SPEICHER, John 1838-1923

SPEICHER, BENSING, GROFF

Posted By: Merikay Mestad (email)
Date: 8/21/2009 at 10:04:06

Taps Sounded For John Speicher, 84
Civil War Veteran, Who Lost Arm at Battle of Petersburg, to Be Buried Tuesday.
John Speicher, 84, Civil war veteran, who lost an arm at the battle of petersburg, and until recently a resident of Waterloo for many years, died Saturday at 10 p. m. at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Edward Groff, Osage, Ia., where he went to make his home following the death of his wife Feb. 1, last. The family home had been at 147 Argyle street.
Funeral Is Tomorrow.
The body has been brought here and funeral services will be tomorrow from the Kistner chapel at 1:30 p.m., and from the Church of the Brethren at 2 p.m. Rev. A. P. Blough will officiate. Burial will be in orange township cemetery beside his wife.
Mr. Speicher was born in Heidelberg, Pa., Aug. 4, 1838. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted in a Pennsylvania regiment and served until a shell shattered his arm, necessitating it being amputated at the shoulder. About 38 years ago he came to Iowa, purchasing a farm in Black Hawk township. Despite his handicap, he operated the farm successfully until 20 years ago, when he retired and came to Waterloo.

Health Failed Year Ago.
Until a year ago, when his health failed him, he was active and expert in handling horses and domestic animals, as well as in truck gardening. His large garden and flower beds at his home on Argyle street were splendid examples of his industry.
Surviving are the following children: Harry Speicher, Mrs. Jerome Bensing, Waterloo; Mrs. Edward Groff, Osage; George Speicher, Tacoma, Wash.; John Speicher, jr., Sherman, Ore. --Waterloo Evening Courier, Waterloo, Iowa (Monday 4 Jun 1923)