Thanks to Tim and David for the helpful information. I reread the pages from "Czar's Germans" and found the letter extremely interesting. I note that the writer mentions finally fulfilling his promise to write. It appears this colonist had some expectation of written communication. I'm wondering if the extreme difficulties of the early years combined with poor or nonexistent postal service caused them to give up their efforts to reestablish contact with the homeland. I remember reading that some of the pastors that later served churches on the Volga were educated in Germany and Switzerland. It seems likely that they may have maintained contact. It seems there must have been come correspondence over the years. Fred -----Original Message----- From: ger-volga-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ger-volga-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of TCWeeder@aol.com Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2014 11:54 AM To: ger-volga@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [GV] German Imperial Post early 18th cen One more link...1808 Russian Atlas for the Saratov Province with postal roads and stations. http://www.rusempire.ru/component/option,com_true/Itemid,428/catid,63/func,d etail/id,10747/ Tim In a message dated 1/25/2014 11:43:33 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, TCWeeder@aol.com writes: Fred, Here is a link to an interesting blog about the early postal system in Russia. While it mainly focuses on Novgorod Province using an 1808 postal route map the concept would likely be the same from Saratov to Moscow, etc. http://russianhistoryblog.org/2012/01/imagining-the-petersburg-moscow-road-i n-the-late-18th-century/ The postal roads and iamshchiki (i.e. post riders or coachmen) were supported by taxes collected from anyone on the revision tax rolls. The iamshchiki were granted agricultural lands and paid small per-trip fees in return for staffing and maintaining postal stations and providing drivers, horses, mounts and wagons. Tim In a message dated 1/24/2014 2:14:42 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, fkbetz@frontier.com writes: Hi all, I hope this is ok. Folks don't seem to be asking these kinds of questions lately. I'm reading a history of Germany which refers to the Imperial Post as one of the few viable institutions in the late Holy Roman Empire. Since I have letters from family members in Russia from the 20s and 30s, the relative viability of postal communication between the Volga colonists and their American relatives has been an issue for me. Were our ancestors able to communicate with their German relatives during the last quarter of the 18th century? Do any such letters exist? Thanks, Fred Betz Messer, Nue Messer ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to GER-VOLGA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to GER-VOLGA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message
In Loving Memory Sarah Frank Neal September 17, 1924 - January 26, 2014 Sarah (Sara) Frank Neal, 89, lifetime resident of Walla Walla, passed away January 26, 2014, in Enumclaw, Washington. Sara was born September 17, 1924, in Walla Walla, to Henry “Heinrich” and Anna Elizabeth Maurer Frank. Of their eight children, she was the first one to be born in the hospital. She attended Paine School and graduated from Wa-Hi in June, 1942. Sara met and married Theo “Red” Neal in January, 1949. Sara was hired by General Foods, Birds Eye Division, as personnel clerk in September, 1960. After 18 years of service with Birds Eye, the plant was sold to D & K Frozen Foods in April, 1978. She continued in her job as personnel assistant for 8 more years, retiring in January, 1987. Sara served on the Board of Trustees for the Blue Mountain Humane Society until 1985. She also served several terms as Vice President and President of the local Blue Mountain Chapter of A.H.S.G.R. In 1989-1992 she served as a member of the International Board of Directors of A.H.S.G.R. She has been a member of the Walla Walla Alliance Church since 1999. She loved the Lord and His church, remaining active until her death. She is survived by her son, Michael; daughter, Suzanne and son-in-law, Dave Garner; grandson, Daniel Fazzari, Jr.; great-grandson, Troy Fazzari. Family and friends may pay their respects from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 30, 2014, at Mountain View-Colonial DeWitt, 1551 Dalles Military Road, Walla Walla, Washington. Private committal and entombment will be in the Garden Mausoleum at Mountain View Cemetery. The memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2014, at the Walla Walla Alliance Church, 902 Howard Street. Pastor Steve Morris and Chaplain Beg Vegors will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia Endowment Fund or a charity of your choice through the funeral home. Family and friends may write memories and sign the online guestbook at www.mountainview-colonialdewitt.com.
