Zion German Methodist Cemetery

The Zion German Methodist Church near Rocklyn was organized June 13, 1884 in the Gottlieb Mielke home by the Rev Adam Buehler. The first church was built in 1889. The second church was built in 1905. The parsonage was built in 1909. The 1905 church yet stands atop the hill with the cemetery situated on the hill to the east. The Zion district is 7 miles northwest of Harrington, and about 5 miles south and 2 miles west of the old site of Rocklyn. It is in the NW 1/4 of Sec 29 Twp 24 Range 36, on property dedicated by the Mielke family.

Kik, David W: (b. 1876; d. 1974) “David William Kik. Born: June 12, 1876. Passed away at Nursing Home in Davenport, WA, Aug 30, 1974. Funeral: Sept 3, 1974 in Zion United Methodist Church, Rev Roger Muisiner officiating, 2 p.m.” (Church Diagrams) “Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon in Rocklyn for David William Kik, who came to Lincoln County as a child. Born in Yankton, SD, June 12, 1876, Kik moved west about 1877 with his family to Los Angeles, CA, and then north, where his mother died, in 1879. His family arrived in Edwall in 1880 and later moved to Rocklyn where they built one of the first houses. After his father died in 1893, Kik and his brother Charles homesteaded at Lake Creek for seven years. Later he farmed at Mondovi; he had married Margaret Rieker and their son Walter was born there in 1909. They moved later of Rocklyn, where a daughter, Ethel, was born in 1911. Kik farmed until 1919, when the family moved to Orange, CA. The family returned to the Davenport area in 1927 when son Walt started farming. The elder Kik and his wife returned to CA in 1938 and Mrs Kik died there in 1939. In 1943 he married Bertha Kimber, who died in 1961. Kik lived alone in his Corona, CA, home until he became ill about four months ago. He was moved three weeks ago to Davenport, where he died Friday. Survivors include his son Walter Kik and daughter Ethel Peak, both of Rocklyn; three grandchildren, Evelyn McNeal, Gig Harbor; Don Boyk, Stevenson, and Paulette Meldahl, Kaneohe, Hawaii; five great grandchildren; two half sisters and several nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ, Orange, CA. Pall bearers at the funeral at the Zion Methodist Church in Rocklyn included: Carl Mielke, Rey Sandygren, Warren Hess, Herb Kruger, George Mielke and Melvin Maurer. The Mielkes and Mrs Elwend Kruger provided music for the service conducted by the Rev Roger Muisiner. Kik was buried in the church cemetery next to his father.” (Davenport Times: 9-05-1974)

Kik, J David: (b. 8-19-1845; d. 11-16-1893) “J David Kik. Born: Aug 19, 1845. Passed away at his home near Rocklyn, WA, Nov 16, 1893. Funeral: Nov 19, 1893 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev Adam Buehler officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “We will meet again” (on monument) J David Kik was born 19 Aug 1845 in Kirceim, Otlingen Teck, Germany, the son of a farmer and furniture manufacturer. He was one of 12 children. In 1872 he married Rosine Louise Ashbacher (1855-1879) in a Lutheran church in Hohengaren, Germany. They left Germany the day they married and endured a turbulent ocean voyage to NY. They proceeded by train to Dakota Territory where he obtained a homestead, on which four children were born to them. Successive crop failures prompted him to move the family to California in 1878 and from there they headed north. David sent his wife and children by schooner to Astoria, Oregon while he journeyed by wagon for six months, re-uniting in Wallula, where Rosina gave birth to their fifth child. Rosine died soon after the birth of this child. He left the children in Wallula and continued on to the Sassin area. At some point he returned to re-unite with the children and bring them to his new homestead in Sassin, but the baby was missing. On 13 April 1885 he married Louise Rux. They had four children. David became sick in Feb 1893 and died 16 Nov 1893, leaving Louisa with four small children and four nearly grown children from his first marriage. Some references show J David Kik as born in 1843.

