OBIT: Martin Luther BECHTEL, 1916, Martinsburg, Blair County, PA

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Martin Luther Bechtel.

  Wednesday night, November 22, near the midnight hour, at 11.25 
o'clock, came the death angel and in his flight called away the spirit 
of Martin Luther Bechtel, one of the oldest residents of Martinsburg, 
his death being due to infirmities incident to advanced years.
  Deceased was born at Hagerstown, Md., January 1, 1836, and at time of 
departing this life was aged 80 years, 10 months and 22 days.  Early in 
life he came to Blair county.  At the outbreak of the Civil war he 
enlisted in the Union army and participated in a number of engagements.  
He was wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg by which he lost his right 
arm.  Following the war he was elected high sheriff of Blair county, 
serving a term of three year, 1865-1867.  It was during his term of 
office, September 13, 1866, that he was united in marriage to Miss 
Freelove Elizabeth Dannals, who survives him.  He is also survived by 
two sisters and one brother: Mrs. Sophia Riffler, of Des Moines, Iowa; 
Mrs. Mary Hartman, of Martinsburg, and J. K. Bechtel, of Salemville, 
but latterly making his home in New Castle.  Some years ago the subject 
of this sketch united with the Martinsburg Presbyterian church and died 
in the faith.  The funeral will take place at 10 o'clock Saturday 
morning with services at the home, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Samuel 
Moody, interment following in Fairview cemetery.
  "Sheriff" Bechtel was widely known, particularly by the older readers 
of the Tribune, and his passing away is a sharp reminder of the 
fleetness of time, and that soon we too must go on to join the 
innumerable caravan.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Friday Morning, November 24, 1916

1880 Hollidaysburg, Blair County census -
Martin Bechtel, 44  
Freelove Bechtel, 32  
George Bechtel, 13