MEUSER, William

Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/55828385:60525

MEUSER, William. (Mengerskirchen, Duchy of Nassau, Germany, Aug. 22, 1834--Dubuque, IA, Dec. 22, 1882)

EARLY LIFE OF WILHELM/WILLIAM MEUSER (Provided by Dr. Brian Link, great-great grandson of William Meuser)

Wilhelm Meuser was born in Mengerskirchen, in the Duchy of Nassau, Germany.

William Meuser’s obituary described his early life in Germany. “His parents were farmers, but William, after receiving a liberal education, was apprenticed to a wagon maker, which trade he learned. He heard glowing tales of the United States in his native home, which inspired him with the fever of emigration. Liberal in his views he longed to breathe the air of a free country, where the people were not yoked to kings and loyalty.”

September 6, 1856 Possible evidence that Wilhelm Meuser arrived in New York aboard the ship Graham Polly which departed from the port of Antwerp. The ship’s transcribed manifest lists passenger Meuses, Wilhelm, age 22, sex male, occupation farmer. No other obvious family members were listed on the manifest, nor do later biographical sketches of William Meuser indicate that he traveled to America with other family members. He appears to have emigrated alone.

William Meuser’s obituary described his arrival in America, although the date referenced in his obituary is a year later than the date referenced in a biographical sketch written during William Meuser’s lifetime. “He succeeded in saving sufficient means to pay his passage here, and landed in Castle Garden, New York, in 1857, during the panic of that year. He was almost penniless when he touched the sod of this continent, and not being able to procure work at this trade in New York, nor at anything else, he “counted the ties” on foot between the great metropolis and Utica, New York, where he obtained work for a short time.”

1856/1857 to April, 1861 Again, William Meuser’s obituary describes his movement from the State of New York West to the State of Wisconsin, his connection to the Eulberg family, and his engagement to Margaretha/Margaret Eulberg. “Hearing of the great west, he resolved to seek his fortune in this locality, and being possessed of a good pair of legs and an indomitable will, he set out on foot reaching Mineral Point, Wisconsin, soon afterwards. Here he became acquainted with Casper Eulberg, now of this city, and both being from Nassau, a mutual friendship at once sprang up between them. Casper was not overstocked with the world’s goods, but he invited Mr. Meuser to remain with him a few weeks, as he had plenty to eat, but little money, and perhaps by that time he might obtain work. Mr. Meuser thanked Casper for his kindness, and at the end of a week he obtained work on a farm at $10 per month, where he remained six months, when he returned to Mineral Point.”

“He became acquainted with Casper Eulberg’s sister. A mutual attachment sprang up between them and they were engaged to be married. He then obtained a situation to drive a team for the Mineral Point brewery, at which occupation he remained until President Lincoln called for 75,000 men for three months to put down the rebellion.”

THE START OF THE CIVIL WAR ENLISTMENT BY WILLIAM MEUSER

April 12, 1861 At 4:30 a.m., Confederate artillery opened fire on the Union garrison holding Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The Civil War begins.

Between April 15, 1861 and April 22, 1861 William Meuser’s obituary describes his decision to enlist in the Union army. “He informed his friend Casper [Eulberg], and future brother-in-law, that he had made up his mind to enlist, but was loth to leave his sweetheart. “Go!” said Casper, “my sister will wait for you, and if you are killed I will endeavor to console her.””

April 22, 1861 William Meuser, living in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, responded to the Proclamation Calling Militia and Convening Congress issued by President Lincoln on April 15, 1861, and “enlisted into military service on the 22nd day of April, 1861, by Captain [Thomas S.] Allen at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, for the term of three years”, according to records in the Wisconsin state archives.

The Certificate of Service from the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, notes that at the time William Meuser enlisted he “was 26 years of age, single, had hazel eyes, black hair, fair complexion, was 5 feet 10 inches in height, and by occupation a laborer.” At 5 feet 10 inches in height, William Meuser would have been tall when compared to the average soldier.

First Week of May, 1861 to June 20, 1861 William Meuser stationed at Camp Randall (State Agricultural Society’s Fairgrounds) in Madison, Wisconsin.

