Gotch, Frederick Rudolph 1831-1911

GOTCH, NOPENS

Posted By: Linda Linn (email)
Date: 1/5/2012 at 23:28:17

Humboldt Independent
10-26-1911

FREDERICK RUDOLPH GOTCH
Mr. Gotch was born in Schalteri, Germany, April 7, 1831, being the oldest son of Frederick and Henrietta Gotch.

He was married to Amelia Nopens on July 11, 1855. In 1863 they emigrated to America and settled in Lewis county, New York in 1864. In 1864 he enlisted in Company A. 186th New York Volunteer Infantry. He was in the army of the Potomac under General Grant and took part in the capture of Petersburg and in other notable –battles in Virginia and was mustered out in 1865. Later that same year the family came west and settled In what is now Corinth township, on the west fork of the Des Moines River,the land being now a part of the well known Glen Farm. It was here that Mr. Gotch was hurt In felling a tree from which one limb was crippled and was never fully restored and he was forced to depend upon artificial support during the balance of his life.

In 1875 the family moved into Beaver Township, where they lived upon a fine high bluff for which the Valley of the Des Moines is famous, overlooking some of the finest scenery in this section of the state until the son Frank A. arranged the cosey and comfortable home in south Humboldt and exchanged with the aged father and mother for the old home site, which he now owns, and here the father died on October 21st, 1911.

There was born to this family nine children, six of whom are still living. Two, William and Lydia died in infancy and one, Anna Henrietta died aged 40. Those living are Mary Fredericka, Frederick William, Charles Frederick, Millie Mabel, George Edward and Frank Alvin.

The funeral service was held from the home on south Greeley Street, Tuesday p. m., services being conducted by Rev. F. B. Stafford of Clear Lake, assisted by Rev. W. Tompkins of the M, E. church. Song service by Mr. and Mrs. Stafford and Mrs. W, E. Strong, the latter singing a solo in German. The burial took place In the Indian Mound Cemetery, where the short service of the G. A. R. ritual was used by Albert Rowley, Post G. A. R. 193, which also furnished the pall bearers, and the two ministers. Mr. Gotch was a member of the Lutheran church in the old country, but affiliated with the German Evangelical church here.