Fessman, Charles W. 1841-1930

FESSMAN, LERNHART

Posted By: Julie (email)
Date: 10/1/2007 at 20:52:20

from North Iowa Times, McGregor, Clayton Co., Iowa - March 27, 1930, page 1

Lived Here 60 years
Mr. Fessman has been a resident of McGregor 60 years. He was known in northeaster Iowa in the horse and buggy days as a maker of fine carriages and sleighs. He won first prize on a sleigh at the Centennial exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876. He was employed in the King’s Carriage works in Germany before coming to America.

Came here in 1868
Funeral services for Mr. Fessman were held Wednesday afternoon, the Fre. J. Franklin Parsons assisting.

Mr. Fessman’s death occurred Sunday. In failing health for several years, he became worse last week, following the shock of the schoolhouse fire, which threatened his own home. He had not been down town since the road bond election.

Charles W. Fessman was born September 28, 1841 at Nurtingen, Wurtehnberg, Germany and passed away March 23, 1930 at the age of 88 years and 6 months.

He landed in this country August 17, 1686, working in Dubuque and Bloomington, Wis. He came to McGregor in 1871, where on Nov 28, 1871, he was married to Louisa Lernhart, he having come first to prepare a home in the new country. To this union five children were born, two sons dying in infancy, and two daughters, Mollie and Kathinka, and a son Herman, still living. His wife passed away June 18th, 1898, since which time his daughter Mollie kept the home.

He was a carriage maker, having learned his trade in Germany. He was employed by Hawley & Co., and Pearsall and son. Later he and John Allen went into business. After they disposed of the shop he became very much interested in his garden and flowers.

He was an honest, upright man, lending a helping hand wherever possible, a good neighbor, kind friend and loving father. He was a good citizen, taking and active interest in all public matters. He was a member of Itasca Lodge I.O.O.F., and also a member of the Canton Order of Odd Fellows.

(photo caption) Charles Fessman retired since the days of carriage and sleigh building at which he was a skilled hand, died Sunday. For many years his flowers and gardens have had the admiration of the community. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon.

Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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