Before I introduce two Bredimus sisters, a word about their father. Our father’s Uncle Maurice was Poppy’s older brother. Didn’t our dad call him “Morris”?
I’ve also seen him referred to as Maurie. He had only two children, just like Poppy. Maurice Bredimus had two girls while Poppy had two boys. Unusual for the early 1900’s.
Maurice was a Sign painter for many years. I don’t know if he ever worked for his Father, Francois. “Frank” was the named used by Francois and he was listed as a Merchant on one of the census forms. Some old directories list Frank as a painter of signs and carriages, sometimes in a partnership. Old addresses could be of a work shop. As the eldest son, Maurice might have inherited his father’s painting business. His daughters did not continue in the business.
Maurice William Bredimus
Birth Date: 10 Feb 1875
Died 19 Mar 1951
His daughter, Maurine, was born 29 June 1902 and died 30 December 1993. Maurine Bredimus was named “Mauricea” at birth. They must have changed it soon after. Her birth name was quite unusual, and I assume it was an attempt to honor the family name of “Maurice”. I’ve written more about her father and her marriage into the Harkins family. Read about that here:
See the surprising news coverage (attached) of her as a young lady.
I have posted separately on her younger sister, Harriette.
From: Austin Gangel,
Hi, I am Maurine’s great grandson. I think my father, Tom Gangel, may have reached out to you a year or so ago when we were tracing back Bredimus lineage for Luxembourg citizenship application. Wondering if you have any info on Francois’ wife, Henrietta(sp) Anita Blum. She was born in Paris but exact marriage details to Francois couldn’t really be found. We go to Paris on occasion and were interested in trying to find out anything on the Blums. Great website. Very cool to see the army great Aunt Harriet being quoted in here. She was a special lady and knew a lot of Bredimus history. Best, Austin Gangel
Hello Austin,
… I visited Paris many times over the years and did look for the name Bredimus in the days of telephone directories. My uncle Frank Bredimus did the same in 1966 and when he was an Army Officer there during WWII. I don’t recall if any family member searched for Blum.
I just updated some information on the site that might help in your research. Please use these links:
http://www.bredimus.com/maurine-bredimus/
http://www.bredimus.com/morris-was-maurice/
http://www.bredimus.com/henriette-or-harriett/
Let me know what you find and if you can help with any photos or information passed down (eldest son Maurice to eldest child Maurine)…
Hi Nicolas,
I’m Austin’s Aunt, Christina (Gangel) Marek. I go by Tina. I notice he reached out about a year ago. Maurine was my grandmother. I’ve always been interested in our ancestry and specifically the history of Maurine and my Great Aunt, Harriett. Last week while I was in Kansas City I passed the apartment Harriette lived in, it’s still there in the Plaza area. I remember visiting her there as a young girl. Both Maurine and Harriette have always intrigued me. They were obviously strong and independent women who had careers and what I feel were unique lives for their generation, especially given the fact that Harriette didn’t marry until her 70’s. I attribute my love for Paris and all things French to Harriette. I have a great photo of Maurine and Harriette when there were very young. Happy to share it with you so you can post it.
Thank you for your work on the family history.
Tina
Hi Tina,
I’d be happy to post your photo of Maurine and Harriette and will email you with instructions. Their father was my dad’s uncle Morris, so they were his first cousins. Dad spoke of them as you do – strong independent women. I was living in Kansas City at the same time as my Aunt Harriette but never knew it. My employer at that time, Trans World Airlines, sent me to Paris a few times and it would have wonderful to discuss this with my Aunt. Now I have you, Tina, to tell me about her life in Kansas City. I appreciate your help with the Bredimus family history and look forward to more contributions when you have them.
Cheers,
Nick