John Andrew Rauch

RAUCH, CHASDEK SCHASTEK, SMITH, CHRISTENSEN, WHIPPLE, CLARK

Posted By: Kaye Sanchez (email)
Date: 10/8/2012 at 14:07:08

Written by his daughter, Thursa to me-John was born August 15, 1856 on the German/Poland border. His first marriage was in Germany and a daughter was born to him, there. He left Germany to come to a free country and to avoid the draft, which required that you serve for nine years. He returned to Germany seven times, after arriving in America in 1882. He became a citizen in 1887. On Dec 4th, 1889 he married Sarah Chasdek (Schastek) in Fairbury, NE. At that time, he was from Otoe Co. NE. John and Sarah lived with her folks until he got a job on a farm in Monticello, Jones Co. IA., where three stillborn daughters were born. They moved to La Porte City, IA. when he was able to obtain a job on a farm that also provided them with a house to live in, working for Elias Fox. He later, sold produce out of a pick-up truck to nearby residents. He died at the age of 90 years, 2 months and 14 days, on October 29, 1946 in La Porte City, IA. He died of senility and shock brought on by a accidental fall, while climbing a ladder in the hayloft and caught his arm on the ladder.
1981-Thursa wrote-John married a third time, in his late 80's to a Lydia ? , after Sarah died. He found that she had stolen the money in his cash box and had her arrested.
John & Sarah had: Thursa Nina Rauch born 12 Sep 1905, La Porte City; died 6 Jun 1998 Waterloo, IA. Married Joseph E. Smith 2nd John Christensen, 3rd John Whipple. Ida Ora Rauch born 30 Sep 1906, died 6 Dec 1981 Fairbanks, IA married 20 Dec 1923 Luverne Allen Clark in Waterloo, IA. Esther Ruth Rauch born 16 Aug 1912 La Porte City, died 7 Oct 1971 Waterloo, IA. married 6 Nov 1937 to Forrest Edward Smith at Mason City, IA. Agnes Veronica born 10 Mar 1916 La Porte City, died 3 Oct 2002 Waterloo, IA.
All are buried at West View Cem, La Porte City, except Thursa and her husbands.