Arens, Theodore 1844-1929 & Katharina Pfeffer Family

ARENS, PFEFFER, GOEBEL, ARENSDORF, SEYLER

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 12/4/2023 at 15:06:41

Arens, Theodore 1844-1929 and Katharina Pfeffer Family

This family story was taken form the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Book of Alton IA 1883-1983. The story was transcribed for this BIOS by Wilma J. Vande Berg of the Greater Sioux County Genealogical Society. Some research notes have been added.

Theodore Arens was born March 19, 1844, and died on March 31, 1929. He was married to Katherina Pfeffer Goebel, who was born January 8, 1841 and died Jun 11, 1917. To this union, two sons were born Nick T. Arens on November 27, 1874, and Joseph on Jun 30, 1881.

Prior to her marriage to Theodore Arens, Katherina Pfeffer was married to Mr. Goebel. Children of the Goebel marriage were Peter, long time resident of Alton and active in civic affairs; Henry, Tony and Catherine Goebel. Catherine was Sister Germaine, O.S.F.

Research notes: Not much is given about the life of the family in the short story from St. Mary’s book. Further information was gathered from census records, family reports from ancestry.com and obituaries posted on this site. The obit of Henry Goebel, step son of Theodore gives insight into the family experiences. Note: spellings were as in the original documents.

1856 census of Prairie Springs, Jackson, Iowa lists Theodore Arens age 10 born abt 1846 Germany he was a son of family of Nicklos Arens age 40, born abt 1816 Germany, married to Ann Arens age 36, born about 1820 Germany, their inferred children were Jeke 13, Frank 12, Theodore 10, Mary 8, Peter 7, Charles 4, Charles 3, Elizabeth 1 and Mary 0.

1860 census of Prairie Springs, Jackson, Iowa, St. Donatus, lists Nicholas Anes (Arens) age 45, born 1815 Luxembourg, a farmer, real estate value $2800, personal estate value $650. Wife Anna Arens age 40, born abt 1820, born Luxembourg. Their children were – Jane 17, Frank 16, Theodore abt 14, Peter 11, Mary 10, Charles 9, Charles 7, Eliza 6, Mary 4, Peter abt 2, and Antone 4 mo.

1870 census of Prairie Springs, Jackson, Iowa (surname misspelled as Same) lists Theodore Arens age 24 born abt 1846 Holland (Germany), single , he was a day laborer, his parents were Nicholas Arens 58 and Anna Arens 53, their children were – Theodore 24, Mary 22, Peter abt 20, Charles 18, John 16, Elizabeth 15, Mary 14, John Peter 12, Antone 10, Susan 8, Mathias 5.

1880 census of Liberty Dubuque Iowa lists Theodor Arens age 34 born abt 1846, wife Katharina age 37, children Nickolaus 5, Ernst 1, Anthony Goebel 19, Katherine Goebel 17

1885 Iowa State census of Nassau, Sioux Iowa, Theo Arens 39, Germany, Catharina 42 Germany, Katy Arens 21 Dubuque, Pieter 19 Dubuque, Nick 10 Dubuque , Josie (Joseph) 3?

1900 census of Nassau Township Sioux County Iowa lists Theodore Arens, age 56 born March 1844 Germany, immigration year 1850, head of household, married year 1872, he was a farmer, he spoke English, owned his home free of mortgage.. Spouse Catherine Arens, age 59 born Jan 1841 Germany, immigrated 1855, parents of German origin, spoke English, mother of 9 children with 6 living currently. Living with them at that time were sons; Nick Arens, age 25 born Nov 1874 Iowa, store salesman; and Joseph Arens, age 18 born Jul 1881 Iowa, he was a day laborer.

1910 census of Nassau, Sioux, Iowa lists Theodore Arens age 66, born 1844 Luxembourg, living on 9th street, immigrated 1850, head of household, married to Catherina Arens, parents born in Luxembourg, spoke English, had his own income, owned his own home mortgage free, was naturalized, could read and write, living in the household at the time were – Nicholas T. Arens, age 35, son; Joseph N. Arens 28, son; Margarethe Arens 34 Daughter-in-law (wife of Nicholas) ; Alois T. Arens 6, nephew; Joseph L. Arens 4, nephew; and Maria M. Arens 1, niece. (note – the children Alois T., Joseph L. and Maria believed to be grandchildren of Theodore Arens)

1920 census of Nassau, Sioux, Iowa lists Theodore Arens, age 74 born 1844, Luxembourg, lived on 11th Street, immigrated 1831 (corrected to 1836) father of head of household, widowed, native tongue German but spoke English, naturalized, able to read and write. He was living with son Nick Arens 45, and his wife Marguerite Arens age 44, and Nick’s children were Aloysus 16, Joseph 14, Marie 11, George 7, Germaine 0.

