Krebill, Betty Irene

Other Events:

• Residence: 1966, 3403 - 35th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois 61201.

Betty married Bluemle, Theodore R. on 20 Dec 1949 in Davenport, Scott, Iowa, USA, and was divorced in 1964. Theodore (son of Bluemle, Rudolph and Tolcher, Velma) was born on 1 Oct 1920 in Los Angeles, California, USA; died on 5 Jul 2000 in Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living

Other Events:

• Residence: 1966, 2723 Wood Lane, Davenport, Iowa 52803

William married Krebill, Linda Aurelia on 8 Jun 1922 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. Linda (daughter of Krebill, Samuel S. and Leisy, Selma D.) was born on 14 Oct 1900 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; died in Jul 1987 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1910, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1966, 2723 Wood Lane, Davenport, Iowa 52803

Notes:

Birth:
near Donnellson

Notes:

Married:
near Donnellson

Other Events:

• Residence: 1895, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA

Notes:

______________________________________________________________________
Portrait and Biographical Album of Lee County, Iowa
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
Page 177
F.H. Krebill, a highly esteemed farmer of Franklin Township, is the possessor of a comfortable homestead located on section 20. His property consists of eighty acres of good farming land, and he occupies a comfortable farm dwelling, and has a good barn and all the necessary outhouses. He has been a resident of the Hawkeye State since 1857, and has established for himself a reputation as an honest man and a good citizen.

Mr. Krebill was born in Ashland County, Ohio, Feb 1, 1849. His father, Jacob Krebill, was a farmer, of German ancestry and parentage, and came to the United States with his parents when a lad of twelve years old. They located in Ashland County, Ohio, where their son, Jacob, after attaining to years of manhood, was married to Miss Eliza A. Strickland, a native of the Buckeye State. After the birth of four children, Jacob Krebill came with his family to Lee County, and located in Franklin Township, upon the site of their present home. The father afterward changed his location, going into another part of the township, and is still living, at the age of sixty-four years, with his wife, who is sixty years old.

The subject of our sketch remained with his parents until he became of age. He was married in this township to Miss Elizabeth Rings, who was born and reared in Franklin Township, the date of her birth being Feb 10, 1852. She died at the home of her husband on the 29th of August, 1882, and had become the mother of six children, three of whom are deceased; the living are Albert, Edwin and Clara, who are at home with their father. the second marriage of Mr. Krebill occurred in this township, Aug 30, 1883, when he was wedded to Miss Elizabeth Rings, a cousin of his first wife. The present Mrs. K. was also born and reared in Franklin Township, and is the mother of two children - Charlotte and Otto.

Mr. K. has been prominent in his township since coming here, his habits of industry and strictly honorable dealings securing for him at once the confidence of his fellow townsmen. He has held the various offices in this locality, and has been Township Trustee for two terms. He was also Township Clerk for the same length of time. In politics he is a conscientious Democrat, and uniformly votes in support of the principles of that party. the family are connected with the Mennonite Church, and Mr. K. has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school for many years.

****

From the Mennonite Weekly:
28 Nov 1928 p. 4

ONE OF OUR FIRST CORRESPONDENTS PASSES AWAY

Donnellson, Iowa,
Nov. 19, 1928
Mennonite Weekly Review,
Newton, Kansas.

Dear Folks:

I am enclosing a clipping from our local paper giving an account of the death of Father.

I intended to notify you sooner but have neglected it until today. He has been your Correspondent from Donnellson, Iowa for a number of years. Will appreciate it if you will mention in your paper next issue any part or all of the Obituary.

Very truly yours,
A. D. Krebill.

(The Editor of the paper suggests that it would be fine for the above writer to consider that the mantle of his father has fallen
upon him and we expect to enroll him as one of our regular correspondents.)

F. H. Krebill
Frederick H. Krebill was born February 1, 1849, in Ashland county, Ohio, where he spent his childhood days. At the age of eight years he came with hi parents to Lee county, Iowa, where they settled on a farm 2 miles northwest of Donnellson.

At the age of 14, he was baptized and confirmed and taken in as a member of the Mennonite church, to which he remained faithful and active member until death.

He remained on the farm with his parents until he was 21. In the year 1871 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Rings, and established their home on a farm about mile west of Dover where they lived for a number of years. Their next home was on a farm west on Franklin where his brother Joseph now lives.

