Detlef Henry Westphal 1837-1917

WESTPHAL, SPECHT, MYERS

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 10/3/2019 at 08:58:32

3 August 1917 - The Clinton Advertiser page 4

Preston, Ia., Aug. 3--One by one the early pioneers of the county are crossing the silent river never more to return, but the impress of their lives and the strong convictions of their moral worth are never lost but ever left among those who knew them. The solemn event brings to all the surety of death and the brighter world beyond.

Detleft Henry Westphal has gone to his reward, leaving a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn his death.

Detleft Henry Westphal was born on the 11th day of January, 1837, in the town of Techan, Hotstein, Germany. In early childhood he was baptized in the name of the Triune God and later on he renewed his baptismal vow in confirmation. After completing the course in the public schools of Germany he became a cabinet maker, at which trade he worked while in Germany.

In the year 1864 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Fredericka Specht. To this happy union seven children were born, seven of whom however, preceded their father in death.

Since the oldest son had left for America the desire grew in the father to emigrate to America also. Thus, in the year 1883 he with his wife and children came to Preston where their oldest son resided and made their home here.

In his new home the deceased followed his trade as a carpenter until the year 1890 when he bought the local furniture store. But as his years advanced the youngest son took charge of the business so that he and his wife might spend the years of their age in peace and retirement.

Though he had reached a ripe age his health was comparatively good. Thus it was a great shock to his family and friends when on last Friday evening death came suddenly to remove him to that home which he longed to go.

Mr. Westphal was a faithful member of the Lutheran church and will be remembered as one of the organizers of this congregation and the builder of our former church. What he has been to all who knew him, might best be left unsaid.

He leaves to mourn his untimely death his aged wife and three children, namely, Chas., Mrs. George Myers and Theo, besides twelve grandchildren.