Isaac Bechtel Sr. 1824-1897

BECHTEL

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 3/21/2007 at 01:18:11

Mr. Isaac Bechtel Sr. died at the old homestead midway between the Calhoun school house and Lycurgus post office Friday morning the 29th of Oct. He was born on the 19th day of December in the year of our Lord 1824 in Grombach, Grossherzogtum, Baden, Germany. He came to this country in the year 1852 and shortly afterwards was married to the now bereft widow Margaretta Bechtel. God blessed this union with eight children of whom three died in their youth and five are still living, four sons and one daughter. His first stop in this country was Cleveland, Ohio, from thence he moved to Pittsburg, Pa, where he found his companion through life. After a time he moved to Dubuque and at last made his home on Lansing Ridge where he lived until called to his heavenly home. In the time of a revival through the instrumentality of Rev. Sallenbach he came to a saving belief in Jesus Christ and remained true to his faith up to his last hour. He joined the German Congregational church of the Lansing Ridge, was elected deacon and served in that capacity till sickness prevented him from attending church service. He also was superintendent and teacher of the Sunday School of his church for many years. About two years ago his health began to fail, stomach trouble set in and caused him much pain and misery. For the last two weeks he was rapidly sinking and his end came Friday last. His age was 74 years, less 1 month and 19 days. The funeral took place Sunday afternoon at two o'clock at the Congregational church, the sermon being preached by Rev. N. Kern. How the whole community loved and esteemed father Bechtel was shown by the large funeral procession which followed him to his final resting place. The bereft widow and children want to acknowledge with great thankfulness the sympathy and help of their and neighbors in the time of trouble.

Lansing Mirror
Friday Nov. 5, 1897