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August Carl Lau

1852 - 1924

 

Old Settler Passed Away Saturday

Mr. August Carl Lau was born on April 26, 1852, in Meckelburg, Germany. When he was but four years of age the family came to America and located on a farm near Elkport, Clayton County, Iowa. It was here that the deceased grew to manhood, attending school in season, helping his parents with the farm work that they might build up a home in the county of their adoption, and at times worked as a hired help in the neighborhood.

Mr. Lau was married to Miss Anna Boehm in 1876. Not long after this, or about forty-five years ago, the young couple turned their face toward the west, to the then almost entirely unsettled country of Hancock County. Nothing but vast stretches of Prairie greeted their eye where ever they looked. No roads were laid out, no bridges spanned the streams, no advantages that accompany an old settler were theirs. However a fellowship and friendship and the spirit of hospitality which is rather unknown today, was their heritage in those pioneer days.

They settled on a farm in German Township and lived there for twenty years, in the mean time building up a splendid home.

Upon retiring from the farm Mr. Lau entered business as a grain and stock buyer, which business he pursued and later on in company with his son, Walter, until ill health compelled him to retire.

Nine children were born to them: five sons and four daughters. Of these one son and one daughter preceded the father in death. These who with his companion survive the father are: Henry, of Tracy, Minn; Mrs. F. H. Ridder, of Klemme, Ia,; Mrs. Wesley Schuldt, of Klemme; August, of Mason City, Ia.; Benj., of Minneapolis, Minn.; Miss Minnie, of Klemme and Walter, likewise of Klemme

Beside these he is survived by fifteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild, as well as by three brothers and two sisters.

Ordinarily Mr. Lau was a man of good health and strong constitution but some time ago it became apparent that the ravage disease of cancer had taken hold of him. When this became apparent there began the waging of a battle on the part of the deceased that is rarely equaled. How he fought to regain his health. Neither money nor effort was spared to attain this, however with no avail until finally he succumbed.

He died on Saturday afternoon September 6, 1924, at the age of 72 years, 4 months and 11 days.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at one o'clock by Rev. Gauger and Rev. Wessel at the First Methodist Church. The latter pastor named was a former pastor of Mr. Lau.

Interment was made in the Klemme Cemetery.

Thus we bid farewell to another pioneer who helped to build up this community from the stage of it's infancy. We extend our sympathy to those who have sustained the loss of their beloved one.

source: Times, Klemme, Iowa, 11 Sep 1924, page 1, column 2

 

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