Fred C Spahn

SPAHN SCHWARZ

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 10/18/2010 at 20:10:27

History of Woodbury County, Iowa 1984

Fred C Spahn
By Elna Spahn McDonald

Fred C Spahn was born February 18, 1877, in Peoria, Illinois. His mother died when he was very young, so he made his home with an uncle and aunt. His young manhood was spent as a farmhand, until he became apprenticed as a harness maker.

He met Ida L Schwarz in Schleswig, Iowa; they were married in 1909. To this union a son, Elwin, and a daughter, Elna, were born. Fred opened this own harness shop in Schleswig, making and oiling harnesses. The business flourished for many years, until horses were no longer used. After that he owned and operated a garage. And bowling alley until 1931, at which time the family moved to Salix, Iowa.

For many years he owned and operated a shoe repair, now the Salix post office. He repaired shoes with new rubber heels for 50 cents a pair and new soles for 75 cents a pair. He retired in 1952. During his spare time he raised a large garden and went to the bar land along the river to cut fire wood. He died in 1954 after a massive stroke and was buried at Graceland Park cemetery in Sioux City.

Their son, Elwin Spahn, married Marie Bierwirth from Climbing Hill, in 1930. To this union, a son, Gary and a daughter, Sharon were born. Elwin was a cabinet maker by trade, owing his own shop in Morningside, in Sioux City. He was an ardent C B operator, through which he made many friends to whom he was known as ‘Spahnie’. He and Marie spent many winters in Texas until ill health took its toll and they could no longer travel. Daughter, Elna, (see Steve McDonald story.)

Mrs. Spahn went to live with her daughter, Mrs. Steve McDonald, after suffering a stroke in 1954. She passed away in 1957 and was buried at Graceland.