Benjamin Hopfer and Emma Vogel were married on this date 114 years ago. Although Emma lived to the ripe, old age of 92, her husband, Ole’ Ben Hopfer, oulived her, making it into three-digit territory. We will take a look at this couple today. Benjamin Hopfer was born on November 10, 1882, the son of … More Ole’ Ben Hopfer
Yesterday’s post was about Henry Oetjen’s life story. As Paul Harvey often said, “This is the rest of the story.” Today, you get the story of Henry’s Oetjen cousins. I am going to start with Friedrich (Fred) Oetjen today. Friedrich Oetjen was born on April 7, 1887, one year after the birth of Henry. Fred … More Oregon’s Oetjen Cousins – Part 2
I began looking at a February 24th birthday today, thinking it might be worth a post. For a while, I was not convinced I could find enough for a story. However, as time went by, I eventually decided it was not worth a story; it was worth two stories. So today you will get the … More Oregon’s Oetjen Cousins – Part 1
My career was spent as a Lutheran educator. I spent my days in several states, picked up a wife and family along the way, and served as both a classroom teacher and a principal. The main character in today’s story followed pretty much that same pattern. He also is today’s birthday boy. Paul Theodor Valentin … More Teacher Noennig
First, an explanation of the title. The married couple for today is made up of a Koch and a Vogel. In German, Koch means “cook” and Vogel means “bird”. Enough said. Lydia Vogel is today’s birthday girl. She was born on September 15, 1890 and baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, Missouri. She … More The Cook and His Bird
Once again, today’s post was authored by Cal Eggers. Hang on tight! He’s going to take you all the way to the West Coast today. ================================================= Today would be the 153rd birthday of Herman Jacob Eggers who was born September 12, 1866, in Brazeau Township, near Altenburg, Missouri. Although his first name … More Go West, Young Eggers Man (and Woman)
Although today’s story begins in Perry County, it certainly does not end there. The story involves lumber, cabinet making, furniture, and casket making. What do all these activities have in common? Trees. Perry County certainly has plenty of trees, but the family involved in today’s episode later moved to another area known for its trees. … More The Miesner-Heeszel Partners
A pattern we have seen before is repeated again today. It goes something like this. A member of a large family cannot find either land, employment, or both in East Perry County, so a decision is made to leave. The direction to move is most often to the west where land is cheap and available, … More New Wife, No Job, Go West
