Edward & Henrietta Haafke

HAAFKE FOGEL

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 8/26/2010 at 20:43:20

History of Woodbury County 1984

Edward and Henrietta Fogel Haafke
By Bernice Haafke Bruntz and Walter and MaryAnn Haafke

Edward Haafke was born January 24, 1838, in Koenigsberg, East Prussia. This section is now in Russia.

He married Henrietta Fogel, who was also born in Koenigsberg, East Prussion, on Stpember 16, 1848. Haafke means ‘hawk’ and Fogel means ‘bird’ in German. The date of their marriage is unknown, but it was probably the first part of 1868. They immigrated to the United States about 1872 or 1873 because they first settled in Douglas County, Nebraska. It is unknown as to whether or not the couple had sisters or brothers. Henrietta’s dad, first name unknown, was born in East Prussia, while her mother, first name also unknown, was born in Germany.

According to the 1900 census, fourteen children were born to them, ten of who grew to adulthood. The four deceased children must have been stillborn or died soon after birth.

Two children were born in Koenigsberg, East Prussia: Albert, June 2, 1869; and Herman, February 17, 1871. The others born in America included: Henry F, December 24, 1874; Agnes, Augsut 25, 1876; William F, Janaury 21, 1878; Emma, December, 1880; Ruth, January 24, 1882, John, November 25, 1884; George, June 10, 1886; and James, September 10, 1891.

The first land to be purchased by Edward and Henrietta was 120 acres in 1874. This land was near the Floyd River bank near Leeds, but the family never resided there. The years, 1875 to 1879, the Haafke family lived in Sioux City, where Edward was a teamster. The family lived between 2nd and 3rd S.E on Jackson Street.

On March 1879, part of the homeplace, 80 acres, was purchased. It is located northwest of Bronson, and the John Peterson family owns the land and lives on the second house built on this palce. The first house Edward and Henrietta built is still occupied, but has been remodeled.

On July 2, 1883, they purchased the present Raymond Haafke land of 120 acres. Thepresent Walter Haafke farm of 160 acres was bought in 1887.

The grandchildren now wish that they had discussed Grandpa Haafke’s life in Germany with him, and his early days in America. Edward built a large cradle which is still used by a fifth generation grandchild. He was a hard working man, with a rather easy going nature and a sense of humor. The story has been told that when the second house was being built, Edward wondered if Ruth was planning to build a hotel. He did not believe therewas a need for a large house anymore.

Henrietta was a plain but a capable woman who could accomplish alsmost any task. She stayed home most of the time but would ride with Ruth to town in the horse and buggy when a necessary item like shoes needed to be purchased. One lady remembered that Henrietta had knitted her a pair of mittens when she was a child. This showed concern for those less fortunate. She had a growing family and there was a great deal of work to maintain a household in those fays. It is unfortunate tht none of the grandchildren remember her. She was proud of her family. She was also supportive of the Bornson Presbyterian Church. According to a famly member, Henrietta had taught school in East Prussia.

For some of the Haafke boys, recreation was breaking horses. The oldest son, Albert, retained a limp from this activity. They raced horses, and together with friends would drive through the area. In the winter they would ride thehorse-drawn bobsled or use a cutter.

The Haafke children all attended the Elliot Creek School. One day there was a snowstorm and the Haafke children were forced to stay over night in the Elliot home. Their parents did not know where they were and became concerned for their safety.

Edward died October 17, 1937, of heart disease and declining years. He would have been 100 on January 25, 1938. This was three months before his 100th birthday. He was in the United States for sixty-two years.

Henrietta passed away on Janaury 24, 1924, of a heart failure. She was sevent-six years old. She had been a resident of the United States approximately fifty years.