Henry Niemann (1848-1927)

NIEMANN

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/10/2008 at 14:21:28

HENRY NIEMANN SR 1848-1927

Henry Niemann Sr. was born in Hanover, Germany on the 11th day of September, 1848. H was the son of John and Maria (Becker) Niemann. He came to America with his parents when he was 16 years of age, coming to Du Page County, Illinois. He was baptized in infancy and later confirmed in the Lutheran church in Germany. After he located near Shelby he transferred his membership to the Lutheran church of that place.

In 1873, they located on a farm in Shelby county, Iowa, 5 miles northwest of Avoca.

On the 2nd day of September ( ?), Mr. Niemann was united in marriage to Miss Emma S. Schmidt and to them were born 6 children, one of whom, Edward H. preceded his father in death in the year 1911.

In 1906, the family moved to Avoca and in the fall of the same year, the wife and mother passed away.

Mr. Niemann joined the Masonic lodge in 1908. He was an active member up to the time of his death---attending a meeting of the Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons the very eve of his death. His lodge work and grandchildren were his chief source of joy and pleasure during his declining years. His children’s friends were his friends and he was a frequent visitor in their homes—always interested in the younger generation and their endeavors. He was “Pa Niemann” to them all.

He was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Shelby before moving to Avoca.

Following the marriage of his daughter, Martha, Mr. Niemann made his home with his children, living with his daughter, Clara (Mrs. Alfred Thies) the past nine years. He enjoyed good health until this fall. His death came as a shock to those near him. He departed this word the afternoon of November 22, 1927.

He leaves to mourn their loss five children: Carl J. of Texas; Dr. John A. of Omaha; Mrs. Alfred Thies, Mrs. Merritt True and Henry O. of Avoca; 6 grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Adam Bohlander of Manilla, Iowa, and Mrs. Mary Bohlander of Avoca; two brothers: William and Fred of Avoca, and many nephews, nieces and friends.
The funeral services were held at the home of Alfred Thies on Friday afternoon, November 25th. The singing was furnished by a quartette consisting of Mrs. Minnie Taylor, Mrs. Grace Preston, C. H. Vierck and Arthur Schmidt. The pianist was Mrs. Frank Vierhus Jr. The services at the grave were conducted by Mt. Nebo lodge No 297. An unusually large number of the members were in attendance. The pastor said that he could not pay higher tribute to him than to say that “He was the soul of honor.”

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald