Chris V. Rock (1858-1935)

ROCK

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/13/2008 at 22:18:15

CHRIS V. ROCK 1858-circa 1935
Pioneer Farmer Died

Chris V. Rock, one of the seven children born to Fredrich Rock and his wife Louise Schnare was born on January 5, 1858, in Herbsen, Waldeck, Germany. It was in his fatherland that he received both his public school and religious training. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church of Germany. When about 18 years of age he sailed for America staying for several months with a sister and brother in Davenport, Iowa and then came to Avoca and remained to the end of the farming season with his brother William V. Rock. He returned to Davenport where he then worked until 1883, when he returned to Germany for a visit bringing back with him his father, who then made a visit to his children who were in America.

On March 5, 1885, he was married to Caroline Rock, after farming for 3 more years in Scott County, Mr. and Mrs. Rock moved to Avoca, purchasing their present farm. For 48 years Mr. Rock was a staunch citizen of the community, ever willing to serve the community to its betterment. Mr. Rock was the father of four daughters and two sons: a daughter, Caroline preceded her father at the age of three and a son, Arthur in 1922 at the age of 24 years. Those who remain to mourn his death are his widow, Mrs. Caroline Rock, three daughters: Bertha, Mrs. John Sick; Ida, Mrs. Herman Holtz both of Avoca; Rosie, Mrs. Henry Dittmer of Gravity, Iowa and one son, Alfred, who is still at home. Also eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren; and one brother, Mr. Henry V. Rock of Avoca.

Mr. and Mrs. Rock were privileged to celebrate their Golden Wedding in March 1935 which occasion meant a great deal to Mr. Rock.

It has been the past several years that MR. Rock’s health began to fail and the last several months rapidly began to make the age tell.

In his passing, not only the community, but also the Rock family loses one of its staunch pillars in this American pioneer. Funeral services will be held at the First Lutheran Church this Friday afternoon.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald