Bertram, Frederich 1840-1888 and Bertha Flethman Family

BERTRAM, FLETHMAN, LUEMANN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 3/30/2023 at 11:37:56

Bertram, Frederich 1840-1888 and Bertha Flethman Family

This story was taken from page 368 of the Ireton Centennial Book (1882-1982). The story was transcribed for this BIOS by Beth De Leeuw of the Greater Sioux County Genealogical Society. Some research notes were added by Wilma J. Vande Berg .

Fredrich Bertram 1840-1888; Bertha Flethman 1846-1933
Sons: Fred Bertram, Charles Bertram, William Bertram, Ernest Bertram, Henry Bertram,
Daughters: Minnie Bertram Witt, Annie Bertram Fritz.

Mr. and Mrs. Fredrich Bertram and family came to America from Essen, Germany in 1881 and settled in Sioux Co., Ia. Mr. Bertram had worked in the mines in Germany. At this time there was much unrest in Germany, and they longed for the freedom and opportunities life in America offered. They settled on land, now divided by Highway 10, located five miles east of Ireton, presently occupied by Mr. Dick Vander Stoep.

Mr. Bertram passed away in 1888 at the age of 48, and as was so often the case, the older children had to accept the responsibility of providing for the family. They stayed on the farm until 1905.

Charles, a son, married Louisa Kluter, daughter of Henry Kluter, who had been instrumental in urging the Bertram family to come to America.

When the family was grown, Mrs. Bertram moved into the town of Ireton, and lived in the house now occupied by Billie Jean Miller.

In 1910, Mrs. Bertram made an extended trip to Germany, but returned to Ireton, where she resided until her death in 1933 at the age of 86 years, 4 months.

Research Note: Friedrch Bertram’s parents were Ernst Bertram and Margarethe Luemann. Bertha’s father was Fred Flethman

Children of Frederich and Bertha Bertram:

1. BERTRAM, FREDERICK born May 18, 1867 died Oct 1954
Fred Bertram, 87, died at his home Sunday following a long sickness. He had been bedfast for 11 1/2 years and death was due to infirmaties due to advanced age.
Frederick Bertram was born May 18, 1867, at Essen, Germany, and grew up in that vicinity. At the age of fifteen he was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Essen and some years later accompanied his parents and brothers and sisters to the United States, coming directly to the Ireton community where he spent his life. He was united in marriage to Emma Hagge on Feb. 22, 1894, in St. John's Lutheran Church. To this union five children were born, of which one son died in infancy. Those who survive are Dora and Bertha at home, Mrs. Herman Beerman, and a son Rudolph, all living in this vicinity. There are 12 grandchildren. Mrs. Bertram preceded her husband in death. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 27, at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, following a short service at the home. Interment was made in the family plot in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery east of Ireton. Source: Sioux Center News October 28, 1954

2. BERTRAM, CHARLES born Jan 26, 1970 Muehleim Germany died Aug 1933 Charles Bertram Laid to Rest Charles Bertram, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Bertram, was born Jan. 26, 1870, at Muehleim, Germany, and soon after received into membership with the Christian church by the sacrament of holy Baptism. In 1881 his parents came to Sioux county, Iowa, where a new home was established. About seven years later the father died, leaving the widow with five children. The mother and children experienced the hardships of pioneer farm life for many years. With undaunted courage and persistent diligence they continued and eventually gained material success. When the children were grown up they began to establish their own homes. The departed, likewise, on gaining maturity set out to seek his own fortune, establishing a home north of Ireton with Miss Louisa Kluter, whom he married on May 29, 1895, and together they have resided in their first home these 38 years in happiness. Three children were given them. The oldest, Edward, preceded the father in death on Sept. 28, 1918, while in the military service during the World War. In general Mr. Bertram enjoyed good health. Taken ill only two weeks ago he desired to rest for a few days, believing that in a short time he would be able to be around again. However, the weakness of his heart increased, complications set in, and on last Wednesday afternoon he departed this life very peacefully, though rather unexpectedly, in the presence of his immediate family. He attained an age of 63 years, 6 months and 12 days. Mr. Bertram was counted among the highly esteemed and best loved men in this community. His early religious training was imparted to him by Pastor Buenger of Grant township and during his entire life he not only attended to his church duties but endeavored to live his Christian convictions in every day life. His kindness, honesty and integrity are well known. In his demise not only his family but the entire community and St. Paul's congregation has lost a great power for good. He is sincerely mourned by his widow, Mrs. Louisa Bertram; his children, Mrs. Irene Eilts and Mr. Lorenz Bertram; eight grandchildren; three brothers, Fred Bertram of Ireton, Ernest Bertram of Hartley and Win. Bertram of LeMars, and two sisters, Mrs. H. Witt of Hawarden and Mrs. Bert Fritz of Ireton, and a host of other relatives and friends. The funeral was held from the home at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon and at 2:30 from St. Paul's Lutheran church of which he had been a member for many years. The church could not hold all the friends who came to pay a last tribute to the memory of the departed. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. The service in charge of the pastor, Rev. F. W. Bruch, was one of hope and consolation. Burial was made in the Lutheran cemetery on the lot which has been the resting place of his son Edward. Source:Hawarden Independent(8-10-1933)

