Charles Herkleman 1832-1917

HERKLEMAN, RUTENBECK, WIRTH, CREGER

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/18/2021 at 17:21:41

3 October 1917 - The Clinton Advertiser page 1

(Special Correspondence)
Maquoketa, Ia., Oct. 3--Charles Herkleman departed this life Monday night, after a long and useful career at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Alex Wirth, near Elwood. Deceased was about 86 years of age and came to America in the early fifties. He was married to Miss Sophia Rutenbeck in Davenport and settled in Clinton county. In 1854 he went with the tide of immigration to California, making the journey overland by ox team. He spent nine years in the far west, three years of which were in the civil war. They returned to Brookfield township, Clinton county, and purchased eighty acres of land, which he kept adding to until he had a farm of 360 acres. Since 1896 he and his faithful helpmate had lived retired. He leaves to mourn his loss three children: William Herkleman, Mrs. Alex Wirth and Mrs. Henry Creger, all living near Elwood. The funeral will be held some time tomorrow.

5 October 1917 - The Clinton Advertiser page 4

Lost Nation, Ia., Oct. 5--Carl Herkelman of Elwood passed away Monday evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Alex Wirth, at the age of 85 years. He was a Civil war veteran and a mostly highly respected citizen of the community. Besides his wife, he leaves to daughters, Mrs. Henry Creger and Mrs. Alex Wirth, and one son, Wm. Herkleman, of this place. A complete obituary will be published later.

8 October 1917 - The Clinton Advertiser page 6

Elwood, Ia., Oct. 8--Carl Herkelman was born July 25, 1832, at Hagen, Westphalia, Germany. In 1854 he borrowed money to come to America. When he reached Davenport he had one dollar in his pocket and was $60 in debt. In May, 1859 he started for California with a team of oxen and arrived in the following October. In 1861 he enlisted in the United States army and served three years, when he was honorable discharged. After nine years he returned to Davenport. Sept. 14th, 1868, he was married to Sophia Rutenbeck of that place. To them were born four children: Wm. Herkleman, Mrs. J. H. Creger and Mrs. A. J. Wirth, all of Elwood and Emma, deceased.

In the fall of 1868 he settled on a farm two and one-half miles west of Elwood, where he made his home 26 years. Twenty-three years ago he retired from farm life and for the past 12 years, with his companion, has made his home with his youngest daughter and family, Mrs. A. J. Wirth. He lived continuously in this community 49 years. While in the service of his adopted country he was stationed at Fort Yuma, Cal. He counted among the dearest experiences of his life the fellowship of his comrades. He was a member of the G.A.R. and always attended the Memorial and Decoration Day services and encampments. Only last August he attended one at Sabula. The afternoon before his death he said to the doctor, "Give my love to the old soldier-boys."

He was a member of the G.A.R. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church in Germany.

"Grandpa" Herkelman saw the hardships of pioneer life, was of rugged build and keenly alive to the day and age in which he lived.

His almost daily visits for the mail, his regard for the children, his pride in the welfare of his friends, made him a familiar figure in our midst.

Twenty-four years ago, he in company with Mr. John Wirth, visited the Fatherland, renewing friendships, but returned all the more satisfied with America, where all that is dear is home. Like a ripe sheaf of grain he has been garnered.

Besides the widow and children, he leaves a brother, Henry, of Elwood, and William of Germany; twenty grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The funeral services were conducted from the late home by Rev. C. W. Cleveland of Stanwood. Mesdames W. S. Hill and W. H. Myatt and Francis Hill sang. Mesdames J. A. Anderson and C. W. Cleveland were flower bearers. Beautiful floral offerings were brought. Besides these given by individuals, the K. P. Peerless Lodge No. 60, Rebecca lodge of Elwood and the Relief Corps of Maquoketa contributed. The G.A.R. attended in a body and had part of the service at the grave. The burial was in the Lost Nation cemetery. The following grandchildren acted as pallbearers: Raymond Wirth, Almond Creger, Ross Williams, Elwin Herkelman, Edwin Rutenbeck and Irvin Christensen.

Those attending the funeral from a distance were Mrs. LeRoy Hart and son of Menlo, Mrs. Lewis Rutenbeck, Grand Mound; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rutenbeck and Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Williams, Maquoketa; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schoellerman, Toronto; Anna Walters, Delmar Junction.

The G.A.R. members had the silk flag placed across his body with the remark it was the least they could do for their old comrade.