Werth, William 1846-1924

WERTH, KIELIG

Posted By: Viv Reeves, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/9/2007 at 15:33:35

From the LeMars Sentinel, LeMars, (Plymouth), Iowa, Tuesday, June 24, 1924, Page 1, Column 1:

OLD SETTLER ANSWER CALL
William Werth Taken by Death

William Frederick Werth was born June 15, 1846, in Stafelde Soldin, Germany, and passed away June 21, 1924, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John McDougall, at Struble, at the age of 78 years and 6 days. He was united in marriage with Augusta Kielig in 1866 and shortly afterward immigrated to America and settled near Waukesha, Wis. In the fall of 1878 they moved to Stanton township, Plymouth county, Iowa, where they purchased a farm. They experienced the grasshopper plague and various hardships of the pioneers, but by honest toil and labor he became a prosperous farmer and had large land holdings in this county.

Moved to LeMars.

Sixteen years ago he retired from active farm life and moved to LeMars where he lived until this spring, when he went to make his home with his daughter. Six weeks ago he became ill with usaemic (uremic?) poisoning, which localized in one of his lower limbs. The pain was intense but he bore his lot with patience and was a beautiful example for those who came in contact with him. This condition was serious from the beginning and, coupled with grief over the loss of his companion, his body could not withstand the ravages of the disease and his soul passed to the great beyond Saturday morning at 11:45 o'clock.

When a young man he joined the United Evangelical church in Stanton township helping and contributing to the building of a church, and for years was a Sunday school teacher there. In 1907 when he moved to LeMars he joined the St. Paul's Methodist church and has been a member to the end.

Funeral Held Monday

He leaves to mourn four sons and two daughters, Charles, of Neptune; Wm. J., Albert and Herman, of LeMars, Mrs. Gertrude Kohl, of O'Leary and Mrs. Agnes McDougall, of Struble. He also leaves five grandchildren and a host of friends and neighbors, who will greatly miss him.

Mr. Werth was a loving father, a good neighbor and a sympathetic friend. The funeral was held Monday at 2 o'clock at the St. Paul's Methodist church, Rev. S. C. Steinbrenner assisted by Rev. J. W. Davis of the Hildreth Memorial church conducting the services.