52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Week 18 Prompt - Institution

2025 

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Week 18

Prompt – Institution

Daniel Fesser (1844 – 1933). He is Bill's maternal 2^nd great-grandfather. He was born in Theodorshoff, Austria and died in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, United States. 

Daniel and Sophia Fesser With Family Circa 1920

 

 In 2019, Week 6, I blogged about Daniel Fesser. I was trying to find his grave. I never did find a grave site at The Northern State hospital or grounds in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. Although he was cremated and possibly buried or lost or well endless scenarios. If you want to know those details please refer back to that blog.

Northern State Hospital was a “mental institution”. I often wondered how Daniel Fesser ended up in the hospital. Daniel Fesser was 40 years older than his second wife, Sophia Schechtel. He was admitted November 7, 1931. He died August 4, 1933 of pneumonia with the contributing factor listed as “senile dementia”. I just surmised that at 86 he probably had dementia and was perhaps too hard to take care of by his younger wife with 4 children.

A few weeks back while going through my Ancestry Genealogy hints, I came across a new one for Daniel Fesser. The hint came from Washington State, U.S. Newspapers.com and in particular this article was printed in The Bellingham Herald on October 30, 1931. The topic was Accidents or Emergency Incidents. 

8 days after this incident he was admitted to The Northern State Hospital. No doubt he had dementia and needed to be cared for in the hospital. It was amazing to me to find this newspaper article. Even more so is the fact that it was newsworthy to be printed. However at this time it was not unusual to find such articles in local papers. I am thankful for these articles because they help shed light on my ancestors in a way that otherwise would not have been known.

Wendy

 

 

 

 

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Week 17 Prompt - Oldest

2025

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Week 17

Prompt – Oldest

In my search for my oldest dated photograph, I came across this one. 

April 20, 1890 - Emilie and Johann Jahnke Wedding Portrait

Bill's maternal great-grandfather was Johann Friedrich Jahnke.

His story comes from an oral history given to my sister-in-law by her grandfather, Arthur Jahnke, about his memories of his father, mother and brother. The history was given in January of 1976. That is almost 50 years ago. Imagine if my sister-in-law had not written this history. So many of the anecdotes would be missing.

Johann Friedrich Jahnke was born on November 25 ,1863, in Bromberg Stadt, Posen, Prussia.

His father Julius Jacob Jahnke was born circa 1837, in Prussia, Germany.

His mother Augusta Radel was born on August 15 1834, in Germany.

He was baptized on December 21 1863, in Bromberg Stadt, Posen, Prussia.

He had 4 siblings: Leonhard Heinrich, Louise Carolyn, Bertha and Mathilde Albertine.

Johann Jahnke began his 3 year compulsory German Military Service on Nov 7,1884. He completed it on Sep 7, 1887.

His wife Ernestine Emilie Hein / Heyn was born on April 29 1857, in Bromberg Stadt, Posen, Prussia.

They were married on April 20 1890, in Bromberg, Prussia, and they had 2 sons: Leonhard Ferdinand (born in Prussia) and Arthur Jahnke (born in Winthrop Minnesota).

Johann Jahnke and his family departed from Antwerp, Belgium on the Ship - Belgenland and arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States on 9 Nov 1891.

After immigration in November of 1891, they settled in Winthrop, Minnesota, United States.

After 4 or so years, Johann Jahnke and his family moved (by covered wagon) 350 miles away to Ulen, Minnesota in 1896 where he bought a farm and built a two story frame house using only a hatchet and a saw.

In the spring of 1903 Johann Jahnke and his family immigrated to Killaly, Northwest Territories (now Saskatchewan). This move was made by train. Emilie and Arthur went as passengers and Johann and Leonhard went as freight in order to stay with the horses, cows and machinery. He paid $10.00 for his homestead of a 1/4 section. He started to build a wooden frame house buying the lumber from the proceeds of the sale of his farm in Ulen. He seeded his first crop in 1905 and then in 1906 he bought another 1/4 section of land.

In 1911 Johann Jahnke sold his farm in Killaly and bought land in Entwistle, Alberta. This was in order to help his oldest son, Leonhard start on his homestead.

In 1912, after a failed homestead in Northern Alberta, Johann and his family then moved to Hatton, Saskatchewan which was 20 miles north of Maple Creek. Johann built a general store and another frame house.

In 1916, Johann Jahnke decided to move back to Winthrop, Minnesota. He sold his store to his son Arthur and Arthur's cousin Julius Jahnke. However instead the family took the train to Seattle to make a trip of it. Once in Seattle he bought a 1916 Maxwell and started to explore California north and eventually ended up in Gibbon, Minnesota and bought another store.

In 1926 Johann Jahnke sold his Gibbon store and moved to Regina, Saskatchewan.

We next pick up Johann and Emilie Jahnke listed in a 1929 City directory for the city of Yakima, Yakima, Washington.

In 1935, he lived at the same house - 603 No 5th Ave, Yakima, Precinct 9, Yakima, Washington, USA.

