Ancestors of Johann (Jean) (John) Hirtz

1. Johann (Jean) (John) Hirtz, born 07 June 1887 in Bigonville, Luxembourg; died 06 September 1969 in Saskatoon, Sask., Canada. He was the son of 2. Pierre Henri (Henri) Hirtz and 3. Caroline Schuller. He married (1) Marguerite Hirtz Margaretha (Marguerite) Goebel 28 July 1908 in Diekirch, Luxembourg. She was born 18 February 1883 in Bastendorf, Luxembourg, and died 18 June 1968 in Saskatoon, Sask., Canada. She was the daughter of Mathias Goebel and Anna-Marie Dillenburg.

Notes for Johann (Jean) (John) Hirtz:

Received the Order Grand Ducal of the Crown of Oak on behalf of the Government of Luxembourg on the 1 June 1956 for assistance to his government during the war and for assistance to immigrants to Canada from Luxembourg. Passport No. 23265 (Canada). British Subject by naturalization (Certificate No. 32373, Series B, dated 23rd August 1933.)

John (Jean) and Marguerite Hirtz

In 1952 John Hirtz sat down to record his story as a immigrant. Unfortunately, he did not finish it. The first paragraph alludes to a very interesting glimpse of history.

"In the year of 1913, in the month of March, the Red Star Liner Finland moved slowly past the Statute of Liberty in her dock at the Harbour of New York, carrying some 1200 immigrants which assembled 15 days before at the Harbour of Antwerp in Belgium. These immigrants coming from nearly every country in Europe - Frenchmen, Belgium, from Holland and Germany. The first day out at sea, they grouped together and you could notice them by their actions. The Germans singing and playing the accordions, those from Switzerland yodelling and the French enjoyed themselves by emptying a few bottles of wine some of their relatives put in their bags before departing. And now, 15 days later, with heavy hearts and expectations, they embark in the promised Land America - there wasn't one of all the immigrants who had more than 100 dollars in their pockets. Very few could speak one word of English."

For some reason he quit writing there. I wish I could bring him back for a day. I have so much to ask him.John (Jean) Hirtz was born in the small village of Bigonville, Luxembourg on 7 June 1887. He was the eldest son (third born) of a family of twelve children born to Caroline (nee Schuller) and Pierre Henri Hirtz. His birth certificate shows that his father was a 28 year old farmer and his mother a 27 year old housewife.

After graduating from public school, he went to the Agriculture College, Forestry Branch at Ettelbruck, Luxembourg (1904-06). While at the College, he was decorated by the government of Luxembourg for saving the life of a child from drowning. He graduated as a forester on 5 April 1906. He then started as a telegraph operator, and later entered the railroad services as a conductor. Through the folks of the child whose life he saved, he got this conductor job. He worked on a narrow-gauge railway, called "Jhangeli", which started in Nordingen to go to Martelingen and passed through Bigonville where he was born.

John's family tree indicates his siblings were Helene (1884-1885), Helen (1885-1981), Philippe (1889-1889), Pierre (1891-1959), Caroline (1893-1983), Antoine (1895-1964), Marguerite (1897-1993), Etienne (1899-1899) Catherine (1900-1984), Jean-Pierre (1905-1978) - Chief of Police, Michel (1907-1974). His parents Pierre Hirtz born in Bigonville 1859, died in 1938 (79 yrs old) and Caroline (Schuller) born in Schieren 1860 died 1945 (85 yrs old). The tree goes back to the early 1500's.

John married Marguerite Goebel on the 28 July 1908 in Diekirch, Luxembourg. Marguerite was born on 18 February 1883 at Bastendorf, Diekirch, Luxembourg, the youngest daughter of a family of four. Her father Mathias Goebel (1838 - 1886) and mother (nee) Anna Marie Dillenburg (1844-1910) lived at Kayl, Martelange, Wallendorf, Paris and Diekirch. Marguerite had a brother Pierre (1876-1932) and a sister named Gretchen (1873-1946) and a brother named Mathias who died as an infant.

Of this union of John and Marguerite were born two daughters. The oldest, Lucy Anne Marie, was born at Diekirch in northern Luxembourg on 15 June 1909.

Some of their friends who had returned from Canada for a visit, told John that Canada is the only place to make lots of money, "you can get rich in no time". So John sold what they had and gave up his good position. At first Marguerite didn't like the idea, but she finally agreed. In 1913 they crossed 3200 miles of ocean from Antwerp Belgium to Ellis Island, New York.

Ellis Island was the primary reception depot for immigrants to the United States between 1900 and 1924. Often 5000 immigrants a day passed through Ellis Island. All immigrants received a "six second medical" - a visual inspection. Those who had to be further examined were marked with chalk and directed to an examination room. For legal inspection, newcomers lined up with fellow passengers in rows. Each wore a tag with two numbers referring to the page and line on the ship's manifest where his name appeared. If an immigrant failed to answer inspections properly, he was sent to the special inquiry rooms. Detainees slept in dormitories that separated men from women and children.

Going through the advertisements, John and Margaret found work on a dairy farm in Poughkeepsie, New York. Wages were $35 per month for both of them, Marguerite cooked and John laboured. John was not used to this hard work and lost 30 pounds in 60 days. The Boss and his wife were kind to them and took such a liking to Lucy that they took her with them a lot. Addressed to him at Lagrangeville, New York dated 30 December 1914: "Mr. John Hirtz: Your letter to hand and contents noted. I will have some one take your place by the time your month expires. Regarding the furniture, I would advise you to wait until I hire someone else who may want to buy same. I personally have no use for same. Yours truly, Jacob Leitner, Real Estate and Insurance, New York USA."

