WOELFER, Minna Marie (Sann, Thiel) 1851-1935

SANN, THIEL, WOELFER

Posted By: COUNTY COORDINATOR
Date: 7/28/2013 at 22:44:00

Birth: Apr. 16, 1851
Brandenburg, Germany

Death: Nov. 17, 1935
Rockford, Floyd County, Iowa

Minna Marie Sann was born September 16, 1851 in Arnsvalde, Province of Brandenberg, Germany.

She died November 17, 1935 at her home in Rockford, Iowa.

Minna's parents died in Germany, leaving her an orphan. An aunt and uncle with the surname Wendlandt took her in their care. The Wendlandt's brought her to America in 1860, taking 11 weeks to cross the ocean, landing in Canada. From there they went to Wausau, Wisconsin.

Minna's aunt and uncle felt it a burden to care for the young girl and arranged an early marriage to "William" Thiel when she was 15. William was considered quite well to do as he owned a fine team of horses and a sleigh.

Three boys were born to the family and a baby on the way when they moved to a farm in Ulster twp., Floyd County, Iowa. They came by sleigh as far as the Mississippi River. Finding no snow in Iowa they bought a wagon, loaded the sleigh and came to a farm three miles east and 1/2 mile south of Rockford, Iowa.

A log cabin was built and neighbors helped dig a well. Dirt was brought up by means of a bucket and windlass. The rope broke dropping the bucket on Williams head. As he was being lifted out the rope broke again. Death occurred as a result of these two accidents.

Minna had her baby boy but it passed away a short time later.

A family by the name of Turk was a great help to the young widow. They introduced her to her future husband, Carl Woelfer. Three years to the day after the tragic death of her husband Wilhelm Thiel, Minna married Carl Woelfer, and had 9 more children.

Minna was very petite, and was said to be a quiet person -- maybe because she was much more comfortable speaking German. She attended the German Methodist Church in Flood Creek, even after moving into town. It was a German service.

First Husband:
William (Wilhelm) Friedrich Heinrich Thiel (1834 - 1872)

Some of the Children:
Frederick H. Thiel (1870 - 1929)
August Thiel (1872 - 1878)
Oscar K. Woelfer (1878 - 1936)
Minnie Clara Woelfer Hillman (1881 - 1974)
Erwin George Woelfer (1883 - 1952)
Paul Alfred Woelfer (1884 - 1884)
Lillie Maria Woelfer (1886 - 1977)

Burial:
Flood Creek Cemetery, Floyd County, Iowa.

Credit: Debra Conn
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See more information about Minna, on her Findagrave memorial.

Findagrave Memorial
 

Floyd Obituaries maintained by Lynn Diemer-Mathews.
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