THE BERGENER’S
BY
WILFORD BERGENER


OTTO AND ANNA BERGENER

During the discussion about, research on, gathering of material and finally during the writing of this history there came one recurring thought. Every person should know of and about those who came before. How else can one gain full appreciation for what has been given. There is a clear need for perspective, self-knowledge and motivation; without which we fail our ancestors, ourselves and those who come after.

We have each been endowed with an abundance of talents, intelligence, strengths and other gifts. We should also know and respect blemishes. We have been placed in and with many fields of opportunity.

What then is done with that which has been given becomes a matter of individual selection and effort. Ancestry provides a blueprint and each is helped along the way.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
None of this account could have been written without the help of Dorothy Clay, Rachael’s daughter. Dorothy’s near lifetime genealogical work, records and notes provided the bas and framework. Thanks also must go to Ed Scriven whose research provided some key facts and dates. My role was simply one of gathering and giving a chronological accounting.

Wilford, Son of William N. Bergener 
THE BERGENER’S
Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Hannover, Prussia is the center of a mining district in the Harz Mountains of Germany.

Our line of the Bergener lineage was traced to this district in the late 1600’s. Mathias Bergener was a miner, as was his wife’s father Casper Gerich. The son of Mathias, Johann Friedrich Bergener was also a miner.

Mining, even under the enlightened conditions found today, can be hazardous to the health and life of the workers. In these early days, lacking today’s safety precautions, protective clothing, masks and medical assistance, workers in this occupation were guaranteed shortened life spans. Mathias and Johann found this to be true. Of sturdy stock, strong healthy and intelligent, neither lived to middle age. Wanting more for his son, Christian Heinrich, Johann arraigned for education and apprenticeship. Thus Christian Heinrich Bergener was able to progress to Second Mater Miner or Assistant Mine Overseer. While having a better life, has was still unable to completely escape the hazards and lived only to the age of 51. His son, Andreas Friedrich Christian Bergener received training then was apprenticed to a master blacksmith. In time, he became a journeyman and finally a Master Horseshoer and Master Blacksmith. He married Caroline Wilhelmine Welss, whose father was listed as a Master Upholsterer and Private Capitalist, on a small scale, at Hunters Bridge, Berlin.

Shortly after their marriage, Andreas Christian moved his family to Berlin, away from the mountains and mines. As with his father’s family, the living and working conditions improved further – as did his social status. Unfortunately, he did not escape the middle age life expectancy of his forbearers.

Carl Friedrich Theodor Bergener, son of Andreas, was eleven years old at the time of his father’s death. Undoubtedly, his schooling and plans for his training started earlier, was completed by his mother Caroline and her family. Carl apprenticed as a weaver, advanced to journeyman status and not long after his marriage to Rosamunde Froelich advanced to Master Weaver. Rosamunde’s father, disabled while serving as a non-commissioned officer in the military, subsequently became a weaver. Through profession, marriage and family ties, Carl became well established in the Guild. He and Rosamunde lived comfortably.  Later she also was named heir to a portion of her great uncle’s estate. The great uncle outlived her by a few months so the inheritance reverted to her son Otto. Of his marriage came six children. Otto August Emil, born on October 7, 1857 was the fifth child and the only one who lived. Otto occupied and unchallenged position in the family. He was loved, pampered by his mother and probably somewhat spoiled. He received every advantage of education his parents could offer. Early on, Otto was apprenticed to become a carpenter and cabinet maker. Though not known why this occupation was chosen, his later skill proved the decision to be a correct one. Fully grown Otto was of only medium stature, erect bearing, having brown hair and dark blue eyes. He took pride in his appearance and dress. Otto was witty with a good sense of humor. Intelligent and articulate, he was rather social, mixed well with people and was well mannered.

Perhaps his early years were a disservice to him for life may have been made too easy. He did not lack for material things, schooling and training was arranged so other than in an intellectual sense he was less that highly motivated. By the age of fifteen, Otto had become a journeyman carpenter and cabinetmaker. He was put out on his own to continue his training, development and to become self-sufficient.

THE MARKMANN’S

Less is known of the Markmann line. They were born and lived in towns along the Warthe River and likely made their livelihood from activities and commerce associated with the river system. The earliest of record, Lorenz Markmann was listed as a rafts man.

The Warthe River runs from the western edges of Poland into what is now East Germany where it flows into the Oder. The Oder in turn flows northwesterly into the Baltic Sea. Along the way are interconnecting canals to other rivers in Germany.

In these early days transport by waterway was the only means by which large volumes of products could be moved. Initially, size of vessel was limited by the power source used to move the load. Power was provided by current, poling, rowing, sail or towing- using horses along the banks. Any or all of these could be used on any one trip. As the volume and size of the vessels increased, horses became the primary power source. Later along the larger rivers a narrow gauge rail system, using small engines with a towing arm and cable replaced horses. Still later, small tugs evolved which could tow larger barges along the river systems. By this time, accommodations though small, were such that the family of the owner operator could live on the boat.

In a capital intense venture involving equipment, wages and operating costs, it is logical to assume a private entrepreneur did not easily enter the business. Most likely it started with a raft and, through hard work, hard headed business sense and continued upgrading of equipment, the venture prospered. Family members participated in the work, learned the trade, the rivers and the markets from supplier to distributor. Once in the business, ownership was generally passed on from father to son(s). Research indicated such to be the case.

