Cornelius Jansen

Other Events:

• Interesting: story
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-61525
• Residence: 1873, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

CORNELIUS JANSEN OF BEATRICE, NEB.

We may say truly "In the midst of life we are in death. Our aged brother, Cornelius Jansen, of Beatrice, Nebraska, with whom many of our readers have had the privilege of a personal acquaintance, departed this life suddenly on the 14th of December. He was buried on Sunday afternoon Dec. 16th at the Mennonite church, west of Beatrice, where a large concourse of people were gathered to pay to him the last tribute of love and friendship. The funeral sermon was preached by Pre. J. H. Zimmerman, who read on the occasion the following sketch of his life:
The deceased who lies cold in death before us, and whose remains we expect soon to consign to the keeping of mother earth until the resurrection morning, is our dearly beloved brother in the faith Cornelius Jansen, son of brother Daniel and sister Anna Buhler Jansen. He was born in Tiegenhoff, West Prussia, on the 6th of July 1822, where he also received his education.
His mother died when he was 10 years of age. When he arrived at maturer age, he was, at his request baptized, in Tiegenhagen, by bishop Peter Reiger.

During his earlier years he visited Russia, where there were large settlements of Mennonites. On his return to Prussia he married his surviving companion, Helene V. Riesen of Schidlitz, near Dantzic, who, then a youthful maiden, is left to-day a deeply sorrowing widow. The marriage ceremony was likewise performed by Bish. P. Regier.

In January 1850, they in company with two sisters removed to Berdiansk, Russia. The journey as was customary then was made with teams, from whence however on account of the threatening Crimean war, they returned to Prussia in the fall of 1852. They took up their residence for the time being in Schidlitz, but afterwards purchased a farm near Elbing, which they soon afterwards sold to Jos. V. Riesen, and in 1856 again moved to Berdiansk. Sister Anna Riesen accompanied them and continued with them as a faithful member of their household and companion. Bro. Jansen continued in Berdiansk for 17 years, and during this time was engaged in buying and selling grain and farming.

When about the year 1870, the new military law, which made it incumbent on all denominations to do military duty and by which the Mennonites as well as some others, which had hitherto been exempt, were about to lose the privilege of exercising their religious convictions without restrictions, which they had hitherto enjoyed, it also deeply and painfully affected our deceased brother. Convinced of the truth of the Gospel of peace and filled with an earnest devotion to the same, he freely and fearlessly bore testimony to the Word of the Lord on this subject and in accordance with 1 Pet. 3: 15 was always ready to give a reason for the hope within him.

By his earnest activity to this direction he soon drew the attention of the authorities upon himself, to such an extent that in April 1873 an order was issued by the Royal Cabinet ordering him to leave the Russian dominion within a very few days.

This was both for our brother and his family a severe trial, --these were days of sorrow, which put their faith to the severest test; but a kind heavenly Father who permitted the trial to come, gave them also grace and strength sufficient to faithfully endure it. When our dear brother in later years related the scenes and experiences of those times, as he often did, (and loved to do it) he did it with a certain expression of joy and gratitude toward God, that he was permitted, according to Eph. 1: 6, to be made worthy of the praise and the glory of His grace wherein He has made us accepted in the beloved.

In consequence however of a special favor manifested towards him by the authorities a respite of several weeks was granted, during which time he was permitted, on May 4th 1873, to celebrate with his companion the 25th anniversary of their marriage, and the day of their departure from Berdiansk was deferred until sometime in the month of June. Their objective point was North America, but on the way they embraced the opportunity to spend about a month in Prussia, their early home, to visit relatives and friends before the final departure to the place that was destined to be their future home. While there they made their home with Jos. V. Riesens.

They made their journey via England and arrived in Waterloo county, Ont., on the 10th of August 1873. Here he settled his family in the town of Berlin while he made a number of trips through different parts of the West, North-west and South-west, in order to choose a proper place of settlement both for himself and for the brethren who intended to follow him later. After remaining with his family in Berlin a year he removed with them to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he remained for about two years for the purpose of affording his younger children the opportunity of a good school which they could there enjoy.

