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August Christian Terens

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August Christian Terens Veteran

Birth
Germany
Death
18 Jun 1934 (aged 91)
Mishicot, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, USA
Burial
Mishicot, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, USA GPS-Latitude: 44.2414814, Longitude: -87.6430505
Memorial ID
View Source
ossw Bertha

Mishicot's "Grand Old Man," August Terens, Observes His Ninetieth Milestone Sunday
Nearly 50 relatives, friends and neighbors helped August Terens, Mishicot's "grand old man," and lone survivor of the local G.A.R. post celebrated his 90th birthday anniversary on the old homestead in "French Settlement," a mile and one-half southwest of that village Sunday.

Despite his advanced age, Mr. Terens is in the best of health and expects to reach the century milestone. He is living in retirement on the old homestead now operated by his son, Oscar, and is again enjoying the hunting season. For more than 75 years Mr. Terens has been an ardent disciple of Izaak Walton, and most always brings home the prized game of that vicinity. He has not missed securing a hunting license for years.

Mishicot's "grand old man," beloved by its citizens and neighboring residents for miles around came to Mishicot from Germany in his early youth, and has always resided in that vicinity since. When the "North" called for volunteers August Terens was among the first to answer, and he now remains the sole survivor of the Grand Army Republic post of this city. For more than 50 years he has been a member of the Odd Fellows of this city, having been honored by the local lodge here two years ago.

Nearly 50 years ago Mr. Terens built the first brick structure in Mishicot, the Badger State Hotel, which he operated for many years. Retiring from the business more than 25 years ago he sold the hotel to Fabian Cretton, who died early this year. Following his disposal of the well known old hostelry in Mishicot he purchased the farm of the late Anton Cayo on the King's Bridge road, with his son Oscar operating it in later years.

For years Mr. Terens has been a colorful figure in the Memorial Day exercises in Two Rivers. Two years ago the carriage conveyed his only other comrade, the late Matt Haag of the town of Mishicot, but he rode alone this year.

Two Rivers Reporter, Monday, Oct. 24, 1932
********

August Terens, 92, Last of G.A.R. Roster in Two Rivers, Gets Call. Civil War Veteran Dies at Home Near Mishicot on Monday Evening.

August Terens, 91 years old, last member of the Rankin post, G.A.R., of Two Rivers, died at 10:15 o’clock Monday night at his home, two miles southwest of Mishicot. His death leaves but one Civil War veteran in Manitowoc County, Carl Rieck, 85, who resides three miles northwest of the village of Cleveland.

Mr. Teren’s death was due to the infirmities of old age. He had been in failing health for some time and was confined to his bed for the last month. His health was such as to prevent his participation in the Memorial Day services this year. Up to two or three years ago, however, he enjoyed good health and was able to indulge in his favorite recreation, hunting in the woods. An enthusiastic woodsman and hunter, he preferred rabbits and partridge for his game. His other hobby was sheephead.

Mr. Terens was born in Germany Oct. 23, 1843, and came to Wisconsin at the age of four years. His father was French and his mother German. He related that his grandfather died in the Napoleonic wars in Europe. After arriving in the United States, the family tried out settlements at Sheboygan, Port Washington and the Town of Franklin in Kewaunee County before establishing a permanent home at Mishicot.

Enlisted in 1861
Mr. Terens enlisted in the union army in 1861, joining the Second Wisconsin Calvary under Col. Washburn. He was Col. Washburn’s orderly and as such was sent on many important missions. At one time, he was a member of Gen. U.S. Grant’s bodyguard. He and Col. Washburn were among the first men to enter the courthouse at the surrender of Vicksburg. Mr. Terens was extremely proud of the latter fact. Despite active duty, Mr. Terens escaped injury during
the war.

He served in the army 3 years and 10 months and also did some Indian fighting under General Custer before he returned to Mishicot. Mr. Terens was a tinsmith by trade in the early days but he was credited with the erection of the Badger State House at Mishicot which still stands. He built and operated a saloon at Mishicot and with his brother John, operated a hardware store.

In 1884 Mr. Terens traded the saloon for the homestead farm where he resided up to the time of his death. In later years, the farm was owned by his son Oscar but Mr. Terens, up to a few years ago, maintained “bachelor” quarters
which were an attraction for the men of the community. Near his stove in his small sitting room, Mr. Terens would hold the center of attention, telling of experiences of his youth and of the community, formerly known as French
Settlement.

80 Years Ago
Mr. Terens, in telling of his war experiences, related that the members of the community to which he was attached were frequently utilized as scouts and often called in to the rescue of infantry found to be in a “tight squeeze.” He also related that his family, when it settled in this part of the state more than 80 years ago, suspected that Indians were responsible for the destruction of their home by fire.

