Mennonite Genealogy with Michael Penner

Abram P. Bergmann (1884-1971)

Abram Peter Bergmann was born on Dec 24, 1884, in Ladekopp, Molotschna Colony, South Russia, the fifth of six children to Peter J. Bergmann and Elisabeth nee Toews. He was a strong community leader in Russia, taking on various responsibilities in the forestry camps, in protection of his village during the revolution, and in the church. He married Katharina Wiens on May 13, 1912, and they had nine children together—seven in Russia and two after their emigration to Canada.

The Bergmanns’ new start in Canada in thankfulness for the safety and freedom they enjoyed, in spite of the financial hardships. In 1939, Abram and Katharina purchased a character home, an 18 room building formerly a boarding house. The family made many special memories at this location in their busy household.

Abram’s love for the outdoors and especially for hunting and fishing rubbed off on the children. On one fishing outing with his sons in the spring of 1962, shortly before his 50th wedding anniversary, he suffered a severe heart attack from which largely recovered. He passed away suddenly on January 10, 1971 at his residence in Steinbach at the age of 86.

He is remembered as a man of strong convictions, deeply committed to God.

A biography of Abram Bergmann can be found in chapter 1 of the book Of Russian Roots and Canadian Migration. Some of his writings can be found in chapter 2, and chapter 3 contains memories of him written by his daughter Helena.

 

Back to the Bergmann/Wiens page.

Abram P. Bergmann in South Russia, 1910, at age 24.

Source: Helena Bergmann, Steinbach, Manitoba

Abram P. Bergmann in his Red Cross uniform, 1915.

Source: Helena Bergmann, Steinbach, Manitoba

Abram P. Bergmann and his wife, Katharina nee Wiens, circa 1937.

Source: Annie Froese, Winnipeg, Manitoba