HISTORY NOVEMBER 1946 of the CLASSEN FAMILY PART I RECORD OF MY ANCESTRY DIETRICH J. CLASSEN Behrend Claassen, born 1598, at Schoensee, Holland. He was a schoolteacher and active in educational work. His son: Hans Claassen, born 1658, at Peterrhagenfeld, Holland. Moved to Prussia in Germany. He died Sept. 8, 1734. Age 76 years. His daughter Ida married Cornelius Andres. (A preacher.) His son David Claassen, born Sept. 13, 1700, at Schoeneberg, Prussia, Germany. He died Sept. 16, 1780. Age 80 years. His wife was Anna Andresen from Tiegerweide. Born 1722 and died 1784. Age 62 years. They had 16 children. His son: David Claassen, born Oct. 21, 1760, at Fuerstenwerder, Prussia, Germany. We do not have the name of his first wife, but after her death, he married Agnetha Penner, daughter of Peter Penner. He moved to Russia with his family. In these two marriages, he had 24 children. He died April 19, 1827, at the age of 66. His Son: Johann Claassen, (This is Dietrich J. Classen’s father) Born July 27, 1820, at Morgenanerfeld, Prussia, Germany. Moved with his parents to Russia. January 31, 1847 in Gnadenfeld, Russia, he married Catharina Reimer from Felsontahl, South Russia. In this marriage they had ten children. On July 25, 1869 his wife, Catharina, died. She was 42 years old, and was buried in Kuban, Russia. On March 1, 1870, he married Catharina Schmidt, daughter of Abraham Schmidt. (This is Dietrich J. Classen’s mother.) She was born on Jan. 30, 1852 at Alt Kolonie, Russia. In this marriage they had five children. Johann Claaasen was well—educated and was a good businessman and merchant. He had a large mercantile store in Liebenau, Russia. At the age of 38 he began to work for the church and schools and devoted most of his time to this work. In the years 1854 to 1857 he was sent to St. Petersburg to make arrangements with the Russian Government for the privilege of the Mennonite Schools. He was a reformer of the Mennonite Church. In the year 1860 on Jan. 6, he organized the Mennonite Brethern church. The Mennonite Brethren Church is a Protestant church. Its members hold firmly to the New Testament. They believe in true conversion and baptize by immersion, observe foot washing, hold close to communion, do not take official oath by swearing but do affirm, do not believe in military service. The congregation selects its preachers, who serve without pay and usually several ministers are selected for each congregation. As the Russian Government does not allow any church to be organized without the privilege of the Government, they were threatened with persecution or to be sent to Siberia. So on the 27th day of March, 1860. Johann Claassen went to St. Petersburg to take this up with the Czar and his ministers. And also to see that they recieved a tract of land where this new church could colonize. On the 23rd day of May, 1860, he returned. As there was strong oppos- ition, he had not accomplished what he wanted. So in November, 1860, he went to St. Petersburg again and stayed there till June, 1862. It took him over a year and a half to accomplish what he wanted. During this time he saw the Czar and worked with his minister, receiving every thing he wanted. He succeeded in obtaining the authority of a seperate church order. He also succeeded in getting a large tract of land from a governor of the province Kuban in Russia. He also received a pass allowing him to travel anywhere in Russia, as well as an order from the Czar to the local board ordering them to restore all damages that they had done to his business while he was gone. I do not think that he tried to enforce this last order, but it was very good protection for him and gave him a free hand in his work for the Lord and for the Church. After this, Johann Claassen and a large number of other families moved to Kuban where they started a large colony. Here he worked the rest of his life for the church, the school, and the colony. As this required a great deal of business, he traveled a large part of the time. He died on the 24th day of December, 1876. In his first marriage, with Catharina Reimer, they had ten children; 1. David, born Oct. 17, 1847 at Liebenau, South Russia; died Oct. 27, 1847. 2. Jacob, born Feb. 22, 1843[1848] at Liebenau; died July 22, 1843. 3. Maria, born Feb. 26, 1850; died May 12, 1850. 4. David, born April 20, 1857[1851] Liebenau; died Oct. 28, 1857. 5. Jacob, born July 19, 1852 at Liebenau; married Emilie Prochnan on Oct. 17, 1877. [died ???] 6. David Ivanovich Classen, born May 9, 1855 at Liebenau; married Anna Reimer on April 10, 1882. [died ???] 7. Johann, born Oct. 13, 1857 at Liebenau; he drowned on April 15, 1861 while his father was in St. Petersburg on church business. 8. Maria, born May 15, 1860 at Liebenau. She died on Jan. 31, 1877 while visiting her uncle Jacob Reimer. 