Thein, Michael 1839 - 1917

THEIN, BERKS, WHITE, BENSCHNEIDER, RUTLEDGE, ORTMAN, BOTHMER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 10/6/2021 at 11:30:49

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 16 Aug. 1916. Garnavillo column.

Michael Thein was born Sept. 29, 1839 and died Aug. 11, 1917, having arrived at the age of 77 years, 10 months ad 13 days.

Mr. Thein was born near New York City, while his parents immigrated from Germany, coming to the United States. His early childhood days were spent in Ohio where his parents first located. After residing there for seven years the family removed to Wisconsin, where they lived four years. In 1850 the Jacob Thein family settled near Guttenberg, Iowa, remaining there for a time. Most of his life, however, was spent near Elkport, where he was associated with the work on his father's farm until twenty-two tears of age. At this time on August 14, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company D, twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the Civil War.

He was married to Katherine Berks on June 12, 1875. To this union were born twelve children, two of whom, Charles and Richard, died in childhood. For thirty-four years the family lived on a farm near Elkport, after which, in 1909, they came to Garnavillo. This removal was not the signal for a cessation of work, however, for up to the time of his last illness, he had been, if less strenuous than in younger days, still as steadily, constantly employed.

Immediate relatives remaining are a wife and ten children as follows: Mrs. Anna White of Massilon, Iowa; Mesdames Josephine Benschneider, Bertha Rutledge and Katheryn Ortman and Dr. Garfield Thein of Elkport: Mrs. Alice Bothmer of Lennep, Montana: Misses Adelaid E., Ethel Lillian and Arthur at home. He leaves also twelve grandchildren, one brother, Joseph Thein of Elkport, Ia.; four brothers and one sister having preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday at St. Paul's church, Rev. Braun officiating.