In 1915 they arrived at Herbert, Saskatchewan where the hardship and struggle of farming began. They worked for Henry Guillaume ($40/month total) and later rented his farm. In 1915 they rented Mike Goeres farm. That winter Marguerite and Lucy stayed at the farm and worked for board and room, while John ran a Cinema (Dreamland Theatre) and Butcher Shop in Herbert. The winter of 1916, John left someone in charge of the businesses and hauled grain from south of Beechy to Herbert. That winter was so cold, many times he froze his face, feet and hands. Once so badly that his face blistered and did not heal up until spring. He stopped overnight at a farmstead near Main Centre, and he wished he had stayed in Luxembourg.

Then John sold the Butcher shop and Cinema and rented a farm a mile north of Herbert. There a second daughter was born on 25 February 1916, Renee Marie Caroline. A note in his journal dated February 19, 1916: "I was on the road from Beechy to Herbert with four horses and one load 75 bushels of wheat. On arriving at Main Centre, half way stopping place, it was 58 below zero. The trip took three days, two to go and one to return. I made 11 trips that winter."

1915 and 1916 were good years for crops. In those days they were cut with a binder and then stooked. The big thing after that was to get the stooks threshed because there were not many threshing machines in the whole district. In summer of 1916 there was so much rain that the settlers experienced a season of red rust the like of which was never seen since.

Things went along somewhat better, being all together on their own, and Lucy going to school by this time. Then the 1918 flu hit the district. John, Lucy and Renee got it, but Marguerite didn't so she had to be nurse and also do the chores. It was impossible to get a doctor to come as he was so overworked. They were thankful for the telephone because they could get the neighbour to bring groceries and medicine as far as the gate, then Marguerite would carry it in from there. No one wanted to catch the flu, and the ones who had it could not venture out.

Then the poor crop years came, especially 1919 when practically no rain fell during the growing season.

In 1920 they returned to Europe where John was employed as an interpreter for the French government at the Palais D'orsay (Hotel) in Paris. He knew how to speak seven languages -English, French, German, Holland, Latin, Letzebuergesch and Flamish.

It became too hard to stand all the time so he became a chauffeur at a villa on the outskirts of Paris and then later a personnel manager for a meat packing plant delivering all over Paris (1920-1924).

But they were not content - in 1925 they came back to Canada, helping Henry Guillame with harvest at Herbert then loaded their belongings and moved across the Herbert Ferry to Tony Hirtz's farm by Lucky Lake. There is a Christmas card with an English message postmarked Hillsdale, Illinois USA dated 24 December 1925: "Dear Lucie, I got here this morning safe and sound. I surprised them all. I had a fine trip. There is but little snow all the way. Hope you are all well and a Merry Christmas to you all from Daddy."

John and Marguerite farmed for several years in the Lucky Lake District, first at what was known as the Daddy Baron place 4 miles north of Lucky Lake and then the Rice place.

November 1928 daughter Lucy married Robert Mitchell. John and Margaret's first grandson, John, was born 22 August 1929.

In 1932 Hirtz's moved to Beechy where they farmed the Ike Dalhby (later Benny Braun) farm west of Beechy. In 1934 they moved to the Albert Philly farm (later Ralph Clark/Don Esson farm) and finally in 1938 they bought the Kuhlmier (Bob Sheridan) place south of Beechy where they farmed until retirement in 1944.

In the 19 September 1934 issue of the Valiant Echo: Mrs. J. Hirtz is in the hospital in Saskatoon for about three weeks recuperating from a car accident.

Marguerite also was diagnosed with cancer in 1934. Through radium treatment and the care of Dr. Leckie she survived to live another 34 years.

The spring of 1935, son-in-law Bob Mitchell went to the Melfort area to work. Lucy was expecting their second child so she stayed behind. Marcy was born March 23rd. When she was six weeks old, Lucy and the baby left to join Bob. Bob and Lucy's oldest child, John, was ready to start school so he moved in with John and Margaret until Bob and Lucy returned in the fall.

Renee and Eddy Stockman married on January 21, 1936, the day King George V died. They travelled to Saskatoon by train, got married, returned and had supper at the Stockman residence.

Before grain elevators were built, Carl Nerby (and W.B. Bell) came from Riverhurst and built bins to accept grain. Mr. Nerby built a huge open bin to accommodate the ever increasing production and so huge was the pile of wheat that it broke the bin and spread over the railroad tracks halting all rail traffic. Men with shovels and strong backs set out and cleared the right of way.

John returned to Luxembourg alone in 1937. Marguerite stayed with Renee and Eddy and their son Edward, who had been born 25 August 1936.

Peter Nightingale was a policeman that John knew. On 3 March 1941 he wrote a letter to John that is curiously worded. "It is a long time since we corresponded. You have never answered my last letter which of course is O.K. as I told you at the time if you connected with the job my Officer Commanding intimated he would offer, then you were not to answer...maybe you are not in position to write letters. I happened to be talking of you today when someone commented on the sword and German helmets you gave me and suddenly I thought that I had not heard from you for some time. We received your Christmas card and I looked in vain for a few words. I do hope my Officer Commanding was able to give you a decent job doing something or other, God knows there is room for a good man with your accomplishments."

In his records was a letter written on the letterhead of the Government of Luxembourg dated 12 March 1941 from Montreal:

"I received your correspondence asking about the gentlemen the Canadian government is representing; Pierre Dupong, President of the (Luxembourg) Government and Victor Bodson, Minister of Justice. Furthermore there is also co-workers of the government - Leon Schaus, General Secretary and Pierre Elvinger, Secretary. Police in Luxembourg are still in service and obliged by the Prussians to work with them. Your brother is probably also in the same situation. We have heard nothing special about him in particular. Thank you for your inquiries. We would like to come back to you with this."

