Maurine, daughter of Maurice Bredimus, was named “Mauricea” at birth. They must have changed it soon after. Her birth name was quite unusual.
Nicholas died young at age 57 of unknown causes in 1908. He died at home at 827 Lyon Street in Des Moines (the old house is still standing, but barely). He was listed as a Wagon maker.
I can imagine a wagon outside of that home.
His Mother’s maiden name was “Kerg”, not Berg as indicated in the family tree. Madeline Kerg was the wife of Michel Jean Bredimus, our first paternal ancestors to come to America.
I believe they spoke German and French like many in Luxembourg.
Marie Bredimus, daughter of Michel Jean Bredimus died in 1912 of Erysipelas (a skin infection in an era before antibiotics).
I saw mention of a Bredimus Family bible. Maurice was the oldest and the bible might have passed to him. I’ve had no luck contacting Maurine’s grandchildren, the Harkins.
Poppy’s brother, Raymond, was noted as divorced at the time of his death in 1926. He was married three times before that.
1903 wife Fayet L. Spencer
1910 wife Mary Agnes Ludgate
1918 wife Catherine per draft record.
1926 Divorced
Raymond was a Press Feeder, also called a press operator, loads paper into the feeding tray of a printing press. He worked for The Regensteiner Colortype Corporation in Chicago which was a big deal in 1918. Regensteiner invented the four color lithographic press. Raymond died at age 41, but I cannot locate a death certificate. Perhaps when I join Ancestry.
Speaking of Ancestry, they indicate Harriette Jane “Red” Bredimus. Did you ever hear the name “Red” in our family. Dad (Robert Leo Bredimus) was called “Bred”.
I’m still curious about the family history and how we were shaped by the events of the time like the depression. I’m hoping that Morry’s family kept some old photos or treasures. He was the oldest child of Francois and Henriette and his daughter, Harriette, was the only one to write a family history. The surviving members of that branch are grandsons of Maurine. My first attempt to contact one didn’t work, so I’ll try another grandson. As of February 2023, I am still unable to connect with any members of the Harkins family.
The cause of death was Lung Cancer.
Hi Nicolas, I’m Maureen Harkins, granddaughter of Maurine Bredimus Harkins, so thrilled to read your very interesting website! I already knew some of the info, but have learned new things as well. If Aunt Harriet was called ‘red,’ it was most likely because of her red hair. I’m the youngest of the siblings, my older siblings could probably provide you with more information, but happy to help if I can.
Hi Maureen, or should I call you Mory? Your great-grandfather, Maurice Bredimus, was named for Maurice Blum, his mother’s father. Maurice then named his daughter Maurine, and you are Maurine’s granddaughter. Thanks for the tip on Harriet’s red hair. I recall that all three sons of Michel Bredimus married redheads. I’m happy to know you learned a few things from my articles here and hopefully we are creating something of value for future generations. Thanks for writing.
Nick