June 11, 1861 Corporal William Meuser “was mustered into the military service of the United States on the 11th day of June 1861, [by] Captain McIntyre at Camp Randall, Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin”.

According to the Muster-In Roll of Captain Thomas S. Allen’s Company, in the Second Regiment, (First Brigade,) of Wisconsin Volunteers Commanded by Colonel S. Park Coon called into the Service of the United States by the President from the Eleventh day of June 1861, (date of this muster,) for the term of Three Years unless sooner discharged, William Meuser was the 4th of 8 Corporals of the Company. He was 26 year of age. He joined for duty on April 22, 1861, at Mineral Point, and was enrolled by Thomas S. Allen for a period of 3 years.

It is worth noting that George H. Otis of Mineral Point, Wisconsin, was listed as the 5th of 8 Corporals of the Company on the Muster-In-Roll. George H. Otis will take charge of the Company during the Battle of Gettysburg. George H. Otis will also write a wonderful tribute following William Meuser’s death that is reported in the Dubuque newspaper.

THE CIVIL WAR SERVICE OF COMPANY I OF THE SECOND WISCONSIN AS PART OF THE IRON BRIGADE

Regiment: Second Wisconsin Volunteers Company: I

June 20, 1861 The Wisconsin 2nd left the state of Wisconsin.

June 25, 1861 William Meuser and the Wisconsin 2nd arrived in Washington, D.C.

July 18, 1861 Fought at Blackburn’s Ford on Bull Run.

July 21, 1861 Fought at 1st Bull Run (also known as First Manassas) in Prince William County, Virginia.

March 31, 1862 William Meuser promoted to Sergeant as reported by Regimental Order #14.

May 1862 to July, 1862 William Meuser absent from the company due to illness.

August 22 – 25, 1862 Fought at First Battle of Rappahannoch Station (also known as White Sulphur Springs)

August 28, 1862 Fought at the Battle of Gainsville/Brawner Farm. William Meuser wounded in the shoulder at the Battle of Gainsville.

August, 1862 to September, 1862 William Meuser absent from the company due to hospitalization for wounds received during the Battle of Gainsville.

September 17, 1862 Hospitalized William Meuser missed the Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg), the bloodiest single day in American military history.

December 11 – 15, 1862 Fought at the Battle of Fredericksburg.

May 1, 1863 Fought at Fitzhugh’s Crossing (also known as the Battle of Chancellorsville).

June 4, 1863 William Meuser promoted to 1st Sergeant.

June 9, 1863 Fought at the Battle of Brandy Station/Beverly Ford.

THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG

On the morning of the Battle of Gettysburg, First Sergeant William Meuser was part of Company I of the Regiment of Second Wisconsin Volunteers. As such, First Sergeant William Meuser marched as part of the First Brigade (also known as The Iron Brigade of the West) of the First Division of the First Corps of the Left Wing of the Army of the Potomac.

The Army of the Potomac was commanded by Major General George G. Meade. The Left Wing of the Army of the Potomac and the First Corps were commanded by Major General John F. Reynolds. The First Division was commanded by Brigadier General James A. Wadsworth. The First Brigade was commanded by Colonel Solomon Meredith. The Second Wisconsin Regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Lucius Fairchild. Company I was commanded by Major John Mansfield. By the end of the day’s fighting, most of these commands would have changed hands, in some cases, several times throughout the course of the day.

Official Report for the 2nd Wisconsin - No. 34 Report of Major John Mansfield, 2nd Wisconsin Infantry

Beverly Ford, Va.

November 15, 1863

Captain J. D. Wood, Asst. Adjt. General, First Brig., First Div., First Corps

SIR:

In reporting the part taken by this regiment in the battle of Gettysburg, I have the honor to state: The regiment formed a part of the First Brigade of Wadsworth’s division of the First Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, and on the morning of July 1, 1863, it had the right, and approached Gettysburg from the Emmitsburg Pike. About 10 a. m., when near the town of Gettysburg, in the direction of and left of Seminary Ridge. Here the Federal cavalry were in line with a battery, actively engaged with the enemy’s advancing infantry.