9. Aganetha, born April 1, 1863 at Leibenau. She married Johann Berg, of Alexander. 10.Catharina, born January 1866 at Liebenau; died Sept. 27, 1867. In his second marriage, to Catharina Schmidt, five children were born: 1. Catharina, born Dec. 6. 1870 at Wohldemfuerst, Kuban, Russia. She came with her parents to America in 1884, to Waldeck, [Marion Co.] Kansas. She married Isaac Neufeld and later they moved to Fairview, Oklahoma, where she died in June, 1910. They had eight children: Harry, Emma, Johnny, Arthur, Anna, Edwin, Theodore, and Margareta. 2. Anna, born February 20, 1872 in Kuban, Russia. She also came to America, to Waldeck, Kansas, with her parents, in 1884. She married John Flaming, and they moved to Cooper, [probably Blaine County] Oklahoma. They also later moved to Fairview, where she died on June 3, 1906. Their seven children were: Sarah, David, Abraham, Katharine, Otto, Hugo, and Erma. 3. John, born November 11, 1873 in Kuban, Russia. He too came to Waldeck with his parents in the year 1884, and he married Maria Hiebert at Cooper, [probably Blaine County] Oklahoma. Then they moved to Fairview, Okla., where he had a store. Later he moved to Balko, Okla., on a farm, where he got sick. He died in a hospital on December 22, 1907, in Wichita, Kansas. Their two children were named Menno and Elmer. 4. Dietrich, born October 12, 1875; died in 1876. 5. Dietrich J. Classen, born April 20, 1877 in Kuban, Russia. In 1884 he came with his parents to America, to Waldeck, Kansas. On Aug. 2, 1901 he married Lena Duerksen of Hillsbroro, Kansas. After their wedding they went to OKlahoma. In 1909 they moved on a farm at Rosedale, California. For many years they taught school in Kansas, Oklahoma, and California. Their five children are: 1. Lena, born Feb. 20, 1905 at Fairview, Oklahoma. 2. Selma, born April 19, 1906 at Fairview, Oklahoma. 3. John, born July 23, 1907 at Fairview, Oklahoma. 4. Esther, born Feb. 14, 1911 at Rosedale, California. 5. Menno, born March 5, 1918 at Rosedale, California. My mother, Katharina (Schmidt) Classen, daughter of Abraham Schmidt, was born on January 30, 1852 in Old Colony, Russia. She was converted in 1862 and in 1865 was baptized. She came to America in 1884 with her family and settled north of Waldeck, Kansas. She died on June 26, 1915 at Corn, Oklahoma. Her second marriage was to Peter Thiessen, and they had five children: 1. Peter, born April 27, 1881 In Kuban, Russia, came to America in 1884 with his parents, to live at Waldeck, Kansas. He later came to Bakersfield, California. He was a carpenter by trade. He married Agenes Keck, and died at Bakersfield, On February 26, 1943. Their three children are: Clarence, Muriel, and Harold. 2. Henry, born January 12, 1883 in Kuban, Russia. He also came to Waldeck, Kansas with his parents in 1884 and later moved to Fairview, OKlahoma, and then to Caddo Co., Oklahoma, where he married Lula Miller. His occupation is farming. Their ten children are: Alice, Viola, Jim, Elsie, Grant, Della, Goldie, Loretta, Bertha, and Leonard. [Henry died Dec. 31, 1946] [Lula died Jan. 21, 1947] 3. Abraham, born January 20, 1885 at Waldeck, Kansas. Later he went to Caddo Co., Oklahoma, where he married Laura Miller. He also was a farmer. He died on May 23, 1945, at Eakly, Okla. Their ten [eleven] children are: Arvilla, Beulah, Urall [Uearl], May, Ethel, Glen, Roy, Ray, Hazel, and Darlene. One baby, Freddie, died as an infant. 4. Sarah, born January 11, 1887 at Waldeck, Kansas. She moved with her parents first to Fairview, Oklahoma and then to Caddo Co., Okla. She married Frank [Franz] Nikkel. They attended schools in Oklahoma and then McPherson College in Kansas. For a while they taught school in Oklahoma and Kansas. Later they moved on a farm in Texas and from there on a farm near Bakersfield, Calif. At present they are in Shafter, Calif., where they own their own little home. They had eleven children: Viola, Rosela, Esther, Albert, Selma, Emma, Edwin (died), Ruthie (died), John Wesley, Paul, and Donald. 5. George, born June 16, 1889, died in 1890. PART II HISTORICAL SKETCH OF DAVID IVANOVITCH CLASSEN AND BLESSED ACTIVITIES In the story of the beginning of the M. B. Church, a certain John Classen from Liebenau (Russia) has a highly out- standing activity. He undertook two voyages to Petersburg to consult the higher authorities for protection against persecution of the new organization. During the time of his absence from his home, nobody knew of his whereabouts; no, not even his wife and family had any information so as to protect their honesty in defense against the enemy. After having arrived in Petersburg, he informed his wife of his whereabouts, relating that the journey had been very stre- nuous. Under cover of