Jefferson City, Missouri
"Jefferson City," Iowa - really Denver, Iowa!
We are leaving Jefferson City to visit Jefferson City this weekend. Oddly put, right? Like I don't know what I'm saying. But I do! An email from a local historian in Bremer County told us Denver used to be called Jefferson City. "Cosmic," says Warren. Located in Jefferson Township in Bremer County, the settlement was called Jefferson City as it formed, later renamed, Denver.
We are heading north this weekend to visit the original homestead of the Krech family in Bremer County, Iowa. Chris Krech was a shadowy figurehead for years until we discovered wonderful details of his life a few years ago. When we realized it was only 6 hours north of here and on the way to Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Moody County, South Dakota, we knew we HAD to visit!
So we are off to help with the Fall Clean Up Day in Mt. Auburn Cemetery this coming Saturday. On the way, we will stop in Denver, Iowa in Bremer County, where Warren's great grandfather, William grew up. We plan to visit his gravesite in St. Paul's Cemetery, northeast of town and hopefully walk on land that Chris and his family walked on over 100 years ago. We would love to find evidence (?) of the sawmill on section 23.
We are looking forward to meeting Elvira Hebel, legendary historian of the county, who was instrumental in translating the obituaries in the German language newspaper, the Phoenix, begun by our own Chris Krech in 1884. As I've said before, it's the kindness of strangers like Elvira, who appreciate knowing the details of the past and share their work with the world, that has made our own personal genealogical journey such a joy.
Check back later for all the trip details!
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Update: Here's the plan from Elvira for Friday! What fun!
I am proposing that I meet with you at the Recorder's office at the
Bremer County Courthouse on Friday morning at about 9am to
look up deed transfers, birth-marriage-death records - then proceed to the
Waverly Public Library. After that we can go to the St Paul's UCC cemetery NE of
Denver and also look at the former site of the saw mill - there is nothing
there as it has been incorporated with the city of Denver. Weather should be
good as no rain is forecast.
