What I Remember About My Grandfather, Jacob Hergert
by Lillian Brill (née Hergert)
He was born in 1859 and died on December 1, 1923. When I was 9 years old, I can well remember when he was buried, as it was only a matter of days, and I lost my Grandfather Netzer also. That was a sad time for me, as both of my grandfathers had close relationships in church matters.
My Grandfather Hergert, my father's father, was a very kind and jolly person at all times. He was a very heavy-set man with what is known today as a crew haircut. I remember an oversized wicker rocking chair that he enjoyed sitting in, and as a very young child, I would climb on his lap and stroke and comb his hair, never really tiring of loving him. He taught me much about life, even at such an early age.
My Grandfather Hergert, my father's father, was a very kind and jolly person at all times. He was a very heavy-set man with what is known today as a crew haircut. I remember an oversized wicker rocking chair that he enjoyed sitting in, and as a very young child, I would climb on his lap and stroke and comb his hair, never really tiring of loving him. He taught me much about life, even at such an early age.
Rev. Jacob Hergert, founder of St. Pauls Evangelical and Reformed Church in Portland. Photograph courtesy of Herbert L. Hergert.
I can remember my mother sending me to Grandpa and Grandma's to stay while she was ill. Not having indoor plumbing at home, I was a questioning child. Not meaning any harm, but too inquisitive for my own good. The world to me at that time was such a lot to understand.
I was reminded many times that they had no bed for me to sleep in, so my grandmother put a feather tick, pillow, and blankets in the bathtub. In the night, I wanted to know what those two things on the tub were. So I turned the handles, and all of my bedding became too wet for me to sleep in. Well, needless to say, Grandma, the firmest of the two, ordered Grandpa to spank me. He tried to reason with her that I didn't understand, as I wasn't told not to touch. He lost the argument and said, "Grandma says I have to spank you." That just about broke both of our hearts, as my jolly grandfather was so kind to me.
I have heard many stories relating to his kindness. He always had cookies or candy in his pockets for the children. They all loved him. To know him was to love him. He loved to eat and never ate a meal at the table until we all had prayed.
When I think of the past, nostalgia is sweet. I was to be thankful to the Lord for His great bounty. I often think what a difference it would have been if my grandfather had lived longer. He was so very active in all church endeavors. I was mighty proud of him, as I often walked with him on visitations.
Then, too, I often remember now, since I am a widow, about two grandmothers who lived much of their lives alone, until the Lord called them home. I look forward now to the Lord's coming soon return, hoping I can become as strong as they were.
I was reminded many times that they had no bed for me to sleep in, so my grandmother put a feather tick, pillow, and blankets in the bathtub. In the night, I wanted to know what those two things on the tub were. So I turned the handles, and all of my bedding became too wet for me to sleep in. Well, needless to say, Grandma, the firmest of the two, ordered Grandpa to spank me. He tried to reason with her that I didn't understand, as I wasn't told not to touch. He lost the argument and said, "Grandma says I have to spank you." That just about broke both of our hearts, as my jolly grandfather was so kind to me.
I have heard many stories relating to his kindness. He always had cookies or candy in his pockets for the children. They all loved him. To know him was to love him. He loved to eat and never ate a meal at the table until we all had prayed.
When I think of the past, nostalgia is sweet. I was to be thankful to the Lord for His great bounty. I often think what a difference it would have been if my grandfather had lived longer. He was so very active in all church endeavors. I was mighty proud of him, as I often walked with him on visitations.
Then, too, I often remember now, since I am a widow, about two grandmothers who lived much of their lives alone, until the Lord called them home. I look forward now to the Lord's coming soon return, hoping I can become as strong as they were.
Source
Written by and used with the permission of Lillian Brill (née Hergert). This story was originally published in the Brunnental Newsletter and has been edited for clarity.
Lillian Hergert was born on September 16, 1914, in Portland, Oregon. She was the daughter of Solomon Hergert and Annie Netzer. She died May 24, 1996, in Portland. She was the granddaughter of Rev. Jacob Hergert, who founded the St. Pauls Evangelical and Reformed Church. In 1934, Lillian married Edward C. Brill in Portland.
Lillian Hergert was born on September 16, 1914, in Portland, Oregon. She was the daughter of Solomon Hergert and Annie Netzer. She died May 24, 1996, in Portland. She was the granddaughter of Rev. Jacob Hergert, who founded the St. Pauls Evangelical and Reformed Church. In 1934, Lillian married Edward C. Brill in Portland.
Last updated October 7, 2025