GRABER, Joseph - 1890 Bio (1823-1901)

GRABER, ROTH, EGLY, EGLI, LARSON, RICH, RUPP, RIES, CHRISTINA

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/8/2007 at 19:32:59

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 565-566

Joseph GRABER, a farmer of section 23, Lockridge Township, Jefferson County,was born in France, on the 8th of May, 1823. Upon a rented farm his father, John GRABER, engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the year in which he attained to man's estate, he united his destiny with that of Miss Catherine ROTH, and their marriage was blessed with seven children, all born in France, of whom Joseph was the youngest; John, the eldest, is now deceased; Peter is living in Henry County, Iowa; Christ is also dead; Catherine is the widow of John ROTH, of Henry County; Jacob died in Ohio; Mary is also passed from among the living. In order to prevent his sons from being forced into the army, Mr. GRABER, in 1830, brought his family to America, and in Wayne County, Ohio, near Wooster, made a settlement. He there continued to reside some twelve years, after which he came to Iowa, locating in Lockridge Township, where he entered some eight hundred acres of land. His farming operations were quite successful, and possessing good business ability he accumulated a competence. In his youth he had acquired a good education, and was a man who kept himself well informed on all matters of general interest. Public spirited and progressive, he was ready to aid in the advancement of any enterprise that would benefit the community, and did not a little for the progress of the immediate community in which he made his home. He lived eight years in Iowa and was then called to his final rest, while his wife survived him until 1865.

The educational privileges afforded in a new settlement are not very extended in character, but are confined chiefly to the three R's. Such were the scholastic privileges which Joseph GRABER received, but during his youth he learned useful lessons of industry and economy upon the new farm in Ohio. He aided in clearing the land and transforming it into fertile fields. He was nineteen years of age when he came to Iowa, and after his father's death he and his brother Peter managed the business affairs of the family until 1857, when he left the parental roof for a home of his own. On the 30th of April that year he was joined in wedlock with Miss Catherine EGLY (sic - EGLI), a native of Alsace, France. He then returned with his bride to the old homestead, but at the end of two years made purchase of two hundred and forty acres of land, on section 23, Lockridge Township, where he has resided continuously since. Erecting a small frame house, he removed to his new home and began clearing the land, which was then covered with brush and timber. Week by week saw other acres added to the cleared space, until at length rich fields yielded him abundant harvests as a reward for his toil and labor. He has now a comfortable home, surrounded by good buildings, and is enabled to enjoy many of the comforts and luxuries which go to make life worth living.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. GRABER have been born eleven children, nine of whom are yet living: Barbara, their first born, is now the wife of John LARSON, of Lockridge Township; Mary is at home; Catherine is the wife of Joseph RICH, of Colorado; Jacob E. aids his father in the cultivation of the home farm; John W. is yet under the parental roof; Lena is the wife of Jacob RUPP, of Colorado; Margaret died when in her second year; Leah; Joseph died at the age of sixteen months; Samuel and Emma are the younger children. Mr. GRABER and his wife and children are all faithful members of the Mennonite Church, as were his parents. He takes an active interest in the work, and has contributed liberally of his means to the cause. He casts his ballot with the Democratic party, and is a valuable citizen and representative farmer.

Mrs. GRABER, whose maiden name was Catherine EGLY (sic), was born in Alsace, France, August 17, 1837, and is a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (RIES) EGLY (sic). Her father was born in Strasburg, and was reared to the miller's trade. In accordance with the laws of his native land he served for seven years in the army. Desiring the freedom of the New World, and wishing to test the opportunities which it offered, he crossed the Atlantic in 1847. In Canada he made his first settlement, but after he had engaged in farming for eight years he sought a home in Iowa, buying sixty acres of land near Glendale, in Lockridge Township. The farm on which he located continued to be his home until his death, which occurred in July, 1879. He was an invalid, and endured suffering for twenty years ere death released him. His wife died on the 20th of August, 1888. Both were followers of the faith of the Mennonite Church, and were highly respected people. Of their family of six children, Mrs. GRABER is the eldest; Barbara is the wife of Jacob CHRISTINA, of Swedesburg, Iowa; Jacob is living in Henry County; Mary is the wife of Joe ROTH, of Arkansas; Christian and John both make their home in Henry County.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.