose urpose and
and
Membership
Membership
The Hanover Steinbach Historical Society
was organized in 1988 to research and write
the history and heritage of the R.M. of
Hanover and the Town of Steinbach. The emphasis
is on the period 1874-1910. Through
public meetings, writings and publications it
seeks to foster an understanding and respect
for the rich heritage of the community.
Many volunteers from this community
have contributed information, collected old
diaries and letters, written articles, entered
data on computer, proofread data, and helped
in other ways to compile material for books.
The financial support of the R.M. of Hanover,
the Manitoba Heritage Federation, the office
of the Secretary of State, together with donations
from private individuals has made it
possible for the society to publish three books.
Two more are in stages of completion.
These efforts have rewarded participants
with a greater appreciation for their heritage.
Perhaps you would like to show your support
for the work of the society by donating family
records, old correspondence or diaries to the
society. Any of our board members or John
Dyck at the office would be glad to talk to
you.
The society also requires your support financially
in order to continue the above activities.
Your donations will help to keep the
society strong. All contributions of $10 or
more will be acknowledged with a charitable
donation receipt for income tax purposes. We
are presently levying for an annual membership
fee of $10 per annum but will appreciate
you giving an additional amount of $10 or
$20 to support the work of the society. Thank
you for your participation.
Hanover Steinbach Historical Society
Box 1960, Steinbach, MB R0A 2A0
Enclosed is a cheque/cash in the amount
of $___________ for:
Donation to society for
which please issue a receipt $________
TOTAL $___________
Name ___________________________
Address _________________________
Postal Code ______________________