Fort Dodge Messenger
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Monday, December 6, 1909
Page 1

A Sufferer Eight Years.

Mrs. Anna Fierst Spirek, whose struggle against disease was given up very shortly after Mr. Weller died, was another early resident of this county. Her birth occurred in Bohemia seventy years ago and her marriage to Joseph Spirek occurred there a half a century ago.

Forty years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Spirek came to this country, locating for a time at Iowa City, but shortly afterward coming to Webster county where they settled in Elkhorn township and became prominent in the community as prosperous farmers.

Here her seven sons and three daughters were born, all but one of whom survive, and here after many years of happy life, her husband passed away sixteen years ago and was interred in the family burying ground there.

When widowed, Mrs. Spirek left her farm home and came to Fort Dodge, establishing her residence at 317 First avenue south, where she could be near her children, most of whom lived in this city. Eight years ago, a paralytic stroke visited her and since then, despite the incessant effort of loving children, she has been an invalid frequently visited by sudden illness which it was feared might at any time prove fatal. Her death Saturday, came as the result of sudden heart trouble, and thus was as great a shock as if she had been constantly well.

The children are Anton, Charles, Frank and Edward Spirek of Fort Dodge, Albert of Hugo, Colorado, and Mary, Anne and Nettie, now Mrs. Root of Lamour, N. D., Mrs. Joe Koll of Fort Dodge and Mrs. Al Koll of this city. Joseph, a seventh son, is dead.

The deceased is survived by two half brothers, Louis Hutz of Iowa City and Vincent Hutz, living in Elkhorn township and a sister, Mrs. Veronica Wesley of Elkhorn township.

Transcribed by Leta Koll
Contributor: Leta Koll (47365090)
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1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Joseph Spreck [Joseph Spirek]
Age: 46
Birth Date: Abt 1834
Birthplace: Bohemia
Home in 1880: Elkhorn, Webster, Iowa, USA
Dwelling Number: 80
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital status: Married
Spouse's name: Anna Spreck
Father's Birthplace: Bohemia
Mother's Birthplace: Bohemia
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members: Name Age
Joseph Spreck 46
Anna Spreck 43
Anthany Spreck 20
Charlie Spreck 18
Joseph Spreck 16
Mary Spreck 14
Frank Spreck 12
Albert Spreck 10
Anna Spreck 8
Nettie Spreck 5
Washington Spreck 4/12
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1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Annie Spirek
Age: 61
Birth Date: Jan 1839
Birthplace: Bohemia
Home in 1900: Wahkonsa, Webster, Iowa
Ward of City: 1
Street: First Avenue
House Number: 317
Sheet Number: 20
Number of Dwelling in Order of Visitation: 45 337
Family Number: 374
Race: White
Gender: Female
Immigration Year: 1866
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: Bohemia
Mother's Birthplace: Bohemia
Mother: Number of Living Children: 9
Mother: How Many Children: 9
Years in US: 34
Can Read: No
Can Write: No
Can Speak English: No
House Owned or Rented: O
Home Free or Mortgaged: F
Farm or House: H
Household Members: Name Age
Annie Spirek 61
Edward Spirek 21
James L Spirek 19
Minnie Spirek 17
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Pursuant to the 1900 census, she claimed only nine children, with all living at that time; including Washington, Minnie and James L.