Breitsprecher, Amelia 1839 - 1914

BREITSPRECHER, ELFERT, SEIFERT

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 2/11/2020 at 10:59:12

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 10 Sept. 1914. Read column.

Mrs. Amelia Breitsprecher passed away at her home here on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd, 1914, after a lingering illness. She was born on Feb. 9th, 1839, in Pommern, Germany, spending her maidenhood years in the old country. In 1858 she was united in marriage to Fred Breitsprecher and ten years later both sailed for America, the land of wider opportunities and unlimited possibilities, bringing with them those German characteristics of sturdiness, thrift and industry, qualities which have played such an important part in the development of our country.

The couple came direct to Clayton County and for ten years lived in Clayton Center, whereupon they removed to a small farm in this immediate vicinity, where the next 33 years of their lives were spent. But old age was fast descending upon Mr. and Mrs. Breitsprecher and the winter of life had seized them in his relentless grip, so in 1911 they moved back to town, where she spent the remaining three years of her life in peace and quietude from a life of labor and toil.

The deceased is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Wm. Elfert, of Fairmont, Minn., an 18 months-old son preceding her in death, and she has never fully recovered from the shock of the death of her eldest daughter, Mrs. Henry Elfert, in 1899. Thus, besides the joys of life, she has also fully tasted its trials and tribulations, but she never lost faith in Him, who through He lays the burdens upon us, also helps us bear them. Her death is also mourned by eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and her aged husband, the companion of her lifetime for 56 long years. But a few years ago the aged couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and in sketching a brief review of her life it is hardly possible not to make frequent mention of her husband, since their lives ran along such co-ordinating lines.

But the longest life, even though it be seventy, eighty, perchance ninety years must sometime and somewhere be brought to a close, for the Scriptures say that "Dust must be returned to dust," and the frail mold of clay must crumble and fall to ruin. So it was with the deceased. The infirmities and decrepitude of old age terminated her earthly career, and, under the spiritual ministrations of her pastor, Rev. Athenstadt, she went home to the Father, "in Whose House there are many Mansions." The deceased received the best of care, especially from her granddaughter, Mrs. Fred Seifert, and her only living child, Mrs. Wm.. Elfert.

The funeral was held on last Saturday and was largely attended, Rev. Athenstadt officiating.