Mueller, Christian Rudolph Herman 1942 - 1923

MUELLER, MYER, KULL, LUNGWITZ, REUSCHEL, NUEHRING

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 12/17/2021 at 10:42:27

Elkader Register, Thur., 08 Mar. 1923.

Another aged and respected resident of Clayton County, Grampa Mueller, passed away at the home of his son, Herman F. Mueller, Elkader, Iowa, on Monday morning, March 5th, 1923, at the age of 80 years, 11 months and 9 days.

In the following is given a short sketch of his life as written by the deceased himself on Dec. 1st, 1919:

I was born March 24th, 1842, at Leutenberg, Thuringia, Germany, as the 10th child and youngest son of John Carl Mueller and wife Christine, nee Myer. In Holy Baptism I received the names: Christian Rudolph Herman Mueller.

Having graduated from School, I learned the shoemaker's trade from my father and older brothers. Then, as it was customary in those times, I spent some time as "traveling journeyman", in order to be more efficient in my trade.

At the age of 21 years I acquitted myself of my military duties and was discharged after 15 months of service. In the war of 1866 I again served for 4 months, after which he returned home to remain until 1869 when on Sept. 1st of that year I emigrated to America. For about four weeks I worked at my trade in New Jersey, then coming to Dubuque, Iowa, where I again worked at my trade.

On Nov. 10th, 1870, I was married to Mrs. Jacobine Kull, who had two children, Cecelia and Amelia by a former marriage. This union was blessed by the birth of 4 children, three of which, 2 girls and one boy, died in infancy.

On April 16th, 1873, we moved to Elkport, which was to be our home for 46 years. During this time the best interests of my home-town were always uppermost in my heart. I was respected by the people and honored by my fellow citizens in electing me to various town offices. For a number of years I was a member of the school board, the City Council, and for 4 years, Mayor of Elkport.

On Nov. 3rd, 1919, I sustained a great loss, when my beloved wife and helpmate for 49 years passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. C. Reuschel, and was laid to rest in the East-Side Cemetery, at Elkader, Iowa. Since then I have made my home with my son Herman F. Mueller and family of Elkader. As I am old ad feeble life has lost its attractions and I long to go home and be laid to rest at the side of my beloved wife."

His wish was gratified, when as the result of a few slight paralytic strokes, and the infirmities of the years, he closed his eyes in the last sleep, on Monday morning, March 5th, 1923.

He is survived by his son, Herman F. Mueller, Elkader, Iowa, two step-daughters, Mrs. Cecelia Lungwitz, and Mrs. Emelie Reuschel of Dubuque, Iowa, and one foster daughter, Mrs. Rose Nuehring, of Guttenberg, Iowa, who came to the family when she was nine years old and remained with them until the time of her marriage.

He also leaves 5 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, other relatives and many old-time friends and neighbors.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Evangelical church, conducted by Rev. C. H. Franke. Interment in the East Side cemetery.