WEHRLI, JOHN (1813-1910)

WEBER, LIDTKA

Posted By: Rita Wells (email)
Date: 11/19/2008 at 20:32:58

John Wehrli (1813-1910)

John Wehrli was born Dec. 15, 1813 at Kuttigen, Switzerland, attended school from the ages of 7-14, worked on his father's farm, and served as a gunsmith's apprentice until age 21 when he enlisted in the Swiss Army. After his discharge, he traveled Europe as a gunsmith. He came to America in 1840 on a sailship. When the passengers learned the captain planned to sell them as slaves, they tied up the captain; no one could guide the ship so they drifted sixty days. John married Catharine Weber of Bavaria Aug 14, 1841 in New York City. They moved to Pittsburg, PA, visited Switzerland in 1847 but returned the same year, and received his citizenship in Lancaster, PA in 1851. In 1856 they moved west settling near Fountain City, Buffalo Co, WI, where John worked with the Indians.

At the age of 47, John enlisted for military duty Apr 27, 1861 in Co. H, 6th Regiment, WI Vol. His unit was stationed at Camp Kalorama, District of Columbia, when they were ordered to guard the chain bridge across the Potomac River near Washington. During the march at doublequick time the night of Sep 3, the bridge fell. As he was in the front rank of the charge, several fell on top of him and broke his right leg above the ankle. The leg didn't mend right so was reset by sitting with outstretched leg on a chair while a man jumped on his leg. He was declared unfit for service and was discharged Dec 12, 1861. He returned to WI where he remained employed by the government.

They moved to IA in 1864 purchasing a farm just north of Granville in Sec 1, Richland Twp. (pt. of the town was on his land). Catherine died Mar 18, 1869. John sent back to Switzerland for a new wife. Two cousins sailed for America on a steamer in 1869; one had her wedding dress ready for marriage to John. When the two ladies got off the train, one refused to marry, went back to New York and remained a spinster. The other lady, Elise Wehrle, wore the dress and married John two days later, Nov. 25, 1869.

John and Elise had three children. John, Jr. died in 1871 at the age of 6 weeks, Edward was born Aug. 11, 1872 and died Jun. 12, 1952. He lived in the family home, never married, and worked as a blacksmith. Their daughter, Mary Elise was born Oct. 28, 1875 and died Dec. 5, 1964. She taught local schools, then married Edward Lidtka of Malcom February 27, 1901. They lived in the Malcom and Grinnell areas their entire married life. Mary and Ed had four children: Virgil, Tracy, Afton, and Aline.

John died Aug. 23, 1910, ae 96. Elise was able to visit her homeland and family once in 1913. She died Jan. 13, 1929, ae 82, and is buried at Baldwin Cemetery in the family plot.
Submitted by Karen Petersen Groves.
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