Helene Adeline Catherine BECKER

After the death of his first wife, Christian Gottlieb summoned Helene Becker to keep house, from Assel, Germany. Assel is near Stade, about 30 miles from Buxtehude. Helene served as the housekeeper for one and a half years prior to her marriage to C G Haack. The marriage took place in the evening. The entire church was filled to capacity. The following article was written by Helene Becker Haack, in German script. The translation is as close as possible. NOVEMBER GREETINGS To my dear ones and relatives. November! this month is unforgettable for my memory. November 1873 is the serious, important day (the 5th) when, after sufficient reflection with prayer and confidence in God I became a bride and at the same time a mother of four motherless children, ages 4,6,8 and 10 years, whose dear mother had died two years ago, having gone into the blessed eternity! At our marriage in church, before assembled congregation, a song, written by Pastor Binner (a friend) was sung by a singing society and, as a dedication of the society was handed over to us, beautifully framed. We experienced the blessing of our faithful God many times during twenty-four years of married life. In addition to the children, in the course of time, eight more were born. Of these twelve in number, five are in eternity, the heavenly home. The first one of the deceased children, Christian Gottlieb, born September 28th 1874, was four weeks old. The fifth of our departed children is the dear Lulu, age 45, died October 28th 1926. Our dear husband and father fell asleep 40 years ago, November the 26th, 1897, on Thanksgiving Day, when our youngest child Lenchen was six years old, who early next year will celebrate her silver wedding, also in the course of the year our Paula, and Martha near the end of the year, their Golden Weddings! November 1938. November 1880 is likewise unforgettable. Our children at that time seven in number all got sick with scarlett fever and diptheria. Within three weeks three died out of our midst, Marie 17 years, Gustav 11 years, and the little Pauline 2 and one half years old. Gustavs burial took place on Thanksgiving Day. One more November occurrence is to be recorded. In 1877 with six month old Lydia in my arm, I fell through the trap door down the cellar steps, remarkably the child proved to be unharmed. Whereas I sustained a painful injury that remains to the end of my life, but it is bearable through the daily strength prayed for, to bear in patience what is burdensome. This November remembrance greeting I send each of my beloved seven with hearty wishes for blessing. In love, your Mama. The following is from the Last Will and Testament of Helene Becker Haack. The original was written in German script: TESTAMENT-HELENE HAACK God's blessing as my greeting to my children! With best knowledge and conscience, I have drawn up this Will for the division and distribution of the blessings in his grace, God the Lord has given me! First of all, contributions to the growth of God's kingdom on earth, as a blessing from God the Lord, for the rest of your life! -----Beginning of the Will----- A sum of $1000 which is drawing interest in the Deaconess Hospital, is to be transferred and conveyed to my daughter and son-in-law Emma and Dr. Will Radcliffe, as their property in grateful recognition of constant loving care and medical treatment for over 15 years, and of loving ministrations of different kinds for the easing of old-age infirmities and pains. From the sum of $1450, which for some time has been under the management of my son-in-law Will Helz, the costs of the funeral are to be paid. Then shall be given: For Home Missions-$25.00 For World Missions-$25.00 For Belen Church-$25.00 For Will Helz for the settlement and carrying out of the Will- $100.00 For Martha, John, Paula, Theophil, and Lenchen, each- $100.00 Whatever may be left of the $1450 shall be given to Emma. Everything that is in my home and anything else that belongs to me is Emma's property. Sincere greetings to all my loved ones, and thanks for many loving deeds. From your Mother Helen Haack Belen, New Mexico March 6, 1943 The notes that follow were found with Helene's Will, all in her German writing: Helene Adeline Catherine nee Becker, through God's grace celebrated her 90th birthday April 23, 1942. With hearty thanks to the loving heavenly Father for his loving, gracious lending throughout my long lifespan. I also wish for all my loved ones God's gracious guidance to their life's end. In heartfelt love, your mother, Helene Haack. Hearty thanks! to everyone of my dear children who have delighted me with friendly greetings on my birthday! With loving greeting, Your Mama, Auf Weidersehn! Christ Dear John and Family! is our life! Hearty greetings and Death good wishes from your is our prize!! mother and grandmother, H. Haack My dear John and family! May we see each other again! Time passes, the end nears! So I would like to send to all my loved ones, family, who are still on earth. A hearty greeting. May we see each other again in the heavenly home! I wish for all of you our God's blessed care. In heartfelt love, Your mother and grandmother Helene Haack

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