By order of the division commander was thrown forward into line of battle in front of the cavalry, and ordered to advance, to repel an assault of the enemy’s infantry upon the battery. The field officers, Colonel Fairchild, Lieutenant-Colonel Stevens, and Major John Mansfield, immediately dismounted, and, taking their proper places in line, advanced the regiment up a gentle slope, and when on its crest we received a volley of musketry from the enemy’s line, from which many officers and men fell, among them Lieutenant-Colonel Stevens, mortally wounded. The advance of the regiment was steadily kept up under the direction of Colonel Fairchild, slightly obliquing to the right into a piece of timber skirting the ridge and extending several hundred yards to the right and front of our position. After pushing the advance for about 50 yards into this timber, in the face of a most terrific fire of musketry, Colonel Fairchild received a severe wound in the left arm, shattering his elbow. Being so completely disabled, and suffering from loss of blood, he was taken to the rear, when Major Mansfield assumed command of the regiment.

Mansfield continued to advance the regiment to near close quarters, when the line of the enemy in our immediate front yielded, a portion seeking cover in a deep excavation, the balance seeking refuge behind trees and a slight elevation of the ground, from which they attempted to reform their broken lines. I ordered a charge upon this last position of the enemy, which was gallantly made at the doublequick, the enemy breaking in confusion to the rear, escaping from the timber into the open fields beyond. In this charge we captured a large number of prisoners, including several officers, among them General Archer, who was taken by Private Patrick Maloney, of Company G, of our regiment, and brought to me, to whom he surrendered his sword, which I passed over with the prisoners to Lieut D. B. Dailey, acting aide-de-camp on the brigade staff. I regret to say that this gallant soldier (Private Maloney) was killed in action later in the day.

After this disposition of the prisoners, the regiment was formed in line in the open field beyond the timber. Here the balance of the brigade was formed on our left. We were soon faced to the rear, and retired about midway through the timber, where we were ordered to lie down. We remained in position some two hours or more, when the enemy were discovered emerging from the timber beyond the field we had just left, in two lines, with a heavy line of skirmishers. The front line of the enemy, with skirmishers, advanced directly to the front, while the second line advanced obliquely to the left. In a short time the enemy’s skirmishers and our own became actively engaged, which continued with great spirit for a time, when it was discovered an attempt was being made to flank our position by the second line.

An order was given to fall back toward Seminary Ridge, then directly in our rear, and in which was placed and at work the Fifth Maine Battery. This movement was made in good order, firing as we retired. About half the distance from where we commenced to retire to this new position, I faced the regiment to the front, and again moved to meet the advancing columns of the enemy, when I discovered the enemy closing in upon our left. I again faced to the rear, and took up a position on the ridge referred to, on the right of the brigade already in position. At this time and point the battle raged with great fury, near the close of which I received a severe gun-shot wound in my left leg, near the knee-joint. Being unable to remain standing, I was taken to temporary shelter, when almost immediately the brigade and regiment fell back to Cemetery Hill. The casualties to the regiment resulting from this day’s fight, for the numbers engaged, are believed to be unparalleled in the history of the war, and are here given as follows:

Casualties Engaged Killed Wounded Missing Total

Officers 29 2 11 6 19

Men 273 25 142 47 214

Total 302 27 153 53 233

Left for duty 69

From such a record I may be spared from making what seems the usual commonplace remark, “that both officers and men behaved well. ” No such record as here made can be shown excepting by a cool indifference to danger and long continued and stubborn resistance, resulting from hard-earned experience and thorough discipline. I desire to call the attention of the general commanding to Lieutenant Henry B. Harshaw, acting adjutant, for his ready and active assistance on several occasions during the trials of the day. Also to Corporal [Rasselas] Davidson, of Company H, and Corpl. Paul V. Brisbois, of Company G, for gallantly seizing (one the State, the other the National) colors of the regiment, after their respective bearers had been shot down in a storm of bullets, and carrying them undismayed throughout the remainder of the battle, and bearing them in safety and in triumph off the field.

