Ferdinand Roddewig

RODDEWIG

Posted By: Rebecca Foster (email)
Date: 7/16/2014 at 10:28:46

Obituary

DEMISE OF FERDINAND RODDEWIG

Mr.Ferdinand Roddewig, who has been in business in Davenport these thirty years past, died at his home in this city at 1:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon. Several days ago Mr. Roddewig was taken with a cold, which rapidly grew worse and as the last result settled in his lung with fatal effect. He was conscious to the last hour, and bade his relations and friends who were at his bedside a touching farewell and sank into that restful sleep that knows no waking.

Mr. Roddewig was born in Biedefeldt district of Westphalia, Prussia, June 26th 1835, and at his death was in his fifty-eighth year. When fifteen years of age, he graduated in the high school of Biedefeldt. In '48 he came to America, first striking New Orleans, where he remained a year and a half. In 1850 he opened a cigar store in St. Louis. In 1855, in company with August Steffen he came to Davenport and engaged in the grocery trade at 224 West Second street. The next year the firm dissolved and Mr. Roddewig moved his stock to 415 Harrison street. In 1859 he disposed of his stock and engaged in the wholesale liquor business, in which he was engaged at the time of his death. Mr. Roddewig was a member of the Turner society, the Shooting society, the Harmonie society and the Forrester club. Mrs. Roddewig died in 1875 and four children, Lens, Paul, Peter and Ferdinand survive the father.

The funeral will take place this (Tuesday) afternoon, at 2 o'clock, from the residence on Harrison street. The interment will be in the city cemetery, at the side of his companion who rests there.

Source: The Daily Gazette, Davenport, IA, 08 December 1885, p 2.