Iowa Old Press

AGED PIONEER IS GONE

NICHOLAS HOFFMAN HAD LIVED HERE FORTY YEARS

WAS WELL KNOWN IN THIS COUNTY

Nicholas Hoffmann, one of the pioneer residents of Plymouth county,
passed away on Friday morning at his home on north Court street. His end
came peacefully although suddenly. Mr. Hoffmann had been in enfeebled health
owing to the increasing weight of years and infirmities, and was subject to
sudden attacks of the heart. Recently he had been feeling better, and the
night before his death told his son-in-law, Antone Thoma, that he was feeling
well and fine. Since the death of his wife Mr. Hoffmann made his home with
the Thoma family.
About half past six on Friday morning he rang a bell, which was within
reach at his bedside, and his daughter, Mrs. Thoma, went to his room and
assisted him to rise and dress. He asked for a drink of water after getting
settled in his easy chair and Mrs. Thoma went to get it. On her return his
head had fallen to one side. Thinking he was in a faint she bathed his face
and put some water to his lips, but he gave no signs of animation and she
discovered he was dead.
Mr. Hoffmann was a familiar figure in the community, having been for
many years a resident of this city, and had lived in the county forty years.
He was a native of the grand duchy of Luxembourg, Europe, and was born
in Hovelinger on June 22, 1830, and was upwards of eighty-two years of age.
He grew to manhood in his native land and in 1853 came to America. Shortly
after his arrival he settled in Jackson county, where he was united in
marriage at St. Donatus on November 14, 1855, with Susanna (sic Johanna)
Hoffmann, who, although bearing the same name was no relation. Mr. and Mrs.
Hoffmann were the parents of ten children, four of whom are living. They are
Mrs. G. M. Hazel and Mrs. A. Thoma, of this city; Mrs. Peter Mich of
Granville, and (sic Mrs.) J. P. Beck of Remsen. The deceased also leaves a
number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmann lived to celebrate their golden wedding in
November, 1905. His brother, Charles Hoffmann, who still survives him, lives
at St. Donatus and was married on the same day as his brother, and also
celebrated his golden wedding anniversary on November 14, 1905.
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Hoffmann came to Plymouth county in 1871, and
engaged in farming until 1882, when they took up their residence in LeMars.
Mr. Hoffmann owned a fine farm just north of the city limits for many years.
He was well known by the older residents and enjoyed the respect to the
community. He was a good upright citizen, a loving husband and father. In
his last years when broken in health he was tenderly cared for by his
daughters. He was a devout member of St. Joseph's church and its societies
and the requiem mass for his soul was celebrated in that church yesterday
morning, Rev. F. X. Feuerstein and other priests officiating. The funeral
was largely attended by old friends and neighbors.

A PECULIAR ACCIDENT
Dynamite Cap Explodes in Boy's Pocket

Remsen Bell-Enterprise:  E. Jorgensen received the news of a peculiar
accident which happened in the family of his son, Fred, who recently
moved to Dell Rapids, S.D.  Two days after their family's arrival at
Dell Rapids, which Mrs. Jorgensen was busily cleaning and arranging the
new residence, she brushed a dynamite cap from a shelf in the pantry,
not knowing what it was.  The cap fell to the floor and was soon picked
up by the boy Warren, 8 years old, who placed it in his pocket with a
jack knife.  The cap exploded and badly wounded the boy's left hand and
leg, and the mother's right leg.  The knife in Warren's pocket was
shattered into bits.  The unfortunates were taken to the hospital in
Dell Rapids where, says a letter, they will be for some time, but are
getting along nicely.

HAVE YOU HEARD HIM?

Rev. C. W. Stamp at the Free Methodist church is a plain, clear,
forceful, logical preacher.  Thos who hear him must admit he is one of
the ablest Gospel preachers that ever graced the pulpits of our land.
Services every night this week beginning at 7:30.  Hear him for yourself
and be convinced.

FOR SALE

Good surrey with pole and shafts, single driving harness---J.C. Huebsch,
1123 Court St.

GREBNER-BURRILL WEDDING
Members of Well Known Families United in Marriage

     Walter G. Grebner and Pearl Irene Burrill were united in the bonds
of matrimony at Adaville by Rev. F. M. Boyd, pastor of the U. B. church
on Wednesday, March 27, 1912, the ceremony taking place in the
parsonage.
     The bride wore a becoming gown of white French lawn trimmed with
Valenciennes lace, insertion and overlace.  The wedding flowers were
white roses.
     After the ceremony the bridal party proceeded to the Grebner home,
where a splendid dinner was served.
     The bride is the eldest daughter of G. H. Burrill, of O'Leary, and
is one of Plymouth county's successful teachers and very popular among a
large circle of friends.  Her chosen life's companion is the second son
of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Grebner, of Johnson township.  He is a young man
of splendid and sterling qualities.  The young people grew up on
adjoining sections in Johnson, the brides' parents moving to Union two
years ago. [actually in 1908 per a family researcher]
     May all their fondest hopes be realized is the wish of their large
circle of friends.  They will make their home on the Grebner farm in
Johnson township.
     The elder Grebners will move to Merrill to make their home.


C. J. Rohlf, of Sioux Rapids, has moved his family to LeMars and will
work for Koenig & Shuenk.  He lived in LeMars a number of years ago and
worked in the same store when it was owned by Hans & Huebsch.

WENT UP IN FLAMES
Depot at Dalton Reduced to Ashes in a Few Minutes

The depot building at Dalton, three miles west of here, on the Great
Northern Railroad, was destroyed by fired shortly after nine o'clock on
Sunday evening.  The fire was discovered briskly burning on the singles
of the roof.  The residents of Dalton turned out and formed a bucket
brigade, but were handicapped by lack of water and having no hose.  The
southbound train pulled in just as the fire was starting and Thos.
Flaherty, of Wilmar, Minn, an employee of the Northern company, who was
on the train and John Hickson, the local depot agent, got out the books,
money and other valuables.  Mr. Hickson and his wife occupied rooms
upstairs in the building, but most of their furniture and belongings
were saved and their loss will not be very heavy.  The building will
cost about $1000 to replace.

The roof is supposed to have caught fire either from the chimney or
sparks from a passing train.  The local passenger train goes north at
8:33 p.m.

The fire was quite a spectacular one and lit up the sky and was seen for
miles around, and a number of people gathered on the spot from LeMars,
Merrill, and Brunsville.

The section crew at Dalton worked hard to confine the flames to the
burning building as the fire spread to the ties on the track at several
points, setting them on fire.  Fortunately the night was still or the
lumber yard and elevator nearby would have caught fire.