Heinrichs, J. B. (1875-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 May 26 p. 5

Birth date: 1875 Jul 15

text of obituary:

Oklahoma Pioneer Dies at Age 84

Corn, Okla. — J. B. Heinrichs, who pioneered in the Gotebo vicinity and later farmed in the Colony and Corn communities, died here May 6 at the age of 84.

Born on the ship “Niederland” en route to America from Russia, Mr. Heinrichs grew to manhood near Goessel, Kansas where he also taught school for a year. He and his wife and daughter came to Oklahoma during the pioneer days. In recent years he and his wife had lived at the Corn Home for Aged. Mrs. Heinrichs died last year.

Surviving are three daughters and five sons, one of whom is J. E. Heinrichs, editor of the ”Washita County Enterprise.”

Funeral services were held May 19 at the Corn M. B. church.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Jun 2 p. 8

text of obituary:

J. B. HEINRICHS

J. B. Heinrichs was born July 15, 1875, on the ship Netherlands while his parents Franz and Katharina Heinrichs were en route to the United States to establish a new home. Father received his education in the Alexanderwohl community of which his parents were charter members. He realized his lost condition, was baptized by Rev. C. P. Wedel and received into the M. B. Church whose faithful member he has remained until his departure.

On March 3, 1896, he entered holy matrimony with Elizabeth Fast. This union was blessed with two sons. At the birth of the second son, it pleased the Heavenly Father, to take unto himself both his companion and his infant son. The first son, who then stayed with his grandparents went to his heavenly reward a few months later.

On June 8, 1899, he entered holy wedlock with Caroline Foth, daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. John Foth of Ebenfeld, Kansas. The Lord blessed this union with two daughters, Anna and Martha. On the 4th of July, 1902, while mother was ill with a high fever and father was doing the chores, it pleased the Lord to take his second companion, and reward her with her heavenly mansion . Rev. and Mrs. Foth, the grandparents, then took the two daughters, Martha being a frail child, passed away Oct. 30, 1902. “These experiences are almost unbearable.” father, at one occasion offered.

He with his father and brother then went to Gotebo, Okla. where land was still to be obtained through filing.

On Nov. 17, 1902, father entered holy matrimony with Mary Suderman, making their home at Gotebo, Okla. together with nine other families they congregated periodically in a school house for worship services, with Rev. P. H. Bartel as leader.

This union was blessed with 11 children, of whom four preceded him in death. Through all these sorrows and the pioneer days of hardship, father always trusted the Lord for guidance and understanding.

In 1910 the parents moved from Gotebo to the Corn community. In 1941 the parents retired in Corn, and in 1956 they moved into the Home for the Aged, anticipating sweet fellowship with the other residents and the staff. In 1959, it pleased the Lord to take his third companion from him. This grief he could not overcome but by His grace was able to bear.

Father enjoyed good health and provided well for his household. The last five years his health began to fail quite rapidly. In the last months he suffered severely. While in the hospital, he prayed earnestly that the Lord might reward him with his eternal Home. Several times he would join in singing the family chosen song, “Ich Weis einen Strom,” also the song “When I Am Standing on Jordan's Shore.” His reward came to him May 16, 1960. He reached the age of 84 years, 10 months and one day.

He leaves to mourn his departure three daughters, Anna, Mrs. H. J. Thiessen of Corn, Agnes, Mrs. J. B. Nikkel of Colony, Linda, Mrs. Leonard Harms of Clinton; five sons, Sam of colony; J. E. of Corn, Menno of Colony, Allen of Hillsboro, Kansas, and Paul of Corn; five daughterss-in-law, three sons-in-law, 27 grandchildren (one preceded him in death), 18 great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

We mourn but with the assurance of meeting the parents in glory. — The Children.