Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1910-04-27
CAPT. GERHARD RIECKE DEAD.
Prominent Citizen Of Charleston has
Passed Away--KnOwn Here.
(News and Courier. 25th.)

After an illness OF several months
duration Capt. Gerhard Riecke died
early yesterday morning at the beau
tiful FRANKIE Home, on Calhoun
street, In this city, at the ago ef 73
years. While 1t was generally known
that his condition was precarlous,t the
enc came quickly after a serious
turn just before midnight. He died
at about o'clock yesterday morn
ing, and besides his family physician,
DR.. Il. Grange Simons, the attendants
Of the FRANKIE Home, Miss Sadie
Watts Riecke, Capt. Riecke's young
est daughter, was the only relative
at his bedside.
The death Of Capt. Riecke removes
from the community a conspicuous
and prominent parsonage, long iden-
titled with It's history. He was
native of Charleston, and lived here
all his life, excepting the few years
he spent at Walhalla on the founding
OF that interesting town in 1850. He
was for many years associated with
prominent merchants in the whole
sale grocery business Of Charleston.
The firm Of Riecke & Petermann will
be recalled by many. Retiring from
mercantile life, Capt Riecke embark
ed extensively in truck farming on
Toogoodoo river, In Colleton county,
and In later years devoted his atten-
ton to the business Of real estate
broker and auctioneer.
Capt. Riecke, whether in adversity
or prosperity, was genial and kind to
all who came in contact with him.
The sunshine of his, nature sent out
beams Of good cheer and good will
to those around him. He bore brave
adversities, and appreciated to the
full the value of true friendship. His
life, devoted to the upbuilding Of the
fraternal and charitable organiza-
tions, including Odd Fellowship and
Masonry, made his name one well
known throughout the entire city. A
striking characteristic Of his life was
his fondness for little children, and
wherever he went he soon won the
hearts Of the little ones.
Capt Riecke was for many years
an active member of the Washington
Light Infantry, having enlisted with
1T at the beginning Of the war, / 500
1851 and being afterward transfer
red to the German Artillery. He was
at his death devoted member of
Camp Sumter, Confederate Veterans.
After the war he was captain Of the
German HuSsars and was member
| OF this gallant corps until it dissolved
| as military organization. He con-
tinued also until his death his con-
nection with the German Artillery, in
whose welfare he always took a most
| lively interest.
Capt. Riecke was loyal to his OBJ
legations Of citizenship. He served
the city of Charleston several times
as an alderman, and was for a num-
| Der OF years intendant Of the town
of Moultrievtlle, on Sullivan's Island.
In the German societies and organ
iZations of the city Capt. Riecke was
always conspicuous and active. For
some years lie was president Of the
we'll known German Fire Company.
He was also president of the Deut-
scher Bruderlcher Bund at one time,
also Of the Charleston Turnverein,
and an active member Of the German
Rifle Club.
Capt. Riecke Is survived by two
children-Mrs. Christopher Matthews
and Miss Sadie Watts Riecke, both
OF this city; by sister, Mrs. Mary
Small. and two nephews, DR.. Kerne
Mehrtens, Of San Francisco, Cal, and
Rudolph Mehrtens, chief boatswain
of the u. S. S. Texas, now at the
Charleston Navy Yard.
Capt. Riecf e was we'll known in
Walhalla, VIII IRE he made his home
for several Years about forty years
ago. Tho announcement of his death
VIII bring sorrow to the hearts and
homes OF number Of our older citi-
Zens, especially among the Germans,
who knew him most intimately. On
| Capt. Riecke's last visit to Walhalla
(during the semi-centennial, 19OO,)
he renewed many old acquaintances,
and talked interestinly of the town
III It's younger days. Peace to his
ashes.