Reuther, Louis 1833 - 1879

REUTHER, LAMM

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

Elkader Register, Thur., 07 Aug. 1879.

DIED - At his home in Elkader, on Monday morning, August 4th, 1879 of consumption, Hon. Louis Reuther, aged 46 years.

Hon. Louis Reuther was born at St. John, Prussia, in 1833 and in 1850 emigrated to the United States, landing in New York, where he remained a short time and then went to Philadelphia where he became acquainted with H. C. Grotewohl, now of this place; together they came west, settling at the "Colony" in this county, in the fall of 1853. In 1854 he was in Dubuque working at his trade, that of a painter. In 1855 he became a partner with H. C. Grotewohl in the furniture business in Elkader, and in 1856 was married to Miss Theresa Lamm, his wife who survives him. From this time until 1867, - with the exception of a short residence in Dubuque, he resided in Elkader the most of the time engaged successfully in the merchantile business and owning the frame block now owned by A. J. Borman and A. B. Moreland. Selling out in 1867, he with Henry Meder, built the mill at St, Jjohn's on the Volga river. He sold out again and went to Chicago into business and again returned to Elkader in 1870. For a time in partnership with a brother, then he bought the corner where the post-office is now located, and opened business, again keeping a general merchandise store, also owning and operating the billiard rooms and saloon below.

In 1871 the republicans nominated him for representative, and he was elected, serving the people of Clayton county in the regular session of 1872 and the special session of 1873. He was a faithful representative, and his voice was often raised in the interest of the people he was serving.

In 1876 he retired from active business life, and together with his wife visited Germany and France going to the great French exposition. It was thought that the disease which finally resulted in hhis death, was contracted from baths that he took while on this trip. Returning to this country and finding his health fast fading, he resolved on a trip to California, starting on the 5th of March. But the trip did not seem to give him much relief, and he hurried home, to die in the bosom of his family. He arrived on Saturday, July 19th, and was assisted up to his room, which he did not again leave until death released him from the sufferings of this world.

By his death, Elkader loses one of its most liberal and respected citizens, exact in all of his dealings, honest, upright and a true friend, his loss is mourned by all. He leaves a wife but no children.

The funeral occurred Tuesday afternoon, and was one of the largest ever seen in Elkader, friends being present from all parts of the county. All the stores in town were closed and the people turned out en masse to do honor to the dead. Rev. Mr. Seifert and S. K. Adams officiated.