Individual Details
Honorable Gerhardt "Garret" Eilers
(25 Jan 1837 - 6 Oct 1906)
Dates differ slightly depending on which source you read:
The history of St. John's Lutheran Church in Monticello, Iowa has the following sketch -
The church was organized on Jan. 12, 1964. Its, history, however, antedates its organization by several years. The nucleus of the church is found in a small Lutheran colony, comprising nine families and one single person in the neighborhood of the present site of the church, all coming across the Mississippi from Dixon, Lee County, Illinois. The colony was started when Jacob F. Matthiessen brought his family across the Father of Waters in May, 1857. He was accompanied by his future brother-in-law, GERHARD EILERS, who at the time was still an unmarried man. They were followed by the families of Anton Eilers and Johann H. Kleen in April, 1858; Nanne Hanken and Wessel B. Hanken in Oct. 1858; Heinrich Hanken in April 1859, Gerhard Ahrend Zimmerman in May 1859. Johann Jacobs in the fall of 1859 and Heinrich Jacobs in the spring of 1860.
Gerhard moved to Jones Co, Iowa in 1857 and married there in 1859. They bought a farm on 3 February 1864 in section 32, Lovell Township, Jones Co. Iowa, for $1,200. This farm was passed on to their son Henry later on.
His biographical entry in The History of Jones Co. (1879) says -
Gerhard Eilers, farmer, Sec 33: P.O. Monticello; was born in Oldenburg, Germany, in 1837; he is the son of Anton and Talke Eilers, who came to this country in 1850, and settled in Lee Co., Ill., but removed to Jones Co. in 1856. Mr. Eilers was married to Margaret Jacobs, also born in Germany; they have four children - Anton, Henry, William and Paul. Mr. Eilers has 730 acres of land, including a farm in Scotch Grove Township; he is engaged extensively in dairying and stock-raising; he makes a specialty of Clydesdale horses and Shetland ponies; has a large number of the former and several fine specimens of the latter.
(March 7, 1878)
A car load of fine stock from Canada found its destination at Monticello last Monday. The animals, horses and cattle, were for our leading stock men in this neighborhood. Some Short horn cattle, and some young Clydesdale horses for the Davidson brothers two miles West of town; one or two Short horns for Wm. Star; some Clydesdales for Garret Eilers. The most interesting of all, as curiosities, were three little Shetland ponies, just imported into Canada and brought there by Mr. Eilers. What Mr. Eilers' purpose or expectations are in regard to these ponies we are not informed. A plentiful sprinkling of them in cities would create a new world of happiness for children, and perhaps contribute to their health and physical vigor, more than anything else that be longs to the ways of our modern life.
(Sept 26, 1878)
The State Fair!
Class 12 - Farm Teams.
Pair geldings or mares, Dip. and $20, G Eilers, Monticello.
Gerhard had a pedigreed cattle listed by the American Short-horn Society in their Herd Books:
Golden Prince, Red, calved July 4, 1881, bred by Joseph Moffatt, Paw Paw Ill., owned by Gerhardt Eiler, Monticello, Ia., got by Golden Crown 35658, out of Matchless 30th (vol. 19, 14686) by Golden Crown 35658 - Matchless 22d (vol. 15) by Statesman 15539 - imp. Matchless 15th by Champion of England (17526) - Matchless 12th by Lord Raglan (13244), &c., see 51457.
Ramona - Red, calved Sept. 28, 1885, bred by Gerhard Eilers, Monticello, Iowa. got by Circassian Chieftain 85115, out of Rosabel of Maine Valley (vol. 24, p. 18764) by Royal Barmpton 94949, &c (American Shorthorn Herd Book, 344).
(April 29, 1886)
To Those Interested In Horses.
G. Eilers desires to inform the public that his stallions will make the season as follows:
TOPSMAN FIRST will not be removed from the farm of the owner. $20 to insure.
I have also an English shire horse which did not prove well his first season, but which proved well last season. This horse will remain upon the farm. $12 to insure.
FAVORITE, the Clydesdale stallion, will be moved as follows: Mondays and Tuesdays at Garret Rickles at Prairie Hill, Wednesdays at home, Thursdays at the old Bowen farm now owned by Rynerson on Bowens Prairie . $10 to insure.
