Hochhaus, Mary Sophia (Witt) 1862 - 1938

HOCHHAUS, WITT, MUELLER, REINHARDT, CONRAD, UECKER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 7/13/2023 at 12:51:49

Clayton County Register, 10 Aug. 1938.

Mrs. Frank Hochhaus died at her home in Elkader, Monday afternoon, August 08th, at 2:40 as the result of a complication of diseases. She had been in failing health for nearly two years.

Mary Sophia Witt was born September 27, 1862, in Priemen, Kries Anklam, Germany, the daughter of John and Dorothea (Mueller) Witt. At the time of her death she had reached the age of 75 years, ten months and nine days.

In 1868, together with her parents and other members of the family, she came to this country, first settling at Garnavillo. Later the family moved to Clayton Center and still later to Elkader.

The trip to this country in 1868 was a striking contrast to the modern methods of travel. That 1868 trip required six months on a sail boat - now the Atlantic has been crossed by airplanes in less than 20 hours. That trip was beset with danger equal to that of modern airplane travel.

After leaving England the ship sprang a leak and all hands were required to operate the pumps so that the ship could be turned back for necessary repairs. A second start was made and again the boat was forced back for further repairs. The family then took passage on an American steamship and finally landed in America.

On December 09, 1888, in Clayton Center, the deceased was united in marriage with Frank L. Hochhaus. Two sons were born to this union - Arthur F. W. and George J. - who together with the husband, survive. Beside these Mrs. Hochhaus is survived by one granddaughter and one sister - Mrs. Jacob Reinhardt. Four brothers and four sisters preceded her in death.

Mrs. Hochhaus received her education in the rural schools of the county and added a little more in the local public school. She was a charter member of the Friedens Evangelical church and also of the Frauen Verein of that church.

She was a woman who cherished her home and it and her family came first. She was devoted to her church and while health permitted attended services regularly. In her immediate circle she will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 at the home and at 2:00 at the Evangelical church with burial in the East Side cemetery. The Rev. P. Kitterer, her pastor, will officiate.

Casketbearers will be five nephews - Harry J. Conrad, Henry Reinhardt, Milton Uecker, Leroy Hochhaus, Raymond Hochhaus - and Harry Opitz.