George Mueller (1922)

BRITTAIN, BURGER, COUCH, GILLASPIE, MUELLER, SCHOTT, ST JOHN

Posted By: Mary Welty Hart
Date: 8/5/2009 at 07:37:05

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, September 28, 1922

Death Of GEORGE MUELLER,

Pioneer Resident of Jefferson Township, Passes Away After Long Illness

George Mueller, for more than half a century, a resident of Jefferson township, passed away at his home ten miles northeast of Winterset, on Tuesday night, after an illness of nearly a year. About one year ago, he suffered a paralytic stroke, and from this and other ailments, he had suffered greatly, but with remarkable patience and fortitude.

He was born in Germany in the year 1842 and was a few weeks past 80 years old at the time of his death. He came to America a poor boy, and by industry and persevering toil, became the owner of a splendid farm on the boundary of Union and Jefferson townships. The old log cabin, which still stands on the premises, attests the humble beginning and the self-denial necessary to success in the days of pioneer Iowa.

He came to this country when 17 years of age, to find a home in America, where military despotism did not claim the best years of a young man's life. He valued education at its true worth, and his seven children were encouraged and aided in attending college, after completing the work in the rural schools. He took an active part in the affairs of his community and his advice and counsel were held in high regard. Predominant traits of character were his unselfishness and unfailing kindness and his lifelong application of the golden rule in all relations with his fellow man.

Surviving members of his family are his wife, the former Katharina Schott, and six children, all of whom are married. One daughter, Mrs. August Burger, passed away this year.

Funeral services will be held at the Jefferson township church this afternoon at 2:30 and burial in the cemetery nearby.
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The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset Iowa
Wednesday, October 5, 1922
Page 6

GEORGE MUELLER

George Mueller, the third son and fourth child of George and Johanna Mueller, was born in the village of Hohnsheldt, in the county of Eder, in the principality of Waldeck, now a part of the German empire, on Sept. 11, 1842 and passed away at his home in Jefferson township, Sept. 26, 1922, aged 80 years and 15 days.

His death marks the passing of another of the early pioneers of Madison county and about the last in his community. The Folwells, Schoens, Burgers, Baurs, Lees, Walkers, Fletchers, Nolans, Barrows, Farrises and many others of the pioneer neighbors have gone on before.

After receiving a common school, part of a high school education, and serving as an apprentice on a farm when a lad of 16, he decided to make America his home and farming his occupation. So in the spring of 1859 he set sail for New York and after a six weeks' voyage, reached America, thence by rail and water he reached Warsaw, Ill., where he made his home with his sister, Mrs. Albert Stracke who had come over in 1857. In May 1860, he came to Winterset and made his home with his cousin, Louis Stracke, with whom he moved to Jefferson township the following fall, living on the farm now owned by Mrs. Reimann. A year later he went back to Warsaw, Ill., where he worked at various positions until his marriage in August 1864 to Miss Katharina Schott of Warsaw, Ill. With his bride he immediately came to Jefferson township and lived with Mr. Stracke until the fall of 1865, when he moved to the cabin on the Wm. Schoen farm where he had rented some land. This was his first farming for himself and during the following year he bought the 80 acres of his original homestead that he has now occupied for nearly 56 years.

As stated before, he was married Aug. 8, 1864, to Miss Katharina Schott, and to this union seven children were born: Herman A., who lives at Saint Charles; Laura M. Burger, who passed away Jan. 7, 1922; Theresa L. Brittain of Lisbon, N.D.; George E. of Tioga, N.D.; Oscar O. of Lewiston, Mont.; Ernest E. who lives on the home farm and Mrs. Frances St. John of Sheridan, Wyoming.

Mr. Burger took an active part in the civic affairs of his community and for nearly 20 years served faithfully as supervisor of roads, director of schools, and as trustee of Jefferson township. For many years he served as director, vice president and president of the Madison County Mutual Insurance Co. He was always interested in whatever would make his community better and more prosperous. It was due to his efforts that the Jefferson cemetery was re-surveyed and platted.

When a youth of 4 he was confirmed in the Lutheran church, and never changed his membership from that faith. He was a frequent attendant at the services at the Jefferson U.S. Church and was glad to assist in any way to further the interests of the same.

Mr. Mueller had many friends, both among the young and the old, and had a large list of correspondents with whom, to the end, he kept up a correspondence. He was a friend also in need, not only in words but in deeds did he express it. He was glad to help the unfortunate and helpless, and supported several of his old time schoolboy friends in Germany. It was during his last illness and confinement to the house, that he most appreciated the concern and pleasant visits of his many friends. He was a good husband, a kind father, firm in discipline but not severe, and always considerate of the wishes of others.
He had a strong mind, and kept a firm hold on the busy affairs of life, and readily adapted himself to the changing events of the times. He was a man of sound judgment and clear vision, and his counsel was often sought by his children and friends. He was a student of human character and the questions of the state and nation, and his calm judgment when passed, was usually correct. He could express his thoughts in few words and the meaning thereof was clear and concise.

For more than 20 years he was afflicted with rheumatism which caused him to walk with a cane, but his sunny disposition and cheerful smile cheered others on, who were less unfortunate. His familiar figure will be missed upon the streets and highways where he was wont to go.

About one year ago he suffered a slight stroke of apoplexy, from which he partly recovered, but was confined to the house. Last April he underwent two operations, and after a confinement of eight weeks, partly recovered and was up and about the house, but in a short time took a relapse and then gradually declined until the end. All that loving hands could do was done to alleviate his suffering. His daughter, Mrs. Brittain, was with him during his last sickness and faithfully and patiently, with the assistance of others, cared for him in his declining days.

He leaves to mourn his death a wife, three sons, three daughters, 14 grandchildren; one brother, Dr. Ernest Mueller of St. Louis, Mo; two nieces, Mrs. Thos Gillaspie of Crawford township and Mrs. Wm. Couch, Des Moines; also a nephew, George Mueller of St. Louis and two nephews in Germany; also a host of friends. Three of the children were not able to be present at his death and burial, but were with him during the summer, when he could enjoy them.

Thus passeth to his reward a good man who had made this world better by his having lived in it.

Funeral services were held at the Jefferson U.B. Church, Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Conducted by the pastor, Rev. Hollingshead, and burial was made in the beautiful and well kept cemetery nearby.

The pall bearers were old friends and neighbors; Ferdinand Schoen, A. D. Fletcher, J.W. Reigle, W. H. Burger, Ferdinand Jensen and Herman Marquardt.

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