In 1867 Mr. Terens married Miss Bertha Meyer. The ceremony was performed by Sen. Joe Rankin at Mishicot. Mrs. Terens died in 1914. Ten children were born to them, four of them surviving Mr. Terens. The three sons are George, Duluth; Harry, Green Bay; and Oscar on the homestead, and the daughter is Mrs. Ella Kahlenberg, Green Bay. Survivors also include 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mr. Terens was a member of the Odd Fellows Order for 59 years. On May 24, 1930, he was presented with a 50-year jewel by the Wisconsin Grand Lodge and a year later, received the 55-year jewel.

Manitowoc Herald Times, Tuesday, June 19, 1934
********

TRIBUTE PAID AUGUST TERENS
Veterans, Odd Fellows and the Women’s Corps Assist in Rites.
Veterans’ organizations, the Women’s Relief Corps, and the Odd Fellows Lodge of Two Rivers joined with citizens of Mishicot Thursday morning in paying final tribute to the late August Terens, last member of the Rankin G.A.R. Post, Two Rivers. He died Monday night and funeral services were held from the Holy Cross Church in the village. The Rev.
Father Alfred Pritzl officiated.

Odd Fellows acted as pallbearers. They were Andrew Smith, Ephraim Gauthier, George Schmidt, Adolph Eckhardt, Antoine Gauthier and August Sonning. Mr. Terens was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge for 55 years. The relief corps from this city held special services at the grave. Those taking part were Mmes. Emma Jaeger, Nellie Cary, William Williamson, Ole Evanson, John Koskamp, William Wagner. Edw. Schreihart, Anna Reimer, Herbert Bentheimer.

The body was escorted to the church from the home and later to the cemetery by the Burns post squad. Representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other groups also attended.

Manitowoc Herald Times, Friday, June 22, 1934
*********


2nd Regiment Wis. Cavalry Company H Union Army
Enlisted as private 01/31/62 City of Manitowoc
History--Reenlisted after first term expired. Mustered
out 11/15/65. At the time of his enlistment, TERRENS as age 19, single and listed his occupation as farmer. He had gray eyes, blond hair and stood 5'9". D.O.B. 10/23/1842 D.O.D. 06/18/1934 Cemetery Holy Cross #2,Mishicot, Wis. Row #1 Stone #5 East Sect. Military headstone.

(From Dennis Moore's Civil War roster/Terrens on roster)
ossw Bertha

Mishicot's "Grand Old Man," August Terens, Observes His Ninetieth Milestone Sunday
Nearly 50 relatives, friends and neighbors helped August Terens, Mishicot's "grand old man," and lone survivor of the local G.A.R. post celebrated his 90th birthday anniversary on the old homestead in "French Settlement," a mile and one-half southwest of that village Sunday.

Despite his advanced age, Mr. Terens is in the best of health and expects to reach the century milestone. He is living in retirement on the old homestead now operated by his son, Oscar, and is again enjoying the hunting season. For more than 75 years Mr. Terens has been an ardent disciple of Izaak Walton, and most always brings home the prized game of that vicinity. He has not missed securing a hunting license for years.

Mishicot's "grand old man," beloved by its citizens and neighboring residents for miles around came to Mishicot from Germany in his early youth, and has always resided in that vicinity since. When the "North" called for volunteers August Terens was among the first to answer, and he now remains the sole survivor of the Grand Army Republic post of this city. For more than 50 years he has been a member of the Odd Fellows of this city, having been honored by the local lodge here two years ago.

Nearly 50 years ago Mr. Terens built the first brick structure in Mishicot, the Badger State Hotel, which he operated for many years. Retiring from the business more than 25 years ago he sold the hotel to Fabian Cretton, who died early this year. Following his disposal of the well known old hostelry in Mishicot he purchased the farm of the late Anton Cayo on the King's Bridge road, with his son Oscar operating it in later years.

For years Mr. Terens has been a colorful figure in the Memorial Day exercises in Two Rivers. Two years ago the carriage conveyed his only other comrade, the late Matt Haag of the town of Mishicot, but he rode alone this year.

Two Rivers Reporter, Monday, Oct. 24, 1932
********

August Terens, 92, Last of G.A.R. Roster in Two Rivers, Gets Call. Civil War Veteran Dies at Home Near Mishicot on Monday Evening.

August Terens, 91 years old, last member of the Rankin post, G.A.R., of Two Rivers, died at 10:15 o’clock Monday night at his home, two miles southwest of Mishicot. His death leaves but one Civil War veteran in Manitowoc County, Carl Rieck, 85, who resides three miles northwest of the village of Cleveland.