night, he left home on horseback, thus avoiding the searching enemy. Arriving at Charkow[Karkov?], on horseback, he abandonded his horse and traveled on the mail wagon to Moscow. From Moscow he continued his journey by train to Petersburg. In his effort for the sustenance and welfare of the church, he sacrificed partly his good health. In dealing with the Petersburg government, he obtained a tract of land in the Kuban area to locate 100 families of the brethren. His father located there and also his above-named son, David Ivanovitch Classen, who has resided there the greater part of his life. This son, who was generally called David Ivanovitch, has become of outstanding publicity in this colony. He was richly talented, of a hearty Christian faith, God-fearing authoritative in dealing with people, and kind to the poor and lower class. Such submissive dealing gave him the confidence of all. At the Kuban, David Ivanovitch Classen was elected minister, but because of other obligations, he was not steadfast in the ministry. However, because of their having more than one minister in the Mennonite Brethren church, this was not charged against him and did not create any disturbance. In the village Wohldemfuerst he established a horticulture school, from whence far and near in the country people obtained their fruit trees. By this establishment he became quite wealthy. Those in authority of the settlement noticed in such cultural development a very profitable activity, and commissioned him as a traveling instructor in horticulture. For his efficiency in this service, he was classed by the Government into the higher ranks. When in the beginning of the first World War, all the German colonists should vacate their present location, it did not effect him, because he was in higher ranks with the Government. He never made a personal boast of his higher position, and many did not even know of it. In the Kuban settlement he was appointed Justice of the Peace (Oberschulze.) His first official meeting he opened by prayer. Some were of the opinion that his being minister and Justice of the Peace did not harmonize. Yet everything went quite well during his time of service in these obligations. They also established a high school. Whether David Ivanovitch Classen was the official leader I do not know, but he was the most capable of the teacher personnel. About the year 1907 he was called to the position of instructor of the German language and the course of Pedagogy in the high school of Halbstadt. Soon after, he was promoted to the Presidential office of the Molotchner Mennonite School advisory, and in this position, together with the elders of the church of Halbstadt, he had to examine the teachers in the German language and in Religion, and visit the schools. Not long hence he was elected and authorized to all Russian Mennonite service activities. Mainly the Mennonites in civil service were active in Governmental Forestry. The Mennonites had to support their soldiers and build their lodging quarters (or barracks); in turn, the Government paid only a very meager salary for the work done. The handling of the hundred thousand rubel (dollar), to the care of religious and civil behavior among the thousand men were on his shoulders. One church minister who also served as his secretary was added to his assistance. This work increased in the beginning of the war when the number of men increased from 1000 to 12000 who were between the ages of 18 and 45. The expence rose from one hundred thousand to one and a quarter million rubel (dollar). Shortly after the was broke out, Classen recieved a telegram from the ministerium of the Government in Petersburg to consult the service of the Mennonites in the war. This responsibility seemed too much for him alone, so he chose several other intell— ectual men to go with him, who were invited to the round table of the ministerium to discuss in peace and order this most import- ant situation. The result was that the Mennonites were exempted from armed service and in turn served in sanitariums and as guards in forests, factories, workshops, and road work. From time to time it would happen in various mobilizations that also the Mennonites were forced to take arms and exercise in the maneuvers, but as soon as that was reported to the authorities at Halbstadt and at Petersburg, then they would be released from such service. Not one Mennonite, as far as is known, has been drafted into combatant service. Some voluntarily went combatant, which could not be helped. At this the Government gave support for daily needs to the service men, except for their furlough transportation. Then came the Revolution to us in the South, by which all up—to—then existing arrangements and regulations were dissolved, and Classen