KEEPING LOCAL HISTORY ALIVE
‘HER CHILDREN ARISE AND CALL HER BLESSED’ By Daniel Flyger
Prov 31 says, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Antonia Konechne Klima Hirsch Pesicka was such a woman. Antonia was born Feb. 4, 1851, in Moravia. She married Ignatz “Nick” Klima. Both families were descended from a long line of “Hussites”, the spiritual followers of Jan Hus, the great Czech reformer who lived a full hundred years before Martin Luther. These evangelical believers called themselves “Unitas Fraterum” which is Latin for Unity of the Brethren. This pre-Reformation sect had survived persecution in their homeland; many having come to Pennsylvania in the 18th century. Nick and Antonia’s ancestors were among pockets of the group which had secluded themselves to remote villages in what is today the Czech Republic.
The Michael and Antonia Pesicka family.
ALWAYS HERE. ALWAYS CARING.
Having heard of the opportunity for “free” farmland and freedom to openly practice their faith in America, the young family saved enough to book passage to the U.S. with all their possessions in one small trunk. Among the items in the trunk was a Czech Bible printed in 1845. This Bible and her strong Christian faith sustained Antonia through life’s tragedies. The young couple and their five small children booked passage to America in 1885. Their destination was Dakota Territory Publisher’s note: Farming Families magazine shares local history stories because it’s a way to connect and learn from our shared past. Local history expert Daniel Flyger was approached by a family who had a heartfelt account of an inspiring family matriarch. We are thankful Farming Families was selected to share this story. It reminds me of my own grandmothers’ generation and beyond. These women led their families and set an example for many generations beyond their lifespan. The challenges they faced were overcome by faith and perseverance and it is that faith that is symbolized in the 170-year-old Bible which is referenced here.
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August 2022 | www.agemedia.pub | The Farming Families Magazine
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