We can't figure out Heinrich Christoph Krech...
We are beginning to wonder about him.
On the one hand, the History of Bremer County bio on him tells this "fantastic" tale of growing up in Europe, fighting in various armies as a medic, learning several languages, etc. NOTE: These biographies are written by the person or his family.
"Henry C. Krech, who is a native of the Prussian Province of Saxony, was born in 1819. He received a good common school education in his native language, and when twenty years old went to France, and during his residence there, mastered that language. In 1844 he returned to Prussia, and entered the army, as a private, in the artillery service; and, after some time, was promoted to the Assistant Surgeon's School, where he remained until he left the army, in 1847. The following year he was recalled to the army, and again served for some months. Upon receiving his dismissal, he immediately enlisted in the war of the rebellion, known as the rebellion of 1848. In the spring of 1849, he left his native country for the "Land of Liberty," and upon arriving here, settled in Weschester County, New York, where he remained for nine years, and then emigrated to Bremer County, Iowa."
On the other hand, there is one H.C. Krech in the immigration records coming to America in the 1849, but only 14 years old.
On the same hand, and this is the MOST TELLING, we just received a translation of his obituary that appeared in the German-language paper founded by him:
"Krech, Heinrich C.
H.C. Krech Dies
At about 5:00 last Monday evening Mr. Heinrich C. Krech died in Denver at the age of 84. About 3 years ago his state of health deteriorated due to a stroke, and his death was a release for him from much suffering.
The deceased was born on February 1, 1821 in Germany and came to America as a 14 year old boy. Until the year 1854 he remained in the East, and in 1855 he came to Iowa and ultimately to Denver, where he bought some land and later laid it out in lots.
When the “Iowa Newspaper” sold out to the Republican party here in Waverly, Mr. Krech founded the “Waverly Phoenix” whose owner and editor he remained for several years.
After a number of years Mr. Krech retired to his property here in Denver, where he also died on Monday. In addition to his 6 children, he also leaves behind a grieving widow (2nd wife) and the stepson. Since most of the children must come from a great distance the exact time of the funeral service is not yet set."
Which life story is correct?
Since Krech men are TO THIS DAY famous for storytelling, joke telling, fabricating, if you know what I mean, we are beginning to suspect this particular Krech "trait" goes waaaay back.
And we are left wondering, which story is right?
What do YOU think?
