Christian Merkle, Sr., ******************************************************************** File contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Brenda Hébert USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ******************************************************************* Newspaper unknown; date: after 12 Jan 1911 AGED PIONEER PASSESS BEYOND It is with regret that we this week are called upon to state that Christian Merkle, Sr., one of Danforth's oldest and most respected farmer residents, died suddenly at his home, three and one half miles northeast of town on Tuesday morning [10 Jan 1911]. Mt. Merkle had not been feeling well for about one day before his death, but his condition was not of such nature as to confine him to his bed. He died almost without a struggle, and his sudden dropping off may well be attributed to his advanced age, however the direct cause was an attack of pleurisy. While Mr. Merkle reached an age such a very few live to see, it is with sorrow and regret that such men as he are taken from among us. He lived here for many years, and therefore enjoyed the acquaintance of nearly every one for many miles around. His funeral services were conducted in the German Lutheran church Thursday afternoon and were largely attended. The following is the obituary. Christian Merkle was born on the 21st day of December 1826, near Stuttgart, Wortemburg, Germany. He was one of a family of five sons and three daughters. His boyhood was passed ar home on the farm. At the age of twenty-one years he entered the German army and served for a period of three years. In 1854 he took passage for America, arriving in Philadelphia in May of that year. At Peoria in June 1858 he was united in marriage with Helena Tascher. To this union were born six sons and three daughters. He is survived by his widow, five sons and two daughters, twenty-three grandchildren, also one sister and one brother living in Germany. The children are: Mrs. Louisa Stephens, of Lake City, Mo., Miss Emma living at home, George of Claypool, Ind., John, Andrew, Charles and Chris living near the old home, Mrs. Carrie Meinhard, who died in 1908 and William who died in infancy. In 1862 he came to Iroquois Co., settling where the village of Danforth now is located. The following year he purchased the farm where he made his home and where he died on the 10th day of January, 1910 at the age of 83 years, and 20 days. He was faithful during his whole life and always performed his duties to the best of his ability. His reputation in our community was the best possible. We are living in time when wickedness and vice aboud, when honesty and righteousness are seldome and when good men must endure the slander of the wicked. Our departed friend offended no one, he gave to each his just dues, and tookd pride and pleasure in filling the position which God had entrusted to him. From morning till evening he labored industriously and was never lacking in diligence and zeal. He was a faithful husband to his wife and a kind father to his children, and always endeavored to make their home pleasant in every respect. Splendor and extravagance were unknown to him, and he lived a simple life and his labors were drowned with success. He reached an age to which only a few people attain. After life's evening is darkened by clouds and afflictions so that life is only a burden resting heavily on the faint and feeble heart, but our departed friend enjoyed a physical strength as well as mental alertness. He did not experience the sufferings of old age and finally he passed away from this world without tasting the bitter life of a long and painful sickness and he passed away as if a man goes to sleep. Oh, the loving kindness of the Lord was greatly with him throughout his life. We bid the deceased farewell, he has been dear to many of us. We thank God for what He did for him and through him to us, but in our prayer we include this humble petition, Lord, the light of thy grace shine upon us while we are in this world, grant that our inner life may each day grow stronger in faith, love, peace and hope, that when thou callest us Home we may depart in peace to the House above, where with the host of the redeemed we shall forever sing of the loving kindness of our Lord. -- Brenda Hébert http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/h/e/b/Brenda-M-Hebert If you're researching any of the following surnames, e-mail me on how to join our free mailing lists: BOUDREAU, CHENAULT, DOCKSTADER, FORTIER, HEBERT, KLINGENSMITH, & NOLF. Any and all cousins are welcome!