Ruckdaschel family Germany to Iowa

He was born in Weissenstadt, Bavaria, Germany on April 11, 1821. His parents were Johann Ruckdaeschel and Margaret Anna Barbara Ackermann, both Weissenstadt natives. [This family has been traced back many generations and can be found on Rootsweb Worldconnect. See link at the bottom of this page.]

He married Catherine Barbara Hosch in Weissenstadt on November 26, 1843. Catherine was born in Weissenstadt on February 27, 1822. She was the daughter of Heinrich Hosch and Susanna Seidel. Johann was a master locksmith and mechanic in Germany. In 1853, Johann & Catherine and their 3 oldest children emigrated to America aboard a steamship. Their 4th child was born on the ship. They settled in Guttenberg, then rented an 80-acre farm in Read twp. Later he bought and farmed over 500 acres of land in Grand Meadow twp.

From the History of Allamakee Co. IA: "The German Lutheran society was formed in the spring of 1872, and a house of worship built by subscription in the same year. The principal workers were Conrad Thoma, Jacob Leni, E. Rucktassel, Fred Thoma, Carl Schultz, Leithod Bros. and Carl Knodt. The first pastor was Andrew Johnson, a German."

"For Sale. One threshing machine, in good running order, will be sold on one or two years time, good security being given. The machine is a 10 horse power. Also for sale with the machine is an extra Horse Power. For particulars, inquire of H.C. Meyer or Ernest Ruchdarbel [sic], first farm south of Springfield." Postville Review, August 1873.

August 1889, Clayton Co. Register/Journal: "Ernest Ruckdaeschel and wife, Mrs. Conrad Thoma and Mrs. John Thoma of Postville were the guests of the families of W. and J. B. Schmidt over Sunday."

In the early 1890's they built a home in Postville where they retired. Ernest was naturalized on January 17, 1860.

1900 US census, Postville village, Ernst & Catherine are living on Tilden St.

On March 9, 1900 Johann wrote his will. He bequeathed Catherine the land in Clayton Co., 2 lots in Postville, Allamakee Co. IA and $500. He left the remainder of his estate to be shared between his children, and the children of his deceased daughter Katherine. William Shipherd was named executor. The will was admitted for probate by Ellison Orr in District court of Iowa, Allamakee Co. on September 11, 1900.

Johann died June 30, 1900 at 79 years of age. Catherine died October 20, 1900 at 78 years of age. They are buried in the Postville cemetery.

Johann Ernst Ruckdaschel and Catherine Barbara Hosch had 9 children: