Theobald Klein

THEOBALD KLEIN, deceased, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, born February 22, 1840, a son of Theobald Klein, who is also deceased. Our subject was reared and educated in his native country, remaining there till reaching maturity. When a young man he immigrated to America, and first settled in Des Moines County, Iowa, where he made his home for a number of years. He was united in marriage May 14, 1868, to Miss Mary C. Stifel, she being a daughter of Jacob Stifel of Burlington, Iowa. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Klein five are living – Jacob, Annie, Minnie M., Emma C. and Kate C.  Mr. Klein was a cooper by trade which vocation he followed the greater part of his life. He became a resident of Clarke County, Iowa, in the Spring of 1876 when he located on section 4, Madison Township, living there till his death which occurred November 28, 1884. He was a kind and affectionate husband and father, and a good citizen and neighbor, and during his residence in the county won the respect of all who knew him by his honest and upright dealings with his fellow citizens. May 14, 1861, Mr. Klein enlisted in Company D, First Iowa Infantry, and served three months. December 14, 1863, he enlisted in Company K, Second Iowa Cavalry and served until the regiment was mustered out June 7, 1865. He was taken prisoner December 17, 1864, at the battle of Franklin, Tennesse, and was held captive until exchanged at the close of the war.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 439-40