Fink, Donald, Sept. 18, 1933- Jan. 25, 2014 Billings Gazette Billings, Montana 28 Jan 2014 LAUREL Donald Fink, 80, passed away suddenly at his home in Laurel, Mont., Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. He was born to Peter and Josie Fink, Sept. 18, 1933, at Raymond, Mont. Don received his elementary education in Raymond and high school in Plentywood, Mont., graduating in 1952. April 10, 1954, Don and Zelda Johansen were married in Plentywood. Don managed a grain elevator beginning in Comertown six years, Raymond for six years, Glasgow three years, Flaxville 15 years, and Fairfield until retiring in 1988 and then he worked for the Irrigation District for four years. In 2007, Don and Zelda moved to a subdivision east of Laurel to be near their grandson and his family, bigger hospitals and right off the Interstate. They made two or three trips to Kentucky and California every year, plus going to Opheim and Plentywood to see relatives and friends. Survivors include his wife, Zelda; his children, Mike (Peggy) Fink of Elizabethtown, Ky., Jeanette (Billy) Risa of Opeim and Jim (Judy) of Suisun City, Calif.; also, four grandchildren, Chad (Becky) Philippi of Billings, Brandon (Kelly) Fink of Cecelia, Ky., Kristina (Andrew) Lowe of Louisville, Ky., and Sarah Fink of Suisun City; also, five great-grandchildren, Jaedon, Dylan and Brooklyn Philippi, Haley Fink and Kennedy Lowe. Don is also survived by his brothers, Harry (Louise) Fink of Raymond and Russell (Phylis) Fink of Plentywood; numerous nieces and nephews; and by Steve Philippi of Glasgow, Mont. Services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at Little Flower Catholic Church, 3411 Third Ave. S., Billings. Interment will be in St. Pius Cemetery, Billings. Smith Funeral Chapel-Laurel assisted with arrangements.
Manfred, I would like to order a copy. Susan Hubenthal ----- Original Message ----- From: ger-volga-request@rootsweb.com To: ger-volga@rootsweb.com Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2014 12:00:02 AM Subject: GER-VOLGA Digest, Vol 9, Issue 22 Today's Topics: 1. German-speaking Immigrants to Northern Alberta before 1914 (Horst Gutsche) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 03:16:51 -0700 From: Horst Gutsche <hwg1923@hotmail.com> Subject: [GV] German-speaking Immigrants to Northern Alberta before 1914 To: "ger-volga@rootsweb.com" <ger-volga@rootsweb.com> Message-ID: <BAY176-W5D11797958074771ECB1FBEA20@phx.gbl> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" 230 pages in a large format with a CD that has 78 galleries of images (altogether more than 1,200 items) taken from the German newspaper Alberta Herold between 1905 and 1914 and seven MS Excel files containing personal information about northern Albertans of German origin from the 1891, 1901, and 1911 censuses (15,116 entries in total). I strongly recommend that congregations and people of German heritage send in an order. Who knows if it will ever be printed again? I have a copy in my personal library. From: mprokop@ualberta.ca Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 20:53:39 -0500 Subject: Possible reprint of "Settlement of immigrants of German Origin in northern Alberta from the 1980's to the 1910's" To: Manfred.Prokop@ualberta.ca Dear all, I have received a number of requests for the ?Settlement of immigrants of German Origin in northern Alberta from the 1980's to the 1910's?, which is now unfortunately out of print. I have talked to my printer, and they can reprint the book at more or less the same price ($25, rather than $20, plus shipping in Alberta: $12.00) for a minimum of 25 copies. ? A minimum of 50 copies would be $19.00 each plus shipping. So I am testing the waters. J I don?t have access to all my e-mail correspondence with all interested persons. So, please let me know if you or your friends or family would like to order a copy/copies by MARCH 15. When I have a chance to review my records after returning to Okotoks I?ll send out an e-mail to anyone I might have missed with this mail. Best wishes, Manfred Prokop ------------------------------ To contact the GER-VOLGA list administrator, send an email to GER-VOLGA-admin@rootsweb.com. To post a message to the GER-VOLGA mailing list, send an email to GER-VOLGA@rootsweb.com. __________________________________________________________ To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to GER-VOLGA-request@rootsweb.com with the word "unsubscribe" without the quotes in the subject and the body of the email with no additional text. End of GER-VOLGA Digest, Vol 9, Issue 22 ****************************************
230 pages in a large format with a CD that has 78 galleries of images (altogether more than 1,200 items) taken from the German newspaper Alberta Herold between 1905 and 1914 and seven MS Excel files containing personal information about northern Albertans of German origin from the 1891, 1901, and 1911 censuses (15,116 entries in total). I strongly recommend that congregations and people of German heritage send in an order. Who knows if it will ever be printed again? I have a copy in my personal library. From: mprokop@ualberta.ca Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 20:53:39 -0500 Subject: Possible reprint of "Settlement of immigrants of German Origin in northern Alberta from the 1980's to the 1910's" To: Manfred.Prokop@ualberta.ca Dear all, I have received a number of requests for the “Settlement of immigrants of German Origin in northern Alberta from the 1980's to the 1910's”, which is now unfortunately out of print. I have talked to my printer, and they can reprint the book at more or less the same price ($25, rather than $20, plus shipping in Alberta: $12.00) for a minimum of 25 copies. – A minimum of 50 copies would be $19.00 each plus shipping. So I am testing the waters. J I don’t have access to all my e-mail correspondence with all interested persons. So, please let me know if you or your friends or family would like to order a copy/copies by MARCH 15. When I have a chance to review my records after returning to Okotoks I’ll send out an e-mail to anyone I might have missed with this mail. Best wishes, Manfred Prokop
