Frederick Rabe

Amanda Ludeman Rabe, George Fred Rabe, Oct. 21, 1934

Frederick Rabe (1845-1919) came to America (at age 16) from his German homeland and married Fredericka Stockman (1853-1921). They then bought a farm in Freedom Township, near Gerald. They bought 160 acres on County Road 16 between 16 and U, for $3,000 in 1872. Frederick cleared off the timber and built a large log house which is still occupied at this time. He raised a few hogs, horses, chickens, and sheep. The family was blessed with 13 children including two sets of twins. Seven of these children grew to adulthood - Emma, William, Carl, Henry, Helen, Frieda, and Fred.

After Frederick and Fredericka died, William took over the farm. William was born January 15, 1882, and died September 27, 1950. In 1905 William married Bertha Mohring (1889-1914). Their children were: Otto, Regina, George, and Anna.

In 1934 George Rabe (February 19, 1910, to January 25, 1969) married Amanda Ludemann (born Oct. 7, 1912). George and Amanda settled on the same farm with William making his home with them for 16 years. The following are their seven children: Arlene (Nov. 14, 1935) married Marvin Sunderman. They are presently living near Hamler. Their children are Eugene (1955), Lynette (1957), and Diane (1969). Lawrence Rabe (Jan. 28, 1939) married Irene Pelton. They live in McPherson, Kansas, with their sons Eric (1967) and Kent (1969). Joann Rabe (Dec. 17, 1940) married Robert Miller. They live in Napoleon with their three children, Ricky (1961), Rodney (1963), and Michael (1965). Lester Rabe (Feb. 4, 1945) married Janice Behnfeldt. They live on the Rabe homestead with their son Matthew (1972). Paul Rabe (Oct. 3, 1948) married Karen Behrman. They live in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Karen Rabe (March 1, 1953) married Wilferd Elling. They live south of Napoleon. Lori Rabe (Dec. 31, 1956) lives at home.

Today, 103 years later, 80 of those original northwestern Henry County acres are still being farmed by a member of the Rabe family and the original house and barn are still standing and being inhabited by Rabes. But the hogs, cows, horses, and sheep have been replaced by 10,000 caged laying hens. After George died, Amanda and her two youngest daughters, Karen and Lori continued caring for the chickens. Karen married in 1974 and Amanda and Lori took care of the chickens until February, 1975, when they moved to Napoleon. Lester and Janice Rabe then moved on the farm and are now in charge of the chickens.

When William Rabe lived with George and Amanda he helped Amanda take care of the children. There were two baby buggies and he would rock Lawrence and Joann, one with his hand and the other with his foot. While William lived with the family, stories that began with "I remember when" were often heard.

Amanda Rabe feeds 10,000 chickens from two motorized feeding carts

Karen and Lori gather more than 7500 eggs a day

William said that after his parents built the Rabe house, and while it was still on stilts before the foundation was finished, the hogs used to get out and crawl under it to cool off. He also said that his mother, Fredericka, used to wrap homemade butter to sell in rhubarb leaves to keep it cool while she rode in the buggy to Napoleon which was five miles away.

Frederick Rabe said that he bought the original tract of land because it was near to the Lutheran church that was being established. Frederick built the Rabe home from hand-hewn logs and filled the cracks with mortar made from mud and straw. Those logs and mortar are still there with no heating problems being encountered now. The second floor of the house was used as a public school for two years in the late 1800's and the teacher boarded there. The children had to walk through the living room to get to school.

All those that grew up and lived in the old log house have many memories of which they are very fond.

Submitted by Amanda Ludeman Rabe

This is the Rabe home and barn at the turn of the century. Fredrick Rabe who bought the farm and built the buildings is pictured leaning against the fence.

This aerial view of the Rabe farm shows the original house and barn. The chicken coops were built in the early 1960s.