3. BERTRAM, MINNIE (Mrs. Herman Witt) born Dec 17, 1872 Essen Germany. Source: Hawarden Independent (7-15-1948) Born: December 17, 1872 Died: 1948 MRS. HERMAN WITT, WHO CAME TO SIOUX COUNTY 68 YEARS AGO, DIED FOLLOWING STROKE IN FALL OF 1946. Funeral services for Mrs. Herman Witt, who died last Wednesday night at the Hawarden Hospital, were held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawarden at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon. Reverend H.W. Krieger of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ireton was in charge of the service. Burial was in Ireton. Minnie Bertram was born December 17, 1872, at Essen, Germany. She came to America with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bertram, when seven years of age, locating on a farm near Ireton. She was one of the pioneers of Sioux County. She married Herman Witt of Hawarden March 6, 1895, and for many years lived on a farm east of Hawarden. A number of years ago she moved onto a farm southeast of Hawarden. In the fall of 1946 she came to Hawarden to make her home. Before her residence was completely remodeled Mrs. Witt suffered a stroke from which she did not recover. She was bedfast since October, 1946. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. At the time of her death, a daughter, Mrs. William (Mabel) Dierks was critically ill at the Hawarden Hospital. Mrs. Dierks died three days later, last Saturday night. Mrs. Witt is survived by her husband, Herman; two sons, Alfred and Walter Witt; one daughter, Mrs. Peter Moeller of Ireton; three brothers, Fred Bertram of Ireland, Will Bertram of Sioux City and Ernest Bertram of Hartley and 16 grandchildren. Out of town relatives who attended the funeral were Mrs. Edith Kemis of Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kemis and son Robert and William Bertram of Sioux City, Ernest Bertram of Hartley and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Waite and Leona Witt of Pipestone, Minnesota.

4. BERTRAM, EARNEST born 2 Feb 1876 died Sep1965 Hartley IA wife Meta Brehmer 1887-1971. They lived at Hartley Iowa. They had no children.

5. BERTRAM HENRY born 1882 died Aug 1901 From the Alton Democrat of Aug 24, 1901. Ireton News.
Henry Bertram died at the home of his mother northeast of town last Thursday aged nineteen years. Rev. Reidel preached the funeral from the German Lutheran church on Saturday. Deceased leaves two brothers and his mother.

6. BERTRAM, WILLIAM born June 13, 1884 Maurice IA died March 1955 Sioux City IA. William Bertram of Sioux City, 70, a former Ireton resident, died last Wednesday in a Sioux City hospital after a long illness. Mr. Bertram was born June 13, 1884 at Maurice, Iowa. He had resided in Sioux City about 13 years. His wife Katherine died in Sioux City February 15, 1945. Survivors are two sons, Raymond L. of Peoria, Ill and Clair W. of Tulsa, Okla. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Witt of Hawarden and Mr. and Mrs. Lorenz Bertram of Ireton attended the funeral of Mr. Bertram, who was their uncle. Source: Hawarden Independent March 10, 1955