I also have a fine Morgan stallion whose sire was the Morgan trotting stallion, Herod, upon whom Mr. Grattan bestowed the title "King of the Morgans". In the matter of breeding, the pedigree of Herod leaves nothing to be desired when Morgan blood is the object sought, he being by Sherman Black Hawk, son of Hill's Black Hawk, dam by Green Mountain Boy, son of Hill's Black Hawk. As the dam of King Herod was also by Hill's Black Hawk and her dam by Gilford Morgan It will be seen that the concentration of the blood of Justin Morgan is very marked. This sire Herod made a record of 2:24½ when he was 18 yean old. This horse will remain upon the farm during the season. $5 to insure.
Evergreen Farm
G. Eilers Prop'r.
(Dec 9, 1886)
Last Saturday morning, while bringing bis milk to the creamery, Gerhard Eilers' team took fright at the breaking of some part of the wagon and becoming unmanageable ran away with him. When stopped the wagon and milk can were sadly in need of repairs, and one of the horses was injured to some extent. With the exception of a severe shaking up and some slight bruises, Mr. Eilers escaped without serious injury.
Gerhardt was an elected member of the Iowa House of Representatives for more than 40 years. When he retired, he was given a gold headed cane and a coffee pot. Garnet Eilers Barton presently has these two items. His surrey, which was used to transport President Theodore Roosevelt when he visited Iowa, was given at Gerhardt's death to his son, Henry. Henry's son, Irving, used this same surrey to drive some of the older Hanssen children to school. Gerhardt was noted for his pure bred horses, however, many were lost in a disastrous stable fire. (Hanssen, p 135)
Monticello (Iowa) Express June 14, 1888, p 5
THE FIRE FIEND.
Gerhard Eilers' Barn and Six Valuable Horses Burned last Night.
Last night, soon after eleven o'clock, Gerhard Eilers' large barn two miles south of town caught fire and burned to the ground together with all of its contents, including five stallions and one mare. The fire when discovered was under such headway that it was impossible to rescue a single article or animal from the flames. The barn was 74X100 feet in size with 38 feet posts. When built a few years ago, it was said to be one of the largest barns in the country, and cost when completed about $6000. The stallions included the celebrated Topsman for which Mr. Eilers had been offered $2000 and a young stallion for which he had a few days before refused to take $1000. The remainder of the horses, including a Shetland stallion, were worth at least $1000, so that the total loss on horses exceeded $4000. The loss on other things in the barn, which included two blooded calves, 35 tons of hay, 300 bushels of oats, his buggies, harnesses and all of his farming implements will run up to more than a thousand dollars. Hence the property destroyed was of the value of more than $11,000. The insurance carried was in three companies and was distributed as follows:
HARTFORD INS. CO.
Barn..............................................$3000
Scales............................................ 100
FIRE ASSOCIATION, PHILADELPHIA
Barn..............................................$1000
Horses...........................................1000
Cows, etc......................................1000
STATE, OF DES MOINES
Horses..........................................$1000
Cattle.................................................400
The policies are so drawn, each of them, that the amount of insurance on any one horse shall not exceed $200. There is some question under their terms whether each of the companies thus insuring will be liable for the $200 on each horse, thus making the insurance $400 on each animal. Mr. Eilers' loss is a severe one and has almost broken him down. He has labored long and hard in the accumulation of this property, and it is a hard blow to see it vanish in smoke. The origin of the fire is a mystery. At half past nine, when the work horses were turned into the pasture, everything was all right, and later when the family retired, there were no signs of fire. The fire was evidently the work of an incendiary, although Mr. Eilers is slow to believe that anyone should have sufficient grudge against him to contemplate such a revenge.
March 31, 1890
- From Des Moines.
- The House Engages in School Boy Play at the Evening Session Saturday and Throw Paper Wads.
- Representative Eilers of Jones County is Struck in the Head and Carried out Insensible.
- Legislative. (Regular correspondence of The Gazette.)
Des Moines, March 30. - Nothing of importance was transacted in the house Saturday, ....
The house attempted an evening session in order to clear the calendar of legalizing acts and bills reported for postponement. The session had not far advanced when paper wads, pamphlets, etc., began flying about the room. Unfortunately a pamphlet and some papers rolled up for mailing was thrown and struck Mr. Eilers, of Jones, in the head knocking him off his seat. He was carried out almost insensible and for a time was very sick. However, he soon recovered, but in the confusion the house adjourned. The package which struck Mr. Eilers contained a copy of Gov. Larrabee's message, a Cedar Rapids Republican with a school book editorial and a State Register with a thundering demand for the repeal of prohibition. The wonder is, such a rare combination stopped with laying out one democrat.