Research – From a family report on ancestry.com submitted by other than this submitter.

Theodore Arens born 19 Mar 1844 Kehlen, Capellen, Luxembourg, died 31 Mar 1929 Alton, Sioux, Iowa. He was the son of Nicholas ‘Nic’ Arens born 9 Jan 1816 Ohm, Capellen, Luxembourg died 6 Mar 1879 St. Donatus, Jackson, Iowa, and Anna Arensdorf. Theodore Arens married Catharine Pfeiffer.

Catharine Pfeiffer was born 9 Jan 1841 Luxembourg died 11 Jun 1917 Alton IA. She arrived in USA 1851. She was the daughter Anton Pfeffer born about 1800, he was 60 years in the 1860 census living with the family of Emert Gabel(Ernst Goebel) 27 years with wife, Catharina Goebel 19 years, with Henry 11 mo. They were living in Liberty Dubuque Iowa at the time.
Catherine was first married to Ernst Goebel born 25 Sep 1831 Prussia and died 16 Apr 1870. Married 1858. She then married Theodore Arens on 16 Apr 1871.
Note : on Anton Pfieffer, he immigrated at age 50, alone, arriving in New York May 31,1850, from port of Havre, Deutschland on the ship Havre. He must have been an widower at that time joining family in America.
On a report family report on Ancestry.com submitted by other than this submitter.
Anton ‘Antony’ Pfeffer was born 4 Apr1803 Hovelange, Redange Diekirch Luxembourg, died 13 Aug 1895 at Dubuque County Iowa. He was the son of Dominic Pfeffer 1765-1839 and Susanne Schuler 1767-1827. Anton married Anna Elizabeth Seyler 1799-1845 and one child listed as Ann Catherine Pfeffer 1839-1909. Another child would have been, Catherine Pfeffer born 9 J an 1841

CHILDREN: From various sources – Ancestry.com, obits on this page, census records.

Children of Katherine’s first marriage to Ernst Goebel.