One more link...1808 Russian Atlas for the Saratov Province with postal roads and stations. http://www.rusempire.ru/component/option,com_true/Itemid,428/catid,63/func,d etail/id,10747/ Tim In a message dated 1/25/2014 11:43:33 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, TCWeeder@aol.com writes: Fred, Here is a link to an interesting blog about the early postal system in Russia. While it mainly focuses on Novgorod Province using an 1808 postal route map the concept would likely be the same from Saratov to Moscow, etc. http://russianhistoryblog.org/2012/01/imagining-the-petersburg-moscow-road-i n-the-late-18th-century/ The postal roads and iamshchiki (i.e. post riders or coachmen) were supported by taxes collected from anyone on the revision tax rolls. The iamshchiki were granted agricultural lands and paid small per-trip fees in return for staffing and maintaining postal stations and providing drivers, horses, mounts and wagons. Tim In a message dated 1/24/2014 2:14:42 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, fkbetz@frontier.com writes: Hi all, I hope this is ok. Folks don't seem to be asking these kinds of questions lately. I'm reading a history of Germany which refers to the Imperial Post as one of the few viable institutions in the late Holy Roman Empire. Since I have letters from family members in Russia from the 20s and 30s, the relative viability of postal communication between the Volga colonists and their American relatives has been an issue for me. Were our ancestors able to communicate with their German relatives during the last quarter of the 18th century? Do any such letters exist? Thanks, Fred Betz Messer, Nue Messer ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to GER-VOLGA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message
Fred, Here is a link to an interesting blog about the early postal system in Russia. While it mainly focuses on Novgorod Province using an 1808 postal route map the concept would likely be the same from Saratov to Moscow, etc. http://russianhistoryblog.org/2012/01/imagining-the-petersburg-moscow-road-i n-the-late-18th-century/ The postal roads and iamshchiki (i.e. post riders or coachmen) were supported by taxes collected from anyone on the revision tax rolls. The iamshchiki were granted agricultural lands and paid small per-trip fees in return for staffing and maintaining postal stations and providing drivers, horses, mounts and wagons. Tim In a message dated 1/24/2014 2:14:42 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, fkbetz@frontier.com writes: Hi all, I hope this is ok. Folks don't seem to be asking these kinds of questions lately. I'm reading a history of Germany which refers to the Imperial Post as one of the few viable institutions in the late Holy Roman Empire. Since I have letters from family members in Russia from the 20s and 30s, the relative viability of postal communication between the Volga colonists and their American relatives has been an issue for me. Were our ancestors able to communicate with their German relatives during the last quarter of the 18th century? Do any such letters exist? Thanks, Fred Betz Messer, Nue Messer
David, you are correct the letter deals mainly with personal matters, however the end of the letter takes a different tone. After the date and signature of Andreas Reinefeld there is another section and I wonder now if it was an addendum, possibly written by someone else, added at the request of the government official? According to Hattie Plum Williams Czarina Catherine issued a 1785 Manifesto to attract more immigrants, but this time to the Dnieper River and Crimean peninsula. Williams writes that these letters from the Volga colonists were collected and used to convince friends and neighbors back in Germany that life was good in Russia. Here is the final portion of the Andreas Reinefeld correspondence: "If you write to me again, you must put an envelope around the letter. The address on the envelope should be made out to Herrn Georg Heinrich Rieger. It should be given to H.H. Emmendoerffer, innkeeper of the City of Ansbach in Frankfurt am Main. P.S. Again I beg that you will write to me taking advantage of this opportunity and it will not be in vain because the above mentioned H. Rieger is invested with full powers and has been sent by highest authority and he lives only a quarter of an hour from here. To David Reinefeld---Citizen and inhabitant in Oranienbaum near Dessau. " I now wonder if some of the relatives of our Volga immigrants in fact enrolled and ended up in the colonies near the Dnieper River and Crimea? And I also wonder who is this Rieger fellow? I do find a Heinrich Rieger, 19, from Wuertemberg in the