Nicholas Graff 1845-1922

GRAFF, KAUTEN, HARMANN, MARRAH, WEIGEL, REILLY

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 2/5/2011 at 18:53:25

Nicholas Graff was born December 13, 1845 in
Tetingen, Belgium and passed away in Oelwein
April 2, 1922 at the age of 75 years, 3 months and
20 days.

In 1857 he came with his parents to the United
States and located in Dubuque where he spent his
early years, learning the shoemaker's trade, making
boots and shoe. He was an apprentice for three
years and worked at his trade in St. Louis, Mo., Sioux
City and Cedar Falls, Iowa.

In 1872 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Kauten at Dubuque and located at Zwingle, Iowa,
residing there about three years previous to coming
to Oelwein in 1875. Building a store he started in
the shoe business here, retailing and making boots
and shoes, continuing until 1908 when he retired
leaving his sons, P. F. and J. P. to carry on the business.

His mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Graff
died in Dubuque some years ago. He is survived by
two sisters and one brother, Mrs. J. P. Harmann of
Zwingle, Mrs. John Kauten of Oelwein and Mike Graff
of Dubuque. One brother Frank died in the year
1890 in Dubuque.

Mr. and Mrs. Graff had five children born to them
all of whom are left with his wife to mourn his loss.
The children are; P. F. Graff, J. P. Graff, Mrs. Elizabeth
Marrah, Mrs. J. F. Weigel of Oelwein and Mrs. James
Reilly of Minnesota.

Mr. Graff was a pioneer merchant of Oelwein coming
here in its young days and watching it progress to a
city and he was well known in Oelwein and vicinity.
About five years ago Mr. Graff began failing in health
and since that time bore his troubles with great pat-
tience. About a year and a half ago he was confined
to his bed and remained there until he fell into a
peaceful sleep Sunday morning at 2:15.

The funeral was held Tuesday morning April 4, at
9:30 from Sacred Heart Church at a requiem high Mass,
Rev. J. Weihl officiating, assisted by Rev. Halpin of
Fairbank and Rev. P. S. O'Connor of Mason City who
presided in the pulpit. There was a large attendance
of relatives and friends. The stores of the city were
closed during the funeral. Interment was in Woodlawn
cemetery.

Oelwein Daily Register - 5 April 1922