People > Our People > Heinrich H. and Katherine Helser
Heinrich H. and Katherine Helser
Heinrich H. Helser was born in Norka, Russia on September 10, 1868, the son of Heinrich Hölzer (born 1844) and Christina Ross (born 1843). The Hölzer family was one of the first to leave Russia for the United States, arriving in New York on July 10, 1875.
Heinrich (now Henry) married Katherine Helzer on February 29, 1891 in Hastings, Nebraska. Katherine was born on July 28, 1873 in Norka, the daughter of Johannes Hölzer (born 1845) and Elisabeth Häuser (born 1846). Katherine's family arrived in New York on November 9, 1886.
Henry and Katherine moved west to Oregon in late 1891 and settled in the Albina district. Heinrich's father founded the first Volga German congregation in Portland in 1891. In 1900, Henry and Katherine were living at 454 Rodney Avenue and Heinrich was working as a scavenger. By 1910, the family had moved to 350 Stanton St. where they lived through at least 1930. Heinrich is listed in the census as a drayman for the iron works.
At least 12 children were added to the family, although several died in childhood. Few Volga German families had such successful offspring. Sons Henry (Hank), Morris (Morrie), and Roy became notable sports stars. Daughter Rachel (born 1897) married Gustav Kirsch and their three sons: Don, Walt and Jim were also outstanding athletes.
Henry died on September 28, 1936 in Portland. Katherine passed away on August 21, 1945 in Portland. Both were buried at the Rose City Cemetery.
Heinrich (now Henry) married Katherine Helzer on February 29, 1891 in Hastings, Nebraska. Katherine was born on July 28, 1873 in Norka, the daughter of Johannes Hölzer (born 1845) and Elisabeth Häuser (born 1846). Katherine's family arrived in New York on November 9, 1886.
Henry and Katherine moved west to Oregon in late 1891 and settled in the Albina district. Heinrich's father founded the first Volga German congregation in Portland in 1891. In 1900, Henry and Katherine were living at 454 Rodney Avenue and Heinrich was working as a scavenger. By 1910, the family had moved to 350 Stanton St. where they lived through at least 1930. Heinrich is listed in the census as a drayman for the iron works.
At least 12 children were added to the family, although several died in childhood. Few Volga German families had such successful offspring. Sons Henry (Hank), Morris (Morrie), and Roy became notable sports stars. Daughter Rachel (born 1897) married Gustav Kirsch and their three sons: Don, Walt and Jim were also outstanding athletes.
Henry died on September 28, 1936 in Portland. Katherine passed away on August 21, 1945 in Portland. Both were buried at the Rose City Cemetery.
Sources
Family research by Steven Schreiber.
Last updated April 10, 2021.