1900s ...

This was a time of change for the Rempel family. Johan married Katharina Epp in 1902 in her home village of Franzfeld, Jazykovo. And, they had their first children: Maria (born 1903, died 1905), Peter (born 1904, died 1905), Maria (borth 1906, died 1906), Helena (born 1907), Johan (born 1908).

Although I had suspected that this photo was from when Johan went off to give his Forestry (alternative) Service in Anatol, I really have no idea and have come to think that this assumption was simply incorrect. Johann would have been about 20-25 at the time - and other photos from that period don't show any resemblance to any of these people.

Can anyone help me with identification as to who these folks are and what time frame this was taken in?

Andreas Butter writes: "The great family picture may be taken about 1910. Look the modern hair style of the girls. Some older men are wearing jackets from about 1880, but that was not so unusual."

Photo of Wilhelm W. Rempel surrounded by his children: Helena (b 1878), Katharina (b 1884), Bernhard (b 1880) & Johann (b 1875).

I'm assuming this photo was taken about 1900.

Both the photo to the left and the one below show Johann wearing the same suit and tie - but his hair is cut very differently. Perhaps the cut on the left was required by the forestry service - just as trim cuts are required frequently among those in military service.

Photo of Johann & Katharina (nee Epp) Rempel with their children: Helena & Johan.

ca. 1909/10

But, who are Peter and Ag. Rempel?

The postcard below is a bit of a puzzle to me. It was posted on 1 June 1908 by Peter & Ag. Rempel. "Happy Spring!" it says. At that time, I believe, the Rempels were living in Omsk, Siberia already (see: Omsk On-Line for contemporary and old photos of Omsk.

As far as I can tell, Johan didn't have a brother by that name. His uncle Peter, was married to Helena Pauls. And, he had no first cousin by that name.

Below is the reverse of the postcard.

Although she was not yet in the Rempel family, we do have a bit of visual history of Anna from that time as well.

I'm guessing this photograph was taken in the 1910s -- when Anna Ketler (later married to Johan W. Rempel) would have been in her 20s. I believe that she's pictured with her sisters, but which ones? I know there were: Katharina, Maria, Helena, and Margaretha. At least two of them came to Canada .. but I've never been able to sort out that part of the family. Maybe this photo will jog someone's memory.

Andreas Butter (Germany) writes that "Ballon arms were in fashion 1895 and again 1906" - so I'd be inclined to accept 1906-1910 for this picture. That would put Anna at 22-26 years of age in the photo.