Gottfraed Kleatsch (1914)

KLEATSCH, SCHNELLBACHER

Posted By: Kent Transier
Date: 1/9/2014 at 17:45:33

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, February 25, 1914
Page 4, Column 3

Gotfried Kleatsch

Gotfried Kleatsch, son of Gottlieb and Marin Kleatsch was born Jan. 20, 1833 in New Dorff, Germany and died at his home south of Winterset, at an early hour, Feb. 14, 1914, being 81 years and 24 days old. He was one of seven children. He was united in marriage on Nov. 22, 1870, to Christina Schnellbacher, who died March 5, 1911. To this union four children were born, Otto, Maude, Ora, and Della, all being present at the time of his death. He also leaves two grandchildren and many friends to mourn his departure.

He went to school for several years, and there received his education, and while yet a small boy was converted and united with the German Lutheran church. When about 14 years of age, he began learning his trade, that of a miller, and after three years work was qualified to take charge and run the mill. He worked his trade for a number of years, and with his earnings, soon owned the mill, but did not keep it long, as it was soon afterwards destroyed by fire. Although much discouraged, he still worked at his trade and hearing of the opportunities in America, in 1868, he emigrated to the United States.

He first went to Peoria, Ill., from there to Omaha, Nebr., and then came to this state, first working at the Huglin mill near Bevington. He next took charge of the Backbone mill, owned by Wilkins and Co., working there 18 months. From there he went to what is known as "Buffalo" and ran the mill for William Compton. In 1875, he bought half interest and with R. Vermillion, ran the mill until July 1880, when it was destroyed by the storm. It was soon afterwards rebuilt, and in 1881, he sold his interest, moved to his late home, and there engaged in the fruit business.

He was sick only a short time, but was prepared and ready for the summons on high. As the end was drawing near, he said he was "going Home".

He was a member of Madison Lodge I. O. O. F. No. 136 which had charge of the service at the grave. Funeral services were held at the home, February 15 at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. L. F. Davis. Interment in rock city Cemetery.
___________________

Transcriber's note: Trasncribed as published, first name on gravestone is "Gottfraed".

Gravesite
 

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen