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The Heitkemper Family Home Page

Updated September 5, 2000

Allard James Heitkemper

3448 Westminster Court

Napa, Ca 94558

707-255-4389

jheitkempe@aol.com

The Heitkemper family emigrated from Germany during the 1840's and 1850's. In Germany, the Heitkempers lived in the town of Legden which is in the Westfalen region. In Germany they were "kotters" or small farmers and they also worked in the local grist mill. I am trying to determine the reasons that may have compelled them to leave Germany.My great grandfather Gerhard Hermann Heitkemper (born 1-12-1848 in Legden, Germany) came to America with his parents, 3 brothers and 1 sister. They sailed from Antwerp on April 2, 1859 and arrived in New York on May 12, 1859. From New York city, they went by rail to Cincinnati, Ohio. From Cincinnati, they went by steamboat down the Ohio River and then up the Mississippi to Iowa. They landed at McGregor and then went by team to Calmar, Winneshik County.At least 4 of the 5 siblings, including my great grandfather, eventually moved to Portland, Oregon circa 1890. I was born 6/22/1959 in Portland, Oregon - one of five children. My entire family still lives in Portland and I have many cousins there.I am interested in finding any Heitkemper relatives past or present in the US or Germany. I have traced our family back to the early 1700's and am willing to share information with anyone who might be interested.I have the diary of my great grandfather's brother: Hermann Heitkemper, which details their lives both in Germany and in America. This is truly an amazing documentary of the life of German immigrants in the 19th century.

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