Hildesheim, William 1823-1898

HILDESHEIM, BIERENHOFEN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 9/30/2011 at 03:48:53

From the Alton Democrat of Feb 19, 1898.
Last Tuesday morning at 4 o'clock occurred the death of Wm. Hildesheim, one of our oldest and respected citizens, at this home in this city at the advanced age of seventy four years. He had been ill for several months, and during the passt week his sufferings were so intense that death came as a balm and relief to his tired and overwrought spirit.
Mr. Hilesheim was born March 12th 1823 at Quadrat, Rhine Province, Germany. He came to America in 1852 and worked a short time in the state of New York, after which he drifted to Milwaukee, where he worked in the pineries of Wisconsin for about a year. Being a young man and anxious to acquire a good livelihood, and to take advantage of the splendid opportunities offered by our country in those days to new citizens, he came to Iowa and located at Guttenberg, Clayton county, where he worked in the lead mines.
On June 27th 1857, he was untied in marriage with Miss Mary Anna Bierenhoefen, at Guttenberg. They made two moves after that, going to Caseville WI., where they resided eighteen years, returning to Red Oak, Iowa, in August 1875, and in March 1882, removed to Sioux county, where they have since resided. Upon their arrival here they purchased a home stead southeast of town, and a few years later moved to their residence in this city.
Seven children were born to bless their union, six of whom are living; Jos. Hildesheim of this city, Sister Amata of St. Lucas IA, Mrs. John Gerst, Mrs. Frank Leverman, Mrs. Chris Minten of this city and Jacob of Maurice, all of whom were present at the time of Mr. Hildesheima's demise, execpting Sister Amata and Jacob, who came Wednesday morning.
Mr. Hildesheim was a splendid neighbor and a good citizen and his death will be mourned by a large circle of ralatives and friends in this communtiy.
The funeral was held this Friday mroning from St. Mary's church, conducted by Rev. Father Brune, inerment in St Mary's cemetery.