I might blather on and on about visiting cemeteries here on my blog, but in real life, I don’t talk to people about it very much. I’m more inclined to write than speak. Also, it just sounds like a pretty emo pastime and that’s not really how I see myself, or want to project myself. Necessarily. But, every once in a while a new friend will ask me what I’ve been up to lately… and I’ll be honest and say that I’ve been exploring cemeteries.
So, when I admitted to my friend Audrey that this is what I do with my time, she said, “Hey! I should show you my family’s cemetery!” Of course I jumped at this.
Turns out the Hiebert Heritage Cemetery is public… BUT it is invisible from the road. I wouldn’t have known how to get to it. Goodness knows I’ve looked!
Audrey, with her instincts, led us directly there.
It’s kept up beautifully!
Let’s take a closer look at the plaques under the Canadian flag:
The above plaque reads:
Original Homestead of Jacob and Katherina Hiebert
settled in 1875
In 1873/74 Mennonites from Russia immigrated to Southern Manitoba. As part of this group, Jacob and Katherina Hiebert settled on this Quarter section of land — Section 18, Township 7, Range 4 — East of the principal meridian. They came to this place, with an abiding faith in God, and a firm resolve to make a new life for themselves in this country… CANADA.
Land which, at the time of their arrival, was Prairie wilderness. Here they raised a family and provided their children with a future in this new country.
In the past one hundred and twenty years since they came here, the original settlers have slipped into history. Many of the descendants have moved to all parts of Canada, U.S.A, Mexico, and South America.
This Plaque is placed here to commemorate and preserve the heritage that the descendants of Jacob and Katherina Hiebert have inherited.
This cairn is placed here on the cemetery grounds which is the final resting place of many of the original Hiebert family and their descendants. As part of this, there are listed the names of all the children that were born to Jacob and Katherina Hiebert on this farm. As well, the names of the children that were brought to Canada from Russia are listed.
May we cherish their memory and may they, all our departed relatives, rest in peace, and the grace, of our Heavenly Father.
DUETERONOMY :32 VERSE :7
Remember the days of old, think of the generations of long ago. Ask your fathers to recount it and your elders to tell the tale.
The above says:
Jacob Hiebert born 22 October 1833 died 01 June 1906
Katherina Hiebert born 28 May 1855 died 28 July 1916
Married 16 February 1875
Descendants:
Maria Hiebert 1876-1951 married to Erdman Penner 1874-1958
Katherina Hiebert 1878-1940 married to Peter Leppky 1869-1946
Peter Hiebert 1881-1974 married to Maria Heinrichs* 1891-1937
David Hiebert* 1883-1946 married to Helena Friesen 1883-1909, Anna Klassen 1893-1916, Margaretha Wiebe* 1887-1954
Susanna Hiebert 1885-1949 married to Jacob Hiebert 1882-1939
Helena Hiebert 1887-1980 married to John E. Doerksen 1880-1973
Jacob Hiebert 1889-1952 married to Maria Doerksen 1888-1982
Aganetha Hiebert* 1894-1895
John Hiebert* 1894-1901
Anna Hiebert 189-8-1994 married to Abram Klippenstein 1890-1976
Cornelius Hiebert* 1899-1899
Descendants of first wife: (Nee. Aganetha Dueck)
Helena Hiebert 1858-1881 married to John Loeppky 1859-1913
Jacob Hiebert* 1863-1887 married to Eva Leoppky
Abram Hiebert 1864-1927 married to Marie Hiebert 1866-1945
Bernard Hiebert* 1866-1935 married to Susanna Leoppky* 1865-1945
Johann Hiebert* 1869-1889
Persons Buried In The Cemetery*
Plaques donated in Memory of Jacob H. Doerksen 1921-1993
The above says:
Hiebert Heritage Cemetery
NW 1/4 18-7-4
If from the past we draw wisdom, and the present tests our strength, then the future must convey our hopes and dreams.
Jacob and Katherina bestowed these aspirations on their children, their children’s children, and on the generations to follow. As pioneers of this land in 1875, they needed these qualities to overcome the many obstacles and hardships they faced. We, along with God’s help, need to draw on this heritage as we face the future.
As an extended family, we celebrate not only the beginning of a new millenium, but also the 125th Anniversary of the arrival of Jacob and Katherina Hiebert to this wonderful land.
June 7, 2000
In the cemetery, there are some interesting stones, such as Jacob & Katherina’s above.
I enjoyed the inscription on the below stone: “Do Not Grieve For Me, I Have Come Home” particularly because it appears that this gentleman has not yet obtained a death date.
And here is my favourite from this cemetery. It confirms my fear of lightening:
Thank-you, Audrey, for showing my your family’s heritage cemetery!