Heisig, Fred J. 1858-1934 & Flora Elizabeth Smith Family
HEISIG, SMITH, WYROCH, OSBORN
Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 12/9/2021 at 08:42:22
Heisig, Fred J. (1858-1934) and Flora Elizabeth Smith
This story was taken from the ‘Rock Valley Records & Recollections’ book written about 1976 in honor of the two hundredth birthday of our nation. It was a revision of the history written by Lottie Thomas in 1955. It was transcribed for this BIOS by Beth De Leeuw of the Greater Sioux County Genealogical Society and some research notes were added.
Fred J. Heisig was born March 22, 1858 in Savanna, Illinois of German ancestry. His wife, Flora Elizabeth Smith, was born November 19, 1858 in Jackson County, Iowa, of English ancestry. They were married on September 10, 1879, and farmed near Preston, Iowa for a few years. Realizing that in eastern Iowa where the land was costly they probably would never be able to own a place of their own, and convinced that the further west offered larger opportunities, they decided to move, selecting Sioux County as the most favorable spot.
Mr. Heisig and family arrived in Rock Valley by train in March 1885 bringing their livestock and household goods in an immigrant car which they shared with the C. Schmidt family. (C. Schmidt was the grandfather of Ed Schmidt.) Both Heisig and Schmidt had bought a quarter section of raw prairie land (adjoining) six and one-half miles northwest of Rock Valley. (Francis Baatz now lives on the Heisig farm.)
The Heisigs at that time had three small children, and the Schmidts had seven, some grown. The men of the families built small homes and barns while the two families lived in “Old Rock Valley” for a month. (“Old Rock Valley” was the area along the north side of Highway 18 beginning with 19th Avenue and on east.) The two families became very close friends sharing both the hardships and pleasures of pioneer life.
In many ways both Mr. and Mrs. Heisig were an influence in the community. They always stood for any good project and for good schools and education. Mr. Heisig was the first school director of District No. 1, Sioux Township and served in this capacity for several years. He also served as secretary of the schools in Sioux Township for many years. He also was township assessor, road boss, justice of the peace, and served on the election board for many years. He was self-educated and the neighbors sought his advice, especially on legal matters.
As a carpenter he was very adept and built and remodeled homes in the community. He raised purebred Duroc Jersey swine and for several years he belonged to the National Duroc Jersey Association and shipped breeding stock to many different states. John Schmidt (father of Ed) and Fred owned a threshing machine rig and threshed many years for all of the neighbors for miles around.
In 1905 Fred Heisig’s separator was hit at a railroad crossing three miles west and one and one-half miles north of Rock Valley. The steam engine pulling the separator was across the track, but the separator was hit by the Milwaukee railroad train and knocked on its side, with considerable damage resulting. The separator was repaired at the Henry Schemmer Blacksmith Shop.
There were ten children in the family who grew to maturity, and all but the three oldest ones were college students. Seven of the girls taught school and one later became a nurse. Two of the sons farmed land in South Dakota which Mr. Heisig had purchased.
In 1924 they moved to Rock Valley, where Mr. Heisig was manager of the Farmer’s Elevator Company for a few years. He died in 1934 and Mrs. Heisig died in 1944. Three of the ten children still survive: Gladys, Mrs. Louis Elbert, resides in Rock Valley.
(Above - A revision of the 1955 history written by their daughter Stella, Mrs. Lee Schlecty, now deceased.)
OBITUARY OF FRED J. (FREDERICK JOHN) HEISIG
From the Rock Valley Bee, April 27, 1934:
FRED J. HEISIG DIED MONDAY FORENOON
The death of Fred J. Heisig was a surprise and a shock to his many friends in Rock Valley and vicinity. Mr. Heisig had not been well for some time. Recently he entered the Methodist hospital in Des Moines where he submitted to an operation. Following the operation he seemed to improve and it was believed that he would recover his health, but later a change for the worse came. He was brought home last Thursday from the hospital. He continued to fail until finally death came to relieve him Monday afternoon.
Mr. Heisig was one of the pioneer residents of this community. For a number of years he and his family lived on a farm northwest of Rock Valley. A few years ago he retired and moved to Rock Valley. He was a man who was highly respected by all who knew him, and his death is very much regretted.
Funeral services will be held at the home in Rock Valley this Thursday afternoon, beginning at two o’clock. The obituary will be published next week.
