William STRAATMAN

STRAATMAN, MEYERS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 8/23/2011 at 12:01:04

January 28, 1850 -- April 4, 1927

Elder William Straatman was born on 28th day of January, 1850, at Bendheim, Westphalen, Germany. During his early years he attended schools at his home and later served two years in the German army. At the age of 26 years he came to America and made his home in New Knoxville, Ohio. Here he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Meyers. William and Mary Straatman spent their early married life on a rented farm near New Knoxville, Ohio. In 1893 they moved to a farm in Liberty Township, Hancock County, Iowa, where they remained for eighteen years. During the next fifteen years the couple lived in Klemme, where Mr Straatman found employment as caretaker of the cemetery. The Straatman's were charter members of the Klemme Reformed congregation; Mr. Straatman serving two terms as elder for the church. While on the farm in Liberty Township, one son and five daughters were born in the Straatman home. Three of the children, the only son and two daughters died in infancy. The three surviving daughters were named Minnie, Matilda? and Emma Straatman.
William Straatman suffered a stroke on March 30 and died on April 4, 1927 at the age of 77 years. Interment was made in the Klemme Cemetery.

Source unknown.