Born in Hasliberg, Bern, Switzerland. Arrived at Ellis Island May 1, 1920 aboard the Lapland.
While living and working on a family member's farm in Oregon, Art was attacked in his sleep by a drunk relative (whose identity is known, but I am omitting). He was horribly beaten and not expected to survive. As a charity patient, he did not receive treatment beyond that for immediate care. His fractures were not properly set and his terribly shattered facial bones & soft pallet were not repaired. He would walk with a prominent limp and have a severe speech impediment for the rest of his life. After his release from the hospital, he did not return to the farm. He rented a room from widow Mary H. Simons Fleskes. After about 6 years as her renter, Art & Mary wed on Jan. 1, 1936 at St. Charles Church in Portland, OR. Being 28 years younger than Mary, her children were very concerned he was trying to take advantage of an "elderly" widow, but that was not the case. Art's physical issues slowed him down (so, in his 30s, he was physically in line with her in her 60s). Plus, when he couldn't be understood in English (due to the oral fractures), he'd tell her in German (what he was trying to say) & she'd translate. They had a good, happy, 39 year marriage & were fun together. I recall once, when Art was having a birthday (in his 60s), Mary teasing that he was getting old & she was thinking of cashing him in for two 30 year olds. They were active members of the Eagles club & went dancing there most every weekend.
While living and working on a family member's farm in Oregon, Art was attacked in his sleep by a drunk relative (whose identity is known, but I am omitting). He was horribly beaten and not expected to survive. As a charity patient, he did not receive treatment beyond that for immediate care. His fractures were not properly set and his terribly shattered facial bones & soft pallet were not repaired. He would walk with a prominent limp and have a severe speech impediment for the rest of his life. After his release from the hospital, he did not return to the farm. He rented a room from widow Mary H. Simons Fleskes. After about 6 years as her renter, Art & Mary wed on Jan. 1, 1936 at St. Charles Church in Portland, OR. Being 28 years younger than Mary, her children were very concerned he was trying to take advantage of an "elderly" widow, but that was not the case. Art's physical issues slowed him down (so, in his 30s, he was physically in line with her in her 60s). Plus, when he couldn't be understood in English (due to the oral fractures), he'd tell her in German (what he was trying to say) & she'd translate. They had a good, happy, 39 year marriage & were fun together. I recall once, when Art was having a birthday (in his 60s), Mary teasing that he was getting old & she was thinking of cashing him in for two 30 year olds. They were active members of the Eagles club & went dancing there most every weekend.
Born in Hasliberg, Bern, Switzerland. Arrived at Ellis Island May 1, 1920 aboard the Lapland.
While living and working on a family member's farm in Oregon, Art was attacked in his sleep by a drunk relative (whose identity is known, but I am omitting). He was horribly beaten and not expected to survive. As a charity patient, he did not receive treatment beyond that for immediate care. His fractures were not properly set and his terribly shattered facial bones & soft pallet were not repaired. He would walk with a prominent limp and have a severe speech impediment for the rest of his life. After his release from the hospital, he did not return to the farm. He rented a room from widow Mary H. Simons Fleskes. After about 6 years as her renter, Art & Mary wed on Jan. 1, 1936 at St. Charles Church in Portland, OR. Being 28 years younger than Mary, her children were very concerned he was trying to take advantage of an "elderly" widow, but that was not the case. Art's physical issues slowed him down (so, in his 30s, he was physically in line with her in her 60s). Plus, when he couldn't be understood in English (due to the oral fractures), he'd tell her in German (what he was trying to say) & she'd translate. They had a good, happy, 39 year marriage & were fun together. I recall once, when Art was having a birthday (in his 60s), Mary teasing that he was getting old & she was thinking of cashing him in for two 30 year olds. They were active members of the Eagles club & went dancing there most every weekend.
While living and working on a family member's farm in Oregon, Art was attacked in his sleep by a drunk relative (whose identity is known, but I am omitting). He was horribly beaten and not expected to survive. As a charity patient, he did not receive treatment beyond that for immediate care. His fractures were not properly set and his terribly shattered facial bones & soft pallet were not repaired. He would walk with a prominent limp and have a severe speech impediment for the rest of his life. After his release from the hospital, he did not return to the farm. He rented a room from widow Mary H. Simons Fleskes. After about 6 years as her renter, Art & Mary wed on Jan. 1, 1936 at St. Charles Church in Portland, OR. Being 28 years younger than Mary, her children were very concerned he was trying to take advantage of an "elderly" widow, but that was not the case. Art's physical issues slowed him down (so, in his 30s, he was physically in line with her in her 60s). Plus, when he couldn't be understood in English (due to the oral fractures), he'd tell her in German (what he was trying to say) & she'd translate. They had a good, happy, 39 year marriage & were fun together. I recall once, when Art was having a birthday (in his 60s), Mary teasing that he was getting old & she was thinking of cashing him in for two 30 year olds. They were active members of the Eagles club & went dancing there most every weekend.
Inscription
Together Forever
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
