HOVERMAN, John Henry William 1856-1933

HOVERMAN BARENTSCHE, MATHESON STOGSDILL

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 2/7/2011 at 10:44:44

John Henry William Hoverman was born June 13th. 1856 at Moizen, in the former Kingdom of Hanover,
Germany, and received holy baptism two days later. The years of his childhood and youth were spent in his native village, where he attended the village school. At the age of 15, having received the necessary instructions in the Doctrine of the Work of God, he was confirmed on Palm Sunday by the Pastor Sprengel in the Lutheran church.

The next ten years were spent in his native village, but in May, 1881, he left the Fatherland and came to America, settling in Union township, Mitchell county, Iowa.

Seven years later he visited his old home in Germany and while there, became acquainted with Elizabeth Barentsche. This acquaintanceship bloomed so beautifully that the happy pair took sacred marriage vows on April 15, 1888. They were permitted to live together for 44 years, 15 of which were spent on a farm in Union township and 29 on the Berndt farm in St. Ansgar township.

Six children were born to this union, three boys and three girls. The departed was never very strong, but the past two years he failed steadily when his eyesight became dim. Although not very active he was not confined to his bed, but his end was nearer than was expected. Wednesday January 4th, at about two o'clock in the afternoon he complained of not feeling well. He was helped into bed, but his condition grew rapidly worse and by 4:20 he passed quietly away, having reached the age of 76 years, 6 months and 22 days. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth and six children, Mrs. H.C. Matheson, of Flint, Michigan; George, of St. Ansgar, Otto, of McIntire, Herbert and Anna, of St. Ansgar, and Mrs. C.H. Stogsdill, of Flint, Michigan; five grandchildren and one brother, William, of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.

May he rest in peace.

[Mitchell County Press-Osage News -- January 19, 1933]