Mother Schlarbaum first saw the light of day almost ninety years ago, on June 14, 1841. She was the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Sinn. At the time of her birth the parents living in the state of Pennsylvania, but when she was eight years old they moved to the state of Iowa, where Mother Schlarbaum spent the rest of her days.
When the parents moved to Iowa they settled in the vicinity of Germanville, where the daughter grew up not far from and under the influence of the Hope Lutheran Church. Here she was sent to confirmation instructions; and when she had arrived at so good an understanding of catechism and the fundamental doctrines of her Lutheran faith that she could herself make the vows that had been made for her at baptism, she was confirmed there on April 17, 1859.
On October 28, 1886 she again walked to the altar. This time it was to be joined in holy wedlock with a young man of the congregation, John Schlarbaum. The young couple went through life together and experienced both happy sides and the seemy sides of life. Their union was blessed with four children: Frank, Ella, Alex and Etta. Frank, Ella and Alex still live in this vicinity, while Etta was married to Henry Braun and now lives at Nichols, Iowa.
On January 28, 1899, about 31 years ago, the husband was torn from her side by the angel of death, so that she lived as a widow the remaining 30 years. She had always been a kind and loving mother to her children, so that her children were happy to be able to return love for love as she grew older in years.
Mother Schlarbaum had always been blessed with a good constitution and good health, and but shortly before her death took delight in making her own garden. On the last Wednesday, April 20, 1930, however, about 10:30 in the morning, she suddenly received a stroke--and then the end was not far off. The stroke paralyzed her right side, so that she had to lie in bed and be moved by others. Her tongue was also affected by the stroke, so that she could not speak, but only nod or shake her head to the questions asked her. The fact that she could not speak made it hard for her loved ones to take care of her they were afraid that she might have wishes that they did not know of. When she was asked, however, if she suffered pain she always shook her head. Friday evening she was asked if she would care to partake of the Lord's Supper. She nodded her head that she did. One could tell by her actions and by the expression of her face that she knew what was going on. Saturday evening her strength seemed to fail very rapidly; and about four-thirty Sunday morning her breath became shorter and shorter until it finally ceased, and Mother Schlarbaum fell into a sleep that knows no awakening her on earth. May her soul rest in peace.
Mother Schlarbaum died at the age of 89 years, 10 months, and 6 days and is mourned by her two sons, Frank and Alex, her two daughters, Ella and Etta, by six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Henrietta Schlarbaum Braun Scrapbook