Gerhard Hein - 1856-1924

Gerhard Hein was born August 29, 1856 in Petershagen, Russia. His first wife was Susanna Hiebert, who was born Oct. 1, 1861. They were married on Jan. 1, 1881. Three children were born to this marriage before her death on July 3, 1886. Gerhard Hein then married on Feb. 15, 1887 to Elizabeth Penner. She was born Sept. 26, 1862. To this second marriage 10 children were born.

The Hein family came to Canada from Chortitza, Russia in 1892. Gerhard had worked as a fireman, operating a boiler in a flour mill in Russia. They settled first in Manitoba and in 1895, they also moved to Neuanlage, Sask.

Gerhard Hein homesteaded 22, Tp. 40, R 4, W3, which patented April 17, 1902. On homestead he broke 10 each year from 1896 1900. In 1901, he broke 15 and cropped 15. His livestock consisted of two oxen and two cows in 1896. In 1900, he was farming with four horses and two cows. He built an 18x32-ft. log house in the village of Neuanlage which he valued at $200. A stable was built plus two wells were dug with a total value of $200.

They later moved to the village of Chortitz in the Swift Current Reserve where Gerhard Hein purchased a store. He and his wife lived there until their death. Gerhard Hein died Feb. 4, 1924, and his second wife Elizabeth Penner died April 26, 1922.

This information was provided largely by Cornelius Hein of Warman, a grandson of the Gerhard Heins.