Life on the river was hard. To stay alive and succeed one had to be intelligent, shrewd, tough – at times mean, able to work and get along with people at all levels. The Markmann’s were also healthy, lusty and long lived. While all records were not available, those that were support this position. For example, Johann Georg Markmann, born in January, 1724 lived to August, 1808 to the age of 84. His wife, Marie Eleonore Zawalla lived to the age of 77 years after bearing 11 children. More immediately, August Johann Markmann lived from June, 1827 to April, 1913 to the age of 83 years. All rather remarkable living accomplishments and well beyond life expectancies.

August Johann was born in Spiegel near Landsberg, Brandenburg, Prussia. His wife, Louise Maria Bruenert, at Friedeberg, Brandenburg, Prussia. From this marriage were born six children, only three of which lived. The last, a daughter, lived just 20 days and Louise died almost immediately afterwards in December, 1865 or Typhoid for which there was no known treatment. The oldest child Anna Maria Louise, born on January 19, 1857 was almost nine. The second child, Emma born in 1858 was eight and the third Louise, born in 1861 was barely four. The three girls were placed with family members to be looked after. For Anna, the separation from her father was short – only a few months. With the river opening up, August needed help on the boat. Anna, now nine, has received training from and had helped her mother. She was considered old enough to be of substantial help.

Anna was a small thin girl with black slightly curly hair and snapping black deep set eyes. She was very strong for her size. Anna was very intelligent, had an inquisitive mind and was a quick learner. She received no formal education and, if at all, could barely read or write. The cramped quarters of the boat and the tough, demanding, harsh and hardworking environment was her life for the following six year. Mistakes and shirking of duty were met with quick, firm discipline.

August Markmann carried a long horsewhip on the boat. In the early days it was a necessity when horses were used to pull. The habit of carrying it remained. He was also known to have used it in times of trouble, to put malcontents, straighten out troublemakers and break up fights. Discipline was strictly enforced on his boat and environs.

Two years after the death of his first wife, August remarried. At intervals he brought his other two girls back on the boat, first Emma and then Louise. From this second marriage six children were also born, only two of which lived – Helmut and Fritz.

Shortly after turning fifteen in 1872, it was determined Anna was sufficiently trained and mature enough to strike out on her own. It was also considered no longer safe for her to remain on the boat and in the environment found along the rivers. Either by prior arraignment or independent action Anna went to Berlin where employment was found with a family as dressmaker, housekeeper and nursemaid.

At fifteen Anna was very mature. She was small, not much more than an inch over five feet tall, and weighing a little over one hundred pounds. She was said to be an excellent seamstress and very particular in dress and appearance. Small though she was, Anna was strong and tough physically and mentally from her life on the boat. In her own words, as told later, both she and her father were determined, stubborn people and she resented being bossed or restrained too closely. We were often at cross purposes but loved each other and, as she said, “I was his favorite and he could not get along without me.” Anna had a quick temper which would flare up and then leave again almost as quickly. A hard worker who could sew, cook, run a house, Anna was also loving and compassionate with both people and animals. When she desired she could be charming, outgoing and social. Thus she was equipped to make her own way in life.

Otto Bergener entered her life shortly thereafter. Anna was working for a woman who was expecting a child. As told later, “One morning I walked into a room and there on a cot was Otto Bergener. He was a cabinet builder and stayed at this place for a while. He was attracted to my good looks. Otto was of a better class of people and was well educated.”

Otto courted Anna over the nearly four years that followed, during which he also served as her teacher in her schooling. They were married on January 18, 1876 the day before Anna turned nineteen. They made their home in Berlin. Otto was still a journeyman carpenter and cabinet maker and, at this young age, was not yet well established. Anna continued to work to assist economically.

The first child, Lydia, was born on January 24, 1878. Anna contended herself in being a mother and housewife and Otto being a new father and in furthering his trade. Otto’s parents were delighted with their first grandchild but their life was saddened by the death of Otto’s father in April of 1878, barely three months later at the age of 52.

Otto and Anna had made friends with some neighbors by the name of Tieda who had five children. The friendship had been solidified when Tieda had an accident and broke his leg. Otto and Anna assisted the family and even advanced money to pay their rent when they were in danger of eviction. During recuperation Tieda would spend time in a small park nearby. It was here in the late spring of 1879 that Tieda picked up some pamphlets that had been handed out by Mormon missionaries and subsequently discarded. Shortly afterward Otto came through the park on the way home and met Tieda. Tieda was excited about the information in the pamphlets and asked Otto to read them. Otto did so and was also interested. He took the pamphlets home to have Anna read them and discuss the contents with her. The pamphlets told the story of a new church. Anna too was interested but practical. Anna wanted to know where this church was located. When told in America Anna’s response was, “of what use is it to us if it is way off in America?” Soon afterwards they met the missionaries and listened to them. Both were deeply interested in the story told by the missionaries. They decided to join this new church, as did Tieda, his mother and his fifteen year old daughter.

