New Ulm review., 1921-02-16
is AP PR OACHINC
CENTURY MARK
MRS. WILHELMINA. ALVIN OF
THIS CITY CELEBRATES
s6th BIRTHDAY.
LIFE CLOSELY LINKED WITH
THE EARLY HISTORY OF
THIS VICINITY.

New Ulm's oldest inhabitant, Mrs.
Wilhelmina Alvin, observed her 96th
birthday anniversary, Monday. This
rare event was made the occasion for a
quiet celebration at the home Of her.
son, Ed. T.. Alvin, on North State
street, where her children and grand
children gathered that evening to
extend fluctuations. Seven sons, as
well as the only daughter, were present
with their families to participate in the
celebration, and a avery pleasant even
ing was enjoyed. One son, Emil
Alvin, Of Minor, N. D., was unable to
attend.
Born in Germany.
Mrs. Alvin was born in 4Putzig on
the river Metz, Regierungsbezirk
Bromberg, Province of Posen, Ger
many, February II, 1925, and was
married there in 1854 to William F.
Alvin, who passed away February 6,
1910. Immediately after their we'd
ding, Mr.. and Mrs. Alvin made
preparations to sail for America, Mil
waukee, Wis, being their destination.
The following year 1850 they came
to New Ulm, making the trip overland
in prairie schooners" in company
Mother of First White Child.
They located in Cottonwood town
ship, arriving there July 8, 1855, and
the following day, July 4, Mrs Alvin
gave birth to son, Fred. Alvin, the
first white child to be born in Brown
county. The hardships endured by
the early settlers and especially by the
survivors of the Indian massacre did
not discourage Mr.. and Mrs. Alvin,
who strained every effort6to establish
a home in the wilderness.
Indians We're Friendly.
During the massacre their farm
buildings, together with all Of the con-
tents, remained unmolested by the
Indians, who evidently appreciated the
many kindly acts of their benefactors.
When Mr.. Alvin returned to the little
log cabin some eight weeks after the
outbreak, he was surprised and happy
to find everything intact. The Red
men had entered the home and had
prepared meals there, but the only
article broken was china plate, no
doubt due to an accident The cattle
land chickens were still on the place,
although having become very timid
and shy They sought safety in flight
upon beholding Mr.. Alvin, who had
worked his way through the brambles
and cornfelds to get to his home.
Oldest Church Member.
Mrs. Alvin is the only surviving
charter member of the Methodist
church here, as well as the oldest living
member of the congregation. In spite
Of the many hardships endured during
the strenuous pioneer days shesis able
to be up and around and enjoys the
evening Of her life. She has been a
true Christian, a devoted wife and a
loving mother, much given to home
| life and the rearing of her splendid
family of eight sons and one daughter.
| The children are: Fred Alvin,
Home township; Herman Alvin, st.
Paul; Adolph Alvin, New Ulm; Ru-
dolph Alvin, on the old homestead in
Cottonwood township; Emil Alvin,
Minor, N. D.; A. j. Alvin, Mound,
MINI; Edward Z. and William G..
Alvin, New Ulm, and Elwina (Mrs.
Herman Breitkreutz), Arlington.
1 Loves Music.
Mrs. Alvin has been an ardent lover
of music since early childhood and
while her sons were still at home
taught them many of the well-known
church hymns in parts. By special re
4 quest of numerous friends, the seven
sons, gathered here to observe theil
mothers 96th birthday, sang one d
these songs during the services at the
4 Methodist church Sunday evening
i The accompaniment was played By
their sister, Mrs. Breitkreutz.
4 RoLWEs RESIGNS.