jacobhoch

Alta Vista and community were saddened Friday by the death of Jacob Hoch, one of the few remaining veterans of the Civil War. Mr. Hoch has been one of Alta Vista’s most respected citizens, and this passing of another of the nation’s heroes brings us face to face with the fact that not much longer will we have any of the old veterans with us. The ranks are being fast thinned by Father Time, and with the going of each one we realize more and more the debt the nation owes them.

Jacob Hoch was born in Crawford county, Ohio, December 17, 1840, and died at his home in Alta Vista, March 18, 1921, aged 80 years, 3 months, and 1 day.

At the age of seven years he went with his parents to Iowa and in 1868 was united in marriage to Christina Brown, who died in 1879. In 1882 he was again united in marriage, to Anna Marie Havenstein, and came to Kansas the same year. He was converted when a young man and united with the M. E. Church, of which he was a good and faithful member until the good Lord called him to his eternal reward.

He leaves to mourn his death, his wife, three sons and two daughters. One son, Albert, had gone to his reward one year ago. The children surviving are: William of Catesby, Okla., Arthur of Alta Vista, George of Parsons, Kansas, Mrs. Fred Eberle of Glendale, Arizona, and Mrs. Albert Schroeder of Alma, Kansas. There are also seventeen grandchildren, one brother and one sister besides many friends.

In 1861 he enlisted in the Union Army, Co. I, 17th Iowa Volunteers, and served his country till the end of the war. He was wounded twice, and was in the famous Andersonville prison six months. He loved his country, and was ready at all times to defend the Stars and Stripes. A short time ago he said it would not be long until the last of the old soldiers would answer the last roll call. When the U. S. entered the late war he said that if he wasn’t too old he would go with our boys to defend the flag.

Funeral services were held from the M. E. Church, conducted by Rev. Bernstorf of the German M. E. Church. Burial was in the White Cemetery, conducted by the Edward Carlson Post of The American Legion, and last military honors were paid to a departed comrade.

Jacob and his Family

Jacob & Wife in Alta Vista, Kansas