In Germany, where the Lutheran church was virtually the state church, talk of new beliefs received an unfriendly reception. Those who preached it and those who accepted it were met with opposition and disdain – if not outright persecution. For this reason, the five new members of the Mormon Church were baptized in the River Spree on June 7, 1879 at eleven o’clock at night. They were all confirmed members the following day by an Elder Fuhrmeister. The missionary organized a branch of the Church with these five as members. He told them each, “Now all of you can be missionaries, bring your friends and we will teach and explain the gospel to them.” This counsel was taken to heart for, within a short period of time, the branch had grown to forty-five members.

Almost as soon as the branch was organized, persecution began. Otto found increasing difficulty in finding work to support his family. The small family somehow survived but was unable to make any progress. Their second child, Martha Marie was born on December 8, 1879. Otto was out of work at the time. Anna knew of a Mrs. Fischer who had a sick baby because she was unable to adequately nurse it and the baby was starving. Anna went to Mrs. Fischer and volunteered to nurse the baby. The baby responded immediately and fell into a peaceful sleep. Mrs. Fischer was very grateful. When asked what Anna’s husband was doing, Anna told her Otto was home tending the children as he was out of work. Mrs. Fischer then asked Anna to come help her. Mrs. Fischer’s husband was foreman or owner of a velvet factory and Mrs. Fischer spoke to him about work of Otto at the factory. Through this Otto was employed at the factory while Anna would travel back and forth each day to nurse the baby. Anna also did sewing for Mrs. Fischer. During the brief times the children were left unattended while she was a Mrs. Fischer’s Anna would tether Lydia to a table leg and secure Martha in the crib so she could not fall out. This was probably practiced on the boat to keep children out of harm’s way. Otto remained employed at the factory until he left Germany the following year.

Otto’s mother died on December 31, 1879, three weeks before turning 52. Otto was now an orphan and the sole heir to the family estate. Otto’s mother had made her sister’s husband, a Mr. Hirsch, administrator of the estate. The great uncle also died shortly thereafter and Otto inherited has mother’s share of this estate. The combined inheritance was to be held in trust until he became of age – presumably at the age of twenty five since he was at that time approaching twenty three.

Plans were under way for a group of converts to immigrate to America in late spring. Otto and Anna wanted to accompany then but lacked the means. Otto walked some distance to see Mr. Hirsch and ask for his inheritance. Hirsch told Otto he was a very enterprising young man to want to go to a new land of opportunity and gave Otto 200 mark advance on the inheritance. This was not enough for even Otto to make the trip. It is not known whether Otto challenged Hirsch nor is there record of Otto ever receiving more. He accepted the money and left. Arrangements were made with a family named Onezit to advance Otto sufficient additional money to make the journey. In return Otto would carry as baggage a large box of fine linens for them. Savings on the duty and sale of the linens on arrival reimbursed the Onezit family and gave them a profit. Otto was thus able to immigrate with the other converts in May 1880. Anna remained behind until she and Otto, after his arrival in Utah, could accumulate enough money for Anna and the two children Lydia and Martha to follow. Anna continued working for the Fischer’s.

It was customary in those early years of settlement, for the Church to assign or strongly suggest placement of newly arrived immigrants to outlying communities. By this practice, population could be provided and much need skills furnished. The Cache Valley area of northern Utah was in the early years of its development. A railroad was being extended through Logan into Idaho, the Logan Temple and Tabernacle were in the process of being built as well as other projects. Skilled help was needed. Upon his arrival in Salt Lake, Otto with his carpentry and cabinetmaking skills was directed to Logan. Here he secured work on the railroad. It took two years of frugal living on the part of both Otto and Anna before sufficient funds could be put aside for Anna, Lydia and Martha to join Otto. The little family left Germany of August 17, 1881 and arrived in Logan in December of that year.

The family, with assistance of the Church and the congregation, settle in what was then known as the Fourth Ward, south and east of the juncture of Center and Main streets.

Today we speak of culture shock when there is exposure to relatively minor language, living standards, architectural and culture differences. Consider then the shattering shock that most certainly was felt by Otto and Anna. Berlin, their former home, was considered a highly developed, progressive, well-populated capital of a nation. Logan, their new home, sat near the center of Cache Valley covering well over 400 square miles. The entire area was still considered in the growing pioneer stage. The 1880 census gave Logan just over 3,000 inhabitants. Though well planned and laid out, the building process was still in its infancy. The United Order Lumber and Building Company had been established by the Church in 1875. Timber for the mill was available only in the mountains to the east. It was many years before supply met minimal demand. Homes, such as they were at the time, were mostly log cabins with a few small stone houses. The area was progressing and though considered out of the survival stage, survival was still the first priority. It was a capital poor area with little money. The inhabitants had to grow or produce most of what the required to live. The infrastructure was just in the process of being built.

Of the two, Anna was perhaps best equipped for a pioneering experience because of her early years spent on the river and her toughness of character. Their first home was a two room log structure, low ceilinged with a small loft for additional sleeping and storage space. It was here they lived for the next eight years and where their next five children were born; Emma on September28, 1883; the twins, Anna and Otto on June 12, 1886; Rachel Geneva, September 16, 1887 and Mamie on September 30, 1889. They had space for a garden and a few fruit trees and perhaps as time went on some farm animals to help supplement their diet. Otto had little difficulty in finding work since his skills were much in demand. Pay for his services was mostly in goods – a pig, cow, chickens, molasses, second hand clothing, material and occasionally a little money. Members in good standing were expected to donate labor to help build the Logan Temple, Tabernacle and other structures. Anna, bore and raised children, cooked, sewed, tended the garden and animals along with the older children, bottled and prepared storage food for the winter months.

