History of the
Surname Heyman - Hayman
Letter from
Agnes Heyman to her niece,
Shirley Louise Heyman
August 11, 1972
Dear Shirley,
Myrtle told me that you would like to know the history of your
grandfather Heyman. I have no records but I do remember so much as
he and mother loved to talk about Sweden.
He was born January 7, 1859 on a farm near
Gottenburg, Sweden. They were considered wealthy. I have no records but
do remember there were six boys, no girls. When my father was 12 years
old grandfather lost quite a bit of money, due to being too good hearted
(so was my father). He loaned people money when asked – then was never
repaid. So eventually he did as many Europeans did – go to America and
get rich???? He stayed several years then went back to Sweden with no
more money than when he left.
In the meantime grandmother and the boys
worked hard trying to make a living off the farm. Those days there were
few implements so it was done by hand. When young, grandmother was
wealthy.
Grandfather died at about 60 years of age.
I remember seeing tears in father’s eyes when he read the letter. It is
about one hundred years since father came to America. He was young –less
than 20 years old – but had gone to Stockholm and learned to be a
tailor. He also studied for confirmation in his church. All
children had to do that. Then he was on his own after that.
Eventually he came to America by sewing for
the Captain of the ship. I think he went to Moline, Illinois for awhile
but after a period of time he came to Kansas City and roomed and boarded
with mother’s brother and wife, Uncle Charlie and Aunt Maggie. We all
loved them.
Mother lived in Chicago. Had a good job,
nice boy friend (and his ring) but just had to see her sister-in-law and
the new baby (Elizabeth). Met my father and after a courtship of a year
or more they were married – at her brother’s home.
Two of father’s brothers came to see us
when I was 12 years old. (Harry was here today and he remembered them).
Both brothers were younger and tall like father. They went west to
Arizona and one stayed many years and became a millionaire – he was a
very fine man, so good to his old mother who lived to be nearly 90 years
of age. I am told I resemble her very much. He died young.
On one of our trips we went to Arizona and
asked at several places about them but no one remembered them – too long
before and few records in those days.
Father’s parents were named Larson but when
he came to America he changed it to Heyman, as it seemed to be the way
they did then. Two of his brothers also did the same. So, three were
Larson and three were Heyman. Their estate was named “Heyde” – hence the
Heyman. Tho several of the family use Hayman. Louis started that. I use
Heyman.
This is the history of the family name.
I have only my memory but I am sure of
these facts as mother and dad used to talk about Sweden and the
relatives, etc. so much. Tho I think they never really cared to go
back to Sweden,
I did not mean to write all of this – just
no place to stop. I hope you enjoy reading this as I did writing it.
Love as ever,
Aunt Agnes