OBIT: Henry DERSCH, 1941, Salisbury, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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HENRY DERSCH

The Passing of Salisbury's Grand Old Man

  The venerable and highly esteemed Henry Dersch, Salisbury's oldest citizen and 
outstanding grand old man, passed on to his eternal reward, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 
1941, at the great age of 92 years, 4 months and 26 days.  His death was caused 
by heart disease and the infirmities of old age.
  He was a native of Germany, and came to this country before he was 21 years of 
age.  Soon after becoming eligible for citizenship, he took the oath of 
allegiance, and was a most loyal and exemplary citizen of this country during 
the remainder of his life.
  Although a man of small stature, he was a man of energy, and was never more 
happy than when busy at something useful.  Even up to the last few years, he was 
able to do a good deal of work in his garden, and being blessed with good health 
during nearly all of his life, he always did well whatever kind of work he 
undertook to do.
  Early in life he located in Garrett County, Md., where he worked principally 
among the farmers.  About the year 1882, he located in Salisbury, Pa., and for 
many years worked in and about the coal mines, or at any kind of common labor he 
could find to do, during times when work was slack at the mines.  He was a 
thrifty citizen, took care of his earnings, and some years ago he also conducted 
a bakery in Salisbury, and at two different times also was in the grocery 
business in Salisbury, where far the greatest portion of his long life was 
spent.  However, at one time he disposed of his business interests here, and for 
the next few years was located in Hyndman, Pa., where he was in the baking and 
confectionary business, then sold out there and returned to Salisbury, where he 
operated a small grocery until old age forced him to retire from business.
  Mr. Dersch was twice married, first to Miss Sarah Stevanus, a daughter of the 
late John Stevanus.  His first wife died in 1904, and a few years later, when he 
was engaged in business in Hyndman, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Elizabeth Shaffer, who preceded him in death in 1936.  He is survived by one 
child, Matilda, wife of John Schramm of Salisbury.  He is also survived by five 
grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.  His only child was mothered by 
his first wife.
  Mr. Dersch was a most exemplary citizen in every respect, also a kind and 
loving husband and father.  His funeral was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. 
John Schramm, last Saturday, at 2 p.m., with services conducted by Rev. S. D. 
Sigler, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Dersch was a faithful 
member for many years.  He was also a member of Salisbury Lodge, Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows.
  The burial arrangement was in charge of Mortician Stanley M. Thomas of 
Salisbury, with interment in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.  The pallbearers were C. S. 
and J. C. Lichliter, R. H. Johnston, Fred Harris, W. R. Snyder and William 
Reckner, all members of his lodge.

Meyersdale Republican, October 16, 1941