Her small size, the hard work and difficult living conditions made bearing children difficult for Anna. She would be ill during pregnancies and have difficulty in the birth as the children all seemed above average in size. There were also two sets of twins. It was a hard difficult life, at times not much above existence levels. The few pleasures came primarily from attending church functions where there would be singing, conversation, visiting and learning.

Though both Otto and Anna were learning English in speech and writing, German was still spoken around the house as it was the language with which they were comfortable.

Both felt it essential the children know German. They believed the new language could and would be learned from others and in school. In April 1883, Otto and Anna traveled to Salt Lake where they were endowed in the Endowment House.

The family survived and, though slowly, made progress. By the year 1890 enough had been saved to make a small down payment toward the purchase of a larger log house situated in the West Field area at 776 West 600 South. They now had slightly over one acre for good ground for their garden. An orchard contained plum trees, apples and a gooseberry patch. The house still had only two rooms but was larger than their first residence. There was still a sleeping loft or attic which provided sleeping accommodations for the children. Thick straw pallets place on the floor served as their beds. For the house and land they paid $500.

It was in this house that the rest of their children were born; William on April 26, 1891 (his twin died at birth); Franklin on September 16, 1892 (Franklin lived only four months); George on August 14, 1893l Francis C. on November 5, 1894; Isiah on November 16, 1896 (Isiah was sickly and lived less than one year) and finally Harley E. was born on April 4, 1898. At 41 and in just 22 years of marriage Anna had given birth to fourteen children- of whom eleven still lived. Her child bearing years were over.

Within a few years, with all productive members of the family contributing, and with hard work and sacrifice the home was paid off. Otto had been able to purchase the materials necessary to remodel the home, adding two rooms, enlarging the attic area, finishing and painting the exterior. Still small for a family of this size, it was much more comfortable and attractive. Then near disaster struck. Otto and Anna had kept their own records of payment. They had not demanded receipts nor had any been offered. When they asked for the deed to the property, they were informed that it had not been paid for. The payments they had made over the years had been diverted and not recorded. They were given the option of paying for the property a second time for moving out. They had put too much into the home to lose that as well. They had no legal proof of payment, just their word against others. Again they had been too trusting. They paid for their property a second time and stayed.

Hard as things were for Otto and Anna, it was harder still on the children – particularly the eldest; Lydia, Martha, Emma, Anna, her twin Otto and Rachael. The sacrifices made were born by all, but felt most of all by the children. Their clothing made over, hand-me-downs – ill-fitting, serviceable, clean and probably shabby. The one pair of shoes each had were sturdy and, except in inclement weather only worn to church and school. In inclement weather they were required to wear “peasant boots” over the shoes. The boots consisted of layers of old news or brown wrapping paper wrapped around their shoes and tied at the top. Worn at the command of their mother, the practice further isolated the children as different if not peculiar. Other parents were understanding but could not or would not shield the Bergener children from the ridicule, cruel jokes and taunts of other children. The boys could and would fight back very effectively. The girls were all pretty, intelligent, sensitive and loving. They needed peer acceptance, friendship and understanding. This was important to them because they lacked the options open to the boys. They could not and would not complain at home. They kept the hurting and aching inside and put on a brave front. They shared with each other and were comforted by each other. Undoubtedly their treatment and unhappy experiences during childhood sharpened their determination to escape as soon as possible.

The Card school was nearby. A large one room structure, but the children’s education was piecemeal, erratic or nonexistent much beyond third grade. By then they had learned to read, write and do arithmetic. Thereafter, further education was sporadic and had to fit in around outside work and chores at home.

Both because of her stern upbringing and because she was at home all the time, Anna was the disciplinarian of the family. Everyone except the very youngest has assigned work and were expected to contribute to the family’s welfare. Even at the early age of six the older girls were required to help tend the younger children and help in the garden, with the animals and with household chores. Initially, Lydia and Martha led the way. Then as Emma, Anna Rachael and Mamie came along, the older girls would be hired out to perform similar functions in households of the more affluent families in town. Rachael remembered vividly being hired out to milk cows and work in the house and garden for board and room and fifty cents per week. Whatever the wages, the amount was collected by Anna and went into the family funds. When hired out for hard farm work, the pay was usually a little higher, plus board and room. The boys, exempt from kitchen duties had the bulk of the outside work in the garden, orchard, milking cows and otherwise tending animals.

