Merz, Balthasar 1827 - 1906

MERZ, KIRCH, HILDENBRAND

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 4/27/2017 at 11:37:16

Elkader Register, Thur., 9 Aug. 1906. Guttenberg column. From the Clayton County Journal, undated.

Balthasar Merz quietly passed away at his home Thursday evening, August 2nd, at 11 o'clock, at the age of 78 years, 10 months and 8 days. He had been a sufferer from Bright's disease for a long time and his sickness became more or less complicated since winter. Being advanced in age his muscles became paralyzed. He had been bedfast since the fore part of June and during the past few weeks had to be cautiously handled by attendants. Although his liver, kidneys and abdominal structure were seriously affected, his heart remained normally active until he was finally relieved from his sufferings, borne with fortitude, by death.

Deceased was born in Laufen, Wuertemberg, Germany, September 24, 1827, and landed in New Orleans in 1852 and the same year was married to Elizabeth Hildenbrand at Cincinnati, Ohio, and came to Guttenberg in 1854. His wife died June 4, 1899. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Christina Kirch, of Dubuque, seven grand and seven great-grandchildren.

His vocation was that of stone mason which he followed until about ten years ago. He was a good, industrious mason and took great interest in the town's growth and improvement. Many of the buildings constructed by him in earlier days are still extant.

Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock the funeral will take place from the residence on front street, under the auspices of Prairie la Porte Lodge No. 147 A.F. & A.M., of which he was a member. Interment in the City cemetery.- Clayton County Journal.