Andrew Caspers 1853-1944

CASPERS, HOSMAN, TOBIASON, MOENK, MARDORF

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/16/2020 at 07:12:12

6 January 1944 0 The Anamosa Journal

Service for Andrew F. M. Caspers, 90, who died at his home in Castle Grove Sunday night, was held this Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Goettsch funeral home in Monticello, and at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Peter's and Paul's Lutheran church in Castle Grove. Rev. Arnold Thallacker officiated. Burial was at the Prairie Hill cemetery.

A. F. M. Caspers was born in Denmark, August 15, 1853. He came to the United States at the age of 19 and farmed near Scotch Grove for a short time.

On October 14, 1884 he married Henrietta Houseman, who died March 9, 1941.

Surviving are 11 children: Peter, Anamosa; Herman, San Jose, Calif.; John, Henry, Fred, Tobe and Mrs. Mike Tobiason, Monticello; Carl, Coggon; Mrs. Anna Moenk, Anamosa; Mrs. Gerritt Mardorf, Anamosa; Mrs. Margaret Mardorf, Martelle; 23 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

January 20, 1944 - The Anamosa Journal

Funeral service for Andrew F. M. Caspers, 90, who died at his home at Castle Grove recently was held at the Goettsch Funeral home in Monticello, and at the St. Peter's and Paul's Lutheran church in Castle Grove. Rev. Arnold Thalacker officiated. Burial was at Prairie Hill cemetery.

Andreas Frederich Martin Caspers was born as the youngest of seven children to Peter and Frances Soetje Caspers at Schleswig-Holstein, Denmark, on Aug. 15, 1853, and died Jan. 2, 1944, almost 50 years to the day after the death of his father. A. F. M. Caspers reached the age of past 90 years. His three names which were given to him in infancy at the time of his baptism corresponded to those of his three sponsors.

In his childhood he attended the public schools were he lived. His religious training was according to the Lutheran faith and he was confirmed at the age of 15 years. Following his confirmation he became a tinner's apprentice for three and one-half years, after which he followed his uncle and great uncle to America at the age of 19. He came with his cousin the late Theodore Soetje.

Mr. Caspers came to Monticello and was first employed as a farm hand by John Herrick, west of there. He worked on various farms and in 1883 rented what is known as the Folkerts farm in Wayne township.

He was married Oct. 18, 1884, to Henrietta Husman, who preceded him in death on March 9, 1941, after living together over 57 years. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Caspers farmed in Scotch Grove township for eight years. Then they moved to Castle Grove township and here Mr. Caspers lived until his death, a period of 51 years.

To the Caspers eleven children, all living, were born: Peter, Anamosa; Herman, San Jose, Calif.; John, Katherine (Mrs. Mike Tobiason,) Henry, Fred, Tobe, Monticello; Mrs. Anna Moenk, Anamosa; Carl, Coggon; Lena (Mrs. Gerd Mardorf,) Anamosa; Mrs. Margaret Mardorf, Martelle.

In Castle Grove the Caspers held membership in the Castle Grove Lutheran church, and were very regular in supporting and attending church. Mr. Caspers was secretary of the congregation for 20 years, and at various times held other offices.

He became a citizen of this country after being here six years. During World war I three of his sons entered the armed forces of this country. In the present conflict three grandsons are bearing arms for the United States. Beside the children there survives 23 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.