Anna was a strict boss, tolerating no malingering, back talk or loafing until all the work was done. Her quick temper, sharp tongue and stern manner kept everyone in line. Punishment for infractions was quick and though just as quickly over, left lasting impressions. At one time or another, all felt the sting of her wrath and had a healthy respect for, if not some fear of their small mother. Two examples illustrate this. On the property was a fairly deep well from which the household water was drawn. One day Anna, the daughter, while playing somehow managed to fall into the well. An immediate alarm brought father and mother running plus help from a neighbor. Acting quickly, Otto lowered a ladder down the well with a rope to give the girl something to hold and keep afloat. He then, using the same rope and ladder, went down the well and managed to extricate his daughter and bring her out of the well – cold, wet and frightened. The girl was comforted, then Anna grabbed the closest thing available, a horse bridle and gave her a beating – all the while telling her this was punishment for frightening then half to death. The other incident involved Francis who not only acted up, but had the audacity to sass his mother. Again Anna grabbed the closest thing available, which happened to be a sturdy stick. Francis protected the wrong part of this anatomy; left his face exposed and was whacked soundly along the side of head and again across his face and nose. The blows raised some welts and broke his nose. Though set, the nose never returned to its original shape.

Francis in later years told of how after not having seen his mother for many years traveled to Salt Lake to visit her and arrange for the purchase of the Logan home. He recalled how, though fully grown, he approached the meeting with trepidations and even some fear. He still carried his boyhood memories in his mind. He, of course, towered over her and recalled how tiny and even delicate his mother was. It was not until then he really began to know and understand his mother.

Anna taught the children to sing and insisted they do so while working to keep their minds off their troubles and keep from quarrelling. The children learned to cope and survive though theirs was far from a carefree happy childhood. The children were close and found comfort with and in each other. There were kind people who helped even though they were struggling themselves. Martha and Emma had lively imaginations and Martha particularly would mentally lift herself above her problems through stories she would make up – all with happy endings.

The family progressed, paid the home off again and when in 1901, Otto was called on a mission by the Church; he felt he should go and accepted the call. From departure to return he would be away just over thirty-three months. The family would have to support themselves as well as Otto while he was on the mission. He left about October of 1901 for Germany and did not return until early summer of 1904.

In 1901, all of the girls except Mamie, were working and had moved out on their own. All still contributed to the household fund. Lydia had met a young man, Ernest G. Wells from Bryant Illinois, who was working in the area. On October 26, 1901, they were for a time and remained in Logan or in Northern Utah.

Mamie was particularly distressed at her father’s departure. At age twelve, she had brothers and sisters on both sides of her age who gave affection and attention. Though all the children were sensitive and caring, particularly with each other, Mamie and Rachael were more demonstrative. Of all the children, Mamie and Rachael seemed less reserved and unafraid to show their feelings.

The story is told in the family of how Mamie was almost inconsolable prior to her father’s departure. She would cry over and over “I’ll never see you again.” Late that winter Mamie fell very hard while ice skating. She incurred a very bad and deep bruise on her hip – causing damage to the bone. Though in pain, Mamie would not tell her mother because she had gone skating without her mother’s permission. Infection set in and spread in the bone. She suffered a great deal before she died on March 12, 1902. Shortly thereafter and, before notification of her death reached Otto, the family received a letter dated March 13. He told how he was asleep in his room in Spandau when he was awakened by Mamie. She had come to tell him goodbye. They spoke briefly and she left. He glanced at his watch and figured the time and date in Utah. He then wrote the letter telling them he knew of her death and went on to console them. The loss was keenly felt by all the children.

Having the burden of supporting Otto on his mission in addition to looking after the family placed a great burden on Anna and the children. With the exception of Harley, the baby at three, everyone worked. Their earnings almost in total went into the family fund. The girls worked as domestics of housekeepers. In spring, summer and early fall the boys worked in the fields and worked their own garden. Late fall and early spring found the two oldest boys, Otto and William working at Borden Milk and at the sugar factory. In summer the best vegetables of the garden were harvested. Carrots, onions, radishes and such were bunched and taken for sale. Mushrooms were gathered and sold to the restaurant.  Milk from the cows was taken daily to Borden Milk for sale. In spring the sheep were sheared and the wool sold. Fruit was picked and sold. That which was not sold or which had dropped to the ground was bottled and used by the family. With fall harvest, the choice potatoes and produce was sold. Culls and that which remained was stored and used by the family.  The fairgrounds were nearby and after the county fair was over or the occasional circus left, Anna dispatched the children to scour the area for any lost money. This proved productive. But with all the pitching in they succeeded perhaps not on the fat and sassy side, but more on the lean and mean. They ate not always to their satisfaction and were clothed. Martha had met a young man, Alvin Gates White and was engaged. Francis tells the story of how Martha and her young man bought a big turkey and the fixings for Thanksgiving in 1903. He says that was one meal he remembered where they ate all they could eat and he and George hid a little near their bed to snack on later.

Martha and Alvin White married on March 14, 1904 in Ogden, Utah and soon afterward moved to Eureka, Utah where he was to work for a while. Then she and Alvin relocated to Ohio where Lydia and Ernest Wells had moved.

Otto returned from his mission in early summer of 1904. It had been an exciting and educational experience for him. He had been a good missionary and teacher. Otto was successful in bringing converts in the Church.

Settling back into being a breadwinner, husband and father was difficult and took some adjustment. Some months after returning home, Otto decided to become a mortician. It is not known how Anna responded to this decision for it meant another period of separation. The family would again be required to support themselves as well as their father while he studied. Otto departed Logan again in 1905 for his schooling in an Eastern city. The family again buckled down to their task.

