The Lawrenceburg Press
Lawrenceburg, IN (Dearborn Co.)
January 17, 1929

AGED CITIZEN CLAIMED BY DEATH

One of Lawrenceburg's oldest and highly respected citizens passed away at his home on Elm street Tuesday night.

Mr. Charles Decker, Sr., by the persuasion of his older brother, came to Lawrenceburg in 1863, during the Civil War period. After coming to this city, he assisted his brother in his store, which then dealt in gents' furnishings.

He was the son of Diedrich and Dorothea (Enders) Decker, and was born at Lehrbach, Grand Duchy of Hessen, Germany, May 7, 1840.

His education was received in the schools of Germany. At the age of sixteen, the glowing tales of the greatness of America caused him to start out and make the journey alone from his home in Germany across the Atlantic to New York City, where he landed without any knowledge of the English language. At the German Embassy he was assisted in finding his way to the home of his uncle, near Montreal, Canada, where he finally arrived with only a few cents in his pocket. There he learned the trade of a cabinet maker. His first work at his trade was with the Dobell Furniture Company of this city, which then operated in the building now occupied by the A. D. Cook Company in Greendale for office purposes. He remained with the Dobell Company until 1872, when he purchased in interest in the Ohio Valley Coffin Company, where he took up his work at the bench.

His efficiency and ability was so highly esteemed that in the consideration of the same, he was made manager and president in 1874. He held this position with the highest respect and honor of the company for thirty-nine years, when feeling that he had borne his part in the advancement of the work amidst the busy scenes of life, he retired that he might enjoy the peace and quietude of the declining years of his life which he had so honorable earned.

In 1864, Mr. Decker was married to Miss Mary Brauer of this city, and to them were born four children; George, Katie, Emma and Carl. His two daughters, together with his wife, have preceded him to the grave.

On September 18, 1895, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Frederick, with whom he happily lived until his death.

He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, also of the old Liedertafel Society of this city, which held its meetings in a building near where the grocery store of Elmer Haversick, Margaret Street, is now located. Later, the Society erected a building on Walnut Street, now occupied by the Liberty Theatre. He always held a responsible office in the Society.

Mr. Decker was a man out of the ordinary, always jovial and kind, and being greatly loved by his fellowmen. His memory was wonderful as he could talk of the past with his acts and deeds up to the end. A short time before his death he informed his son, Carl, that he would come down and see him if they would only let him get out of his bed. Surely his life was full of years that had been spent in such an honorable manner that his good name was ever retained.

He is survived by his wife, his sons, George and Carl, all of this city, his six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the home on Elm Street, Friday afternoon, Rev. Calvert of the Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment will take place in the Greendale Cemetery.