Johan August Ferdinand Langholff

 

John Ferdinand Langholff was born June 5 1820, in Rattai, Prussia, here he grew to manhood and was married to Miss Anna Elizabeth Bahr in 1845.

With his family, Mr Langholff came to America in 1851, and after a few weeks stay in Milwaukee, came to Fort Atkinson to make his home.

The deceased was a locksmith by trade but in the early days found demand for work of that nature in this vicinity and engaged in the blacksmith business. His shop was probably the first in this city and he was accounted an expert workman. Mr Langholff was one of the founders of St Pauls Lutheran society here and always took a deep interest in matters that pertained to the welfare of the church.

Mr and Mrs Langholff were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living, as follows, Julius and Mrs Sarah Foljahn of this city, Mrs Mathilda Mess and Mrs Bertha Gallitz of Chicago, Herman, Mrs Clara Savall and Mrs Amelia Wiring also of this city.

Although in advanced age and feeble, Mr Langholff ever took an active interest in the affairs of the day and was a familiar figure on the streets of the city.

Death came suddenly from old age at four o'clock Saturday afternnon. Early in the day he had been seated on the porch, seemingly in perfect health, adn had conversed with several friends passing by. On attempting to walk across the room, he fell, and before assistance arrived, was dead.

Besides his aged wife and seven children, named above, he leaves fourteen grandchildren, one great grandchild, and two brothers, Gottlieb and August, both of Jefferson.

The funeral services took place Tuesday May 11, at two o'clock from St Paul's Lutheran Church to the Evergreen cemetery, conducted by the Rev. A F Nicolaus.

The deceased was an honest and upright citizen ever ready to lend a helping hand to neighbor or friend in time of need. In an early day he often gave assistance to his fellow countrymen, who reached America without funds or friends.

 

Death occured May 8 1909 and the above article is from unknown Jefferson Co Wi newspaper