REUNION 2002 Directory

My Grandfather, Albert W. Meissner

Grandpa was a fine Christian man. He was the owner and operator of the Meissner Mill at Five Points in El Monte, CA when I was born. He could do anything when it came to building structures like the house where my mother Vivian was born. He really liked hunting with his hunting dogs. He always took time to play with my sister Vivian and me. He and Grandma would invite us over for pancakes and Postum. It was a very sad time for us when we heard he got poisoned by a dog bite and died on October 11, 1938.

-- Virginia

Albert W. Meissner and Emma F. Matteson were married on November 1, 1911 in Seattle, WA. It must  have been a small wedding as only 9 guests are listed in their little wedding book. Albert's poem below seems to describe how they met. Hard to tell how much is fact vs. a poet's license. The poem was written on the stationery of the Guenther's Murietta Mineral Hot Springs, "California's Greatest Health Resort." He wrote several letters to her from there while being "treated" for pains in his legs. The content of his letters is pretty mundane stuff like what he needs to send her, etc., but they always end very affectionately, as do hers to him. They obviously loved each other very much. It is very sad that she lost him so soon. The poem was interpreted from his handwriting including the misspelled and misused words by his granddaughter, Glenna Foley Kruger.

 

 

 

When I First Met My Wife

To Emma

We met one time in the Spring of the year

The meeting wasn't strong and yet it was queer

She sat on the porch without any key
and looked oh so wistfully over at me

—

It seems that right then a uniting took place
as I walked over to her and looked in her face.

A key was the thing she needed before

So I took one from my pocket and opened the door

We didn't say much as both were so fraid
but even at that a start had been made.

That day as she wandered thru that forest out there,
she gathered some flours so gourgesly fair.

What were they called Rhodeodendroi

Just so in her cheeks you could see the same kind of glow

Her hair was so brown and her eyes were so bright
that I couldn't forget her for many a night.

In fact she's still with me in thought and in deed
and I'm right here to tell you she sure is some keed.

 

 

By the little man

His post script:

You see I haven't much to do so I thought I would develop my poetical abilities. Hence the bunk above. If you can stand this let me know and pronto some more. I will write you a letter or too tomorrow.

Albert William Meissner was born 14 Aug 1885 at La Crosse WI
He died 9 Oct 1938 at Los Angeles CA

Emma Florence Matteson was born 25 Oct 1892 at Kingman KS
She died 11 Dec 1970 at Yucaipa CA

Albert and Emma were married 1 Nov 1911 at Seattle WA

They had three children:

1. Vivian Emma Meissner was born 17 Sep 1912 at Seattle WA. She married Mervin Paul Foley 19 Feb  1932 at Santa Ana CA. She died 8 Apr 2000 at Portland OR. Vivian and Mervin had four daughters: twins Vivian and Virginia, Fef, and Glenna.

2. Lawrence Elbert Meissner was born 19 Dec 1913 at Seattle WA, and he died 28 Feb 1922 at Los Angeles CA.
3. Leonard James William Meissner was born 16 Jul 1917 at Seattle WA. He married Dorothy Maxine Allen 20 Oct 1942 at El Monte CA. He died 17 Nov 1995 at Loma Linda CA. Leonard and Dorothy had two children: Carol and James.

OBITUARY

Vivian Emma Meissner Foley

9/17/1912 - 4/8/2000

Vivian Emma Meissner was born on September 17, 1912 in Seattle, Washington. She was the elder sister to two brothers, Lawrence and Leonard, both of whom preceded her in death.

As a young girl, Vivian was confirmed in the Methodist Church. When her family moved to Los Angeles they came into contact with the Church of God movement (Anderson, Indiana) and became active participants in the local congregation. It was there that she met the handsome young Mervin Foley with whom she eloped on February 19, 1932. They were married for 64 years until his death in July of 1996.

Vivian's life centered around her family and her church. Over the years she served as Sunday School Superintendent, Director of Religious Education, and held many offices in the Women's Missionary group. She had a beautiful soprano voice and sang solos as well as singing with her daughters.

She raised four daughters: Vivian, Virginia, Fef, and Glenna. She sewed countless coats, dresses, and other garments for them and for herself. She was also known for her great pies.

After Mervin's retirement, they traveled throughout the U.S. researching family history. As a result she became an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving in many offices from 1972 to 1992, including Regent of the Willamette chapter and a variety of State offices. She also belonged to the Society of New England Women, the Portland Woman's Club, and the Doane Society.

After Mervin's death she moved to a retirement center where she quickly became chair of the resident's association. Vivian was a voracious reader throughout her life, keeping up on politics and world events. She loved to discuss theology, write poetry, visit with friends and follow the adventures of her family. She joined First Baptist Church of Portland on October 26th, 1997.

She is survived by her four daughters: Virginia Postma, Vivian Walters, Dr. Fef Barnes, Glenna Kruger; plus 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

Written by Glenna Kruger, April 9, 2000