Robert Gapsch immigrated with his family from Saxony (present-day Germany) to the St. Louis area in 1881. A few years later he moved to Portland, Oregon. About the same time Matilda Henriksdotter immigrated from Finland, also finding her way to Portland. They married in 1890, and had their first child in Portland.

About 1892 they and their baby daughter moved to a farm near Reedsville, in Washington Co., about 20 miles west of Portland. Most of their children were born there.

Late in 1900 Robert and Matilda bought a farm in La Center, across the Columbia River, in Washington. The family, now with six children ranging in age from infant Robert to 10-year-old Emma, loaded their belongings and drove their livestock the 40-some miles to their new home.

Migration of Robert Gapsch Family
Click on symbols for details.

  Legend:
 
 Move to Reedsville, about 1892
 
 Move to La Center in 1901