Kik, Walter: “Rocklyn.—Graveside service for Walter (Walt) Kik, 93, took place Monday, Nov 18, at the Rocklyn Cemetery at Davenport. A memorial service is scheduled Saturday, Nov 23, at 10;30 a.m. at the Spokane Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 W Fort Wright Drive, Spokane, with a buffet luncheon to follow. Mr Kik died Nov 13 in Davenport. Best known for his ‘free thinking and independent spirit’ he wrote columns for the Davenport Times, Wilbur Register and Odessa Record, which he compiled into three Kik-back books. He belonged to the Spokane Unitarian Universalist Church and the Humanist Society. He also loved to run and finished first in his age group at Spokane’s Bloomsday while he was in his 80s. He also participated in the Bare Buns Run and was a 4-H leader and supporter of youth programs. He and his wife were Davenport’s Honored Couple during the 2001 Pioneer Days celebration. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ethel Peak. He leaves his wife of 63 years, Esther (Sugar) Kik, at the home; sisters-in-law, Edwina (and George) Mielke of Davenport and Beryl Deppner of Wenatchee; a brother-in –law, Art (and Sharon) Deppner of Davenport; and several nieces and nephews. Strate Funeral Home handled arrangements.” (Davenport Times: 11-21-2002)

Kirsch, Andrew: (b. 1848; d. 1945) “Andrew Kirsch. Born: Aug 6, 1848. Passed away at Deaconess Hospital, Spokane, WA, Nov 28, 1945. Funeral: Dec 3, 1945 in Evangelical Church, Harrington, WA, Rev William Glaeser officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Beweint mich nicht ihr liebsten, Ich sterbe Gott nicht euch, Was wolt ihr euch betruben, ich bin in Gottes reich nun Gute Nacht du erde, du Himmel sei gegrust, wo ich getrostet werde, mit dem was Ewig ist.” and “Trennung ist, unser los, Wiedersehen unser Hoffnung. Gottlob!” (on monument) See also History of Big Bend item on Adam Kirsch, son of Andrew. “Grandfather Kirsch is 92 Years Old. Grandfather Kirsch celebrated his 92^nd birthday Tuesday at the home of his daughter, Mrs Minnie Grob, and the day also marked the 2^nd birthday anniversary of his great grandson, Marvin Dale, little son of Mr and Mrs Ralph Miller. Born at Baden, Germany, August 6, 1848, Adam Kirsch was married in Germany and in about 1882 he brought his family, which included two children, to the United States and settled in Illinois. About fifty years ago the family came to the Rocklyn district where Mr Kirsch homesteaded land. He is a member of the Rocklyn Evangelical church, although the church is now closed. Mr Kirsch is hearty and hale for his ninety-two seasons. besides members of his family, Tuesday callers included Mrs David Kik and Mrs E Boyk.” (Citizen: 9 Aug 1940) “Funeral services were held Monday, Dec 3, for Andrew (Grandfather) Kirsch from the Evangelical Church, with Rev Wm Glaeser officiating. The services were held over to Monday so two grandsons who are in the service, one in Texas and one in California, could be present. The boy in Texas did not try to come, but Fred Kirsch from Long Beach started but turned back before reaching Spokane as his furlough was too short to permit him to continue. The three grandsons here, and one great-grandson were pall bearers and were Albert Kirsch, Walter Grob, Carl Grob and Darrell Koch. The two grandsons in the service were to have been pall bearers also. Mrs Frank Scott provided the music and sang ‘Beautiful Isle of Somewhere’ and ‘There’s No Disappointment in Heaven’. Mr and Mrs Richard Wolf of Latah, niece of Mrs Kirsch, came for the services. Interment was in the Zion Cemetery where Mr Kirsch’s wife, and son-in-law, Mr Grob, are buried.” (Citizen: 12-07-1945)

Kirsch, Barbara: (b. 5-07-1847; d. Aug 4, 1908) “Barbara Kirsch. Born: May 7, 1847. Passed away at her home in Rocklyn, WA, Aug 4, 1908. Funeral: Aug 6, 1908 in German Evangelical Church at Rocklyn, WA, Rev George Koch officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Aged Rocklyn Woman Dead. Mrs Barbra Kirsch died last Tuesday at her home near Rocklyn from a complication of diseases and effects of operations. Mrs Kirsch was 61 years old at the time of her death and has been a resident of Lincoln County since 1895 when she came here with her husband. The many friends of this good woman will sorrowfully miss her presence and extend their sympathy to the husband and family. The funeral was held at the Evangelical Church at Rocklyn this morning at 10 a.m., the Rev George Koch of this place officiating.” (Davenport Tribune: 6 Aug 1907)

Knack, Emil, infant son of HA and Louisa: “Baby Boy Emil Knack. Born 1890. Funeral 1890 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev Carl Jans officiating.” (Church Diagrams)

