Hopken, Johann Gerhard

Johann married Haferkamp, Margareta E.. Margareta died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Immigration: May 1889, USA

Notes:

Birth:

     In documents from the USA, his first name is often given as "Christ" or "Chris".
     Some sources report that Christian was born in Norderhofschlag. At the time, I believe this was a community within Strückhausen, a town in the Wesermarsch region of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg (Großherzogtum Oldenburg). Today, the town is not far from the cities of Brake and Ovelgönne, in the state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), in the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland).


Immigration:

     Sailing aboard the S.S. Rhein, Christian and his new wife, Anna, departed Bremen, Germany on 15 May 1889 and arrived in Baltimore, Maryland on 30 May. On the passenger list, Christian was identified as a 25 year old merchant and Anna was 23 years old. They shared a single piece of baggage.
     Traveling by train, they arrived at Fairmont, Nebraska on 3 June and continued on to Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska where they located on a small farm southeast of Ohiowa owned by Christian's uncle, Henry Hopken, who had immigrated to Nebraska in 1868.
     According to the 1920 U.S. census, Chris Hopken, Sr. immigrated to the USA in 1889 and became a naturalized citizen in 1911. The same date of immigration was also recorded in the 1930 U.S. census.


Buried:
Founded in 1887, the congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Died:

     The following is a transcription of an obituary provided by Sandra Sue (Hopken) Miller.

          The Late Chris Hopken

     Chris Hopken was born May 26, 1894, at Strusekhausen [sic], near Altendorf in Oldenburg, Germany, a child of pious and good Christian parents. He was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran church at Strusekhausen [sic] and grew to manhood there.
     As a young man he served in the army in infantry regiment No. 91, Company 11, from 1884 to 1887. After three years in Oldenburg, Germany, he was united in holy wedlock with Miss Anna Helen Oellien April 23, 1889, in the same church in which he was baptized and confirmed at Strusekhausen [sic]. This union God blessed with twelve children, five sons and seven daughters. One daughter died in infancy and one, Frieda, at the age of eleven. Ten children survive.
     In 1889, the year of his marriage, he emigrated with his wife to America and came direct to Fillmore county, Nebraska, to the home of his uncle, Henry Hopken, near Ohiowa. He worked for his uncle until 1891, when he rented land near farm near [sic] Bruning that he became the owner of, then to his present home on the Strang rural route, where he lived until his death.
     April 23, 1939, he was privileged to celebrate his golden wedding anniversary in the presence of all of his children, grandchildren and many friends.
     Mr. Hopken always enjoyed good health, although fourteen years ago he suffered a light stroke caused by high blood pressure. He rallied and felt better again until three months ago he became very ill, suffering from complications, a rupture, dropsy and heart trouble, that finally caused his death. Knowing death was near, he was well prepared to meet the Lord. Monday evening he called his pastor, receiving once more the holy communion, together with his beloved wife, who joined him in the holy communion with the Lord Jesus.
     He passed away at 4 a. m., April 23, 1940, on his wedding anniversary day. He closed his eyes in a quiet and peaceful death and his soul went his [sic] to his creator. He was 75 years, 11 months and 3 days of age.
     Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, April 25, with a short home service prior to the service at the South Lutheran church. Rev. V. R. Pietzko officiated, speaking in both languages. His sermon text in both English and German was taken from Isaiah 35,17: Behold for peace I had great bitterness; but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption; for thou hast cast all my sins behind the back.
     A young people's mixed quartet, Bernice Rippe, Darlene Weber, Wesley Cr[e?]dduck and Orville Schroeder, had charge of the music, with Mrs. V. R. Pietzko at the organ. Mrs. Pietzko and Henry Molthan sang a duet in German. The five sons and a son-in-law, Fred Schroeder, were pallbearers, with three grandchildren taking care of the floral tokens. The church was filled with sorrowing friends. Interment was in the church cemetery, where the quartet sang again.
     Mr. Hopken is survived by his wife, Anna, ten children, Lizzie, Mrs. Fred Schroeder of Geneva, Anna, Mrs. Fred Heinrichs of Bruning, Martha, Mrs. Vern DuBois of Strang, Alma, Mrs. Herman Ohnesorge of Strang, Elsie, Mrs. Ernest Reinsch of Strang, Henry of Bruning, Christ, at home, John of Bruning, Bernard of Martland and William of Wymore, Neb., one brother, Bernard Hopken of Strusekhausen [sic], Oldenburg, Germany, twenty-one grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, besides many other relatives and close friends.

Christian married Oellien, Anna Helena 23 Apr 1889, Strückhausen, Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. Anna (daughter of Oellien, Gerhart and Hauvakam, Eliza) was born 24 Jul 1867, Strückhausen, Grand Duchy of Oldenburg; died 23 Sep 1948; was buried , Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Baptism: 11 Mar 1890, Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1910, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration, Henry, age 20, lived at home with his parents and worked on the family farm. Also at home were four younger brothers and four younger sisters.