JNO. MANSFIELD, Major, Commanding Regiment. from OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, vol 27, Part 1 (Gettysburg Campaign) No. 33. pp. 273-275

AFTER THE BATTLE THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS DISCHARGE OF WILLIAM MEUSER

July 23, 1863 William Meuser reduced in rank per Regimental Order #47.

July 24, 1863 William Meuser reappointed to the rank of Sergeant. No record yet uncovered as to why William Meuser was reduced in rank for one day before being returned to his previous rank.

October 4, 1863 to November 15, 1863 Sergeant Meuser “detailed to detached service under Special Order #153, Headquarters, 1st Division, 1st Army Corps, as a Provost Guard”.

November 19, 1863

November 1863 Sergeant Meuser placed on detached service as a Recruiter, under Special Order #293, Army of the Potomac and sent to Wisconsin.

May 5 – 7 1864 Fought at the Battles of the Wilderness. This is one of the battles for which William Meuser later received a Brevet Commission.

June 29, 1864 William Meuser is mustered out of active military service, as a First Sergeant, with his Company at Camp Randall, in Madison, Wisconsin, when his term expired.

January 31, 1867 An official notice indicates that 1st Sergeant Meuser received a Brevet Commission to the rank of Captain on January 31, 1867, to rank back to July 1, 1863, for distinguished gallantry at Gettysburg and Wilderness. In the Register of Commissions by Brevet, the following remarks are recorded: “In recognition of his distinguished gallantry at the battles of Gettysburg Pa. and Wilderness Va. at the former of which he led the right of the Company at the opening of the first days fighting in its charge through the woods beyond Seminary Hill, advancing beyond any other and capturing five prisoners.”

            Certificate of Service, State Historical Society of Wisconsin

This is to Certify, That records in the state archives show that

WILLIAM MEUSER,

late a 1st Sergeant in Company I of the 2nd Regiment of Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers was enlisted into military service on the 22nd day of April 1861, by Captain Allen at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, for the term of three years, and was mustered into the military service of the United States on the 11th day of June 1861, Captain McIntyre at Camp Randall, Madison, Wisconsin.

At the time of enlistment, Sergeant Meuser gave his residence as Mineral Point, Wisconsin. He gave his place of birth as Germany.

William Meuser mustered into Company I as a Corporal on June 11, 1861. A Regimental Order #14, dated March of 1862, indicates that he was promoted to Sergeant on March 31, 1862. He was absent from the company, sick, starting in May of 1862 and returned to duty in July 1862. A casualty report indicates he was wounded in the shoulder at the Battle of Gainsville, August 28, 1862. He remained in the hospital until September 1862. Regimental Order #47 shows that he was reduced in ranks July 23, 1863, and reappointed to the rank of Sergeant July 24, 1863. Sergeant Meuser was detailed to detached service under Special Order #153, Headquarters, 1st Division, 1st Army Corps, as a Provost Guard on October 4, 1863. He returned to the regiment November 15, 1863. Sergeant Meuser was absent from the company, placed on detached service as a Recruiter, under Special Order #293, Army of the Potomac and sent to Wisconsin in November 1863. He was mustered out of active military service, as a 1st Sergeant, at Camp Randall, Madison, Wisconsin, with his company on June 4, 1864.

1st Sergeant Meuser was engaged in action at Blackburn’s Ford, 1st Bull Run, Rappahannoch Station, Sulphur Springs, Gainsville, Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh’s Crossing, Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. An official notice indicates that 1st Sergeant Meuser received a Brevet Commission to the rank of Captain on January 31, 1867, to rank back to July 1, 1863, for distinguished gallantry at Gettysburg and Wilderness.

The records further show that said soldier when enlisted was 26 years of age, single, had hazel eyes, black hair, fair complexion, was 5 feet 10 inches in height, and by occupation a laborer.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand in the city of Madison, this 19th day of July in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred ninety-four.

Harold L. Miller, Reference Archivist

LATER LIFE OF WILLIAM MEUSER

October 11, 1864 William Meuser, at the age of 30 years, married Margaret Eulberg in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.

