This is a photo of Far Guy with his relatives. This beautiful old photo belongs to Cousin Jay now.
A number of years ago Uncle Jimmy gave our daughter Jennifer a copy of the photo.
Recently Jen brought it over so I could scan it on the large bed scanner. I took the photo into my scrapbook program and identified everyone.
Martha Jane is Far Guys Great Grandmother, Xaver and Christiane are his Great Great Grandparents.
In 1903 Xaver died, Christiane fell apart she was so used to him telling her what to do she could not function on her own. She was put into a hospital and died a few months later.
Xaver’s Obituary:
Xaver Aleck, the son of Lorenz and Agatha Aleck was born in the Grand-Duchy of Baden, Germany on March 13, 1828.
He migrated to America in 1852 settling for a time in Philadelphia. He came to Iowa in 1856 and served a home in Harrison County. After a sojourn of two years he returned to Philadelphia and worked at his trade of tailoring. In 1860 he entered upon his lifetime occupation of farming in Harrison County. He continued for 40 years to cultivate his farm and then removed to Logan, Iowa where he has since resided.
He died at 9 a. m. on June 28, 1903. He was married to Christiane Geiger in Philadelphia on February 18, 1860. To them were born twelve children.
He called no man “Master” and assumed no obligation he could not conscientiously fulfill. He would not countenance double dealing or subterfuge, nor lend his influence for mercenary gain. He united in himself the best elements of the land of his birth and the land of his adoption. He was successful in acquiring a competence. In attaining his ideal of manhood and in all things did well that which he was called upon to do. His name shall long be honored, his memory cherished, and his influence unimpaired.
His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, “THIS WAS A MAN!”
We have been to the Cemetery in Logan, Iowa where he is buried. He has a magnificent tombstone. Perhaps the largest marker in the whole cemetery.
I know that he was a good father..he made provisions for Martha Jane to always have a home. Martha Jane did not choose wisely when she married..but that is a story for yet another day:)
So wonderful that you can preserve and share this history.
ReplyDeleteI like the description of "This was a man"! Great blog!
ReplyDeleteWhat a tribute!! Wouldn't it have been something to actually know him...a man that commanded that much respect. Wow! :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful picture and a great story, Far Side. :)
ReplyDeleteNow that is an obituary. I love that last line, "this was a man!" I feel he was a fine person from that description. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteI love the obituary. They sure don't write them the way they used to! The last sentence is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI like how you identified everyone. How sad to lose two babies - but times were tougher then.
How wonderful to have pictures and information like that of long ago family!
ReplyDeleteWow, it's fantastic that you not only have this wonderful picture but the names of the folks in 'em. What a prized treasure ya have there.
ReplyDeleteGreat post once again sweetie!!!
God bless and have yourself an awesome day!!! :o)
Your line about Martha Jane strikes deep in my brain. So many thoughts about "choosing wisely", foremost: how hard it is for a young person, who barely knows the world or themselves, to do so. And how young a person can be even when they are of a significant age.
ReplyDeleteWonderful old photo , and to have their names is awesome ! A wonderful story ! Have a great day !
DeleteGreat history to have.
ReplyDeleteThat must make Far Guy very proud of his roots. Beautiful family and picture and to know the history is so wonderful. Sometimes I think when you come from a good family and are protected and raised with good values it is unknown to you that not every one is raised that way.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I just thought of something...if Far Guy grew a beard I bet he would look like Xaver....except younger , of course! LOL!
ReplyDeleteThat is so neat that you can find all of their names! My mother in law is great with getting their geneology all put together.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. This is the sort of thing that has finally inspired me to begin a mega-project of culling thru hundreds of old ectachrome slides (over some suspicious opposition. My friends Gary recently obtained a piece of equipment that allow them to be converted into digital on the computer. From there I'll make CD's both preserving them and allowing me to send copies to my son... :)
ReplyDeleteA wonderful project Troutbirder..someday your grands will thank you! My scanner will do slides also..if I had a slide holder..I do not. But our families never took slides. Good Luck with your project! :)
DeleteNow there's some family history. Love it
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely photo - and a great treasure trove of family memories.
ReplyDeleteThat was one well written obit. Written so different than now! Great history.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely obituary! What a wonderful way to honor this marvelous man.
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