Henkes, Adam 1845-1908
HENKES, YEAROUS, KISHMAN, DIFFIN
Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/28/2019 at 14:47:48
Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 15 Oct. 1908. Farmersburg column.
Wednesday evening, October 8th, occurred the death of Adam Henkes, 63 years, 4 months and 7 days. The funeral was held Saturday at i:00 o'clock in the Evangelical church in Wagner, Rev. Cheney and Rev. Raabe, of Monona, officiating. The funeral was one of the largest ever held in the township. The family have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.
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Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 22 Oct. 1908.
Another of the old settlers passed away in the death of Adam Henry Henkes, of Wagner twp.
Mr. Henkes was born in Hesse-Kassel, Germany, May 26, 1845. In 1850 he came with his parents to this country, settling in Bownhelm twp., O., which is some 26 miles west of Cleveland. Here they lived four years, (or until 1854) when the family moved to Wagner twp., Clayton Co., Iowa.
He was the youngest of six children, five boys and a girl, all of whom have preceded him to the grave except his next older brother, John, who lives in Monona.
He was married Jan. 10, 1867, to Christina Yearous. To them were born nine children, four of whom are dead. The living with their places of living are: William H. Henkes and Mrs. Hattie Kishman of Wagner twp.; Dave Henkes of Alaska Territory; Celia Diffin and Cyrus Henkes of Plymouth, Indiana.
Mr. Henkes has lived on the farm where his death occurred ever since the family came to Iowa in 1854. To the property of his father, which came into his possession, he added many acres. But despite his ample competence he never aspired to be stylish, and it has never filled him with a false pride. He has been a hard worker ever since his 10th year. A great blow came to him when his wife, the companion of 32 years, died July 1, 1899.
Mr. Henkes was raised in a home whose religious faith was that of the Reformed Church of Germany. He was a man of strict integrity of character. a few years ago he united with the Gooding Evangelical church of which he has been a faithful and consistent member. That he had felt lonely since his wife's death and had also a religious hope and assurance of meeting her in the life beyond is evidenced when among his last words he said "I am going now where Tina is." He was expecting the end. About two weeks ago he began to fail, but he was able to walk about until Wednesday p.m., the day of his death. For two weeks the heart difficulty of which he died, would not permit him to lie down to rest, but he spent his nights in his chair. He was not terrified by the approach of death, but during the last fifteen minutes he chose those whom he wished to perform that last neighborly service bearing his body to the last earth habitation. The pall bearers were old friends and neighbors: Messers. Frances Hertrich, Jacob Miller, Charles Marfilius, John Splies, Hogan Thorson and Gottlieb Zurcher.
His memory was honored by a large company who came from near and far to pay this last tribute of respect. He was buried beside his wife in the Gooding cemetery. His death occurred on Wednesday, Oct. 7th, he being 63 years, 4 months and 11 days.
The service was conducted in German by his pastor, Rev. F. H. Rabe, and in English by Rev. B. H. Cheney, of the Monona Congregational church. Entirely in accord with his wishes for others are those words of poet Bryant:
"So live that when the summons come
to join.
The innumerable caravan, that moves
To that mysterious realm where each
shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at
night,
Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained
and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy
grave
Like one who wraps the drapery of
his couch
About him, and lies down tp pleasant dreams."
Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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