Unknown Newspaper

MARRIED

At the Catholic Church in this city on the 11th inst., by Rev. Mr. Winehardt, Mr. WILLIAM MEUSER, of Mineral Point, (late of Co. I, 2d W. V. I.) to Miss MARGARET EULBERG, of the town of Dodgeville.

The printers were kindly remembered by the “Big Sergeant.” That the happy pair may enjoy a long and prosperous life, is the earnest wish of the “types.”

George H. Otis was the editor of the newspaper that ran the wedding announcement and referred to his friend as “Big Sergeant”.

August 16, 1865 Birth of son, Joseph A. Meuser in Warren, Illinois

February 14, 1867 Birth of daughter, Margaret M. “Maggie” Meuser in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Margaret would eventually marry Joseph John Ott.

1869/1870 Birth of daughter, Elizabeth H. “Lizzie” Meuser. Elizabeth would eventually marry Joseph H. Rhomberg.

November 22, 1871 Birth of son, William H. “Willie” Meuser in Mineral Point, Wisconsin

1875 William and Margaret Meuser move from Mineral Point, Wisconsin, to Dubuque, Iowa.

1880 Dubuque County Biographies, The History of Dubuque County, Iowa, Published 1880 by Western Historical Company, Chicago, pp. 848-849.

WILLIAM MEUSER, of the firm of William Meuser & Co., brewers and maltsters, Couler avenue, Dubuque; is a native of Nassau, Germany, and was born Aug. 22, 1834; he emigrated to America in 1856; he came West to Wisconsin. When the war broke out, he enlisted in the 2d Wis. V. I., Co. I, and was in the first battle of Bull Run, Gettysburg, and in all the battles of the Wilderness and many others. He was wounded at Gainesville; in the battle of Gettysburg, of 550 men of his regiment who were in that engagement, only forty answered roll-call the following morning. He was in the service over three years. After the war, he engaged in brewing business at mineral Point, Wis; he came to Dubuque in 1875 and engaged in his present business and is building up a large trade. In 1864, he married Miss Margaret Eulberg, a native of Nassau, Germany; they have four children—Joseph, Margaret, Lizzie and Willie.

DEATH OF WILLIAM MEUSER

December 22, 1882 William Meuser died in Dubuque, Iowa.

Obituary in The Dubuque Herald, Dubuque, Iowa on Saturday morning, December 23, 1882

DEATH OF WM. MEUSER. _____

One of the Proprietors of the IOWA BREWERY Gone to His Long Home. _____

Two or three weeks ago, Wm. Meuser, in company of two or three intimate friends went up the river to an island near the mouth of the Maquoketa river, for a few day’s heat and camp life. The weather happened to be unpropitious, and the “sports” were subjected to inclement weather, humidity being its characteristic. The dampness and exposure enhanced instead of benefited Mr. Meuser’s pulmonic condition, and a few days after he returned to the city he was taken down with pneumonia which presented itself in a “double form.” It was thought that the “slight cold” which he had contracted would soon yield to medical treatment. But such was not the case. His ailment and condition became alarming and his family physician, Dr. Lesser, was assisted by Dr. Horr, both of whom have been constant in their attention, endeavoring by their skill to counteract the ravages of the disease which was slowly but surely reducing his vitality, until 3 o’clock yesterday (Friday) morning his sufferings were assuaged by the angel of death, while he was surrounded by his wife and children and other relatives. His death, for the past week at least, had been anticipated, and when the final hour came his relatives and friends were not surprised, but their regret was deep and sorrowful, as they had lost a loving husband, an indulgent father, kind neighbor and true friend. He was stricken down in the forty-ninth year of his age, when his future promised wealth and honor. His career was a laborious but prosperous one.

