Moeller, Hans 1854-1926 with two wives and children.

MOELLER, HARTWIGSEN, LANGE, THOMSEN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 12/10/2021 at 15:30:39

Moeller, Hans 1854 – 1926 with 2 Wives and Children.

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.

Hans Moeller was born in Schieswig, Holstein, Germany on the 17 th day of February, 1854. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. In the 1880’s he came to America and worked as a laborer in Marshalltown and Davenport, Iowa. Within a few years, his parents, brothers, and sisters came to America and landed at Ireton, Iowa.

In about the year of 1887, he gained ownership to the farm known as the Southwest ¼ of Section 28, Plato Township, seven miles south of Rock Valley. He built a house and barn on it and in the fall of 1887, he went back to Germany, where he married, and he and his wife, together with her father, came back to America and settled on their farm stead.

After settling with other Lutherans in this community, a need for a Lutheran Church was evident, so he donated two acres of his farm land to the congregation for church purposes only. A church and parsonage were then built and the church is now known as the Peace Lutheran Church, Sioux Center, Iowa.

The next development for community interest was the necessity of a Farmer Mutual Insurance Company. Mr. Moeller and his farmer friends together organized the German Farmers Mutual Insurance Association of Sioux, Plymouth, and Lyon Counties. Father had an active interest in the association and served as its secretary for twenty-six years. The purpose of the association was to insure the farmers against property loss or damage from fire and lightning for cost. This association is still going strong today.

When I became old enough to drive a team of horses, the farmers got together and hauled barley to Rock Valley where they ordered a railroad grain car and shoveled the barley into the car with scoop shovels. There were already three grain elevators in Rock Valley to buy grain at their own price. The farmers were well paid for shoveling the grain into the box cars. Later Mr. Moeller and his farmer friends organized a Farmers Elevator Company at Rock Valley. This organization bought and sold grain, feed and livestock to the farmers. After the Farmers Elevator Company was functioning, the Farmers Lumber Company and Farmers Creamery Company were organized. Mr. Moeller served as president to these farmer cooperatives for some time.

He was also active in organizing the following co-ops in Sioux Center: the elevator, the telephone, the creamery, and the oil company.

His interest extended beyond his community, and in 1909, in Sioux City, Iowa, he and a group of farmers organized the Farmers Elevator Mutual Fire and Extended Coverage Insurance Company of Iowa. I later became president of this company, and the company grew to include business in seven states.

In Plato Township, Mr. Moeller also served as trustee, town clerk, and constable. He also served as vice-president of the First National Bank of Rock Valley.

His first wife died six years after their marriage. He later remarried and during his married life became the father of twelve children. He died in January, 1926, and his second wife in 1952. Both are buried in the Peace Lutheran Cemetery. In 1953 his farm was sold to his son, Hans Moeller, Jr., who still owns and resides on the farm. The farm has always been owned by a member of the Moeller family.

(Above - A revision of the 1955 history written by his son, Wm. P. Moeller, deceased 1975)

