Andrew Cracker, Sr. 1828-1909

CRACKER, GERNDT, HERSHEY, LAMBERT, ASTHALTER, KINSLEY, BOLING, SWEITZER, FULLIAM, EITMAN, SCHULTZE, KAUTZ

Posted By: Lynn McCleary (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 20:55:34

The Muscatine Journal Thursday May 27, 1909 pg 1

Andrew Cracker Succumbs As Result of Exposure -- Diligent Search Failed to Locate Aged Resident Last Night

His Relatives Frantic – Found Sitting in Pool

This Morning and Brought to City in Ambulance – Death Occurs Shortly After Noon – Was Well Known In Vicinity

As the result of wandering aimlessly along the right of way of the Wilton branch all night in the cold rain, drenched to the skin and exposed to the cold night air Andrew Cracker, aged 81 years, who was found sitting in a pool of water three and one-half miles north of the city at 5 o’clock this morning in a semiconscious condition by Andrew Cracker, Jr., and Julius Gerndt, Jr., passed away at his home 1219 Oak street, shortly before 1 o’clock today. It is indeed a sad ending to an esteemed life, and the news of the death of Mr. Cracker is received with sincere regret in every quarter of the city, as his acquaintances numbers almost the entire population of Muscatine. He was for years superintendent of the old Hershey saw mill, ad was ever considered one of the most able men in that capacity along the Mississippi river, and especially in the days when the lumber industry thrived. He was a pioneer in every sense, and notwithstanding he has been retired from all business activities for a number of years, he was often seen upon the street, and was often thought of by the hundreds that were employed under him at the big Mill.

Men Honored Him.

Perhaps the greatest tribute that may be paid is to say that he enjoyed the infinite confidence of all the men with whom he had dealings and they were many when the mill was in operation. He was made their confidant and advisor, and rarely indeed could he be found when he did not have time to give freely his counsel, his sympathy or his advise. To them who knew and loved him best, will his death he most keenly felt. After he was brought to his home from the country everything possible was done for his comfort, but though he possessed a remarkable vitality for one of his years, he was not strong enough to withstand the awful ordeal of exposure on such a night as it was last night.

Born in Pennsylvania

Andrew Cracker was born on July 18, 81 years ago, in Lancaster county, Pa. He came to Muscatine in the year 1854 with Benjamin Hersey, for whom he worked while in the eastern city. He at once secured employment at the Hershey mill here and was foreman for a great number of years. For about eight years he was in the employ of the Musser Lumber company. He was a member of the German Methodist church for about 40 years, and was a practical and devout Christian. He was united in marriage in 1857 to Miss Margaret Lambert. He is survived by five daughters and one son. The daughters are: Mrs. J. Asthalter, Mrs. Lewis Kinsley, Mrs. Benj. Boling, Mrs. Nellie Meyers and Mrs. Julius Gerndt, Jr, and one son, Andrew Cracker, Jr., all of this city. Fourteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren also survive.

The funeral will be held on Saturday at 2:30 o’clock at the German Methodist church. The remains will be taken to the home of Mrs. J. Asthalter, at 117 East Fifth street, this evening and a short service will be held there on Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock.

It has been requested that flowers be omitted.

Found in Pool.

Sitting in a pool of water, with his coat thrown off, and in a semi-conscious condition, Andrew Cracker, 81 years of age, was found at about 4:50 o’clock this morning on the old Jones farm on the Graded road, three and one-half miles from the city, by his son, Andrew Cracker, Jr., and his son-in-law Julius Gerndt, Jr., and immediately taken to the Martin Sweitzer home, a short distance away. Dr. E. B. Fulliam was quickly summoned, and the aged man revived and brought to his home, 1219 Oak street, in the ambulance, arriving shortly before 10 o’clock. Mr. Cracker had been exposed to the rain all night, and his enfeebled condition, due to advanced age, made the ordeal one of intense suffering and physical exhaustion.

Visits a Friend

Mr. Cracker left his home yesterday afternoon and went to South Muscatine, where he visited with his old friend Frank Eitman, starting for his home late in the afternoon. Mr. Cracker is well-known in Muscatine and especially among the older residents, as he was for years superintendent of the old Hershey lumber mill, and enjoyed an acquaintance that falls to few men in a community, consequently the news of his death was received with sincere sorrow throughout the city.

Seen in Evening.

The last seen of Mr. Cracker was at about 7 o’clock by Mrs. Martin, when he was slowly making his way north on the Wilton railway tracks not far from Park Place. It is presumed that he continued along the tracks, resting at intervals, until tired and exhausted, he turned into the pasture at the Jones farm, and sat down to rest, the limit of endurance having been reached. He could not have been there long before he was found, judging from his condition.

Becomes Lost

As the result of an unusually active life, both mentality and physically, Mr. Cracker’s mind has become enfeebled, and he doubtlessly lost all sense of direction and locality when trying to find his home last evening. It seems, as far as can be learned, that he followed Second street to the Wilton railway crossing, and then turned up the tracks, and followed that course until he turned into the Jones pasture.

Searching Parties

Shortly after 6 o’clock, when Mr. Cracker did not appear at his home for supper, his wife became alarmed and at once notified J. Asthalter and Julius Gerndt, Jr., sons-in-law and Andrew Cracker, Jr. Searching parties that grew rapidly in number were organized, and the bottom lands between the railway tracks were thoroughly searched, and the searchers did not hesitate a moment until 2 o’clock this morning.

Out Early Today.

A brief rest was taken at 2 o’clock, but before sun up, almost, Mr. Asthalter, Mr. Cracker and Mr. Gerndt were searching again. Mr. Asthalter receiving word that Mr. Cracker had been found at the Sweitzer farm. He reached there shortly after 4 o’clock, but nothing had been heard of the aged man, and he continued the search, until notified that Mr. Cracker had been found by Mr. Gerndt and his son.

Phone from Hoopes

Mr. Gerndt phoned for Dr. Fulliam from the Hoopes residence, and also informed the relatives that his father-in-law had been found, this preventing the organization of other parties to search early this morning. Mr. Cracker’s condition was such that it was deemed best to summon the ambulance, to bring him to his home.

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Muscatine Journal Saturday, May 29, 1909 page 4

Cracker Funeral Held At Church - Brief Services Are Also Held At Asthalter Home.

Rev. Schultze Delivers Sermon In German With English Synopsis – Interment at Greenwood.

The funeral of Andrew Cracker was held this afternoon, short services being held at 2 o’clock at the home of Mrs. J. Asthalter, on east Fifth street a daughter of the decedent, after which the cortege proceeded to the German Methodist church, where services were held at 2:30 o’clock. The opening prayer at the church was said by Rev. Thomas Osborn, pastor of the First M.E. church, while the sermon in chief was preached by Rev. W. C. Schultze, in German, with an English synopsis, for the benefit of those not familiar with the German language. The obituary was also ready by Rev. Schultze, in both English and German. The services at the home were impressive, though simple, Miss Nellie Robertson singing two solos, one preceding and one following the brief remarks by Rev. Schultze. At the church two selections were sung by the choir, being favorites of Mr. Cracker’s.

The services were largely attended and a tribute worthy of the life by Andrew Cracker was paid by Rev. Schultze, the minister, in no uncertain terms complimenting highly the character of the deceased. After the services the remains were lowered at Greenwood cemetery by the following who acted as pall bearers: J. Asthalter, Andrew Cracker, Jr., Julius Gerndt, Jr., Lou Kinsley, Benj. Boling and Louis Kautz.