Heinrich and Maria Völker
Johann Heinrich Völker was born in Yagodnaya Polynana, Russia, on December 20, 1850, the son of Adam Völker (born 1825).
Johann Heinrich married Maria Katharina Befus (Bafus) about 1875. She was born on July 7, 1855. At least four children were born in Russia: Maria Elisabeth (born about 1876), Heinrich Völker (born July 19, 1881), Maria (born about 1884) and John Henry Völker (born February 11, 1885).
The Völker family arrived in New York on March 1, 1892, aboard the steamship Oldenburg, which sailed from Bremen, Germany.
Johann Heinrich married Maria Katharina Befus (Bafus) about 1875. She was born on July 7, 1855. At least four children were born in Russia: Maria Elisabeth (born about 1876), Heinrich Völker (born July 19, 1881), Maria (born about 1884) and John Henry Völker (born February 11, 1885).
The Völker family arrived in New York on March 1, 1892, aboard the steamship Oldenburg, which sailed from Bremen, Germany.
The steamship "Oldenburg". Source: Steamship Historical Society of America.
The Völkers soon joined their countrymen and relatives from Russia (the Hergerts and Scheuermanns) in the growing community of Blooming, Oregon, near Cornelius. Johann Heinrich is the brother of Anna Maria Völker, the wife of Adam Hergert.
The Völker's attended St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Blooming. Maria Katharina died sometime in 1892. Her death is recorded in the church records.
In 1900, Johann Heinrich (now Henry John or Henry) lived as a widower. He married a second time to Sophia Christina Wiethoff about 1903. Sophia Christina (Christina) had been previously married to Rudolph Gerhard Meyer and was widowed in 1895. Both Christina and Rudolph Gerhard were born in Germany. They married in New Ulm, Minnesota, and later settled in Blooming near the Völker's.
According to the 191o and 1920 censuses, Henry and Christina continued to live in the Blooming community, where they owned a farm. Henry was listed as a naturalized citizen of the United States.
Henry died on September 14, 1920, and was buried at the Blooming Cemetery.
Christina died on June 7, 1927, and was buried in the Blooming Cemetery with her first husband.
The Völker's attended St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Blooming. Maria Katharina died sometime in 1892. Her death is recorded in the church records.
In 1900, Johann Heinrich (now Henry John or Henry) lived as a widower. He married a second time to Sophia Christina Wiethoff about 1903. Sophia Christina (Christina) had been previously married to Rudolph Gerhard Meyer and was widowed in 1895. Both Christina and Rudolph Gerhard were born in Germany. They married in New Ulm, Minnesota, and later settled in Blooming near the Völker's.
According to the 191o and 1920 censuses, Henry and Christina continued to live in the Blooming community, where they owned a farm. Henry was listed as a naturalized citizen of the United States.
Henry died on September 14, 1920, and was buried at the Blooming Cemetery.
Christina died on June 7, 1927, and was buried in the Blooming Cemetery with her first husband.
Sources
Ancestry.com
Last updated October 25, 2023