Also in 1941 their youngest grandchild, Larry Mitchell, was born.

21 August 1942 the Deputy Minister of Munitions and Supply, Dept. Of National Defence, in Ottawa wrote, "We have been informed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that you are the owner of a 9 mm Luger pistol. Your country needs it urgently. We request you, therefore, to ship this pistol by express, charges collect to ... a qualified ordnance officer will appraise your weapon and in due course you will receive a cheque for it's fair value ... this letter is secret. Please treat it as such and discuss its contents with no one."

And one last letter related to the war, again from the Department of National Defence, Recruiting Sub-Station, "Reference is made to your offer of service as an interpreter in the Canadian Army and I beg to advise you that information regarding yourself was submitted to the Director of Army Recruiting at Ottawa ... Your offer of service is greatly appreciated and I regret to inform you at the present there is no vacancy for such an interpreter in Military District No. 12, and it is now suggested that you communicate with the D.O.C. Military District No. 13 Calgary, outlining your qualifications, age, experience etc. and asking if there is any need of interpreters in his District, this in view of the fact there are prisoner of war camps in Alberta."Upon retiring, Mr. & Mrs. Hirtz had an auction sale and moved into the village of Beechy where they took great interest in community life. John held the positions of Notary Public, President of the Agriculture Society, Municipal Councillor, President of the local Wheat Pool committee, Assistant Fire Commissioner, President of the Fish and Game League, member and Chairman of the West Butte School Board (later named Pleasant Butte), member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks - Canada and Newfoundland, member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, meteorological agent reporting weather conditions (1944-47), member of Correctional Institute of Canada, member of the Board of Trade, Town Police and Deputy Game Warden and took an active interest in politics (organizer of the CCF party Rosetown-Biggar from the beginning of the party and was a good friend of the MP Mr. Coldwell). A photo of their house in Beechy has a sign in the window "John Hirtz, Real Estate, Insurance, Notary Public".

The citizen's of Beechy petitioned the Attorney General Department in 1945 for John to be appointed as Justice of the Peace, a position he retained until 1967.

Margaret was rushed to Saskatoon by air ambulance in the CD-SAM in 1947. The history of the Saskatchewan Air Ambulance indicates it was established in the fall of 1945. It had a modest beginning of one aircraft (a Noorduyn Norseman CF-SAH), one pilot, one nurse and one aircraft maintenance engineer. Purchase of the second Norseman aircraft, the legendary CD-SAM was authorized in August 1946 by Tommy Douglas. The CD-SAM now rests in the Western Development museum in Moose Jaw.

While President of the Fish and Game League (1948), Beechy Branch won the W. E. Staples Trophy for having the greatest increase in membership. John was personally credited with contributing the most towards receiving this trophy.Nearly every home had a radio. Anyone owning a radio had to have a license to operate it.

In 1951 Mr. & Mrs. Hirtz returned to Europe for a vacation (SS Queen Elizabeth sailing from Cherbourg on June 15 ... Railway from New York to Saskatoon). While there he visited his brother Michy who was an accountant in a brewery owned by Mr. Lefort. John met Mr. Lefort's brother, Leon Lefort, here. John talked about the vast prairies and their farmland. Leon dreamed of owning a farm there and asked John to purchase one for him. In September 1951, John purchased the G. Hamilton farm in the RM of Canaan on behalf of Leon.

John was a member of the Luxembourg Brotherhood in Chicago, section number 9. He regularly submitted news articles for them to publish in their newspaper called Luxembourg News and on a few occasions, travelled to Chicago to attend meetings and to reacquaint with old friends from Luxembourg.

In March 1952, daughter Lucy went into hospital and her son Larry stayed with John and Margaret for a few weeks.

In May 1952, John's brother Michy and Leon Lefort visited in the Beechy area. A friendship had developed between John and Leon that was to last the rest of their lives.

Leon Lefort (born 1917 in Luxembourg) held an impressive resume; he was a delegate of Luxembourg to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (study of plants). He was Secretary General of the Luxembourg National Commission for UNESCO, and attache to the Luxembourg legation in Paris. His father, Tony Lefort was a diplomat and cabinet minister of the Grand Duchy of Lux. and was first representative to the League of Nations and Minister to Switzerland and the Netherlands (1955). Leon was elected to the Grand Ducal Institute in the science division, became President of the Luxembourg Society of Naturalists and a member of Dodonald (a Belgium Scientific Society). Leon wanted to move to Canada to avoid future wars and to give his wife and three children (Emile, Claudine and Genevieve) a better life. He was appointed Honorary Vice-Consul of Belgium for Saskatchewan living in Saskatoon. He left Saskatoon in 1960 to reside in Montreal where he was appointed President of the Chamber of Commerce for Belgium in Canada. Shortly thereafter he was appointed consul General de Lux in Montreal. He died unexpectedly in 1975. Because Mrs. Lefort had assisted him in his duties, the Luxembourg government asked her to temporarily take over the duties. In 1996 she was continuing to carry out the duties of consul General.

On the Lefort farm, John hired men to do the farming the first months, then arranged with his grandson, John Mitchell and his wife, Elsie for them to rent the farm. The contract terms were: "One half crop share, Lefort furnishes machinery and seeds. John furnishes all labour, gas and oil and board. Cattle stay the property of Lefort. John receives one half of increase. The same amount of feed to be left on the farm. The same amount of vegetables to be left on the farm. Tools to be stored away and returned to Lefort after expiration of term. Furniture in house belonging to Lefort. At least 200 acres of rye to be seeded each year. A room and bath to be reserved for Mr. Lefort."

