Mrs. Gerhard Bartsch (Katharina Harms)

Gerhard Bartsch was born Sept. 25, 1859 to Johann Bartsch and Aganetha Berg. The Bartsch family came to Canada on the S.S. Canadian arriving in Quebec City on July 19; 1875. They then settled in Hochfeld, Manitoba. It was here in Hochfeld that he got to know his future wife, Katharina Harms.

She was born Sept. 28, 1861 to Johann Harms and Aganetha Hamm. The Harms family came to Canada on the S.S. Quebec arriving in Quebec City on June 23, 1876. The Harms also lived in Hochfeld, Manitoba. In 1898, the Gerhard Bartsch family, the Johann Harms family (Mr. Harms a brother to Mrs. Bartsch) and the Jacob M. Klassen family moved to Hochfeld, Sask., from Hochfeld, Man.

The Gerhard Bartschs homesteaded NE 14, Tp 41, R4, W3. In 1898, he broke 20 acres and cropped 20; in 1899, he Broke 20 acres and cropped 30; in 1900 he broke 30 acres and cropped 60; in 1901, he broke 50 acres and cropped 100; in 1902, he broke 25 acres and cropped 140; in 1903 he broke 10 acres and cropped 150.

In 1905, he owned 12 horses, 14 head of cattle, 8 pigs. In 1898, the Bartschs built a 44×24 framed house in the village of Hochfeld, valued at $500 . They also built a stable valued at $200.

Gerhard died June 12, 1925. His wife then married Vorsteher (overseer) Johann Klassen of Hochfeld. Mrs. Bartsch outlived her first husband by 15 years and died Jan. 12, 1941. Many Bartsch relatives still live in the Valley area.