TOETER, John Henry William "Henry" 1847-1931

TOETER, LICHT, DUTTE, WESTENBERGER, NITARDY, MEINECKE

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 8/17/2009 at 15:01:42

#1:

Henry Toeter

Birth: Nov. 17, 1847, Germany
Death: Dec. 12, 1931, Toeterville, Mitchell County, Iowa

Henry was the third of six children born to Johann Friedrich and Catharine Dorothea (Licht) Toeter. He immigrated to America in 1868 at the age of 21. He married Willimina 'Mina/Minnie' Dutte in 1881 and together they had seven children**: Alice, Emma, Elizabeth, Alvina, Josephine, Amanda and Metha. He was a farmer in Toeterville, the township was named after his family. He and Minnie both became U.S. Citizens in 1875.

Burial: St. Peter Cemetery, Toeterville, Mitchell County, Iowa.

Author: J. Bean

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#2:

John Henry William Toeter was born November 7, 1847, at Groz Liedern, Hanover, Germany. He was baptized in infancy and after a thorough education and instruction in the Word of God, was confirmed at the proper ate in the Lutheran church.

At the age of 20 years he left his native county and emigrated to the United States, being attracted, like so many young men at that time, by the great opportunities in the new world. He made his way to Reedsburg, Wisconsin, arriving there in January 1963. A year later he moved to Minnesota and spent only a short time there, coming to Union Township, Mitchell County, Iowa where he established himself permanently.

On January 7, 1870, the departed was united in marriage with Minna Catherine Dutte, with who he was permitted to live happily for over 61 years. This union was blessed with seven daughters, of whom three preceded their father in death. Alvina and Elizabeth, both died in infancy and Josephine Westenberger passed away in November 1927.

In 1899, after having farmed successfully for 29 years, the departed brother moved to his new home here in the newly founded town of Toeterville where he spent the remaining years of his life. He was actively and helpfully interested in all that pertained to the welfare of the community and did much to develop this part of the country. The village of Toeterville was largely promoted through his efforts.

He was a pioneer member of our St. Peter's Lutheran Church in which he had served many years as trustee and various other capacities. He was a regular attendant at divine services and glorified the name of God. It can be said that he lived a truly Christian life.

In spite of his advanced age the departed was in fairly good health until about a year ago when he became seriously ill so that his end appeared to be near, but he rallied again. His strength, however, was gone and increasing feebleness confined him to his house most of the time. About six weeks ago he suffered another attack, which gradually drained his stamina. He suffered much pain at times, but bore his affliction with Christian fortitude, looking forward with the sure and certain hope which the Lord gives His faithful followers. Comforted by the Word of God and the Lord's Supper, he prepared to meet his maker and fell peacefully asleep at 2:40 Thursday morning, November 12, [1931] at the age of 83 years, 11 months and 25 days.

He is survived by his widow, Minna Toeter, and four children: Mrs. Alice Nitardy, Mrs. Carl Grube, of Toeterville; Mrs. J. C. Westenberger, of St. Ansgar; Mrs. B. F. Meinecke, of Fargo, N. D.; and by ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. May he rest in peace.

[Mitchell County Press, Wednesday, November 19, 1931]

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** NOTE: Alice, Emma, Elizabeth and Josephine all survived scarlet fever.