Grandson John wanted to buy his own farm so in 1954 when the Jim Mason ranch came up for sale he bought it.

Leon came to Canada in 1953 and Mrs. Lefort and children followed in 1954.Listed as farm expenses, besides the normal equipment, seed etc, was a $550 entry for a 32 volt lighting plant with tower, charger and 16 batteries.

Due to Marguerite's ill health, they decided in 1953 to move to Saskatoon (1117-6th Street East - Lots 10 & 11 ex W 6' Plan ER-2 Block 17)).

In Saskatoon John was Justice of the Peace with the City Police, RCMP and municipalities of Cory and Waldheim and was a Juror in City Court sitting for several cases. He also canvassed for the United Appeal and belonged to the Community Chest organization.

On 1 June 1956, John was decorated for outstanding services to his country and made Chevalier in the Order of Ducal of the Crown of the Oak by the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg "for the valuable services to your country for the generous assistance given to the many immigrants from Luxembourg since you came to Canada". It was also mentioned that he had co-operated and assisted the government during the Second World War. This is the highest honour given to a civilian by the Luxembourg government. (Note: This award was also called Couronne de Chene - reference 20 February 1956 letter from the Ambassador of the Grand-Duche of Luxembourg.) It was also referred to in a letter dated 3 April 1957 from Mr. Coldwell, MP, House of Commons, Canada: "Congratulations for the honour bestowed on Mr. Hirtz, Luxembourg Cross of the Legion of Honour".) The Order de la Couronne de Chene was instituted by royal grand ducal decree of 29 December 1841 and is still existing. It was destined to recognize special civilian or military services rendered by Luxembourgers. It is conferred on the day of the official celebration of the anniversary of the sovereign (National Day).

On his birthday in 1957, he wrote in his journal: "70 years of age, feeling good. 9 Children in family all living to date - Helen 72, myself 70, Pierre 66, Gretchen 64, Tony 63, Gempy 59, Catherine 53, Mishy 51, Lina (Caroline) 62, in Paris." (Note the ages don't exactly match the family tree.)

John may have intended to move to B.C. in 1956. He put an option on some land at Pouce Coupe (NW 33-85-16-W6). A letter from the B.C. Commissioner of Lands asking for a payment states: "It is noted that it was your intention to move on to this land in June of this year." However, because he was involved in Real Estate transactions for other people, it is possible the Agreement for Sale was in his name on behalf of someone else.

On the 2 March 1957 he wrote a letter of reference for Pierre Goebel (Margaret's brother Pierre's grandson) "This is to certify that Mr. Pierre Goebel of Diekirch in Luxembourg is personally known to us. We will find a job for him on a farm and he will also have a home with us till employed. John Hirtz, Justice of the Peace." On 20 July 1957 Pierre arrived. (Note: John also wrote a reference for a Mr. Reinhold Hoppner that same week).

On 1 August 1957, at age 70, John received his first old age pension cheque for $46.

Luxembourg and the Royal Family

Luxembourg is a tiny country in western Europe bordering France, Belgium and West Germany. (Not to be confused with the province of Luxembourg in Belgium.) Luxembourg claims only 998 square miles. It is 35 miles wide and 55 miles long. The capital city is Luxembourg City. Their motto translated means, ‘We want to remain what we are'. There is three official languages - Letzebuergesch, French and German.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy, an independent sovereign state. The monarchy is ruled by a hereditary grand duke or grand duchess of the House of Nassau. During World War I, from 2 August 1914 until 1918, Luxembourg was occupied by the Germans. Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide was the grand duchess at the time. She was criticized for not demonstrating sufficient resistance. 15 January 1919 she abdicated and was succeeded by her sister Charlotte. In 1920 Luxembourg joined the League of Nations. In 1921 women were given the right to vote. In 1924 Grand Duchess Charlotte married Prince Felix.

The 10 May 1940 Luxembourg was again seized by Germany. The royal family and government officials fled to France and then through Spain to Portugal and on to London. There they formed a government in exile. In September 1941 Grand Duchess Charlotte, Prince Felix, the prime minister and other officials went to the United States seeking assistance. Hereditary Grand Duke Jean visited Midwest cities where former Luxembourgers lived. (Note: August 19, 1942 the members of the royal family were guests of President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House.) Grand Duke Jean, volunteered for service in the British Army and Prince Felix joined the British N

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LUXEMBOURG IMMIGRANTS IN CANADA

It is not clear who the author of the following article is. It is written about John Hirtz and in one place seems to be talking about his brother Tony who immigrated in 1910. It appears to have been written in the early 1940's. I received the copy written in French from Michel Hirtz in Luxembourg.

My purpose today is to describe the activities of early immigrants to Canada . . . in particular those from Luxembourg. Furthermore, to make my description as accurate as possible, I shall limit myself to only one province: Saskatchewan, where within a radius of 1,000 km, several hundreds of farmers are hard at work, all having their roots in Osling.

Here you will find the typically brave pioneer (a seeker of adventure, no doubt) who came alone and penniless at the turn of the century. The man soon wrote home to his family, his neighbors and others. The first letters probably stretched the truth, a bit, ignoring the worry and hardships that abounded. However, these letters created a taste for far-away places in the brother and the friend, who in turn shared it with other young men from neighboring villages. Eventually, a group bade farewell to the Ardennes, and made their way to the new land. In 1910, the fare from Anvers to New York cost 150 francs. Nowadays, it is possible to navigate the St. Lawrence, come directly to disembark at Montreal, and the fare has increased a hundred fold!

