Johann Friesen was born March 29, 1877, to David Friesen and Elizabeth Bueckert. His parents had come to Canada two years earlier on the S.S. Moravian which arrived in Quebec City on July 1, 1875. They settled at Blumengard, Manitoba. Johann Friesen married Katharina Siemens on Nov. 19, 1899. She was born Sept. 26,1881 to the German school teacher, Wilhelm Siemens and Anna Doerksen.

David Friesen, the father of Johann Friesen. was the founder of the village of Blumenheim, east of Osler. David had purchased the village land from the Qu’Appelle, Long Lake and Saskatchewan Railroad and Steamship Co. in 1900. Johann and his brothers and sisters then purchased 40 acre lots in the village.

Johann Friesen homesteaded NW30-39-3-W3. In 1900, he broke 20 acres and cropped 0; In 1901 he broke 30 acres and cropped 50; in 1902, he broke 40 acres and cropped 90; in 1903, he broke 40 acres and cropped 130. In 1904, he owned 7 horses, 5 horned cattle and 11 pigs.

In order to build, his first house Johann made a trip, north of Rosthern with his brother-in-law, Johann Siemens. Together they each got enough logs to build a house. Johann Friesen then made a straw roof for his house.

In 1907, the following buildings had been erected an 18×30 framed house valued at $300; a 20×28 framed stable valued at $100; a 24×32 framed granary valued at $200. After his wife died, he married a widow, Mrs. Johann Harms (nee Helena Guenter). Johann died on Dec. 22,1960.

The photograph was contributed by a son of the Friesens, JohnS. Friesell of Warman.