During this time the Lord sent them severe afflictions, in taking from them by death their eldest daughter, Margaret. He left Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on the 16th of Nov. 1876, and came to Beatrice, Neb., where he since lived. It was with genuine joy that he met here his beloved brethren in the faith and especially the aged brother and bishop, Gerhard Penner, of whose household, he had in his younger years, for a time, been a member. Bro. Penner at this time was already suffering with bodily afflictions.

Here in Beatrice our dear Bro. led a retired, quiet life, consecrated unto the Lord. He took an active interest in every effort for the promotion of Christianity, and the upbuilding of the cause of Christ, and the church of which he was a member.

For some time the evidences of advancing age had manifested themselves. He complained of continued dizziness, especially during the last days of his life. Otherwise he felt reasonably well, so that on the last day that he lived, he in company with his wife took a drive to his son-in-law, Aaron Klaasens. Soon after his return he complained of cold and feeling unwell, and soon after became unconscious, and the signs of death became apparent. The physician could only alleviate the sufferings without being able to give permanent relief. He died at half past one o'clock on the morning of Dec. 14th, aged 72 years, 5 months and 8 days.

We believe the Lord called him home from this life of faith to the glorious light of the children of God, from the imperfect life to the glorious perfection of those who see as they are seen.

In many respects he had an eventful life, and as he cast a retrospect over it he ever rejoiced in the grace his divine Master ever permitted him to enjoy.

He leaves a deeply sorrowing companion, three sons, two daughters, one son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, sixteen grand children, and many friends who deeply mourn his death.

"And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." 2 Tim. 4: 18.

After the friends had taken leave of the remains, just as the last rays of the sun were sinking in the west our brother was laid into his last resting place and with kindly hands covered with the clods of the valley.

He was in the full sense of the word, "A noble man." His motto was, "When all men forsake thee, the Lord will keep thee." Let us all honor his memory by faithfully trying to imitate his good and noble example.

The writer was personally acquainted with Bro. Jansen and family, traveled with him many days and enjoyed with him a number of pleasant visits, and a good deal of correspondence. It was with deep regret that we heard of his sudden death and we extend our hearty sympathies to the sorrowing family. May God bless and comfort them in their bereavement, and give them the blessed hope of a happy meeting beyond.

Transcribed by Terri Harper, Utah.
HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXXII, No. 2, January 15, 1895 - p. 29, 30, 31

Cornelius — Helene vonRiesen. Helene was born 1 Dec 1822; died 1 Dec 1897, Beatrice, Gage, Nebraska, United States; was buried , 1st Mennonite Church Cemetery, Beatrice, Gage, Nebraska, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-79533
• Residence: 1873, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-61514

Notes:

Memorable Manitobans: Peter Jansen (1852-?)
Farmer, politician, land promoter.

Born in Russia on 21 March 1852, his father Cornelius Jansen, the German consul in Russia, was banished from that country in 1873. The family emigrated to Canada, settling at Berlin [now Kitchener], Ontario. The next year they moved to Nebraska where they raised sheep and farmed. Peter Jansen served in the Nebraska state legislature and helped in 1896 to nominate William McKinley for the US presidency.

An advocate for German immigration to North America, he visited Canada in 1902 to tour Doukhobor settlements on the prairies. Being so impressed by the potential of the land he saw, Jansen purchased land in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He served as Second Vice-President and Director of the Saskatchewan Valley and Manitoba Land Company and, being fluent in English, Russian and German and a friend of William Hespeler, he worked to encourage the settlement of German-speaking immigrants on the prairies.

In 1906, he organized the Saskatchewan Elevator Company with himself as President, A. D. McRae as Vice-President, his son John P. Jansen as Manager and Secretary, and A. D. Davidson and A. R. Davidson as its principal shareholders. He retired from politics and moved to Winnipeg to live.

Sources:
"Personal view convinced them" Manitoba Free Press, 31 May 1902.

"Twenty townships being settled" Manitoba Free Press, 4 November 1903.

"A true German" Manitoba Free Press, 20 February 1904.

"West's new grain co. now organized" Manitoba Free Press, 9 October 1906.