In the year 1882, after a lingering illness, his helpmate was called to her heavenly reward. Of their six children, three preceded their mother in death. Mr. Krebill, then was left with three small children, two sons and a daughter, to mourn the loss of a beloved wife and mother. Clara, the daughter, passed away in 1897 at the age of 16 years.

In 1883 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Rings, a cousin of his first wife. This union was blessed with seven children, one of whom died in infancy. Soon after their marriage they moved to the old home place northwest of Donnellson where they made their home until Mr. Krebill retired from active farm work. In 1916 they moved to Donnellson where he spent the remainder of his days, passing out of this life on Wednesday morning, October 31, 1928, at 9:30 o'clock, at the age of 78 years and 9 months.

Surviving Mr. Krebill are his faithful wife and children, Albert D., Edwin J., Mrs. Lottie Lowenberg, Otto C., Emma L., and Mrs. Lizzie M. Neff all of Donnellson; also Elmer of Rothiemay, Mont., and Wm. F. of Davenport. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren; one brother, Joseph, and two sisters, Mrs. Jacob A. Krehbiel of Donnellson and Mrs. Amanda Krehbiel of Cooperton, Okla. His parents, brother William, and two sisters, Mrs. Nancy Seyb and Mrs. Charlotte Webber preceded him in death.

Mr. Krebill was an active member in church and Sunday school, which latter he served as superintendent and teacher for many years. He also served for several years on the board of directors of Bluffton college. He was always ready and willing to help in all community affairs, serving as state representative from this district and always taking an active part in Red Cross work. Never did he fail to have a kind word for everyone with whom he came in contact. By nature he was self-sacrificing and always endeavoring to do something for someone else in his cheerfulness, helpfulness and goodwill.

His true religious life, and influence, will ever be stepping stones to a better and higher endeavor to live lives consistent to the memory of a devoted husband, a true-hearted father and grandfather; a real friend and a worthy neighbor of our community.

He spent and was spent

For truth and for right;

He gave up his best--

He fought the good fight.

Funeral services were held from the home and from the Zion Mennonite church Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. E. Kaufman. Pallbearers were: A. D. Krebill, E. J. Krebill, O. C. Krebill, Wm. Krebill, sons, and A. B. Lowenberg and B. J. Neff, sons-in-law of the deceased. Interment was in the Mennonite cemetery.
______________________________________________________________

A Tribute to the Life Work of the Late F. H. Krebill

E. C. Lynn, Lee County Superintendent of Schools, and for many years a close friend of Mr. Krebill and co-worker with him in many community projects, very kindly wrote the following summarized account embracing many of the important things the late F. H. Krebill helped do for his community.

In the passing of Mr. F. H. Krebill, Donnellson and the surrounding neighborhood has lost a very valuable citizen. The span of his life covers so many years of usefulness, and the service he rendered was put forth with so little of the spirit of egotism that the community is apt to fail to grasp the real significance of his life of service. When we consider his long and useful life, the thoughtful person cannot help but ask, "Who can fill his place in the ranks of useful men in our community?"

Mr. Krebill was a good citizen. He was a good and progressive farmer. He was a good justice of the peace -- township trustee -- township clerk -- and town clerk. He served with credit in the 34th Iowa general assembly as a representative from this district, and he had much satisfaction in the results of the high school tuition law which he helped to frame and which opened the doors of the high schools in this state to many a farm boy and farm girl.

F. H. Krebill was the last of the original organizers of the Lee county fair. He served as director and treasurer for many years and as he grew older his interest did not waver. When the fair was recently reorganized, he was the first subscriber for stock and at the last annual program he took his usual pleasure in managing the exhibits in the art hall.

In 1906, when the Lee county farmers' institute was organized, Mr. Krebill was again in the front ranks. He helped make the organization, and for the 14 years of its existence, served as a
member of its executive committee.

When the World War came on, and Lee county was asked by the federal government to organize a farm bureau, Mr. Krebill's was one of the first three names on the required petition, and he has been a steadfast member of that organization up to the time of his death.

As to relief work and Red Cross work, we all know the part he has taken so well that it is not necessary to recount these activities.

Possibly no one came nearer summing up the life of Mr. Krebill than did Mr. J. J. Tigert, Commissioner of Education of the United States, who after having been entertained at the Krebill home, remarked, "I have been well fed and well entertained in a real America home. I have gained a new vision of retired farmers. I now know that a man can grow old and retire from active business without losing interest in his community with its young people, its schools and its churches."

