Henkes, John M. 1831-1915

HENKES, KOTH, SEBASTIAN, BAUGHMAN

Posted By: Gary Sheffert (email)
Date: 3/9/2006 at 19:48:25

JOHN M. HENKES

John M. Henkes was born in Hessen Castle, Germany, Dec. 12, 1831, and died Jan. 4, 1915, at the age of 85 years and 22 days. In the spring of 1849, at the age of 17 years, with one of his elder brothers he came to America and his parents and family followed them about one year later. They first settled in Browhelm Township, Ohio, near Cleveland, where they lived together 4 years or until 1854. In the year 1855 the family came to Clayton County.

On March 25, 1855, he was united in marriage to Martha Elizabeth Dietz, when they located at once on the old well known homestead in Wagner Township. To them were born seven children; 3 sons and 4 daughters, viz: Henry, of Wagner Twp, Iowa, Charles of Canora, Canada, Helen (Mrs H. Koth) of Monona, Iowa, Martha (Mrs. Howard Sebastian) of Cresco, Iowa, Mina (Mrs S.C.Baughman) of Los Angeles, California, Catherine (Mrs F. Koth) of Monona, Iowa, and Melvin of Monona, Iowa.

He was the last surviving member of his family of five brothers and one sister. Mr. Henkes lived on his farm in Wagner Township until 1894 when he and his wife retired and moved to Monona, Iowa. After his wife's death, which occurred in June, 1912, he apparently felt lonely and lived with his children. Shortly after her death, he went to Los Angeles, to stay for a time with his daughter Mina, when after about nine months he returned home to spend his declining years with his other children. He died at Cresco, Iowa, while staying with his daughter Martha, without much suffering, of old age. Mr. Henkes was one of our pioneers, going thru many hardships in early life, his journey across the ocean, as a mere boy required six weeks. He was very industrious and honest. He was known as a man of strict integrity of character, always standing for what he thought to be right. He was raised in a home whose religious faith was that of the "Reformed Church of Germany". But he also supported the Evangelical Church where he lived the greater part of his life. Besides his immediate family he has 35 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren together with a large relation and a host of old friends and neighbors to mourn his departure.

The funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Congregational Church at Monona. Rev. Glaeser of the Evangelical Church officiating in the German language and Rev. Meek of the Congregational Church of Monona spoke in English, both were fitting and impressive. The choir sang several beautiful selections, chosen by the family. The floral designs were beautiful. Mr Henkes chose those who he wished to perform the last neighborly service of bearing his body to the last earthly habitation. They were old friends and neighbors: Messers Adam Eibel, Fred Watt, Charley Miller, Frank Jarmes, Henry Neibauer, and Nicholas Melcher. His memory was honored by a large attendance who came to pay their last tribute of respect. He was laid to rest beside his wife in the Monona Cemetery.