Hagensick, Christophor 1799-1884

HAGENSICK, SCHUMACHER, BEHRENGER, SCHMIDT

Posted By: A. Haught (email)
Date: 3/26/2015 at 15:03:18

During the past few months the great reaper, Death, has made great inroads on the ranks of the early settlers of Clayton county, the brave men, who, like the advance guard of an army, have stood the brunt of the battle, who have opened the fair prairies of Iowa and the far west to the onward march of civilization, and after having lived to see the fruits of their toil blossom with people and bring forth good fruits, have passed to the great beyond.

How fitting it is, that after the seed time and the harvest, with the fruits of his toil gathered into the barns, with his life work completed, the old pioneer should lay down to his rest, ere the toils of another season comes upon him.

The one to be called this time is Christophor Hagensick, whose death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Henry Schumacher, in Garnavillo, on Thursday May 1st, 1884, of old age.

The subject of this short sketch was born in Weisenstadt, Bavaria, on Sept. 27th 1799, and was therefore 84 years, 7 months, and 4 days old at the time of death.

In 1823 in the old country, he was married to Miss E. M Behrenger, and eight children were born unto them, two of who died in Germany, and one in Huron, Dakota, C. W. Hagensick, formerly of Read. Those living are J.M. of Ceres, J.L. of McGregor, J.C. of Read; John of Boardman, Mrs. Margaret Schumacher, of Garnavillo.

His good wife died May 21st, 1873, and was buried at Clayton Center. At the time of her death she was about 73 years of age. Besides his children, there are now living 38 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Mr. Hagensick came to the United Sates about 1847, leaving his family in Germany. In 1848 he went to visit his friends, Messrs. J. B and Wolfgang Schmidt, of Elkader, but who then lived in New Bram, Ohio. On arriving at that place, he found that his friends had started the day before to seek a new home in the great west, and procuring a team he followed and overtook them, and after some talk, decided to come with them to Iowa. They traveled by team all the way, and through the then village of Chicago, and there purchased a stove. After a long journey they arrived at Garnavillo, and all secured some land, Mr. H., taking a pre-emption claim of 80 acres near the line between Read and Garnavillo townships, which with 120 acres more, he owned at the time of his death.

On his arrival in Clayton county he was like the majority of immigrant, without means but he had a good stout heart and willing hands, and amassed quite a competency before his death. His family followed him to this county in about two years after his arrival, and have nearly all stayed in the county, all being prosperous and respected citizens.

Mr. H., was honored and loved by all who knew him, and his death is mourned by the whole community in which he has passed the larger portion of his life. The funeral on Sunday last was largely attended, his remains being laid in the Garnavillo cemetery. The funeral services, in accordance with the wishes of the deceased, were conducted by Rev. F. W. Seifert, of Clayton Center, assisted by Rev. Mr. Summerlad, of Garnavillo.
Peace be to his ashes!

Elkader Semi-Weekly Register: May 6, 1884