_______________
Latest From Des Moines. .... Eilers is sick from Saturday's injury. ....
(Sept 24, 1891)
Mr. Gerhard Eilers has sold a $9500 farm to Mr. Tobias Tobiason. The price paid per acre was about $57.
Monticello (Iowa) Express, December 28, 1893
Two toughs went out to Mr. Gerhard Eilers farm adjoining the corporation, last Sunday afternoon, and deliberately shot a hog and a chicken which were feeding in the barn yard. Mr. Eilers heard the shot and rushed out of the house. The two miscreants took to their heels, and he gave them chase. On the run they rid themselves of their guns, and made good their escape across Kitty creek. It is said they were recognized by a woman who say them running. If she can identify them they will be arrested. Mr. Eilers who has been troubled before with hunters, will hereafter prosecute all trespassers. Mrs. Eilers who is ill was quite unnerved by the closeness of the shot. Mr. Eilers offers a reward of $5 for information that will lead to the detection of the criminals.
July 21, 1899
Monticello News Notes.
A young lad by the name of Eilers, had his hands injured in a hay pulley, yesterday, near this place. The lad's home is near Independence and he had been visiting his grandfather southwest of town. While gathering the slack in a hay rope his hands were pulled into the pulley. The end of a finger and a thumb nail were lost and his hands severely burned.
(October 19, 1899)
Three of Gerhard Eiler's cows fell in the Connor & Hogan well, south of town yesterday, and one of them was drowned. The others were nearly dead when pulled out. It was in this well that a child lost its life a few years ago.
April 2, 1902
Federal Court Opens
..... The grand jurors were summoned .... The men who were present and who retired to commence the duties of the term were: ... Gerhart Eilers of Monticello; ...
March 7, 1903
New Racing Circuit
... meeting of the secretaries of the fair associations of the counties of Jones, Linn, Jackson and Clinton, which was held recently in Maquoketa.... There were present at the meeting: Secretary Eilers of Monticello. .....
Sept 22 1921
Thirty Years Ago (1891)
Gerhard Eilers sold his farm to Tobias Tobiasson for $9,500. This was at the rate of $57 per acre.
The history of St. John's Lutheran Church in Monticello, Iowa has the following sketch -
The church was organized on Jan. 12, 1964. Its, history, however, antedates its organization by several years. The nucleus of the church is found in a small Lutheran colony, comprising nine families and one single person in the neighborhood of the present site of the church, all coming across the Mississippi from Dixon, Lee County, Illinois. The colony was started when Jacob F. Matthiessen brought his family across the Father of Waters in May, 1857. He was accompanied by his future brother-in-law, GERHARD EILERS, who at the time was still an unmarried man. They were followed by the families of Anton Eilers and Johann H. Kleen in April, 1858; Nanne Hanken and Wessel B. Hanken in Oct. 1858; Heinrich Hanken in April 1859, Gerhard Ahrend Zimmerman in May 1859. Johann Jacobs in the fall of 1859 and Heinrich Jacobs in the spring of 1860.
Gerhard moved to Jones Co, Iowa in 1857 and married there in 1859. They bought a farm on 3 February 1864 in section 32, Lovell Township, Jones Co. Iowa, for $1,200. This farm was passed on to their son Henry later on.
His biographical entry in The History of Jones Co. (1879) says -
Gerhard Eilers, farmer, Sec 33: P.O. Monticello; was born in Oldenburg, Germany, in 1837; he is the son of Anton and Talke Eilers, who came to this country in 1850, and settled in Lee Co., Ill., but removed to Jones Co. in 1856. Mr. Eilers was married to Margaret Jacobs, also born in Germany; they have four children - Anton, Henry, William and Paul. Mr. Eilers has 730 acres of land, including a farm in Scotch Grove Township; he is engaged extensively in dairying and stock-raising; he makes a specialty of Clydesdale horses and Shetland ponies; has a large number of the former and several fine specimens of the latter.
(March 7, 1878)
A car load of fine stock from Canada found its destination at Monticello last Monday. The animals, horses and cattle, were for our leading stock men in this neighborhood. Some Short horn cattle, and some young Clydesdale horses for the Davidson brothers two miles West of town; one or two Short horns for Wm. Star; some Clydesdales for Garret Eilers. The most interesting of all, as curiosities, were three little Shetland ponies, just imported into Canada and brought there by Mr. Eilers. What Mr. Eilers' purpose or expectations are in regard to these ponies we are not informed. A plentiful sprinkling of them in cities would create a new world of happiness for children, and perhaps contribute to their health and physical vigor, more than anything else that be longs to the ways of our modern life.