He was born in Nassau, Germany. His parents were farmers, but William, the deceased, after receiving a liberal education, was apprenticed to a wagon maker, which trade he learned. He heard glowing tales of the United States in his native home, which inspired him with the fever of emigration. Liberal in his views he longed to breathe the air of a free country, where the people were not yoked to kings and loyalty. He succeeded in saving sufficient means to pay his passage here, and landed in Castle Garden, New York, in 1857, during the panic of that year. He was almost penniless when he touched the sod of this continent, and not being able to procure work at this trade in New York, nor at anything else, he “counted the ties” on foot between the great metropolis and Utica, New York, where he obtained work for a short time. Hearing of the great west, he resolved to seek his fortune in this locality, and being possessed of a good pair of legs and an indomitable will, he set out on foot reaching Mineral Point, Wisconsin, soon afterwards. Here he became acquainted with Casper Eulberg, now of this city, and both being from Nassau, a mutual friendship at once sprang up between them. Casper was not overstocked with the world’s goods, but he invited Mr. Meuser to remain with him a few weeks, as he had plenty to eat, but little money, and perhaps by that time he might obtain work. Mr. Meuser thanked Casper for his kindness, and at the end of a week he obtained work on a farm at $10 per month, where he remained six months, when he returned to Mineral Point. He became acquainted with Casper Eulberg’s sister. A mutual attachment sprang up between them and they were engaged to be married. He then obtained a situation to drive a team for the Mineral Point brewery, at which occupation he remained until President Lincoln called for 75,000 men for three months to put down the rebellion. He informed his friend Casper, and future brother-in-law, that he had made up his mind to enlist, but was loth to leave his sweetheart. “Go!” said Casper, “my sister will wait for you, and if you are killed I will endeavor to console her.”

That day Mr. Meuser enlisted—but it is better that Col. Geo. H. Otis, of McGregor, should tell of his comrade’s military career, as he was with him:

McGregor, Ia., Dec. 22, To the Editor of the Dubuque Herald. In this morning’s Herald I notice the announcement of the death of Capt. William Meuser. During the war he served in the company which I had the honor to command, and having been intimately connected with him during that period of national tribulations, please allow me to add my tribute to his worth as a man, a citizen, a soldier, and a friend.

It was in April, 1861, the day following President Lincoln’s first call for 75,000 troops that Wm. Meuser inscribed his name on the roll of volunteers, under the command of Capt. Thos. S. Allen, now the editor of the Oshkosh Northwestern, and a few days thereafter with his company, reported at Camp Randall, Madison, for duty, the company assigned as company I, 2d Wis. vol. Infantry, S. Park Coon, colonel commanding. Meuser and the writer hereof were high privates, and together cupped the first preparation of coffee and feasted on the first installment of hard-tack, commemorative of our initiation into the service of Uncle Sam. At Camp Tillinghast, Va., Meuser was promoted to corporal, and when this scribe become captain of the company Meuser was made sergeant, and after the Gettysburg fight, was made orderly sergeant, which positions he held until the close of the three years service, when he was brevetted captain for gallant and meritorious service.

Every living member of the old company will recall many interesting incidents of camp life, and on the march, and in battle, in which Meuser was the central figure. He was always in sympathy with the rank and file, and under the most trying circumstances, and in our most difficult undertakings he was equal to the emergency, a power in keeping up an event balance, encouraging the men to good works and brave deeds. He was the friend and companion of all, a strong advocate for equal justice; a firm disciplinarian, yet disposed to be lenient when circumstances required. He was saving of his limited income and come out of the service with a fair proportion of his earnings. He endeavored to instill into the minds of his comrades the art of careing for the pennies, assured that the dollars would take care of themselves. I think I but voice the sentiment of every man who served with him, when I say that no better soldier ever carried a musket. In camp, on the march, and in battle he was the same cool, determined, even balanced hero. I look back over the three years in Virginia and recall the many rapid marches, the fifty-seven engagements in which we participated together, and wonder at our fortunate escape from the flying missels, while many of the noble boys with whom we had been playmates at the old brick school house in Mineral Point gave their lives at Bull Run, Groveton, Chancellerville, Antitem, Gettysburg and on other fields. It seems remarkable that we were left. But Meuser did not wholly escape. At Gettysburg he received a bullet which I believe was never extracted. He was faithful at all times and under all circumstances reliable.

