Gertje Huisenga Johnson,
Grandma Holtzman's mother
From Zwaantje Johnson Holtzman's diary:
"Davis was the Mother's birth places till 1877. Then we moved to Forreston during summer.
"Gertje Huisenga Johnson. Born Oct.12, 1843 in Loga Birem, Germany. A country village a few miles from Leer. I called it a stopping place just a few houses and a business place, drinks, eats. You find many such places in Germany as you travel. Passed away Mar.12, 1921."
Heinrich Johnson (Janssen)—Born January 31, 1846. Leer, Germany. Passed away suddenly February 26, 1921.
"The Huisengas--Mother's people came from Germany 1865. Landed in Oct. at close of war in New York. Uncle Leo--Ontje came sooner. Leo met them in Freeport. Carried them across the river. There was no bridge. Uncle Ontje had enlisted in the war. Died in Tennessee buried in Chattanooga--18 years old. He was the youngest of 5 boys. Mother was the only daughter. Mother's name, Gertje, the brothers --Uncle Dirk, Leopold, Wubbo, John, Ontje--all born in Loga Birum.
"I could write so many fine things about my parents, especially Mother. She had so much order, and system for every day and Sunday. Father was a fine provider, a hard worker. Always careful of his daughters. He never wanted us to over do especially heavy lifting. Would hire a man to turn our washing machine. Those were happy days in that crowded home in Forreston--1877 to 1904, March 1. And we didn't realize how happy we were.
Gertje Huisenga Johnson,
Grandma Holtzman's mother
(Photo by H Veasey, Polo, Illinois. August 10, 1903. Age 60. Back of card: My Darling Mother. Mama had this taken while I was away on a visit to Mrs. Lily Fletcher. We had a swell time. This is good of Mama. She has been ailing and is poor, but it is as natural as can be. I hope she will soon be well again.)