Hans Sieves

SIEVES, ARP

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 10/21/2004 at 21:10:18

I translated the following obituary from Der Carroll Demokrat, a German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and 1920. The obituary was originally published on Friday, 28 January 1898. I have not changed the name or place spellings. Any information in brackets or notes at the end is my own explanation. It reads as follows:

[Hans Sieves]

Unfortunately, the sad report of the death of Mr. Hans Sieves of Arcadia, was forwarded to us somewhat late. On Wednesday, 12 January 1898, he died in his house in Arcadia, surrounded by his family. He was born in Offenbuttel, Holstein, Germany, on 29 July 1826, and came to America in 1857. Hearing about the gold fields in California, he wandered there and remained for eight years, during which time he was moderately successful. Moved by the wish to visit his old home once again, he traveled from California to Germany, where he remained one year. In 1866, he came back again to America and settled in Tama County, Iowa, where he married Miss Anna Arp. In 1875, he moved with his family to Carroll County, where he successfully carried on the business of farming near Arcadia. He retired from farming a year ago, and had lived in Arcadia since then. The burial took place from the Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Pastor Heilert officiating. He leaves behind a grieving widow and four children. The deceased stood in the highest regard and was well-liked by all who knew him. Our deepest sympathy to the bereaved.

NOTES: Holstein is a region in the far north of Germany. There is a town called Offenbüttel about 50 miles northwest of Hamburg.