"OLD FAMILY OBITS FASCINATING"

    My sister Doris pulled out the following family obituary this past week and I would like to share it with you. It is about my Grandma Minnie Smith's grandfather--Christian Gummert. It is always interesting to read just the way articles, etc. were written many many years ago. The style of writing was of a "flowery" which has all but disappeared today. If you grew up or lived in the Laurel area this might be of interest to you or if you simply appreciate old  local history and a different type of narrative. 

     CHRISTIAN GUMMERT

Christian Gummert was born August 13, 1834 in Deardorf, Germany and died at Renville ,Minnesota on January 1, 1914 at 9 o'clock in the forenoon. He was united in marriage to Miss Fredereka Treite, in 1855. To this union 10 children were born, six of whom survive. They are William, Minneapolis;Charles, Renville; Fred, SaukCenter; Herman, Renville; Mrs.Wm. Schufft, Renville and Mrs.W. Schultz, of Laurel, Iowa. They came to America in  that time he has made his home the fall of 1882 settling in Marshall County, Iowa. From there they came to Emmett in the spring of 1890, settling on his farm east of this city. They came to Renville in 1907 where they resided until his wife and helpmeet passed to the better land on September 29th last. Since that time he has made his home with his son O. F. Gummert and gradually failed until the end came as stated. He was up and around until within three days of his demise, when he took to his bed.

----------------------------------------to be continued