Page revised: 24 May 2009

Goldsborough, G. (2019). Memorable Manitobans: Peter Jansen (1852-?). Mhs.mb.ca. Retrieved 8 June 2019, from https://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/jansen_p.shtml

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-126310
• Residence: 1873, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Other Events:

• Interesting: story
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-128539
• Residence: 1873, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Helena Jansen wurde geboren den 14 Nov. 1859 in Berdjansk, Südrußland, wo ihr Vater Cornelius zur Zeit Deutscher Konsul war. Im Jahre 1873 wurde ihr Vater von der russischen Regierung plötzlich und ohne jeglichen stichhaltigen Grund des Landes verwiesen und mußte in wenigen Tagen über der Grenze sein. Die Jansenfamilie ging nach Amerika, dem damaligen Zufluchtsort so vieler Bedrängten. Am 10. August desselben Jahres landeten sie in Quebec, Canada. Nachdem sie sich ein Jahr in Berlin, Ontario, Canada, aufgehalten, gingen sie nach Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, wo die liebe Verstorbene zwei Jahre eine amerikanische Schule besuchte und dort den Grund zu einer guten englischen Bildung legte. Im November des Jahres 1876 zogen sie nach Beatrice, Nebr. Hier hat Helena mit ihren Eltern viele Jahre gelebt, ihnen treu gedient und sie, sowie auch ihre Tante Anna von Riesen, bis an ihren Tod mit größter Hingabe gepflegt. Im Jahre 1914 entschloß sie sich, mit ihrer Herzensfreundin, Anna Dirks, nach Pasadena, Calif. zu ziehen, woselbst diese beiden als "Tante Lenchen" und "Tante Annchen" in einem kleinen, aber allerliebsten Heim an der Villa-Straße ein ruhiges, friedvolles und reich gesegnetes Leben führten. "Tante Lenchen" wurde von hier den 9. Nov. 1937 in ihre ewige Heimat abberufen. "Tante Annchen", welche schon 92 Jahre alt ist, durfte sie noch überleben. Die Verstorbene wird von vielen betrauert, aber "Tante Annchen", die Verwaiste, fühlt den Abschiedsschmerz wohl tiefer als irgend ein anderer. Als aktives Mitglied der WCTU ist Tante Lenchen viele Jahre tätig gewesen. So wie sie vor Jahren noch in Nebraska eine Schar kleiner Knaben und Mädchen unter dem Namen "Band of Hope" um sich gesammelt, so hatte sie auch in Pasadena einen sog. "Sunshine Club" gegründet. Hierbei kamen ihre natürliche Begabung, Herzensgüte und große Liebe für ihre Mitmenschen und besonders für Kinder so recht zur Geltung. Bei vielen Kindern hat sie dürfen den Grund zu einem gesunden, freudigen Christentum legen. Sie verfügte über eine gute Bildung in Deutschen wie auch im Englischen. Sie war sehr belesen. Durch ihr ganzes Leben trug sie den Stempel einer vornehmen Erziehung, wie Kinder wohlhabender Eltern sie zu damaliger Zeit in ihren Heimen oft erhielten. Zu den letzten Jahren ihres Lebens hat Helena Jansen viel von Gelenkrheumatismus leiden müssen, so daß mehrere ihrer Finger ganz verkrüppelt waren, aber ihr Tod wurde durch Verhärtung der Herzadern und besonders noch durch ein Gewächs in der Speiseröhre herbeigeführt, wie eine chirurgische Untersuchung ergab. Durch dieses Gewächs war die Speiseröhre fast zugewachsen, so daß sie in letzter Zeit somehr von flüssiger Nahrung leben mußte. Den Tag vor ihrem Tode traf es sich, daß ihr Bruder Cornelius noch den ganzen Tag bei ihr sein durfte. Mit klarstem Bewußtsein hat sie dann noch mit ihm viel Geschäftliches, ihren Nachlaß betreffend, geregelt. Unter anderem mußte er noch eine Geldsendung für Bedürftige in Canada für sie besorgen, welches dann auch wohl ihre letzte geschäftliche Transaktion in dieser Welt war. Am nächsten Tage wurde Professor Jansen eilig zur Kranken gerufen. Als er kam, sah er, daß sie noch versuchte, ihm etwas zu sagen, solches aber nicht mehr fertig brachte. Worte christlichen Trostes sprach er zu ihr. Dann fragte er sie: "Liebe, liebe Schwester, wenn du mich noch kennst und verstanden, was ich sagte, dann drücke mir die Hand." Ein leiser Druck war die Antwort und \endash "Tante Lenchen" war nicht mehr. Am 13. Nov. wurde sie begraben. Der temporäre Prediger der Los Angeles-Gemeinde, zu welcher die Verstorbene gliedlich gehörte, Missionar Albert Jantzen, las zur einleitung passende Schriftabschnitte und betete in englischer Sprache. Dann hielt der deutsch Methodistenprediger, J. W. Elger von Pasadena, eine herzliche Trostrede in der deutschen Sprache. Der Chor der Mennonitengemeinde sang schöne Lieder und schloß die Feier mit dem Lieblingsliede der Verstorbenen: "Wo findet die Seele die Heimat, die Ruh". Begraben wurde Helena Jansen auf dem Mountain View Friedhofe bei Pasadena.
(CBB 11 Jan 1938 p. 13)

