Wurth, Mathias 1842-1921

WURTH, WOLF

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 5/14/2020 at 12:41:28

From: Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, October 7, 1921

A Pioneer Editor

Math Wurth Established Newspapers in the Eighties

Was Early Settler In Fredonia

Deceased was a Well Known Figure in the Community for Many Years. Was Rendered Helpless by Illness Since Last December

Mathias Wurth, a resident of Plymouth county for forty-eighty years, and widely known in northwestern Iowa, died at his home, 1121 Fulton street, this city, on Tuesday morning, shortly before noon after a long illness. Mr. Wurth had been confined to his bed since last Christmas. A few years ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis, but regained a large share of his pristine vigor. He subsequently suffered other attacks, the last of which rendered him practically helpless and in this condition he remained until death came as a relief. In his long illness he was devotedly nursed by his wife and daughter and one or two unswerving friends.

In his earlier days Matt Wurth was a notable figure in Plymouth county, and although ardent in his views, and aggressive in his enmities, gained a lasting reputation for uprightness and fidelity of purpose. He conducted a newspaper in Le Mars, when bitterness was rife among wrangling factions, political and otherwise, and things were said and done unheard of these days. In the stress of those bitter days Mr. Wurth was always fair to an opponent, and honest in his own convictions and regarded by friends and foe alive as an honest man whose word could be depended upon at all times.

Mathias Wurth was born in Vianden, in the duchy of Luxemburg, Europe, where he grew up and received a good education. He was born on January 26, 1842, and was approaching his eightieth year. He lived with his grandparents in Dippach, Luxemburg from 1861 until their death in 1872. In March, 1873, he immigrated to America and came directly to Le Mars. On a trip through the country he decided to locate and engage in farming and purchased a half section of land in Section 29, Fredonia township, where he broke up land and began to make improvements. The same land is farmed by his sons at the present time.

In December, 1875 he went back to Luxemburg and in 1876 was united in marriage with Miss Barbara Wolf, and returned to his farm here. In 1884 he left the farm and came to Le Mars, buying “Der Le Mars Herold” which was established by J. P. Kieffer, in 1882. In October, 1884, he with other leading democrats, started the Le Mars Globe, of which he soon became sole proprietor. In 1893 Mr. Wurth sold the Globe to A. P. Cramer and some years later disposed of Der Herold to John Starzl.

In 1906 Mr. Wurth, in company with his wife and daughter, made an extended visit in Europe.

After retiring from newspaper work Mr. Wurth spent some years again on the farm and then relinquished the work to his sons and made his home in Le Mars until the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, John P. Wurth and Nicholas Wurth, and a daughter, Miss Theresa Wurth. He also leaves a brother, John P. Wurth, of Omaha, and a sister residing in Luxemburg. Two of his children died in infancy. There are seventeen grandchildren.

Matt Wurth was a man of good attainments and possessed of a retentive mind, and always took a healthy interest in all public affairs and in those pertaining to the community. He was unusually vigorous and active until a few years ago when he suffered a stroke of paralysis. His home life was ideal and the hospitality of his house was open to scores of friends during his long life. His death marks the passing of another well known pioneer figure of Plymouth county, and one identified in many various ways in its early history and development.

The funeral services were held Thursday morning at ten o’clock at St. Joseph’s church in this