Barely 20 years ago, immigrants could buy land, at $1.00 per 100 square meters. However they had no dollars as yet. Now, they must pay $80.00 for that same measure of land, and they gladly do so, because they have done very well indeed. War, with its' increased need for food (for the army) as well as a hungry Europe, saw all silos empty from day to day. Prices for top grade wheat were sky high. And, as chance would have it the crops were magnificent.

In 1942, John, the owner of Bigonville-Farms harvested 22,000 bushels of No. 1 Wheat, 8,000 bushels of oats, and 3,000 bushes of flax. He also had 42 horses, 120 cows, 200 pigs and 1000 poultry. Already farmers were aware that having animals was wise when crops were poor.

It was in 1939 that John had a particularly difficult year. He barely harvested enough grain to give him next spring's seed. Even his orchard (he had 4,000 fruit trees) did not produce.

John's family now lives at Beechy and area. The two girls married farmers and have settled on their own farms. Love of the land is passed on from the father to his children, and since almost every immigrant has been blessed with a large family, all are well taught to work, it is not surprising that financial success eventually came knocking at the door. Of course many of our compatriots struggled, almost starved for 15 or 20 years. But they stayed with it and they eventually owned impressive properties, had comfortable bank accounts, and, if they did not buy more land, their surplus was invested in Canada Savings Bond.

In Argentina I noticed that immigrants from Luxembourg were not a friendly lot. They had not bonded. Whereas in Canada, from the south to the far north of Saskatchewan, families gather every Saturday. Everyone is welcome - men, women and children. They chat, sing, dance, discuss the latest news from the Old Country, enjoy cake and tea . . .

As a matter of fact, men have not only learned to do without the pleasure of alcohol, they must also deny themselves the use of cigarettes. It is not that Canadian laws forbid tobacco, but a little match carelessly tossed away in the field, could easily destroy the entire crop. Even in winter, when the land is covered with snow, no one smokes simply to make sure that the habit is not formed. It follows then that snuff and chewing tobacco are fashionable!

There is an unwritten law that has been adopted by our compatriots, to the benefit of the whole community. I speak of "mutual assistance". If for example, someone suffers serious damage from the weather, a combined offensive is immediately organized to help the hapless family. A newcomer is also assured of shelter, work, helpful advice and friendship. It is interesting to skim through a typical diary. There you will find the warmth of all family events; betrothals, weddings, births, baptisms, listed in capital letters, and covering long columns. Whereas politics do not feature, market quotations are regularly recorded - showing the price of wheat and furs.

With regards to elementary schools, children are often obliged to travel 20 to 30 kilometers. This is done on horse back or in a buggy.

It is interesting to notice that our friends have quickly acquired the instincts of NIMROD (skilled hunters), while the land slumbers in winter, many men go north, organizing hunting expeditions that last 2 or 3 months, during which time they track moose, elk, deer, fox, wolves and beaver. Don't even mention rabbits. This dumb, destructive creature is not even worth the bullet! The Canadian government plays a role in the control of the rabbit population. A bounty is paid for each pair of rabbit ears turned in.

John is a prolific letter writer. Over and above all the news he shares re: his farms, his family, his work as a Justice of the Peace, other settlers, etc. . . he loves to reminisce about his youth.

He recalls at age 12, slaving for a peasant from Lultzausen, and being paid 100 francs a year, plus a pair of work boots. He also recalls hunger pangs that drove him to the pigs trough to reclaim some crusts of bread! He remembers with considerable nostalgia, the little village band playing for the annual procession, on the Feast of St. Donation in May, the good parishioners applauding and processing to the Chapel, nestled in a clump of linden trees, and good old "Jhangli", all covered with rich brocades, patiently pulling his carts from Noerdange to Martelange.

"Ah", writes our John, "I would dearly love to hear one more time, those bells of Bigonville, at sundown. Once more that is, before they bury me in this Canadian soil."

Notes for Marguerite Hirtz Margaretha (Marguerite) Goebel:

Generation No. 2

2. Pierre Henri (Henri) Hirtz, born 05 December 1859 in Bigonville, Luxembourg; died 06 February 1938 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. He was the son of 4. Jean Hirtz and 5. Marguerite Wilwers. He married 3. Caroline Schuller 08 May 1883 in Bigonville.

3. Caroline Schuller, born 12 February 1860 in Schieren; died 06 March 1945 in Luxembourg. She was the daughter of 6. Francois Schuller and 7. Marie Thull.

Notes for Pierre Henri (Henri) Hirtz:

I asked Michel Hirtz in Luxembourg why Pierre had so many names that he was referred to. His answer: Henri was the Christian name by which he was generally known in the administrations and abroad. Pierre (pronounced Peter) was the name by which he was generally known and called at home. Traditionally the oldest son was always called Pierre with different Luxembourgian pronounciations for identification. Henri born 5-12-1859 was called Pierre pronounced Peter; Pierre born 10-4-1891 was pronounced Petchen; and Pierre born 13-11-1920 was pronounced Pit. The young people called him "Monni" which means uncle. "Nekels" is the housename, (conventional designation of the houses introduced in the Middle Ages) all the members of a family and even all others living under the roof of this house were called by their first name and the house name. In the past there were neither names nor numbers for the streets and the houses.

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HIRTZ Peter "Nekels Monni"

Tribute by H. Trauffler, Mamer.

 Nekels Monni was a cousin of our mother and so the Nekels family was close to our family. We were always together, parents and children, and I myself cannot imagine my childhood without their family.

"Monni" (uncle) is with me as long as I live. He was linked with our family in all happy and sad events and I can't think of life without him.

