Welzel, John 1834-1906
WELZEL, SCHMIDT, THOMA, STAADT
Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 2/20/2013 at 00:02:58
Postville Review, Fri., 21 Dec. 1906.
It is with sorrow shared not alone by this community, but by the people generally over a large scope of country tributary, that we announce the death of John Welzel, one of the oldest, most generally respected and influential German residents of this section, whose demise occurred at the family home in this city on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 18th, after a weeks illness from blood impoverishment. He was 72 years and eight days old, and for upwards of 50 years had been a resident of Clayton county, having but a few weeks ago moved to Postville to reside. The sincerest sympathy of all is with the bereaved family and relatives.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon from the Lutheran church at one o'clock, conducted by Rev. M. O. Puhl and Noble Lodge No. 51, A.O.U.W.
Obituary next week.
--- --- ---
Elkader Register, Thur., 20 Dec. 1906. Local News column.
The many Clayton County friends will learn with regret of the death of John Welzel at his home in Postville, Tuesday afternoon. He was born in Weissenstadt, Bavaria, Dec. 10th, 1834, and was a few days over 72 years at his death. He came to Clayton County in 1855. Since 1875 he has been an officer, and many years president of the Clayton County Fire and Lightning Ins. Co. Mrs. Welzel is a sister of Mrs. W. Schmidt, of this place. The funeral was held this afternoon.
--- --- ---
Elkader Register, Thur., 03 Jan. 1907.
John Welzel was born in Bavaria, Germany, Dec. 10, 1834, and died at his home in Postville, Iowa, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 1906, aged 72 years and eight days. He emigrated to this country in 1853, landing in New York. From there he went to Chicago, Ill., where he remained until December of that year. The next summer he went to Burlington, Iowa, thence to St. Louis, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Gulf of Mexico, then came north again, reaching Burlington in 1855. During this time he worked at various branches of business, until he located permanently in Clayton county in 1855, and since that time he has engaged principally in farming. In company with seven other men he rented Judge Williams' farm in Grand Meadow township and worked it seven years. In 1864 he bought 120 acres on section 15, where he resided continuously until about six weeks preceding his death, when he bought a home in Postville and moved into town. He has his farm in a splendid state of cultivation and well stocked. He was married to An__ S. Thoma, Jan. 20, 1858, at Garnavillo, Iowa. She was born in Bavaria, Germany, Sept. 1, 1834. To this union have been born seven children - John P., Fred H., Conrad, Louie, Anna, (now Mrs. G. Stadt), William and George - all of whom, save Louie and William, survive and were present at the funeral. Mr. Welzel was a member of the Lutheran church and in politics was a democrat.
For upwards of fifty years he resided on the same farm, and he was known and respected by the people throughout a large section of country as one of God's noblemen, an honest, upright, broad-minded, big-hearted, industrious and kind man. Being possessed of large business experience his advice in business matters was often sought by his countrymen and others and was always freely given. No honest poor man ever asked financial aid of him in vain, and no hungry man was ever turned from his door unfed. He held various official positions and places of trust with fidelity and honor. He came to this country penniless and a stranger, he departed this life possessed of an abundance of this world's goods and friends he numbered by his acquaintances. In the fullness of years a good citizen, true friend, devoted husband and kind father has been called to his reward. Peace to his soul.
The funeral, which was held from the Lutheran church on Thursday, Dec. 20th, was one of the largest ever held here, and fully attested the high esteem in which deceased was held by a community which had known him for a half century and more. - Postville Review.
Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen