Hayes, Robert Howard

Robert married Sweet, Loretta [Group Sheet]

1. Hayes, Carolyn Lee
2. Hayes, Kathleen Ann
3. Hayes, Barbara
4. Hayes, Robert

Notes:

Died:

The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for Robert Hayes. Gretchen Leenerts reported that the obituary had appeared on 23 March 1950 in the Plattsmouth Journal [Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska].

Monday night at 9:45, Robert Hayes, 78, a highly esteemed and honored resident of the community, passed away after an illness of some duration, in the last weeks of which his condition has grown gradually worse until death came to his relief. The death came as a great shock to the friends who have known Mr. Hayes for many years, as he was brought here as a young child by his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. William Hayes. He grew up in this community and attended the local schools, graduating in the class of 1888, from the Plattsmouth High School. Robert B. Hayes was born in Shelby County, Illinois 9 May 1871 and spent his young childhood there. The story of his life is closely interwoven with the history of Plattsmouth in the past sixty years as he has been a very active figure in the city in civic affairs for all of the years. Mr. Hayes in his early youth, after leaving school, entered the employ of the Burlington Railroad as an apprentice in the pattern making department of the local shops, under the late G. G. Hoffman. He continued in this line of work for many years and assisted in making patterns for much of the rolling stock and materials turned out at the local shops. In later years he was advanced to head of the passenger car department, finally to the position of general foreman of the shops that he held for many years until the passenger car making was discontinued at the shops. "Bob" as he was better known to the hundreds of men that served under him in the shops, was a friend and associate of the men who worked with him through the years. The pleasant relations that he had with the workers was always a pleasant memory to Mr. Hayes in his later years after he had retired from active work. It being a great pleasure to him to stop and visit with old friends who had also retired from active railroad service. Mr. Hayes took a great interest in civic affairs and services as a member of the city council from the old third ward and later in a like capacity from the fourth ward. After his retirement he still continued his interest in the affairs of the city, and was called upon to serve as mayor of Plattsmouth for two years, retiring from that position some four years ago. Mr. Hayes was a member of Plattsmouth Lodge No. 6 A. F. & A. M. for many years, being honored with his fifty year button several years ago. He also was a member of Nebraska chapter No. 3 R. A. M. and Mt. Zion Commandery No. 5 Knight Templar. In the years of his life here Mr. Hayes was affiliated with the First Methodist church of this city and served as a member of the official board for many years as long as his health permitted his activity. On 1 September 1910 Mr. Hayes and Miss Genevieve Howard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. I. Howard, were married at Sac City Iowa, at the home of the Howard family. The bride at the time of her marriage was a teacher in the Plattsmouth city schools. They have made their home here since. There is surviving his passing the widow, Genevieve; son Robert Howard Hayes of Akron, Ohio; daughter Mrs. Jean Hayes Sales of Fort Dodge Iowa; and four grandchildren, Carolyn Lee Hayes and Kathleen Ann Hayes, children of Robert and Loretta Sweet Hayes; George Hayes Sayles and Jean Hayes Sales, children of Dr. George E. Sayles and Jean Sayles. The passing of Mr. Hayes brings a great regret in the community to which he contributed a great deal, in making a better place, and his memory will long be held in grateful remembrance by those who had the privilege of his acquaintance and friendship. The body of Mr. Hayes is at the Caldwell Funeral Home, 7th and Avenue B until the funeral services which will be on Friday afternoon at two o'clock from the First Methodist church. The interment will be at the family plot. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 Thursday evening.

Robert married Howard, Genevieve 1 Sep 1910, Sac City, Sac County, Iowa, USA. Genevieve (daughter of Howard, Francis Irwin and Fiegenbaum, Lydia Maria) was born 29 Dec 1881, Polk County, Iowa, USA; died 1 Apr 1971, Bellevue, Sarpy County, Nebraska, USA; was buried 3 Apr 1971, Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Graduation: 1907
• Occupation: Between 1907 and 1910, Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska, USA; a high school teacher

Notes:

Birth:
According to obituaries for her parents, the family lived on a farm near Ankeny, Iowa until the spring of 1893, when they moved to a farm just north of Sac City, Iowa.

Graduation:
Genevieve graduated from Morningside College, at Sioux City, Iowa.

Buried:
Genevieve was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Died:

The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for Mrs. R. B. (Genevieve) Hayes. Gretchen Leenerts reported that the obituary had appeared on 5 April 1971 in the Plattsmouth Journal [Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska].

Mrs. R. B. (Genevieve) Hayes, 89, longtime former resident of Plattsmouth died Thursday at the home of her daughter in Bellevue. Funeral services were held Saturday at First United Methodist church here, with the Rev. J. Willard Scott officiating. Mildred Hall was organist. Pall-bearers were David Rutherford, Carl Schneider, Vernon Wataman, William Schmidthann, Howard Wiles and John Schreiner. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery here. Fusselman-Perry Funeral Home of Plattsmouth was in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Hayes was born 29 December 1881 at Ankeny, Iowa; daughter of Frank and Lydia Fiegenbaum Howard. She moved with her parents at the age of 12 to Sac City, Iowa. She attended and graduated from Morningside College at Sioux City in 1907. She came to Plattsmouth that year to teach at the High School and taught until 1910. September 1, 1910 she was married to Robert B. Hayes at Sac City and they lived in Plattsmouth the remainder of their lives until she made her home with her daughter at Bellevue the past few years. Her husband preceded her in death in 1950. Survivors are a son Robert of Cleveland, her daughter, Mrs. George (Jean) Sayles of Bellevue and six grandchildren. Mrs. Hayes was a member of First United Methodist church, the PEO Sisterhood, Plattsmouth Woman's Club, Women's Society of Christian Service, Navy Mother's Club and Women's Christian Temperance Union.