_______
From Christlicher Bundesbote
29 Nov 1928 p. 7

Krebill. -- Donnellson. -- Friedrich H. Krebill war geboren am 1 Februar 1849 in Ashland Co., Ohio, wo er seine Kindheit verlebte. Acht Jahre alt kam er mit seinen Eltern nach Lee Co., Iowa, wo sie sich auf einer Farm 2ý Meilen nordwest von Donnellson, Iowa, ansiedelten. Im Alter von 14 Jahren wurde er getauft und als Glied in die Zions-Mennonitengemeinde aufgenommen, deren treues und tätiges Glied er bis zu seinem Tode blieb. Im Jahre 1871 verheiratete er sich mit Elizabeth Rings. Sie zogen auf eine Farm west von Dover, später auf eine andere west von Franklin.

Im Jahre 1882 starb nach längerer Krankreit seine Gattin. Von den 6 Kindern waren drei der Mutter im Tode voran gegangen. Eine Tochter von 16 Jahren starb 1897.

Im Jahre 1883 verheiratete er sich wieder mit Elizabeth Rings, einer Cousine seiner ersten Frau. Diese Ehe wurde mit 7 Kindern gesegnet, von denen eins in der Kindheit starb. Sie zogen bald auf den alten Heimplatz nordwest von Donnellson, wo sie wohnen blieben bis sie 1916 nach Donnellson zogen. Er starb am 31 Oktober 1928 im Alter von 79 Jahren und 9 Monaten. Er hinterläßt seine treue Gattin, 4 Söhne u. 3 Töchter, auch 27 Enkelkinder, einen Bruder u. zwei Schwestern. Br. Krebill war ein tätiges Glied der Gemeinde und Sonntagschule,
welch letzterer er viele Jahre als Superintendent und Lehrer diente. Er war mehrere Jahre ein Glied der Schulbehörde von Bluffton Cellege [sic], auch war er einmal Vertreter seines Distrikts in der Gesetzgebung seines Staates. Das Leichenbegängnis wurde von der Kirche der Zions-Mennonitengemeinde, Donnellson, Iowa, gehalten. Seine Söhne und Schwiegersöhne trugen den Sarg. Br. J. E. Kaufman hielt de Leichenrede.

Translation:
29 Nov 1928, p.7
Krebill -
Donnellson -
Friedrich H. Krebill was born on February 1, 1849 in Ashland County, Ohio, where he lived his childhood. At age 8 he came with his parents to Lee County, Iowa, where they settled on a farm 2 1/2 miles north west of Donnellson, Iowa. At the age of 14 years he was baptized and received as a member of the Zions Mennonite congregation, whose faithful and active member he remained until his death. In the year 1871, he married Elizabeth Rings. They settled west of Dover on a farm, and later on another west of Franklin.

In the year 1882 his wife died following a lengthy illness. Of their six children, three preceded their mother in death. Another daughter, age 16 years, died in 1897.

In the year 1883, he married a second time, to Elisabeth Rings, a cousin of his first wife. This marriage was blessed with 7 children, of whom one died in childhood. They returned to the old homestead northwest of Donnellson, where they remained living until 1916, when they removed to Donnellson.

He died October 31, 1928 at the age of 79 years and 9 months. He leaves behind his faithful wife, 4 sons and 3 daughters, also 27 grandchildren, a brother, and two sisters. Brother Krebill served as an active member of the community and Sunday School, in the latter of which he gave many years service as Superintendent and teacher. He was seven years a member of the board of directors of Bluffton College, and was also once a representative of his district in the State Legislature.

Funeral services were held at Zions Mennonite Church of Donnellson, Iowa. His sons and sons-in-law carried the coffin. Brother J. E. Kaufman delivered the funeral sermon.

_______________________________________________________________

The Offical Register for the years 1911-1912, Compliled under the supervisin of William C. Hayward, Secretary of State, 1911

FREDERICK HENRY KREBILL,

Representative from Lee county, was born In Ashland county, Ohio, February 1, 1849. His father was born In Germany arid his mother In Ohio. Moved to Iowa In 1857 with his parents and settled on the farm which has since been his home. Educated In the rural district school and In a private German school maintained by the Mennonite church. Devotes his time to farming and raising of live stock. Has served as Justice of the peace, township clerk, township trustee and for twenty-two years has been either a member or an officer of the school board. Is a member of the Mennonite church. Elected Representative in 1910. A Democrat In politics.


