SOHNER, Casper/Kasper 1831-1905

SOHNER, RUMM, DUNHAM

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 5/19/2013 at 18:13:19

[Waterloo Daily Reporter, Thursday, February 23, 1905, Waterloo, Iowa p.1]

CASPER SOHNER DIED SUDDENLY

END CAME THIS MORNING AS HE LAY IN BED

SERVED IN CIVIL WAR

DECEASED WAS IN GOOD HEALTH WHEN RETIRING LAST NIGHT

Had Lived in Waterloo for 35 Years — Was in the Service of the Illinois Central for 25 Years.

Casper Sohner died very suddenly this morning at 4:45 o'clock, almost without a moment's warning that the end was approaching. Mr. Sohner has been troubled at times with his heart, and this morning awakened his aged wife by heavy, broken breathing. At times for the last year, Mr. Sohner would take a deep breath and hold it a long time while his affliction was.the worst He was found breathing in this manner this morning, and the wife tried her usual method of arousing him by shaking. He failed to rally and Mrs. Sohner arose to get a glass of water. During her absence Mr. Sohner breathed his last The cause of death was pronounced heart failure combined with paralysis.

Deceased suffered a stroke of paralysis last Christmas, but apparently recovered from it, and was able to be about the streets. When he retired last night he was in his usual spirit, and had not complained of his trouble for several days. About a year ago he and his wife went south for their health and were greatly benefited by the trip. Upon his return he took up his residence at corner of East Fourth and Adams Streets, and it was there that death occurred.

Deceased was one of the early settlers of Blackhawk County, having moved to this section about 1869 or 1870. He took up his residence in Waterloo and for more than thirty-five years he has watched the progress of the little budding village blossom into a rapidly growing city.

Upon arriving here, he took employment with the. Illinois Central railroad Company and remained with that corporation for a period of twenty-five years

One thing in which Mr. Sohner always took pride was his record as a soldier. He enlisted during the early part of the civil war and fought valiantly for the freedom of the slaves until the war ended. He enlisted in Company B. 31st regiment of Massachusetts infantry volunteers on the 16th day of September, 1862, and was honorably discharged at Mobile, Ala., on August 5, 1865.

Obituary.
Casper Sohner was born in Germany September 12, 1831, and was over 73 years of age when death occurred. He came to America when about 30 years old. He enlisted in the war in 1862 and was discharged in 1865, at Mobile, Ala. From that point he went to New Orleans, and there was married to Miss Mary Rumm. After living in the south for a number of years, they removed to Rockford, Ill., and thirty-five years ago moved to Waterloo. He made his home here continuously since that time.

Deceased is survived by the widow, Mary, and by three sons and two daughters. They are: Ed., Waterloo; Frank, Minneapolis; Louis, New Orleans; and Misses Mayme and Anna, at home. Another daughter, Mrs. Ashley Dunham passed away about a year ago. Two brothers and a sister also survive. They are: Paul of Waterloo; Edward of Rockford. Ill., and the sister lives at Cleveland, Ohio.

Deceased was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church, belonged to the G. A. R,. and was for many years connected with the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective society.

The time of holding the funeral has not been definitely settled, but it will probably be Saturday morning, if the son in New Orleans can reach here in time. Service will be conducted from St. Mary's Catholic Church by Rev. Father Hemesath, and burial will be made in the Catholic cemetery in this city.

-------------------------------
His gravestone at Calvary Cemetery shows his name spelled Kasper.
It also has his year of death as 1904. The newspaper is clearly dated Thursday, February 23, 1905, p.1.