Graves, Hans (1848-1929)

GRAVES, SCHNEEKLOTH, DVORAK, HAERTNER, FREY

Posted By: Cindy Maust Smith (email)
Date: 5/9/2022 at 18:29:49

~Source: The Hartley Sentinel, Thursday, January 10, 1929, Hartley, Iowa, Page 8

Hans Graves was born in Jagel, Schleswig, Germany, March 21, 1848, where he spent his childhood days. He was confirmed in 1863. Five years later, in 1868, he came to America with his parents and settled with them in Clinton county, Ia. Here it was that he entered holy matrimony with Miss Lena Schneekloth on March 21, 1871. After being engaged in farming for a few years they moved to Osceola county in the spring of 1873 and lived on a farm near Sibley for about one year. After that they moved on their farm five miles north of Melvin. Here they lived for 40 years and endured many of the hardships and enjoyments of the early settler. In 1914 they retired to Melvin, where they had their home until his departure. On Dec. 29 Mr. Graves was taken ill with the flu, which developed into bronchial pneumonia. He passed away at 11:30 o'clock Thursday evening, Jan. 3, attaining the age of 80 years, 9 months and 12 days. Four children preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his death his beloved wife and five children, Jurgen Graves, Henry Graves, Mrs. Emil Dvorak, Mrs. Karl Haertner and Mrs. Dick Frey, also 22 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Dora Graves, of Ocheyedan, Ia., and a host of relatives and friends.

Hans Graves was held in high esteem in the community in which he lived by all who knew him. He helped to organize the Melvin Lutheran Church, being the sixth one to sign the constitution of the congregation. Of this congregation he was always a faithful member and for many years served on the church council. He was a regular attendant of the church, attending services for the last time on Christmas day, four days before his illness. He partook of holy communion a day before his death. May he now rest in peace and the heavenly light shine upon him.

Who are these like stars appearing,
These before God's throne who stand?
Each a golden crown in wearing;
Who are all this glorious band?
Alleluia, hark they sing,
Praising loud their heavenly king.

Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at the Evangelical church, with Rev. Goeken officiating. Burial was in Baker cemetery.