CHRISTIANS, Swantje 1860-1937

CHRISTIANS, HUGO, ECKHOFF

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 9/15/2013 at 14:32:00

After an illness of seven weeks, during which time she was constantly bed-ridden, Mrs. Klaas Christians, nee Swantje Hugo, passed away at her home in Austinville, Ia., on Friday evening July 30, 1937, at the age of 76 years, 11 months and 2 days. She was born near Emden, Germany, August 28, 1860, and at the age of 8 years came with her parents to America, living at first across from the Eastfriesland church, southeast of Ackley. In 1878 she was united in marriage to Henry Eckhoff. Their home was blessed with two children, Dick who preceded her in death in December 1928, and Mrs. Effie Zacharias of Ackley, Ia. Her husband passed away in 1887.

In February 1892 she was married to Klaas Christians. They lived on different farms in German township, Grundy county, until 1924, when he was taken by death. Both husbands met death through accidents.

In 1924 she moved from the farm to Austinville, Ia., and lived with her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Dick Eckhoff, and children.

Mrs. Christians may be almost counted with the pioneers who first settled this country. She knew every pastor of the West Friesland church. In her 'teen age she helped at the home of Rev. J. Arends, the first pastor who served the congregation from 1873 to 1880. She made a confession of her faith and she longed for her departure.

Her daughter, Mrs. Effie Zacharias, of Ackley, Mrs. Dick Eckhoff, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one brother, John Hugo of Buffalo Center, Ia., survive.

Funeral services were held in the West Friesland church Monday, August 2, conducted by the pastor, the Rev. Henry Johnson, assisted by Rev. Jerry Pott of Austinville. The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining the church.

--The Ackley World-Journal (Ackley, Iowa) 12 August 1937, pg 4