He also was a personality in the village, whose opinions counted and who was able to gain the respect of others. He was a handsome, proud man who had widened his horizon through Paris, more than most of the Bondorf (Bigonville) peoples. When Monni told of Paris, something that happened regularly when he became the center of our group, I put down my pen while doing my homework and listened, listened to the call of the alluring city and promised myself that I would "get up" there someday. Then even Reding, who cannot move beyond the limits of the ban, was transported and he saw someone extraordinary in Hirtz, he envied him in secret and with good reason.

There was hardly a year when Monni didn't travel to Paris to visit relatives and children, and he brought the best news back in this glorious time before 1914. That was something for our father and on these evenings truly everyone was thinking of France and Paris, heaven on earth. Hirtz was eloquent, knew how to present his subject, to spice it up, to give it life, based on the open eyes of a healthy man who knows how to observe and judge. He was in his element when he cut his "Strolles" (tobacco), forming crumbs in his hand and pushing it into his clay pipe with his crooked little finger. Father didn't stop him, and most of the time Reding, Rubber's Peter, Zerfe Fetter and Schmitz Peter went home amazed and thinking of the tall tales which Monni had told them of the Eiffel Tower, the Villette and the Seine River. I myself believed every word until father told me: "Monni sure has told some tales to the boys again. Good job."

In some ways he was a philosopher. They had 9 children. He was no craftsman, farmer or businessman. But a bit of everything, and today I am asking myself how it was possible for him to support and provide for his family in such a good manner. He managed. He was a butcher occasionally, probably because that was the tradition in the family. He butchered 3/4 of all of the pigs in the village, of course ours too, and that was always a special day for us. Then I didn't leave his side and asked him a thousand questions and he was able to answer. He possessed a large measure of folk wisdom and had advice for everything.

He really liked to eat Limburg cheese with mustard, something which all "men" delighted in at that time, and my mouth watered when I stood near him admiringly and was happy because Monni enjoyed his food so much, and I regretted that I was not able to indulge in it in the same way . . . He sold potatoes and tan. Because of that he knew everyone in the village, met people in the city and in rural areas, was known everywhere and became a personality.

At this time large amounts of brandy were consumed in Bondorf. Monni knew how to live. He enjoyed company and when they were visiting, more than once they had quite a bit. When he had been drinking - (although I did not often see that happen) -, things could get easily out of hand. Then you had to calm him down and his wife Caroline knew how to do this well. As a "Parisian" he loved good food and drink.

He wanted to enjoy life, didn't throw anything out and knew how to make his days as pleasant as possible. In this regard he was mocking the farmers, especially Reding, who in spite of their fields and cattle barns were too stingy to spend some money.

He was charming and knew how to present himself. Today after all of his generation has gone, I must admit that Monni was among the wisest and most energetic of them . He was generous in every way because he had seen the world. He was always helpful and served the whole village. Therefore he was well liked by all, especially in company.

I was always very impressed by his kind heart which came to the fore in the tragic story of his sister and her children. We were just children at that time and unable to comprehend the terrible seriousness of that situation. Today I know and understand what Monni has done for those children and it will always do you credit.

With the memories of Nekel's Monni I remember a time, the time before 1914, which is so very far from us and which we cannot fathom anymore after these two terrible wars. How very cosy everything was at that time. The lives of these people were worn down between 1860 and 1940 in the most beautiful time of our homeland and in spite of their hard life everything took its normal course just like the ticking of the clock.

My last memory of Nekel's Monni is from 1919 when I had the pleasure to travel "up" to Paris with him and Sisy, the fulfillment of a dream whose roots went back to his stories in our home. Even then it was not the Paris of his time any longer and he was astonished because we -- had taken firewood along to Paris. We arrived at Chapelle, in the Rue Ordener, at 6 o'clock in the morning at a place he was attached to, and then he saw that it had been a good idea to have kindling at this hour for our warm coffee but he repeated again and again: "To take wood to Paris?" - - -

Dear Nekels Monni, you have a place of honor in my memories. May your common sense, your straightforward, open and helpful attitude, your warm heart, your cheerful optimism and your fascinating temper as well as your marvelous sense of humor be my guiding star to your art of living. I wish there was at least a trace of that in my blood! Your life was not easy, just like it was for our parents. You did live it honestly and with courage. Your glorious evening of life, which was over your final days like a beautiful dusk, was a rich reward to you, who knew how to live. Rest in peace.

Sept. 30, 1947 signed

H. Trauffler

asked Michel Hirtz about the apparent contradictions in what Pierre Hirtz was called. He related: Henri was his first name or Christian name by which he was generally known in the administrations and abroad. Pierre, pronounced Peter, was the forename by which he was generally known and called at home. Traditionally the oldest son was always called Pierre with different Luxembourgian pronunciations for identification so that Henri (born 5-12-1859) called Pierre pronounced Peter, and Pierre (born 10-4-1891) is pronounced Petchen and Pierre (born 13-11-1920) was pronounced Pit.

The young children all called him "Monni" which means uncle. "Nekels" was the house name, (conventional designation of the houses introduced in the Middle Ages) all the members of a family and even all others living under the roof of this house were called by their first name and the house name. In the past, there were neither names nor numbers for the streets and the houses.

Michel also wrote about Henri Trauffler: Henri was born in 1890 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. He died in 1971 in Mamer. He was a teacher in Primary School in Mamer. Henri Trauffler's mother was Catherine Wilwers. Catherine's father was Heinrich Wilwers, who was a brother to Marguerite Wilwers who was Pierre Hirtz's mother. Henri Trauffler was a courteous man, popular and well-known, always ready to help and who took a large and active part in social life. The old school where he showed his teaching ability and in which he held an important place, bears his name today - "Ecole Henri Trauffler".