In 1938 Johann Friedrich Jahnke became a naturalized citizen of United States signing the Oath in November, 1938.

In the 1940 U.S. Census it is written that he lives at 603 No 5th Ave, Yakima,  Precinct 9, Yakima, Washington, USA.

April 20, 1940 - Emilie and Johann Jahnke's 50th Wedding Anniversary

Johann Jahnke passed away on February 3 1945, at age 81 in Yakima, Washington, USA

Emilie Jahnke died April 5, 1946 in Yakima, Washington.

I was told by mother-in-law, Clara Hoffart, many years ago that Johann did indeed have an “itchy foot”. She knew that if he had not been so sick that he would have likely moved again from Yakima, Washington. 

Wendy

 

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Week 16 Prompt - Golden

 2025

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Week 16

Prompt - Golden

50 Years Ago Today

May 3, 1975 - Bill and Wendy Hoffart

 

 

Wendy and Bill

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Week 15 Prompt - Father-in-Law

 2025

52 Ancestors in 52 

Week 15

Prompt - Father-in-Law

Anton Hoffart (Tony)

 

Birth: January 16, 1923   Minton, Saskatchewan, Canada

Death: August 18, 1992   Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada 

Parents: Rochus Roy Hoffart                                        Marian Hoffart (born Gross)

               1889 - 1970                                                      1892 - 1957

 Siblings:

Eva Clare Berger (born Hoffart); 1915 - 1991

Peter Paul Hoffart; 1917 - 2004

Jacob Joseph Hoffart; 1919 - 1997

Barbara Hornung; 1920 - 2003

John Hoffart; 1925 - 2005

Regina Coupal (born Hoffart); 1927 - 2023

Henry Hoffart; 1929 - 2006 

Wife: Clara Carolina Hoffart (born Jahnke) 1928 - Living

Children:

William Kenneth Hoffart: born 1954

Elaine Patricia Reed (born Hoffart): born 1958

Norma Ruth Armstrong (born Hoffart): born 1963 

March 11, 2018: Elaine, Norma, Clara and Bill 

Biography
Anton Hoffart, also known as Tony, was born on January 16, 1923, in Minton, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Rochus 'Roy' Hoffart and Marian Hoffart (born Gross). His father, Rochus 'Roy', was born on August 14, 1889, in Tulcera, Romania, while his mother, Marian, was born on July 2, 1892. Anton grew up in a large family with six siblings: Eva Clare, Peter Paul, Jacob Joseph, Barbara, John, Regina, and Henry.

October 6, 1932

On October 6, 1952, Anton married Clara Carolina Jahnke, who was born on March 11, 1928, in Killaly, Saskatchewan, Canada. Together, they had three children: William Kenneth, Elaine Patricia, and Norma Ruth.
Anton Hoffart passed away on August 18, 1992, at the age of 69 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He was buried in Saskatoon, Saskatoon Census Division, Saskatchewan, Canada.

 Last Name Origins
The surname Hoffart is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'hof' meaning 'court' or' farm', combined with 'hart', which means 'hard' or 'strong'. It likely referred to someone who lived near a farmstead or was associated with a stronghold. The name may also have been used as a nickname for someone known for their strength or resilience.

The Hoffart Family, Taken June 23, 2002

 

 Wendy

 

 

 

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Week 14 Prompt - Language

2025

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Week 14

Prompt – Language

My ancestors are primarily German. My maternal grandmother and mother's first language was German. However later in their lives they spoke mostly English. My father's first language was German. His parents spoke German and only his father was able to speak a little English. They all immigrated from Prussia (German speaking Russians).

When I first began my genealogy adventure, I had given very little thought to the possibility of looking up German documents from Russia. In 2006 I had to go to the library to find any of the Canadian Census Documents on film to look for my relatives. A census is probably the most basic document to look up and start your genealogy. That is other than any documents you find at home.

Gradually over the past 20 years, genealogy lives have become so much easier with computers and more importantly the download of millions of documents from around the world. The different genealogy sites connect people world wide. Also there is now DNA to bring us closer together. If only I would figure it out! 

Augustine Radler and Julius Jacob Jahnke

 

Several years ago while searching records for Bill's 2^nd Great-Grandfather – Julius Jacob Jahnke and his wife Augustine Radler from Bromberg, Germany, I was given a hint which turned out to be a completely German Document which was quite difficult to decipher but got the gist it was a Death record. Not only was it in German but written in German Script. There are very few people left who can read the German script writing.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Fast forward a few years and re examining the document I found that it had been transcribed into English in the free Latter Day Saints website called Family Tree. I feel that there is more to this document than is transcribed. 

 The German language would make some of my research that reaches back more than a hundred years a lot easier. But as I have seen computers are closing the gap on any language barriers.

