Obit: Schoengarth, Fred Sr. (1842 - 1936)

Contact: Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Schoengarth, St. Clair, Kalose, Walter, Pischer, Hemp, Longenecker, White, Christianson, harding, Charles, Montgomery, Tohiner

----Sources: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 9 Jan. 1936

Schoengarth, Fred Sr. (1 Jan. 1842 - 4 Jan. 1936)

Fred Schoengarth, Sr., a resident of southern Clark County for nearly 65 years, died Saturday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Harry St. Clair, following an illness of three days. Mr. Schoengarth had just celebrated his ninety-fourth birthday on New Year’s Day, having been born Jan. 1, 1842 at Breslau, Germany.

Mr. Schoengrath was married 67 years ago to Miss Marie Kalose at Breslau, seven children being born to this union: Gustaf, Washington; Fred, Jr., Town of Grant; Charlie, Circle, Mont.; Bertha, deceased; Anna, Mrs. Harry St. Clair, Neillsville; Herman, Granton; and Paul, deceased. Mrs. Schoengarth died 29 years ago. He remarried, the second wife’s death occurring about 14 years ago. He also is survived by a brother, William of Granton and a sister, Mrs. Otto Walter of Neillsville, Wis.

Mr. Schoengarth had the distinction of having served in the German Army in two wars, the Austro-Prussian War in 1866 and the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. At the fall of Paris in January, 1871, Mr. Schoengarth marched with the triumphant Prussian troops into the city, after which the King of Prussia was made emperor of Germany. Two of his brothers also served in those wars, coming through their many battles without injury. Mr. Schoengarth served as a cornetist and his brother, William, now 91 years old, was aidede-camp on the staff of Prussian general.

When Mr. Schoengarth arrived in this county 67 years ago he went to Milwaukee, where he became a member of the famous Bach band. Three years later he came to Clark County and settled on a farm in the Town of Grant, now occupied by Arnold Pischer.

About 19 years ago, Mr. Schoengarth came to Neillsville and until a few years ago it was familiar sight for Neillsville people to see him paddling down the O’Neill Creek pond in a miniature "Mississippi River Boat", equipped with side paddle wheels which he turned with cranks, Mr. Scheongarth used that boat to come down town and haul milk from his cows to the condensery.

Mr. Schoengarth took a great deal of interest in his home life, also greatly enjoying reading and was an expert in the art of whittling. His favorite recreation was music. He was a man of splendid character, high ideals and beloved by all who knew him.

The funeral was held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. from the Lowe Funeral Home, Rev. G. W. Longenecker officiating. Burial was in the town of Grant Cemetery along side his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schoengarth. Pallbearers were Fred Hemp, Frank Hemp, John Christianson, Abe Harding, John Charles, and Harry White.

Those from out of the city who attended the rites were: Mrs. Julia Montgomery, Marshfield; Frank Schoengarth, Sechlerville and Foren Tohiner, Ironwood, Mich.