IAOBRIEN-L Archives

From: Doug Negus <>
Subject: Ahrend
Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 14:18:33 -0800

Posted on: Obrien Co. Ia Queries
Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/Obrien/63

Surname: Ahrend
-------------------------

Joyce,

I found this in the "History of O'Brien County, Iowa" printed in 1979.
I'm not sure if it is for your family or not , but thought I'd send it
along and if it is of help to you then good. Otherwise just delete it.

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Ray C. Ahrend

Frances Emma Bohan was born to W.C. and Anna J. Beacon Bohan on Oct. 9,
1896 at their farm home in O'Brien Co., Franklin Twp., Section 21, 2 3/4
miles northwest of Sanborn to a family of nine children, 5 girls and 4
boys. She graduated from the Sanborn Public High School June 3, 1915 when
she attended all the 12 grades. Her youthful days bring paramount memories
of farm duties and school. Helping on the farm and doing chores were happily
performed with great effort to please our parents which brought delight
to all our family. Conveyance to school was by horse and buggy, and in
the winter by team and sleigh. Walking was unsafe after Highway 18 was
paved and the traffic increased. Neighbors often joined together for transportation
to school. When the sled would upset, all would help to upright it, crowd
into the sleigh again and get to school on time. I recall my father donning
his coonskin coat and cap and with a frisky team on the sleigh, would pick
up all the neighborhood children for a pleasant trip to school amid chattering
and bickering.
After teaching school a few years, I was employed at the Sanborn Savings
Bank until my marriage to Ray C. Ahrend of Primghar on Jan. 3, 1927 at
Sanborn, Iowa. My sister , Anna M. Bohan, succeeded me at the bank and
remained until her retirement.
Ray was born Jan. 26, 1893 at Newhall, Benton Co., Iowa to Frederick J.
and Ida Ahrend. He was the youngest child in a family of 6 daughters and
3 sons, now all deceased. He came with the family to Primghar as a child
and received his education in the Primghar Public Schools. He was an auto
mechanic, and followed this trade until ill health forced him to give up
his work. After our marriage we purchased the Ahrend home in north Primghar.
We built a large garage where Ray operated a repair shop. We put in sewer
and water and modernized the home and lived here continuously since May
15, 1932.
Ray died at his home March 5, 1960 after several years of poor health.
I retired that year after being employed in the First National Bank, Primghar,
Iowa for several years. Since I am home, I keep active with membership
n St. Anthony's Church and Guild, DCCW of the Northwest Deanery, Sioux
City Diocese, Charter member of Primghar Woman's Club, O'Brien County Historical
Society and in the American Legion Auxiliary. I have held all offices and
served as treasurer for 13 years. I have also been associated with Meals
on Wheels, Betterment Council, Iowa T.B. and Health Assoc. having held
all offices and served as treasurer and representative for over 30 years.
I have been honored as a 50 year member of the Royal Neighbors of American
and am now serving as recorder. I have served as secretary treasurer of
the O'Brien Co. Historical Society. I am also active in Senior Citizens,
belong to a bridge club and am a member of the Primghar Hospital Auxiliary.

There is also an article on Cora Mae Ahrend who was born on Sept. 3, 1890
and married Alert George Geister on Feb. 21, 1912. She was the daughter
of Fredrick John Ahrend and Ida Miller.

If there is anything more you want me to look up just let me know. I also
go the courthouse in Primghar once in a while and could look for anything
there for you if you send me the names and approximate dates. Good luck.

Doug

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• Ahrend by Doug Negus <>