Leibrock, Charles 1833 - 1902

LEIBROCK, CHRIST, SCHMIDT, HAGENSICK, BARTHOL, HANKRAMER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:24

Elkader Register, Thur., 06 Feb. 1902.

After an illness of several months Charles Leibrock died at his home in Elkader, at 12 o'clock on Wednesday night, Jan. 29th, 1902, at the age of 68 years, 8 months and 29 days. He was born May 1, 1833, in (Vog_lboch) Renish Bavaria, Germany. His father died when he was 6 years old and his mother when he was 16 years of age, thus the care and support of the family fell upon him is his youthful days. Indeed, his cradle was almost rocked by his own struggle with life.

In 1853, in company with others he left Germany for America, in a sailing vessel. They had a most perilous voyage, were lost at sea and instead of reaching this country in 30 days were on the water for 90 days before landing at New Orleans. With scant provisions for such a trip the suffering was intense, not only for the lack of food but from anxiety as well. Some of those on board lost their reason because of the suffering.

From New Orleans Mr. Leibrock came to East St. Louis and worked a short time on a farm. He then came direct to Elkader. It is said that he was among the first, if not the first of the Germans that came to this town. He went to work in the Elkader Mill for L. V. Davis, where he remained from 1853 to 1868, first at laborer and afterwards as a grain-buyer. He was there all the time with the exception of the period when the mill was rebuilt after the fire.

About 1870 he entered the mercantile business, first as an employee of Ransom Place, then as a partner of Mr. Place and J. C. Vaupel. Later Mr. Leibrock assumed full charge of the store. After many serious financial struggles in the early days, sold out his stock in 1899 and retired from active business with a fair competence.

In 1857, at Elkader, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth F. Christ, who survives him. To them were born five children, two sons and three daughters. Mrs. Ella Schmidt, Otis, Kans.: Frank G., Elkader: Mrs. A. C. Hagensick, Milwaukee, Wis.; Lizzie, at home; and Charles, the youngest, at Fenner, Cal. All were permitted to be present at the funeral except Charles. Ten grandchildren are also left. Deceased has two sisters living in this country, Mrs. Elizabeth Barthol, in California, and Mrs. Luisa Hankamer, of Andrew, Jackson county, Iowa.

Mr. Leibrock had been a member of Elkader lodge No. 72, A.F. & A.M., for forty years and it was at his request that he be accorded a Masonic burial. He was also a member of Bismarck Lodge No 110, Iowa Workmen, and the Turn Verein and Gesang Verein.

For the past twenty-five years Mr. Leibrock had been afflicted more or less, and at times during these years his physicians told him he could not hope to live long, but on account of a strong constitution and an indomitable will he lived about the time allotted to man. Two years ago he received a slight stroke of paralysis from which he never fully recovered. He had been confined to his bed since Dec. 3d last. His last days were accompanied with the greatest suffering, but instead of complaining at the approach of certain dissolution, he would sing the songs that had cheered his heart in other days. To the visitors who called he would take pains, often with tears in his eyes, to speak of the care and devotion of his faithful wife and family, who in every way endeavored to make him comfortable.

To the people of Elkader it is not necessary to eulogize Charles Leibrock. He was devoted to his family, charitable to such an extent that none was turned away. In his business, being strictly honest himself, he thought all men so until he was deceived. In all his years of business he was never known to distress anyone for what was his by right, and probably no one will ever know how much Mr. Leibrock has suffered loss by his kindness of heart in not desiring to press others for what was rightfully due him. In his years of residence in Elkader no one has cause to speak of him but in the kindest terms. All feel that a worthy citizen has gone from our midst whose place will be hard to fill.

The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock under the auspices of the Elkader Lodge of Masons, Bismarck Lodge No. 110, Iowa Workman, the Turners and the Gesang Verein joining in the procession to the Congregational church, which was crowded to overflowing. Here Rev. G. W. Baxter delivered an appropriate sermon after which the Mason's conducted the services at the grave. These were made as short as possible owing to the intense cold weather.

The floral tributes were many and in excellent taste.

The following served as honorary pall bearers: Isaac Havens, M. Bachtell, Sidney Powell, Robert Quinn, Geo. Russell and John F. Meyer.

The active pall bearers were: James E. Corlett, James Russell, A. Braun, Wm. Becker, A. O. Elvidge and G. H. Wilke.

(There followed a list of Mason's from various points in the county who attended despite the inclement weather.)

( A picture of Mr. Leibrock accompanied this obit, but did not reproduce well enough to be used here.)