William Klotz

KLOTZ, STAPP

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 11/2/2020 at 08:42:34

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa Friday, February, 27, 1891 page 1

OBITUARY.

William Klotz was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, seventy years ago. He learned the trade of blacksmith when a boy and went to Reading, Berks county, that state in 1848 where he worked in the railroad ships until 1855. In that year he came to Iowa first settling in Columbus City. two years later he moved onto the farm adjoining that now owned by T. J. Klotz, near old Clifton. Three years after he moved to Clifton and entered into the hotel business which he followed, almost with out intermission until his death at Ottowa, Illinois, Thursday, February 19, 1891. He went to Wilton in 1869 where he stayed three years. from there to Clarence where he stayed only eighteen months. He came to Columbus Junction in 1872 or 1873 and was connected with the hotels here nearly ever since until his removal to Ottawa six months ago. He was married in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1844 to Mary Ann Stapp, sister of Reuben Stapp, of this township. She was a faithful wife and preceded him to the spirit world a little over two years. At the time of his death, Mr. Klotz was engaged in the hotel business at Ottawa. His death was very sudden and entirely unexpected. He was enjoying his usual health up to the very moment of the final dissolution. He was standing when the summons came. he sank back in his chair and, without any expression of trouble or pain, was gone. A more charitable, kind hearted man never lived. The hungry were never turned away from his door unfed. We believe he was not a member of any church at the time of his death, but his house had always been the preacher's home, no matter of what denomination or creed. his wife had for half a century been a faithful member of the Reformed church and "Uncle Billy," the name by which he was universally know, attended the services connected with that church, when within reach of them. His funeral was from that church in this place, Sunday last, and was one of the largest ever held in the Junction: a fit expression of the universal affection in which he was held. Services were conducted by Rev. J. C. Beade. He was laid to rest by the side of his wife in the beautiful cemetery at Columbus City. Peace to his ashes.