Schoch, Charles 1821 - 1892

SCHOCH, RITTER, RUEGNITZ, REICHERT

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 2/21/2023 at 10:11:04

Elkader Register, Thur., 01 Dec. 1892.

Last Saturday morning our citizens were startled by the news that Charles Schoch, Sr., had died suddenly while sitting in a chair at his residence. His death was a severe shock to his numerous friends, being almost wholly unexpected. He had long been a sufferer from asthma, but after returning from Chicago, where he had been for treatment, he seemed so much improved that his friends were not prepared for the sudden ending of his life.

Deceased was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, December 24th, 1821, consequently he was nearly 71 years of age. Here he learned the trade of wagonmaker and blacksmith. While yet a young man he removed to Switzerland where he remained several years working at his trade. In 1844, he came to the United States, locating first in Philadelphia, in which city he was married in 1847, his wife and six children, three sons and three daughters, surviving him. The children are George, of Chicago; Henry and Charles, of Elkader; Mrs. Caroline Ritter, of Chicago; Mrs. Rosa Ruegnitz, of Elgin, Ill.; and Mrs. Linnie Reichert, of Highland township. In 1853, he came to Clayton county, first locating in Elk township, afterwards establishing a wagon and blacksmith shop in Communia, near this place. In 1863 he came to Elkader and founded the business now conducted by his son, C. F. Schoch, which he followed until increasing age compelled him to abandon manual labor. By industry and economy, he managed to accumulate a competence, by means of which he passed his declining years in comfort. His death coming without warning prevented his children from being with him during his last hours, but all were present at the funeral which took place Monday afternoon, Rev. Seifert officiating, the mortal remains of an honored citizen being laid to rest in the East Side cemetery.