Hower, Andrew 1838-1910

HOWER, HANZEL

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/30/2017 at 22:26:02

Source: Fort Dodge Messenger (2-10-1910)

Born: March 19,
Died: February 6, 1910

ANOTHER PIONEER CALLED TO REST--LIFE OF ANDREW HOWER GOES OUT AFTER TWO MONTHS RAPID DECLINE.

Fort Dodge loses one of her most familiar figures and representatives of pioneer life in Fort Dodge in the passing of Andrew Hower, whose sturdy manhood succumbed only to death after seventy-one years of life and two months of persistent sapping of vitality from his aging frame. The end came Sunday morning at five o'clock and his immediate family and other near relatives were at his bedside. Funeral arrangements have been made and the remains will be carried to Sacred Heart Church Tuesday morning at ten o'clock, where Burial Mass will be read and followed by interment in the Catholic Cemetery.

His wife, Katherine survives him, to continue her life journey alone after almost forty-four years that they have spent together. Their marriage occurred on his birthday, March 19, the year of their coming to Fort Dodge and their entire married life has been passed here. Mourning with her, in the immediate family are two adopted children, Mrs. G. H. Allen of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Nellie Hower who resides here. Irene Hower, a third child by adoption preceded Mr. Hower in death about a year ago.

A number of Mrs. Hower's relatives are in the city or expected for the funeral. They are Mrs. Zimmer of New Prague, Minnesota, a niece, Matt Nickoly of New Prague, a nephew, and Tom Henville of New Prague, a brother. John Hower, of this city, the well known grocer, is a nephew of the deceased. Mrs. Allen of the immediate family, accompanied by her husband, has been at her father's side for some time.

Andrew Hower was born in Prussia, March 19, 1840. When six years of age he accompanied his parents to America where they located first in Dunkirk, New York. Their residence there was of short duration, however, and the family moved to Wayne county Michigan, where the father farmed for two years before going to New Prague, Minnesota, where he spent the remainder of his life.

At New Prague the children were reared to mature years and from there, four sons, including Andrew, went to do battle in defense of their new homeland, when the Civil War called for men. He enlisted at Fort Snelling, July 12, 1861 and was assigned to Company K, of the Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Soon afterward, his company was ordered to the front and from then on he was in the thick of the contest, reenlisting when his term expired and remaining in the army until the war was over. The company was a part of the army of the Cumberland and therefore saw battle at Mills Springs, Pittsburg Landing, Shiloh, Stone River, Murfreesboro, and from Chickamauga.

He was discharged from the service July 11, 1865, going through the entire war without wounds. He was, however, captured by the confederates at Big Shanty, Georgia and for nine months was confined in southern prisons, for the most part in the dreadful Andersonville prison. While In prison he contracted swamp fever and suffered from a sunstroke. The effects of this latter misfortune have been felt by Mr. Hower, almost constantly.

The year following his discharge from the army, Mr. Hower was married at New Prague, Minnesota to Miss Katherine Hanzel and together they began their married life in Fort Dodge. Their chief assets were those typical of pioneers in the west, the ability and the determination to work and, in a humble way, they began amassing a competence, which is now of no small proportions.

He first engaged in work as a butcher, but later found employment in brickyards here and followed this work with occupation as a teamster, finally starting a grocery store. His store was burned out at one time but within three days he was doing business again. Later he was compelled to close his store when called away by an injury his wife received in a railroad wreck, when going to attend the funeral of a relative. Eight months later he began the flour and feed business in Fort Dodge which he engaged in until his death and which is one of the oldest businesses in the city.

As a result of his industry, Mr. Hower has accumulated considerable real estate and has erected one of the largest and best business blocks on upper Central avenue, known as the Hower block. He was also interested in the erection of the building now occupied by the Leighton Supply company on First Avenue South.

Though a man of remarkably simple demands for comfort and enjoyment, Mr. Hower and his wife felt considerable interest in and compassion for homeless children. Acting upon this instinct they have provided a home for several children and for this as well as other generous characteristics, this pioneer has been commended by all who knew him. He has been constantly a faithful member of the Catholic church and was identified prominently with Fort Donelson post of the G. A. R.