mother, Sharlotta instilled in her children the need to love God and his teachings and it's this faith that sustained them.  Many times in the evening after supper, she had the children sit on the floor in a circle and listen to her read from the Bible, teaching them German hymns.  Their favorites were "Gott Ist Die Liebe", "So Nimm Denn Meine Hande" (O Take My Hand Dear Father) and Christmas hymns such as "O Tannenbaum" and "Stille Nact" (Silent Night).  Sharlotta was a good singer and had good leadership qualities.  Some say she seemed to be quite educated.  She was instrumental in their biblical instruction and preparing her children for the rigid confirmation instruction which each child experienced at about 14 years of age.  They were boarded in Linton for six weeks and most of the time this was their first time away from home for any length of time.  Before they went, Sharlotta helped each child memorize the catechism; which included the Ten Commandments, the Creeds, The Lord's Prayer and Bible verses.  All the children were baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.  Sharlotta was known to be hospitable, inviting travelers in to eat and stay over while passing through.  She was also a good cook and seamstress.   She died April 16, 1918;  16 days after giving birth to Robert  and is buried in the Merkel Cemetery.  In 1921, 3 years after Sharlotta's death, Christiana, at age 17, became very ill and died.  In 1928, Friedrich died when Hilda was only 13  years old.  He is buried in the Merkel Cemetery along with his wife, two daughters (Frieda and Christiana) and a son (Robert).  Now, there was no parents left and the farm slowly dissolved.  About two years after Friedrich's death, Bill was hauling hay into the barn and a fire ignited, burning the barn to the ground.  Wally was walking the creek, looking for magpies (which they paid a bounty on).  When he arrived home, the barn was gone.  The boys kept farming and after Wally got married, he lived there on year.  He was the last one to love on the homestead.  After that, it was sold to Heinrich Humann and today Jerry Christianson, from Bismarck, owns the land.  Only the house foundation remains.  Friedrich died 3-19-1928 and is buried in the Merkel Cemetery.