Steen, Joachim H.F. 'Fred' 1822-1912

STEEN, FREESE, TREFE, GREVE, KOTTMAN, BERG, REIFERS, KOPP

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 8/31/2014 at 00:56:04

Joachim Henry Fredrick Steen
On Saturday, January 13th, at the home of his son, J.W. Steen, in this township, occurred the death of Fred Steen, aged 89 years, 2 months and 2 days.

Mr. Steen was born Nov. 11th, 1822 in Germany. After learning the stone mason's trade he spent a few years in traveling, as was the custom of the time. Many countries and cities in Europe were visited.

In 1852 he was united in marriage with Henrietta Trefe. Until 1857 the couple remained in Germany, when they emigrated to this country to settle in Clayton county, Iowa, here Mr. Steen followed his trade as stone mason at first, to become a farmer, later on.

In 1864 he enlisted in the United States army and served his adopted country faithfully until the close of the Civil war, when he received an honorable discharge and returned to Clayton county which has been his home ever since.

Eight years ago his wife and faithful companion, died and he made his home with his children, mostly with his son Jacob W., where he received the best of care, during the long period of ill health, which preceded his death.

Four children had preceded their father in death, five are still living, viz.: Jacob W., married to Ida Greve; John F., married to Bertha Kottman; Martin, married to Paulina Berg; Dorothy, married to Mike Reifers, of Emery, S.D., and Mary, married to George Kopp. He also leaves a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the house on Tuesday, Jan. 16th, conducted by Rev. Franke and attended by a large number of relatives, friends and neighbors. The remains were laid to rest in the East Side cemetery, where the few remaining old soldiers paid their last respects to their departed comrade.

~The Register and Argus, January 18, 1912
~Notes: His wife Henrietta's obituary gives her maiden name as Freese. He served with Co. F, 12th IA Infantry in the Civil War.