Abel, Henry Herman 1823-1898

ABEL, WEICHMAN, WIRKLER, SCHEFFERT

Posted By: Gary Sheffert (email)
Date: 3/10/2006 at 16:27:14

H.H. ABEL

(17 Dec 1898)

The news reached this place on Saturday that H.H. Abel, one of our most respected citizens, had passed away after a severe illness, while visiting at his son-in-law's, Mr Edw. Wirkler, of Monona.

The remains were brought to this place for interment on Monday. Rev. J. Sommerlad officiated at the funeral. Many who wished to attend the funeral were prevented from doing so by the slippery roads and the uncertainty of the hour of the funeral's arrival from Monona.

Henry Herman Abel was born in Tetenburg, Germany, Aug. 14, 1823. In 1845 Mr. Abel came to America and resided for five years in Ohio. He then returned to Germany, remaining there until in 1857. While there he married Caroline Oppermann, in 1851, and as before stated returned to America in 1857. He lived for five years in Ohio and in 1862 came to Garnavillo, settling on what is now known as the Abel farm, two miles west of town. He lived upon the farm for a period of 34 years, during which time eleven children were born to them, seven sons and four daughters, of which children three are dead. Of the living, Herman now lives in Melvern, Kansas; Ida, the wife of George Weichman, is in Seward, Nebr.: Mary, wife of Edward Wirkler, lives in Monona; August and Julius in Wagner; Edward in Monona; Tillie, wife of Ed Scheffert, in Garnavillo twp., and Ferdinand in Garnavillo.

Since 1894 Mr. Abel has resided in town and here his wife died, Oct. 20, 1896.

It is not so hard to lay the loved one to rest when you know that death comes as a close to a long and well spent life. Mr. Abel was seventy five years old, but will be missed by many of his old associates in this place.