Single Life to Benedict - Part 7 -A Death in the Family

We last left Alfred in 1931. He is working for the Railway Post Office and the family is living in Linton.  But 1933 brings a lost to the family.

"In 1933 Mrs. Bovenschen died.  I was out on the road when she passed away and when I went to register at the hotel a telegram was there notifying me.  Our train was 4 hours late and by the time I went to the office to get released from the run I couldn’t get a train untill 2 pm.  I sent a telegram home and Uncle Russell & Uncle Karl met me at Terre Haute around 6 pm.  Here was the finest Mother I ever knew.  She left a heritage so rich I doubt if any of her daughters ever were able to emulate.  They were able to carry on those things that are taught by a good mother – Love and devotion to God, Country and Home – That art of housekeeping and home making – cooking and sewing – but they are of that peculiar science – silence – I doubt if learned that as mastered by their mother.  I never heard her on any occasion ever speak ill of any person – her simple, yet Christian attitude to her fellow women and Church can be best experienced in my opinion by the simple words I once heard her say after the church had been newly decorated, “Our church is the nicest church in Linton.”  That expression came from the heart of the finest Mother I ever knew.  I made many trips to her bier, escorting friends who came to see her and it was there I saw and realized the beauty of a soul that had returned to God who gave it and body that was to return to the earth from whence it came.  She was the originator of some customs that were adhered to by her daughters and have become an institution with the family.  Such as the daughters assemble at each other’s home on their Birthdays.  Thanksgiving was spent at someone’s home each year.  Xmas was a family gathering in her home and later in the home of one of the daughters and Good Friday was always spent at Aunt Nancy Gilbreath’s.  The last was discontinued after the death of Stella and Mahlon Gilbreath.  Mom and I donated $250 to the chimes at church in memory of her & Mr. Bovenschen in the name of the Bovenschen family.  A small gift for Mom’s wonderful parents."

Alfred has paid high accolades to his mother-in-law. The family life that Sena and  William created, was so different from what Alfred had experienced growing up.  The fact that Alfred was dropped off at his grandparents after his parent's divorce, while his mother returned to Indianapolis, had a long reaching impact. 

Obituary of Sena Bovenschen
from Moehlmann Family Collection

Gesena Heitman Bovenschen - date unknown
Moehlmann Family Collection

William and Sena Bovenschen and Family  c. 1910
Moehlmann Family Collection

Alfred mentioned the traditons that were stated with this family.  Below are several newspaper articles recounting family gatherings.

Sena Bovenschen and Marth Pope (mother-in-law of Sena's daughter Grace)
on the porch of the Bovenschen home
Moehlmann Family Collection

Sena Bovenschen Surrounded by her Six Daughters
Moehlmann Family Collection

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Auto Accident Involving Sena  Bovenschen January 18, 1929
Moehlmann Family Collection

Ladies Aid Society of the Saron Reformed Church
Sena Bovenschen back row fifth from left
Moehlmannn Family Collection

Members of Saron Reformed Church, Linton, Indiana - late 1920's
William Bovenschen fromt row seated last on right, Alfred Moehlmann directly behind William,
Sena Bovenschen directly behind the sixth seated child from left.
Moehlmann Family Collection.

Sena put priorities on her family and church and was highly respected in her community.