Knack, Herman A: (b. 1865; d. 1931) “Herman A Knack. Born: Aug 7, 1865. Passed away in Medical Lake, WA, Hospital, May 8, 1931. Funeral: May 11, 1931 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev Eaton officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Monday of last week the remains of Herman A Knack, Lincoln County pioneer for 47 years, were laid to rest in the locality of his choice, in the Zion Cemetery near Rocklyn. Mr Knack was born in Germany August 7, 1864, and he came with his parents to the United States in 1868, first locating in Wisconsin. He came west to Lincoln County in 1885 and filed on a homestead four miles northwest of Harrington and on July 6, 1890 was united in marriage with Louise Bursch. To this union there were born two daughters and three sons, all of whom, and his widow, survive him. They are: Mrs George Borck and Mrs Dan Reinbold of Davenport; Elmer, Samuel and Vernon Knack of Rocklyn and Mrs Louise Knack, also of Rocklyn. Mr Knack sold his original homestead in 1891 and located on another farm some four miles from Rocklyn where he remained until his death. He was a good citizen, a good neighbor and was respected in his community. A large attendance gathered to pay their last respects to him.” (Scrapbook item: 22 May 1931) See also History of Big Bend: 1904: Herman Knack was the son of August and Lena (Mead) Knack. August died in Wisconsin in 1873. His mother, Lena, was in 1904 residing with Herman. Herman had a sister, Mrs Emma Villook (also seen as Villvock), living in Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin (1904). Herman’s wife, Louisa, was the daughter of August Bursch and his 2^nd wife, Hattie (Mead) Bursch, who also came to the Rocklyn vicinity. Louisa’s siblings were: Mrs Augusta Kruger, Herman, Mrs Julia Rux, Samuel, Lydia and Rosalia. “H A Knack, 67, a resident of the Rocklyn region for about 40 years, died last Friday at Medical Lake. He is survived by his widow, three sons and two daughters.” (Citizen: 5-15-1931)

Knack, Ida Rose: (b. 11-10-1896; d. 5-03-1913) “Ida Rose Knack. Born: Nov 10, 1896. Passed away at her home near Rocklyn, WA, May 3, 1913. Funeral May 6, 1913 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev G S Roeder officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Just as the morning of her life was opening into Day, Her young and lovely spirit passed From earth and grief away.” (on monument) “Ida Rose Knack, aged 16 years, 5 months, 23 days after a long and painful illness, passed away at 10 o’clock Saturday night. The funeral was held at the Zion M E church at 2 PM Tuesday. Rev G S Roeder officiating assisted by Rev Cramer and Rev Beck of Davenport. The church was filled to its capacity with her friends and relatives who mourn her departure. S A Bursch & family, Mr & Mrs J Klein of Edwall and Miss Annie Kick of Spokane, Mrs Mary Buehler of Ritzville besides many from Davenport were at the funeral.” (scrapbook item: _ May 1913) “Laid to Rest. Ida Rose Knack, daughter of Mr and Mrs H Knack, was born in the Zion country, near Rocklyn, Nov 10, 1896, and was buried from the German ME church last Tuesday afternoon. She had been sick for over a year and during the last few weeks her sufferings were intense. July 2, 1911 she united with the German ME church at Zion, received a diploma after having been instructed in the catechism and the doctrines of the church. The services opened with a song by a quartet consisting of Mr and Mrs H A Maurer, Mrs Nettie Depner and Wm Hardy, entitled ‘Home at Last,’ after which Rev G S Roeder spoke both in German and English. this was followed by a solo by the pastor entitled, ‘God Calls Me Home.’ Rev Beck, pastor at Rathdrum, Idaho, spoke in German, followed by a male quartet, consisting of H Bauer, E Neuenschwander, Wm Hardy and H Maurer. After Rev F Cramer spoke in English, Mrs Hoffman and Benj. Hoffman sang a duet entitled ‘Goodnight.’ The flowers were beautiful, the church was filled with sympathetic friends of the deceased and the services were impressive. Interment was in Zion Cemetery. the deceased leaves her parents, three brothers and two sisters and many other relatives and friends. One Present.” (Citizen: 9 May 1913)Last Saturday night, the sad news of the death of Miss Ida Knack, which took place at her home at Zion, was heralded through the neighborhood, and though not unexpected, cast a gloom over the entire community where she was so well and favorably known. Deceased, who was the youngest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. H. Knack, was born at Zion Nov 110, 1896, and spent her entire life at the home of her parents, until that sweet short life was terminated by the relentless hand of death….She leaves a father, mother, two sisters, three brothers and many friends to mourn her loss. The remains were interred at Zion on the 6^th inst, … (Dav Tribune)