Notes:

Buried:
Francis was buried in Oakland Cemetery.

Died:

The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for Frank I. Howard. Gretchen Leenerts reported that the obituary had appeared on 28 March 1935 in the Sac City Sun, of Sac City, Iowa.

Funeral services for Frank I. Howard who passed away at a hospital in Omaha following brief illness were held Friday afternoon at 2:30 from Neal Funeral Home with Rev. Corwin Taylor, pastor of Methodist Church. Burial Oakland Cemetery beside wife who died 1923. Frank I. Howard, son of Israel and Sarah Sulgrove Howard, was born at Ottumwa, Iowa 26 June 1856 and died 20 March 1935 age 78 years, 8 months, 29 days. When 2 moved with family to vicinity of Ankeny, Iowa, at that time known as Saylorville near Des Moines where he grew up. Married Lydia M. Fiegenbaum 27 February 1881. For twelve years they lived near Ankeny on a farm. In the spring of 1893 they came to Sac County where they bought a farm and owned it at the time of his death. In 1916 they moved to town. Mrs. Howard died 29 March 1923. He was one of nine children, one dying in infancy. All but one sister, Mrs. Thomas Lane of Sac City, preceded him in death. His daughter, Geneive (Mrs. R. B. Hayes) of Plattsmouth, together with husband and their two children, Jean Howard and Robert Howard survive.

Note that other researchers report that "Frank" Howard was born in Polk County, Iowa, on 30 June 1856, that he was the youngest of 11 children and that his father's name was not Israel, but Samuel.

Francis married Fiegenbaum, Lydia Maria 27 Feb 1881, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA. Lydia (daughter of Fiegenbaum, Friedrich Wilhelm and Otto, Louisa) was born 11 Oct 1857, Freeport, Stephenson County, Illinois, USA; died 29 Mar 1923, Sac City, Sac County, Iowa, USA; was buried 1 Apr 1923, Sac City, Sac County, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA

Notes:

Census:
According to the 1870 enumeration, Lydia, age 12 (born in Illinois), lived with her parents, Frederick (age 39) and Louisa (age 37), and eight brothers and sisters, ages 17 years to 6 months.

Buried:
Lydia was buried in Oakland Cemetery.

Died:

The following is a transcription supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of an obituary for Mrs. Frank Howard. Gretchen Leenerts reported that the obituary had appeared on 5 April 1923 in the Sac City Sun, of Sac City, Iowa.

Mrs. Frank Howard died at 2:00 last Thursday afternoon, 29 March 1923, at her home. She had been ill with influenza and pneumonia, but was convalescing and apparently well on the way to recovery when symptoms of heart weakness developed on Wednesday evening preceding her death. The funeral was held last Sunday afternoon in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The pastor, Rev. John R. Tumbieson delivered the discourse before a large congregation of friends of family, using as his text the familiar question, "If a man die, shall he live again?" A. G. Redman, J. H. Hellier, Mrs. G. N. Hanshaw and Mrs. S. R. Bodwell with Miss Celestia Redman as accompanist sang "Blessed Assurance," "In the Cross of Christ I Glory," and "Abide With Me." The pallbearers were George W. Lewis, William Warnstaff, B. M. Barnhill, A. E. Webb, Jr., A. Tyron and Grant Alexander. Burial was made at Oakland Cemetery. Mrs. Howard, whose maiden name was Lydia Marie Fiegenbaum, was born at Freeport, Illinois, 11 October 1857. Her father, Rev. F. W. Fiegenbaum, was a minister in the German Methodist-Episcopal Church and she was reared in the atmosphere of refinement, privation and thrift incident to the family of a pioneer preacher. In her youthful days she went to live with a sister at Ankeny, Iowa. There she formed a friendship with Frank I. Howard, to whom she was wedded on 27 February 1884, in the Capitol Hill Methodist Episcopal Church in Des Moines. Their home was in the vicinity of Ankeny for eleven years. On 3 March 1893 they came to Sac County and settled on a farm near the northern edge of the city, where they made their home until they removed into Sac City in March 1916. To Mr. and Mrs. Howard was born only one child, Genevieve, the wife of R. B. Hayes of Plattsmouth, Nebraska. She and her two children, Jean and Robert Hayes, survive as a comfort to Mr. Howard, who is thus deprived of a faithful and affectionate wife and homemaker. In her childhood, Mrs. Howard became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and throughout her life was a consistent, earnest Christian. For many years, even while she yet resided in the county, she was a teacher in the Sunday School; in recent years she was the teacher of the Women's Class. Mrs. Howard was a member of a family of ten children; seven of whom are still living, namely: Mrs. Minnie Sexauer, Ankeny, Iowa; Adolph Fiegenbaum, Washington, D.C.; Theodore J. Fiegenbaum, Lincoln, Nebraska; Mrs. Emma Miller, Wathena, Kansas; Benjamin F. Fiegenbaum, Lawrence, Kansas; Henry F. Fiegenbaum, Springfield, Nebraska; and William Edward Fiegenbaum, Geneva, Nebraska. One brother, Louis Fiegenbaum, died at Lincoln, Nebraska in 1918. Another member of the family died in infancy. Relatives from out of the city in attendance of the funeral comprised: Mr. and Mrs. M. Sexauer and H. S. Sexauer of Ankeny, Iowa; Mrs. George McDougall and Mrs. Clarence Piekenbrock of Des Moines; T. J. Fiegenbaum of Lincoln, Nebraska; Mrs. Emma Miller of Wathena, Kansas; Benjamin Fiegenbaum of Lawrence, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Hayes and children of Plattsmouth, Nebraska; Mrs. John Howard and Otis Howard of Marathonsland; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Cox of Lytton, Iowa.

Notes:

Residence (family):
The Howard family lived on a farm near Ankeny.

Residence (family):
The Howard family lived on a farm just north of Sac City from 1893 until 1916, when Lydia and Francis moved into town.

Samuel married Sulgrove, Sarah 1 Dec 1836, Marion County, Indiana, USA. Sarah was born 1815, Montgomery County, Ohio, USA; died 1903, Sac County, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Baptism: 18 Apr 1830, Lengerich, Province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia
• Immigration: 1834, Missouri, USA
• Census: 1840, Charrette Township, Warren County, Missouri, USA
• Census: 1840, Femme Osage Township, St. Charles County, Missouri, USA
• Census: 1850, Wapello Township, Louisa County, Iowa, USA
• Occupation: Between 1853 and 1914; a pastor in the Methodist Episcopal Church
• Occupation: Sep 1864; Presiding Elder of the Burlington District
• Moved To: Oct 1902, Wathena, Doniphan County, Kansas, USA

Notes:

Birth:
He was born in Bauerschaft Hohne, a "township" of Lengerich.

Baptism:
Friedrich Wilhelm was baptized in the evangelical church at Lengerich.

Immigration:

     Friedrich was about 4 years old when he emigrated from the Hohne section of Lengerich, in the Province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia with his father, Adolph (age about 40), his mother, Christine (age about 37), and four brothers and sisters (ages 13 to less than 1 year). The family is reported to have disembarked at New Orleans, Louisiana in late June 1834 and to have traveled up the Mississippi River, arriving at St. Louis, Missouri about 3 or 4 July. They appear to have settled initially in Femme Osage Township, St. Charles County, Missouri before moving a few years later moved to nearby Hopewell, in Warren County, Missouri. Around 1850, Friedrich, his parents, another brother still living at home settled near Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa.

Census:
The 1840 U.S. census enumerated eight people living in the "Rudolph Feigenbaum" household in Charrette Township, Warren County, Missouri.

Census:
The 1840 U.S. census enumerated eight people living in the "A. Frigenbottom" household in Femme Osage Township, St. Charles County, Missouri.

Census:
The 1850 U.S. Census found the Fiegenbaums living in Wapello Township, Louisa County, Iowa. According to the enumeration, the household was composed of Adolph, age 57, a farmer; Christine, age 54; Frederick, age 21, a day laborer; and, Rudolph, age 14.

Occupation:

     The following biographical sketch appeared in the Souvenir der West Deutschen Konferenz der Bischöflichen Methodistenkirche in 1906.

     F. W. Fiegenbaum was born in the parish of Lengerich, Administrative District of Münster, Prussia on 12 April 1830. With his parents, Adolf and Christina Fiegenbaum, he came to America in 1834. They lived near Hopewell, Warren Co., Mo., until he was 21 years of age. On 19 February 1846, at a quarterly convocation under the leadership of Presiding Elder H. Köneke and Preacher Franz Horstmann, he was converted. On the next morning he received the call to the ministry, but refused, on three grounds: 1. the ministry appeared to him to be a pauper's life, with a salary of only $150 to $200; 2. the responsibilities appeared too great; 3. his schooling was too scanty. After years of struggle and earnest trial, he declared himself willing to accept the call, and in the Spring of 1853 ventured forth. He served in the following fields: Peoria, Ill, 1½ years, 1853-54; Cedar Lake, Ind., 1854-55; Sherrills Mount, Iowa, 1855-57; Freeport, Ill., 1857-59; Salem, Minn., 1859-60; St. Paul, First Congregation, 1860-62; Washington 1862-64; Burlington, Iowa District, 1864-66; Wapello 1866-68; Des Moines 1868-70; Polk City 1870-73. He was then the victim of a nervous disorder and was for several years superannuated and then returned to the ministry: Milton, Iowa, 1876-79; Canton, Mo., 1879-82. He was then transferred to the West German Conference and served Wathena, Kan., 1882-84; Eudora 1884-86; Clay Center 1886-88; Lawrence 1888-92; Oregon, Mo., 1892-96. At this point his health collapsed and he was again superannuated. He gives heartfelt thanks that God has blessed his work. He has no regrets that he served the Lord; he is sorry only that he was not better prepared for the great task before him. His home is in Wathena, Kan.


Occupation:
The first annual session of the Southwest German Conference was held on 29 September 1864 in the Washington Street Church, at St. Louis. Bishop Janes named the presiding elders to the five districts of the new conference: Philipp Kuhl, to the St. Louis District; Gerhard Timken, to the Belleville District; Friedrich Fiegenbaum, to the Burlington District; Heinrich Lahrmann, to the Quincy District; Michael Schnierle, to the St. Joseph District.

