HARMS, Ibeling 1839-1924

HARMS, STOEHR

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 1/22/2015 at 18:53:50

Ibeling Harms, Sr. Died Last Sunday

Ibeling Harms, Sr., one of the oldest residents of this part of the country, died last Sunday afternoon, at the advanced age of 85 years, two months and ten days.

The cause of death was infirmities attendant upon old age and the departed was ill for only about two weeks. Apparently he suffered no pain, but the time had arrived and the bodily functions simply ceased.

Mr. Harms leaves a large family of grown children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to mourn his loss.

He was blessed at the time of his death with plenty of this world's good, having during a lifetime of thrift and industry accumulated a good many acres of rich Grundy county land.

Mr. Harms was a man of sterling worth and during his long residence in this locality, supported the good and right things at all times. He is remembered with respect and esteem by all who knew him. Never obtrusive, he was still a helper in most of the betterments made in this part of the county.

The funeral was held Thursday at 12 o'clock at the home, and at 1 o'clock at St. Paul's Lutheran church, Rev. C. Heinrich, pastor, being in charge of the services.

The pallbearers were five sons and son-in-law of the departed. They were: Harm Harms, John Harms, Ibeling Harms, Jr., George Harms, William Harms, John Finke.

Interment was made in the cemetery of the Lutheran church.

There was a very large attendance of old friends, and neighbors gathered to do honor to their old and esteemed neighbor and fellow citizen.

Obituary
Ibeling Harms was born January 26th, 1839, in Heisfeldnerseil, Ostfreisland, Germany. He died at his home near Wellsburg, Grundy county, Iowa, U.S.A., Sunday, April 6th, 1924, aged 85 years, 2 months and 11 days.

He was married to Mootje, born Stoehr (a sister to William Stoehr, now dead), April 27, 1862.

He emigrated to this country with his wife and four children in 1869, and first made his home in Hardin county, but after a year there, he came to Grundy county, and lived in Colfax township until his death.

To Mr. Harms and his partner were born twelve children, five of whom preceded him in death, as did his life partner, who passed away May 5th, 1907. The departed children are Wilhelm and Eggo, who died at an early age, Lina, wife of Omke Engelkes, who died in 1890, Henry, who met death by railroad accident in 1919, and a second Eggo, who died in 1921, all waiting at the pearly gates to welcome their father.

The living children are Gretje Reevers, of Minn., Harm, Johannes, Mrs. John Finke, Ibeling, George and Wilhelm. There are 62 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Harms was a very successful farmer. He was one of those whose industry, frugality and steadfastness has made this country into the splendid heritage for the present generation which we now enjoy. He was esteemed by all who knew him.

Mr. Harms was one of the founders of St. Paul's Lutheran church and remained a faithful member till his death, serving as an elder for many years. He lived at the time of his death on his home farm, where his daughter and son-in-law, Mrs. and Mr. John Finke, occupied the old home place.

It was a pleasure to talk to Mr. Harms, for he was a man of wide knowledge of the economic, political and church life of men. At the last he longed for his heavenly home and the end was welcome to him. When he was taken sick about two weeks ago, he was often repeating the hymn: "Herr, meine Leibschutte sinkt nach und nach ins Grab, Gewahre nur die Bitte und Brich es Stille ab."

He died in his Lord Sunday, April 6 about two o'clock in the afternoon, at the age of 85 years, two months, 11 days.

"Lord, now lettest Thou they servant depart in peace, according to thy Word." -- St. Luke, 2, v. 29.

--Wellsburg Herald (Wellsburg, Iowa), 10 April 1924

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Death Of Shiloh Twp. Pioneer

Ibling Harms Passed Away at His Home Sunday

Ibling Harms died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Fink in Shiloh township, last Sunday morning, largely from the infirmities of old age. He had not been very well during the winter. About two weeks ago he began to decline more rapidly and continued to do so until the end came.

Funeral services will be held at the Lutheran church of Shiloh township today, Thursday. Interment will be made in the cemetery there.

Mr. Harms was one of the earliest settlers of northwest Grundy. He came to that section in the year 1869, which was fifty-five years ago, and he resided there continually up to the time of his death.

Mr. Harms is survived by three sons, E. B., Will and George. A son, Eggo, died about three years ago. There are two daughters, Mrs. John Fink of this county and Mrs. Fred Reverts of Hutchison, Minn. All the children were with the father when the end came.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 10 April 1924, pg 1