Riekena

RIEKENA

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 1/1/2020 at 09:50:44

It is not probable that the state of Iowa can produce another family history equaling that of the Riekena family of Shiloh township, Grundy county. Grandma Riekena, whose ninety-fourth birthday anniversary was celebrated on the thirteenth of this month, has resided here ever since 1865. Her direct descendants number one hundred and twenty-five and have all grown up around here in the same neighborhood. One daughter resides in Illinois but comes twice a year to visit here. There are no black sheep in this flock unless we except Esquire W. W. Riekena, whose fault(?) has been an over zeal and enthusiasm in the advocacy of Republicanism, but he has filled many official positions with ability and credit and all believe him to be honest in his convictions. We must presume that his aged mother, who has learned that it is only scarcity that causes hard times, and that so far as nature's productions are concerned, political administration makes no difference, still feels a just pride in her whole family, feeling that her life has not been in vain and who can help believing in the doctrines of heredity, parental good or blood will tell. We congratulate this family on their parental heritage and may none ever sell it for a mess of pottage. We congratulate Grandma Riekena on her success and may her remaining days be her happiest.

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 21 February 1901, pg 8