Frieda Martini Buchen

Frieda Louise Martini was born on January 6, 1881. Her father was pastor to newly arrived immigrants on Ellis Island in New York City. As a child, Frieda loved to play the piano and write poetry. After completing high school, she trained as a nurse, hoping to go overseas for mission work, but was rejected because the doctor determined that she was not strong enough.
She went on to Oberlin University for her Master’s degree and taught at Northwestern University. She served during World War I as a reporter, secretary and interpreter for a German Relief Society that cared for wounded soldiers.
After the war she married a Dr. Buchen and lived in Montana. It was a difficult marriage for Frieda. She later taught German and French at Marion College in Marion, Indiana. Her poetry shows her devout faith in God.

N.N. Hymnary, from "Then Nepal's Door Opened" by Alma Hagen, Xulon Press