Dettbenner - Albert - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Albert Dettbenner died at his home a mile north of Sugar Grove at 10 o’clock on Christmas Morning.  Death was the result of Bright’s disease with other complications and he had continued an invalid for several years.  His last critical illness lasted a week. Mr. Dettbenner was born in Prussia 69 years ago. He came to America in 1872, settling near Sugar Grove and for the entire 40 years remained an honored and highly esteemed citizen of that prosperous community. Mr. Dettbenner was one of six brothers, of whom only one, Theodore Dettbenner of near Linden, yet survives. His wife, Mrs. Augusta Dettbenner, preceded him to the grave on October 25, just two months previous. He leaves two daughters, Miss Edith Dettbenner and Mrs. Ira M. Wilson. Mr. Dettbenner was a successful farmer, hard working, careful and prudent, and as a result of which he labored from the smallest beginning on his arrival from the Fatherland to the competency of a frugal and thrifty farmer.  He was a man honored and loved by everybody in his own community and by a large acquaintance. He was devoted to his home and his family. In the plainest truth of this was the pathetic way in which he mourned the death of his beloved wife in the long two months of pain and suffering until the Master called him home. He was a true Christian man, humble in his devotion to his church and in his service for his God, ever living the simple life of ruth. He was a member of the Sugar Grove Methodist church, and when their health permitted both he and his good wife were always among the most regular attendants at all church services. He was also a most faithful member of Henry Clay Lodge Knights of Pythias of New Richmond.  In whatsoever Mr. Dettbenner took part, it was an active part, not a passive one, and his was always a zealous work in its cause. As with reference to the best things in his life he has been quoted as often using these words: “My wife first; then my church, then my lodge.” His friends and acquaintances everywhere found much in the life of Uncle Albert worthy of example, an exemplary life well lived. No truer Christian ever lived in this community. No more faithful member has ever crossed the threshold of Henry Clay Lodge. His duty he felt it that almost always found him at his post. The funeral, which was very largely attended, occurred at 11 o’clock Friday morning from the Sugar Grove church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Henry D. Dick. A male quartette consisting of I. N. Miller, Ira Meharry, Morton Davisson and Emery Tribby, furnished the music. Following an excellent funeral sermon the beautiful and impressive burial ceremony of the Knights of Pythias was performed, because of the inclement weather this being done in the church, the lodge of Knights being present in a body. The pallbearers were W. C. Davisson,