Dohrer, John August 1835 - 1918

DOHRER, HAMAN, WISTRICK

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/11/2021 at 11:24:44

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 25 Apr. 1918.

John August Dohrer, one of our old settlers and a member of the G.A.R., passed away at his home in this city on Wednesday, April 24th, at 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon, at the age of 82 years, 4 months and 13 days.

He was born Dec. 11th, 1835, at ___feld, Germany. On June 15th, 1851, he landed in New York, after an ocean trip which lasted eight weeks. He worked his trade as cabinetmaker in various eastern cities, Philsdelphia, Baltimore, Cumberland and Zanesville, Ohio.

From the latter place he went down the Ohio to Cairo and then up the Mississippi to St. Louis. For two years he followed his trade at St. Charles, Mo., when again he set out for travel.

This time he went in a northerly direction and landed at Dubuque, Iowa. This was in 1863, and the following year he came to Clayton county, but his stay then was very brief, for he soon joined the army, taking the place of his brother Henry, who was drafted, and had family. That indeed showed what sacrifices a brother's love is able to bring.

He was a member of Co. F, 4th Iowa Infantry, which company, being identified with the army of Tennessee, took part in the famous "March to the Sea." It was indeed interesting to listen to his varied experiences of the war, of which he seemed to have a remarkable recollection to the very last. After the close of the war, being honorably discharged, he came back to Clayton county.

In 1872 he made a trip to the old country to visit relatives and once more to see the places of his childhood days. He stayed away four months and greatly enjoyed the journey.

On the seventh day of October, 1867, he was married to Friederika W. Haman. They made their home on a farm in Cox Creek township, where they resided for over forty years.

After years of hard work and wise economy they were in a position to have more comfort out of life, so they moved to Elkader in the spring of 1908. Here his faithful companion and life's partner was taken from him on Sept. 16th, 1910.

This was a severe loss to the aged husband and father; his home was broken up, and it was impossible for him to stay alone. In order that he could stay where he was, his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wistrick, gave up farming to live with the aged father. From them and the other children he received the best of care, of which he was in special need the last few years, when troubled with asthma. In spite of his ailment and advanced years he was able to be up and around to the very last day, within a few hours of his death [illegible].

His departure is mourned by four sons and one daughter: August Dohrer, Cox Creek township; Henry Dohrer, Elkader; Charles Dohrer, Cox Creek township; Rudolf Dohrer, St. Paul, Minn.; and Mrs. Katherine Wistrick, Elkader, Iowa. He also leaves twelve grandchildren, other relatives and many old time friends and neighbors.

He was a member of the G.A.R., the Evangelical church and the Evangelical Brotherhood.

Our most heartfelt sympathy goes out to all those that are nearest and dearest to him.

The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 at the house and at 2:00 o'clock at the German church, Rev. C. H. Franke officiating.