Schmitt, William M. 1836-1916
SCHMITT, HOZH, HOCK, HUPFER, SCHLITTER, HABERICHTER
Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 7/27/2014 at 02:07:47
Wm. M. Schmitt passed away after a long illness, Thursday, December 14th, at his new home in Monona. He was born September 15, 1836, in Neugartheim, Conton Truchtesheim, Unter Elszas. Coming to America in 1857, he settled in Wisconsin. In 1858 he moved to Clayton county, Iowa.
On November 10th, 1862, his marriage to Miss Henrietta Hozh occurred.
At the commencement of the Civil War he enlisted in the Infantry, 38th Regiment Iowa volunteers. At Vicksburg his regiment was so nearly annihilated that it was merged with the 34th. After three years of valiant service he and his bride settled on a farm half a mile west of Watson, where their life work was carried out.
On November 10th, 1912, a large company helped them to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. In October, on the completion of their large residence on West Center street, the aged couple moved into Monona.
Mr. Schmitt is survived by his widow, five sons and three daughters, all of whom have grown to maturity. The funeral services were conducted at the Watson church, Rev. E.G. Glaeser officiating and Rev. Jas. B. Bird assisting. Burial in the Watson cemetery. The deceased veteran's sons were the pall bearers.
~The Register and Argus, Thursday evening, December 21, 1916, Monona Correspondence column
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William M. Schmitt was born in Neugartheim, Canton Truchterheim Lower Elszas, Sept. 15, 1836.
In 1857 he came to America and made his home with his uncle Nickolus Schmitt at Manitowoc, Wis. Encouraged by the Rev. Wiethorn he moved the following year to Clayton Co., Iowa, where he was engaged in farm work.
When the civil war broke out Mr. Schmitt volunteered and was enlisted in the 38th Iowa Infantry regiment. Before the regiment was ordered to the front, the men were allowed to go to their home and bid farewell to their loved ones. It was at this time, Nov. 10th, 1862, when he was married to Henrietta Hock.
His regiment was engaged in several battles, at the siege of Wigsbury the loss was so heavy that it had to be merged with the 34th Iowa Infantry regiment. Then followed the siege of Fort Mobile Bay, Gienas and Morgan, then through Texas and Florida, then to Fort Blaklie, which was the last battle of the Union.
After the war Mr. Schmitt and wife made their home 1/2 mile south of Watson. Their home was blessed with 11 children, three of them died in infancy, those who remain to mourn the departure of the father are: John, Henry and Frank of Giard township; Clara, now Mrs. Ed Hupfer, Monona township; Lizzie, now Mrs. A.A. Schlitter, Linton, Allamakee Co.; Marie, now Mrs. R.H. Haberichter of LaPorte City, Ia.; George of Salem, S.D.; Fred of Minneapolis; the mother and one brother, Anton Schmitt, of Canistota, S.D.; 23 grandchildren.
On Dec. 10th, 1912 they were permitted to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and the Lord added four years more to their happy family life though not without much sickness.
His health began to fail and on Thursday evening Dec. 14th, he passed away in peace in the new home in Monona.
He was a charter member of the Monona Post, G.A.R., and also a charter member of the Evangelical Church, at Watson. For many years he held the office of Justice-of-the-Peace, in Giard Twp.; and at the organization of the Farmer Creamery Company, at Monona, was elected president of the organization.
Funeral services were held at the home and in the Watson church, Sunday Dec. 17th, by the pastor E.G. Gleasar [?] who was assisted by the Rev. James B. Bird. The remains of the departed were laid to rest in the Watson cemetery.
~Monona Leader, Thursday, December 21, 1916; pg 6
Notes:
-See his entry on the Civil War Honor Roll (this website in Military Records) for a photo of William & Henrietta
- Watson cemetery aka Council Hill cemetery
Military Records - scroll to CWHR
Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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