Moved To:

     Friedrich Wilhelm retired from active service in the German Methodist Episcopal Church in 1895. He and his wife continued to live in Oregon, Missouri, their last charge, until 1902. Early in October, 1902, the Holt County Sentinel (Oregon, Missouri) reported that Rev. F. W. Fiegenbaum was in Wathena, Kansas to superintend the construction of a residence he and his wife planned to occupy sometime in the middle of that month. On 17 October, the newspaper reported that the couple had move that week to Wathena.

Buried:
Funeral services were held from the home and from the German Methodist Church. Frederick William Fiegenbaum was buried in Bellemont Cemetery at Wathena, where his wife had been buried in 1911.

Died:
The following obituary was published in The Holt County Sentinel, of Oregon, Missouri, on Friday, 6 March 1914. The newspaper was published by Thomas Curry, Rev. Friedrich Fiegenbaum's nephew-in-law.

          Death of Rev. Fiegenbaum.

     Rev. Frederick Fiegenbaum, the last of four brothers, all of whom were pioneer German Methodist preachers in the central and western states, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 1914, at Wathena, Kas., where he had lived ten years.
     He was pastor of the Oregon German M. E. church during the years 1892-96, and was an uncle of Mrs. Tom Curry, of this city.
     Rev. Fiegenbaum was nearly 84 years old, and all of the brothers attained about the same age, and were active in the pulpit until within a few years of their deaths. Not only were the brothers Methodist preachers, but their two sisters, who survive, married preachers, one a regular pastor, and the other a local preacher of the Methodist church. The family is widely known in German Methodism in this country.
     Rev. Frederick Fiegenbaum was born in Ladbergen, Germany, April 10, 1830. He came to America in 1832 with his parents, Adolph and Christine Fiegenbaum, and settled in Warren county, Missouri, where he grew to manhood. His early years were spent on the farm. Then he went to St. Louis, where his older brothers and sisters had found employment for him. With them he was brought into contact with a German Methodist revival, and after being converted he felt the call to the ministry, as his two older brothers were.
     Rev. Fiegenbaum had charges in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. There being no German conference when he entered the ministry, he joined the Rock River conference, then later the Southwest German, now the St. Louis conference, and from there he was transferred to the West Missouri conference. His last charge was at Oregon, Mo., from where he moved to Wathena. His wife, who was Miss Louise Otto, and to whom he was married at Wapello, Iowa, when he was 21 years old, died November 30, 1911. The other brothers were Rev. William, Rev. H. R., and Rev. Henry Fiegenbaum, the last named for a number of years a resident of St. Joseph, died in that city, January 13, 1905.
     Six sons and three daughters survive, as follows: Adolph H., Washington, D. C.; Louis S. Lincoln, Neb.; Theodore J., Western, Neb.; Benjamin F., Lawrence, Kas.; Henry, Springfield, Neb.; Edward W., Geneva, Neb.; and Mrs. Matthew Sexauer, Ankeny, Iowa; Mrs. Jacob Miller, Wathena. The sisters are: Mrs. Elizabeth Wellmeyer [sic], Warrenton, Mo., age 86, and Mrs. Mina Winter, Casper, Wyo., aged 82.
     The funeral was held at Wathena, Kas., Sunday, March 1, services being conducted from the home and from the Wathena German M. E. church, burial being at Wathena.
     Mrs. Tom Curry, of this city, and Mrs. Carrie Steinmetz, of St. Joseph, who was here visiting, nieces of the deceased, attended the funeral.

     Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts provided the following transcription of an obituary which appears to have been published in a newspaper serving Wathena, Kansas.

     Frederick William Fiegenbaum was born in Ladbergen, Prussia 10 April 1830. His parents emigrated to the United States in 1834 and located in the neighborhood of Hopewell, Warren County, Missouri, which was his home until he was 21 years of age. On 19 February 1846, while attending a quarterly meeting, he was converted and became a member of the Methodist-Episcopal Church. the following morning he received a call to enter the ministry, but did not begin active work until the spring of 1853. In 1852 he was married to Louisa Otto, who passed to her reward 30 November 1911. Ten children were born to them, of whom one died in infancy. Six sons and three daughters survive. Mrs. Minnie Sexauer of Ankeny Iowa; A. H. Fiegenbaum of Washington D.C.; Mrs. Lydia M. Howard of Sac City, Iowa; Louis Fiegenbaum of Lincoln, Nebraska; Theodore Fiegenbaum of Western, Nebraska; Mrs. Emma Miller of Wathena, Kansas; Benjamin Fiegenbaum of Lawrence, Kansas; Henry Fiegenbaum of Springfield, Nebraska and William Edward Fiegenbaum of Geneva, Nebraska. He was superanuated in 1895 and lived in Oregon, Missouri until 1902 when he and his wife moved to Wathena. After the death of Mrs. Fiegenbaum, he visited among the children, and in September he came to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Emma Miller. His strength was failing at this time and grew weaker until he finally passed peacefully to his reward 27 February 1914, aged 83 years, 10 months and 17 days. Father Fiegenbaum's presence in the community will be greatly missed. Those who knew him well, even the child on the street, always had a word and a smile from him; he was staunch, and loyal to the last for right and truth, especially anxious always for the upbuilding of the church in the community in which he lived. He never missed going to all the services in the town, when he was able, and was especially strong in his belief that the children had an important part in the church as in the family. The bereaved family will always remember his anxiety and loving thoughtfulness for each alike, and may the Spirit of our Christ, who was Father Fiegenbaum's guide, in all things be ours. The funeral was held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. from the house to the German M. E. Church. Rev. E. Crepin and Rev. J. H. Bishop preached in English and Rev. Buechner of St. Joseph in German. Burial was in Bellemont Cemetery by the side of his life's companion, all the children being present. Other relatives in attendance were: Miss Anna Fiegenbaum, Mrs. Steinmetz, both of St. Joseph, Missouri; Mrs. Tom Curry of Oregon, Missouri and Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Winter of Topeka, Kansas.