OBITUARY OF HANS MOELLER
From the Rock Valley Bee, January 29, 1926:
HANS MOELLER DIES AT HOME IN ALVORD
Was Prominent in Church and Business Circles, A Leader in His Community
The deceased, Mr. Hans Moeller, was born on the 17th day of February 1854, in Schleswig Holstein, Germany. In pursuant of the command of God, he was baptized in infancy and after being duly instructed in the Holy word of God, he was confirmed in the blessed doctrines of the Lutheran Church. He assisted his parents in their work and after having come to mature years, engaged in what ever work he could secure.
In the year 1897[1879?] he left his native country and came to America. His first home was at Mason City, Iowa where he worked at various trades. In the year of 1886 he returned to Germany to visit his relatives and friends. Upon his return to this country the following year, while in the city of New York, he was united in marriage to Miss Christine Hartwigsen.
Mr. and Mrs. Moeller then moved to Sioux County and took up farming. They farmed a short time southeast of Rock Valley, but in the fall of that year moved onto his own farm in Plato Township seven miles south of Rock Valley. While there his happy family came to an abrupt end when on April 26, 1994[i.e., 1894], his wife died. Mr. Moeller faithfully cared for his three motherless children, a son Wm., and two daughters Mary and Lizzie.
On the seventh day of September 1895, Mr. Moeller married Miss Christine Lange of Davenport, Iowa who now survives him. Two years ago he leased his farm to his sons, Hans and Charley. Mr. Moeller retired, and moved to Alvord, where he lived till death called him.
About six years ago the deceased suffered a paralytic stroke which impaired his health considerably. But he again rallied, but his first stroke was followed by two more which naturally weakened him. However, he enjoyed fairly good health until last September, when he began to fail.
Heart failure and Dropsy caused him considerable suffering and gradually absorbed his vitality. Several weeks ago his condition was so serious that his death momentarily expected. To the great surprise of his family and friends, however, he again rallied and became quite well. It was only the lull, for last Sunday the 17th he again became worse and rapidly approached the end. Last Thursday, January 21, while sitting with his son William he passed away at 3:30 o’clock P.M.
Mr. Moeller was a public spirited man and possessed great business ability. He was a leader of men in his county and wherever possible performed such service as was a benefit to his fellowmen.
In 1890 he was instrumental in organizing the German Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Sioux, Lyon and Plymouth Counties. He was chosen secretary of the organization, which office he has held and faithfully executed the duties until the year of 1919, when because of his impaired health he resigned. In 1907 he also assisted in organizing the Sioux Center Co-operative Society and was its able president until the year 1923. Furthermore he was also active in organizing the Farmers Mutual Elevator Insurance Co. whose headquarters are now at Ft. Dodge, Iowa. For many years Mr. Moeller served as president of that Company and due to his untiring efforts he had the pleasure and satisfaction of seeing its healthy and rapid increase in business. In his home town of Rock Valley he was associated with the First National Bank and was vice president of this Bank at the time of his death.
Where ever he could assist in organizing or indorsing co-operative organization he always did so and his services were always appreciated. He almost constantly held Township and county offices and rendered valuable service to his neighbors and fellowmen.
In spite of much business, he did not forget nor neglect the duties toward his church. He was primarily responsible for the organizing of the Lutheran Church of Plato Township and has given the land whereupon the church now stands. He gave the church liberal support, both morally and financially. He was a staunch friend of the ministers of his church, his home always opened to them and every pastor can relate of his encouragement and help he received from Mr. Moeller.
He is survived by a wife and ten children. The names of the children are as follows: William of Alvord Ia.; Mary, Mrs. Herman Schlumbom, of Alvord; Lizzie, Mrs. Fred Johnson of Rock Valley; Anna, Mrs. Bernard Serk of Alvord, Iowa; Dora, Mrs. Carl Preiskat of Inwood, Iowa; Hans Jr. and Charley on the home place; Emma, Mrs. Harry Serk of Alvord, Iowa; Wilma and Harry at home in Alvord. One daughter died when 20 years old and one son in infancy. He also leaves two brothers, Jacob of LeMars and Martin of Ireton, and one sister, Mrs. Chris Cordsen of Kansas City, Missouri; twelve grandchildren, and many more distant relatives, a host of friends and a very large circle of acquaintances. Mr. Moeller attained the age of seventy one years, eleven months and four days.
Funeral services were held Sunday January 24, 1926, at 12 o’clock at the home in Alvord and at 2 o’clock at the Lutheran Church of Plato Township. The services were conducted in both the American and German languages, by Rev. E. H. Jahr of Alvord and Rev. J. Dachsteiner of Plato Township. Many beautiful flowers were given, a large circle of relatives and friends were present to pay their tribute. Burial took place on the family lot near the Church.
(The obituary also includes a rather fuzzy portrait photograph.)
* * * * * * * * * *
Essentially the same obituary was also published in the Alton Democrat, January 29, 1926. The headline characterizes him as “Prominent Plato Township Farmer and Stockman.”

OBITUARY OF CHRISTINE MARIE MOELLER (FIRST WIFE)
From the Rock Valley Register, April 27, 1894; the obituary was on the right-hand side of the page, with the badly frayed margin reinforced with tape that obscured some of the words:
Died, at the family residence [illegible] miles southeast of town, Wednesday [April 24], at 12:30 a.m., Mrs. [illeg.] Moeller, of Bright's disease, at the age of 36 years, 7 months and [illeg.] days.
Mrs. Moeller was born in Germany and was married to Mr. Moeller. [She?] came to America and settled in Sioux county about eight years ago and has resided here since then. She was in good health until a week before her death, which was unexpected, and falls heavily on the [devoted?] husband and three orphan children who mourn her loss. In [illeg.] and lonely hour when wife and mother have gone to her heavenly home, the chord in a min[illegible] the whole community [illeg.] tender sympathy. The funeral services were held at the German Lutheran church, six miles [illeg.] Rock Valley, yesterday, [illeg.] Hopf, pastor. The beloved [husband?] and motherless children have the sympathy of the community.
* * * * * * * * * *
From the Alton Democrat of April 28, 1894: Rock Valley News:
A reporter from Plato Township writes us [of] the sad death of Mrs. Hans Moeller. Mrs. Moeller was 37 years of age, a Christian woman and dutiful wife with friends throughout the county. The funeral was held on Thursday of this week and was largely attended. Her father, husband and three children mourn her unexpected death and have our heartfelt sympathy.
* * * * * * * * * *
Researcher Wilma Vande Berg found an account on Ancestry.com that gives her as Christine Hartwigsen, born 1856 died 1893 [actually 1894]. She was married to Hans Moeller; he was born abt 1854 in Germany, died Jan 1926 at Alvord, Lyon County, IA. Hans and Christine had three children - Lizzie, Mary and William P. M. Moeller. After Christine died Hans married Christina M. Lange (1865-1952). They had an additional seven children.)
The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Moeller, Christine Marie, born 1 Sep 1856, died 24 Apr 1894, buried Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Rural Sioux Center.

