William Petsch 1829-1916

PETSCH, SCHAEFER, SPENCER, PETERMAN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 3/11/2019 at 14:14:08

22 April 1916 - The Clinton Advertiser

Maquoketa, Ia. April 22--William Petsch, a former resident of this city but who has been for a number of years residing in Davenport, passed away at the home of the daughter, Mrs. E. S. Spencer, early Wednesday morning.

William Petsch was born March 22, 1829, in Yorkshire, England. He was twenty-one years old when he came to this country on a sailing vessel which was wrecked on the Bahama Islands. While stranded there survivors of the ship were befriended by some of the black tribes who inhabit those islands, and who furnished them food. He spent fifteen weeks on the voyage before landing on the islands. From there he went to Davenport and finally located at Welton, where he purchased a farm and lived for many years.

In 1860 he was married to Miss Mary Anna Cornelia Schaefer, and they went to housekeeping on a farm near Elwood, where they made their home for many years. Mrs. Petsch survives and is a well known resident of this city. Mr. Petsch is also survived by one son, E. J. Petsch of Santa Barbara, Calif.; daughters, Mrs. Spencer of Davenport and Mrs. Chas. Peterman of this city.

The body will be brought here from Davenport for burial and funeral will be held Sunday from the Episcopal church, Rev. Arthur M. Lewis, officiating. Interment will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery.