REAFLENG, Henry Godlove

REAFLENG, BUNK, MACKEY, SHANNON, KERNEE

Posted By: Marlene K. Skalberg (email)
Date: 2/28/2019 at 13:22:04

H. G. REAFLENG

Henry Godlove Reafleng, a pioneer and well known resident of Lyons Township, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 1918, after an extended sickness from ailments incident to the aged.

Funeral services were held from the home on Washington’s birthday conducted by Rev. Life Wolfe. Music was by the Burr Oak Choir. Interment was in the Mackey Cemetery, where he buried his wife and three of their children.

Henry Godlove Reafleng was born January 24, 1833 in Germany and died February 20, 1918, aged 84 years, 7 months, and 27 days.

Henry Reafleng, was born at Neihous Germany where he spent his youth and early manhood.

In 1861, he sailed for New York where he spent some time. From there he went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, New Orleans, Louisiana, and then back to New York as a sailor. Later, he went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Leavenworth, Kansas, and was in Denver when that city was only a few log cabins. He also spent a year and a half mining gold near Helena, Montana, Denver, and Canyon City, Colorado.

He traveled with the Kit Carson ox team freighting line from Nebraska City to the west during an early Indian uprising. It was during one of his trips in that work that he met and became acquainted with Miss Estalena Bunk and they were united in marriage in 1864 at Nebraska City.

He worked for a while at freighting after his marriage, but soon came to Queen Mills, in Lyons township, and here did railroad work. In 1867 the home place was purchased, where he resided until death.

To this happy union nine children were born, five sons and four daughters. Three of these died in infancy. The remaining children were reared and grew to manhood and womanhood and have made their homes in Lyons township. These are George R., Mrs Alex Kernee, Mrs. James Shannon, Guss R., Mrs. John Mackey, and Herman R.

Mr. Reafleng united with the Lutheran Church when a boy and remained a member during life. The Christian life was lived by Mr. and Mrs. Reafleng.

Death departed husband and wife in 1902, when the wife passed away, leaving the youngest son, Herman and the father at home. In 1909 the farm was purchased by the son, Herman and the father retired from active work, making his home with his son until his death.

Besides his six children, there survive and mourn him, twenty-three grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Glenwood Opinion Tribune, Glenwood, Iowa, February 28, 1918, page 2