OBITUARY OF CHRISTINE MARGARET LANGE (SECOND WIFE)
Last Rites for Local Person's Mother Held in Alvord Recently
Funeral services for Mrs. Christine Moeller, aged 87, of Alvord, mother of Hans Moeller of Rock Valley, who passed away at her home in Alvord July 2, at 4:15 a. m. after a lingering illness of several months, were held Saturday, July 5 at 1:45 at the home and at 2 p. m. from Christ Lutheran church at Alvord. Mrs. Moeller was a former Rock Valley resident, living here until November, 1922 when she and her husband moved to Alvord. Four years after moving here, Jan, 20, 1926, her husband, Hans Moeller, passed away. Mrs. Moeller, nee Christine Margaret Lange, the third of five children of Jacob and Anne Lange was born Nov. 3, 1865, in Neu Behrend, Schleswig, Germany, She was baptized in her infancy, and was confirmed in the Lutheran church at the age of 13.
In the spring of 1895, when she was 30 years old, she came to the U. S., settling at Davenport. Here she was united in marriage with Hans Moeller on Sept. 7, 1895. Soon after they moved to northwest Iowa, settling on what is known as the Moeller homestead located south of Rock Valley.
Mrs. Moeller continued to live in the home in Alvord. About two years ago she began to fail. She was critically ill in May of the year before but she recovered momentarily until the last month when old age ravaged and brought about her demise.
She leaves to mourn her departure her family: Dora (Mrs. Carl F. Prieksat of Rock Valley; Hans of Rock Valley, Emma, Mrs. Harry Serck of Alvord, Charles of Inwood, Wilma, Mrs. George Beirenscate and Harry the last two from Alvord, Anna, Mrs. Ben Serck and Catherine preceded her in death, together with an infant son. The children of Mr. Moeller’s first marriage are William Moeller of Rock Valley, Mary, Mrs. Herman Schlumbohm of Inwood and Lizzie Mrs. Fred Johnson of Ireton. Two brothers and a sister survive. Henry Lange and Anna, Mrs. Belmers in Germany, and a brother Asmus Lange, of Wohlback, Neb. She leaves a large relationship of 27 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Christine Moeller was a member of Peace Lutheran Church south of Rock Valley, and the last years since in Alvord, of Christ Lutheran Church. She was a staunch member of the Ladies Aid also.
At the funeral services in Christ Lutheran church in Alvord the choir, accompanied by Miss Jean Nagel on the organ, sang: "Heaven is My Home","Saved By Grace "My God and I."
Casket bearers were grandsons of the deceased, namely: Harold Schlumbohm, Harold Preiksat, Harold Moeller, Wm. Moeller, Jr., Charles Moeller and Earl Serck. Interment was in Peace Lutheran Cemetery south of Rock Valley.
Source: Rock Valley Bee 7/17/1952

RESEARCH NOTES: added by Wilma J. Vande Berg
From a family report on Ancestry (done by other family members)
Hans Peter Christian Moeller was born 17 Feb 1854 Bistoft, Schleswig Hostein Germany and died 21 Jan 1926 Alvord, Lyon, Iowa.
His parents were Peter Christian Moeller 1826-1915 and Anna Christiana Thomsen 1826-1898
Wife #1: Christina Marie Hartwigsen born 1 Sep 1856 Havetoft, Schleswig Holstein Germany died Apr 24, 1894 Allison, Butler Iowa (that location is questionable as the Moeller moved to Sioux County IA in 1885, her grave marker is in Sioux county also). Parents – not found.
Children of Hans and Christine wife #1:
1.Wiliam Peter Mattius Moeller 1889-1975 wife Emma Dorothy Lutzen 1891-1922
2.Marie Christine Moeller 1890-1968 husband Herman Frederick Schlumbohm 1887-1976
3.Elizabeth Margarethe Moeller 1893-1984 husband Fred Onno Johnson 1894-1980
Wife #2: Crhistina Margaretta Lange 1865-1952
4. Katharina H. C. Moeller 1897-1917
5. Anna Dorothea Moeller 1898 -1937 husband Bernard William Serck 1896-1969
6. Dora Augusta Louise Moeller 1899-1989 husband Carl John Preiksat 1895-1936
7. Hans Christoph Moeller 1901-1977 wife: Catharina Dorothea Tank 1907-2004
8. Emma Moeller 1903-1986 Husband Harry Thomas Serck 1897-1978
9. Charley Peter Christian Moeller 1904-1993 wife Emma Bertha Gayer 1910-2002
10.Wilhelmine Johanna Moeller 1906-1981 Husband Geroge August Bramstedt 1903-1981
11.Herman ‘Harry’ Frederick Moeller 1910-2005 Wife Ethel M. Cohrt 1913-1989

Pictures taken from the 1908 Atlas of Sioux County Part IV, section 3 page 32 . There were several Hans Moeller but this is believed to be the subject of this story settled in Sioux County in 1885 since his second wife Christine Lange born 1865 is pictured with him.

Sioux Biographies maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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