1. Henry Goebel born Jul 1859 Dubuque Co. Iowa. Died after 1925 From the St. Mary’s church book. Henry Goebel married Maria Schaul 1860-1925 , and they had five children: Joe, Martha, Emma, Celia and Earl. The family left Alton in the 1920s. An ancestry report listed children as Cecilia 1883-1980, Otto E. 1885, Anna Martha 1891, Emma Catherine 1893-1987, Joseph Ernest 1898-1967 and Hildagard Helen 1898.
From the Alton Democrat. June 7, 1929: EARLY ALTON BUSINESS MAN PASSES AWAY
Henry E. Goebel, Pioneer Here, Dies In West—California Henry E. Goebel, brother of Mayor Peter Goebel and a pioneer citizen and business man of Alton, died May 29 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John J. Homan, at Glendale, Calif. He suffered a stroke of paralysis the preceding Monday, passing on Wednesday evening at 7:30 o’clock. Mr. Goebel left here last summer for California and spent the balance of last year and the winter with his daughter’s family at Glendale. He was severely ill with flu for a time the past winter and wrote his brother here that when he recovered he expected to come here for the summer. Funeral services were held at Glendale June 2. He was born at Luxemburg, Iowa, July 30, 1859, and would have been 70 years of age next July 30. While he was still in his ‘teens his father sent some horses up to Sioux county for the purpose of selling them, but times were so hard here, the crops having been wiped out by grasshoppers, that he was unable to sell them, finally trading them for a farm south of town, the place along the river now owned by Peter Keizer. As the family was unable at that time to leave eastern Iowa Henry volunteered to come up and farm the place, and he did. His two brothers, Peter and Anthony, also came to northwestern Iowa, helping run the farm at first and later working in town. The entire family lived here about 1881, Peter helping run the farm.
About the time the family moved here Henry started a merchandise store on the location where J. M. Weis how has his store. Later he sold a half interest in the business to the late Paul Henkels and they operated the store together for a number of years after which they sold it to O. J. Lieb. Later on he bought the lot just west of the store and opened a saloon which he conducted in a lawful and upright fashion until prohibition came into vogue. After that he retired entirely from business. Mr. Goebel still retained his home here, rented to Alphonse Schnee, and his building on Main street which has been vacant since the county went dry. He also owned a farm near White Lake, S.D., which probably was still retained at the time of his death. He took a very active part in the life of the community from the time he came until he retired from business. In the early days he was a leader in many projects looking toward the betterment of the community. If memory serves us right he was fire chief for a good many years and always in the vanguard of progress. Mr. Goebel was a remarkable man in many ways and famous as a raconteur, delighting in stories of the early days here. He was a great horseman in the early days when the prairie was unmarred by fences, fishing and hunting a great deal when there was real fishing and hunting here. Ever a devoted husband and father the death of his beloved wife in New York a few years ago, when the entire family resided for a time in the east, was a severe blow to him. Mrs. Goebel is buried in the east. He was greatly attached to his grandchildren, the son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Homan, the children of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Bell and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lamb, and the children were great pals of his. Two sons and four daughters survive, namely: Otto, Joe and Mrs. Fred Lamb, all of New York City; Mrs. J. J. Homan, Glendale, California; Dr. Martha Goebel of Washington, D.C.; and Mrs. Emma Bell of 617 East Fourth St., Long Beach, California, who is living this summer at 4180-a West Sacramento St., St. Louis, Mo., during the National League baseball season, her husband being a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. No details are known as yet as to the funeral arrangements other than the time which was set for Tuesday morning at 10, almost a week later than his death in order to give the children in the east an opportunity to make the long trip. News of his passing came as a shock to his host of friends here. Early associates of his can attest to the value of his services in helping to build up the community to what it is today. He was a respected and valuable citizen. His home was and still continues to be one of the best in town, well cared for and always in the best of repair. He will long be remembered kindly by those who knew him well, and the loss to the town of which he was so long a loyal citizen cannot be estimated. The many friends of the family here extend heartfelt sympathy to the children and grandchildren in their hour of sorrow.

2. Peter Goebel born Nov 12, 1864 in Luxembourg, came to Alton in 1871. he married Elizabeth Lampe. There is a separate BIOS Story in the St. Mary’s book for Peter Goebel that will be submitted a bit later.

3. Antonie ‘Tony’ Goebel born Feb 9, 1961 From the St. Mary’s church book Tony Goebel, his wife was Lena Hoxmeier. He had three children Clara, Mae and George, He died at an early age leaving his wife with the three young children. The family moved from the Alton area in the late 1920s.
Obituary - Source: Alton Democrat, April 10, 1909. A. E. Goebel died at his home in Alton Tuesday evening [April 6] at about eight o'clock after an illness of ten days from gall stones and kindred ailments. Deceased was born at Luxemburg Iowa February ninth 1861 and was a little more than fortyeight years old. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Earnest Goebel. The father died forty years ago and the widow and her children came to Sioux county in the early eighties. Deceased grew to manhood in this community and in boyhood was engaged in farming. For the past twenty years he has been identified with the business life of Alton and for most of that time has been in the clothing business. He was well known as a business man and was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic church—having sung in the male choir of that institution for many years.
As a boy and youth he experienced the pioneer vicissitudes of this country. He was married here to Miss Lena Hoxmeier, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hoxmeier now deceased. Three children were born to them and survive to mourn with their mother. They are—in the order of their ages--Miss Mary who has been studying music at Dubuque, George who has for several years been a clerk in his father's store and Miss Clara who is a pupil at St. Mary's school. Besides his own family he leaves brothers Henry and Peter of Alton and one sister—Sister Germania of Odebolt. Funeral services were conducted by Very Rev. Brune of Alton and Father Hoxmeier—a brother of Mrs. Goebel—from Lansing. The services were held at St. Mary's church at ten o'clock this Friday morning and interment was made in St. Mary's cemetery. The funeral was a large one—there being many present from abroad whose names will be given next week. In consideration of the prominence of the deceased the various business places of Alton were closed during the funeral. Deceased was a kind and loving husband and father and a substantial citizen. He will be greatly missed in the business and religious and social life of Alton.
Among those here from abroad last week to attend the funeral of A. E. Goebel in Alton were his sister Sister Mary Germaine of Odebolt Iowa, his uncle Henry Goebel and wife from Granville, his uncle Nicholas Goebel and son Henry of LeMars, Ed Goebel of Emery, South Dakota, Michael Goebel of Remsen, Nicholas and Miss Susan Hoffman of LeMars, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Tentinger of LeMars, Nic Freyman of Oyens, William Tierney of Oyens, Mrs. John Beck of Remsen, Mrs. Peter Mich of Granville, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Ernster of Remsen, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Homan of Remsen, Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Krier of Farmer South Dakota, Rev. Father Hoxmeier of Lansing Iowa, John Hoxmeier of Bellevue Iowa, Frank Neimeyer of Elkader Iowa, Mrs. Charles Wagner of Remsen, Peter Arens of Remsen, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Arens of Remsen, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Nemmers of LeMars, Henry Ahlers of LeMars, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Marx of LeMars, Charles Nemmers of LeMars, Mr. and Mrs. Nic Hentges of LeMars.

