Individual Details
Jacob Martin Rau
(1844 - 4 Sep 1883)
Not much is known about Jacob Rau. Charlotte Stafford wrote that he "came to this country in 1867, eventually located in Keokuk, IA in 1869, where he was a saloon keeper between 8th and 9th streets on Main St." He married Elizabeth Holdefer June 1876, had 3 children (Henry C., Phoebe L. and Anna M.), and died Sept 2, 1883 (age 40). From his obit we know he was a member of the Herman Lodge of I.O.O.F., and a member of the Humbolt Lodge, K. of H. He was a member of the Lutheran church.
Some years ago Charlotte discovered old letters written to Jacob from his family in Biberach, Germany, dated Sept 1877 and June 20, 1881. Roger Stafford was able to find someone who could read the old German script and had them translated, and they are available in the book filed under Rau.
Some years ago Charlotte discovered old letters written to Jacob from his family in Biberach, Germany, dated Sept 1877 and June 20, 1881. Roger Stafford was able to find someone who could read the old German script and had them translated, and they are available in the book filed under Rau.
Events
| Birth | 1844 | Biberach, Germany | |||
| Marriage | 10 May 1877 | Lutheran Church, Keokuk, Rev Graw Minister., Keokuk, IA - Elizabeth Holdefer | |||
| Death | 4 Sep 1883 | Keokuk,IA | |||
| Burial | Oakland Cemetery in Section 9, lot 39., Keokuk, IA | ||||
| Occupation | From 1878 until his death in 1883, | Saloon keeper - 816 Mail Street, Keokuk, IA |  |
Families
| Spouse | Elizabeth Holdefer (1849 - 1944) |
| Child | Phoebe Lucia Rau (1881 - 1944) |
| Child | Henry Carl Rau (1878 - 1948) |
| Child | Anna Marie Rau (1879 - 1956) |
Notes
Occupation
The Keokuk Business directory of 1878, page 709, Contains the following:RAU, J., Saloon keeper, between Eighth and Ninth streets, born in Germany in 1814; came to America in 1867; to Keokuk in 1969; started present business in 1878. Married Miss Elizabeth Holdefer in 1877; she was born in Lee Co. in 1850. They have one child - Carl., born in 1878. Members of the Lutheran church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge.
An earlier business directory, the Lee County and Keokuk Directory, page 131 lists Jacob Rau as teamster, bds 14th bet. Main and Blondeau.