August Frederick William MARTFELD

MARTFELD, DAVIDS, KIRKPATRICK, BROW, DICKEY, BEAVER, SCHWENCK, BASILIAN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:54

August Frederick William Martfeld
12 September 1855 ---- 3 August 1928

August Martfeld, well known pioneer of the Eagle Grove vicinity, died at his home in this city Friday evening, Aug. 3, 1928. Several years ago, Mr. Martfeld submitted to a series of operations which gave him some relief but from which he never regained his oil-time strength. A little over five years ago he purchased a home in Eagle Grove and moved from his farm west of town. Since that time, he and his faithful wife have enjoyed the fruits of their many years of industry and thrift. Last winter, Mr. Martfeld suffered a severe case of influenza which settle in his spine, causing excruciating pain at the slightest movement of his body. However, he bore his trials with a fortitude and patience equal to his advanced years and this summer had been able to be up and was out on his front porch several hours each day up until last Tuesday. That night pneumonia developed and after three days, when it seemed he was about to pass the crisis of this ailment, death cam peacefully to end his earthly suffering.

During his last illness Mr. Martfeld received every care possible and a loving daughter and wife were at his side at all times to assuage his sufferings. The other daughter was on her way from the east when her father was taken by death. The only son, Arthur Martfeld, had returned to his home in Canada only a few weeks before after spending the winter here with his parents. A nephew, Mr. Henry Davids, of Kansas City, who was cared for in the Martfeld home when a small boy without parents, came to assist in the last rites of his devoted guardian.

Mr. Martfeld first came to Eagle Grove about forty-five years ago and in all that time had made none but friends of all his acquaintances as was attested by the host of neighbors and friends who gathered Monday afternoon to escort a good, honest, likeable neighbor to his final resting place.

Those from out of town attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Kirkpatrick, Washington, D.C.; Mr. Henry Davids, Kansas City, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Brown and Jacquelin, Clarion; Mrs. Geo. Dickey and Anna Louise, Sioux City, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Guy Beaver, Bonnie and Jean, Buffalo Center, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Horace Schwenck, Amanda, and Otto, Livermore, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. O. F. Basilian, Roberta, and Clara Louise, Humboldt, Iowa.

The entire community extends sincere sympathy to the bereaved family in the hour of their great sorrow.

Obituary
(By Rev. W. G. Muhleman)

August Frederick William Martfeld was born in Germany Sept. 12, 1855. He was confirmed from the Lutheran church on April 10, 1870. He came to America in 1880. Mr. Martfeld worked in Marshalltown, Iowa a number of years. In 1886 he was united in marriage to Louisa Schwenck of Eagle Grove. They lived in Marshalltown for seven years after their marriage, where all their children were born. In 1893 they moved to their farm west of Eagle Grove where they lived until five years ago when they moved to Eagle Grove.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Martfeld, Ella of Eagle Grove; Mrs. Grace Kirkpatrick of Washington, D.C.; and Arthur S. of Luseland, Sask., Can.

Mr. Martfeld joined the German M. E. church shortly after arriving in the United States. Later he transferred to the English M. E. church. He brought his membership from Marshalltown in 1903 under the pastorate of G. W. Southwell.

He passed away Aug. 3, 1928 at the age of 72 years, 10 months, and 22 days. He is survived by his wife, the three children, and three grandchildren. He is the last of a family of seven children.

Bro. Martfeld was always a hard-working man. He was honest, decidedly trustworthy, and a man whose word could be trusted. Best of all was the fact that he was a thorough and sincere Christian who was always true to God and his church.

Funeral services were held in the M. E. church Monday afternoon, August 6 at 3 o’clock, Rev. W. G. Muhleman preaching the sermon. An old anthem, “The Gate Ajar for Me”, which was a favorite of Mr. Martfeld was sung by Mesdames John Shoenhair and George Winter and Messrs. Walter Flower and George DeForest. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.

EAGLE GROVE EAGLE ---- Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, August 9, 1928

source --- Paul Wilde