Emma accepted the opportunity of accompanying a family for whom she worked and moved to San Francisco in late 1903. When the family returned to Logan, Emma remained in San Francisco finding work as housekeeper for two lawyers. Emma met and married her first husband, Robert French a few months later. Anna and Rachel tired of the restrictive life and meager existence in Logan had struck out on their own. Anna, then the eldest at home, went to San Francisco and took Emma’s job with the attorneys when Emma married. Both made California their home thereafter. Emma later divorced Mr. French around 1910 after bearing two children and on March 12, 1913 married William Sleeper. Anna continued working and supporting herself. She married Sam Wilkes on July 17, 1912. Rachel, now the youngest, had remained in Logan working, looking after herself and contributing to the family. Then in 1905, she too left Logan for work in Salt Lake City. There she met and later married Edward Parley Cliff on June 6, 1907.

Remaining in Logan were Anna and her children, Otto 19, William 16, George 14, Francis 12 and Harley 7. Except Harley, all worked year round in the fields, dairies or local factories in support of the family. Harley had primary responsibility for the family animals and garden, along with Anna. The other boys helped when possible. 

Father Otto completed his schooling in 1906 and returned to Logan. There, again with help provided by Anna and the family, he started his business as a mortician. Within a short time he seemed to be successful in the business. His training and experience made him well liked. He was elected President of the Cache County German Speaking Peoples Organization. It appeared that their long years of struggle were about to be over. Instead the months and years ahead were a time of crisis.

Anna was tired of living as she and the family had been forced to do over the years. She saw no end to it in the foreseeable future. She could see only a continuing struggle to get by while trying to build a new business. Logan though growing slowly was still small and cash poor. She felt there was no future in continuing to live there. Salt Lake City on the other hand, was much larger as was growing faster as state capital and presented a much greater opportunity for the family. Otto would not consider this. Almost equally important, Anna for years, first in Germany and then here had, with the children’s help, supported herself, the family and Otto on his mission and then in school. She had done all the planning, directing and financing. Now she, while still having responsibility and much of the work was being placed into a secondary role. And as she put it, “When he returned, I didn’t like being bossed by anyone anymore.” She resented it and felt strongly she should have an equal say in directing the destiny of the marriage and family.

The final blow came when Anna found out or was told about Otto’s other woman. How and when Otto became involved is clouded by time. It was a subject the family knew little about of did not talk about in later years. But in a small, religiously oriented community such a thing was not hidden long.

Anna loved Otto deeply and had fully dedicated her life to their marriage and family. To the proud Anna such a thing was unthinkable. Otto did not seek divorce but simply wanted to bring the other woman into the house as a companion and in time a second wife – even though polygamy had been outlawed for many years. From information available, we can only conjecture Otto met the woman, Emma Heitland, while working in his capacity as president of the German group. Emma in contrast to Anna, was a gentle, soft, compliant woman – many years younger that apparently catered to Otto. Much against Anna’s wishes Otto did bring Emma into the home.

Francis in his own story wrote how deeply his mother Anna was hurt and grieved and how Otto would spend much of the time with the younger woman. The situation was so bad at home that Francis and George just walked away one day. They went to Lewiston some miles to the north where a Mr. Oscar Pope took them in. The boys stayed with the Pope family for about two years. They worked for their keep, were treated well and were able to get additional schooling. Neither saw their mother again for several years.

Meanwhile, the circumstances had become so intolerable for Anna that she took the youngest boy Harley, her clothing and what little money she had and went to Salt Lake City. Here she found work as a housekeeper, doing sewing and tending children. At age 52 and after thirty-three years of marriage, Anna was once again on her own determined to make a living as well as a new life for herself.

Otto remained in Logan, living in the family home with his woman. A search of Church and local records found no record of divorce of disciplinary action taken against him. The eldest son Otto had married Mary Jane Welsh on November 17, 1908 and settled elsewhere in Logan. William worked for various farmers during growing and harvest periods, living with the family wherever he worked. In late fall he would return to Logan to work at the sugar factory. While there he stayed with his father in the family house. He was required to pay board and room. Then in December 20, 1910, William married Annie May Anderson and with his new wife moved into a small log home on Mendon Road. George and Francis returned home in late 1910 found work and, while at home paid board and room.

Things did not go well for Otto after Anna left Logan. Though he tried hard the business did not go well. It is known he found it necessary to resort again to his carpentry to get by. Whatever the reason, it is certain some public disfavor was encountered. His wife had left and he continued to live with Emma without benefit of a prior divorce or marriage to her. In this small tightly knit community it is certain his actions met with disfavor. Finally in late 1912 Otto and Emma left Logan and relocated in the area of San Bernardino, California. Finally on October 7, 1914, he and Emma were married in Santa Ana, Orange County, California by a Justice of the Peace. Otto would have been 57 years old at the time. Records show his occupation as carpenter. Emma listed her parents as Heinrich Heitland and Charlotte Arens and that she was employed as a domestic. Later they relocated in the Los Angeles area where they spent the balance of their lives.

