Abel, Caroline (Oppermann) 1831-1896

ABEL, OPPERMANN, WEICHMAN, WIRKLER, SCHEFFERT

Posted By: Gary Sheffert (email)
Date: 3/10/2006 at 16:45:38

Obituary

MRS. H. H. ABEL

Died, at the family residence in this town, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1896 Augusta Abel, nee Opperman, after a lingering illness of several months duration.

Mrs. Abel was born in Fuerstenthurn Schaumburg-Lippe, Germany, April the 14, 1831. In 1851 she was married to Herman H. Abel, and in the same year they immigrated to this country, settling in Ohio. After residing there for five years they moved to Iowa, coming to Garnavillo in 1856, and settling on their farm west of town, the following spring. Seven children were born to them, five of which still live. They are Herman, who is farming in Nebraska, John deceased, Henry, August, Julius, Edward and Ferdinand. The daughters are Mrs. Geo. Wiegman (sic), of Seward, Neb., Mrs. Ed. Wirkler of Monona, and Mrs. Ed. Scheffert of this place. One child died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Abel came to this vicinity when it was yet sparsely settled and were a factor in the upbuilding of the community. They resided on their farm until a few years ago, when they rented the old place, and removed to town. Mrs. Abel had been suffering from dropsy for some time, and for the week preceeding her death, children and relatives saw that her life must soon end.

The rude winds of autumn are tearing the last withered leaves from the branches that once held them, and with them our old settlers are one by one dropping off. But as the leaves grow beautiful once again just before they fall, the memories of these old pioneers remain with us, and are full of beauty, long after the body has crumbled into dust.

Mrs. Abel will be buried Friday, October 23, Rev. Sommerlad officiating.