But the patriot and hero has gone to his reward. He who gave him reclaims him when he has passed the summers of youth and manhood. “let the course of his fame be the path of the just.”

Down in the beautiful valley,

 Where violets bloom in the spring;

Down in the green old church yard,

 Under the angel’s wing.

Rank after rank in their order,

 Mustered to meet on that day,

When sounds the archangel’s trumpet,

 Slumber the hero of the blue.

Of our dead comrade since the close of the ware, other pens will speak. As comrades, we knew him as a noble specimen of manhood; a friend indeed. As a citizen and business man, we have watched his career with pride.

Farewell, old sergeant, the hero of the one hundred and one. Strew o’er his grave flowers of every name, roses red, lilies as white as his fame; cover the sod with myrtle, an emblem of love, so that when the golden sunset lights with its beams the west, rays of its parting splendor shall fall on his place of rest. G.H.O.

At the close of the war, he returned to Mineral Point, found his sweetheart, Margaret Eulberg, true to him and they were married, she now being his sorrowing widow. Mr. Meuser then went to Warren where he remained nine months. Returning to Mineral Point he opened business and was successful.

On the 23d day of October, 1875, he came to Dubuque and purchased a half interest in the establishment formerly known as Schmid’s and Blumenauer’s brewery, in which he has remained ever since, respected by all who knew him. He leaves a wife and four children, two boys and two girls, the oldest being Joseph, C.W. Robinson’s book keeper; Margaret, Lizzie and Willie, all in Dubuque.

Mr. Meuser was a member of the German Benevolent association, the Catholic Protective association, and the German Catholic Mutual Insurance society, showing that he made provision for his family in case of adversity; but owing to his frugal nature and excellent business capacity, he leaves them am ample competency. He also carried a life insurance policy in a Wisconsin company.

His funeral will occur Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock from his late residence to the Sacred Heart church, and thence to the German Catholic cemetery, where the sod will cover the remains of an upright and honorable citizen, whose death will be mourned by the entire community.

The funeral will be in charge of the Veteran Corps, who invite all soldiers to attend.

Obituary in The Dubuque Times, Dubuque, Iowa on Saturday, December 23, 1882

DEATH=S DOINGS.

---

William Meuser is Laid to Rest.

For some time past the many acquaintances of Mr. Meuser, the well known Dubuque brewer, have been aware of the fact that he was lying dangerously ill and his life despaired of by his physicians. At times he would appear to rally and give signs of recovery. About a week ago it was thought that he was in a fair way to recovery. But here again his friends were doomed to disappointment. Death, the grim messenger, had set his seal upon his victim and was not to be shaken off, and this morning at about half past two o=clock William Meuser breathed his last and closed his eyes on this earth forever.

Mr. Meuser was born in Nassau, Germany, in the month of August 1834. Here he resided till he had reached the age of man=s estate, when he resolved to seek his fortunes in the new world, of which such bright and glowing tales were current among the people of his native country. Coming to this country he at once engaged in business, and by his industry and thrift succeeded in amassing a comfortable fortune. Seven years ago he came to Dubuque from Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and has ever since resided here, being engaged in operating his extensive brewery. Mr. Meuser was well known throughout the state, and his many friends will be saddened to hear of his death.

During the great struggle of the rebellion, Mr. Meuser was a member of the Second Wisconsin infantry, and served in that regiment throughout the war. He was present at the great battle of the Wilderness and many other important actions. He was a gallant soldier, esteemed by all his comrades, and was at the time of his death a member of the Dubuque Veteran Corps.

The funeral will be conducted by the Dubuque Veteran Corps, of which Mr. Meuser was an honored member. Notice of the time and place of the funeral will be found elsewhere.

Obituary in The Dubuque Times, Dubuque, Iowa on Wednesday, December 27, 1882

THE LAST OF EARTH Obsequies of the late Wm. Meuser.

