In the death of the late William Henry Grabin, Johnson County lost one of its most public spirited and substantial citizens.  He was born in Hanover, Germany, and died at his home in Oxford township, Johnson County, February 26, 1910, in his sixty-first year. He was four years of age when brought to America by his parents, John J. and Mary Ann Grabin, who came to Iowa City in 1856. He was reared to farm work and followed agricultural operations all his active life.

When starting life on his own account Mr. Grabin located on Section 32, Oxford township, north of the present home of the family. He was married at Oxford to Miss Annie Tomash, daughter of Charles Stephen and Theresa Josephine (Muschil) Tomash, natives of Bohemia. The Tomash family came first to Wisconsin and later located near Solon, Iowa, and spent about two years at Iowa City. Mr. Tomash died on the old Tomash home farm on Section 3, Oxford township. He and his wife had six children: Jaline, Mrs. Annie Grabin, Joseph, Frank, John and Mrs. Jos. Coufals. The latter lives at Coufals. Two died, Mary, nine months old, and Anton, one year and nine months. Upon locating on his farm, Charles Stephen Tomash hewed logs and erected a rude home, broke his land with oxen, and lived the life of the sturdy pioneer of those days. He and his wife endured many hardships, but at the time of his death he left his children well provided for. He passed away on the farm now occupied by his son, Frank. The family is well known among the early settlers and has always been highly respected.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Grabin located on Sections 31 and 32 of Oxford township, north of the present place, and later removed to the present home of the family on Section 5, this move taking place in 1889. At the time of his death, he owned about 7700 acres of well improved land. Ten children were born of this union, of whom eight are living: Charles Christopher; Theresa; Ellen, married Frank Floerschinger, residing at Oxford, Iowa; Annie Belle, wife of Millen Newkirk, of Oxford; Aggie, deceased; William Henry is married and lives on the old home place; John James, lives near the old home place, married Mary Tomash; Mary Agnes, now Mrs. George Saxton, residing in Oxford, mail carrier; Agnes Frances, married William Schebetka; Christopher Henry, died in infancy; Frankie Joseph, at home. 

At the time of his death, Mr. Grabin was serving as chairman of the board of trustees of Oxford township. He had been school director many years a nd was much interested in educational matters. He was a kind neighbor and friend, an exemplary husband and father, and was held in high esteem by all. The entire community mourned his loss and he is missed in many circles. His children have taken an honorable part in the affairs of Johnson County and through them, as well as the father, the name will continue to stand for integrity and good citizenship.

Source: Leading Events in Johnson County, Iowa, by Clarence Aurner - 1912; Vol II, Biographical, pgs. 741-743