4. Catherine Goebel, aks Sister M. Germaine Goebel born about 1863. She was born Anna Maria Catharina Goebel Dec 1862, St. Boniface Catholic Church Dubuque IA to Ernst and Catherina Goebel. Find a Grave lists Sr. Mary Germaine Geobel born 14 Dec 1862 Luxembourg, Dubuque County IA, died 9 Mar 1922 Dubuque IA. Buried in Mount Calvery Cemetery. Death record lists father as Goebel and mother as Catherine Pfeffer.
Children of Theodore Arens and Katherina’s marriage

5. Ernst R. Arens born 23 Mar 1873 Liberty Twp, Dubuque Co. died 5 Jan 1878 same place. This entry was found in the family report on ancestry.com.

6. Nicholas Arens – born 27 Nov 1874 Dubuque Co. died 10 Apr 1940 Alton IA. See his family story in another BIOS on this page.

7. A. Ernst Arens born Apr 1879 Iowa died 12 Jun 1880 Dubuque Co. Iowa. This entry was found in the family report on ancestry.com. He was one year in the 1880 census of Liberty Tsp.

8. Joseph Arens - born Jun/July 30, 1881 Alton IA died Aug 22, 1929 Find a Grave lists Joseph N. Arens 1881- Aug 1929 died St. Louis MO, buried in St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery (old)
His death record stated he was a Driver for Grand Laundry, born IA, to Theodore Arens, Informant Edna A. Arens of 3537 Minnesota Ave. St. Louis MO. He died of ruptured ulcer and operative shock.
Marriage record of Joseph N. Arens married 4 Dec 1915 to Edna Anna Kesi/Hesi in St Louis, MO
1930 census of St. Louis MO, Minnesota Ave, lists Edna Arens age 40 born about 1890 MO, as widowed, head of house, son Joseph Arens age 10 born about 1920 MO. Edna Hesi was born 30 Jan 1891 St. Louis and died 5 Feb 1979 St. Louis MO. They had one son – Joseph Earl Arens, Jr. 1919-1980