(Sept 26, 1878)
The State Fair!
Class 12 - Farm Teams.
Pair geldings or mares, Dip. and $20, G Eilers, Monticello.
Gerhard had a pedigreed cattle listed by the American Short-horn Society in their Herd Books:
Golden Prince, Red, calved July 4, 1881, bred by Joseph Moffatt, Paw Paw Ill., owned by Gerhardt Eiler, Monticello, Ia., got by Golden Crown 35658, out of Matchless 30th (vol. 19, 14686) by Golden Crown 35658 - Matchless 22d (vol. 15) by Statesman 15539 - imp. Matchless 15th by Champion of England (17526) - Matchless 12th by Lord Raglan (13244), &c., see 51457.
Ramona - Red, calved Sept. 28, 1885, bred by Gerhard Eilers, Monticello, Iowa. got by Circassian Chieftain 85115, out of Rosabel of Maine Valley (vol. 24, p. 18764) by Royal Barmpton 94949, &c (American Shorthorn Herd Book, 344).
(April 29, 1886)
To Those Interested In Horses.
G. Eilers desires to inform the public that his stallions will make the season as follows:
TOPSMAN FIRST will not be removed from the farm of the owner. $20 to insure.
I have also an English shire horse which did not prove well his first season, but which proved well last season. This horse will remain upon the farm. $12 to insure.
FAVORITE, the Clydesdale stallion, will be moved as follows: Mondays and Tuesdays at Garret Rickles at Prairie Hill, Wednesdays at home, Thursdays at the old Bowen farm now owned by Rynerson on Bowens Prairie . $10 to insure.
I also have a fine Morgan stallion whose sire was the Morgan trotting stallion, Herod, upon whom Mr. Grattan bestowed the title "King of the Morgans". In the matter of breeding, the pedigree of Herod leaves nothing to be desired when Morgan blood is the object sought, he being by Sherman Black Hawk, son of Hill's Black Hawk, dam by Green Mountain Boy, son of Hill's Black Hawk. As the dam of King Herod was also by Hill's Black Hawk and her dam by Gilford Morgan It will be seen that the concentration of the blood of Justin Morgan is very marked. This sire Herod made a record of 2:24½ when he was 18 yean old. This horse will remain upon the farm during the season. $5 to insure.
Evergreen Farm
G. Eilers Prop'r.
(Dec 9, 1886)
Last Saturday morning, while bringing bis milk to the creamery, Gerhard Eilers' team took fright at the breaking of some part of the wagon and becoming unmanageable ran away with him. When stopped the wagon and milk can were sadly in need of repairs, and one of the horses was injured to some extent. With the exception of a severe shaking up and some slight bruises, Mr. Eilers escaped without serious injury.
Gerhardt was an elected member of the Iowa House of Representatives for more than 40 years. When he retired, he was given a gold headed cane and a coffee pot. Garnet Eilers Barton presently has these two items. His surrey, which was used to transport President Theodore Roosevelt when he visited Iowa, was given at Gerhardt's death to his son, Henry. Henry's son, Irving, used this same surrey to drive some of the older Hanssen children to school. Gerhardt was noted for his pure bred horses, however, many were lost in a disastrous stable fire. (Hanssen, p 135)
Monticello (Iowa) Express June 14, 1888, p 5
THE FIRE FIEND.
Gerhard Eilers' Barn and Six Valuable Horses Burned last Night.
Last night, soon after eleven o'clock, Gerhard Eilers' large barn two miles south of town caught fire and burned to the ground together with all of its contents, including five stallions and one mare. The fire when discovered was under such headway that it was impossible to rescue a single article or animal from the flames. The barn was 74X100 feet in size with 38 feet posts. When built a few years ago, it was said to be one of the largest barns in the country, and cost when completed about $6000. The stallions included the celebrated Topsman for which Mr. Eilers had been offered $2000 and a young stallion for which he had a few days before refused to take $1000. The remainder of the horses, including a Shetland stallion, were worth at least $1000, so that the total loss on horses exceeded $4000. The loss on other things in the barn, which included two blooded calves, 35 tons of hay, 300 bushels of oats, his buggies, harnesses and all of his farming implements will run up to more than a thousand dollars. Hence the property destroyed was of the value of more than $11,000. The insurance carried was in three companies and was distributed as follows:
HARTFORD INS. CO.