Birth:
near Hayesville

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Frederick married Rings, Elisabeth on 30 Aug 1883 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. Elisabeth (daughter of Rings, Christian and Ellenberger, Elizabetha) was born on 6 Apr 1860 in Franklin, Iowa, USA; died on 19 Mar 1941 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; was buried on 21 Mar 1941 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Source: German Christlicer Bundesbote, 13 May 1941, p. 14; Translated by Liz Osborne

Mrs. Elisabeth Rings Krebill, daughter of Christian and Elisabeth Ellenberger, was born on April 6, 1860, in Lee County, Iowa. On the
confession of her faith she was baptized and received by Elder Christian Schowalter as a member of the Zions Mennonite congregation, whose faithful member she ever remained. On August 30, 1883, she was joined in marriage with F. H. Krebill, who was father of 3 children: Albert D., Edwin J., and Klara. Klara preceded her in death. They made their home on a farm northwest of Donnellson, where they lived until 1916, when they returned to Donnellson. She passed away March 19th, 1941, at the age of 80 years, 11
months, and 13 days.

This marriage was blessed with seven children: Mrs. Lottie Loewenberg, Otto C. Krebill, Emma L. Krebill of Donnellson; Mrs Lizzie M. Neff, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Elmer H., Billings, Montana; William F., Davenport, Iowa. A son, Milton, died in early childhood. Also surrounding her in mourning are 27 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. In 1928, her husband died; her sister Mrs. Theodore Hirschler also preceded her in death in 1908. Sister Krebill was an active member in the church; so also in the mission society, where she was many years president. Her faithful Christian life and acts are an inspiration for us to follow as we work and strive for heaven. She was actively doing so long as her health permitted. Her daughter Emma was always with her, and lovinging and faithfully took care of her to the end.

The funeral was held at home and at the Zions Mennonite Church Friday afternoon, March 21st, led by Elder Adolf Friesen. A mixed quartet sang the songs "Abide with Me" at the home, and "He Leadeth Me" and "Father Suffered Me Day by Day" at the church. She was interred in the Zion Mennonite Cemetery.

________________


Birth:
near Franklin

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Died:
about 3:30pm

Notes:

Married:
near Donnellson

Other Events:

• Residence: 1910, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1 Jan 1925, Lee County, Iowa, USA

Notes:

Birth:
near Franklin

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Died:
near Donnellson

Samuel married Leisy, Selma D. on 12 Jun 1893 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. Selma (daughter of Leisy, Jacob and Schowalter, Elizabeth) was born on 30 Apr 1871 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; died on 13 Dec 1932 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1910, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1 Jan 1925, Lee County, Iowa, USA

Notes:

Birth:
near Donnellson

Died:
near Donnellson

Notes:

Married:
near Donnellson

Other Events:

• Residence: 1880, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1885, Lee County, Iowa, USA
• Residence: 1900, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA

Notes:

10 October 1907, p 6-7
Krebill -
September 21, 1907, in Donnellson, Iowa, Jacob Krebill, at the age of 84 years, 9 months, and 23 days. He was born in Friedelsheim, Rheinpfalz, Bavaria. In the year 1832 he came with his parents to America, who settled in Ashland County, Ohio. On April 6, 1846 he was joined in marriage, which was blessed with 11 children, of whom 2 sons and 3 daughters survive. His wife preceded him in death on August 4th of this year. He leaves 5 children, 3 brothers and sisters, 43 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. In the year 1857 he came with his family to Lee County, Iowa, where they have lived since that time. The congregation has appreciated his life and influence to such an extent that he was elected many years to the board of directors. Funeral sermons were preached by Elders Treftzer of Franklin (German) from John 11:28, and P.P. Hilty (English), from Hebrews 4:9.

________________________________________________________

Jacob Krebill - Third Generation by Olga A. Krebill Hirschler, 1966

Jacob> the fourth son of Friedrich and Anna, was a lad of eleven years when they arrived in Ohio. Jacob had attended public schools in Germany and probably did so for a Period
of time in their new home vicinity in America.