OBITUARY of Theodore Arens 1846-1929
ARENS, THEODORE 1846-1929 From the Thursday evening April 11, 1929 Dyersville, IA COMMERCIAL: "Early settler of Luxemburg called." Theodore Arens died at his home at Alton, Iowa, last week. Married to Miss Catherine (Pfeiffer) Goebel at Luxemburg, Iowa in 1871. Theodore Arens, who came at the age of four years with his parents to America, a resident of Sioux county since 1881, died at his home here Sunday afternoon at five o'clock says the Alton Democrat. Mr. Arens started the first clothing store in Alton and his house was the second built on "Piety" hill, the other being that of Alex Beach which is now St. Mary's manse. The house was built in 1887 and Mr. Arens occupied it until the day of his death, a period of nearly 42 years. He was born at Olem, Luxembourg, Europe, on March 30, 1844 and came with his parents to St. Donatus, Jackson county, Iowa, when four years old, the ocean voyage on a sailing ship taking three months to accomplish. He was married to Mrs. Catherine Goebel [Catherine Pfieffer, widow of Ernst Goebel] April 16, 1871 at Luxemburg, Iowa, where they made their home for the next ten years, and in the spring of '81 came to Sioux county, locating on a farm two and one-half mile south of town, now owned b Peter Keizer. They lived on the farm for two years and then moved to Alton where Mr. Arens established the town's first clothing store. About three years later he sold the business to his step-son, A.E.. Goebel, who continued the store successfully for 20 years. It is interesting to note that the business established then is even now owned by a relative, E. A. Goebel, a nephew of A. E. Goebel, the latter having died while still owning the store some twenty years ago. Mr. Arens served on one of the town's first city councils and was there when the town's name was changed form East Orange to Alton. Five children were born to them, but only two survive, Nick, of Alton, and Joe of St. Louis, Mo. The other three children died in Jackson county [I wonder why not near Luxemburg, IA in Dubuque county where they lived during the first ten years of their marriage 1871-1881], Ernest, Joseph and Celia, all of the scarlet fever at the same time. The wife and mother died June 11, 1917. Three brothers, all of whom were present at the funeral, also survive, as follows: Peter Arens and J. P. Arens, both of Remsen, and Matt Arens of White Lake, S. D. He is also survived be his step-sons, Peter Goebel of Alton, and Henry Goebel of Long Beach, Calif. A step-daughter, Sister Germaine and step-son Anthony E. Goebel, preceded him to the Beyond. He is also survived by six grandchildren. Funeral services for the old settler were held at St. Mary's church, Alton, Wednesday morning conducted by Rev. Father M. A. Schemel. Pallbearers were old friends, Nick Groat, O. J. Lieb, Matt Kellen, Geo. Friedmann, Philip Wilwert and Fredinand Mousel. His was a stalwart and upright character, a citizen of whom any community could well be proud. He was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic church and up to a very short time the end attended Mass on Sunday as was his invariable custom. Word of his death came as a shock to the community of which he was so long a respected member and valuable citizen. Friends and relatives came from near and far to pay respects to his memory. Among the relatives form away who were present were the following: His sons Joe of St. Louis, Mo. John Arens, Lismore, Minn.; Nick Arens, Marshall, Minn.; Matt Arens and son of Wilmont, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. [Mary Katherine Arens] Nick Hatz, Mr. and Mrs. James Arens Mr. and Mrs. Nick Hoffman, Mr. and Mrs. John Gengler, Mr. and Mrs. [Elizabeth (Lizzie) Arens] Mike Gengle, Mr. and Mrs. [Mary (Mae) (Strabene) Strohbeen] Paul Arens, all of Remsen; John and Miss Anna Goebel of Granville and Miss Susan Hoffman and Mrs. Tentinger of LeMars." The 1880 Dubuque Co. history says he was born in 1846 and married in 1872. The children of Catherine (Pfeiffer) Goebel from a former marriage were: Henry, Anthony, Katie and Peter.

OBITUARY of Katharina Arens 1841-1917
ARENS, KATHARINA (PFEIFFER) GOEBEL 1841-1917
Obituary of Katherina (Pfeiffer) Arens from the June 1917 Alton, Democrat Mrs. Theo. Arens died at her home west of town Monday afternoon at about 3 o'clock at the age of 76 years. Deceased suffered from a paralytic stroke a few days before ago and for several years had been confined to her home. She was born in Luxemberg Germany and came to this country when 10 years of age [1851] and was married to Ernest Goebel when she was but 17 years of age [1858], who died about 10 years later [1868], leaving his wife, three sons and one daughter. Two years afterward [April 16, 1871] she married Theodore Arens, the husband who survives her and two sons were born to them, both of whom survive. Funeral services were held from St. Mary's [Alton] church Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock and interment was made in St. Mary's [Alton] cemetery. The children who survive are: Henry Goebel and Peter Goebel of this place; Sister M. Germaine, of Dubuque; Nic Arens, of this place, and Joseph Arens of New York City. She also leaves 20 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. On account of illness Sister Germaine was not able to come and Joseph visited his mother in January and had returned to his home in that distant city. The out of town people who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. [Mary (Wagner) Gallas] Peter Arens and Mr. and Mrs. [Mary Kennedy] J. Arens of Remsen, Miss Susie Hofman, Mrs. Thomas [Unknown] and Mrs. Rolling [Unknown] of LeMars; Frank, Paul, Joe, Nic and John Arens, Jr., from Lismore, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. [Unknown] Henry Goebel and children of Granville and Mrs. Peter Misch [Unknown].