Frank, Johann Georg "George" 1845-1919

FRANK

Posted By: Linda Holm (email)
Date: 1/11/2012 at 21:10:17

Titonka Topic, Titonka IA Thursday, April 03, 1919
George Frank was born January 18, 1845,at Dettingen, Oberant, Kirchelm, Wurtenberg, Deutchland. Died Sunday, March 23, 1919, of heart failure. At an early age he was baptized in the Lutheran faith from which time he had been a consistent church goer and adherent to that faith. As a boy of nine years he left his native country and migrated to the United States, arriving in the year 1854 and settling at Minersville, Penn. In the year 1867 he was married to Miss Mary Feltman of Minersville. To them nine children were born, six boys and three girls, four of the boys died at an early age, three girls and two boys are yet living and well known in this community. In 1878 Mr. Franklin and family moved from Pennsylvania to Franklin county, where he lived fourteen years. In 1892 he removed from Franklin county to German township where he has since made his home. He was 74 years, two months and five days of age at the time of his death. During the time he was a resident of Pennsylvania he followed the blacksmith business, being employed in one of the big shops of Minersville. He had often talked to the writer of his skill in his profession, his strength in his younger days and how he turned out work while following his trade in his eastern home. At that time land was cheap in Iowa. He learned of the great state and decided to come west and enjoy the fruits of his labor from the farm. He was strong and healthy and never knew what sickness meant. He first settled at Ackley where he farmed and also did blacksmith work. He remained there until 1892 when he came to this township. He purchased a half section of land. It was cheap in those days. He built a home on the east half of his half section farm where he and his wife reared their family. A few years ago he sold the east quarter of his farm to Julius Kunz of Wesley. He then erected a new home on the west quarter of his farm. He had an Inventive mind. He was continually experimenting on some device. About ten years ago he invented and received a patent on the Frank Post Augur. It was a good invention and most every farmer around here purchased one of his earth augurs. He traded the Invention rights to H. C. Adams of Algona for a farm in North Dakota which he sold soon after at a nice profit. He applied for other patent rights which are pending. He held several township offices during the time he was a resident of this township. He was school director, school treasurer for several years and gave honest and faithful service. George Frank was known intimately by the people of the township. He was good father, a devoted husband and an honorable Christian gentleman. He leaves to mourn his devoted wife, five children, Albert of Remer, Minn., Norma of Ackley, Iowa, John, Lilli and, Gertie, who live near Titonka, 23 grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held from the German Lutheran church Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m., of which he was one of the oldest members of the congregation conducted by the pastor, Rev. Mueller, after which the remains were laid to rest in the church cemetery. The Topic extends condolences to the family in their bereavement.