Helena Hanft 1830-1913

HANFT, SMITH, HEINDLE, WREN, WILLET

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 2/1/2023 at 05:54:55

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Thursday, January 9, 1913
page 1

Mrs. Helena Hanft, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed residents of Louisa county, passed away at her home on South Hill, Monday afternoon, January 6, 1913, at one o'clock after a brief illness with pneumonia. Helena Smith was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1830. Here she grew to womanhood and on the 25th of December 1849, she was united in marriage to Jonathan N. Hanft.

For a number of years they continued to reside in Pennsylvania until they heard the call of the new west and came to Iowa in 1864 and located on a farm in Columbus City township. Here her husband engaged extensively in agriculture. At one time he farmed over two thousand acres of Louisa county land. He was also far sighted enough to see the value of raising and cattle and hogs.

To them were born thirteen children as follows: William H.; John and Milton D., deceased; Jacob A, engaged in the hardware business in this city; Theodore F., who resides on the old homestead; George S., also of this city; Emma, wife of Reuben Heindle of near Columbus Junction; Martha, wife of George Wren of Sheridan, Wyoming; John T., and Sarah, wife of A. J. Willet, both residents of this city; Edward and Louis, deceased. She is also survived by thirty grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren. Her husband proceeded her in death in July 1888.

Mrs. Hanft was a devoted member of the United Brethren church at Columbus City. Since moving to Columbus Junction she never failed to attend the services there when her health permitted. Owing to the nature of her illness the funeral services were held at the home Thursday with the relatives and immediate members of the family. The service was conducted by Rev. Wm Cozad. Interment in the Columbus City cemetery in the family lot.