GREIMAN, William F. (1851-1937)

GREIMAN, HOLBRUGGE, LAU, GESSWEIN, LEMKE, SCHLAWIN, SWANSON, ETCHEN, OLLERMAN

Posted By: Dora Mueller (email)
Date: 1/12/2002 at 19:06:34

William F. Greiman, 85, resident of Hancock County 58 years and former member of the board of supervisors, died Monday morning, January 10, 1937, in his home 5 miles southwest of Garner. He was elected supervisor on the democratic ticket in 1905 when the draining of swamp lands in the county was just beginning. He served one term three years. His son Ben F. Greiman, now serving his first term as supervisor, a democrat, is the only person in the history of the county to succeed his father to the office. William was trustee of Ell township for many years. He was first a member of the Methodist church but later joined the Reformed church near his home. He was vastly interested in horticulture and had a large orchard of fruit bearing trees on his section farm.

Born in Emigloh, Westfalen, Gremany, Aug.28, 1851, son of Frederick William and Anna Maria (Holbrugge) Greiman. He came with his parents to America in 1854 settling in Clayton Co. He settled in Hancock County in 1879. He returned to his boyhood home where on Feb 3, 1881 he was married to Miss Dora Lau. They lived on the same farm in Hancock County continuously. They celebrated their golden wedding 6 years ago.

Thirteen children were born, 11 children and his wife, Dora, 38 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many relatives in the vicinity survive. The children are William F. Jr., Goodell; Henry C., Garner; Mrs Robert Gesswein, Chicago, Ill; Mrs Daisy Lemke, Klemme; Ben F., Mrs R.H. Schlawin, Mrs Carl Swanson and Aaron, all of Garner; Mrs Albert Etchen and Mrs Fred Etchen both of Goodell; and Ruben on the home place. Nellie, who was Mrs August Ollerman, died near Garner in 1904. Ruth, died at 2 years of age.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at Peace Reformed church, preceded by services in the home at 1 o'clock Rev. William Hueneman in charge. Interment will be in the church cemetery.