Heinrich Schulte, 1908 Obituary

SCHULTE, GOTTLOB, SCHAEFER

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 7/26/2005 at 22:16:46

I translated the following obituary from Der Carroll Demokrat, a German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and 1920. It was originally published on Friday, 15 May 1908. Any information in brackets or notes at the end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:

Heinrich Schulte

On Saturday evening, 9 May 1908, Heinrich Schulte died following a short stay at the local Saint Anthony’s Hospital. He had been ill a long time, and on Tuesday, he underwent an operation for appendicitis and hernia. Although there was hope at first, his condition worsened very quickly, such that he had passed away by Saturday.

The deceased was among the earliest settlers of Kniest Township, having settled there in 1870. He took an active role in the development of St. Mary’s Parish. He was one of the most energetic members of the parish, and always gave it his utmost support.

Heinrich Schulte was born in Meppen County, Province of Hanover, Germany, on 1 January 1850. He spent his youth in the old fatherland, and was employed in farming with his parents. In 1869, he immigrated to America with his father and siblings, and settled first in Boone, Iowa. After staying there one year, they moved to Kniest Township, where his father purchased 240 acres of land. He remained another seven years with his father, at which time his father sold him 100 acres of land. He later increased his holdings, and achieved prosperity through hard work and thrifty and careful management. He enjoyed the respect of his acquaintances and of the Mt. Carmel Parish, for which he had acted in the office of church official for 16 years.

In 1877, he married Miss Lena Ahrling. This marriage produced two children, but both died at a tender age. His wife has been in a psychiatric institution since 1880.

In 1903, he moved to Carroll, in order to retire.

He is survived by his wife, one brother, Bernard Schulte in Willowvale, Kansas, and a sister, Mrs. Jos. Schaefer of Wheatland Township, and Mrs. John Gottlob living in California.

The funeral took place on 13 May at Mt. Carmel, and he was laid to his final rest at the cemetery of St. Mary’s Parish.

May he rest in peace.