On a farm in those days a boy of eleven did not only do his share of the daily chores, he also took the place of a grown man with the field work.

Johannes Risser, an educated ordained minister, served the newly founded congregation of Mennonite pioneer families in the Hayesville community. The Rev. Risser was an uncle of Jacob's and conducted catechismal classes. Jacob attended these classes and ultimately, like his older brothers, was baptized in the Mennonite Christian faith and accepted as a member of the church.

At the age of 24 years Jacob married Eliza Ann Strickland and in the following ten years that they lived in the Hayesville community their first six children were born. Their first child lived but a few weeks and their third child lived about two and a half years.

In the fall of 1856 Jacob and Eliza with their children Frederick, Amanda, Nancy and Mary left their Ohio home and traveled by covered wagon and horse teams across the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois to Lee County, Iowa.

A Mennonite colony had been established here some years before and a church building had been built several miles due west from the town of Franklin.

On November 13 in 1856 two deeds were filed at the local court house by Jacob and Peter Krebill for 120 acres of land which they had purchased on the 5th of the month. One deed was for 80 acres described as the East 1/2 of the Southwest1l/4 of section 20 in Franklin Township of Lee County.

The other deed was for 40 acres described as the North 1/2 of the West 1/2 of the same Southwest 1/4 Of section 20.

Jacob and his family moved on to his farm right away but Peter remained at Hayesville until the following spring.

About 25 years later, on February 4th, 1881, Jacob filed a deed for 80 acres of land for which he had obtained the title on January 20th. It was described as the East 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of section 27 in Franklin Township.

On June 17, 1884, he filed another deed for the adjacent 80 acres for which he had obtained the title on March 12th, and described as the West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of the same section 27.

There seems to be some indication that Jacob may have farmed this land prior to the time when he filed these deeds.

Perhaps he may have rented the land or possibly bought it on contract, before he obtained title to it.

In the year 1871 Jacob's son Frederick married Elizabeth Rings. Frederick and Elizabeth were the first to live on the west half of this 160 acre farm.

The house stood at the end of a short lane leading in from the road about midway between the town of Franklin to the east and the Green Tree crossroads to the west. In 1882, after five children had been born to the Frederick Krebills, Elizabeth the mother died following a serious tuberculosis illness. About a year later Frederick married a cousin of his former wife.

Up until this time Jacob had been living on his farm near the church. He had replaced the old house with a red brick one, enclosed it with an attractive front Yard, built a large bank barn and other improvements. He had a bearing apple orchard and grape vineyard. After Frederick's children had reached school age, which was about the time when he married the second time, he and his father Jacob exchanged farms. It has been reported that this was done so that the young children were closer to church and schools.

In 1884 Jacob built a small frame house on the east half of his 160 acre farm. This house stood close to the main road s.s well as to the lane which lead to the larger old home. When his son Joseph and Selma Weber were married they moved into this new house, which they occupied for about four years. When Jacob and Eliza's son William married Clara E. Weber, the parents moved into the smaller home near the road and Joseph and his brother William shared the old house.

Josephs occupied the south part and Wills the north part of this old house.

By 1894 the brothers Joseph and William rented the adjacent farm to the west and since their families had been expanding, William with his family moved into the house nearby which stood on the rented farm. However, the two brothers continued to farm the several farms together.

Jacob was a deacon at the Zion Mennonite Church for many years. After moving to their farm near Franklin Mr. and Mrs. Krebill would come to the church services driving a brown horse hitched to a top-buggy. They were honored with a reserved.space for their rig along the hitching rack in front of the church. After Jacob was no longer able to drive himself his son Joseph's family would bring them to the service.

These grandparents continued to live by themselves up until after their 61st wedding anniversary. A bell was mounted conveniently so they could call for help as the Joseph Krebill family still lived nearby in the old house. When the old folks retired early, their son Joseph would make it a routine of his to go up and sit on the porch by their bedroom window to talk.

In August 1907 Eliza became very ill and in a few days was called home by her Lord. In order that the aged Jacob might remain in his home environment, his son William's widow and children moved in to care for him. Only seven weeks after Eliza's demise, Jacob too was called to his eternal home.

________________________________________________________

Jacob Krebill - Third Generation by Olga A. Krebill Hirschler, 1966

In the fall of 1857 Jacob added a postscript to a letter vritten by his brother Peter to their brother Johennes Grabill at Heyesville, Ohio.

