Corporal Joseph Schlecht

Joseph Schlecht was twenty when he enlisted on November 6, 1861 in Company H of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. He was promoted to the rank of Eighth Corporal on April 1, 1864. Along with Private John Schlecht (most likely, his older brother), he transferred to the Fifth Veteran Cavalry Consolidated on August 8, 1864. He was discharged on January 27, 1865 at Nashville, Tennessee. Schlecht's obituary appears on the front page of the April 20, 1911 issue of The Bellevue Leader. It reads:

SCHLECHT

The body of Joseph Schlecht, who passed away Sunday at the home of his daughter at Tilden, Nebraska, arrived here Tuesday morning for interment. Mr Schlecht had been ill a long time with heart trouble which refused to yield to the best medical skill and treatment. Mr. Schlecht was a former resident of this locality and the news of his death was received with regret by all who knew him. He was born at Affining, Germany, March 31, 1842, and was thus 69 years old. He came to America in 1851, and served his country well in the Civil War, being a member of the Fifth Iowa Infantry. In 1866 he was married to Miss Francis Menger in Bellevue. They were the parents of 8 children, the following surviving: George and Frank of Bellevue, Mrs. Sophia Eggers of Tilden, Neb; Mrs. Clara Knowles of Sabula, Anna, Mrs. Ben Dagitz, and Mrs. Will Schmidt. He is also survived by three brothers and five sisters, Mrs. Mary Alber of Bellevue being a twin sister; also by eleven grandchildren. Mrs. Schlecht passed away some years ago. Seven years ago Mr. Schlecht removed to Crawford, Oklahoma, where he engaged in farming. He made one trip back to his old home here since then. Mr. Schlecht was a good citizen and was respected by all who knew him. The body on arrival here was taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ben Dagitz and the funeral was held this morning from St. Joseph's church, Reverend Fathers Bies and Vallaster, and Eardley of Sabula conducting solemn requiem high mass. Six nephews acted as pall bearers.