Mr. Teren’s death was due to the infirmities of old age. He had been in failing health for some time and was confined to his bed for the last month. His health was such as to prevent his participation in the Memorial Day services this year. Up to two or three years ago, however, he enjoyed good health and was able to indulge in his favorite recreation, hunting in the woods. An enthusiastic woodsman and hunter, he preferred rabbits and partridge for his game. His other hobby was sheephead.

Mr. Terens was born in Germany Oct. 23, 1843, and came to Wisconsin at the age of four years. His father was French and his mother German. He related that his grandfather died in the Napoleonic wars in Europe. After arriving in the United States, the family tried out settlements at Sheboygan, Port Washington and the Town of Franklin in Kewaunee County before establishing a permanent home at Mishicot.

Enlisted in 1861
Mr. Terens enlisted in the union army in 1861, joining the Second Wisconsin Calvary under Col. Washburn. He was Col. Washburn’s orderly and as such was sent on many important missions. At one time, he was a member of Gen. U.S. Grant’s bodyguard. He and Col. Washburn were among the first men to enter the courthouse at the surrender of Vicksburg. Mr. Terens was extremely proud of the latter fact. Despite active duty, Mr. Terens escaped injury during
the war.

He served in the army 3 years and 10 months and also did some Indian fighting under General Custer before he returned to Mishicot. Mr. Terens was a tinsmith by trade in the early days but he was credited with the erection of the Badger State House at Mishicot which still stands. He built and operated a saloon at Mishicot and with his brother John, operated a hardware store.

In 1884 Mr. Terens traded the saloon for the homestead farm where he resided up to the time of his death. In later years, the farm was owned by his son Oscar but Mr. Terens, up to a few years ago, maintained “bachelor” quarters
which were an attraction for the men of the community. Near his stove in his small sitting room, Mr. Terens would hold the center of attention, telling of experiences of his youth and of the community, formerly known as French
Settlement.

80 Years Ago
Mr. Terens, in telling of his war experiences, related that the members of the community to which he was attached were frequently utilized as scouts and often called in to the rescue of infantry found to be in a “tight squeeze.” He also related that his family, when it settled in this part of the state more than 80 years ago, suspected that Indians were responsible for the destruction of their home by fire.

In 1867 Mr. Terens married Miss Bertha Meyer. The ceremony was performed by Sen. Joe Rankin at Mishicot. Mrs. Terens died in 1914. Ten children were born to them, four of them surviving Mr. Terens. The three sons are George, Duluth; Harry, Green Bay; and Oscar on the homestead, and the daughter is Mrs. Ella Kahlenberg, Green Bay. Survivors also include 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mr. Terens was a member of the Odd Fellows Order for 59 years. On May 24, 1930, he was presented with a 50-year jewel by the Wisconsin Grand Lodge and a year later, received the 55-year jewel.

Manitowoc Herald Times, Tuesday, June 19, 1934
********

TRIBUTE PAID AUGUST TERENS
Veterans, Odd Fellows and the Women’s Corps Assist in Rites.
Veterans’ organizations, the Women’s Relief Corps, and the Odd Fellows Lodge of Two Rivers joined with citizens of Mishicot Thursday morning in paying final tribute to the late August Terens, last member of the Rankin G.A.R. Post, Two Rivers. He died Monday night and funeral services were held from the Holy Cross Church in the village. The Rev.
Father Alfred Pritzl officiated.

Odd Fellows acted as pallbearers. They were Andrew Smith, Ephraim Gauthier, George Schmidt, Adolph Eckhardt, Antoine Gauthier and August Sonning. Mr. Terens was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge for 55 years. The relief corps from this city held special services at the grave. Those taking part were Mmes. Emma Jaeger, Nellie Cary, William Williamson, Ole Evanson, John Koskamp, William Wagner. Edw. Schreihart, Anna Reimer, Herbert Bentheimer.

The body was escorted to the church from the home and later to the cemetery by the Burns post squad. Representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other groups also attended.

Manitowoc Herald Times, Friday, June 22, 1934
*********


2nd Regiment Wis. Cavalry Company H Union Army
Enlisted as private 01/31/62 City of Manitowoc
History--Reenlisted after first term expired. Mustered
out 11/15/65. At the time of his enlistment, TERRENS as age 19, single and listed his occupation as farmer. He had gray eyes, blond hair and stood 5'9". D.O.B. 10/23/1842 D.O.D. 06/18/1934 Cemetery Holy Cross #2,Mishicot, Wis. Row #1 Stone #5 East Sect. Military headstone.

(From Dennis Moore's Civil War roster/Terrens on roster)

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