Anna entered into her new life with the same intense, fearless determination with which she characteristically approached life. There was little she did not dare attack and her determination was well known in the family. Sons, George and Francis in later life told of one incident that stuck with them. One day it was necessary for her to go some distance south on an errand. She hitched the horse to their small wagon and had the two boys climb in the back to accompany her. Approaching the Logan River they saw the bridge had been washed away. The water was still flowing swiftly, cold and high with spring runoff. Anna steered toward a sloping section of the bank to enter the stream. The two boys sensing her purpose cried, almost in unison, “Mama, you can’t cross. The river’s too fast and deep.” “I can too,” replied Anna, and pausing only momentarily to survey the route, urged the horses into the water and again told the boys, “I can too cross here.” The boys jumped from the back of the wagon to safety of the dry bank. They watched as their mother urged the horses forward through ever deeper water, the wagon bouncing and moving with the current. At the deepest part, the wagon was entirely submerged and Anna still seated, was visible only from the shoulders up. The struggling horse urged forward by Anna, found footing as the bank sloped upward and pulled the wagon up the other side. Safely out, Anna turned to the boys and told them, “See, I told you I could cross here,” and drove wet but triumphantly down the road – leaving the boys behind to walk home.

In Salt Lake Anna worked hard, lived frugally and saved every penny she was able. Before long she could make as small down payment on a large double lot on the north side of Ramona Avenue near Seventh East. As soon as she prudently could thereafter, she borrowed enough money to build a small frame home on the back corner of the west lot. This she rented with the rent being applied toward payment of the home and property. She continued her frugal life style, applied her savings toward payment on the property. After a period, a second small frame home was built along the back of the lot adjacent to the first house.

When Otto left Logan for California, the Logan property was deeded to Anna about early fall of 1912. While arrangements could be made to dispose of the property, William rented the home and with his wife and daughter moved in for the winter. The home was only a mile from the sugar factory where he was working. Harley then went back to Logan in live with his brother in the family home. The following spring Francis, who had married Maggie Larson on January 27, 1913, went to Salt Lake to arrange purchase of the home from Anna. That spring William homesteaded a section of land in Daniels, Idaho and would soon be moving his family there. George had married Jeanette Kelsey on March 20, 1913, and would be living close by in the West Field area. With William’s move to Idaho, Francis and his bride moved into the Bergener home. Harley, only 15, continued to live in the home with Francis and Maggie. In late 1914 or early 1915, after America entered the war, Harley went to Salt Lake and with Anna’s permission enlisted in the navy at age 17.

The money Anna received from the Logan property would be applied monthly toward payment of her property in Salt Lake. In a short time she was able to move into one of the small frame homes she had built. While she continued working and living her frugal lifestyle, Anna had in a relatively short time mad enormous strides in her plan of independence – even eventual affluence.

In Anna’s philosophy of life, everything must be productive. She soon had fruit trees, a sizable garden and lots of flowers on her property. The trees and garden provided food for eating, bottling and storage. Excess was sold to add to her income.  Throughout the years, Anna remained a faithful member of the Church. She was comforted and strengthened by her faith and beliefs. She was well like and respected in the ward. Approaching sixty, Anna still retained a youthful appearance. She was still the small woman, thin strong and vital, her hair still black, eyes sparkling and with few if any wrinkles. She was still an attractive woman. Anna had made friends with some of the local Church leaders and one, a Thomas Hart, also served as her advisor and attorney.

Still hurt and grieved by her own broken marriage, Anna nonetheless had a full, busy and productive life. Her sister Louise had married a Thomas Biesinger and immigrated to Salt Lake and she had as circumstances allowed, communicated with her half-brother Fritz by her father’s second marriage. When time permitted, she read voraciously though mostly the scriptures and religious works. Throughout the years she always managed somehow to pay some, if not all of her tithing. Rachel would tell in later years of how Anna was living with her, Anna gathered eggs and would sell some to pay tithing. To her, that was more important than the family having eggs to eat.

Anna’s father, August Markmann, had died on April 20, 1913, at the age of 85. Though he had left the bulk of his estate to his two living sons by his second marriage, a small inheritance had been left to each of his daughters, Anna, Louise and Emma. Undeliverable during the war, Anna received her inheritance as short time afterwards. With these funds, her savings and additional borrowing Anna built a two unit duplex on her lot, in from of the two frame houses. Rental money from these and the one frame house supplemented her income and went to pay off her new building. Though now in her sixties, Anna maintained her pace of managing her properties and working. She was certainly more secure yet continued her frugal ways, saving and looking to the future. At this time she was advised by Mr. Hart, her attorney, that she should slow up, finish paying for her duplex and then stop work and enjoy life. He continued that she was no longer young; that she should no longer work after the duplex was paid off. Income from her property would be sufficient for her to live comfortably.

