The death of Mr. F. G. Lehmann, last Saturday was a shock to the community in which he had been an esteemed citizen for more than half a century. The illness was very brief, from Monday to Saturday, but it was unusually severe and he suffered great pain that ended in prolonged delirium when death finally brought rest.
The funeral services were held at the home on Iowa street, West Anamosa, Monday, February 05, at 2:30 p.m., conducted by Rev. H. O. B. Philpotts, pastor of the Baptist church assisted by the runner pastor, Rev. K. A. Sehlamun, now chaplain in the state reformatory in this city. The order was as follows – Hymn by the choir. “Abide With Me”, scripture revelations and prayer by Rev. Philpotts, following. Reading of the following sketch by Rev. Schlamun.
F. George Lehmann, was born February 28th, 1835, in Dresden, Germany. His father was employed in one of the royal palaces and until the age of 21, the deceased assisted his father in work in the royal gardens.
While still a young man he joined the Lutheran church in Germany and had retained his association with that church until the time of his death. At the age of 21 he left Germany and came to Chicago. From Chicago he moved to Clinton and from Clinton to Anamosa, where he had made his home for over 54 years.
In August, 1871, he was married at Anamosa, to Anna Elizabeth Reitz, who proceeded him to her rest in 1909. To them were born six children, of whom three survive – Mrs. C. H. Einhausen, of Lyons, Iowa, Mrs. E. L. Harvey, of Anamosa, and Mr. Paul G. Lehmann, of Monticello, Iowa.
Mr. Lehman, was a good father, husband and friend, and was highly respected by all who knew him.
Rev. Schlamun followed with remarks based on Job 9 23-6, “Now my days are swifter than a post, they flee away.”
He referred to the death of Mrs. A. E. Henry, the eldest daughter of Mr. Lehmann, last June, which was a sorrowful event because she was taken in her young womanhood, but Mr. Lehmann has been called in his old age when it was the natural thing for him to pass on to rest. Christ said “Seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.” That is what Mr. Lehmann did in his younger days in the fatherland, in his union with the Lutheran church. Life is a preparation a school here for the life to come. At its best, death means a meeting beyond – a meeting with loved ones and the friends whom we have known here. We must live carefully. We must live right in this world that we may be prepared for and enjoy a life of blessedness over there.
Rev. Schlamun, then offered prayer, followed by the hymn, “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder I’ll Be There.”
Viewing the face of our departed friend and temporary interment in the vault at Riverside, with committal service by Rev. Philpotts, closed the sad rites.
The choir was composed of Mrs. Philpotts, Mrs. Wm. Wilkins, Rev. Phlipotts and F. L. Webster, with Mrs. Wilkins at the piano.
The pall-bearers were W. K. Pearson, W. A. Hogan, W. F. Strawman, S. D. Alspaugh, J. L. Kaufmann, R. E. Giltrap.
A word in addition to the above may not be out of place. Mr. Lehmann, assisted his father in the care of the royal gardens in Germany. He was always a wonderful lover of floriculture and his knowledge and taste made his home and garden surrounding the admiration of all. For many years he also carried on gardening on a considerable scale and his products always commanded ready sale in our local markets. Mr. Lehmann, was also endowed with an extraordinary gift for painting, though he never took lessons in that art. His portrait work was of the very highest order in taste and execution, and the walls of his pleasant home, as an indication of his intense love for nature, were adorned with exquisite drawings of beautiful scenic views and with family portraits. If Mr. Lehmann, had been privileged to enjoy opportunities in the school of art we have not the slightest doubt that he would have reached an eminence among the most famous of painters.
Our old friend was the personification of simplicity, modest reserve and conspicuous unselfishness – the pure gold in all those traits that beautiful human character sweetened and blessed his ties and friendships. The people of Anamosa, will never know his like again. His family and wide circle of friends will ever cherish delightful memories of his love of home, this kindly neighbor faithful and honorable citizen.
Since the above was placed in type we have received a note from the family setting forth some additional matters of interest from which we take the following:
Mr. Lehmann, started the first greenhouse in Anamosa. Many times he walked to Dubuque and back again with plants for his greenhouse. Three years ago his home burned and great lost resulted, his beautiful oil paintings on the walls being destroyed. Those on canvas were rescued. He spent his winters in painting and in reading to “keep up with the times” was his way of expressing it. He was a well educated man and possessed a quick comprehension of public questions. Mr. Lehmann, was a great lover of his children and grand-children and seldom appeared on the street without one or two at his side.
His wife died August 12, 1909, and almost at the same hour a granddaughter was born – little Theola Merle Harvey.
His daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Harvey, did all they could to make their father happy and he was the recipient of all the comfort and pleasure that love could give him. They had always made their home with him and grandpa always came first in the thought and even the little ones – there were ten grandchildren – learned to think that he must be pleased first.
He knew and loved every flower and every flower knew him. At the last hour, when he noticed the flowers that loving hands had placed there for him, a smile lit up his dear, good face and he begged to have them close to him so he could touch them with his tired hands.

Submitted by: Unknown
Source: The Anamosa Eureka, Anamosa, Iowa, 8 February 1917