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William Rogge Is Called By Death
Well Known and Highly Esteemed Resident of This City Passes Away

At 8 o'clock last night William Rogge, one of the best known and most highly respected residents of this city, passed away at his home at 333 Locust street after a lingering illness. His illness began twelve years ago, cancer being the ailment, and as the years went by the disease grew steadily worse. His wonderful vitality was remarkable for a man of his advanced age and even during the past few days he had been up and about in his home. Yesterday morning, however, he was forced to remain in bed and last night he was finally summoned to the great Beyond.

The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family residence on Locust street with interment in the I.O.O.F. cemetery.

Mr. Rogge was born in Germany and was aged 83 years and 16 days. When a young man he came to the United States and lived in various parts of the East, finally settling in Missouri. When the Civil War broke out he participated in the rebellion belonging to Colonel Moore's regiment of the Missouri State militia.

His company with another one, was located in St. Louis during the entire Civil War and was a great help to the United States troops in marching back and forth from the river to Benton barracks, in keeping the bushwhackers from attacking union regiments that had no arms or ammunition while taking transportation down the river. Colonel Moore's regiment was armed with all kinds of weapons, ancient and modern including pitchforks. At the battle of Springfield it was this ragged militia that turned the left of General Price and forced him to retreat, Milligan's brigade following up the rebels.

Colonel Moore's son was the captain of Price's battery, who recognized his father when he ordered the charge. Knowing him of old he called on General Price for support, but too late. Only those that were living in St. Louis during those troublous times have the least idea of the trails of the state militia and a great injustice has been done by this government that said militia has not been taken care of, the same as the enlisted men. Mr. Rogge was a citizen who never boasted of anything he done but when the true history of his service to his country with the Missouri Militia is written it will be a glorious one.

Thirty nine years ago he came to Watsonville with his wife, having been wedded several years before in the East, and settled in this city. He was a shoemaker by trade and followed that until about twelve years ago when he retired. He was one of the oldest Odd Fellows in the United States, joining No. 3 lodge in Saint Louis fifty six years ago. He was a member of the subordinate canton and encampment lodges as well as of the Rebekahs. He was always a staunch and faithful member of the order and was revered by all his fellow members.

In the death of Mr. Rogge this community loses a most estimable citizen. He was a kindly gentleman and even when almost overcome with pain he showed real fortitude and was patient in all his trials. He was a loving husband and father, a good citizen and a man that was respected and highly regarded by all that made his acquaintance.

Besides his widow he is survived by the following children; Mrs. M.S. Lopes of Monterey, Mrs. Charles Smith of Aromas, H.T. Rogge, Mrs. A.H. Muller, A.E. Rogge, M.C. Rogge and Mrs. William Whitton, all of Watsonville, and O.W. Rogge of Salinas.

Date of Birth: 1831-06-01

Date of Death: 1914-16-06

County: Santa Cruz

Cemetery/City of Burial: Santa Cruz County

Plot: 7-Dec

Cause of Death: Cncr/Related

Spouse: (Rogge) Doretta

Occupation: Shoemaker

Height: 5'9

Complexion: Lt

Eye Color: Bl

Hair Color: Br

Local Address: Locust_ 333

Last City: Watsonville

Native of: GE

Military Unit: MO_ 1 Inf_ Co D

Rank: Pvt

Military Notes: On SSS DB 04/04 (Not on HDS)

GAR#: N/R

Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
California Death Index
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers
Voter Records

CW Reference: PAJ 1881/06/02