People > Our People > Johannes and Amalia Pfenning
Johannes and Amalia Pfenning
Johannes Pfenning was born in Norka, Russia, on September 3, 1868, the son of Nicholas Pfenning (born 1844) and Katharina Maria Dick (born 1844).
Nicolaus Pfenning, born 28 Sept 1844 in Norka, Russia with his second wife, Katharina Maria Hartung (née Jörg). Photograph taken in Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada prior to 1925. Courtesy of Marcia Lincoln Staunton.
Johannes (John) married Amalia (Mollie) Schwartz on January 11, 1891 in Norka. Amalia is the daughter of Johann Georg Schwartz (born 1829) and Katharina Magdalena Albrecht (born 1831). A son, Henry, was born in December 1891.
John, Mollie, and Henry departed from Norka in 1892 and arrived in America in early 1893. They initially settled in Nebraska, where a son, John Jr., and a daughter, Elizabeth. The family moved to Mississippi briefly, and John Jr. died there. The family story is that his high chair was knocked over by visiting cousins, and he died due to the fall.
By 1903, the family had arrived in Portland, Oregon, where three more children, Pauline, Flora, and Louis, were born. Pauline and Flora survived to adulthood. Baby Louis died at birth. According to family lore, Louis was the first baby that Pearson Mortuary took care of. John hired a taxi and held the small casket in his lap as they drove to the Rose City Cemetery, where Louis was buried.
John, Mollie, and Henry departed from Norka in 1892 and arrived in America in early 1893. They initially settled in Nebraska, where a son, John Jr., and a daughter, Elizabeth. The family moved to Mississippi briefly, and John Jr. died there. The family story is that his high chair was knocked over by visiting cousins, and he died due to the fall.
By 1903, the family had arrived in Portland, Oregon, where three more children, Pauline, Flora, and Louis, were born. Pauline and Flora survived to adulthood. Baby Louis died at birth. According to family lore, Louis was the first baby that Pearson Mortuary took care of. John hired a taxi and held the small casket in his lap as they drove to the Rose City Cemetery, where Louis was buried.
The Pfenning brothers from Norka. Johannes (John) and Heinrich (Henry) Pfenning, seated. Amalia (Mollie) Schwartz and Katherine Gerlach, standing. The photograph was probably taken in Lincoln, Nebraska after 1892. Courtesy of Marcia Lincoln Staunton.
The house that John and Mollie built is still standing on NE Grand Avenue between Failing and Shaver. Henry and Katherine stayed in Nebraska and raised a large family. Another family story says they came to visit Portland and she didn't like it here and made them move back to Nebraska.
Sources
Story written by, and photographs courtesy of Marcia Lincoln Staunton (March 2006).
Last updated October 25, 2023