Nicholas Steil 1827-1906

STEIL, FLESCH

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 7/5/2010 at 17:43:58

The Democrat
Emmetsburg, Iowa
11 Apr 1906
Page 4

Death of Nicholas Steil.

Passed Away Wednesday Evening at Age of 78.

Mr. Nicholas Steil, who had been quite ill for several months, passed away at his home in this city Wednesday evening, April 4, at the advanced age of 78 years, ten months, and 21 days. The funeral took place Saturday. Services were held at Assumption church. They were conducted by Very Rev. J. J. Smith, who had known him for 35 years. He spoke highly of his upright, exemplary career. There was a large procession. The pall bearers were E. P. McEvoy, M. Roach, P. Mulroney, Wm. Shea, Owen McNulty, and P. J. Murphy. Two granddaughters of the deceased, Florence and Anna R. Steil, carried floral wreathes and walked ahead of the casket up and down the church aisle and four grandsons, Howard J., Rowland, Wilfred, and Herbert Steil, walked behind it, carrying flowers. The interment was in St. John's cemetery. Among those present from a distance were John and Matt Flesch, of Lancaster, Wisconsin, brothers of Mrs. Steil, and Miss Anna Steil, a niece, from the same place. Many old neighbors from Mallard were also present.

Nicholas Steil was born in Luxemberg, Germany, May 14, 1827. He came to the United States in 1852. He lived in Buffalo, New York, for two years, after which he moved to Grant county, Wisconsin, where he located on a farm. In 1856 he went to California where he followed mining for seven years. Later he returned to Lancaster, Wisconsin. July 20, 1868, he was married at that place to Rachel Flesch. To this union there were born ten sons and daughters, nine of whom survive. The sons are Joe J., John J., and Michael, of this city, so well known to our many readers; N. A., of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Matt, of Wagoner, Indian Territory; and Albert, of Mallard. The daughters are Mrs. Peter Martini, of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, Mrs. J. F. Sullivan, of Wagoner, Indian Territory, and Miss Mary, who is at home. One daughter died several years ago. All the living members of the family were present at the funeral. Mr. and Mrs. Steil came to Palo Alto county in 1871. They lived on a farm in Ellington township until 1899 when they moved to Mallard. In 1902 they came to Emmetsburg, subsequently making their home in this city.

The deceased was one of the pioneer German farmers of our county. Like most of his fellow-countrymen who have contributed to the progress and prosperity of our state and republic, he was sturdy, energetic, frugal, and provident. He became thrifty and as early as circumstances would permit, made provision not only for himself and wife, but also for his sons and daughters, and, as a result, all are today sharers in the success that crowned his humble, untiring efforts. He was held in the highest esteem by the many friends and neighbors who knew him as an early settler and also by the others who came to the community in later years, for he was a man who made warm friends and retained them. His life was as pure and ennobling as he was diligent and painstaking as a farmer citizen. He recognized fully the duty he owed to his Creator and to his fellow-men, and his actions were ever in accord with the precepts and teachings of the faith that he practiced most ardently during life and, fortified by whose spiritual comforts, it was his happiness to pass to the great beyond. Society owes much to such worthy husbands and fathers, to such unswerving supporters of everything that makes home life pure, peaceful, and edifying and, as a result, social conditions more appreciable and beneficial to mankind. For many years the Democrat knew Mr. Steil as a staunch friend and well wisher and our sincere sympathy is extended to his aged companion and his respected sons and daughters in their sorrow.

Oh father, thy gentle voice is hushed,
Thy warm, true heart is still;
And on thy pale and peaceful face
Is resting death's cold chill.

Thy hands are clasped upon thy breast,
We have kissed thy marble brow;
And in our aching hearts we know
We have no father now.

One precious to our hearts has gone,
The voice we loved is stilled;
The place made vacant in our home
Can never more be tilled.

Farewell father, farewell father,
Peaceful be thy silent rest;
Slumber sweetly, God knew best
When to call thee home to rest.

Farewell father, farewell father,
We must say our last farewell;
Till we meet beyond the river
Happy there with thee to dwell.