COLUMN: Steinbach’s First Families – Heinrich R. & Katharina (Warkentin) Brandt, Justina Unger

A huge thank you to the riders who did an amazing job fundraising for the Mennonite Heritage Village and the Peace Trail this last weekend in the 3rd annual Peace Trek. A special thanks to Racka Roofing for sponsoring the event and Sobey’s Steinbach for providing food for the riders. They raised over $10,000 in support of the ongoing story-telling and community connections provided by the MHV and the Peace Trail.

Heinrich R. Brandt had an interesting youth, beginning with his unique birth. He was one of the few Mennonites possibly born out of wedlock, as his parent’s marriage occurred 8 months after his birth (assuming the records are correct). He was sickly for much of his childhood and had a small stature. The Crimean War broke out when Heinrich was 15 and he worked as a teamster hauling supplies for the Russian military, witnessing many of the horrors of the war.

Heinrich was married to Anna Warkentin and they had three children before she tragically died of smallpox in 1873, just a year before their immigration to Canada. He was remarried shortly after to Anna’s cousin, Katharina Warkentin, who was daughter of Katharina (Thiessen) Warkentin Barkman Loewen from her first marriage to Peter Warkentin. They settled on Wirtschaft 17 next to her mother. Together they had one more child, and became successful in farming, holding 160 acres, two horses, nine head of cattle, and several pieces of machinery. Heinrich also became known for his cabinetry and building prowess.

In 1889, Katharina passed away at the age of 39 and Heinrich remarried again to Justina Unger of Blumenhof. They had no children together, but she became a parent to several children in their twenties and a 12-year-old son. Heinrich had significant issues with his eyesight and even had to have an eye removed in the 1890s. He passed away in 1909, after which Justina continued farming with her sons for seven years before remarrying minister Peter W. Loewen of Neuanlage.

All four children of Heinrich Brandt stayed in the Steinbach area. From his first marriage, Daughter Anna married farmer Abraham P. Reimer, Daughter Maria married merchant Klaas W. Reimer, and Son Heinrich married Elisabeth Warkentin. From the second marriage, Son Klaas married Helena Friesen, daughter of A. S. and Katharina Friesen. He became a surveyor and metal-worker, working alongside his brother-in-law operating a large dredge. It is not surprising that he worked in the machinery business alongside his wife’s family.

Upcoming events

Fall on the Farm, Sept. 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the MHV to experience the harvest through the eyes of the early Mennonite settlers. Enjoy harvest demonstrations, historical interpretation and fun family activites. The Cultures stage with feature diverse cultural acts, and don’t forget to enjoy both Mennonite foods and delicacies from around the world!

Exhibit Grand Opening, “Mennonite Reflections: Arriving in Manitoba 150 Years Ago,” Aug. 29, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join the MHV in celebrating the opening of the new temporary exhibit exploring the mass immigration of Mennonite migrants to Manitoba in 1874. The evening will feature discussion with the exhibit committee and an exploration of the galleries.