Barn..............................................$3000
Scales............................................ 100
FIRE ASSOCIATION, PHILADELPHIA
Barn..............................................$1000
Horses...........................................1000
Cows, etc......................................1000
STATE, OF DES MOINES
Horses..........................................$1000
Cattle.................................................400
The policies are so drawn, each of them, that the amount of insurance on any one horse shall not exceed $200. There is some question under their terms whether each of the companies thus insuring will be liable for the $200 on each horse, thus making the insurance $400 on each animal. Mr. Eilers' loss is a severe one and has almost broken him down. He has labored long and hard in the accumulation of this property, and it is a hard blow to see it vanish in smoke. The origin of the fire is a mystery. At half past nine, when the work horses were turned into the pasture, everything was all right, and later when the family retired, there were no signs of fire. The fire was evidently the work of an incendiary, although Mr. Eilers is slow to believe that anyone should have sufficient grudge against him to contemplate such a revenge.
March 31, 1890
- From Des Moines.
- The House Engages in School Boy Play at the Evening Session Saturday and Throw Paper Wads.
- Representative Eilers of Jones County is Struck in the Head and Carried out Insensible.
- Legislative. (Regular correspondence of The Gazette.)
Des Moines, March 30. - Nothing of importance was transacted in the house Saturday, ....
The house attempted an evening session in order to clear the calendar of legalizing acts and bills reported for postponement. The session had not far advanced when paper wads, pamphlets, etc., began flying about the room. Unfortunately a pamphlet and some papers rolled up for mailing was thrown and struck Mr. Eilers, of Jones, in the head knocking him off his seat. He was carried out almost insensible and for a time was very sick. However, he soon recovered, but in the confusion the house adjourned. The package which struck Mr. Eilers contained a copy of Gov. Larrabee's message, a Cedar Rapids Republican with a school book editorial and a State Register with a thundering demand for the repeal of prohibition. The wonder is, such a rare combination stopped with laying out one democrat.
_______________
Latest From Des Moines. .... Eilers is sick from Saturday's injury. ....
(Sept 24, 1891)
Mr. Gerhard Eilers has sold a $9500 farm to Mr. Tobias Tobiason. The price paid per acre was about $57.
Monticello (Iowa) Express, December 28, 1893
Two toughs went out to Mr. Gerhard Eilers farm adjoining the corporation, last Sunday afternoon, and deliberately shot a hog and a chicken which were feeding in the barn yard. Mr. Eilers heard the shot and rushed out of the house. The two miscreants took to their heels, and he gave them chase. On the run they rid themselves of their guns, and made good their escape across Kitty creek. It is said they were recognized by a woman who say them running. If she can identify them they will be arrested. Mr. Eilers who has been troubled before with hunters, will hereafter prosecute all trespassers. Mrs. Eilers who is ill was quite unnerved by the closeness of the shot. Mr. Eilers offers a reward of $5 for information that will lead to the detection of the criminals.
July 21, 1899
Monticello News Notes.
A young lad by the name of Eilers, had his hands injured in a hay pulley, yesterday, near this place. The lad's home is near Independence and he had been visiting his grandfather southwest of town. While gathering the slack in a hay rope his hands were pulled into the pulley. The end of a finger and a thumb nail were lost and his hands severely burned.
(October 19, 1899)
Three of Gerhard Eiler's cows fell in the Connor & Hogan well, south of town yesterday, and one of them was drowned. The others were nearly dead when pulled out. It was in this well that a child lost its life a few years ago.
April 2, 1902
Federal Court Opens
..... The grand jurors were summoned .... The men who were present and who retired to commence the duties of the term were: ... Gerhart Eilers of Monticello; ...
March 7, 1903
New Racing Circuit
... meeting of the secretaries of the fair associations of the counties of Jones, Linn, Jackson and Clinton, which was held recently in Maquoketa.... There were present at the meeting: Secretary Eilers of Monticello. .....
Sept 22 1921
Thirty Years Ago (1891)
Gerhard Eilers sold his farm to Tobias Tobiasson for $9,500. This was at the rate of $57 per acre.