Dear brother;

I must write you briefly how we are getting along. I am sorry to report that our little Mary has been ill nearly all summer. She is presently so poorly that we are in doubt that she will be with us very long.

She is suffering with tuberculosis and the doctor says nothing can be done to help her. The rest of us are quite well.

Christian Hirstein says he is sorry that he does not hear from anyone in Ohio. He did not know that I had left there until he had almost arrived at our place here. He did not mention about receiving a letter from you. Write again,

Your brother Jacob.
______________________________________________________

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Died:
near Donnellson

Jacob married Strickland, Eliza Anna on 6 Apr 1846 in Hayesville, Ashland, Ohio, USA. Eliza (daughter of Strickland, Joseph and Harper, Mary) was born on 21 Jan 1827 in Ashland, OH; died on 4 Aug 1907 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; was buried in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1850, Vermillion, Ashland, Ohio
• Residence: 1880, Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA

Notes:

22 Aug 1907, p. 6
Krebill -
On August 4th in Lee County, Iowa, Elise nee Strickland, wife of Jacob Krebill, passed away at the age of 80 years, 6 months, and14 days. Her parents came in their youth from New Jersey and Virginia to pioneer in Ashland County, Ohio. On April 6, 1846, she was married, and lived with her now-bereaved husband 61 years in happy marriage, which was blessed with 4 sons and 7 daughters, of whom 2 sons and 4 daughters are yet alive. In 1857, they left Ohio to come to this area where they have lived ever since.

In April of 1896, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. She leaves behind 43 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral was held by S. M. Musselman of Wayland, who took his text from 1st Corinthians 15:57, and P. P Hilty, who spoke from Job 5:26.


Birth:
near Ashland

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Died:
near Donnellson

Notes:

Married:
near Hayesville

Other Events:

• Residence: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa
• Residence: 1856, Lee County, Iowa, USA

Christian married Ellenberger, Elizabetha on 4 Apr 1851 in Franklin, Lee, Iowa, USA. Elizabetha (daughter of Ellenberger, Pastor Heinrich and Hertzler, Elizabetha) was born on 25 Dec 1819 in Friedelsheim, Palatinate, Germany; died on 10 Feb 1909 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Source: German Christlicer Bundesbote, 25 Feb 1909, p. 7, p. 14; Translated by Liz Osborne

Rings -

On February 10, 1909, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F.H. Krebill of Donnellson, Iowa, Elisabeth Rings (nee Ellenberger) passed away at the age of 89 years, 1 month, and 14 days. Our dearly beloved was born in Friedelsheim, Rheinpfalz, Germany. In the year 1850 she came with her parents to Lee County, Iowa. In 1851, she was joined in matrimony to Christian Rings. The marriage was blessed with 4 children, from whom 2 -- both sons -- were taken early in death. In the year 1859 death suddenly claimed her husband by a sudden misfortune. During her long life, she was often ill, and suffered much. Her long-held wish to pass away gently to the Lord was finally fulfilled. She leaves behind 1 daughter and 11 grandchildren. P.P. Hilty offered the funeral sermon, from Psalms 23:4.

Notes:

______________________________________________________

Krebill, Peter, farmer, Section 19; P.O. Franklin Center; owns 190 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born Nov 7, 1827, in Bavaria, Germany; parents, Frederick and Anna Krebill, emigrated to what was then Richland Co., Ohio, in 1832, where the father died in March, 1849, and the mother Jan 17, 1856. Mr. Krebill married Magdalena Fox Feb 15, 1856; she was born April 6, 1833, in Bavaria, Germany. In the spring of 1857, they emigrated to Lee Co., Iowa, and located on his present farm. They have eleven children - Anna F., born Jan 15, 1857; David J., born May 11, 1858; Henry F., Nov 10, 1859; Margaret, April 29, 1862; Magdalena, Feb 15, 1864; Samuel, Jan 20, 1866; Peter, Dec 28, 1868; John, May 23, 1870; Edward, Feb 5, 1873; Laura, July 7, 1875; Frederick, March 9, 1878. Mr. Krebill is a member of the Mennonite Church; Democrat.

Source:

The History of Lee County, Iowa
Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879
Franklin Township, Page 780
_______________________________________________________

Peter was just a boy about six years of age when the Friedrich Krebills arrived at Hayesville, Ohio early in 1834. The fact that Peter was so much younger than his brothers was to his advantage for he had the opportunity to attend English schools fork a longer period of time.