Wendy

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Week 13 Prompt - Home Sweet Home

 2025

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Week 13

Prompt - Home Sweet Home

I had lived in two different homes before the one I remember as the home that I grew up in. I do not remember the first two homes. I do remember 442 Witney Avenue (Saskatoon). It was a brand new home that mom and dad had built. I remember the family was so excited to live in this new home. I also remember going over to look at it during construction.

1959 -  Peters' House Under Construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1959 - Don and Dennis (Back Row) & Bonnie and Wendy (In Front)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1959 - Robert and Dennis With Workman's Toolbox

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was fun to run around and in it during this phase. And as I understand it now, that is something not allowed today on new housing builds.

Apparently it was something short of a miracle that they were able to get a mortgage to buy this brand new home. However somehow they got the mortgage and the house was approved for a build in 1959. They signed the “Offer To Purchase and Interim Financing” on May 11, 1959. 

August 1959 my parents received the approval from The Central and Mortgage Housing Corporation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thus my parents began their dream of home ownership.The area was close to schools. The high school was 3 blocks away and as we moved into our home they were building a new public school across the street from us. It opened in March of 1960. The neighbourhood was families with lots of children. Beside the school was a paddling pool with a building for indoor fun often lead by high school kids that were either hired or volunteered during the summer months. I have spoke of the outdoor skating / hockey rink just adjacent to the this. At the end of our block was a confectionery (which was a great place to buy penny candies) and a hairdresser. This was the first place that I had my hair done professionally. I believe it was Christmas 1965!

At first the huge back yard was filled with garden which produced a lot of veggies that mom canned and or froze for the hungry family to enjoy during the winter. Over the years the garden was slowly replaced with a flower garden and grass.

In the early years dad flooded the back yard for our own personal backyard skating rink.

Improvements and renovations occurred over the years to the house and yard. It was a very small home of 900 square feet or so with no basement, 3 bedrooms and one bathroom. How did the 9 of us ever work that out. And yet friends of our family were welcome. The more the merrier. During my brother's band playing days mom allowed them to set up in the living room twice each week so they could practise their sets. Drums, organs, guitars, bass guitars and microphones. Yes it was loud. I only remember a few summers of band practise in the garage. I think maybe there may have been more noise complaints on that one.

The house held many many memories – some good and some not so good. It was The Peters home and was where we grew up. We celebrated graduations, marriage celebrations and brought our children home to visit their grandparents. We had yearly Christmas gatherings with various family members attending. 

My parents lived out the rest of their lives in this home. My father died in his home at his request in 1983 and my mother died a widow in January of 1987. The house was sold shortly after my mother died.

Bill and I have driven past it several times over the years while visiting family and friends in Saskatoon. It doesn't seem like the same home. 

Wendy

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Week 12 Prompt - Historical Context

2025

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Week 12

Prompt – Historical Context

Historical Context of David K. Peters - My paternal great-grandfather.

In My Heritage I have once again used the AI (artificial intelligence) to put together a biography based on information in my tree and noted background history. It is impressive and maybe I don't need to write blogs anymore. This is a very scary thought but at the same time quite intriguing to imagine. 

David Klaas K Peters was born in South Russia during a period marked by significant social and political upheaval. The early to mid-19th century saw the Russian Empire grappling with modernization efforts, including the emancipation of serfs in 1861. This era also witnessed the migration of various ethnic groups, including German-speaking settlers who were invited to settle in the Volga and Black Sea regions. These communities often faced challenges related to their cultural identity and economic stability.

Growing up in a large family with 15 siblings, David's upbringing reflected the communal lifestyle prevalent among Mennonite families in South Russia. The Chortitza Colony, where his parents originated, was established as a refuge for these religious minorities seeking freedom from persecution. During this time, the Mennonites maintained strong community ties, emphasizing agricultural practices and pacifism, which shaped David’s values and future decisions.

David married Katharina A P Mueller in 1859, amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions within the Russian Empire regarding minority rights. Their union produced 14 children, indicative of the high birth rates typical of agrarian societies. This demographic trend was common among immigrant populations, reflecting both cultural traditions and the need for labour on farms.

In 1875, David immigrated to Canada, arriving at Quebec City. His decision coincided with a larger wave of immigration driven by factors such as land scarcity, oppressive policies in Russia, and the promise of opportunity in North America. The Canadian government actively encouraged settlement in the West, offering land grants to attract immigrants, particularly those with farming backgrounds like the Mennonites. After settling in various locations across Canada, including Saskatchewan and Manitoba, David became part of the broader narrative of Western expansion in Canada. The late 19th century was characterized by rapid development, with railroads facilitating access to remote areas. However, it was also a time of conflict, particularly between Indigenous peoples and settlers, as well as economic challenges that affected new arrivals trying to establish themselves.

David passed away in 1919, just after World War I, a conflict that had profound effects on global demographics and economies. By this time, many Mennonite communities in Canada had begun to solidify their identities, balancing their heritage with integration into Canadian society. David's life story reflects not only personal resilience but also the broader historical currents of migration, adaptation, and community building in a changing world.

Wendy and AI