Antone Weinschenk

ALTFILLISCH, DEPPE

Posted By: Michael Altfillisch (email)
Date: 8/9/2005 at 20:36:19

ANSWERED THE LAST ROLL CALL

Antone Weinschenk died at his home in this city, May 31st, after a brief illness, aged 50 years. The immediate cause of his sudden taking off was cerebal hemorrhage, complicated with jaundice. He had been confined to the house only three or four days, and the unexpected announcement of his death was a shock to the whole community by whom he was greatly respected as a man, citizen, business man and neighbor.

The deceased was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1843. Came to this country when a child, in 1852, and settled in Jackson county, where his parents engaged in farming. He received but a limited educated in the district schools. In 1861 when the country called for brave defenders, he enlisted as a private in the 5th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, which afterwards proved to be one of the best fighting regiments in the western army. He served bravely and faithfully in this regiment until captured at the battle of Missionary Ridge, Nov. 24, 1863. He was first imprisoned on Belle Island and Scott prisons, at Richmond. From there he was taken to Andersonville, where he suffered all the horrors and privations of that hell on earth until the night of September 9, 1864 when he made his escape with three other comrades. Finding that they were hotly pursued by the rebels the three men separated to meet no more. Weinschenk, after wandering in the woods for six weeks and enduring unspeakable hardships, reached the Union lines, near Atlanta, in a most pitiful and dilapidated condition. His entire wardrobe wouldn’t have sold for five cents. He was sent home and honorably discharged from the army, at Davenport, Oct. 29, 1864.

He was married in this city to Miss Mary A. Budde, Feb, 28, 1870. He soon after engaged in the agricultural implement business in this city in company with his brother-in-law, Mr. Wm. Kegler, under the firm name of Kegler & Weinschenk, and they continued in partnership until the day of his death. The deceased was the soul of honor, in all his business transactions. He meant to do all right, always. He served on the school board three years very acceptably, and years ago came within a few votes of being elected supervisor from this district as the Republican nominee. He was a life long, true blue republican, wedded to the principles of that party. He was the republican nominee for county clerk at last fall’s election and although he did no campaigning, ran several hundred votes ahead of his ticket. He was brave as a soldier, generous and patriotic as a civilian; always giving liberally to every worthy cause. He was a member in high standing of the Iuka G. A. R. Post. Also a member of the A. O. U. W. and Hari Gari Lodges. Was the father of seven children--- six girls and one boy, one of whom, a girl, had crossed the dark river before him. The names of his surviving children are Lizzie A., Walllie E., Lulu M., Mamie A., Addie C., and Harvey G. The deceased was in life a great family man---a loving husband and a most kind and indulgent parent. His home, wife and children were everything to him. The funeral took place last Saturday afternoon, and was the largest ever seen in Bellevue. There were fifty-five carriages, buggies and wagons in the procession. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Sargent under the auspices of Iuka Post, Jos. W. White commander, assisted by the A. O. U. W. and Hari Gari lodges in full regalia. His remains were laid to rest in the Presbyterian cemetery. A good citizen has gone the way of all the earth; a brave soldier, a defender of the Union, and a patriot has answered the final roll call. Put flowers on his grave—peace to his ashes.

Source: The Bellevue Leader, June 8, 1893, pg. 1