OBIT: Joseph Schaaf, Sr.,
Died at Alexander Hospital, at New Ulm at 10:15 p. m., March 20, 1911. Mr. Joseph Schaaf, aged 83 years.

He was a man of excellent habits, fine moral character, and sturdy constitution, an earnest christian, a zealous member of the Catholic church. His sunny disposition brought many friends to him who will remember him for years to come.

Mr. Schaaf was born on April 7, 1828 in Alsace, Germany, and in his youth was apprenticed to a blacksmith. After serving his time at the age of 18 years emigrated to America, landing at Philadelphia, Penn., where he worked at his trade of blacksmithing until 1857. While in that city he married Miss Frances C. Stemler, who still survives him.

Soon after his marriage he came to Minnesota and settled on a homestead in Carver county. While there he enlisted in Co. B. First Regiment of Minnesota, Heavy Artillery on September 27, 1864 and served until the close of the war. His record as a soldier for the Union was excellent.

In 1879 he and his family came to Swift county and he took up a tree claim on the northwest quarter of section 2, town 120, range 38. He resided there twelve years and he and his wife removed to St. Paul where they resided eighteen years. Two years ago they removed to St. Alexander hospital, New Ulm, where Mr. Schaaf passed away peacefully.

He leaves to mourn his irreparable loss his widow, one brother, who still resides in Philadelphia; three sons, Joseph and Valentine, of Murdock; John, of Rockford, Wash; five daughters, Mesdames Mary Weber, Murdock; Otillie Frank, Delano; Cecilia Emerson, Seattle, Wash; Anna Dana and Emma V. Eberhart, St. Paul; 40 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and friends inumerable.

The remains were brought to St. Paul and the funeral services which consisted of solemn high mass at St. Agnes Catholic church in that city. The interment took place at Calvary cemetery. A large concourse of people followed the remains to the cemetery.
(Swift County Monitor / Benson, Swift County, Minnesota)


Siblings:
. George Schaaf (1833 - 1905)
. Jean Schaaf (1830 - 1921)