FSL for Enders, which is not far from Schwed. Is this simply a coincidence? He would be 30 years old in 1788 when the Reinefeld letter was written. Was he dispatched to Germany to help recruit? More questions than answers... What do you think? Tim In a message dated 1/25/2014 9:38:35 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, schmidtdavidf@yahoo.com writes: Fred Betz asked about mail service between the Volga colonies and Germany during the last quarter of the 18th century (see below). Tim Weeder mentioned the letter from Andreas Reinefeld of Schwed, which is held in the Sachsen-Anhalt State Archive (Landeshauptarchiv Sachsen-Anhalt). As Tim described, that letter was written by Mr. Reinefeld back to his relatives in Germany. But as I understand it, the letter was not written or used to attract other colonists. It was written to direct Mr. Reinefeld's relatives what to do with his property in Germany and to let them know how he was doing in Schwed. The reason the letter was preserved, I believe, is because it was used as legal authority for the transfer of Mr. Reinfeld's property. The Reinefeld letter is the only one I have seen or heard of between the Volga colonies and Germany in the 18th century. In 30 years of Volga German research, the only other thing from the 18th century that I have seen from the Volga colonies is a book evidently brought by the Stahlbaum (Stallbaum) family from Germany to Boaro Colony. As I recall, the book had an ancient-looking leather cover and dealt with calculations or measurements of some kind. It would be interesting to hear of other examples of correspondence or belongings from the Volga colonies in the 18th century. David F. Schmidt VC for Boaro, Caesarsfeld & Stahl am Karaman Email: _schmidtdavidf@yahoo.com_ (mailto:schmidtdavidf@yahoo.com) Hi all, I hope this is ok. Folks don't seem to be asking these kinds of questions lately. I'm reading a history of Germany which refers to the Imperial Post as one of the few viable institutions in the late Holy Roman Empire. Since I have letters from family members in Russia from the 20s and 30s, the relative viability of postal communication between the Volga colonists and their American relatives has been an issue for me. Were our ancestors able to communicate with their German relatives during the last quarter of the 18th century? Do any such letters exist? Thanks, Fred Betz Messer, Nue Messer David F. Schmidt Contra Costa County Counsel's Office Email: _David.Schmidt@cc.cccounty.us_ (mailto:David.Schmidt@cc.cccounty.us) and _schmidtdavidf@yahoo.com_ (mailto:schmidtdavidf@yahoo.com) Telephone: 925-451-6632 (cell)
Fritzler, Richard Edward, Sept. 20, 1950-Jan. 20, 2014 The Tribune Greeley, Colorado Age: 63 Residence: Greeley Richard Edward Fritzler, 63, of Greeley, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, at his home. He was born on Sept. 20, 1950, in Scottsbluff, Neb., to Edward H. and Erma Jean (Haase) Fritzler. Richard is survived by his wife, Kendra (McEwen) Fritzler; and sisters, Gretchen Wheeler, and Marilyn Friztler. He was preceded in death by his parents; and nephew, Jason Wheeler. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, at Stoddard Funeral Home. A pot luck reception will follow at Roastys Café, downtown Greeley.
Schwartzkopf, Glenn Eugene, Jan. 3, 1944- Jan. 14, 2014 Scottsbluff Star Herald Scottsbluff, Nebraska 24 Jan 2014 COPPERAS COVE, Texas Glenn Eugene Schwartzkopf, 70, native of Gering, ended his battle with a brain tumor on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014 in Copperas Cove, Texas. There will be a service in Texas on Friday, Jan. 24 and then Glenns ashes will be brought home. A memorial service and celebration of Glenns life will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Gering Zion Church, 1100 O Street, with Pastor Tim Hebbert officiating. Memorials will be established to the Historic Saddle Club of Scottsbluff. Casual attire is requested. Glenn was born Jan. 3, 1944 to Ann (Reichert) and John Schwartzkopf Jr., in Torrington, Wyo. His parents moved to Scottsbluff where he attended school until they moved to Gering where he graduated. After graduation in 1962, he went to work for Terry Carpenter. He married Janice Rahmig on April 26, 1964 to which his two daughters were born, Carrie Jan and Christina Dawn. Glenn enlisted and was active in the Army National Guard from 1966-1969. He also worked at Magnolia, drove a semi-truck for Al Cook and Steve Haun and started work for the Gering Police Department where he finished 20+ years in the law enforcement. During those years, Glenn progressed up the ladder. Glenn was involved in many events and associations, including the Tri-State Peace Officers, where he was the recipient of many shooting awards for his service in Northern Colorado and the Southern Wyoming Detective Association. He attended several training schools and academies, earning numerous awards for his service. Glenn was the detective Sergeant for several years before leaving the force in 1984. He moved to Lincoln for a new start in sales. Since home was where his hearts was, he moved back to Gering in 1985. This is when he started his career in the car business working at Daltons Auto Center, then moving to Ft. Collins, Colo. in 1990 to work at Spadley-Barr Ford. After divorcing Jan in 1974, Glenn was married to Vicki Dilling on Nov. 5, 1998. After about 15 years in the car business, he went to