Friedrich married Otto, Louisa 11 Apr 1852, Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa, USA. Louisa (daughter of Otto, Heinrich and Rolfe, Elizabeth Margueretha) was born 13 Aug 1832, Venne, Osnabrück, Kingdom of Hanover; died 30 Nov 1911, Wathena, Doniphan County, Kansas, USA; was buried 3 Dec 1911, Wathena, Doniphan County, Kansas, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Immigration: Abt 1833, USA
• Moved To: 1902, Wathena, Doniphan County, Kansas, USA

Notes:

Immigration:
The Otto family emigrated from Osnabrück when Louisa was about 9-12 months old. The family stopped first in Warren County, Missouri. Some years later they relocated to Washington County, Iowa, and then settled near Wapello, in Louisa County, Iowa.

Moved To:
Louisa's husband, Friedrich Wilhelm Fiegenbaum, retired from active service in the German Methodist Church in 1895. They continued to live in Oregon, Missouri, their last charge, until 1902.

Buried:
Funeral services took place in the afternoon at the German Methodist Church. Louisa was buried in Bellemont Cemetery. Her husband was later buried here as well.

Died:

     The following are transcriptions supplied by Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts of three obituaries for Mrs. Louisa (Otto) Fiegenbaum. Gretchen Leenerts did not report exactly when and where these obituaries were published.

Mother Louisa Fiegenbaum (nee Otto) was born 13 August 1832 at Fennes, Hanover, Germany. Her parents came to this country when she was only one year old. At first they settled in Warren County, Missouri and after several years the family moved to Washington County, Iowa. In early youth she was converted at German Creek Mission and became a member of the M. E. Church. On 11 April 1852 she was married to Frederick W. Fiegenbaum of Wapello, Iowa, who survives her. This union was blessed with ten children, of whom one died in early infancy, six sons and three daughters surviving her, all being permitted to be present and look once more upon that dear but travel-worn face of her who watched lovingly and prayerfully over them during the years of childhood, for the responsibility of bringing up the children rested mainly on her. Soon after their marriage her husband was called to the ministry of the M. E. Church. His duty sent him away from home a great part of the time, casting upon her many burdens intended for stronger shoulders. But willingly she underwent many hardships and privations for the Lord's sake during the more than forty years which her husband spent in the ministry. He always had in her a true and devoted helpmeet; indeed, exerting a good influence everywhere. About ten years ago she had the rare privilege of celebrating her golden wedding. The deceased enjoyed fairly good health until about eight months ago, when she had an attack of la grippe followed by rheumatism, which caused her much pain and suffering. On 20 November she suffered a slight stroke of paralysis, followed by a severe one three days later, affecting her entire right side and rendering her speechless. Her mental powers were more or less affected. In this helpless state she remained for one week, when her soul departed for that better world at the noon hour Thanksgiving Day 30 November 1911. A few months before she was entirely helpless, she praised to her pastor the sustaining grace of her Lord and Savior and expressed her conviction that "the Lord doeth all things well, generally as well with her." She has now entered that rest the Lord has provided for them that put their trust in Him, and love Him, and we hope and pray to follow her when our hour comes.

Mrs. Louisa Fiegenbaum, (Otto), who departed this world at the noon hour on Thanksgiving day, was given her last earthly honors by a host of relatives and friends when her remains were lain to rest at Bellemont Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, 3 December 1911. Last earthly honors? No! No! Who could efface her memory from the mind of her husband, her children and all dear and near to her? With all of them, remembering means honoring. The funeral exercises took place at the German M. E. Church, conducted by the pastor, E. Crepin, assisted by Rev. W. J. Byers and Rev. J. A. Dickman. The deceased was born 13 August 1932 at Fenne, Hanover, Germany. Her parents came to this country when she was only one year old. At first they settled in Warren County, Missouri and after several years, they moved to Washington County, Iowa. In early youth she was converted and became a member of the Methodist-Episcopal Church. She married Frederick W. Fiegenbaum of Wapello, Iowa on 11 April 1852, who shortly after was called into the ministry of the M. E. Church. She devoted over forty years of her life, not only to the well being of her family, but was also a true helpmate to her husband in his work. Only he who knows something about the life of the pioneer preacher can imagine what privations and hardships she underwent for the Lord's sake. But her labors have not been in vain. The love and affection of her husband and her nine surviving children were a constant source of happiness and satisfaction and have cast sunshine upon her old age and her last days. The Lord, too, has been kind, a humble home, free from pressing and distressing want she could enjoy, and what may the harvest be now? We trust, what no eyes has seen and no ear has heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, will be prepared for her, for she loved the Lord.

