Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeObits/10217 Surname: SANDERS, HUCHTONS, MERTENS, RICE ------------------------- Obituary Gerhard Sanders, Jr. Taken from a Lee County Newspaper Sanders Gerhard Sanders, for more than 60 years a prominent farmer and business man of Lee County, passed away at his home in Wes Point, Tuesday, September 1, 1925, at 7 PM, aged 84 years, 8 months and 2 days. Gerhard Sanders was born in Furstenau, Hanover, Germany, December 29, 1840. When but seventeen years of age, in the fall of 1858, he came to the United States with two of his sisters, they journey being made on a sailing vessel and occupying nine weeks. They landed at New Orleans and came directly to this vicinity and he lived in Lee County over 66 years. On November 20, 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Huchtons. To this union were born twelve children, all of whom with the mother survive. He is survived by Mrs. Sanders and the following children: Mrs. Frank Mertens of Cottonwood, J. G. Sanders, Joseph Sanders, both of Houghton; Miss Mary Sanders of Riverside, Henry Sanders of Beemer, NB, William Sanders of Mt Hamill, Bernard Sanders of West Point, Chris Sanders of Lindsay, NB, Miss Elizabeth Sanders at home, Mrs. Charles Rice of Bowling Green, MO, Anna Sanders St. Louis, MO, and Stephen Sanders of Keokuk. He is survived by 56 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The deceased led a very active life up to a year or two ago. Upon his arrival in this country he worked as a farm hand until his marriage. He then got position of his first piece of land. He and his good wife worked hard and prospered, and they were able from time to time to add to his property. He extended the boundaries of his landholdings, mostly around Houghton, until he had 600 acres. He retired from the farm in 1909, having disposed of his land holding, and moved to Fort Madison. While a resident of that city he erected a fine residence on upper Fifth Street. Later he became owner of the Grand Hotel in that city and conducted the same up to a few years ago. Besides the hotel property he had other valuable property holding in that city at the time of his death. Mr. Sanders was well known all over the county and for 20 years was a member of the county board of supervisors. By his strict attention to business and his fair dealings with his fellowmen he gained for himself the esteem of all who came in contact with him. In the home he was a kind, loving and indulgent husband and father. Two years ago the deceased moved to West Point. He was a member of St. Mary’s church. Mr. Sanders was one of the organizers of St. John’s parish at Houghton and gave liberally of his means, and much of his time for the up building of the parish. The funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s church Friday morning at 9 o’clock. Interment will be in the family burial lot in St. John’s cemetery at Houghton. Please omit flowers.