Events
| Birth | 25 Jan 1837 | Zetel, Friesland, Weser-Ems, Niedersachsen, Germany |  |  | |
| Immigration | 1850 | | | ||
| Marriage | 20 Oct 1859 | Jones, Iowa, United States - Margaretha (Margaret) Jacobs | |||
| Census (family) | 10 Jul 1860 | Monticello, Jones, Iowa, United States - Margaretha (Margaret) Jacobs | | | |
| Census (family) | 1870 | Monticello, Jones, Iowa, United States - Margaretha (Margaret) Jacobs | | | |
| Census (family) | 19 Jun 1880 | Monticello, Jones, Iowa, United States - Margaretha (Margaret) Jacobs | | | |
| Census (family) | 1885 | Monticello, Jones, Iowa, United States - Margaretha (Margaret) Jacobs | | | |
| Election | 1888 | Jones Co.'s State Representative, 40 yrs.- 22 General Assembly - Iowa's House of Representatives, Iowa, United States | | | |
| Census (family) | 1895 | Monticello, Jones, Iowa, United States - Margaretha (Margaret) Jacobs | | | |
| Census (family) | 2 Jun 1900 | Lovell Township, Jones, Iowa, United States - Margaretha (Margaret) Jacobs | | | |
| Death | 6 Oct 1906 | Jones, Iowa, United States | | | |
| Probate | 16 Oct 1906 | | |||
| Burial | Oakwood Cemetery, Jones, Iowa, United States | | |
Families
| Spouse | Margaretha (Margaret) Jacobs (1842 - 1905) |
| Child | Anton "Tony" Eilers (1861 - 1920) |
| Child | Henry E. Eilers (1862 - 1940) |
| Child | William George Eilers (1864 - 1923) |
| Child | Paul Gerhard Eilers MD (1878 - 1958) |
| Father | Anton Eilers (1813 - 1886) |
| Mother | Talke Oetken (1804 - 1878) |
| Sibling | Anna Elizabeth Gesine Eilers (1837 - 1906) |
| Sibling | Renke Eilers (1844 - 1926) |
| Sibling | Edward Eilers (1851 - 1886) |
Notes
Birth
Even though his burial record says 1835, his biographical sketch in the History of Jones Co. says he was born in Oldenburg, Germany in 1837. He also gives his age as 63 birth Jan 1837 in the 1900 census.Immigration
Gerhard would have been 14 when he immigrated to the U.S. Moved to Jones Co, Iowa in 1859Census (family)
Living with his parents:873, 905
Antone Eilers 46, Farmer, 1050 real estate, 1540 personal estate, Oldenburg
Talke Eilers 56, Oldenburg
Gerhard Eilers, 24, Farmer, 1640 Real Estate, Oldenburg
Margaret Eilers, 17, Hanover
Renke Eilers, 16, Oldenburg
Census (family)
Monticello Township. P.O. Langworthy. 2 Aug 1870.pg 18-19 pg. 136
128, 130 Eilers, Garret 34 M W Farmer 11300, 2,000 Oldenburg
Margaret 26 F W Hanover
Anton 9 M W Iowa
Henry 7 M W Iowa
William 6 M W Iowa
Pagler, Henry 20 M W Works on Farm Hanover
Georges, John 18 M W Works on Farm Hanover
Elgeods?, Mary 14 F W Hanover
(could this be Edzards?)
129, 131 Eilers, Anton 57 M W Farmer 5000 Oldenburg
Take 67 F W Keeping House Oldenburg
Census (family)
indexed as: EILEI GARRETT86, 87, Eiler, Garrett, WM 43, Married, Farmer, Oldenburg Oldenburg Oldenburg
Margaret, WF 38, Wife, Keeping house, Hanover Hanover Hanover
Anton, WM, 19, Son, single, Farm labor, Iowa
Henry, WM. 17, Son, single, Farm labor, Iowa
William, WM, 10, Son, single, Iowa
Paul, WM, 2, Son, single, Iowa
Not sure who this is! Possible relative?
