There has gone from his place among us one who was as one of the settled institutions of the town. As far back as any of the younger citizens can remember there was the tiny shop on the west side, its cheery, contented occupant with always a pleasant word for anywho [sic] stopped an instant on its portals.  A quiet honored citizen, going his self respecting way, he was one upon whom the mark of advancing age made little showing.  His life was a peaceful one and simply lived.  His affections were set on his church and the family that gathered around him. Devotion to both made up the sum of this good man's life, and he was rewarded by their appreciation of him.  For forty years he was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran congregation in this city, helped build the church on west main street [sic] and labored zealously to upbuild the spiritual and materiel interests of the little flock whose faith he loved.

Mr. Hoch was at the time of his death over 66 years of age, having been born in Wurtenberg [sic], Germany, March 4th, 1932 [sic].  Came to the United States in 1854 and settled in Keokuk, where two years later he was married to Miss Sophia Bartels.  From 1858, at which time he moved to Carthage, he has been a citizen of this place and has followed the trade of a cobbler.  To Mr. and Mrs. Hoch were born eight children: Mrs. Anna Cannon, Henry, Edw. and Clara of Carthage, Mrs. Julia Rams of Kansas City, Mrs. Matilda Mishler of Reinbeck Ia. and Louis of Chicago. Another son, Wm. H., died in 1885.

About a month ago a serious bowel trouble came upon Mr. Hoch and he went down steadily from the first.  He died Saturday, Sept. 24th, at 2 p. m. surrounded by all his family except Mrs. Rams who was unable on account of sickness to be present.  The funeral was held at Trinity Lutheran church Monday at 2 p. m., Rev. Paul Holtgreve of Burlington, Ia., officiating.  Buriel [sic] took place in Carthage cemetery.  At the same hour on Monday a memorial service was held in German at Zion Lutheran church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Max Pinkert.