Kaufman, Henry E. 1850 - 1902

KAUFMAN, KIVELAHAN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:23

Elkader Register, Thur., 20 Nov. 1902. McGregor column.

Henry E. Kaufman.

Born in Galena, Ill., March 16th, 1850, died at North McGregor, Nov. 17th, 1902. He lived at Galena until 1856, when he went with his father A. A. Kaufman, to Dubuque. He was educated in the Dubuque schools, and, having finished school, learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed there until about 1875, when he went to Lansing. He remained there a year working at his trade, when he went to Harper's Ferry, living there four years then came to North McGregor. For a few years he was in business with J. H. Scrogum, afterwards going into business for himself, conducting a blacksmith shop, and doing an extensive business shipping fish.

May 9th, 1882, he was married to Sarah E. Kivelahan at the Immaculate Conception church, at Harper's Ferry, by Rev. Father J. Nelson. Deceased has been closely identified with the best interests of our town for many years, working hard for that which would give the citizens the protection and comfort of the larger cities. It is to his untiring efforts we owe our splendid fire protection, he having worked ceaselessly for the best engine that could be obtained. He was then on the city council and had the keenest interest in the welfare of his town. He next felt that the pure water supply was not sufficient, and headed a subscription for, and worked among all, until he raised sufficient money for the city well - a flowing well giving pure water supply for the citizens' use and fire protection.

In January 1899, upon the death of Mayor Thomas Edgar, he was appointed from the council, to fill the office of Mayor, and to which office he was elected in March 1899 and again in March 1901. For three years he was a member of the Board of Education, devoting himself there, as elsewhere, to the best interest of the school.

He was an honest, honored public spirited man, broad minded and generous to his fellowmen, and well beloved by all, for he was indeed a true friend to all, giving from his generous heart kindly advice, and in times of need, substantial aid. In private life, he was beloved by all - even the little child always received a kindly greeting from him while passing along the street. Thus the friends and children will, as the days pass by, miss his greeting of welcome. In his home, which was all in all to him the loss falls heaviest, for the widow and daughter will miss his counsel and his many efforts to lighten life's burden. His home was ever to him a haven of rest, where his loved ones were his comfort and joy.

He leaves to mourn his loss the widow and daughter Lucile, of this place, and four brothers, Joe, Andy, Rob and Alphonse, all of Dubuque.

The funeral services were be held on Wednesday forenoon, at ten o'clock, at St. Mary's church McGregor, Rev. Father O'Donnell officiating.