HAUSBERG, William 1833-1910

HAUSBERG, MERCKEL

Posted By: Chris Tonn (email)
Date: 5/14/2015 at 10:01:08

WM. HAUSBERG DEAD; COMES AS DISTINCT SHOCK
PIONEER BUSINESS MAN PASSES AWAY FOLLOWING OPERATION. END COMES UNEXPECTEDLY

Thought That He Was On Road To Rapid Recovery At Time of His Demise.

The sad news of the death of Wm. Hausberg at St. Mary’s hospital, Rochester, Minn., reached this city late last night and became known to many Charles Cityans early this morning. Mr. Hausberg’s death came as a distinct shock, for it was confidently believed by those near him that he was on the road to recovery following an operation last Friday, for the removal of gall stones. While the particulars are not all at hand concerning the direct cause of Mr. Hausberg’s death, it is generally thought that he was unable to rally from the shock of the operation and died of heart failure.

Mr. Hausberg had enjoyed reasonably good health, for a man of his advanced years, until a few months ago at which time he was attacked with fainting spells. He sought medical and surgical attention at home, in Rochester, Minn., and Chicago. In Rochester where an operation was performed as stated. His wife was with him during the trying hours previous to and following the operation and when the final summons came. His son, Ernest, who had accompanied his father and mother to Rochester and was present during the operation and for some days following, believing that the period of danger was over, returned to this city early yesterday.

Wm. Hausberg was born in Germany July 2, 1833. In July 1855, he came to this country and settled first at Lyons, where he remained but a few months. In April, 1856, Mr. Hausberg came to this city and engaged the employ of Rumpf, Lehmkuhl & Co., general merchants. Three years later Mr. Rumpf withdrew from the firm, Mr. Hausberg succeeding to the partnership. About this time a branch store was opened at Floyd of which Mr. Hausberg assumed the management. In the year 1868 the business at Floyd was discontinued. Mr. Hausberg giving his whole attention to the general merchandise store in this city. In 1876 he purchased the interest of his partner, Mr. Lehmkuhl, and conducted the business alone until March 1879, when he took W.E. Holbrook, now treasurer of this county into partnership. This firm was later succeeded by Hausberg & Clemens and in the more recent years Mr. Hausberg himself retired from active merchandising, stepping aside for the addition of C.E. Harding, long a trusted and capable employee to a partnership, the name of the firm now being Clemens & Harding.

Mr. Hausberg was elected a director of the First National bank of this city in 1884 and has acted in this capacity ever since. In September, 1908 he was chosen vice-president of this institution, succeeding the late H.C. Raymond, deceased. He was a stockholder in several of the strongest and best enterprises of the city and was also the owner of considerable Floyd county farm property besides his store buildings in this city. Mr. Hausberg was a man of sterling integrity and very successful in business. He made many friends who became attached to him because of his methods in business and his sound financial judgement.

Mr. Hausberg was married in 1863 to Miss Thereca Merckel. Four children were born to this union, of which Ernest, an attorney of this city is the only one surviving. No arrangements have been made for the funeral services. General regret is expressed over the entire city because of the passing away of Mr. Hausberg. As one of the earliest settlers he knew of the development of this city and county, better perhaps than any other person now residing here. He was a kind and loving husband and father and a sincere friend to many. His passing is a distinct loss to the city.

Charles City Newspaper, December 1910