Mugge, George 1852 - 1896

MUEGGE, MUGGE, KOPP

Posted By: Joy Moore & Reid R. Johnson
Date: 5/15/2022 at 13:40:35

Source: Decorah Republican Sept. 3, 1896 P 3 C 2

A Fatal Accident.
N. I. Times;—Last Friday afternoon [Aug. 21st,] Geo. Muegge in company with his two little boys and his brother from New York, started to drive home from Clayton. They had been at Clayton for a few days’ fishing. When nearly up the Clayton hill, the horses became frightened at a man approaching on a bicycle, and whirled around throwing Mr. Muegge about twenty feet, striking the rocks on his face and breast. His head and face were frightfully lacerated and he died Saturday about noon from the injuries.

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Added by Reid Johnson 4/22/2022:

Elkader Register, Fri., 28 Aug. 1896. Littleport column.

The sad accident that resulted in the death of George Muegge came upon our people like a thunder bolt and the sympathy of all is with the afflicted family. He was a useful man and universally liked and respected and will be missed by the people of Communia.

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Added by Reid R. Johnson 5/26/2026:

Elkader Register, 28 Aug. 1896.

It is with a deep feeling of reluctance and sorrow that we come to the task of giving our readers the particulars of the sad tragedy at Clayton Friday that resulted in the death of the subject of this sketch in the prime of life, and has cast a gloom upon his beloved family and friends. It has been the habit of several years past that George and family had at this season of the year enjoyed a visit from their brother August of St. Louis. At this time they had partaken of a fishing excursion to the river at Clayton and were on their return home.

While ascending the Clayton hill in their buggy containing Mr. Muegge, his two sons and brother August, in coming around a turn the team became frightened at a bicycle coming down the hill some forty yards in advance of them, ridden by Mr. Knutson, of Chicago, who was visiting friends in Clayton. This gentleman threw himself off his wheel when he saw the frightened team. The team in their fright whirled round and ran down the road. In the turning round the boys either fell or jumped out. The road here has several humps for turning the water. At the first one August flew out but escaped injury. At the second one, by the buggy tongue falling, George, who had hung to the team, was thrown into the air and came down on his head and face.

Assistance was soon at hand and the injured man taken to the Clayton House, and Dr. Schmidt, of Garnavillo, who was in town, at once attended him. Dr. Clark, of McGregor, was also called. Everything was done that was possible but Mr. Muegge never regained consciousness and about 12 o'clock Saturday noon died.

George Muegge was born March 20, 1852, at Linden near Hanover, Germany. He came to the United States in 1865, locating at Wheeling, West Virginia, where he learned the moulder's trade. Afterwards he became interested in the instruction of gymnastics at St. Louis and Dubuque. In June 1880 he was united in marriage with Clara Kopp, of Communia. For nearly two years thereafter he taught in the Turner classes at St. Louis. About 1882 he returned to Communia and occupied the place where he has since resided, and while serving in his chosen profession as instructor, also conducted a small mercantile business and was postmaster. About a year ago he was elected Secretary of the Farmers' Insurance company of Communia, which office he held at the time of his decease. A bereaved wife, and two sons are sorely stricken at the untimely death of a husband and father, while two brothers and three sisters mourn the loss of a beloved brother.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at Communia, and if anything was needed to attest the worth of George Muegge and the respect in which he was held by his neighbors and the people of this county the attendance at his funeral would furnish it. Large delegations from the Turner societies of Guttenberg, Garnavillo and Elkader were present, beside people from several towns of the county not members of these associations. Not half in attendance could obtain admission to the hall while the service was in progress. In the hall after the singing James Schroeder, of Guttenberg, delivered an oration in German. The procession was then formed, probably 500 being in line, and moved to the quiet cemetery, where after singing by the Elkader Gesangverein Jas. E. Corlett, of Elkader, made an address in English. He appropriately spoke of the commendable virtues of the departed and the respect and sympathy manifested in the gathering at the last sad rites.

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Added by Reid Johnson 5/15/2022:

On Saturday last the remains of George Muegge were removed from the Communia cemetery to the cemetery at this place where Mrs. Muegge has purchased a
family lot.

Elkader Register, Thur., 17 Nov. 1898. Locals columns.

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Note: Gravestone in East Side cemetery spells surname = Mugge