Henry married Barta, Libbie Alice 15 Feb 1918, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. Libbie was born 1895–1896, Nebraska, USA; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Buried:
The congregation was founded in 1887 as St. John's German Lutheran Church. The congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Louise married Schroder, Heinrich Friedrich 30 Nov 1906. Heinrich was born 1889; died 1965; was buried , Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1910, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1920, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1930, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration, Christ Hopkin, age 17, lived at home with his parents and worked on the family farm. Also at home were four brothers and four sisters.

Census:
According to the 1920 enumeration, Chris Hopken, Jr., a 26 year old single farmer, born in Nebraska lived on a farm with his brother, Henry Hopken (age 30), his brother's wife, Alice Hopken (age 24), and their son, Laverle Hopken, age 1.

Census:
According to the 1930 enumeration, Chris Hopken, Jr., a 37 year old single farmer, lived at home with his parents, Chris (age 65) and Anna Hopkins (age 63). Also in the home were two other siblings: Alma Hopkins (age 21) and Alsie Hopken (age 18). Chris, Jr. was the only one who was listed with an occupation. The enumerator had some difficulties spelling the names of members of the household.

Buried:
The congregation was founded in 1887 as St. John's German Lutheran Church. The congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Other Events:

• Census: 1910, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: Jun 1917, Bruning, Thayer County, Nebraska, USA
• Military Service: 1918

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration, John, age 15, lived at home with his parents and worked on the family farm, when not in school. Also at home were four brothers and four sisters.

Residence:
According to information on his World War I draft registration card, filed on 5 June 1917, John George Hopken lived at Bruning, Nebraska. John reported that he was a farmer working for his father, Chris Hopken, Sr. He was single, had no one solely dependent upon him for support and he claimed no exemption from the draft. The Registrar of the local draft board, J. H. Messman, described John as a man of medium height and build; with brown eyes and brown hair. There were no other physical characteristics that would disqualify John for military service.

Military Service:

     According to an application filed on 25 March 1963, Mrs. Mary Hopken, of Bruning, Nebraska, requested a headstone for her husband, John G. Hopken, who had enlisted in the U.S. Army from Nebraska on 28 August 1918 and was discharged on 20 December 1918. He held the rank of corporal in the U.S. Army, Bakery Company 402, Quartermaster Corp. A flat granite marker was ordered from the Columbus Marble Works, Columbus, Mississippi, and shipped to Willard H. Mussman, of Geneva, Nebraska, who agreed to transport it to the Bruning Lutheran Church Cemetery, Bruning, Nebraska.

John married Schmidt, Lucy 26 Dec 1923. Lucy was born 10 Oct 1898; died 5 Dec 1924. [Group Sheet]

John married Ortgies, Mary 27 Nov 1926. Mary was born 19 Mar 1897; died 25 Aug 1991; was buried , Bruning, Thayer County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1910, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Residence: Jun 1918, Strang, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Birth:
In some documents, he is identified as Ben or Benjamin.

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration, Benjamin, age 13, lived at home with his parents and attended school during the year. Also at home were four brothers and four sisters.

Residence:
According to information on his World War I draft registration card, filed on 5 June 1918, Bernard Hermit [sic] Hopken (as typed on the registration card), age 21, lived at Strang, Nebraska. He reported that he was employed by Carl Zimmerman, also of Strang. The Registrar of the local draft board, Earl L. Meyer, described Bernard as being of medium height and stout build; with brown eyes and light brown hair. He was not palpably physically disabled "excepting left forefinger, below second joint". It should be noted that Bernard's signature on the registration card clearly reads "Bernard Herman Hopken". How the middle name "Hermit" got typed on the card is not known.

Bernard married Wolfteich, Ella 1924, Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. Ella died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1910, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1920, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration, Anna, age 11, lived at home with her parents and attended school during the year. Also at home were four brothers and four sisters.

Census:
According to the 1920 enumeration, Anna Hopken, age 21, born in Nebraska and single, lived at home with her parents, Chris Hopken (age 56) and Anna Hopken (age 52), both born in Germany. Also in the home were three sisters: Martha Hopken (age 15); Alma Hopken (age 11) and Elsie Hopken (age 8), all single and attending school.

Anna married Heinrichs, Fred. Fred died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1910, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration, Willie, age 9, lived at home with his parents and attended school during the year. Also at home were four brothers and four sisters.

Buried:
The congregation was founded in 1887 as St. John's German Lutheran Church. The congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

William married Pape, Alma. Alma died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1910, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1920, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration, Martha, age 5, lived at home with her parents, four brothers and four sisters.

