Amanuensis Monday ~ George Haessig's Memories

(Amanuensis Monday is daily prompt, developed by John Newmark at Transylvanian Dutch. It encourages bloggers to transcribe family letters, journals, audiotapes, and other historical artifacts. An amanuensis is someone employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.)

A few years ago, I started my blog,  This Hoosier's Heritage, for several reasons. One of which was to meet new relatives that would help in our quest to keep our heritage alive.

I have been rewarded so richly in this area! One of my first "new cousins" was so kind as to share this paper written by her grandfather, George Philip Haessig, a couple of weeks before his death.

George Haessig's Letter

George Philip Haessig is the brother to my great-grandfather, Henry George Haessig. Their parents are Henry (aka as Heinrich, Henri) and Sophia Kuntz.

The Haessigs-(seated) Sophia Anna Kuntz Haessig, Heinrich (Henri) Haessig. Standing - (L. to R.) George Philip Haessig, Caroline H. Haessig, Henry George Haessig, Emile Salome Haessig, George Jacob Eperle (stepson).

George writes of rafting and sailing on the Mississippi River with his brother, Henry. In all of my years, this is one story I had never heard! Lol

I have transcribed this paper from George below, with only one exception. I added my logo over their exact address for privacy reasons, and fixed a date at the bottom. Otherwise, I have made no changes.

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                                                          November 5, 1961

                                              Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

On June 17, 1877 in the vicinity of Sunman, Indiana a son was born to Sophia Anna and Henry Haessig. He was named George Haessig. He spent his early life on the farm. He attended school through the seventh grade. As a young man he and his brother Henry went to Mississippi to work in a sawmill his half-brother Jake and his wife had purchased. In their spare time they built rafts and sailed the Mississippi. After two years they were needed back on the farm so the two boys came back hobo-style, stopping at homes on the way for meals.

George met Mary Schutte when he worked on her Uncle Fred’s farm, at Schutte Corners, later named Lookout, Indiana.  Lookout is a little town in southern Indiana made up originally of the Schutte family. Mary worked in Indianapolis.  They were married at Adams Lutheran Church in a beautiful wedding ceremony. Their attendants were Carrie Schutte and Henry Haessig.  They were married by Rev. Tessmer.

George and Mary had their first home near Sunman.  George had his own business in Lookout, Haessig’s Saloon.  They were very happy and had six children, two of which passed on while they were still small.

In 1927, they brought their children Belle, (Isabelle), Betty (Elizabeth), George and Charlie (Charles) to Indianapolis where they settled at **** South Meridian Street.  George Sr. worked at Patrician Art Metals, Watchel and was retired from Stewart Warners. Mary passed away in December 1944 during World War II. Charlie and Virgil, their son-in-law, served in the armed forces (Navy) in the war.  Virgil also served during the Korean War. Mary lived to see all of her children married and to know and love three of her granddaughters: Mary, Barbara and Judy. She is buried at Adams Lutheran Cemetery.

He lived with Belle and Virg in California, the last 10 years coming to Indiana for summers.  He has flown by jet, gone by train and come by car in many trips. He has also traveled in many states including Florida, Texas and all points west.  He lived for two years on an orange ranch within walking distance of San Juan Capistrano, California.

As we enjoy this Pre-Thanksgiving dinner before he takes off for California, let us give thanks for having such a wonderful father, grandpa and great grandpa.

Marriage dates of children:

Betty Haessig to Leo Gallagher    June 9, 1951

George Haessig to Alberta Gamstetter   October 24, 1933

Charles Haessig to Virginia Parish   February 18, 1944

Isabelle Haessig to Virgil Vaughn  November 7, 1936

This was written a couple of weeks before his death, November 21, 1961. He flew home to California on November 18, and was returned to Indiana on November 25, 1961.  He is buried at Adams Lutheran Church Cemetery, beside the love of his life, Mary Schutte Haessig.