 Children of Pierre Hirtz and Caroline Schuller are:

Generation No. 3

4. Jean Hirtz, born 11 February 1832 in Bigonville, Luxembourg; died 22 December 1895 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. He was the son of 8. Henri Hirtz and 9. Marguerite Anna Meres. He married 5. Marguerite Wilwers 09 February 1859.

5. Marguerite Wilwers, born 16 September 1827 in Bigonville, Luxembourg; died 08 April 1876 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. She was the daughter of 10. Henri Wilwers and 11. Anne-Catherine Wampach.

Children of Jean Hirtz and Marguerite Wilwers are:

6. Francois Schuller, born 27 November 1810 in Schieren, Luxembourg; died 11 November 1889 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. He was the son of 12. Nicolas Schuller and 13. Marguerite Huble. He married 7. Marie Thull 03 December 1844 in Ettelbruck, Luxembourg.

7. Marie Thull, born 18 December 1822 in Brandenburg, Luxembourg; died Bet. 10 February - 10 March 1895 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. She was the daughter of 14. Mathias Thull and 15. Mariel Madeline Schrantz.

Notes for Francois Schuller:

They had eight children; Madeleine (1845), Peter (1847), Pierre (1850), Philippe (1852), Anna (?), Madeleine Caroline (1860) - Val's great-great grandmother, Johann Peter (1861) and Michel (1863).

Children of Francois Schuller and Marie Thull are:

Generation No. 4

8. Henri Hirtz, born 09 September 1787 in Boulaide, Luxembourg; died 21 January 1863 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. He was the son of 16. Conrad Hirtz and 17. Suzanne Fischbach. He married 9. Marguerite Anna Meres 10 January 1827.

9. Marguerite Anna Meres, born 17 December 1799 in Bigonville, Luxembourg; died 05 December 1863 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. She was the daughter of 18. Eberhard Meres and 19. Anne-Marguerite Braun.

Notes for Marguerite Anna Meres:

One place calls her Merens, however her parents are Meres so assume the former i

s an error. She is listed as Anne Marguerite in the information I got from Rene

e Stockman.

Children of Henri Hirtz and Marguerite Meres are:

10. Henri Wilwers, born 17 December 1797 in TinTange; died 30 June 1863 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. He was the son of 20. Jean Wilwers and 21. Anne Schaul. He married 11. Anne-Catherine Wampach 08 December 1823 in Bigonville.

11. Anne-Catherine Wampach, born 27 November 1794 in Bigonville, Luxembourg; died 30 April 1867 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. She was the daughter of 22. Nicolas Wampach and 23. Anne-Marie DeViller.

Children of Henri Wilwers and Anne-Catherine Wampach are:

12. Nicolas Schuller, born 1771 in Bech, Luxembourg; died 01 April 1823 in Schieren, Luxembourg. He was the son of 24. Jean Schuller. He married 13. Marguerite Huble 28 January 1810 in Schieren, Luxembourg.

13. Marguerite Huble, born 24 May 1783 in Schieren, Luxembourg; died 15 May 1855 in Schieren, Luxembourg. She was the daughter of 26. Philippe Huble and 27. Jeanne Sintgen.

Child of Nicolas Schuller and Marguerite Huble is:

14. Mathias Thull, born 26 August 1790 in Hosingen; died 18 December 1830 in Brandenburg. He was the son of 28. Jean Thull and 29. Anne Funk. He married 15. Mariel Madeline Schrantz 10 July 1818.

15. Mariel Madeline Schrantz, born 25 April 1794 in Brandenburg; died 06 January 1828 in Brandenburg. She was the daughter of 30. Pierre Schrantz and 31. Anne Braun.

Child of Mathias Thull and Mariel Schrantz is:

Generation No. 5

16. Conrad Hirtz, born 21 February 1756 in Selange, Belgium; died 17 April 1834 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. He was the son of 32. Jean Conrad Hirtz and 33. Marie Catherine Mendels. He married 17. Suzanne Fischbach 06 February 1787 in Boulaide.

17. Suzanne Fischbach, born 18 January 1767 in Boulaide. She was the daughter of 34. Nicolas Fischback and 35. Marie Thilmany.

Notes for Conrad Hirtz:

Another source said born in 1754.

Child of Conrad Hirtz and Suzanne Fischbach is:

18. Eberhard Meres, born 1772 in Tarchamps; died 28 February 1832 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. He was the son of 36. Pierre Meres and 37. Marie Schortes. He married 19. Anne-Marguerite Braun 10 December 1798 in Bigonville, Luxembourg.

19. Anne-Marguerite Braun, born 1774 in Bigonville, Luxembourg; died 14 December 1844 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. She was the daughter of 38. Mathias Braun and 39. Marie Dernardy.

Child of Eberhard Meres and Anne-Marguerite Braun is:

20. Jean Wilwers, born 26 May 1765 in Tintange; died 28 January 1806 in Tintange. He was the son of 40. Dyonisius Wilwers and 41. Anne-Marie Lucas. He married 21. Anne Schaul 21 May 1786.

21. Anne Schaul, born 1749 in Kaundorf; died 10 November 1833 in Tintange. She was the daughter of 42. Michel Schaul and 43. Anne Sungers.

Child of Jean Wilwers and Anne Schaul is:

22. Nicolas Wampach, born 01 July 1767 in Bigonville, Luxembourg; died 02 May 1835 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. He was the son of 44. Hubert Wampach and 45. Catherine Schwinnen. He married 23. Anne-Marie DeViller 16 August 1792 in Bigonville.