Crossed the River: It is with keen sorrow we announce the death of another of those splendid, sacrificing, devoted Christian wives and mothers - Mrs. F. W. Fiegenbaum, which occurred at her home in Wathena, Kansas on Thursday of last week, 30 November 1911, aged 79 years. She will be remembered here as the devoted helpmeet to her husband, Rev. F. W. Fiegenbaum, who was pastor of the German M. E. Church here in 1892-6. She was born in Germany 13 August 1832, and prior to her marriage was Louisa Otto, and became the wife of F. W. Fiegenbaum in Iowa 11 April 1852. The sacrifices made by the wife of the pioneer preacher were many and called for the manifestation of all the Christian forbearance and fortitude possible -- these were borne by her cheerfully and willingly for her Master's sake, and that her husband might be encouraged in his efforts to extend the Gospel. We of today cannot estimate what the sacrifices made in those days meant -- but through them we can realize some of the many blessings that have come to us by reason of these sacrifices. Mother Fiegenbaum became the mother of ten children, and she lived to see them all, with the exception of one who died in infancy, develop into that splendid manhood and womanhood, that brings so much comfort and pride to mother, as she slowly slides down life's slope. She is survived by her husband and the following children, all of whom were present at the funeral, the six sons acting as her pallbearers, as mother gently raised these, in her arms, when helpless, so too they gently lowered her casket to its last resting place, that she may await the resurrection: Mrs. Jacob Miller of Wathena, Kansas; Mrs. Minnie Sexauer of Ankeny, Iowa; Mrs. Lydia Howard of Sac City, Iowa; A. H. Fiegenbaum of Washington, D.C.; Louis Fiegenbaum of Lincoln, Nebraska; Theodore Fiegenbaum of Western, Nebraska; B. F. Fiegenbaum of Lawrence, Kansas; Henry Fiegenbaum of Springfield, Nebraska and W. E. Fiegenbaum of Geneva, Nebraska. Impressive funeral services were held from the home in Wathena, Sunday, December 3rd.

Notes:

Married:

     The following article was published in The Holt County Sentinel (Oregon, Missouri) on Friday, 18 April 1902.

          FOR FIFTY YEARS.
          Rev. Frederick Fiegenbaum and Wife, of This City. Celebrate
          Their Golden Wedding, Friday. April 11.

     In company with his parents and brothers and sisters, there landed at New Orleans, one fine summer day in June, 1834, bright lad of four summers. From there they took a steam boat, landing at St. Louis where the cannon were booming and flags waving in honor [word obscured] the nation's 42nd birthday. Here they rested for a while, after a nine-weeks journey across the ocean. Then the family proceeded to Warren county, Mo., and engaged in farming.
     This lad of four is today a gray haired veteran in the service of his Master, and has passed his three-score and ten. He was born in Old Prussia, Germany, April 10th, 1830. He remained upon the farm and became a farmer. When 17 years of age he was converted and united with the M. E. church. He felt he was called to enter the service of his Master; but he liked the farm life and felt that he should continue in this work. In 1850 he went with his parents to Wapello, Ia. The lad; the farmer boy is today our fellow townsman, the Rev. Fred Fiegenbaum, who on Friday of last week, April 11th, celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary.
     While living in Warren county, one of his neighbors, named Otto, had a nice little girl, and they became acquainted of course; they left the neighborhood, and the families became separated, but they again met in Iowa; the acquaintance was renewed, which in due time resulted in a wedding, and Frederick Wilhelm Fiegenbaum and Miss Louisa Otto, became husband and wife, the ceremony being performed in the German M. E. stone church in Wapello, Ia., April 11, 1852.
     The ceremony uniting these two people was performed by the groom's brother, Rev. Henry Fiegenbaum, who on this 50th anniversary was present to renew those bonds that had united these people for those long fifty years. Who amid all the trials and adversities of life had gone hand in hand; heart to heart; soul to soul along down life's rugged pathway - Loving and serving their Master - Loving and serving each other. Feeling all through these years as the 23 Psalm - 1-4 has taught them:
     "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."
     One year after his marriage, he still felt that he should enter the field of the ministry - he felt that he could no longer resist the call, and entered for a four years' course of preparation in Brush College in this state, and in the spring of 1853 he entered his Masters's [sic] service and began preaching at Peoria, Ill., where he remained for nearly two years. On September 13, 1857, he was ordained a deacon by Bishop E. S. James at Rock Island, Ill., September 13, 1857, he was ordained an Elder by Bishop E. R. Ames, at Marion, Ia. From 1853 to 1893 he was actively engaged in the work of the ministry excepting two years, 1872-3, which years he rested on account of health, and in 1873-5 he took a two years' course at Mount Pleasant, Ia. Forty years, service in the Master's vineyard - Many of these years were such as try one's zeal and earnestness. When he entered the service, there were but few railroads; traveling from station to station was chiefly by horseback; the exposures were of such character, that only the strong and sturdy could withstand them. Only his advanced years and with feeble health, incident thereto, caused him to surrender his work, which he did here in 1896. During these 40 year [sic] she [sic] has been stationed at the following places:

