Hans Knoop

In the passing of Hans Knoop, one of the most prominent German citizens of north Tama was removed from life's activities. He died at his home in Traer Sunday morning of Bright's disease after an illness of two years or more. He was seventy-one years of age, having been born in Holstein, Germany, Febuary 27, 1847.

He came to America when nineteen years old, without a dollar, in fact his brothers sent him money with which to pay his passage.

Before he died he held more than 1,000 acres of Tama county's rich farm land in his name, mostly paid for. This illustrates his emarkable business ability as well as the great possibilites offered by this country.

He was one of a family of six , of whom but two remain, Henry of Dysart, and Fred, in California.

On landing in this country he located first at Davenport, settling in 1870 on the farm north of Clutier which was his home until he came to Traer in 1914.

Mr. Knoop was married in June 1877, in Oneida township, to Johanna Diers, who has been a true helpmate all the years since and gave him every care in his last days. Eight children were born to this couple, five sons and three daughters. One daughter preceded the father in death a few years ago. The other children are : Emil, southwest of Dysart; Will and Henry, north of Clutier; Herman, in the army, Camp Dodge; Mrs. Mary Lamb, east of Toledo; Mrs. Hilda Hora north of Clutier; Harry at home.

Mr. Knoop was a man universally esteemed by his acquaintances. He was always dependable. We have done business with him many years and always found him strictly honorable.

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Miles on Wednesday afternoon at the home in Traer. interment was in the Oneida cemetery. Relatives present from a distant were; Mrs. and Mrs. Wm. Ralfs, of Trosky, Minn.; Theo Ralfs, of Davenport; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ballhorn, of Garwin; Herman Knoop, of Camp Dodge.

Another Obit for Hans Knoop

The following obituary was found in the Tama County Historical Society office by Velma Ralfs/Grant and daughter Claire Marie Grant on August 21, 2000. It is typed as it appeared in the original newspaper.

Hans Knoop died here Sunday morning at his home here. He had been in failing health for some months past. Deceased was born in Germany, and was seventy-one years of age at the time of his death. He was one of the pioneer residents of this vicinity, locating on a farm in Oneida township, where he became one of the leading farmers and land owners . Here he lived until about three years ago, when he retired to Traer. He is survived by his wife and seven children, namely Emil, Will, Henry, Herman, Harry, Mrs. Hilda Hora, and Mrs. Mary Lamb, all of this county. One daughter, Mrs. William Hock died over a year ago. Two brothers, Henry of Dysart, and Fred of California also survive. The son, Herman who is in the Eighty-third division at Camp Dodge was unable to attend the funeral services, which were held at the home on Wednesday afternoon, being unable to obtain a furlough on account of the early departure of the division for France.

Submitted by: Claire Marie Grant (cmgrant2@yahoo.com)