20 August 2010

Heinrich Adolph Schoppenhorst

1840 — 1930

Obituary

H. A. Schoppenhorst Died Last Saturday

Civil War Veteran, Legislator and Prominent Farmer Was Over Ninety Years Old

Hon. H. A. Schoppenhorst, Civil War veteran, former representative of Warren county in the State Legislature, and prominent farmer of the Marthasville vicinity, died Saturday night in his ninety-first year at the old homestead, where he spent so many years of his life.  Since the Civil War his life was intimately interwoven with the history of Warren county, and on account of his public service and his frequent contributions to the local press he was one of the county's best known citizens.  Not many months ago the Banner had the pleasure of printing an article from his pen, in which he described a political meeting held here in the early sixties.  As far as we know, that was his last contribution to the press.

The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the home and then at the Evangelical church at Marthasville.  The church was too small to hold the large number of friends who had come for the last rites in his honor.  Rev. F. H. Mittendorf, the pastor, was in charge of the service and in his funeral address paid an eloquent tribute to the departed.  A male choir contributed three numbers to the impressive service.  Dr. A. W. Ebeling of Warrenton read resolutions of respect passed by the faculty of Central Wesleyan College, at which Mr. Schoppenhorst had been a student when it was still located in Quincy, Ill.

At the request of the departed, the services at the cemetery were in charge of the Warren County Post of the American Legion.  Dr. A. W. Ebeling and A. H. Juergensmeyer conducted the ritual and Dr. J. J. DeVereaux had charge of the firing squad.  Taps were sounded, and thus ended the rites in honor of one of who had fought and lived for his country and ever upheld high ideals of citizenship.

The Story of His Life

We are indebted to E. C. Kehr, editor of the Marthasville Record, for the following obituary:

With the death of Hon. H. A. Schoppenhorst on Saturday night at 11:15 a long, useful and eventful life has come to a close not only for his immediate family, but also for the community, county and state.  In his life we find a striking example of what industry and perserverance can accomplish when accompanied by good business judgment and intelligence.  He commenced in life for himself when a young man practically without a dollar, but has gained a place among the wealthy and influential men of the county and state.  As a citizen he has risen to prominence in the conduct of public affairs, and is well known in this section, where he has spent his entire life.

H. A. Schoppenhorst was born on March 27, 1840, of parents who had immigrated to American in 1834.  They were among the first German pioneers of this section and as such he suffered many privations and hardships.  His education he received in the public, parochial and Sunday schools.  These schools offered but a very meagre course at that time.  Not being content with the instruction he had received, he at the age of 18 entered the German College at Quincy, Ill., where he remained for three years, being greatly benefited by the opportunity thus given him.  For several years he was active as teacher in the schools of his community.  His spirit of patriotism was aroused by the Civil War, and responding to the call for volunteers, he offered his services in defense of his country's flag.  This was in the year 1862.  He served until the end of the war in 1865.  Throughout the war he served as Orderly-Sergeant, and made an enviable reputation as a soldier and officer.

In the year 1865 he was married to Miss Fredericka Huenefeld, purchased a farm and for some time followed farm pursuits until he developed one of the finest estates in the county, where he has spent over 60 years of his life.  His wife passed away December 18, 1867, leaving one daughter, Mary C., widow of the late Carl Wegener.  The following year he married Catherine Regina Meinershagen, with whom he lived for over 54 years.  To this union 11 children were born, who, with one exception, are living.  They are: William Schoppenhorst, Marthasville; Martha Schwarze of Warrenton; Elizabeth Smith of Warrenton; Emma Oberhellmann of Warrenton; Gustave, who died in 1896; Clara Schoppenhorst, who was with him to the end and has cared for him for a number of years; Paul Schoppenhorst, Arthur Schoppenhorst, Hugo Schoppenhorst and Frank Schoppenhorst, all of Marthasville, and Lydia Hackmann of Augusta.  He also leaves 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; five daughters-in-law and three sons-in-law.

Mr. Schoppenhorst has been ailing for the past twenty years with asthma.  About three weeks ago he fell very unfortunately and fractured his hip.  From this accident he should not recover, and on Saturday, November 22, he entered into rest at the ripe old age of 90 years, 7 months and 25 days, at his old homestead, surrounded by his children.

He was a member of Holstein Evangelical church since 1870, supporting that congregation for a long period of time, serving as member of the board and as delegate to district and general conference.  In 1907 he severed his connection with the congregation at Holstein, because of the inconvenience to get there and became a member of the Evangelical St. Paul's Church of Marthasville, Mo.

As a citizen he has been highly honored and esteemed.  From 1866 until '74 he served as Justice of the Peace; as Notary Public from 1875 until '98.  To the state legislature he was elected in 1874; 1884 [error]; 1886; 1894 and 1896.  He always displayed sound judgment and marked talent in the legislature of the state.  In politics he was a staunch Republican and a leader of his party in this section.

Source: "H. A. Schoppenhorst Died Last Saturday." From the Warrenton Banner (Warrenton, Missouri); 28 November 1930. In The Writings of Honorable H. A. Schoppenhorst (1840-1930). Compiled by Cathie Schoppenhorst. Marthasville, Missouri: C. Schoppenhorst, 2000; pages 55-57.

Transcription by Cathie Schoppenhorst and used here with her kind permission.

Brief Genealogy

Heinrich Adolph Schoppenhorst's family

His father's 1st marriage

His father's 2nd marriage

Christine Friederike Hünefeld's family

Details of the birth family of Christine Friederike Hünefeld (1842-1867) are not currently known.

Schoppenhorst - Hünefeld family

Heinrich Adolph Schoppenhorst's 1st marriage

Catherine Regina Meinershagen's family

Schoppenhorst - Meinershagen family

Heinrich Adolph Schoppenhorst's 2nd marriage

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