USA, Iowa, Clayton Co., Jefferson
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
Gerhard H. EILERS Self M Male W 63 HANOVER Farmer HANOVER HANOVER
Magdalena EILERS Wife M Female W 57 HANOVER Keeping House HANOVER HANOVER
Henry EILERS Son S Male W 19 IA At Home HANOVER HANOVER
Bernard EILERS Son S Male W 17 IA At Home HANOVER HANOVER
---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Source Information:
Census Place Jefferson, Clayton, Iowa
Family History Library Film 1254333
NA Film Number T9-0333
Page Number 398C
Census (family)
Ln Dw Fm Surname Given Name Tw Rn Se Loc Age Sex M Occupation Birthplace Fa Mo Other30 36 36 Eilers Gerhard 86 3 33 SW NE 46 M M Farmer Germany F F Voter
31 Eilers Margaret 40 F M Keeping House Germany F F
Page #9
1 Eilers Anthony 24 M S Farmer Jones Co., IA F F Voter
2 Eilers Henry 22 M S Farmer Jones Co., IA F F Militia, Voter
3 Eilers William 19 M S Crocking Clerk Jones Co., IA F F Militia
4 Eilers Paul 7 M Jones Co., IA F F
5 Pause Fredrika 17 F House Keeper Jones Co., IA F F
6 Wiers Henry 20 M S Farmer Germany F F
7 Edjards John 17 M Farmer Germany F F
Election
Gerhardt served for more than 40 years.Members of the General Assembly from 1846-1911
Abreviation "R" for Representative.
Name P.O. Address Home County Sessions
Eilers, Gerhard ........ Monticello................Jones...................R 22-23
Census (family)
8 155 155 Eilers Gerhard 58 M M Germany F F Farmer German Ref9 Eilers Margaret 52 F M " " " "
10 Eilers Antone 33 M S Iowa Jones F F Farmer "
11 Eilers Paul 17 M " " " " "
Census (family)
SD 1st, ED 57, sheet 1, Lovell Township,8,8 Eilers, Rerhard, Head W M Jan 1837 63 Married 42 yrs Farmer, Germany
Margaret, Wife W F Aug 1842 51 M-42, 4 births, 4 living, Germany
Paul Son W M July 1877 22 Single Physician, Iowa
Anton Son W M Aug 1861 38 Married 1 1/2 yrs Farm labor, Iowa
Manguer, John Boarder W M May 1872 28 Single Farm labor, Switzerland
Florin, Eliza Servant W F Sep 1869 30 Single Servant, Switzerland
Immigation:
Rerhard 1851, 49 yrs NA
Margaret 1853, 47 yrs
John 1892, 8 yrs PA
Eliza 1899, 1 yrs
Everyone can read, write and speak English except Eliza who can't speak English yet.
Death
(April 4, 1906)Hon. Gerhard Eilers is so ill he was not able to attend the funeral of his sister, Mrs. Matthiessen,yesterday afternoon.
(Oct 3, 1906)
Hon. G. W. Eilers, one of Monticello's honored and respected citizens, is lying very near death's door. Infirmities of old age are the cause of his failing condition. Dr. Paul Eilers of Alburnett was called here Friday by the serious illness of his father.
(Oct 4, 1906)
Dr. Paul Eilers of Alburnett, was in Monticello last Friday to see his father, Hon. Gerhard Eilers, who is still very sick.
(Monticello Express, Thursday, Oct 11, 1906, p5)
Hon. Gerhard Eilers, a widely known and highly respected citizen of Monticello died at his home, a short distance south of town, last Saturday night at eleven o'clock, after an acute illness of about two weeks duration. Mr. Eilers had been ailing for a year or two, but his condition did not become alarming until recently, when he took to his bed, and gave up all hope of recovery. He was greatly attached to his wife, who died a little more than a year ago. He never in any manner became reconciled to her loss, and continued to mourn her death so intensely that it is believed to have had no little influence in hastening his own death. Mr. Eilers was in his day one of the constructive farmers of Jones county, and the work he did in improving the stock of the county added tens of thousands of dollars to the wealth of those who own the splendid herds of cattle and the big draft horses on the Jones county farms. Mr. Eilers was born in Oldenburg, Germany, on the 25th day of January, 1835. He was the son of Anton and Talke Eilers,who came from the Fatherland in 1850. Being then a lad, he accompanied them to Lee county Illinois, where they lived until 1856, when they came into Jones county. Mr. Eilers was married to Margaret Jacobs. They became the parents of four children, who are Mr. Wm. G. Eilers, the merchant of Monticello, Dr. Paul G. Eilers of Alburnett, and Messrs. Henry Eilers and Anton Eilers, who own farms in this vicinity. Soon after he started farming—as soon as he accumulated sufficiently for that purpose—Mr. Eilers determined upon the improvement of the breeds of stock in his community. He very rightly declared that it cost no more to raise fine stock than it did the inferior varieties without pedigree or strain, and he became one of the pioneers in that line. His Clydesdale horses and his Durham cattle acquired wide reputation, and his yearly sales of blooded stock attracted buyers from different parts of the state. Mr. Eilers was elected to a seat in the legislature on the democratic ticket in 1887, and was re-elected two years later. He served his constituents with fidelity, and with honor to himself. He was an honest man, and never failed in the respect of his acquaintances, no matter what their politics. He was an exceedingly useful citizen, whose influence was cast into this community only twenty years after the advent of its first settler, and continued uninterruptedly during the following fifty years. The funeral services were conducted at the German Reformed church last Tuesday forenoon by Rev. E. E. Gruenstein. The church edifice was completely filled by the friends of the deceased who gathered to do honor to his memory. The remains were laid to rest in Oakwoods cemetery.