work for his brother Dan Schwartzkopf as board representative for Front Range Clean Cities. After a few short years there, he officially retired. He remained in Colorado until September of 2013, when he moved to Copperas Cove, Texas to be with his wifes family. At that time he was diagnosed with his brain tumor and that is where his battle ended. Glenn lived life to the fullest. His biggest fulfillment were his kids and grandkids. He was always so proud of them and loved spending time with them. He was involved in so, so many activities and hobbies throughout his life. He was a member of the Scottsbluff Saddle Club where he played and competed in Cowboy Polo, riding his favorite horse County Capri. Glenn raced stock cars, was on his brother Dans drag racing team, loved hunting, fishing, boating, water skiing, competitive shooting, Husker and Bronco football and believe it or not he was an amazing cook. Glenn also spoke during his law enforcement career at surrounding schools and was involved with giving classes and seminars for crime scene investigation. There are so many other areas of life he was involved with that are just too numerous to mention. Glenn impacted everyone he was around. Always the practical joker, telling jokes and just being with friends and family, there was never a shortage of laughter and great memories made when you were with him. Glenn will be missed greatly. His firm handshake and strong hugs will also be missed very much. He leaves behind his loving and caring wife, Vicki; father, John (Gay) Schwartzkopf Jr.; daughters, Carrie (Joe) Broussard and Chris Schwartzkopf (Dennis Stricker); son, Spencer Klein; grandchildren, Dustin, Dillon and Morgan Broussard, Taylor (deceased 7/28/12) and Alexis Magdaleno; step-daughters, Rene (Kenny) Skinner, Teresa (Donald) Stubblefield, Heather Dilling, Shannon (Jason) Dorsey; step-grandchildren, Tanner, Tyler and Morgan Skinner, Christopher Dilling, Aaron Ybarra, Jaydon and Victoria Dilling, Brandon Russ, Danyella Stubblefield, Edward, Noah and Joseph Salinas, Miracle and Nathanael Dorsey; brothers, Allen (Donna), Will (Shirley), Dan (Diane), Roger (Sherie) and John Harvey (Lisa Lopez); sister and brothers-in-law, Anna Ruth (Steve) Shoureas, Bobby (Linda) Carter, Carol (Charles) Rosukuski, Lois Heitfield, Harold (Maxine) Carter, Joann (Charles) Grant, Larry Carter, Louise (Bill) Gutweiller, Millard Carter, Norma Jean (Delbert) Barrett, Ted Carter, Wanda (Steve) McGlone, Naomi Mason, Maynard (Maudie) Carter; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; aunts, Dorothy Smallwood and Esther Ring and many other family members and friends. Preceding Glenn in death were his mother, Ann Wolski; step-father, Arthur Wolski; sister, Judy Schwartzkopf, and grandson, Taylor Magdaleno.
Fred Betz asked about mail service between the Volga colonies and Germany during the last quarter of the 18th century (see below). Tim Weeder mentioned the letter from Andreas Reinefeld of Schwed, which is held in the Sachsen-Anhalt State Archive (Landeshauptarchiv Sachsen-Anhalt). As Tim described, that letter was written by Mr. Reinefeld back to his relatives in Germany. But as I understand it, the letter was not written or used to attract other colonists. It was written to direct Mr. Reinefeld's relatives what to do with his property in Germany and to let them know how he was doing in Schwed. The reason the letter was preserved, I believe, is because it was used as legal authority for the transfer of Mr. Reinfeld's property. The Reinefeld letter is the only one I have seen or heard of between the Volga colonies and Germany in the 18th century. In 30 years of Volga German research, the only other thing from the 18th century that I have seen from the Volga colonies is a book evidently brought by the Stahlbaum (Stallbaum) family from Germany to Boaro Colony. As I recall, the book had an ancient-looking leather cover and dealt with calculations or measurements of some kind. It would be interesting to hear of other examples of correspondence or belongings from the Volga colonies in the 18th century. David F. Schmidt VC for Boaro, Caesarsfeld & Stahl am Karaman Email: schmidtdavidf@yahoo.com Hi all, I hope this is ok. Folks don't seem to be asking these kinds of questions lately. I'm reading a history of Germany which refers to the Imperial Post as one of the few viable institutions in the late Holy Roman Empire. Since I have letters from family members in Russia from the 20s and 30s, the relative viability of postal communication between the Volga colonists and their American relatives has been an issue for me. Were our ancestors able to communicate with their German relatives during the last quarter of the 18th century? Do any such letters exist? Thanks, Fred Betz Messer, Nue Messer David F. Schmidt Contra Costa County Counsel's Office Email: David.Schmidt@cc.cccounty.us and schmidtdavidf@yahoo.com Telephone: 925-451-6632 (cell)
