Graves, Lena Ann (Schneeclotz) 1845-1930

GRAVES, SCHNEECLOTZ, DVORAK, HAERTNER, FREY, GEISE

Posted By: Cindy Maust Smith (email)
Date: 5/11/2021 at 10:19:33

Source-Osceola County Tribune, Thursday, February 27, 1930, Sibley, Iowa, Page 2

MRS. LENA GRAVES DIES FRIDAY NIGHT

Funeral Services Were Held at Melvin February 24

Mrs. Hans Graves, nee Lena Schneeclotz, was born in Krumbeck, Holstein, Germany, November 13, 1845. In her infancy she was brought to her Saviour in the sacrament of holy baptism. In the year of 1859, being 14 years of age, she was confirmed in the Lutheran church in the village of Schoenberg.

In 1869 she migrated to America and settled in Clinton county, Iowa. Here she was married to Hans Graves, March 21, 1871. After being engaged in farming for a few years they moved to Osceola county in the spring of 1873, and lived on a farm near Sibley for about one year. After that they moved onto their farm five miles north of Melvin, where they lived forty years and endured the hardships of the early settlers.

In 1914 they retired to Melvin, where they had their home until the death of Mr. Graves, January 4, 1929. Soon after that she gave up housekeeping and visited her children making her home for some time with her daughter, Mrs. Emil Dvorak, and later with her son, Jerry Graves.

A few days after she had strengthened her faith through holy communion she was taken to her heavenly home Friday evening, February 2, attaining the age of 84 years. She leaves to mourn her loss five children: Jerry Graves of Melvin, Henry Graves of Lebanon, Mo., Mrs. Emil Dvorak, Mrs. Karl Haertner, both of Ocheyedan, and Mrs. Dick Frey of Willow Lake, S.D.; twenty-two grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Dora Graves, Ocheyedan, and one half-brother, Henry Geise, of Clinton, Ia. Four children preceded her in death.

Mrs. Hans Graves was held in high esteem in this community and by all who knew her. She has since the organization of the Melvin Lutheran church been a faithful and active member. She helped to organize the Ladies Aid and has always helped with in its undertakings.

Soon after she moved with her husband to Melvin she had the accident of falling and dislocating her hip. In spite of all care she remained a cripple and was compelled to spend the last sixteen years of her life in a wheel chair. In her church attendance, faithfulness, patience and cheerfulness in her suffering she has been a help to her fellow christians.

Funeral services were held by Rev. G. Goeken in the Melvin Lutheran church Monday at 1:30. Interment was made in the Baker township cemetery.