Matthiesen Heritage

The Matthiesen family name has intriguing origins rooted in Europe, tracing back to its etymological and geographical beginnings. The name is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Matthias or Matthew, both of which have biblical origins. These names stem from the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning "Gift of God." As such, the Matthiesen family is connected to a long tradition of names that reflect religious and spiritual values, which were prominent during the medieval period.

In Denmark, Matthiesen is a relatively common surname, reflective of the Danish tradition of patronymics. Danish historical records often show the surname cropping up in farming communities and seafaring towns along the coasts. Given Denmark’s position as a maritime power, families with the Matthiesen name may have been involved in trade, fishing, or even shipbuilding. Over time, the patronymic system in Denmark began to give way to fixed surnames, solidifying Matthiesen as a hereditary name.

Picture a brisk autumn morning in the mid-18th century. The port of Hamburg buzzes with activity as families clutch their belongings, their faces a mix of apprehension and hope. Among them stands a man named Christopher Matthiesen, a sturdy figure with calloused hands from years of labor in the northern German countryside. Beside him, his brother Nicholas adjusts a small wooden chest filled with their few possessions: tools, a Bible, and a carefully folded letter from home.

The Matthiesen brothers, like many of their time, had heard whispers of a place across the Atlantic. It was a land of boundless opportunity where one could escape the suffocating grip of European wars and rigid social hierarchies. In 1750, they boarded a ship bound for New York City, not knowing what lay ahead but driven by the promise of freedom and a fresh start.

The voyage was treacherous. Crashing waves and howling winds tested their resolve as the ship creaked and groaned against the Atlantic’s fury. When they finally set foot on the shores of America, the air was thick with possibility. New York City, still a modest port town, welcomed them with its cobblestone streets and a cacophony of languages, including Dutch, English, and German.

Christopher and Nicholas found work wherever they could: on docks, in workshops, and eventually on small plots of land outside the growing city. They were part of the first wave of Matthiesens to take root in the New World, laying a foundation for generations to come.

By the late 19th century, a new wave of Matthiesen immigrants set their sights on the vast open plains of the American Midwest. Among them were families who eventually settled in New Salem, North Dakota, a burgeoning farming community founded by German immigrants. These Matthiesens, drawn by the promise of fertile land and the chance to build a life from the soil, found the landscape both challenging and full of opportunity.

The plains of North Dakota mirrored the rolling farmland of Schleswig-Holstein, their German homeland, though the winters were far harsher. Settling in sod houses and timber-framed farmsteads, the Matthiesen families brought with them Old World agricultural techniques and a strong sense of community. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in New Salem offered a lifeline for their growing farms, connecting them to markets across the United States.

One of their most lasting contributions was their role in establishing New Salem’s dairy industry, which would later become a hallmark of the region. Many Matthiesens were instrumental in bringing European dairy traditions to the area, particularly the art of cheese-making. By the early 20th century, New Salem became renowned for its dairy production, symbolized by its famous “Salem Sue,” the world’s largest Holstein cow, erected in honor of the area’s dairy heritage.

By the early 20th century, the Matthiesens were no longer just immigrants. They were Americans. They tilled the soil, weathered brutal winters, and raised their families on the values of hard work and faith. Their homes became gathering places for neighbors, where the sounds of German hymns filled the air on Sundays and the smell of freshly baked bread wafted from kitchens.

The Matthiesen name became a cornerstone of New Salem’s identity. Census records from this period show many Matthiesen men listed as farmers and dairy workers, while Matthiesen women became known for their roles in maintaining family life and contributing to church and community events.

Even as the Matthiesens became firmly rooted in North Dakota’s prairie lands, they carried pieces of Europe in their hearts. Recipes for hearty stews, butter-laden pastries, and homemade cheeses were passed down through the generations. German traditions, from Christmas celebrations to summer harvest festivals, remained integral to their lives.

Today, the Matthiesen family’s story in New Salem is one of triumph over adversity, a testament to the power of community and the pioneering spirit. They helped transform a rugged stretch of prairie into a thriving agricultural hub and left an indelible mark on the heritage of North Dakota.

As you read this story, imagine the Matthiesen families braving the icy winters of the Great Plains, building homes against fierce winds, and working the land with determination. Each step they took and every challenge they overcame became a thread in the vibrant tapestry of the Matthiesen legacy. A legacy that continues to thrive in New Salem and beyond.