Peoria, Ill.........................1853-55
Cedar Lake, Ind...............1855-56
Chirls [sic] Mount, Ia......1856-58
Freeport, Ill......................1858-60
Salem, Minn....................1860-61
St. Paul, Minn..................1861-65
Burlington, Ia., Dist.........1865-67
Wapello, Ia......................1867-69
Des Moines, Ia................1869-71
Polk City, Ia....................1871-73
Wilton, Ia........................1875-78
Canton, Mo.....................1878-81
Wathena, Kan.................1881-83
Eudora, Kan...................1883-85
Clay Center, Kan............1885-88
Lawrence, Kan...............1888-92
Oregon, Mo....................1892-96

     The wife of today and the young bride of 50 years ago, was born in Hanover, Germany, August 13, 1832, and when a mere babe of nine months came to this country with her parents, who settled in Warren county, Mo., thence to Washington county, Ia., then near Wapello, Ia.
     There has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum nine children: three girls and six boys, all of whom are magnificent types of the true, high-minded, honorable, clean citizenship. The children are:
     Minnie Sexauer, whose husband is a farmer near Des Moines, Iowa; they have five children.
     Adolph is a clerk in the war department at Washington; married and has one child.
     Lydia Howard, wife of a farmer, near Sac City, Iowa; they have one child.
     Louis, is a druggist at Geneva, Neb.; is married and has one child.
     Theodore is a druggist at Lincoln, Neb.; is married.
     Emma Miller is the wife of a druggist at Wathena, Kan, they have five children.
     Benjaman [sic] is also a druggist, and in business at Western, Neb.; married.
     Henry is in the hardware business at Lawton Okla; married.
     Edward is the kid of the family and is a jeweler at Geneva, Neb., married.
     In addition to the immediate children, Mrs. Rosana McDougle [sic], of Gowrie, Ia., was here, she being a daughter of Mrs. Sexauer. She was accompanied by her eldest daughter, Mrs. C. W. Piekenrock [sic] and husband of Ellston, Ia. This completed the circle of four generations represented at the anniversary.
     The children are all living and were here to celebrate the anniversary of the wedding of their father and mother. It was just such another glorious April as this - 50 years ago - as brightly prophetic of happiness in their life of activity as Friday last was emblematic of declining years, crowned with peace and honor. That wedding of 50 years ago as other weddings of that time, had little of the pomp and circumstance which grace the nuptials of today. There were no rehearsals, no attendants, no banks of palms and roses, but how much that, solemn service meant, Friday and its memories bear evidence. Father and Mother Fiegenbaum's life here is its own commentary. Its fruitage speaks for it more than eloquence can tell. Their life has been peculiarly blessed. Not a death has broken the circle of their immediate family. Their nine children with their thirteen children enjoyed the 50th anniversary of the wedding of their parents and their grandparents.
     Naturally, Friday April 11th, 1902, was one of joy and thankfulness to these two whose lives have meant so much and who have been greatly and so deservedly blessed. Their home is a modest and unpretentious one, and on account of the limited space the children made their order for a sumptuous dinner and luncheon, which was served at the Lawn hotel, and was most elaborate affair in every detail to which some 50 of the more intimate friends and near relatives were invited, and at their home they with numerous friends came to rejoice with them in attaining what so few attain, not only years, but usefulness.
     Forty-one guests gues's [sic] gathered in the dining room at the Lawn hotel at 1 o'clock. Louis Fiegenbaum, second son of the haypy [sic] couple, had charge of the affair. Rev. Fiegenbaum, of St. Joseph, was the first speaker. He recalled the time when the couple was married by him half a century ago. Rev. John Siekmann, of Oregon, followed with a short address. A. H. Fiegenbaum, a son, then presented the aged parents with a loving cup. On one side were the names of the nine children, all of whom were in attendance. On the other side were the words: "1852 - Wapello, Iowa, Golden Wedding Anniversary, Oregon, Mo., April 11, 1902.
     After the presentation of the cup both the bride and groom made short replies. Robert Montgomery, of Oregon, followed with a few words of congratulation. At the conclusion of the wedding feast the guests repaired to the court house lawn where a photograph of the entire group was taken.
     The children with their families in the order of their ages are as follows:
     Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Sexauer and son, Roscoe, Ankeay [sic], Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Fiegenbaum, Washington, D. C.; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Howard and daughter, Genevieve, Sac City, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Louis S. Fiegenbaum and daughter, Inez, Geneva, Neb.; Mrs. [sic] and Mrs. Theodore J. Fiegenbaum, Lincoln, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Miller and children Louise, Frieda, Wilma, Kenneth, and Katherine, Wathena, Kas.; Mr. and Mrs. Benjaman [sic] F. Fiegenbaum, Western, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fiegenbaum, Lawton, Okla.; Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Fiegenbaum, Geneva, Neb. Other guests were Mrs. Rosanna [sic] McDougall [sic] and daughter, of Gowrie, Ia., Mr. and Mrs. Clara Piekenbrock, Ellston, Ia.; the women being grandchildren; Mr. John Otto, Wapello, Ia.; Mrs. Mary Wagner, Ankeny, Ia.; brother and sister of the bride; Rev. H. Fiegenbaum, brother of the groom; Miss Anna Fiegenbaum, of St. Joseph; Rev. J. Seikmann, pastor of the German M. E. church, Oregon, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Montgomery, Oregon, and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Curry, Willie and Anna Curry, of Oregon.
     The Fiegenbaum family is a remarkable one in one particular; the family consisted of four brothers and two sisters, all of whom are still living, the sisters being widows, and the four brothers were ministers of the German M. E. church. The eldest, Henry began his ministerial work in 1847, and on the same day of the month, April 11, 1847, he too, was married, and 1897 celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary.
     This is the fourth golden wedding to be celebrated in the family. The first that of Rev. and Mrs. Henry Fiegenbaum took place just five years ago Friday in St. Joseph, an interesting ceremony being performed at the German M. E. church. In August, 1897, Henry and Catherice [sic] Wellemeyer, the latter being a sister of the Fiegenbaum brothers, celebrated their golden wedding at their home in Garner, Ia. In 1900 Rev. and Mrs. William Fiegenbaum celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Edwardsville, Ill.
     They were the recipients of handsome presents as follows:
     Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Pieckenbrock berry spoon.
     Mr. and Mrs. Sexauer and family, a half dozen solid silver spoons.
     Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum, three souvenir spoons of Washington, D. C.
     Mr. and Mrs. Frank Howard, a gold handled hat brush and two souvenir spoons of Sac City, Ia.
     Inez Fiegenbaum, a bon bon spoon.
     Anna Fiegenbaum, a linen table cover with fancy yellow border.
     John Otto and Mary Waggoner, a fine clock.
     Mr. and Mrs. Robert Montgomery, a silver, gold lined cake basket.
     Mrs. Sophia Good, St. Paul, Minn., a bon bon spoon.
     They also received several pieces of gold money, amounting in all to several dollars.


