Zorge, Charles 1875-1904

ZORGE, RIETDYK, RIETDIJK

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 5/9/2013 at 05:41:53

Alton Democrat of Sep 3, 1904

This community was terribly shocked Monday by the news that Charles Zorge had died at Orange
City while undergoing a surgical operation.
Little was known of the necessity for or the nature of the operation and many wild rumors were
afloat. The facts in the case are these: Charles had been ailing for two months or more and part of the time was bedfast or at tbe home of his aunt Mrs. T. L. Dyk at Orange City. He had come back to Alton where he was employed in Woertink's clothing store and up to about three o'clock Monday was on the streets apparently in fair health. He drove to Orange City with his friend Dr. McLaughlin who had called Dr. Ream of Granville as assisant. It was generally supposed that the operation was an abdominal one for an internal disorder but such was not the case. Stated scientifically the operation was for the relief of suppurating inquinal glands and paraphymosis. The condition had existed for nine weeks when it should have been treated at once. The operation was not one of any danger and necessitated little bloodletting and though very painful could in no wise have caused the patients death.

Ether was administered though at no time was the influence. Death was due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles subsequent to the operation. When it seen that the patients breath was failing Dr. De Bey was summoned and the three doctors made every effort to restore respiration. But their heroic efforts were of no avail. Deceased was twenty nine years of age and was born in Cincinnati Ohio.His mother died about fifteen years ago and Charles was brought up on the Dyk homestead west of Hospers. He had clerked in stores in Hospers, Sheldon, Orange City and Alton.

His father died in Cincinnati about three years ago. He leaves a sister aged fifteen in Newport Kentucky and five brothers. They are John and Harry at Sioux City, Will and Ed at Bridgewater South Dakota and Leonard in Chicago. His death is sincerely regretted by all who knew him.

(Charles was found in the 1880 census to be the son of William Zorge 1843 and Wilhelmine Rietdyk 1844, they were living in Cincinnati OH and had five children - Harry 12, William 11, Leonard 7, Charles 5, and John 4 mo.)