The funeral of the late William Meuser took place on Sunday afternoon from the family residence on Couler avenue, and was attended by a very large concourse of people. The high esteem in which the deceased was held by his fellow citizens was manifested by the funeral cortege which followed all that remained of the good man to their last resting place in the silent city of the dead.

The procession, headed by the German Benevolent Society and the Veteran Corps, preceded by a band of music, left the family residence at two o’clock and proceeded to the Sacred Heart Church, where appropriate services were held. Something over one hundred and twenty carriages were in line, and the church during the ceremony was packed.

The remains were encased in a beautiful casket, surmounted with many beautiful floral offerings and appropriate designs. A large number of people were afforded an opportunity of taking a last look upon their esteemed friend, whose face was very natural and who had every appearance of being at peaceful rest.

The pall bearers were John Stuber, Chas. Bruhers, Christian Ohde, Charles Buse, John Jansen, Henry Huber and John Whitmer, all members of the Benevolent society.

The Veteran corps turned out in full force to honor their departed and beloved comrade, as did also the Benevolent society, of both of which the deceased was a respected member.

The remains were interred in the German Catholic cemetery.

Obituary in Mineral Point Tribune, Mineral Point, Wisconsin on Thursday, December 28, 1882

“BILLY” MEUSER DEAD. – From last Saturday’s Inter-Ocean we clip the following telegram, announcing the death of William Meuser, well known to most of our citizens.

DUBUQUE, IOWA, DEC.22. – Mr. Wm. Meuser, a member of one of the most prominent brewing firms in Dubuque died this morning, after a lingering illness of typhoid fever. Deceased was formerly a resident of Mineral Point, Wis., where he enlisted from; he served through the War of the Rebellion, and made an honorable record. About nine years ago he removed to this city and bought an interest in the old Schmidt brewery. He was a man universally respected for his many good qualities. He was German by birth, and about 49 years of age. He leaves a wife and four children. He will be buried under the supervision of the Dubuque Veteran Corps, in the German Catholic Cemetery.

BURIAL OF WILLIAM MEUSER

Monument/headstone at the grave of Wilhelm Meuser in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Great-great-grandfather Wilhelm\William and great-great-grandmother Margaretha\Margaret are buried in Section 1 on the diagram. The graves are located right behind the building housing the chapel and they are fairly close to the building. The marker is a tall, white, steeple-shaped monument. In front of the monument are footstones that read Vater (translation: father) and Mutter (translation: mother) that identify where Wilhelm and Margaretha are buried.

Writing on the monument:

   WILHELM MEUSER	      MARGARETHA MEUSER

GEB GEB

    22 AUG 1834	       26 MAI 1841

  ZU MENGERSKIRCHEN	         ZU MEUDT

NASSAU NASSAU

GEST GEST

    22 DEC 1882	         15 JULI 1916

       R.I.P.	                   R.I.P.

MEUSER

Translation:

 Geb stands for Geburt meaning birth
 Gest stands for Gestorben meaning death
 Zu means to
 Mengerskirchen and Meudt are communities in Nassau which is a region of Germany
 Mai and Juli translate to May and July respectivel

Around Wilhelm and Margaretha’s graves are buried a collection of other Meuser family members.

In the back row behind the monument is the group Leo J. Meuser, William H. Meuser, Susan Meuser and Margaret H. Meuser. This is Wilhelm and Margaretha’s son, William, his wife Susan and their children Leo and Margaret.

In the row in front of the monument is the group William B. Meuser, Joseph A. Meuser, Rose Meuser and Alfred F. Meuser. This is Wilhelm and Margaretha’s son, Joseph, his wife Rose and their children William and Alfred.

Just behind the monument is a grave marked Joseph A. Meuser, Jr. This is a third son of Wilhelm and Margaretha’s son, Joseph and his wife Rose.

Although all four of Wilhelm and Margaretha’s children-- Joseph A. Meuser, Margaret M. “Maggie” Meuser, Elizabeth H. “Lizzie” Meuser and William H. “Willie” Meuser--married and had children of their own, their two sons’ children did not have children. Thus, the Meuser name ended. The line continues through the two daughters which produced the Ott line and the Rhomberg line of descendants.