Census:
According to the 1920 enumeration, Martha Hopken, age 15, born in Nebraska and single, attending school, lived at home with her parents, Chris Hopken (age 56) and Anna Hopken (age 52), both born in Germany. Also in the home were three sisters: Anna Hopken (age 21); Alma Hopken (age 11) and Elsie Hopken (age 8). All were single, and Alma and Elsie were attending school.

Martha married DuBois, Verne 3 Feb 1925, Belleville, Republic County, Kansas, USA. Verne (son of DuBois, Edward and [---?---], Eda Mae) died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Baptism: 24 Mar 1908, Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; Address:
  St. John's German Lutheran Church
• Census: 1910, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Baptism:
She was baptized at St. John's German Lutheran Church. Founded in 1887, the congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration, Freda, age 3, lived at home with her parents, four brothers and four sisters.

Buried:
Founded in 1887, the congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Other Events:

• Baptism: 18 Apr 1909, Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; Address:
  St. John's German Lutheran Church
• Census: 1910, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1920, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1930, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Baptism:
She was baptized at St. John's German Lutheran Church. Founded in 1887, the congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Census:
According to the 1910 enumeration, Alma, age 1, lived at home with her parents, four brothers and four sisters.

Census:
According to the 1920 enumeration, Alma Hopken, age 11, born in Nebraska and single, attending school, lived at home with her parents, Chris Hopken (age 56) and Anna Hopken (age 52), both born in Germany. Also in the home were three sisters: Anna Hopken (age 21); Martha Hopken (age 15) and Elsie Hopken (age 8). All were single, and Martha and Elsie were attending school.

Census:
According to the 1930 enumeration, Alma Hopkins, age 21 and single, lived at home with her parents, Chris (age 65) and Anna Hopkins (age 63). Also in the home were two other siblings: Alsie Hopkins (age 18) and Chris Hopken, Jr. (age 37). The enumerator had some difficulties spelling the names of members of the household.

Alma married Ohnesorge, Herman Heinrich 24 Dec 1930, York, York County, Nebraska, USA. Herman died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Baptism: 13 Aug 1911, Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; Address:
  St. John's German Lutheran Church
• Census: 1920, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1930, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Birth:
Elsie was born near Bruning, Nebraska, the youngest of Christian and Anna (Oellien) Hopken's 12 children.

Baptism:
She was baptized at St. John's German Lutheran Church. Founded in 1887, the congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Census:
According to the 1920 enumeration, Elsie Hopken, age 8, born in Nebraska and single, attending school, lived at home with her parents, Chris Hopken (age 56) and Anna Hopken (age 52), both born in Germany. Also in the home were three sisters: Anna Hopken (age 21); Martha Hopken (age 15) and Alma Hopken (age 11). All were single, and Martha and Alma were attending school.

Census:
According to the 1930 enumeration, Alsie Hopkins, age 18 and single, lived at home with her parents, Chris (age 65) and Anna Hopkins (age 63). Also in the home were two other siblings: Alma Hopkins (age 21) and Chris Hopken, Jr. (age 37). The enumerator had some difficulties spelling the names of members of the household.

Died:

     The following is a transcription of an obituary provided by Jane Michel. It was published in The Nebraska Signal, of Geneva, Nebraska) on 17 February 1999.