Hi Fred. Here is something from Hattie Plum William's book "The Czar's Germans...", pages 89-90. She writes that in 1788 the Russian government sent enrollers into the South German states enticing colonists for more colonization in Russia. These enrollers had with them letters from colonists on the Volga as a marketing tool. One of these communications dated 1788 is preserved in the Herzogliches Haus- und Staats-Archiv in Zerbst. The writer was Andreas Reinefeld from Schwed who was originally from Oranienbaum near Dessau, Sachsen-Anhalt. He had first settled in Kaneau. He describes his family and life since emigrating to Russia. The translated letter can be found in William's book. These particular letters may have made their way to the German states only because the Russian government had collected and disbursed them for a specific reason. In this particular case the letter writer gave instructions as to how to send a letter back to Schwed via a government enroller/courier along with a request to join the letter writer in Russia. However, it seems you'd have ended up in an entirely different region of Russia! It would be interesting to know if similar letters were preserved elsewhere. Apparently the first post offices were established in Russia in 1712 by Peter I. By the early 19th century there were some 400 postal institutions and 5,000 postal workers. I haven't a clue how it all worked. Tim Weeder Village Coordinator for Paulskoye In a message dated 1/24/2014 2:14:42 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, fkbetz@frontier.com writes: Hi all, I hope this is ok. Folks don't seem to be asking these kinds of questions lately. I'm reading a history of Germany which refers to the Imperial Post as one of the few viable institutions in the late Holy Roman Empire. Since I have letters from family members in Russia from the 20s and 30s, the relative viability of postal communication between the Volga colonists and their American relatives has been an issue for me. Were our ancestors able to communicate with their German relatives during the last quarter of the 18th century? Do any such letters exist? Thanks, Fred Betz Messer, Nue Messer
Hi all, I hope this is ok. Folks don't seem to be asking these kinds of questions lately. I'm reading a history of Germany which refers to the Imperial Post as one of the few viable institutions in the late Holy Roman Empire. Since I have letters from family members in Russia from the 20s and 30s, the relative viability of postal communication between the Volga colonists and their American relatives has been an issue for me. Were our ancestors able to communicate with their German relatives during the last quarter of the 18th century? Do any such letters exist? Thanks, Fred Betz Messer, Nue Messer -----Original Message----- From: ger-volga-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ger-volga-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Bill Pickelhaupt Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 7:44 AM To: GER-VOLGA@rootsweb.com Subject: [GV] Books for sale I have these remaining books for sale: Kuhlberg list. $70 Germans to Denmark. $75 Transport lists. $20 Holstein church books. $70 Einwanderung..., vol. 1,2 & 4 $75 each Bill Pickelhaupt Sent from my HTC InspireT 4G on AT&T ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to GER-VOLGA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message
Sterkel, Raymond 'Willie', Nov. 24, 1925- Jan. 22, 2014 The Scottsbluff Star Herald Scottsbluff, Nebraska 23 Jan 2014 TORRINGTON, Wyo. Raymond Willie Sterkel, 88, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the First Congregational Church with Reverend Matt Gordon officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. Memorials in his honor may be sent to the First Congregational Church or the 4-H dog program. Visitation will be Monday at the funeral home from 3 to 7 p.m. and the casket will be open prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home and friends may send condolences to the family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com. Willie was born Nov. 24, 1925 at Cottier, Wyo. the son of Alex and Katherine (Yeakel) Sterkel. He grew up on family farms in South Dakota, Texas, and Nebraska. He attended the Sunflower School near Mitchell, until his family moved to Lingle, Wyo., where he attended school up to the eighth grade. On April 21, 1944 Willie joined the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge in November of that same year because of an injured arm received in his childhood. On Nov. 25, 1945, one day after his 20th birthday he married Rachel Schlagel. Together they farmed in the Lingle area, then Douglas, Wyo., and later in Huntley, Wyo. In 1948 he began working for Schlitz Distributing until his retirement in 1987. Upon retirement he drove school bus for the Goshen County Schools. He lived in Torrington for fifty-four years. Willie was a member of the First Congregational Church, proudly serving as a church deacon for a couple of terms. He was also very of his Certificate of Continuous Membership of 70 years with the American Legion Post 63 in Lingle, Wyo. Willie enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and being with his family. He will be remembered as always friendly and smiling, and you wont find anyone as proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Willie. Survivors include his wife, Rachel; son, Donald Sterkel of Lakeside, Ariz.; daughter, Connie Packard of Torrington; local grandchildren, Nicole and Jordan Cattin; great-grandchildren, Taylor and Cooper Cattin of Yoder, Wyo.; from Arizona one grandson, two granddaughters, and 12 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ted (Barb) Sterkel and LeRoy (Betty Jane) Sterkel; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Alex and Katherine Sterkel; brothers, Harry and Benny Sterkel; sister, Betty Jane Morgheim; and infant daughter, Diane Lydia.