Knack, Louisa M: (b. 1875; d. 1937) “Louisa M Knack. Born: Oct 17, 1875. Passed away in Spokane, WA, March 10, 1937. Funeral March 13, 1937 in Davenport Methodist Church, Rev Ray S Dunn officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Mrs Louise Maurer, age 52, pioneer resident of the Rocklyn district, was crushed to death beneath the wheels of a huge freight truck under which she was hurled following a collision between it and a car in which she was riding with her husband, M F Maurer, yesterday morning, at Seventh and Lindeke streets in Spokane. Mr Maurer had parked their coupe on the wrong side of the street, headed east. He decided to turn back west and made a U-turn in the middle of the street, placing the car at the end of the turn on the wrong side of the street and directly in front of a big United Freight truck, the driver of which found the auto in his path without time to avoid the crash. Mrs Maurer was thrown from the car and five of the huge wheels of the truck passed over her body and she died instantly. Jack Bissett, Spokane, was driver of the truck and was exonerated of any blame by witnesses. Mr Maurer was not hurt, and was practically in a collapse from grief over his wife’s death. Mrs Maurer was a native of Wabasha County, Minnesota, and had lived in Lincoln County since her girlhood days. In 1890 she was married to Herman A Knack, Rocklyn rancher. He died about three years ago and she was married a little over a year ago to M F Maurer, who had been a friend and neighbor in the Rocklyn district for many years. They had lived in Spokane during recent months. She is survived by her husband; two sons, Elmer and Sam Knack of Rocklyn; two daughters, Mrs Dan F Reinbold and Mrs George Borck of Davenport; three sisters, Mrs A Berg and Mrs C Rux of Davenport and Mrs Guy Bartlett of Colbert, and a brother, Samuel Bursch of Moscow, Idaho. This was the second tragedy in the family within a year. Last October Vernon Knack, former Davenport High School athlete, a son to Mrs Maurer, was drowned with two companions in Downs Lake south of Sprague.” (Davenport Times: 10 March 1937) Edit: Louisa Bursch was born Oct 17, 1875, the daughter of August Bursch and his wife Henrietta Mead. She married Herman Knack on July 6, 1890, to whom seven children were born: Emil (1890-1890), Elmer (1891-1953), Adeline (1893-1976), Bertha (1894-1978), Ida (1896-1913), Samuel (1899-1960), and Vernon (1910-1936). “Funeral services for Mrs Louisa Maurer, age 61, who was killed Wednesday of last week when a car driven by her husband, M F Maurer, was struck by a truck in Spokane, and she was thrown out and the truck wheels passed over her body, were held at the Methodist church in Davenport at 1 p.m. Saturday, a large crowd attending. Dr Ray S Dunn, pastor of the Central Methodist church of Spokane officiated, assisted by the Rev H B Mann of Rocklyn and the Rev R S McCulloch of Davenport. Mrs Albert Zellmer, Mrs Elijah Huffman, Jason Horwege and Claudius Horwege sang, accompanied by Mrs Anna Jarvis. Interment was in the Zion Cemetery near Rocklyn. Pall bearers were H A Maurer, Fred W Magin, G H Riehle, W F Gauger, Chris Reinbold and Ed Mielke. Native of Minnesota. Mrs Maurer, whose maiden name was Louisa Bursch, was born Oct 17, 1875, in Wabash County, MN. She came west in the fall of 1883 when her parents homesteaded a few miles north of Harrington. She was married to Herman A Knack in the summer of 1891 and they lived on a homestead near Harrington for several years, and later moved to a farm near Rocklyn, where they lived until Mr Knack passed away in 1931. She lived alone on the farm near Rocklyn until October, 1935, when she was married to M F Maurer of Pullman, formerly of Rocklyn. They moved to Spokane in May, 1936. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs Dan Reinbold and Mrs George Borck, both of Davenport; two sons, Elmer and Samuel of Rocklyn; three sisters, Mrs A Berg and Mrs C Rux of Davenport, and Mrs Guy Bartlett of Colbert; one brother, Samuel Bursch, of Moscow, ID; and her husband, M F Maurer.” (scrapbook item: undated)

=====================================================
      USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing
          free information on the Internet, data may be used by
          non-commercial entities, as long as this message
          remains on all copied material. These electronic
          pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit
          or for presentation by other persons or organizations.
           Persons or organizations desiring to use this material
          for purposes other than stated above must obtain the
          written consent of the file contributor.
          This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb.
======================================================