Blaha, Frank 1834 - 1927

BLAHA, BLAHNA, LENTH

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 12/25/2012 at 14:01:42

Postville Herald, Thur., 17 March 1927. From the Monona Leader. Slightly condensed from a longer obit.

Frank Blaha, Sr., was born March 25, 1834, at Hvozdec, Bohemia. Here he received his education in the public schools. When 19 years of age he and his parents boarded an Ocean Sail Boat on which they were six weeks, and landed at New York, July 1, 1853. They went west as far as Dubuque where they remained till the following March when they came to Giard township 73 years ago. He has lived in this township ever since.

In 1867 he was united in marriage to Mary Blahna, of Eastman, Wis. To this union four children were born, two sons and two daughters. One son died in infancy. His wife however, did not remain with him and the children very long, as she died after about eleven years, in Feb. 1878. This left him alone with the children all of whom were small.

Mr. Blaha was one of the pioneers of Clayton county whose passing away is felt as a loss by many. He made a home for himself and family under considerable difficulties, clearing land and after the death of his wife, the cares of the children and household also fell to his lot. He was a man however, who knew how to help himself in these circumstances and succeeded admirably well. He was physically strong and able to do more work than the average man. He was industrious, even at an advanced age he loved to work when it was not required of him.

He read and spoke three languages, Bohemian, German and English. He was generous and honest, highly esteemed by friends and neighbors.

His health began to fail five years ago but was only serious for the last three days. The end came Saturday morning, March 5, 1927, at the home of his son, Frank, east of Watson. He passed away at an age few are privileged to reach. Had he lived another 20 days he would have been 93 years of age.

He leaves one son, Frank, of Giard township, two daughtes, Mary Lenth, of Riceville, Iowa, and Emma Lenth, of Elkader, besides other relatives and friends.

Services were held from the home Monday afternoon, Rev. O. A. Hillman officiating. Burial was in Council hill cemetery.-- Monona Leader.

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Submitter is not related.

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