In addition to growing up on a farm with its many chores for the young, he also learned about operating a farmer's saw-mill.

Early in 1856, about seven years after the father, Friedrich, had died, and about a year before the mother Anna's demise, Peter Krebill and Magdalena Fox (Fuchs) were married. During this summer, Peter and his brother Jacob and their brother-in-law Christian Eymann, decided to move to the Franklin Prairie vicinity near Franklin in Lee County, Iowa.

In the fall of 1856 the brothers Jacob and Peter bought 120 acres of land about three miles due west from the Village of Franklin Center. However, Peter did not move to Iowa until the following spring after their first child, a daughter Anna, had been born. They left Hayesville in April of 1857 and like his brother Jacob and Christian Eymann did on the previous fall, Peter traveled by covered wagon and team. They arrived on the 13th of June and moved into a log cabin which stood on a forty- acre tract, a part of the 120 acres which the brothers had acquired the fall before. About a half mile north from the new Zion Mennonite church, a lane extended eastward to the Peter Krebill's cabin.

The wives of Jacob and Peter were non-mennonites. There seemed to have been some conversation among the church dignitaries to the effect that the wives should be required to be baptised before being accepted as members. However, in view of the fact that both of them had been baptised in protestant faiths, Peter warned the Mennonites that they would prefer to join another church if they insisted that this was mandatory. Fortunately the Mennonites accepted the wives as members without any reservations.

Peter Krebills lived in their log-cabin until they moved into another one when in 1865 Peter purchased about 50 acres of land in the south-west quarter of the adjacent section 19. His home on this newly acquired place stood just one mile west from his brother Jacob's place. In 1867 and 1869 Peter added two more tracts of land next to his first 50 acres. In 1883 he purchased still another piece of .farm-land which gave him title to the entire south-west quarter of section 19.

He also owned two wooded tracts across the road from his farm in Harrison Township which brought his holding up to about 200 acres. Peter followed a diversified type of farming, specialized in horse and cattle breeding and operated a grain threshing rig for many years. At first he used a horse-power and later a steam engine to run the grain separator.

The following pages contain excerpts from letters which Peter Krebill wrote from Lee County, Iowa to his brother John Grabill at Hayesville, Ohio.

These letters were written over a period of years from the time when Peter first arrived in Iowa in 1857 to the time of his brother John's demise in Ohio
in 1887.

The full text of these letters may be found at the Musselman historical library at the Bluffton College in Bluffton, Ohio.

John S. Grabill, Hayesville, 0. July 5, 1857, Franklin Center, Iowa.

The Jacob Krebill and Agnes Eymann families are all well. We arrived here on June 13th. We moved Agnes into one of Mrs. Strohm's
houses west from the church. I left brother Henry at brother Abraham's place. He said he would be traveling towards Peoria, and would write me when he found
a job. I have not heard yet. I went with Fred Fuchs to Montrose on the sixth. Goodbye
Peter Krebill.
___________________________________________________
John S. Grabill, Hayesville. September 23, 1857, Franklin Center.

David Risser offered to sell his eighty acre farm to sister Agnes Eymann and take her house at Franklin in trade. He asked $27/00 an acre and offered $672/00 for her house. Agnes bought the land. It is described as the west half of the northeast quarter of section 29 in Franklin township.

I sold my iron gray horse for $170/00 to John Rupp, a brother-in-law of Reinrich Hirschler. Brother Jacob bought the roan mare for $150/00 without an argument. Today was the first day of the three day fair at West Point.

Tell Fred Fox (Fuchs) I will write him before long.

Your brother Peter Kreebill.
____________________________________________________
John S. Grabill, Hayesville. January 18, 1868, Franklin Center.

The last one of two letters from you came from Philadelphia.

I got first premium on the large horse and second on the colt. Pork is worth $3/50 to $3/75, corn 15$, or 20# at Keokuk. I often think of the time when you took your first trip to the west, when we were all gathered around the table. Mother would say in german, "I wish John would come and eat some now."

Now you are there and the rest of us are scattered from here to Pikes Peak! We had hoped to see Henry last fall but have not seen anything of him yet.