7. ERTRAM, ANNA (Mrs. Bert Fritz) 1886-1934 Source: Hawarden Independent (1-18-1934) Born: January 23, 1886 Died: January 13, 1934 ACCIDENT FATAL TO MRS. BERT FRITZ. Ireton and community was thrown into sorrow when it was learned Saturday morning that Mrs. Bert Fritz, who was seriously injured at her home a few days before and rushed to the Sacred Heart Hospital in Le Mars, had passed from this earth to her eternal home. Although it was known from the first that her chance of recovery was almost an impossibility yet her dear ones and friends hoped that some way, a way would be found. Spending almost her entire life in Sioux County and in this neighborhood, she was known and loved by all. The beautiful home which she and her husband planned and for many years enjoyed together will never seem the same again. Her quiet demeanor, her ideals, her character, her devotion to her husband and others were so outstanding that all felt the atmosphere she breathed. Mrs. Fritz was known for her Christian life, calm, steadfast and true and she will be missed by all who knew her. For sometime before her marriage to Mr. Fritz she was in charge of the dry goods department of the E.W. Black Store where she made many friends. Her home was a place of beauty made so by busy hands. She was known far and wide as an expert poultry woman, her flocks of Silver Laced Wyandottes were of the best and always a large demand for them. The writer, who was privileged to carry their mail practically all the years of their married life, except the last six months, will retain only fond memories of the departed because of the kind and always helpful attitude of the deceased. Mrs. Anna Fritz, nee Bertram, was born January 23, 1886, in Kettwig on the Rhine, Germany. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Bertram. When the deceased was one year of age the Bertram family immigrated to America. They first made a brief stop at Guttenberg, Iowa, and then came directly to Sioux County in the year 1881, Sioux County remained the home county of Mrs. Fritz the rest of her life. On April 20, 1910, she was united in marriage with B.W. Fritz. Mr. and Mrs. Fritz were an ideally happy couple. While about her household duties she fell down the basement steps. Her injuries were very serious which she, too, realized. She made ready for a happy Christian departure at 2:50 Saturday morning, January 13th. She peacefully passed away only to join her loving ones in the blessed eternal home above to which her mother and a brother had preceded her only last year. Short funeral services were held from the home, south of town, and from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of which she hd been a constant member, at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon. It was one of the largest funerals of sorrowing relatives and friends and neighbors and the church could not accommodate all who came to pay their last respect and tribute. Mrs. Fritz had made funeral plans in particular, choosing friends to sing and Reverend R.J. Torgler to officiate. Mrs. Fritz leaves to mourn her early passing her sorrowing husband, one sister, Mrs. Herman Witt of Hawarden, three brothers, Fred Bertram of Ireton, Ernest Bertram of Hartley and William Bertram of Le Mars. She also leaves three brothers-in-law. Five sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, and a large number of other relatives besides a host of friends. Mr. Fritz has the sympathy of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and the entire community in his bereavement.

  OBITUARY OF FREDRICH BERTRAM
Fred Bertram born 1840 died 1888 St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery Ireton IA. Source WPA index.
There was no obituary found in the Sioux County papers.
The 1885 census of Reading township lists Bertha Bertram widow born Aug 1846 Germany, the 1925 Iowa census list her father as Fred Flethmann. Children listed were Fred, Charles, Minnie, Earnest, Anna, Henry and William. They came to the USA in 1881.
(See his wife’s obit for more family info.)

