Helena Unruh Buller

Our mother, Helena Unruh Buller, was born November 30, 1828 according to the calculation of the Russian time. in the village of Alexanderwohl, South Russia. She grew up and spent the days of her youth. On May 12 1847, she was baptized upon the confession of her faith in Christ and received as a member into the Alexanderwohl Church.

On November 17, 1849, she was united in marriage with our father. Peter Buller, with whom she was privileged to live happily for fifty years, eight months and twenty-two days, in which they faithfully shared their joys and sorrows. This union was blessed with eleven children and sixty-one grandchildren, of which three children and nineteen grandchildren preceded her in death.

When in the year 1853, in South Russia, the new plan for villages was laid, our parents moved to the village. Paulsheim in the spring of 1853.

On July 14, 1873 they had the sad experience of losing their home. Their house, barn, and granary were completely destroyed by fire. Not many of the belongings were saved. Four horses and also some cattle perished in the flames. A certain Kornelius Epp later bought the place without buildings for 1500 Rubels. The insurance money amounted to 1868 Rubels, and 87 Kopeken.

When in the year 1874 the great immigration took place, our parents, with their family, five Sons and three daughters, joined the immigration. In the month of July they set out on their journey to America. We journeyed without any difficulties with the exception of the voyage across the ocean where we all became sea-sick except our brother, Peter, who remained well.

The circumstances were such that we had to stay in Topeka for four weeks. Then we journeyed on to Hutchinson where we had to stay for another two weeks. Father and two brothers, Heinrich and Peter, and sister Elisabeth left us and went to our homestead to make some preparations for our temporary home. After two weeks the rest of the family followed. In the month of October a team of horses and a yoke of oxen were bought. In the spring of 1875 the sod was broken and corn and watermelons were planted. Thus was the beginning of farming

Our beloved mother passed away January 16. 1901, as the result of a stroke. She reached the age of 72 years, 1 month, and 4 days. The funeral services were conducted on January 18, 1901, in the Hoffnungsau Church. The officiating ministers, Rev. B. Buhler Rev. Peter Heidebrecht, and Rev. Abraham Ratzlaffspoke words of comfort, using the texts: 1 Thess. 4, 13-18; 1 Peter 1, 12-25; 1 Peter 4, 2-25.

Our father, Peter Buller, was born November 13, 1823, in the village of Alexanderwohl, South Russia. Here he spent the days of his youth. On May 5, 1842, he was baptized upon the confession of his faith in Christ and received into the Alexanderwohl Church. He entered into holy matrimony with Helena Unruh, our mother, as mentioned above. He passed away August 22, 1900. The funeral services were conducted at the Hoffnungsau Church, August 24.

The Family by John Buller