Probate
W. G. Eilers signs Executor's Bond to perform all the duties of Executor of the Estate of Gerhard Eilersdated 16th day of October 1906 J W Daxser Notary Public
Burial
Jones County Gravestone RecordsPage: 54
Name: Gerhard Eilers
Birth Date: 25 Jan 1835
Death Date: 06 Oct 1906
Town: Oakwood
Endnotes
1. The history of Jones county, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns &c., biographical sketches of citizens ... history of the Northwest, history of Iowa ... (Chicago, Western historical company, 1879. iv, 19-705 (i.e. 667) p. incl. illus., ports. 25 cm.), p. 666.
2. 1900 Federal Census, Iowa, Jones Co. (read by Nancy Prouty, Nov. 24, 2000).
3. U.S. Census images. Heritage Quest Online. Subscription database through the Sonoma County Public Library. (ProQuest LLC, 2009.), 1860 > IOWA > JONES > MONTICELLO TWP Series: M653 Roll: 328 Page: 681.
4. US Federal Government, Federal Population Census 1870. Jones Co., Iowa Roll 401. Iowa Vol. 16 (1-254A) Jones Co. (read Jun 28, 2001, Nancy Prouty.).
5. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints., Transcription of the United States Federal Population Census - 1880 (http://www.familysearch.org/ Oct. 2002).
6. U.S. Census images. Heritage Quest Online. Subscription database through the Sonoma County Public Library. (ProQuest LLC, 2009.), 1880 > IOWA > JONES > MONTICELLO Series: T9 Roll: 348 Page: 301.
7. 1885 State Census, Iowa, Jones Co. Ln=Line Number Dw=Dwelling number Fm=Family number Tw=Township Rn=Range Se=Section Loc=Location M=Marital status Fa=Father (Native/Foreign) Mo=Mother (Native/Foreign) (transcribed by Don Thomson for Rootsweb http://www.rootsweb.com/~iajones/census/85castle.htm 2002).
8. Hayward, William C., Secretary of State, Iowa Official Register: for the years 1911-1912, Twenty-fourth number (Des Moines: Emory H. English, State Printer, E.D. Chassell, State Binder, 1911), ; digital images, (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/shelves/redbooks/Redbook-1911-1912%20(34GA).pdf : accessed 14 August 2015.
9. 1895 Iowa State Census. Castle Grove Township PAGES 44-67 + 931 Monticello Township PAGES 463-490 Monticello City PAGES 494-515, PAGES 516-537 Scotch Grove PAGES 753-776 (transcribed by Joanne Wilken http://www.rootsweb.com/~iajones/census/census.htm 2002).
10. US Federal Census - 1900 Iowa, Jones Co., (Read by Dave Graves, Charlotte, NC davgrav@aol.com, May 13, 2001).
11. 1900 Federal Census, Iowa, Jones Co. (read by Nancy Prouty, Nov. 24, 2000).
12. "Current News at Monticello," Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Gazette, 3 October 1906; online images, Digital Archives of Cedar Rapids Public Library (http://crpubliclibrary.newspaperarchive.com/Default.aspx : accessed ).
13. "Home news," Monticello (Iowa) Express, 11 October 1906; Ross & Elizabeth Baty Public Library (http://batypl.newspaperarchive.com : accessed 31 January 2011), Newspaper Digital Archives.
14. "Home news," Monticello (Iowa) Express, 19 April 1906; Ross & Elizabeth Baty Public Library (http://batypl.newspaperarchive.com : accessed 31 January 2011), Newspaper Digital Archives.
15. WPA - Work Project Administration 1930's Graves Resgistration Survey, IAGenWeb, IowaWPAGraves.com online [http://iowawpagraves.org/index.php], accessed Oct 2008.