Great Grandpa: A Man True to his Faith, Farm, and Family

Today is the birthday of HeHimself's Great Grandpa, born 1850. Doesn't he look dapper?

When he and Great Grandma came from Germany in 1883 they traveled with 6 sons ages 1-7 years. Can you just imagine what a circus that was? After they settled in the US they had 8 more children, 13 sons and 1 daughter in all.

One of his sisters, a widow, was still in the OldCountry a few years before WWI. He went back to bring her and her daughter to Iowa. Good thing as who knows what might have happened to them during the war. I do not know if they were afraid to make the trip alone or what, but he was a good brother to go and rescue them.

In 1917 he and Great Grandma retired and went to California to live, They were only there about a year before he died suddenly of a brain aneurysm. That was sad of course, but at least he had enjoyed one more big adventure before he passed on to Glory. We thank you, Great Grandpa, on this your 172nd Birthday for being steadfast in Faith, hardworking on your farm, and loyal and true to your family.