23. Anne-Marie DeViller, born 13 December 1772 in Bigonville, Luxembourg; died 26 August 1845. She was the daughter of 46. Jean Deviller and 47. Marguerite Wilwers.

Notes for Anne-Marie DeViller:

Also listed as DeVille

Child of Nicolas Wampach and Anne-Marie DeViller is:

24. Jean Schuller

Child of Jean Schuller is:

26. Philippe Huble, born 1731; died 23 November 1804. He married 27. Jeanne Sintgen.

27. Jeanne Sintgen

Child of Philippe Huble and Jeanne Sintgen is:

28. Jean Thull, born 1743; died 21 June 1808 in Hosingen. He married 29. Anne Funk.

29. Anne Funk, born 1748 in Hosingen; died 19 March 1828 in Brandenburg.

Child of Jean Thull and Anne Funk is:

30. Pierre Schrantz, died 26 December 1808 in Brandenburg. He married 31. Anne Braun.

31. Anne Braun, born 1768 in Brandenburg; died 10 April 1816 in Brandenburg.

Child of Pierre Schrantz and Anne Braun is:

Generation No. 6

32. Jean Conrad Hirtz, born 27 April 1717 in Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg; died 29 November 1777 in Selange. He was the son of 64. Philippe Hirtz and 65. Maria Schneiders. He married 33. Marie Catherine Mendels 10 January 1741 in Selange.

33. Marie Catherine Mendels, born 29 January 1712 in Selange; died 22 December 1782 in Selange.

Notes for Jean Conrad Hirtz:

The IGI lists Joes Conradus Hirtz as born to Maria and Phillippe on the 27 April

Listed as Catherine in information Renee Stockman gave me.

Child of Jean Hirtz and Marie Mendels is:

34. Nicolas Fischback, born in Sacul. He married 35. Marie Thilmany 25 January 1750 in Boulaide.

35. Marie Thilmany

Child of Nicolas Fischback and Marie Thilmany is:

36. Pierre Meres, born 1734 in Tarchamps. He married 37. Marie Schortes in Tarchamps.

37. Marie Schortes

Child of Pierre Meres and Marie Schortes is:

38. Mathias Braun, born 06 August 1750; died 22 February 1816. He married 39. Marie Dernardy in Bigonville, Luxembourg.

39. Marie Dernardy, born 1756 in Bigonville, Luxembourg.

Child of Mathias Braun and Marie Dernardy is:

40. Dyonisius Wilwers, born 01 June 1744 in Tintange; died 1776 in Tintange. He married 41. Anne-Marie Lucas 1764.

41. Anne-Marie Lucas, died 16 March 1810 in Tintange.

Child of Dyonisius Wilwers and Anne-Marie Lucas is:

42. Michel Schaul He married 43. Anne Sungers in Kaundorf.

43. Anne Sungers

Child of Michel Schaul and Anne Sungers is:

44. Hubert Wampach, born in Arsdorf; died 08 July 1793 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. He married 45. Catherine Schwinnen 13 September 1789 in Bigonville, Luxembourg.

45. Catherine Schwinnen

Child of Hubert Wampach and Catherine Schwinnen is:

46. Jean Deviller, born 1740 in Wahl; died 16 March 1803 in Bigonville, Luxembourg. He married 47. Marguerite Wilwers 09 January 1763 in Bigonville, Luxembourg.

47. Marguerite Wilwers, born 19 March 1747 in Bigonville, Luxembourg; died 04 May 1796 in Bigonville, Luxembourg.

Child of Jean Deviller and Marguerite Wilwers is:

Generation No. 7

64. Philippe Hirtz, born 17 January 1683 in Oberglabach, Luxembourg. He was the son of 128. Michel Hirtz and 129. Suzanna ?. He married 65. Maria Schneiders 16 November 1704 in Colmar.

65. Maria Schneiders, born in Colmar.

Child of Philippe Hirtz and Maria Schneiders is:

Generation No. 8

128. Michel Hirtz, born in Glabach, Luxembourg; died 31 January 1696 in Glabach, Luxembourg. He was the son of 256. Damian Hirtz. He married 129. Suzanna ? 1674 in Oberglabach, Luxembourg.

129. Suzanna ?, died 22 March 1686.

Children of Michel Hirtz and Suzanna ? are:

Generation No. 9

256. Damian Hirtz, born 06 April 1659 in Glabach, Luxembourg; died 1696. He was the son of 512. Jehan Hurtges-Hirtz.

Notes for Damian Hirtz:

Child of Damian Hirtz is:

Generation No. 10

512. Jehan Hurtges-Hirtz, born 1611 in Oberglabach, Luxembourg. He was the son of 1024. Jehan Sr. Hurtges-Hirtz.

Notes for Jehan Hurtges-Hirtz:

The earliest record I have is Johan Hurtges-Hirtz born in 1541 in Oberglabach, Luxembourg. He had a son; Johan Hurtges-Hirtz Jr. (1611).

Oberglabach is in canton of Mersch, commune of Nommern. It is about 12.5 miles north of Luxembourg City, 3 miles northwest of Mersch.

(Note: In 1958 Guillaume Schumacher published a book: "Geschichtliche Plaudereien aus Nommern" printed by Imprimerie Francois Faber in Mersch. Pages 22-25 detail the genealogy of the inhabitants of the Hirtz house in Glabacher.)

Child of Jehan Hurtges-Hirtz is:

Generation No. 11

1024. Jehan Sr. Hurtges-Hirtz, born 1541 in Oberglabach, Luxembourg.

Child of Jehan Sr. Hurtges-Hirtz is: