HERMAN L. NEWKIRK.___The following obituary of Herman Newkirk was written by the former pastor of the family in Lincoln township:

Death entered the community of St. John's Lutheran church in Iowa township and carried away one of the most active members of the congregation, and a highly respected citizen of Iowa county Herman L. Newkirk. He was born September 30th, 1871, in Iowa township, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. John Newkirk. In his childhood days he attended St. John's school and proved to be an industrious scholar. After his confirmation in the Lutheran faith he attended public school for some time, graduating with honors. When a young man he was united in holy wedlock with Miss Anna Hagen, Feb. 6th, 1886 and moved to his farm over in Lincoln township where he became a member of Rev. Kitzmann's congregation. After several years he sold his farm and returned to Iowa township, having purchased the old home place.
In the days of prosperity and in the days of affliction Mr. Newkirk proved himself to be a thorough Christian gentleman. In the beginning of February of this year he became ill with inflammatory rheumatism enduring excruciating pain. A few days before his death pneumonia lodged in his weak body and brought his life to an end. He died March 26th at the age of 43 years, 4 months, and 26 days, and the burial took place Monday, March 29th. His pastor, the Rev. C. W. Baumhoefner, being unable to conduct the services on account of illness, the Rev. F. Bonovsky officiated, preaching and eloquent sermon from Gen. 48:21 "Behold, I die, but God shall be with you." These words of Jacob were applied in very appropriate manner and sweet consolation was conveyed to the family.
After the sermon, Rev. Otto Kitzmann, the former pastor of the family, preached an English sermon from Jer. 31:3: "I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee", applying these words to the departed brother, to the grief-stricken family and to all.
The departed leaves to mourn their loss his loving wife, two sons, three daughters, his aged mother, six brothers and three sisters, and a large circle of friends.
Source: Williamsburg Journal Tribune, April 1, 1915.