Conrad Brill
Conrad Brill, known as Konretja, was born in Norka, Russia, on October 8, 1895.
After serving in the Russian Army during World War I, he left Norka on Christmas Eve in 1921 with his first wife and seven-year-old son, Adam. His wife died of influenza on the journey, but Conrad and his son were able to reach the refugee camp at Frankfurt an der Oder. There, he met Anna Becker, who was from the colony of Erlenbach. Anna wanted to come to the United States to join her brother and sister. Conrad and Anna were married in Frankfurt an der Oder in 1922 and arrived in New York later that year. They traveled by train to Portland, Oregon, where they settled with other families from Norka.
After serving in the Russian Army during World War I, he left Norka on Christmas Eve in 1921 with his first wife and seven-year-old son, Adam. His wife died of influenza on the journey, but Conrad and his son were able to reach the refugee camp at Frankfurt an der Oder. There, he met Anna Becker, who was from the colony of Erlenbach. Anna wanted to come to the United States to join her brother and sister. Conrad and Anna were married in Frankfurt an der Oder in 1922 and arrived in New York later that year. They traveled by train to Portland, Oregon, where they settled with other families from Norka.
Photograph of Conrad Brill in 1914.
In his memoir, Memories of Norka, Conrad Brill tells of his childhood in Norka, his experiences in the Imperial Army, his flight from Russia, and his journey to the United States. Brill also tells tales of his new home in Portland, Oregon. These memoirs were told to his son, George Brill, who recorded them on paper as a tribute to his father, who was keenly interested in preserving the family history. Memories of Norka provides a unique and valuable view into the lives of the people from Norka.
Conrad Brill also drew a map of Norka, as it was in 1921. The map is available for purchase from AHSGR in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Conrad Brill also drew a map of Norka, as it was in 1921. The map is available for purchase from AHSGR in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Conrad and Anna Brill on their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Courtesy of Suzanne Murk.
Sources
George Brill, son of Conrad Brill
Suzanne Murk, daughter of George Brill.
Suzanne Murk, daughter of George Brill.
Last updated October 22, 2023