also lost his Government position. This gave him little concern, but another thing which happened cut deep into his family life. His son, who was a beloved doctor, and his wife [daughter in law], Helma Meier, were stationed in Berdjansk, and were entirely without reason put under suspicion and shot. This tragedy was especially grievous for the mother [of] David Ivanovitch Classen, who due to sick- ness, had a grieving disposition. It should interest the reader of this article to read the last letter of the wife of Dr. Nikolai Classen, which she wrote to her six—year—old son and the parents on both sides: “My most beloved child, my beloved parents, sisters and brothers: This will possibly be my last greeting. Today we were in Tripple Court and this night we expect our verdict. Should we never see each other again, so it is the will of our heavenly Father. Nikolai and I believe unwaveringly in that beautiful beyond, where we shall all see again. What of a happening. Day after tomorrow is the day of death of our beloved daughter. Be not sad, please, please; embrace and love our beloved, beloved child. With pleasure we would have loved to stay with him. Train him so he can become a useful man. Comfort him. Our desire is that in his later life he might be a meek and good man and walk in the ways of the Lord. Here lately I have been separated from my husband, which makes us sad. My poor Nikolai, what is this earthly life? Nothing, compared to that heavenly eternal life, where we shall all [see] each other again. Do not be sad, but rejoice, for we have found the Lord and that is joy for us. Our dear child, the Lord bless and keep you; we kiss and embrace you; forget us not; pray for us. To all of you, our loved ones, we call for the last time: Forgive, if in any way we have hurt you. We embrace you heartily in true love. Farewell, and remember us. Our last greeting, our last handshake. The Lord bless you and keep you. Psalm 12, 121, 103, 91, 92, 90. Of late I have had to think much of you, beloved mother and have prayed for you. Be strong in faith, farewell, God protect you all, Your children and parents, Nikolai and Helma.” I had this letter published to show how many believers in Russia, without hatred in their hearts, against their pursuing enemy in submission to the will of God and in firm faith in their Redeemer were hurled into eternity. This letter has also been edited into my book “Pictures out of Soviet Russia.” [David Ivanovitch] Classen at this time was very calm in behavior, and after a few years he returned to the Kuban land, where he evidently, as far as his conscience permitted, submitted himself to the new governmental regulations. Physical labor he never shunned and thus in all probability at this time he has returned to that trend of life. Reports are that as a minister he has delivered comforting messages at this time. At the time when the five-year plan was enacted by the Russian Government to rid Russia of all religious activities, David Ivan— ovitch Classen also fell victim to the hands of the Reds. In spite of the tragic experiences in his family, one of his daughters, a teacher of high reputation, was, because of her religion, released from her work by the Government. He was of the opinion that the Government, in the way it started out, would not be able to continue and would finaly become more mild in its operations and everything would be more bearable. He was arrested and kept in prision for a long time. After he was released, he came home sick and died at about the age of 70. He belongs to those who sought to add to the welfare of Russia, even to the cultural side. In turn the Government now uses slackers and vagabonds of diff- erent characters who wholeheartedly turn to the Red party to minister Governmental affairs. For how long? PART III AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF DIETRICH J. CLASSEN I, Dietrich J. Classen, was born on April 20, 1877 in the Province [of] Kuban, Russia. My parents are John Classen of Liebenau and Katherine (Schmidt) Classen. My father died on December 24, 1876, four months before I was born. Consequently I do not know my father personally, but I do know him by history. I will see him on the day of resurrection when I will see him face to face. He was the organizer of the Mennonite Brethren Church in Russia in January 1860. Two years after my father’s death, my mother married Peter Thiessen. When I was three years old, I got rheumatism in my knees and had to stay in bed for a year. When I was well, I had to learn to walk again. During this time, my mother prayed with me every night when I went to bed. I prayed “Christe Blut und Gerechtigkeit, das ist mein Schmuch und Ehrenkleid; damit will ich vor Gott bestehn, wenn ich im Himmel werd