Held, Erhard 1834 - 1913

HELD, WINTER

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/10/2011 at 13:13:54

ERHARD HELD IS DEAD

SETTLED IN FLOYD VALLEY HALF CENTURY AGO

CAME HERE DIRECT FROM GERMANY

Made the Trip Across the State of Iowa With an Ox Team and Went to Nebraska Which Was Then a Wilderness

Erhard Held, one of the early pioneer settlers of Plymouth county, died at his home near Hinton yesterday morning. Death was due to Bright's disease and the infirmities of old age, he being nearly eighty years old. Mr. Held had been ailing slightly for some time past but was up and around until less than three weeks ago when he took to the bed. He failed rapidly from that time and for the past few days it was seen that the approach of death was near and the end was not unexpected. The death of Mr. Held removes another of the group of sturdy pioneers who settled along the valley of the Floyd fifty years ago.

Erhard Held was a native of Germany and was born at Bechtelhein, Hesse Darmstadt, on March 18, 1834. With his parents he came to America when a boy, leaving Germany April 14, 1856, on the sailing, ship Confederation. They were forty-two days on the ocean before arriving at New York. The family came from New York to Rock Island, Ill., by rail, and from there made the journey across Iowa by ox team to Sioux City. He lived one winter at that place and then went on to Nebraska, settling near Jackson, Neb.

Mr. Held was united in marriage at Jackson, Neb., on April 30, 1861. with Miss Elizabeth Winter. His family and hers made the voyage together from their old home in Germany to the western prairies. The year of their marriage they came to Plymouth County and settled in the neighborhood where they have since resided.

Mr. and Mrs. Held have both been active factors in the material and moral development of the community in which they have lived. They surmounted the difficulties which beset the path of the pioneer, labored and prospered and have seen their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren enjoying the fruits of the advantages they and other pioneers made possible.

To their happy union twelve children were born, ten of whom are left with their mother to mourn the loss of a good father. They are Philip E. Held, John Held and Gas A. Held. Mrs. William Schneider, Mrs. H. J. Schneider, Mrs. Jos. Sweater, Mrs. D. H. Hauff, of Hinton; Mrs. Wm Schumann, of Stanton; Mrs. P. P. Schindel and Mrs. Andrew Raven, of Le Mars. Erhard Held was one of the kind of men who unostentatiously do their part In the world's work, was an upright Christian man. a good husband and father and enjoyed the respect and esteem of the whole community.

The funeral will be held on Saturday afternoon at the old church in Melbourne of which the deceased was a faithful attendant. The services will begin at two o’clock. The interment will be made in the Melbourne Cemetery.

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Friday, February 14, 1913
Le Mars, Iowa
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The funeral of Ehrhard Held, who died on Thursday at his home near Hinton, was held on Saturday at the Melbourne M. E. Church. Rev. Fray and Rev. Trumbauer conducted the services. Interment was made at the Melbourne Cemetery.

Le Mars Semi Weekly Sentinel
Friday, February 21, 1913
Le Mars, Iowa
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