Christian L. Freiburghaus, 1855-1921

FREIBURGHAUS, HILTBRUNNER, HACKMANN, KREUGER, LEHMAN, MUEHLETHALER, BAUMAN, MILLER, STOECKMAN, WEDEL, HILLMAN

Posted By: C. Diamond, IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 8/14/2014 at 12:37:02

The Elgin Echo
Elgin, Fayette Co., Iowa
Thursday, April 7, 1921
Page 1, column two

PROMINENT CITIZEN DIES.
CHRISTIAN L. FREIBURGHAUS.

In the death of C.L. Freiburghaus Elgin loses one of it’s prominent citizens and business men. For many years he has been identified with the interests of our town. In fact, all of his mature life has been spent here and his life’s work has proven him a capable, progressive citizen, ever striving to assist those in need and working for the betterment of mankind and the community in which he lived. Though not large of stature, he was always an energetic, hard working man and apparently enjoyed good health until a short time before his death, when by a physical examination it was found he was afflicted with leakage of the heart. His ailment was of such a nature that he was advised to remain quietly in bed for a time, but life’s time, but life’s time was almost allotted and he gradually weakened until the end came. At his beside when Death called were his wife and children: those whom he loved and cherished, whose love and tender care had brightened his life and made his last hours comfortable

In business life he was a success, having from a small beginning expanded his business until he was known as one of the foremost furniture dealers in this part of the country. In fact Mr. Frieburghaus and his son-in-law, F.C. Muehlethaler, who is now a partner in the business, had planned a further extension of their interests, and with this in view had purchased a building in Clermont, where they intended to open a second store.

On March 21, Mr. and Mrs. Freiburghaus celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary and at that time their children and grand children were all at home for a pleasant reunion. Little did any of the family realize that the father would so soon be stricken and that in such a short time he would be called by Death.

Christian L. Freiburghaus was born in Switzerland, November 11, 1855, and when eleven years old accompanied his father to America. After arriving in this country they located at Elgin and the lad worked for farmers, receiving his board as pay. During the winter terms of school he attended a few weeks each winter and thus gained his education. In 1874 he came to Elgin where his father had started a furniture store and worked for him until 1881 when he assumed the responsibility of the entire furniture and undertaking business. Under his management the growth of the business was steady and in 1893 he erected the large store building and residence which has since been occupied by the store and family. During the fall of 1915 he sold a half interest in the business to his son-in-law, Fred C. Muehlethaler, and it has since been conducted under the firm name of C.L. Freiburghaus & Co.

In the year 1881 he was married to Rosa Hiltbrunner, and to this union eight children were born: Mrs. Carl Hackmann, Mrs. Fred C. Muehlethaler, Mrs. William Kreuger, Mrs. Max Lehman all of Elgin; Julius, of Huron, South Dakota; Carrie and Freida at home. Katie died in infancy. Mr. Freiburghaus was a man who loved home life and it was his custom to spend his leisure hours in his home, enjoying the companionship of his wife and children.

He was a man who early in life made his peace with his God, being a consistent member of the Baptist church. For forty-seven years he was treasurer for this denomination, and for forty years he has taught the infant class in the Sunday school. He was active in church work and for many years has been the chairman f the board of trustees of this church.

Besides the immediate family there are left to mourn three sisters, and one brother: Mrs. John Bauman of Elgin; Mrs. Christ Miller, of Clermont; Mrs. Rudolph Miller, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Gottleib Freiburghaus, of Ramona, South Dakota, together with ten grandchildren and many relatives and friends.

Thus after a life of sixty-five years, four months and seven days, forty years of which were spent in business in our town, Christian L. Freiburghaus was called by Death early Wednesday morning, April 6, 1921.

Funeral services will be held from the Baptist church Sunday afternoon, April 10, at 2:30 o’clock, Revs. Stoeckman, of St. Paul, Minnesota; Wedel of Aplington, and Hillman of Elgin, will preside. Interment will be made in the family lot in the Elgin cemetery.