eingehn. Amen." [Roughly translated: "Christ blood and justice, that is my Schmuch [adornment, ornaments, decorations, beauty.] and Ehrenkleid [honour, dignity, tribute, credit]; thus I want before God bestehn[be'stemme - to determine, confirm;], if I in the sky become eingehn. Amen."] My mother told me many things about heaven and the angels in the time I was sick. When I was seven years old, we went to America. On the fourth day of July, 1884 [1883], our ship entered New York Harbor. It was very hot on the ship, and I had a sun stroke, which left me unconscious until we arrived at Hillsboro, Kansas. We settled down six miles north of Waldeck, on the Cottonwood Creek. In the year 1893 we moved to Cooper, [probably Blaine County] Oklahoma, and in 1894 we went to Fairview. During the winter of 1895 I stayed with my sister Katherine (Mrs. Isaac Neufield), to go to school. Here the Baptist Church was having revival meetings. I was deeply touched and cried to God for mercy. I went home and sought for peace. I read God’s Word, con- fessed my sins, and the next evening when I was in the field, I found peace for my soul. The next morning such joy and peace came to my heart that all things about me seemed new. It was the sixteenth day of January, 1895 when I was washed in the blood and started a consistent Christian life. On the twenty- fourth day of February, 1895, I was baptized by Cornelius Grunau and joined the Mennonite Brethren Church at Cooper, [probably Blaine County] Oklahoma. The ice was four inches thick when we were baptized. A water grave was cut in the ice for the baptism. The congregation stood on the ice. In spite of the cold, and not one caught cold. In 1896 I was at Kingfisher, Oklahoma, where I went to school, and the next three years I attended Bible School, at Buhler, Kansas. Professor John F. Duerksen was my teacher. After attending McPherson College for two years, I graduated in June, 1900. Since childhood my desire had been to become a schoolteacher, so I taught for many years. After I had graduated, I felt I should have a help meet to go on in the school work, and so on August 2, 1901, Miss Lena Duerksen of Hillsboro, Kansas, became my dear wife. Our wedding took place at her parents home, Jacob Duerksens. Elder Abraham Schellenberg of Buhler, Kansas, united us in marriage. On this wedding day I recieved not only my dear wife Lena Duerksen, but also my school diploma from McPherson College, handed to me by Professor John F. Duerksen, and a certificate from Washington, stating that I had received a homestead of 160 acres of land in Caddo Co., Oklahoma, handed to me by a friend. This was indeed a day of great joy and thanksgiving. Soon after our wedding, we went to Fairview, Oklahoma, where we made arrangements to teach school. We both taught in the church north of Fairview from September 16 to December 20, 1901. After that we taught in Okeene, Oklahoma. Then we settled on our homestead at Carnegie, (Caddo) Co., Oklahoma. When we recieved an invitation to teach school in the Corn Bible School, we accepted it and both of us taught there for two years. We were the first teachers in this Corn Bible School. During the summer, we attended Normal School at Weatherford, Oklahoma. Then we were invited to go to Fairview, Oklahoma to buy a pri- vate school and teach there, which we did. We stayed there several years. In the year 1909 we moved to a farm at Rosedale, in Kern County, California. With great joy, my wife and I taught school for many years. I have taught in 15 school in Kansas, Oklahoma, and California. Here at Rosedale I have been active in church work for many years, as Sunday School teacher and superintendent, chairman of the Jugendverein [translation: Youth association], secretary of the church, member of the board of trustees, teacher of music, and preacher. When my health failed, I resigned from all church work. In 1943 I had to quit farming and our children, Henry and Selma Bartell, rented our farm. God has blessed us with five children, who are all alive and well. They are: Lena, born Feb. 20, 1905 at Fairview, Okla. Married to Jacob Nord. Selma, born April 19, 1906 at Fairview; married to Henry Bartell. Johnny, born July 23, 1907 at Fairview; married to Pauline Klien. Esther, born February 14, 1911 at Rosedale, Calif.; married to Monroe Harman. Menno, born March 5, 1918 at Rosedale; married to Elizabeth Weaber. We are very thankful to God, because he has been with us all the days of our lives. We have always had food, raiment, and housing. Write this on my tombstone: I built me house, to live in while alive I bought me a Lot for my Grave when I die, I worshiped my Savior, to live in the Sky, With all of its Glory, in Heaven up high. [handwritten] D.J. Classen Rt. 4 Box 356 Bakersfield, California