The Waterloo Republican
January 29, 1899

Christmann

Joseph Christmann, another our of citizens, passed to the beyond last Friday, January 
20, 1899, aged about 75 years.

Mr. Christmann was born in Wurtemberg.  In early manhood he came to America and 
for a year he staid in Allegheny, Pa., then removed to this city where he resided 
continuously until his death.

He was a resident of Waterloo for half a century, saw it grow from a tiny hamlet of 
three brick houses to one of the richest and most progressive little cities in Egypt.

He was a mason by trade, a business which he followed until infirmities of old age and 
hard work began to whisper that it was time to retire.  He was the leading contractor
in his line for many years, and the mason work of the Court House, all of the churches 
in the city, the Jail were laid under his direction.

The deceased was married three times. His first wife was Miss Caroline Sum, who 
lived but a short time after their marriage, leaving one son Vincent, who now lives in 
Centralia.

The second wife was Maria Priester.  Sever children were born to this union, three of 
whom are living.  They are Joseph of this city, John and William of St. Louis.

Miss Catherine Meszler, the third wife, survives with several children.  They are Lizzie 
(Sister St. Paul of Kansas), Ferdinand of St. Louis, Bertha (Sister Beatrice of Carondolet) 
and Therese who is attending St. Joseph’s academy in this city.

Mr. Christmann was a conscientious church member, a devout Catholic, and was laid 
to rest in the Catholic Church Monday morning with impressive ceremony, Father Gillen 
officiating.