Today’s birthday girl begins her life in Jacob, Illinois, but her parents moved their family all the way to Oregon shortly after she was confirmed. She would find her spouse and spend the rest of her life there. Her husband was another person whose family made moves across the country before he ended up in Oregon. So, strap on your seat belts. We are heading off on a wild ride.
Maria Margaretha Heeszel was born on May 5, 1892, thus making today her 133rd birthday. Mary was the daughter of John and Gesche (Guetersloh) Heeszel. A previous post was written about John Heeszel’s life titled, The Miesner-Heeszel Partners. That post did not include this wedding photo of Mary’s parents, John and Gesche.
Mary was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob, Illinois. We can take a look at her baptism record from that congregation’s books below. I have to display it in 2 images.
Mary’s mother died in 1896 when she was just 4 years old. Then, her father married Clara Miesner in 1897. So, when Mary shows up in her first census in 1900, we find this household which includes children from both of John Heeszel’s wives. Mary was the oldest child in this family, and her father was a farmer…