Schulte, John H. 1820-1896

SCHULTE, WATERMAN, DIERS, LANTZKY, SCHUMACHER

Posted By: A. Haught (email)
Date: 3/17/2015 at 16:15:32

John Henry Schulte was born in Gehrde, Hanover, Germany April 20, 1820.

In 1838 he emigrated to this country, landing in Baltimore. All his worldly possessions consisted of the clothes that he on his person and a 50 cent piece. But with that pluck and stubborn determination to succeed, which characterizes the true German, he walked to Wheeling, West Virginia, where he secured employment.

He next went further west, and came to New Bremen, Ohio, where he worked several years in the Miami Canal. After the completion of that great work, he for several years operated a canal boat between Toledo and Cincinnati.

October 24, 1847 he married Mary Waterman of Piqua, Ohio. During the next years Mr. Schulte was engaged in the mercantile and milling business, until 1856, when he disposed of his interest and moved to Iowa making the trip with his family, and chattels loaded in prairie schooners.

He arrived in Garnavillo in Nov. 1856 and for a few months [lived] in town. In the spring 1857 he purchased the farm in Read township now owned by Wm. J. Tewes.

In 1862 he disposed of that farm and purchased the farm now owned by his son Charles. Here the family lived until 1891, when the continued illness of his wife and the weakness of old age, caused them to move to town. Here Mrs. Schulte died Jan. 5, 1892.

Of the nine children born to them 4 have preceded them in death. Those living are Mrs. H. Diers, Seward, Neb., Mrs. Chas. Lantzky, Dubuque, Charles W. and Mrs. H. C. Schumacher and Miss Callie.

Mr. Schulte was a man who was quiet and unostentatious in his habits and thoughts. In his relations with his fellow man he was sincere, and scrupulously conscientious. His religion was of that noble type, which embodied the world. No worthy appeal was ever unheeded by Squire Schulte. His large heart ever beat in sympathy with human suffering, and his willing hand, and open purse, was ever at the disposal of the needy. His fatherly advice and words of cheer and encouragement were given from a sincere heart. The shrine at which he worshipped was his home and family. There is where the simplicity of his character was displayed in all its beauty.

Death was not an infrequent visitor, and called some of his dear ones away. In humble submission he bowed to the inevitable, and when his mate with whom he lived for nearly fifty years, was called from his side, he exclaimed with true fortitude, “Thy will be done,” knowing that he would be separated from her only a short time.

His death occurred on Jan. 24, 1896. His remains were buried at the New Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, Rev. Sommerlad officiating. May he rest in peace.

The most fitting epitaph to embellish his tomb would be. "Here lies the noblest work of God, an honest man."

Garnavillo Sentinel: January 30, 1896