Residence (family):

     The family moved to Minnesota in the autumn of 1859. They lived for about one year in Salem, Dakota County while Friedrich served a large circuit of five charges. A son was born here. The family was then in Saint Paul for about 2 years, associated with First Church there; another son was born. From about 1862 to 1864 the family lived in Woodbury, Washington County; a daughter was born here. Friedrich served a circuit consisting of six appointments, some of whom appear to have been in nearby Wisconsin.


Residence (family):

     It seems very likely that the family of Friedrich and Louisa Fiegenbaum lived in Polk County, Iowa from 1869 to at least 1880. A brief biography of Friedrich and Louisa's son, Adolph Heinrich, was published in 1880 as part of a selection of biographical sketches of residents of Crocker Township, Polk County, Iowa. The biography reported that Adolph had been a resident of the county since 1869. At the time, he would have been about 14 years old and it seems probable that he would have been living with his parents and siblings. This was certainly the case one year later when the family was enumerated in Ward 3 of Des Moines, Iowa, in the 1870 U.S census. The biography also reported that in 1880, Adolph was teaching in the local schools in addition to supervising the work on his father's farm near Ankeny, where Adolph lived.


Census (family):
According to the 1870 enumeration, the household in Ward 3 consisted of Frederick Fiegenbaum, age 39, born in Prussia, a U. S. citizen; Louisa Fiegenbaum, age 37, born in Prussia; Minnie Fiegenbaum, age 17, born in Illinois, attending school; Adolph Fiegenbaum, age 15, born in Indiana, attending school; Lydia Fiegenbaum, age 12, born in Illinois, attending school; Louis Fiegenbaum, age 10, born in Minnesota, attending school; Theodore Fiegenbaum, age 8, born in Minnesota, attending school; Emma Fiegenbaum, age 6, born in Minnesota, attending school; Benjamin Fiegenbaum, age 4, born in Iowa; Henry Fiegenbaum, age 2, born in Iowa; and William Fiegenbaum, age 6 months, born in Iowa in January 1870.

Residence (family):

     The Holt County Sentinel (Oregon, Missouri) reported that among the new appointments announced at a session of the West German Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church held at Higginsville, Missouri from 1-5 September 1892, Rev. Fred Fiegenbaum, of Lawrence, Kansas was to become the pastor of the church at Oregon, Missouri. The newspaper noted that he was the brother of "Revs. Henry and William Fiegenbaum, former pastors of the German church in this city."
     On 11 November of the same year, the newspaper reported that Rev. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum were playing host to a week long family reunion. For the first time in eight years all of their children were home at the same time.
     In September 1893, the Holt County Sentinel reported that Rev. F. Fiegenbaum had returned from the German M. E. conference, held at Enterprise, Kansas. He had been reappointed to the church at Oregon, Missouri. And, the church had been moved from the Lincoln, Nebraska, conference district to the Missouri conference district.
     A year later, the same newspaper reported that Rev. F. W. Fiegenbaum would remain at the Oregon, Missouri church for another year. It seems that the pastoral charge included the church at Nodaway, Andrew County, Missouri.

Census (family):
According to the 1900 U.S. census, the household in the West Ward consisted of Fred Fiegenbaum, head of household, born April 1830 in Germany, age 70, emigrated to USA in 1834 (resident of USA for 66 years), a naturalized citizen, married for 48 years; and Louisa Fiegenbaum, wife, born August 1833 in Germany, age 66, married for 48 years, mother of 10 children (9 of whom were still living).

Residence (family):

     According to an obituary for his brother, "Rev. William Fiegenbaum," published on 30 November 1906 in the Edwardsville Intelligencer, of Edwardsville, Illinois, the deceased was survived by his brother, "Rev. Fred W. Fiegenbaum of Wathena, Kansas...."

Census (family):
According to the 1910 enumeration, the household consisted of Frederich W. Fiegenbaum, head of household, age 80, born in Germany, immigrated to USA in 1834, married for 58 years, retired; and Louisa Fiegenbaum, wife, age 77, born in Germany, immigrated to USA in 1834, married for 58 years.