Julius Haberstroh

HABERSTROH, WAGNER, HARVAT

Posted By: Laureen M. Jacobs (email)
Date: 12/5/2007 at 23:20:43

DEATH CLAIMS J. HABERSTROH
(Iowa City Press-Citizen, Oct. 3, 1921, page 2)

Mr. Julius Haberstroh, one of Iowa City’s foremost old time residents passed away at his home in Iowa City, at 324 North Gilbert Street, at 10:30 o’clock, Thursday night. He was laid to rest Monday morning, in St. Joseph’s cemetery, following services at the St. Mary’s church.

Mr. Haberstroh was born in Baden, Germany, on February 29, 1839, and was therefore in his eighty-third year.

He came to America in 1845, and settled immediately in Iowa City, coming here with his parents, Casimer and Christina Haberstroh, He lived continuous in Iowa City thereafter, until the end—76 years.

His parents died when he was a mere lad, and he thereafter made his home with his uncle, Mr. Ferdinand Haberstroh, in whose home the first celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in Iowa City was held. Mr. Ferdinand Haberstroh, himself, came to the Athens as a government overseer, when the capital of the state was removed here from Burlington. He had seen great opportunity in the young city, on the greenclad shores of the placid Iowa, and therefore located here. He entered the hotel business, and erected the edifice, which was later known as the St. Agatha’s seminary, and now as Burkley Place. Many of the early Iowa legislators enjoyed his hospitality there.

Thus his nephew, the now lamented subject of this sketch, has (grown) to manhood among the best environments of the new state. He was a carpenter by trade, and followed that occupation until he was unable to continue his work, because of the flight of time. Many sturdy structures in Iowa City testify to his skill, as he played an important part in their building.

In due time, Mr. Haberstroh wed Miss Veronica Wagner, on November 23, 1862.

To them were born six children, all of whom survive. The immediate family members who mourn are the widow, three sons, and three daughters—Adam and Julius, jr., of St. Louis, Mo.; and John C. of Livingston, Mont. And Mrs. J. H. Harvat, of Livingston, Mont.; Josephine (Sister M. Paul of the Cross) Notre Dame, Ind.; and Miss Mary Haberstroh, a capable educator of Iowa City’s public schools. These seven were at his bedside when Death summoned him to the Great Beyond.

To these bereaved ones the community will tender deep sympathy in their hour of sorrow.
Mr. Haberstroh was a charter members of the St. Joseph’s society and also a member of the German Aid society. He was a devout and active member of the St. Mary’s church, and took great interest in its welfare. Thus, in church, business and social circles, this good old man had a high standing. He was held in the highest esteem by a great circle of friends who knew his fine qualities as a husband, father, citizen and church worker, and the name of Julius Haberstroh will thus live for many a year to come in the University City of Iowa.
This obituary was transcribed on 30 November 2007 from a microform copy by Laureen M. Geppert Jacobs, great great grand daughter to Julius Haberstroh. The Press Citizen newspaper on microform is at the State Historical Society Library in Iowa City.