By Laah Tucker
Special to the Hays Post
NATOMA — The endeavor to bring the life and times of the Hackerott family, who immigrated from Germany to America in 1842, became a reality with the annual Hackerott Heritage Family Reunion.
The first weekend in June, 25 descendants traveled from across the nation for the 61st-annual celebration in Natoma.
Nestled in Paradise Valley along Paradise Creek, the thriving agricultural community in Osborne County gives a unique sense of place in the historical background of three Hackerott siblings’ perseverance and rugged individualism in taming the prairie during the Kansas Homestead Movement.
Traveling by oxen-drawn wagon, August Hackerott and his family arrived in Osborne County in 1872 following statehood.
A sister, Lisette (Hackerott) Pfortmiller, her husband John Henry, and children joined them in 1877; a brother Ernest Hackerott and his family in 1878.
A Saturday tour guided by Mary Ann and Roger Beisner gave insight through personal stories while experiencing the original sites of homesteads, farms, ranches and cemeteries.
In the late afternoon, the Beisners hosted refreshments in their Victorian home built by Edward Hackerott in 1904.
Documentation revealed the Hackerotts dedication and determination to carve out a life on the High Plains undeterred by extreme weather conditions, toil in breaking sod, pestilence, danger, and illness.
On Sunday, a social hour gave time to review albums of historical data, photographs, maps, and stories contained in the Hackerott Heritage Book I, II, and III compiled by Mary Ann and Roger Beisner, and their son, Brian Beisner. Information from the past and present continues to add threads to the rich tapestry of their heritage.
Orville Pfortmiller, 93, blessed the family by reciting Numbers 6:24-26. “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” All joined in the German Common Prayer.
A dinner by K & W Caterers, who are Hackerott descendants, was followed by the family’s annual meeting.
Mary Ann Beisner gave updates of 28 births, 11 marriages and 15 deaths. Veterans and current active military were recognized. Gratitude was given to the dedication of the Kansas farmer.
Orville Pfortmiller, Korean War veteran and retired farmer, was recognized as the eldest in attendance at 93. Married the longest for 65 years are Roger and Mary Ann Beisner. Traveling the greatest distances: Bob Hackerott, New Hampshire; Carol and Jim Hamm, Texas; Yvette and Ben Smith, Texas.
Officers volunteering to serve in 2022-2023: Laah Tucker, president; Alan Beisner, vice-president; Ginger De Bey, secretary/treasurer; and Mary Ann Beisner, Hackerott Heritage historian