Grandma & Grandpa Steinkraus Jill Jessen Oral Family History October 2008
Vannest Family Left Germany early 1700s Came through Canada Van Ness to Van Nest to Vannest Great Grandma and Grandpa Vannest
Vannest Family Original Farm House, Gladwin, MI
Nellie Vannest b. April 1, 1913 One of six daughters Youngest pictured here with two sisters Poor farming family Born a sickly child and sick throughout her life
Steinkraus Family Immigrated from Germany in late 1800s Bought a farm in Gladwin, MI
Ewald Steinkraus b. Nov. 29, 1912 Born in Gladwin, MI Oldest of three children Spoke German at home, learned English at school Passed State of MI 8th grade certification
Nellie & Ewald in Gladwin Families lived 3 miles apart Knew of each other’s families but didn’t know one another while living in Gladwin
Nellie & Ewald in Detroit GLADWIN DETROIT
Nellie & Ewald in Detroit Grandpa’s Autograph Book Grandma’s Autograph Book Autograph books were like year books of the past. People asked family members and friends that they met to write a note of remembrance.
Nellie & Ewald in Detroit Gladwin, MI March 18, 1931 Dear Ewald, I love you little, I love you big, I love you like a little pig. When you get married, I hope you always have a little time to think of me. Your Friend, Nellie Vannest Grandma’s note in Grandpa’s Book
Grandpa’s Engagement to Gift to Grandma June 27, 1936 Grandpa’s Engagement to Gift to Grandma Hope chest was the equivalent of modern day bridal shower. It was a place where women stored all the things they would need to start their new home after marriage.
June 27, 1936
World War II Grandpa didn’t fight in WWII Grandma was too sick for him to leave Got a deferment on a farm in Birch Run
Back Where it Started House on Clendenning Road, Gladwin, MI
Michael Steinkraus b. July 25, 1954 Grandma couldn’t have children Adopted Dad at birth Dad born in the house built on Clendenning Road
Last picture of Grandma and Grandpa Steinkraus Until Death Do Us Part… Ewald Steinkraus d. September 22, 1991 Nellie Vannest d. December 22, 1991 Last picture of Grandma and Grandpa Steinkraus