OBITUARY OF BERTHA FLETHMAN BERTRAM
March 2, 1933 Hawarden Independent
Grandma Bertram, who suffered a paralytic stroke Feb. 21st at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bert Fritz, was called by death Monday. The angel of death quietly called her after a long useful life of more than 86 years. She was a woman and mother who had the respect of her children and all who knew her, one who lived a life that was a solace and comfort to others. She was of a home loving nature and so did not come out into society as much as others but she loved right and justice and could see the good in others rather than the weaknesses. In her quiet way she lived for years in her home in town until the weakness of age began to sap the strength and then she was taken to the farm home of her daughter where she received every care that heart and hand of a daughter could bestow. Another, who has seen and has helped to bring the raw prairies to the fruitful and wonderfully developed farms, has passed to the other side. She ran the race, never grew weary and certainly has gone for the crown laid up for those who persevere in the good things of life. Sleep mother, sleep, thy toils are all o'er, sweet be thy rest so oft needed before.
Funeral services were held from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Fritz and St. Paul's Lutheran church this afternoon, conducted by Rev. F. W. Bruch. Burial was made in the Reading township cemetery. The following grand children were pall bearers: Messrs Rudolf Bertram, Lorenz Bertram Henry Eilts, Walter Witt, Alfred Witt and Ray Bertram.
Mrs. Bertha Bertram, nee Flethmann , was born at Kettwig on the Rhine, Germany, on August, 1846 where likewise she was baptized an confirmed in the Christian faith. When grown to womanhood she was united in marriage to Mr. Frederick Bertram of Essen. The young couple established their first home at Essen where Mr. Bertram was engaged in mining. In 1881 the family emigrated to America coming directly to Sioux county and purchased a farm about 4 miles east of Ireton.
The family suffered a seven blow when in 1888 the husband and father departed this life, leaving the widow with seven children. With great courage and diligence the mother carried on and maintained the home until 1905 when she retired to Ireton. In 1901 she was obliged to bury a 17- year-old son, Henry.
During her residence in Ireton she was active also as a member of St. Paul's Ladies Aid Society for many years. In 1910 she made a visit to her native country, renewing acquaintances among relatives and friends. After her return to Ireton she continued her interest in her home for some time. About five years ago, however, she became incapacitated and could no longer look after her affairs as usual. Her strength gradually failing a daughter induced her to come with her. Thus she spent her last months with Mrs. Bert Fritz. Here she enjoyed the best of care. But amid these pleasant surroundings she was overtaken suddenly with a paralytic stroke on Feb. 21 and departed peacefully on Feb. 27, arriving at an age of 86 years, 6 months and 8 days.
Her demise is mourned by four sons, Fred and Charles of Ireton, Ernest of Hartley and William of LeMars; two daughters, Mrs. H. Witt of Hawarden and Mrs. B. Fritz of Ireton; twelve grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, besides a host of other relatives and friends.
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From the Ireton Ledger of Mar 2, 1933
Mrs. Bertha Bertram, for 52 years resident of the Ireton community, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. B. Fritz, last Monday morning, February 27th. Thus is removed another of the early pioneers of northwest Iowa and one who had spent practically her entire life since young womanhood in the association of the residents of this vicinity ever doing her full part in the developement of this fine community.
Grandma Bertram was widely known and by reason of her kindly-and friendly disposition endeared herself to her many acquaintances during the many years of her residence here. The passing of Mrs. Bertram will be deeply grieved by all who knew her, but there is consolation in the fact that she lived a good life \n the Christian faith and has but passed on to en-joy the blessedness of her eternal home.
Mrs. Bertha Bertram, nee Flethmann, was born at Kettwig or, the Rhine, Germany, on August 19th, 1846 where she was also baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith. When grown to womanhood she was united in marriage to Mr.. Fredrick Bertram of Essen Germany. The young couple established their home at Essen where Mr. Bertram was engaged in mining.
In 1881 the family emigrated to America, coming directly to Sioux
County, Iowa, where Mr. Bertram bought a farm east of Ireton. Many were the privations and hardships of the pioneer days and the departed was well acquainted with them. The family suffered a severe reverse when, in 1888, the husband and father departed this life. With great difficulty, and with admirable courage the widow carried on and with her diligent children maintained and enlarged the home. In 1901 the 17 year old son and brother, Henry, followed his father. The departed retired from the farm home in 1905 and came to Ireton. In 1910 she made an extended visit-to her native land, renewing acquaintances among relatives and friends.
After her return she continued to live in Ireton until recently when her daughter, Mrs. Bert Fritz persuaded her invalid mother to stay with her. Amid the cheerful surroundings and tender care she was suddenly overtaken with a paralytic stroke on Feb. 21. She lingered on until Monday morning last, when, she departed faithfully and peacefully, at the age of 80 years, 6 months and 8 days.
Her demise is mourned by four sons, Fred and Charles of Ireton, Ernest of Hartley, and William; of Le Mars; two daughters, Mrs. :H: Witt of Hawarden and Mrs. B. Fritz of Ireton; twelve grandchildren and twenty-two great grand children, besides a host of other relatives and friends. The. Grand children, Rudolf Bertram, Lorenz Bertram, Henry Witt, Alfred Witt and Ray Bertram were pallbearers. Mrs. Bertram was a faithful and diligent wife to her husband, a loving and devoted mother to her children.
As a lifelong member of the Lutheran church she affiliated with St. Paul's of Ireton and for many years she was an active member of its Aid Society. Funeral services were conducted from the home of Mrs. Bert Fritz and St. Paul's Lutheran church on this, Thursday, afternoon, March 2nd, by the Rev. F. W. Bruch. Burial was made in Reading Township cemetery.

This picture of the Residence of Fred Bertram was taken from the Sioux county 1908 Atlas. Section 3 page 13.

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