Spies, Jacob 1835 - 1926

SPIES, SMITH, HUEBSCH

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/10/2011 at 13:53:42

JACOB SPIES DIES AT 3:30 P.M. PIONEER RESIDENT OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY PASSES AWAY AT THE AGE OF 80 YEARS

Jacob Spies, pioneer resident of Plymouth County, died at 3:30 this afternoon at the age of 90 years. Deceased was born in Westphalia, Germany, and came to this country when a young man and in the 60's settled in the Floyd Valley, formerly the Melbourne district, until he came to Le Mars a number of years ago.

For years he was court bailiff of the Plymouth county district court and was generally known among the people of this county. He was highly respected by everyone..

He is survived by his wife and several children.

The date of the funeral has not been set, but services will be held In the Evangelical Church and Rev. J. W, Davis will officiate. Burial will be made in the Melbourne Cemetery, near Hinton. The complete obituary will appear in the next issue of The Globe Post.

Le Mars Globe Post
March 1, 1926
Le Mars, Iowa

PIONEER SELTTLER CALLED BY DEATH JACOB SPIES DIES AT 90 YEARS
DECEASED WAS BAILIFF OF DISTRICT COURT HERE FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS

Jacob Spies was born in Westphalia, Germany, Oct. 21, 1835, and died at his home in Le Mars, Ia., Monday, March 1. 1926, dissolution being caused by complications incident to old age, he having attained the unusual age of 90 years, 4 months and 10 days.

The subject of this sketch received his early training in the state schools of Germany, learning also the trade of merchant tailoring which trade he followed for 20 years. At the age of 15 he came with his parents to America, settling at Baltimore, Md. There at the age of 22 he was married to Carolina Smith who shared with him the joys and sacrifices of pioneer life for 48 years. To this union were born 10 children, 7 boys and 3 girls. Of these there remain but three sons. They are Albert Louis of Valley Springs, S. D., Reuben J., and Geo. F. both of Melbourne.

On May 24, 1906 "Grandpa Spies," as he was universally known, was married to Mrs. Augusta Huebsch, who survives him, as do five step children, 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. After 20 years residence In Baltimore, Mr. Spies started west on account of the health of his companion, intending to settle In California. He stopped off to visit relatives in Iowa, and was so attracted by the climate and surroundings, that he concluded to settle. Accordingly he bought raw land in Plymouth county for $9.00 an acre and proceeded to develop a fine farm, which Is now occupied by two of his sons and is recognized, as one of the best farms In Melbourne twp.

After almost 30 years, industriously spent on the farm in the Floyd Valley in October, 1900, Mr. and Mrs. Spies retired to Le Mars to enjoy the evening of a well spent life. It was from this home at 421 First Ave. S. B., that he slipped quietly out to meet the host of friends and loved ones who have proceeded him to the other shore.

At the age of 19 Mr. Spies was genuinely converted to God and united with the Evangelical Church in which he held an unbroken membership for more than 70 years. Furthermore, his was a most consistent Christian career. Probably no one ever enjoyed a greater degree of respect in the community in which they lived. His was no passive church membership. His influence and powers were soon recognized, so that he used to say when in a reminiscent mood, that he had held all the offices of the church except organist. This was literally true. For many years he was Sunday school superintendent of the Floyd Evangelical Church at Melbourne. At the time of his death he was a trustee and member of the official board of Hildreth Memorial Church at Le Mars occupying no mere honorary position, but as president of the board of trustees proved the remarkable alertness of his mind, and progressiveness due to his remarkable and unabated powers. His family pew was always occupied and no one ever found him asleep In church. Brother Spies was one of the rarest examples of growing old sweetly. Never out of humor, still he was a positive character. Yet his children make the unusually rare claim that from him they never received one unkind word.

With the term of court just closed the deceased served 21 years as court bailiff, carrying the record for long and faithful service In that capacity in the judicial district. He was always held in the highest esteem by judges, attorneys, countless jurymen, and others who have come in contact with him in the course of his official duty. His welcome face about the court house was always a benediction to young and old alike. This tact was well attested by the number and frequency of the visits from various members of that group during his last illness. His unassuming air, and yet quiet dignity won for him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.

His evenness of temper and temperateness of habits undoubtedly contributed much to his remarkable health and vigor which enabled him to enjoy his work and associations to the very close of life. He lived long and well. Multitudes will arise in glory to call him blessed.

The funeral services will be held on Friday afternoon from the home at 1:30 and from Hildreth Church at 2 o'clock. Interment will be made in the Melbourne cemetery beside his first wife. The funeral will be In charge of the pastor. Rev. J. W. Davis, assisted by the pastor at the old home. Rev. G. J. Roths. Music will be furnished by a quartet from Western Union college.

Le Mars Globe Post
Thursday, March 4, 1926
Le Mars, Iowa