Anna listened but did not heed his advice. Her health was good and she was still strong and vigorous. She had proven to be a good business woman, was far from lazy, and over the years had not had the ability or opportunity to relax and enjoy a slower pace. The specter of want and need had been with her too long. Anna was too caught up in her ambitions to change. She continued to work, scrimping and saving every penny she could. Her small house had gas and electricity, but she used kerosene lamps and a small wood burning stove for heating and cooking. She could get scrap wood inexpensively or for nothing and the kerosene was cheap. She was confident in her own abilities and before long she decided to use the balance of her land and build a large brick home on the east lot. This decision went against the advice of her attorney. She mortgaged all her property, signed the mortgage and a contract without counsel; a fatal mistake, for it was written in such a way that the terms ruined her financially some months later. Here again she had been too trusting. Details of happenings are not now available and the dishonest actions of the builder had been carefully screened from inspection. Essentially, the builder built the home for Anna but also had built for his own account and expensive home with materials charged to her. In total this created a debt she could not meet. Additionally, sometime earlier, Anna had left the stove in her small frame home unattended. A piece of burning firewood fell through a carelessly closed door, causing a fire which burned the house down. This second and larger problem hit even harder. Her attorney, Mr. Hart, was unable to either establish fraud of fight off foreclosure on the duplex or fine new home. Saved only was the remaining small frame home. This was subsequently moved to a vacant lot just to the south. Here she became, in essence, a squatter for a period. She became ill and now her advanced age and reduced physical capability made a comeback impossible – valiantly though she tried.

William and Francis had moved to the Salt Lake area. They along with George, Harley and Rachel provided help for she was determined to remain independent and look after her own interests, removed from others. This arrangement did not work out. Without prior notification, approval or arrangement, Anna had her small home loaded and moved to Heber City where Rachel, now widowed was living and struggling to support her family. Dumbfounded as she was by the unannounced delivery, Rachel made arrangements for the home to be placed on a corner of the Cliff property. Anna then came to Heber City from Salt Lake to live. Undoubtedly Anna felt closer to and more comfortable with Rachel than with her boys and their wives. This arrangement was not long lasting for Anna’s practice of using over long logs in her stove, with ends protruding, resulted in another dropped log and fire and loss of house. Of necessity she began a nomadic life, living for varying periods in then homes of William, Francis and Rachel.

Otto with his second wife Emma had continued to live in Los Angeles. Their joint income, he as a carpenter / cabinet maker and she as a domestic, provided enough to live a quietly comfortable life. They had purchased a small home on which they were still paying $40.00 per month. This left sufficient for their other expenses and provide some savings. Otto continued working into his seventies although his age, the depressions years and finally failing health gradually cut into his earning capacity. His earnings dropped to $25.00 per week then finally to $60.00 per month. This gradually cut into their savings. It is not known if ever there was contact with the family seeking help. It can be presumed not, for when upon his death at 75 on April 28, 1932, overlaying their sense of loss was one of shock. Emma, his wife, notified the family of his death and stated it would be necessary for them to pay for expenses of funeral, burial and transporting his body to Logan for burial. Undoubtedly, she felt bitterness at the neglect by the family after their departure from Logan. Emma did not attend the funeral.

Anna attended the funeral and her grief was very evident. She had continued to love him and felt his death keenly. A proud and strong woman, Anna held tight rein on the tender inner feelings and had difficulty showing them, possibly feeling such display was an indication of weakness.

None of the grandchildren ever knew Otto nor did he them. Dorothy Cliff is the only one who has any memory of having seen him and that at a chance meeting with her mother and father in Salt Lake. The gulf between Otto and his family was wide and it is certain he felt the loss. He has many talents and admirable traits. A gentle, loving demonstrative man he could have contributed much by his presence. His children spoke little of him and never unkindly. He died a stranger to his descendants and in the end to his children.

Anna lived four years beyond Otto. They were not good years for her dependency on others was a constant thorn to her independent spirit. Cared for by others, there were no challenges.  She appreciated all things good but new clothes bought or made for her by her family were carefully folded and put away for special occasions and never worn. Life’s road was downhill for her. It was finally necessary to hospitalize Anna to give her the skilled care she needed. She died on December 23, 1936, less than a month before turning eighty. According to her wishes, she was buried next to her husband in Logan.

Of the grandchildren, Dorothy Cliff Clay knew Anna best for she lived with Rachel periodically during these years. Dorothy was interested in genealogy and spent time with her. Dorothy perhaps describes her best.

“Grandmother was a beautiful woman, had black curly hair with few grey hairs even in her upper seventies. From her keen, black eyes flashed intelligence and spirit within. Small of stature and thin, she dressed in clothes that gave her a more buxom appearance. She was very intelligent, mentally alert, a vital person full of energy, which always kept her busy. Though having no formal schooling, she was largely self-taught. She read and studied good books, was a good conversationalist, and well versed in religion, politics and business. Grandmother made friends easily, many of whom were prominent in the community. It was only her family and occasionally neighbors, who saw the stern disciplinarian with a quick temper. Despite her frugal tendencies she was generous, frequently helping those in need of less fortunate. She was a trusting, loving person and though often hurt had great compassion for all creatures. She had an intense desire for learning and admired all things good and beautiful.”


Every family member reading this account must formulate their own judgments. 

Measured in terms of material things alone, the lives of Otto and Anna Bergener were not a success story. They left nothing – their lives one of constant struggle. They did leave ten strong, healthy, self-reliant, honorable, loving, highly motivated, intelligent children with strong values and work ethics. The grandchildren can report with loving pride on the accomplishments of their parents. This story of succeeding generations is still being written. It is in this posterity that the success of Anna and Otto will be recorded.