Frerichs, Claus B. 1845-1928

FRERICHS, RICKLEFS

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/23/2014 at 12:10:00

Note: Though it doesn't say where he was buried he may be buried in the Preston Lutheran Cemetery since that is where some of his children are buried and his funeral was held in Lutheran Church in Preston Township.
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DEATH TAKES OLD SETTLER

C. B. Frerichs Was One Of First Residents in Preston Township

CAME IN THE SEVENTIES

Developed Fine Farm and Holdings From the Sod

Claus B. Frerichs a resident of Plymouth county for the past fifty-seven years, died at his home in Preston township Tuesday morning at the age of nearly 83 years. Death followed an illness bought on chiefly by failing powers and old age. The funeral will be held at the Lutheran church this afternoon in Preston township and Rev. Theodore Meyer, the pastor, will officiate at the service.

Claus B. Frerichs was born in Hanover, Germany, May 30, 1845, where he received his early education and grew to young manhood. About the year 1862 he decided to come to America and with his mother set sail for the United States. Following his arrival in the land of his adoption he worked near Dixon, Illinois, where his brothers, John and Henry, had already located. Mr. Frerichs worked as a farm hand while living in Illinois. He moved from there to Jones county, Iowa, where many of his compatriots had settled.

Came to Plymouth

In the spring of 1871 he came to Le Mars and took up land in Preston township. He purchased a homestead right to eighty acres of land in section 22, and at once went to work to improve the land. He built himself a shanty, twelve by fourteen feet. The land was nearly all wild prairie at that time. Mr. Frerichs owned two colts, both too young to work, and one horse. A neighbor, Mr. Collman, also had but one horse, so between them they had a team and much of their farm work was done in partnership. The first season Mr. Frerichs succeeded in planting about five acres of wheat and received a harvest of fifty bushels. He purchased and broke up more land and farmed on a larger scale, later turning over the farm work to his sons and retiring from active work, while living on the old home place.

Mr. Frerichs was actively engaged in farm work until 1911 when he turned over the home farm to his son Ricklefs. He built himself a cottage near the large farm residence he had occupied when his farming operations prospered.

Mr. Frerichs was united in marriage with Margaretta Ricklefs, who was also a native of Germany. Thirteen children were born to this union, seven of whom are living and with the wife and mother mourn the loss of a good man. The children are Carl, Dietrich, Henry, Ricklef, Mrs. D. H. Kruse, Mrs. Henry Nannen and Mrs. Herman Milbrodt, all residing in the home vicinity.

Mr. Frerichs had a wide acquaintance, through his long residence in the county and his friends were numerous. He was active in community affairs and held a number of township offices at various times. He was respected throughout the countryside as a fine neighbor and a good citizen.

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Friday, January 6, 1928
Le Mars, Iowa