Henriette or Harriett

Our great-grandmother, Henriette Anita Bloom Bredimus, was born in 1853 in Paris and died in 1930 in Des Moines. Cousin Harriett spelled her grandmother’s name Blum, but also called her Harriette. So, I will offer some variations of her name for the purpose of Internet Search: Henriette Anita Blum Bredimus or Harriette Anita Blum Bredimus.

Before I write about Cousin Harriette (who was called petite Harriette) I wanted to bring up the name variations. In bygone days, Kings named Henry were called Harry. Did this ever come up for discussion?

The Blums, parents of Henriette, both died in 1890

Henrietta’s parents were Maurice Blum and Catherine Henrietta Monnier. I do wonder why both her parents died in 1890. She had a brother, Maurice Allois Louis Blum, and there is a comment below about this family connection and a mystery to be solved. I’ve included information about his marriage record from Paris, France in case that helps solve that mystery.

Harriette’s brother Maurice

The Census of 1900 offers a glimpse into her life after 26 years in America. Henrietta Anita Bredimus was age 47, widowed, had 8 children with just six living in 1900, she owned her home. Emigrated in 1874. Her son, Morris, is age 25 and already a sign painter.

Henriette and family in 1900

Another near death in the news. It seems Henriette nearly died from gas fumes at her stove. Did you know?

Cousin Harriette wrote that Adelle was in the newspaper on the occasion of her 83rd birthday, but I have not seen the article yet. More digging to do…

1923 Henrietta nearly died
1923 Henrietta nearly died
1930 Henrietta died
1930 Henriette Bredimus Obituary
Henriette Grave Des Moines Iowa

1 thought on “Henriette or Harriett

  1. Hello, I have photos and information regarding Henrietta Anita Blum’s brother, Maurice Allois Blum 1845—1903 at your disposal. I am looking for information concerning Henrietta’s niece, the daughter of her brother Maurice Allois, Married to Bey Salem, former international judge, her name is also Henriette, born December 14, 1884, both of them disappeared with their 2 children between 1936 and 1946. My grandmother (her niece) corresponded a lot with her aunt Henriette before her disappearance, I have a large number of postcards.)
    (gvand1953) Provided translation.

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