People > Our People > Adam Heinrich and Christina Gabel
Adam Heinrich and Christina Gabel
Adam Heinrich Gabel was born in Norka, Russia, on September 22, 1875, the son of Justus (Jost) Göbel (born 1838) and Christina Elisabeth Schreiner (noon 1841).
On March 4, 1892, Adam Heinrich (Adam), his widowed mother, and five siblings sailed from Hamburg, Germany, and arrived in New York on the 25th. The family settled in Nebraska, and most remained until their deaths.
On January 22, 1899, Adam married Christina Gabel, a distant cousin. Christina was also born in Norka, the daughter of Johannes Göbel (John Gabel) and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bauer, who were among the earliest Volga German pioneers to settle in Portland. The wedding was held in Bee, Nebraska.
Their first child, William John, was born in Bee on December 13, 1899. The Gabels relocated to Portland by the time their daughter, Helena, was born on September 15, 1902. The family initially lived on property they purchased at Union Avenue (now MLK Blvd.) between Beech and Fremont.
On March 4, 1892, Adam Heinrich (Adam), his widowed mother, and five siblings sailed from Hamburg, Germany, and arrived in New York on the 25th. The family settled in Nebraska, and most remained until their deaths.
On January 22, 1899, Adam married Christina Gabel, a distant cousin. Christina was also born in Norka, the daughter of Johannes Göbel (John Gabel) and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bauer, who were among the earliest Volga German pioneers to settle in Portland. The wedding was held in Bee, Nebraska.
Their first child, William John, was born in Bee on December 13, 1899. The Gabels relocated to Portland by the time their daughter, Helena, was born on September 15, 1902. The family initially lived on property they purchased at Union Avenue (now MLK Blvd.) between Beech and Fremont.
Four more children were born in Portland: Raymond (January 22, 1906), Wesley George (December 17, 1909), Irene Elizabeth (April 13, 1913) and George (May 6, 1915). Sadly, Helen died in 1914 from Rheumatic Fever.
The family resided at 757 E. 6th Street N. (now 3531 NE 6th) for many years. Their original house was torn down to make room for a much larger house built in 1920.

Adam and Christina Gabel at their first home on NE 6th circa 1910 with their four children: Wesley George, Raymond, Helen and John William. This house was moved further north on 6th Avenue. Christina's parents may have lived in this structure or had it placed on their property. The current house at 3733 NE 6th looks very similar. Courtesy of George Gabel.
In September 1918, Adam was an assistant manager at Terminal Ice and Cold Storage. The Gabel children attended the second Albina Homestead School, and the family attended the Ebenezer German Congregational Church. The Gabel's bought meat and poultry at Repp Brothers Groceries and Meats. Adam made his own wine once each year. Other items, like produce, were purchased from vendors who came through the neighborhood with horses and carts. Christina made her own rye bread, Grebbel, and Riwwelkuchen.
Adam declared his intention to become a United States citizen on March 30, 1928. In 1930, Adam worked as a machinist for one of the steam railroads in Portland. He was laid off by the railroad during the Depression and was not recalled when the economy improved. He found work as a janitor to continue supporting his family.
Adam died on January 8, 1944 and was buried at the Rose City Cemetery. Christina died in 1972 and was buried next to Adam.
Sources
Researched by Steve Schreiber.
Photographs courtesy of George Gabel, the son of Adam Heinrich and Christina Gabel.
Oral interview of George Gabel conducted by Shirley Hurrell on July 28, 2009. Recordings available at the Center for Volga German Studies at Concordia University. George was born on May 6, 1915 and died January 21, 2010 in Beaverton, Oregon.
Photographs courtesy of George Gabel, the son of Adam Heinrich and Christina Gabel.
Oral interview of George Gabel conducted by Shirley Hurrell on July 28, 2009. Recordings available at the Center for Volga German Studies at Concordia University. George was born on May 6, 1915 and died January 21, 2010 in Beaverton, Oregon.
Last updated October 26, 2023