Goocher, William B. 1828 - 1897

GOOCHER, BOETTLER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:43

Source: Decorah Republican Jan. 28, 1897 P 4 C 2

Death of Wm. B. Goocher.
Intelligence was received early yesterday, that this well-known citizen of Orleans township, William B. Goocher, died at 4 o’clock a. in., Jan. 27. The intelligence was was{sic} not unexpected, For weeks his health had been in a precarious condition, and the disease from which he was suffering—reported as dropsy—gave little encouragement of ultimate recovery. It may be said that his physical condition had been unsatisfactory to himself for some time. A winter spent in California gave much pleasure, and he had in view removal thither for permanent residence as soon as he could shape his financial affairs satisfactorily. So he assured us the last time he visited us.
Mr. Goocher has been a resident of the county since 1855, and perhaps no man of his years has done more severe work. Born in Germany in 1828, he came to America with his parents when twenty years old, and settled in Wisconsin. Soon after coming to Iowa, he acquired land in Orleans township, but pursued the occupation of teaming to Lansing, or at least devoted all his leisure time to earn money in that manner. In 1857 he married Miss Mary A. Boettler, who like himself, was an indomitable worker, a most worthy help-mate. Together they made a home on which “Billy,” as everyone who knew him in the early days persisted in calling him to the end, acquired a great deal more than a competence. If there is a better farm home in this county than he made, we do not know where it is. To untiring industry he added a progressive intelligence which always sought the best things and the best results in agriculture. He was an early breeder of thorough-bred shorthorns, high grade horses, fine pigs—the best were none too good for him. His house, barns, and out buildings, always bore unmistakable signs of thrift, and that sort of farming which, while willing to work hard, is always seeking to save labor by the best methods. Of course, he was a man of large intelligence in the lines which interested him, a money maker, and leaves a large property. His wife and three children—two sons and a daughter—survive him.

Source: Decorah Republican Feb. 4, 1897 P 4 C 4

William B. Goocher.
Shortly before his death Mr. Goocher one day related to his daughter, Mrs. Carrie Knox, the principal events of his life. These she made notes of; and as they contain additional information of interest we give them herewith:—
Wm. B Goocher was born March 8th, 1828, in Province of Saxony, Germany, and reared under the rules and regulations of the German Lutheran church. July 2d, 1848, he landed at Sheboygan, Wis.; from there went to Milwaukee the following fall; remained there until 1849 and from there went to work on a farm, so to better learn the English language. In the spring of ’50 went back to Milwaukee and got employment with the stage-company and remained with them four years. Afterwards he bought a team and carried passengers from Dubuque to Decorah to the land office. In the fall of ’50 he and J. W. Stiles became the firm of Stiles & Goocher in the livery business and remained in that business three years. Oct. 7th, 1857, he was married to Mary A. Bottler, at Decorah. To them were born two sons, Henry W. and Geo. B., and two daughters, Alice and Carrie, the older daughter dying at the age of three years. In 1859 they removed from Decorah to Orleans township, and became actively engaged in farming and stock raising, and did much to improve the fine stock of the county. Remained in that section up to 1894. In that year built a new home for himself a mile south of the old home. About three years ago he began failing in health and was obliged to retire from work. His illness grew stronger upon him day by day until the 27th day of January, 1897, he passed away while sitting in a chair. He fell asleep in death at 1:20 a. m.

Oak Lawn Cemetery
 

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