Meta Otten 1857-1943

OTTEN, SCHELLSTADT, DIRKS

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 9/3/2020 at 12:22:54

December 2, 1943 - The Anamosa Journal

Following is the obituary of Mrs. Meta Otten, who died November 20, at the farm home of her son, Carl, near Forest.

Elmerich Margareta Schellstadt was born May 20, 1857, at Up-Shuert, District of Nittmund, province of Hanover, Germany. She was baptized July 5, 1857, in the church at Reepsholt. As a child she received the eight year term of elementary and Christian training in a parochial school. She was confirmed at the age of 15 in the Lutheran church at Reepsholt.

She worked for several years as maid servant in her home community.

She was married on May 25, 1889, to Otto Otten, in the Lutheran church at Luerhafe, Province of Hanover. Following marriage, the home was made at Meggenkrua where four sons were born.

A year after the birth of the youngest sons the family emigrated to the United States, leaving on December 12, 1899, and arriving in Jones county, Iowa in early 1900. Farming was chosen as an occupation.

Mr. Otten died January 19, 1915. Two sons served in World War I with the United States army.

For the past nine months, Mrs. Otten was confined to her bed. She passed away Saturday, November 20, at the age of 86 years.

Surviving are her four sons, Frederick, Carl and Menno, of Anamosa and Henry of Bennett; one sister, Mrs. Mary Dirks, Langworthy; three grandchildren, nieces and nephews.