Leffler, William Bill John, Aug. 5, 1935-Jan. 18, 2014 The Tribune Greeley, Colorado 22 Jan 2014 Age: 78 Residence: Greeley William John Leffler, 78, of Greeley, passed away at Hospice of Northern Colorado on Jan. 18, 2014. He was born Aug. 5, 1935, in Cornish to Henry J. and Mollie (Webber) Leffler. Bill married Peggy Jean Barnard on June 19, 1960, in Fowler. She died in 2002. He lived in Eaton from 1935-1942, Ault from 1942-1945, Eaton from 1945-1950, Ault from 1950-1953, then in Greeley in 1953, until his passing. He graduated from Ault High School in 1953. He worked for Mountain Bell as a communication specialist for 26 years, retiring in 1985. Then he worked for State Farm as a communication specialist for 12 years. Bill was a member of First Congregational Church, past member of BPOE, Greeley Chorale (2002), Kiwanis, sang in the church choir, and served as a deacon; he was in the Marine Corps from Feb. 8, 1954, to Feb. 7, 1958, honorably discharged in San Francisco. Family was most important to Bill; he followed his grandchildren in their activities. He enjoyed fishing, fly-tying, sports, outdoor activities and reading. He was loved and will be greatly missed by his family. Bill is survived by his son, Jack (Linda) Herrington, California; daughters, Carie (John) Miller, Emmett, Idaho, Diane Goddard, Johnstown; and Amy (Christopher) Smith, Kersey; sister, Donna Peluso, Greeley; grandchildren, Rebecca (Ben) McLeran, Sarah, Faith, Naomi, Hannah, Grace, Rachel, Hope and Jacob Miller, Joshua and Nicole Goddard, Jordan (Morgan) Smith, Zachary and Riley Smith, and Traci and Trevor Herrington; and great- grandchildren, Ezekiel McLeran and Evan Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Peggy. A visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, at the Allnutt Macy Chapel. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, at the First Congregational Church, with interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens and reception in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO, 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com
Salzman, George W., Feb. 22, 1936-Jan. 16, 2014 The Tribune Greeley, Colorado 20 Jan 2014 Age: 77 Residence: Greeley George W. Salzman, 77, of Greeley, passed away Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Feb. 22, 1936, to John and Elizabeth (Troudt) Salzman in Greeley. George graduated from Greeley High School in the class of 1954, and enlisted in the Navel Air Reserve immediately after, where he served until 1962. On June 17, 1956, he married Sally White in Greeley. George was confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. George worked full time at his familys business, Salzmans Shoe Repair, and became partners with his brother, Edward, in 1972. In 1973, when Edward passed away, George became sole owner of the business. Since that time, he and Sally have run the business. George enjoyed working on cars and restored several of them. He loved spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. George is survived by his wife, Sally Salzman; his sons, Tim Salzman and his wife Debra of Australia and Jim Salzman of Greeley; daughters, Tammy White of Arizona and Suzy and husband Randy Groves of Greeley; grandchildren, Jimmy and wife Holly Salzman, Amanda and husband Casey Bryan, Jennifer and husband Nick Leech, Jeremy Groves, Alvis White and Ava Salzman; and five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth Salzman; and his brother, Edward Salzman. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the COPD Foundation, in care of Moser Funeral Service, 3501 S. 11th Ave., Evans, CO. Private family services will be held.
Frickel, Violet, May 5, 1922- Jan 15, 2014 Billings Gazette Billings, Montana 19 Jan 2014 LAUREL Violet Frickel, 91, of Laurel, died Wed. Jan 15, 2014, at Laurel Health and Rehabilitation Center of natural causes. Violet was born May 5, 1922, in Streeter, N.D. to German parents. Her parents were Theodore and Lydia Derheim. Her dad came from Russia in 1912. Mom and her family lived in different places in North Dakota, then moved to Huntley and then to Billings. Mom talked about milking cows and working in the beet fields when she was growing up. Later she worked at Rexs Laundry with her sisters, a nursing home, Sawyers Grocery and Pierce Packing Co. Violet married William Frickel, Aug. 23, 1947, and they lived their entire lives in Laurel, and from this union came five children. Mom was a great cook and we had many good German meals and desserts. Dad and mom liked to travel and drove through most of the states. They traveled to different parts of the country going to dads WWII reunions. In their later years they kept busy going to craft shows. Dad made wooden toys and other items and mom did the varnishing. Mom was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Albert, Elmer, Art, Leo and Ronnie; and a sister, Niema Deines. She is survived by her sons, Bob (Keri) Downing of Park City, Dennis of Billings, Dwain (Debi) of Park City and Dean of Laurel; a daughter, Darlene Campbell of San Leandro, Calif.; brothers, Harry, Lawrence and Marvin; sisters, Verna Kapptie, Esther Burkhardt and Sherry Richterich; 20 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Violet lived at Laurel Health and Rehab the last 2-½ years. We would like to thank all the nurses, CNAs and other staff who took care of Mom and Dad, (Dad passed away in 2010.) Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at First Congregational Church, Laurel. Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. at Smith Funeral Chapel-Laurel Thursday, Jan. 23, and one hour before service. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Billings. A reception will follow the cemetery service, at the church. Memorials are suggested to: First Congregational Church, Laurel.