____________________

Helena Jansen was born Nov. 14, 1859 in Berdyansk, South Russia, where her father Cornelius was German Consul at the time. In 1873 her father was suddenly expelled from the Russian government for no good reason, and in a few days had to be over the border. The Jansen family went to America, the former haven of so many oppressed. On 10 August of that year, they landed in Quebec, Canada. After spending a year in Berlin, Ontario, Canada, they went to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where the dear deceased spent two years attending an American school, where he laid the foundation for a good English education. In November of 1876, they moved to Beatrice, Nebr. Here Helena has lived with her parents for many years, serving them faithfully and caring for them, as well as her aunt Anna von Riesen, until her death with the utmost dedication. In 1914, she and her friend, Anna Dirks, decided to go to Pasadena, Calif. These two, as "Aunt Lenchen" and "Aunt Annchen," lived a quiet, peaceful and richly blessed life in a small but lovely home on Villa Street. "Aunt Lenchen" was recalled from here on November 9, 1937 in her eternal home. "Aunt Annchen", which is already 92 years old, she was still allowed to survive. The deceased is mourned by many, but "Aunt Annchen," the orphan, probably feels the farewell pain deeper than anyone else. As an active member of the WCTU, Aunt Lenchen has worked for many years. Just a few years ago, in Nebraska, a group of little boys and girls gathered under the name "Band of Hope", so she founded a so-called "Sunshine Club" in Pasadena. Their natural talent, kindness and great love for their fellow human beings and especially for children came into their own. For many children, she is allowed to lay the foundation for healthy, joyful Christianity. She had a good education in German as well as in English. She was very well read.

Throughout her life she bore the imprint of a noble upbringing, as children of wealthy parents at that time often received in their homes. In the last years of her life, Helena Jansen suffered a lot from rheumatoid arthritis, so that several of her fingers were completely crippled, but her death was caused by hardening of the cardiac veins, and especially by a growth in the esophagus, as a surgical examination revealed. By this growth the esophagus was almost overgrown so that lately it had to live more and more on liquid food. The day before her death, it happened that her brother Cornelius was still allowed to be with her all day. With the clearest consciousness, she then arranged with him much business concerning her estate. Among other things, he had to get a money for the needy in Canada for her, which was then probably their last business transaction in this world. The next day Professor Jansen was hurriedly called to the patient. When he came, he saw that she was still trying to tell him something, but could not finish it. He spoke words of Christian consolation to her. Then he asked her: "Love, dear sister, if you still know me and understood what I said, then shake my hand." A quiet pressure was the answer and - "Aunt Lenchen" was no more. She was buried on Nov. 13. The temporary preacher of the Los Angeles congregation, to which the deceased belonged in part, missionary Albert Jantzen, read appropriate scriptures for the introduction and prayed in English. Then the German Methodist preacher, J.W. Elger von Pasadena, delivered a heartfelt speech in the German language. The choir of the Mennonite congregation sang beautiful songs and concluded the celebration with the favorite song of the deceased: "Where does the soul find its home, the rest"? Helena Jansen was buried in the Mountain View Cemetery near Pasadena.
(CBB 11 Jan 1938 p.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-147778