Dominic's Death...

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Dominic raised Conrad Martin Jr. as his own son from shortly after his birth in 1866.  Dominic died December 9, 1914 in Hospers, Iowa.  He is also buried at St. Anthony’s cemetery in Hospers, Iowa. 

It is worthy to note that these two men had a respectful relationship.  Conrad Martin Jr. was raised by Dominic and gave Dominic’s name to his youngest son, Conrad Dominic Klein.  Dominic obviously raised Conrad Martin Jr. from a very young age and instilled in him the hard work ethics and values that made Conrad Martin Jr. a successful and well respected man in his own community.

Dominic also left an equal portion of his estate to Conrad Martin in his will.

It is also worthy to note that Conrad Martin and his step-sisters also loved each other.  They spent a lot of time together over the years and at least two of the sisters, Susan (Moes) Walgenbach and Martha (Moes) Budde, named her sons “Martin” after my Great-Grandfather.  "Martin" has been passed down through their families to this day and I can't help but wonder if they even know where their namesake originates.

When Dominic died, his children fought over the legal rights to Dominic's property and fortune.  To read more about that from the newspaper clippings click HERE. 

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Dominic’s obituary, from the Newspaper, Harwarden Independent, December 17, 1914 reads as follows:

“Lived in County Forty Years

Dominick Moes died at the home of his daughter at Hospers Dec. 9^th at the age of 83 years.  He came to the United States from Luxembourg at the age of 17 years and settled in Sioux County in 1874.  He was a Civil war veteran and was wounded at the battle of Chicamaugua, later marching with Sherman to the sea.  He has amassed a fortune estimated at $75,000.  He is survived by six married daughters.”