Walla Walla Union Bulletin - May 10, 2013 Harold Benzel Nov. 1, 1918 — May 9, 2013 Harold Benzel of Walla Walla passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2013. Harold was born in the family home in Walla Walla on Nov. 1, 1918, to German immigrants, Jacob and Elizabeth Foltz Benzel. Harold attended Paine Grade School and graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1939. Harold married his beloved wife, Katherine Frank Benzel, on Nov. 10, 1940. As a teenager, Harold worked for his father’s concrete construction business. Harold also worked for Safeway Stores in Spokane, Purity Market, Frank’s Grocery and Melrose Market in Walla Walla. In 1943, Harold was inducted into the army. He completed his basic training at Camp Van Dorn in Mississippi. Harold was sent to Italy, served as staff sergeant in the 85th Army Division. Upon his discharge, he purchased a food distributing business that he operated for 15 years, servicing grocery stores and restaurants in Walla Walla, Tri-Cities, Pendleton and surrounding areas. In 1962, the Benzel family moved to Redlands, Calif. Harold was employed as manager of Sliger’s Music Store for 14 years; returning to Walla Walla, he worked for Brumbach’s Music Store for a short time until retirement. He loved music and for many years was organist and choir director for Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church in Walla Walla. He also directed the local Youth for Christ choir, and he and his sister, Frances Foltz, were sponsored at a local radio station, singing requests sent in by listeners. Harold’s radio show was called The Sunny Side of 8. Harold was a member of VFW, Blue Mountain Community Church and Blue Mountain Chapter of Germans from Russia. Harold is survived by his children and their spouses, Steve and Nona Benzel of Walla Walla, Mike Benzel of Walla Walla, Mark Benzel and Kris Weatherill of Nashville, Tenn., and Jane and Luis Chaname of Moreno Valley, Calif.; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing and visitation will be held on Monday, May 13, 2013, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla. A celebration of Harold’s life will be held at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at 11 a.m. followed by military graveside service at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens, College Place. Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Mountain Community Church, Blue Mountain Chapter of Germans from Russia, or charity of donor’s choice through the funeral home. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.
Troudt, Thomas Leonard, Oct. 14, 1938- Jan. 8, 2014 The Coloradoan Fort Collins, Colorado 15 Jan 2014 Thomas Leonard Troudt, 75, of Fort Collins died on Jan. 8, 2014 at Poudre Valley Hospital. He was born on Oct. 14, 1938 in Fort Collins to Leonard and Bertha Troudt. He attended schools in Fort Collins and graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1957. He married Nancy Paul in Fort Collins on Sept. 27, 1970. Thomas served in the U.S. Army from Jan. 16, 1962 - Dec. 31, 1964. He worked for the Colorado Division of Wildlife as a Game and Fish Technician from 1966 until 1997. He also worked at Cedar Plastics as a molding operator. Thomas enjoyed watching football, bowling, doing woodwork, putting puzzles together, fishing, playing pool, and listening to music. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by two daughters, Jenny (Keith) Frein of Evans and Julie Bishop of Fort Collins; brothers, Kenneth Troudt and Keith Troudt, both of Fort Collins; a sister, Dorothy (Tom) Copps of Washington, DC; and grandchildren, Kimberly, Kristina, and Korinne. Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association in care of Resthaven Funeral Home, 8426 S Hwy 287, Fort Collins, CO 80525.
Weickum, Betty Jean, Aug. 26, 1939-Jan. 10, 2014 The Tribune Greeley, Colorado 14 Jan 2014 Age: 74 Residence: Eaton Betty Jean Weickum, 74, of Eaton, died Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley. She was born on Aug. 26, 1939, in Wray to Donald and Ruth (Walker) Rhoads. Betty was raised in Roggen. She and her husband, George Weickum married on June 3, 1958, and together raised two beautiful daughters. She was employed at Monfort and later at State Farm. She and her husband were members of Grace Lutheran Church in Keenesburg, and she was a volunteer at Benjamin Elementary School in Eaton. Betty was very proud to be a ranchers wife. She and her husband raised their family in Roggen, until 1971, at which time they moved to Gill. They raised Hereford cows on a ranch in Kersey, before settling in Eaton, where she helped raise her grandchildren. She loved traveling, especially going on cruises. She was very loving and always unselfish. Betty is survived by her daughters, Sherie Craft (Ken) of Greeley, and Debbie Gray (Bob) of Cheyenne; three grandchildren, Jami Evans (Gabe), Cory Rusch, and Christopher Craft; two great-grandchildren, Caleb Evans, and Andrew Evans. She was preceded in death by her parents; and four sisters, Donna Jackson, Janice Foose, Karen Ambrose, and Nancy Jo Rhoads. Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014, at Stoddard Funeral Home. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th St., Greeley, CO, 80634.