Mrs. Louise Niemann

Interview	Hodges, Carrie L. 	AUG 31 1936 	9/21/36. 

cl 682 words [2nd?] 

WOMEN WHO HAVE PIONEERED NEW MEXICO. 	Mrs. Louise [Ricemann?]. 

In the beautiful city of Hansa Castle on the River Mine, in southern Germany near 
France, was born, in the year 1859, Louise Klinge (American pronunciation, 
Klinger), one of Union Counties Pioneer women, who had the fortitude, forbearance 
and courage to weather the difficulties and hardships of a lone claim-holder. 

It was in this city of Hansa Castle on the Mine, overshadowed by the vineyard 
clad hills of [?] France, where grapes of the best varieties were grown and made 
into our finest of imported wines, that Louise Klinge grew to young womanhood. 
She, as well as her entire family, were very highly educated, her father being, 
among his varied talents, a writer of verse, and at one time an employee of the 
Kaiser William. 

At the age of sixteen years, and in the year 1859, upon being left fatherless, 
she made the long and tedious voyage to the United States of America to make her 
home with an uncle, her fathers brother, at Herman, Missouri, who was postmaster 
at that place. Her voyage across the waters extended over a [period?] of some 
four weeks. [???] 

For one year she made her home with his uncle, and it was here that John Niemann 
wooed and won her as his bride in the year 1860. They decided on the city of St. 
Louis, Mo. as their future home, and for forty years Mrs. Niemann resided there 
and reared her family of four boys and three girls. 

St. Louis at this time was a very small city indeed, only extending five blocks 
west of the Mississippi river. What was then 5th street is now Broadway. 

Mrs. Niemann, being a professional in the culinary art, held the position of chef 
in various prominent clubs of the city for a number of years. 

This same art has been handed down by her through inheritance, for two 
generations, to her son, Andrew Niemann, and grandsons, Newton and John Niemann, 
all residents of Clayton, New Mexico, who are noted both far and near for their 
delicious culinary concoctions, and who are, at the present time, in active 
business in Clayton. 

For fourteen years Mrs. Niemann served in the capacity of president of the 
Knights and Ladies of Honor, Municipal Lodge No. 529, of St. Louis, Mo. 

In the year of 1907, she came to New Mexico and filed on a claim twenty two miles 
due south of Clayton located on what is known at the present time as Highway No. 
38. 

Pioneer life had no horror for this courageous woman. Howling storms of winter 
months, with the coyotes accompanying scream in the darkness of a lonely night, 
neighbors miles away, were braved year after year. 

After proving up her claim, Mrs. Nieman, "Grandma Niemann" as she was 
affectionately called by both old and young alike, moved to Clayton, New Mexico 
in 1913, and located at 615 Cedar St., at which place she was still living when 
called to the Great Beyond. 

After Moving to Clayton, she again found her talent of useful service. During the 
years of 1909-1910-1911 she served in the capacity of cook on the Pitchfork 
Ranch, three miles west of Clayton, then operated by [?], Blackwell and Lawrence. 
After leaving this position she served in the same capacity in the home of 
Christian Otto for two years, 1912-1913. 

She served numerous homes in Clayton in the capacity of culinary service for many 
years, as no one was considered quite her equal in those early days in preparing 
the delicacies for private home use as well as for social events. 

As time wore on, and "Grandma" was unequal to full time service, she was called 
for special occasions. Then at last came the time when she no longer could serve 
even on these occasions. Her feeble strength was limited; her three-score and ten 
reached and passed; her service to humanity ended; but the scores of friends made 
during her life of service were ever loyal, and ministered to her needs until the 
end which came on April 28, 1934, calling her to her great reward. 

Hodges, Carrie L. 

Mrs. Louise Niemann.

BIBLIOGRAPHY/. 
Interview, Andrew Nieman, son of Mrs. Louise Niemann, resideing at 615 Cedar St., 
Clayton, New Mexico, to Carrie L. Hodges, August [20??] 1936.

Credit: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, WPA Federal Writers' Project 
Collection.

Union

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