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Sample article: Loewen, Johann J. (1871-1937)

Johann J. Loewen: poet and musician; born in 1871 in the Yazykovo settlement, Russia. Johann J. Loewen grew up just north of the Chortitza Colony in Russia. He was 15 years old when he and his family moved to Friedensfeld in the Yekaterinoslav Province. There, he was baptized and joined the Mennonite Brethren Church. When he was 21 years old, he began his forestry service, which many Mennonite young men did as an alternative to military service. He disliked the work intensely, especially since he felt that many of the men around him were not remaining true to their principles but were behaving badly. However, the years of service finally came to a close and he returned to Friedensfeld. In 1897, he married Helene Friesen (1872-1968). For awhile the couple lived in Blumenfeld in the Nepluyevka settlement, where they leased a farm. Four children were born to them in Blumenfeld....

GAMEO is based on the Plone CMS system. Our move to this system would not have been possible without the support of several private donations and three foundations. We especially thank the Mennonite Foundation of Canada for a grant from their Legacy Fund. Grants were also received from the Reimer Express Foundation and the Kroeker Foundation Inc.