The Southeast Missourian
Cape Girardeau MO
Thursday, Feb. 8, 1923
Henry A. Astholz, a veteran of the Civil War, and for many years one of Cape Girardeau's leading citizens, died suddenly at his home at 12 North Middle street at 8 p.m. Wednesday, succumbing to an attack of heart trouble from which he had been suffering for years. He was 82 years old, passing away just two days before he and his wife would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.
Born in Hanover, Germany, Oct. 24, 1840, Captain Astholz came to America when 15 years of age. His parents, Christian and Sophia Astholz, chose to remain in the mother country, dying there in 1857. Before attaining his majority, the young man was employed in New Orleans, working near there as an overseer on a plantation.
Working his way northward before the outbreak of the Civil War, he secured a position in St. Louis as a clerk in a store, holding that place until 1861, when he enlisted in the army of the North, joining Company B. Fifth Missouri Cavalry. At the time of the consolidation of that company with the fourth Missouri Cavalry, was color bearer.
Coming to Cape Girardeau soon after the close of the Civil War, he accepted a position with the late Henry Brandes, who operated a tannery on what is now Frederick street. He held that place for a few years, until his marriage on Feb. 10, 1867, to Miss Augusta Brandes daughter of the proprietor of the tannery. The wedding ceremony was said by Rev. Reidel, the first pastor of Trinity Lutheran church, the event being one of importance in the early records of Cape Girardeau's social history.
Following their marriage, the couple moved to the house built for them at 501 Themis street. It was in this house that their children were born, and where many of the brilliant social events of years ago took place.
Captain Asholtz operated a wheat depot here after his marriage and accumulated a fortune. When the Cape Girardeau Building and Loan Association was organized in 1882, he was made secretary, holding that position until 1914 when he was forced to resign because of ill health.
In the latter part of the 80's he was elected marshal and collector for the city, and made a very efficient officer in these positions. He was also a deputy clerk of the Common Pleas court for a short time. he always evidenced deep interest in city affairs, and was regarded as one of Cape Girardeau's most public spirited men.
Thirteen children were born to Captain and Mrs. Astholz, eight surviving. They are scattered in several parts of the country, and some will be unable to attend the funeral services. The surviving children are mrs. Agnes Adams, Tampa, Fla.; Arthur Astholz, Cape Girardeau; Ollie Astholz, Cape Girardeau; Mrs. Anna godefray, Spokane, Wash.; Mrs. Antonio Goldbaum, Toledo, O.; Mrs. Mollie E. Smith, Cape Girardeau; Albert Astholz, Los Angeles, Calif.; Miss Mesia Astholz, who lives at home. there are also 19 surviving grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 at the home. Rev. Taylor, Christ Church pastor, will say the services at the home, while the Sons of Veterans will have charge at the old Lorimier cemetery where interment will be made. Honorary pallbearers will be a few remaining members of the former local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which Captain Astholz was the commander for years. These men include Richard Carroll, Chris Klages, Chris Schrader, j.N. Hartzell, John Wolters and others. Charles Armgardt will sound "taps" at the grave over the body of the old soldier.
Capt. Astholz was for many years a member of the masons and I.O.O.F. but dropped membership in these organizations when he was old.