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From the Rock Valley Bee, May 4, 1934
The passing of Frederick John Heisig on Monday, April 23, saddened the entire community for the inestimable loss to it and his bereaved family.
Although he had been ill several months, and had undergone a serious operation in the Iowa Methodist hospital a few weeks ago, hope had always been entertained for his recovery. Medical skill and loving hands were powerless and the end came suddenly and unexpectedly.
Mr. Heisig was always a most useful and respected citizen. Coming to this community with the pioneers, he was interested in every movement for the progress of the country and its citizens. In moral, educational and civic issues, his wise judgment and keen understanding found him sponsoring the side of greatest benefit and happiness to mankind. His belief in it never wavered even in the recent years of chaos and financial stress.
His christianity was expressed in service to his fellowmen and whenever he was called to public duty, was never found unwilling to serve. He was a kind and loving husband, a wise and devoted father and a friend to humanity.
Born in Carrol County, Illinois, near Savannah, March 22, 1858, Mr. Heisig was educated in the public and private schools of that city. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. When a boy he moved with his parents to Jackson county, Iowa, where he was united in marriage to Flora Elizabeth Smith, Sept. 10, 1879, who still survives him.
In 1885 they moved to Sioux County, Iowa, where they resided on a farm until ten years ago when they moved to Rock Valley to enjoy their declining years.
Besides his wife, he leaves one son and eight daughters, Elmer L. of Morristown, S.D.; Dr. Marie J. Raders, Lena, Ill.; Mrs. Ida M. Kessler, Rock Valley; Mrs. Ann G. Brooke, Tucson, Ariz.; Mrs. Evelyn Beenen, Renwick, Iowa; Mrs. Stella Schleety, Fowler, Colo.; Miss Hazel Heisig, Des Moines; Mrs. Gladys Elberts, Rock Valley; Miss Lorraine Heisig, Iowa City. The oldest son, Eber, and two infant daughters have passed on before. He also leaves a brother, Herman Heisig of South Sioux City, Nebr.; a sister, Mrs. Lena Haller of Preston, Iowa; ten grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Funeral services, conducted by Rev. G. A. Tyler, of the Methodist church were held in the home on Thursday afternoon and the remains laid to rest in the Valley View Cemetery.
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The Sioux County Cemetery Index has him as Fred J. Heisig, with birth date 23 Feb 1868.
His death certificate has him as Frederick John Heisig, born March 22, 1858 in Savannah, Illinois; parents William Heisig, born in Ansdorf, Germany, and Caroline Wyroch, born in Silesia, Germany; wife Flora Elizabeth Heisig; a farmer for 27 years, last worked at this occupation in 1906; died April 23, 1934; cause, “obstruction of Common Duct & Chronic Pancreatitis,” onset 1-10-34; an operation for draining of gall bladder was performed on 3-10-34.OBITUARY OF FLORA ELIZABETH SMITH
Rock Valley Bee, January 7, 1944
Shortened obit.
Mrs. Fred J. Heisig, pioneer resident of Rock Valley passed away early Saturday, January 1, 1944 at the advanced age of 85 years, one month and 12 days.
Flora Elizabeth Smith, only daughter of Almira Jane & Luther De Grost (or Groat) Smith, was born near Preston, Iowa, November, 19,1858. She was united in marriage with Frederick John Heisig at Maquoketa, Iowa on September 10, 1879.
Mr. & Mrs. Heisig were the parents of twelve children, Eber F. deceased; Elmer L., Morristown, SD; Dr. Marie J. Raders, Lena, IL; Ida M. Kessler, Schenectady, NY; Ann G. Brooke, Tuscon, Ariz; Evelyn A. Reenen, Renwick, IA; Laura L. deceased; Stella L. Schleety, Rock Valley; Hazel M., deceased; Gladys U. Elberts, Alvord, IA; Carolyn, deceased; and Lorraine E. Whiteis, Quincey, IL. Twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren also surive.
On April 23, 1934, Mr. Heisig passed away leaving Mrs. Heisig to the care of her loving daughter Stella and son-in-law, Lee Schleety who have given her constant care during her remaining years.
Mrs. Heisig was a loving wife and devoted mother with high ideals always before her family and friends. Her uplifting influence in the community was a great inspriation to all who knew her and will long be remembered.
Funeral services were held at her home Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. Rachay officiating. Burial was made at Valley View Cemetery.This picture was taken from the 1908 Sioux County Iowa Atlas Part IV, Section 3, page 15.
Sioux Biographies maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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