Letters from Waldheim 2

Did you discover the word in Heinrich’s letter that reveals so much? Perhaps an English translation will help you spot it.

Russia

Waldheim, 28 May 1906

Dear Editor! On May 17 I unexpectedly received number 4 of the Rundschau and did not know by whom; I thought perhaps a friend had sent it, but since I have until now not received the following number, it is clear to me that it was only a sample issue; still, thank you very much for that. I ask for information, dear Editor, how much the Rundschau costs in Russian currency and how much in postage. I would like to receive the Rundschau at my own address.

Then I must ask you, dear Editor: I have already twice requested in the Rundschau if anyone would be so obliging as to provide to me information regarding my brothers and sisters in America, if they do not themselves read the Rundschau; thus far I have not received any information. There are two half-brothers alive: Benjamin Buller and David Buller, who are the sons of David Buller, Waldheim; three siblings have already died. But there are still children, namely, Peter Buller, Abraham Braun, and Johann Wiens. I would like to have information about them and their addresses. Perhaps it is possible for the editor to obtain these addresses and send them to me through the Rundschau, for which I will be sincerely grateful.

Affectionate greetings, I remain your benevolent
Heinrich Buller

Our address is: Heinrich Buller, Post Waldheim, Taurida Gubernia [Province], South Russia.

Note: Please, dear brother H. H. Buller, of Marion, South Dakota, can you answer these questions? —Editor

The crucial clause is: “There are two half-brothers alive.” Heinrich’s reference to Benjamin and David 2 as half-brothers leaves little doubt about the answer to our earlier question: Who was David 1 and Helena Zielke’s firstborn (see here)?

We know that Benjamin and David 2 were Helena’s sons, so the fact that Heinrich was their half-brother confirms that he was not Helena’s son but rather the sone of David 1’s second wife, whose name we still do not know.

Apart from the genealogical clarity that this letter brings (we now know that David 1 and Helena Zielke’s firstborn was their daughter Helena), we see a human side of of Heinrich, who received a free copy of the Rundschau in the mail and thought at least for a time that perhaps an anonymous friend had given him a subscription. Alas, it was only a sample issue, but Heinrich was grateful nonetheless—and the sample produced its intended result: he asked how much (in Russian currency!) a subscription and postage would be.

We also see Peter P Buller mentioned as one of children of the deceased siblings living in America. Peter will make another appearance in a future letter.

Finally, note that the Rundschau editor directs Heinrich’s request to a specific subscriber to the Rundschau, one H. H. Buller of Marion, South Dakota. An index of Rundschau authors (see here) implies that H. H. Buller was a regular correspondent in the Rundschau, so presumably the editor is asking a colleague who may have knowledge to help. Whether or not H. H. Buller is directly related to our branch of the family is impossible to say at this time.