     Elsie Marguerite Reinsch was born to Christ and Anna Oellien Hopken on May 25, 1911, near Bruning, the youngest of 12 children in the family. She passed away at the Fillmore County Hospital on Feb. 7, 1999, at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 12 days.
     Elsie was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at the Evangelical Lutheran Church near Ohiowa. She attended Prairie Grove School District No. 37 for 8 years and then started Strang High School in 1924, graduating in 1928 as valedictorian of her class. She planned on going to Normal Training, but due to the dry years and tornado destruction on her father's farm it was not possible at this time. She took up domestic work such as cleaning, sewing, wallpapering, laundry or whatever work she could find.
     On Aug. 18, 1931, she was married to Ernest J. Reinsch and they were blessed with two sons, Richard and Dean. They farmed near Ohiowa, Geneva, and Strang. In September of 1939, her husband Ernest died, leaving her with the boys. She was helping her mother and brother take care of her father at that time. Her father passed away in 1940 and in 1942, she moved in with her mother and brother, Christ Hopken, Jr. She remained on the farm until 1965, when she built a new home and moved to Geneva. She remained there until her health failed about a year ago.
     Elsie was a member of Belle Prairie Extension Club for 70 years, a former 4-H leader, enjoyed sewing and gardening. She was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and taught Sunday School for many years. She was appointed assessor of Belle Prairie Township in 1947, and remained at this post until 1953, when she was called to the County Assessors office as clerk, under the direction of Margaret Johnson. After the election of 1954, she worked for Charles Miller for one year and upon his resignation she was appointed to fill the vacancy as County Assessor. She was elected County Assessor in 1958, and held this position until 1986, when she reluctantly retired. Elsie was a very dedicated elected County Official and developed many lasting friendships with County and State officials. She enjoyed traveling, especially a trip to Germany, and eating out with her many friends. Many hours were spent doing crewel, crocheting or any other handwork. She had received several ribbons at the County Fair for her efforts.
     She was preceded in death by her parents, Christ and Anna Hopken; her husband, Ernest J. Reinsch; son, Richard L. and daughter-in-law, Joann Reinsch; brothers, Henry, John Christ, Ben and William Hopken; and sisters, Lizzie, Anna, Frieda, Bertha, Martha and Alma.
     She is survived by son Dean and wife Darlene of Bruning; grandchildren, Richard E. (Rick) Reinsch and wife Michelle, Rebecca Glad and husband Mark, Rhonda Borowiak, Renee Cousino and husband Ken, Kathleen Philippi and husband Kurt; great grandchildren, Josef, Ryne and Paul Philippi, Michelle and Christina Borowiak, Emanuel Reinsch, Ben Brooke and Brittany Cousino; sisters-in-law, Alma (Mrs. William) Hopken, Helen Biegert and Lavina Reinsch; and a host of nieces and nephews.
     Her family was dear to her and she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always had concern for others and was willing to lend a helping hand when needed.
     Funeral services were conducted from the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Geneva at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, 1999, with Pastor Vern Barlow officiating. Shaunna O'Brien accompanied Delwin V. Myers who sang “Softly and Tenderly” and the congregational hymn “How Great Thou Art”.
     Casket bearers were Thomas E. Biegert, Rod Heinrichs, Mike O'Brien, Robert Ohnesorge, Kenneth Peterson and Waldo Schinzel.
     Interment was in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Geneva with the Farmer and Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
     Memorials are directed to the family.

Elsie married Reinsch, Ernest John 18 Aug 1931, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. Ernest (son of Reinsch, Emil and Steffgen, Agnes Marie) was born 11 Feb 1911, Momence Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; died 7 Sep 1939, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, USA; was buried 9 Sep 1939, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1920, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
• Census: 1930, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Birth:
La Verle's approximate date of birth is based on calculations from the 1920 and 1930 U.S. censuses.

Census:
According to the 1920 enumeration, Laverle Hopken, age 1, born in Nebraska lived on a farm with his parents, Henry Hopken (age 30) and Alice Hopken (age 24), both born in Nebraska. Also in the home was his father's brother, Chris Hopken, Jr., a 26 year old single farmer.

Census:
According to the 1930 enumeration, LaVerle Hopken, age 11 and attending school, was living on a farm with his parents, Henry (age 40) and Alice (age 34) Hopken; and his brother, Alvin Hopken, age 9 and also attending school.

Other Events:

• Census: 1930, Belle Prairie Township, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA

Notes:

Birth:
The approximate date of Alvin's birth is calculated from information in the 1930 U.S. census.

Census:
According to the 1930 enumeration, Alvin Hopken, age 9 and attending school, was living on a farm with his parents, Henry (age 40) and Alice (age 34) Hopken; and his brother, LaVerle Hopken, age 11 and also attending school.

Other Events:

• Baptism: 12 May 1912, Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; Address:
  St. John's German Lutheran Church

Notes:

Baptism:
He was baptized at St. John's German Lutheran Church. Founded in 1887, the congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Other Events:

• Baptism: 31 Mar 1913, Ohiowa, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA; Address:
  St. John's German Lutheran Church

Notes:

Baptism:
He was baptized at St. John's German Lutheran Church. Founded in 1887, the congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
The year of birth has been inferred from the burial record.

Buried:
Founded in 1887, the congregation changed its name in 1945 to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and ceased holding services in the German language. In 1954, the name changed again, to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Buried:
According to an obituary published in the Beatrice Daily Sun (Beatrice, Nebraska), a funeral service led by Pastor James Moll was held at Zion Lutheran Church, at Shickley.

LaNora married Headrick, Allen M.. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Lambert married Broman, Virginia I. 28 Jun 1953, Nebraska, USA. Virginia (daughter of Broman, Lloyd and Jacobsen, Alberta) was born 11 May 1932, Fairmont, Nebraska, USA; died 4 Aug 2014, Fairmont, Nebraska, USA; was buried 8 Aug 2014, Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Buried:
Funeral services, led by Rev. Stephen Kruschel, were held in Grace Lutheran Church at Geneva.

Virjean married Schinzel, Ralph W. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.

Died:
Details of the death are not known at this time.

Notes:

Birth:
Details of the birth are not known at this time.