Your brother Peter Krebill.
____________________________________________________________

John S. Grabill, Hayesville. June 1, 1868, Franklin, Iowa.

John Hertzler and wife have been here. After they got back to Burlington he found the garden plow and he took it to their shop. He will send it to us as soon as possible. I still keep their plows here for sale. I sold my stallion to John Haffner, a son of Fred Haffner, for $300/00.

I have 50 acres of small grain and 50 acres of corn. Our Anna had a letter from brother Abraham's little girl.

Peter Krebill.
____________________________________________________________

John S. Grabill, Hayesville. October 2, 1881, Primrose, Iowa.

We did not hear from Henry all summer, if we do hear from him we will let you know right away.

Our Peter was baptized with six others last sunday September the 25th.

John, Edward and Laura are still in school. Little Freddie is only three years old.

Peter Krebill.

________________________________________________________________________
John S. Grabill, Hayesville. November 17, 1886, Primrose, Iowa.

I would like to hear that you are feeling better. Perhaps next summer you may feel like visiting us again.

I am feeding 23 steers. Our son Henry will start out for himself next summer. He rented a farm about a mile north from the Dover crossroads. So
by next year there will be four out of our eleven children out on their own. We haven't heard from brother Henry yet.

Peter Krebill.
___________________________________________________________________________

John S. Grabill, Hayesville. January 1, 1887, Primrose, Iowa.

Happy New Year! As I wrote the date I thought of the time fifty years ago on a new years day how you taught me to write the new date. It was on that big old chest by the old cook-stove.

Henry will marry a daughter of John Lowenberg who lives close to the church, and are preparing for their home by spring-time.

"Nephew Samuel'; Looking at the picture of your four children, that little girl standing by the tree reminds me so much of the little boy I used to see riding the dog around the house!

Tell them to be kind to their grand-pa when he is sick.
Peter Krebill.
_____________________________________________________________________________

John S. Grabill, Hayesville. January 17, 1887, Primrose, Iowa.

I miss your letters so much since you are not able to write.

For the past thirty years we have exchanged letters every year. On the 23rd of this month brother Jacob's daughter Charlotte and Elias Weber are to be married. Then on the 30th our Lena and Emil Leisy are to be married.

"Dear nephew Samuel"; Our Freddie wants to tell your boys Howard and John the little speach he gave in school:

"If older boys can make a speach
we.little boys can too
And though we may not say so much
Yet here's a word for you.
This world's large and full of room
There is a place for all
The rich, the poor, the wise, the good
The large as well as small
So give the little ones a chance
To show off what they know
And shun us not because we're small
For little boys will grow
Your uncle Peter Krebill.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Samuel H. Grabill, Hayesville, 0. March 13, 1887, Primrose, Iowa.

Dear Nephew;

I did not get around to answering your last letter before we received the sad news af your father's death. At the time Laura and Freddie were down with the measles and I could not leave at such a time to attend the funeral. At such a time one wonders "Why didn't I go and see him while he was still alive?" "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, even so saith the spirit, for they rest from their labor."

Emil and Lena Leisy live in Kansas now. Henry and Elise moved on to their farm last Tuesday. Katharine Latschar and Henry Sander are to be married next Sunday the 20th.

Well, Howard; Freddie was delighted to receive your nice letter. Freddie's English school will be out this week and then he will go to German school again. If you were here you could learn to talk and write german letters. Last wednesday was Freddie's birthday and his mother baked a big cake for him.

Does your mother bake one for you on your birthday? When I saw her she was a little girl, I think about two years old.

I wish I could see you all for I like children when they are good and mind their mothers.

Peter Krebill.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Source:
Olga A. Krebill Hirschler, The Altleiningen Krebills 1730-1966 (Paul and Olga Hirschler, 020 Lassen Street, Richmond, CA: 1966), Newberry Library, Chicago, also personal collection of Michael Hervey

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Died:
near Donnellson

Peter married Fuchs, Magdalena on 15 Feb 1856 in Hayesville, Ashland, Ohio, USA. Magdalena (daughter of Fuchs, Casper and Kraupner, Margaret) was born on 6 Apr 1833 in Neiferheim, Germany; died on 8 Mar 1908 in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA; was buried in Donnellson, Lee, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetary

Died:
near Donnellson

Notes:

Married:
near Hayesville

Other Events:

• Residence: 1925

Jacob married Schowalter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was born in in Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: 1925