From: Krasna, Bessarabia
10 February 1932
Dear Staats-Anzeiger!
Note: In four columns of this newspaper article, Severin Becker writes about how he together with other people celebrated the Christmas holidays. A lot of drinking, eating, dancing and some troubles arising from these parties occurred. The people that participated were Johannes, son of Nikolaus Speicher, Johannes, son of Michael Speicher, Korbian, son of Simon Engel, Martin Grams, Joachim Spitznagel, Gabriel Gedak, Peter Mueller, Franz Dirk and Albertus Riehl (also known by his nickname “Schaeck”).
Now I have to report two deaths. Zelestina, nee Kopp, wife of Reinhold Schaeffer died on 18 January at the age of 27 years old as a result of consumption, from which she had suffered for two years. She left her husband and two small children. This serves especially to inform his brother-in-law Aloisius and sister Sariha Herrschaft in Brazil, South America.
Angela Riehl, nee Ternes died suddenly and unexpected on 26 January. She was in labor for four days. Doctor Beckmann delivered the baby. However, an infection had already set in. After she had received the last rites, she was taken to the hospital in Sarata where she died. She left her husband Gabriel and four underage children. She was 34 years old. This is to inform brother-in-law Ignatz and her sister Klara Ihli in Canada.
Now Alexander Paul is sending a greeting to his sister Katharina Hilfendeger, nee Paul in Regina, Canada. Should they not be readers of the Staats-Anzeiger then those folks who are should relay this greeting. Anton Mack in Prelate, Saskatchewan, Canada where the Staats-Anzeiger is also read should let me know if she is still alive. If so, then she should write to her brother Alexander. Her friends here would really love to hear from her.
I send a hello to Mr. Jos. Foeth in Santa Izabel, Brazil. I have read his reports with interest. Now I ask him to let me know the names of the poor people from Krasna who can not read the Staats-Anzeiger and do not want to write any reports.
I have to close now and say hello to the editor Mr. Brandt and his assistants Mr. Haag and Mr. Mauser. I wish them all a blessed Easter. I send a special hello from my wife and me to our former neighbor and comrade Anton Soehn and wife Eva in Canada. Why are you so lazy and do not write?
We have two children and expect a third one soon. Once again, I ask Mr. Anton Soehn to write. If not a letter then at least a report in the Staats-Anzeiger.
I send a greeting to all readers and friends.
Severin Becker