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Helen Marie

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                            Helen Marie Dahlke

                          Homesteading

     How my dad’s folks came to this area is interesting.

     My great grandfather Mr. John Dahlke and Mr. Albert Look had jobs in Columbus, Ohio, having come from Germany in 1885. Two years later they read a paper written by Col. Cullman, stating that land would be given at no charge and that one wouldn’t have to work hard in Cullman Colony. Eggs could be picked up off the ground. Deer and wild turkey were plentiful. Meat could be had by killing them. The offer was so enticing that they gave up their jobs and moved their families to Cullman. Dahlkes had 2 children. Looks 1 child.

     Upon arriving in Cullman, a house was rented. They had to go (50 miles) to Huntsville, Al. to put in claim to homestead land. They had to hire a surveyor to locate the 320 acres they were given. They broke a straw to see which 160 acres each would have. This was south of town in Bremen area

     In one week’s time they had cut the trees and built a 20’ X 30’ log house. Both families lived in this house until another one was built ½ mile down the road. Both were charter members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. It is known that at times they walked to church.

     Dahlkes had 8 more children. Looks had three more children.

     My grandfather was Charley. He married a Emma Mitchifelder from Hanceville. The Mitchifelders left Germany in 1886. They had 5 small children at the time (later they had 3 more).  My grandmother and a sister lived to be 100. Two others lived to be 93 and 97.

     My being the oldest of 6 children, I was a daddy’s girl. Numerous times when I was young he would take me with him to visit his parents for a few days in Trussville, Al. (They moved from Gadsden to Trussville when my dad was 12.) During our visit dad would assist his dad with whatever he was doing. I’m told, I would get up on the kitchen counter and clean out grandma’s cabinets that she couldn’t reach. I remember better the day it got stormy and grandma took me to the stairwell, where we sat and prayed.

     We never departed without a kiss and some produce from her garden.

     My grandparents were all very hard working folks – “Work never killed anyone!” As children and having to work on the farm, we often thought otherwise.

Dear Primetimer,