Hartwick, John 1840 - 1919

HARTWICK, SCHNEIDER, ARNOLD, MEYER, WESSEL

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 10 Jul. 1919.

John Hartwick died at his home in Giard on Thursday evening, July 3, 1919. The funeral service was conducted from the residence on Sunday, July 6, Rev. Dr. F. Schaub of Sioux City in charge, assisted by Rev. Loempker of Giard, Rev. P. F. Walter of Monona and Rev. Perry of McGregor.

John Hartwick was born in the Grand Duchy of Hessen, Germany, on September 29, 1840, and was an only son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Schneider) Hartwick. He came to the United States of America with his parents in 1847. Very soon after their arrival they came to Clayton County, Iowa, residing a short time in the village of McGregor. The father then purchased a tract of wild land in Giard and instituted reclamation thereon. By industry and good management he became an extensive landowner, identifying himself with progressive agriculture and stock raising interests. Upon his father's death in 1890 the son came into full possession of all these material resources as well as an honored name.

Reared on the home farm, gaining his education in the pioneer schools of Giard township his memory linked the pioneer epoch in the history of Clayton county with the opulent prosperity of the twentieth century. His stewardship has ever been characterized by stedfast adherence to the highest principles. Through his own energy and well directed enterprise he has fairly won for himself the regard and esteem of his fellow man.

On March 2, 1865, his marriage to Miss Christina B. Arnold, of Farmersburg, was solemnized. Mr. and Mrs. Hartwick became the parents of four children, but the third child, Alfred, died in infancy. The surviving children are: Matilda, Mrs. Wm. A. Meyer of Giard; Clara, Mrs. Rev. George W. Wessel of Burt, Iowa; and Theodore E. Hartwick. The latter has had the active supervision of the home farm and is upholding the prestige of the family name.

On March 2, 1915, Mr. and Mrs. John Hartwick celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. This event was a highly enjoyable occasion and was one of many evidences of the true and real hospitality for which this worthy couple have long been noted.

Mr. and Mrs. Hartwick have traveled extensively in America and in 1905, enjoyed a European tour. They journeyed through many countries but their keenest joy was experienced when they reached their childhood homes. (Mrs. Hartwick was born in Baden, Germany.) So clear were his recollections that though he had left Germany at the age of six, Mr. Hartwick was able to go directly to his former home without any guide even after and absence of 57 years.

Mr. Hartwick was a man whose course was guided and governed by invincible integrity. Both he and his life companion were zealous and constant members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church at Giard and it was largely through their liberality that this church came into existence. During the seventy-two years of his residence at Giard Mr. Hartwick held tenatiously to the tenets of his religious belief. For perhaps a year his church attendance has been with the English Evangelical church under the pastorate of Ref. P. F. Walters.

As a citizen Mr. Hartwick held a most enviable reputation. He was a staunch advocate of those principles and policies which stand for the upbuilding of all things which make a home and a country a place to cherish and to desire. On questions concerning the general welfare of the community he was found to be aligned always on the right side. As a homemaker he was secure in the knowledge that he was held in highest esteem by those who knew him best.

The homestead which comprised 700 acres has been added to until the estate at present comprises nearly one thousand acres, all in Giard township. One of the substantial capitalists of this county Mr. Hartwick has always retained the confidence and good will of the community.

Though for some years living virtually retired from life's activities Mr. Hartwick remained strong of mind and was in fair physical health. About two months ago he suffered a slight stroke of paralytic apoplexy from which he did not recover. General impairment of health followed and he passed quietly away July 3.

Mrs. Hartwick and son Theodore, and two daughters, Mrs. Wm. A. Meyer and Mrs. G. N. Wessel, and seven grandchildren are called on to mourn the departure of this one whom they have always delighted to honor.

The community and all the countryside were present on Sunday to tender their sympathy to the bereaved ones and by that presence testify to their high regard for the departed. Following the funeral service interment took place in the Giard cemetery.

(Note: Rev. Wessel's middle initial is shown as both W. & N. in the article as presented here.)