History

Early Settlers

Christian & Louisa Gottschalt

10118 Burton Avenue

Christian Gottschalt came to America with his wife and two children in 1880. One reason for the trip was a promise he made to himself while he served in the German Army, that no son of his would serve in the military. He was also looking for a better life in America.

Christian Gottschalt was born on June 1, 1855, in Saxony, Germany. He married Louisa Buttner, who was born in 1854. They had five children: Henry Christian, born on March 15, 1871; Matilda (Meek) was born on October 2, 1870; Adolph was born in 1880; Frank H. was born in 1887, and Robert born in 1906.

The Gottschalt family acquired the Burton Avenue property in the Burton and Moses Allotment on October 19, 1885.

Christian Gottschalt was an enterprising young man. He became a businessman, buying a horse and wagon, which he lined with zinc. Each working day he went to one of the ice houses in the Cleveland Flats, filled his wagon with ice. He then went to the docks to buy fresh fish, which he peddled on Euclid, Prospect, and Chester Avenues. Eventually, he drove the not-so-enterprising vendors out of business.

Christian Gottschalt was elected on December 13, 1904, to serve on the first Bratenahl council. He served for over nine years.

Christian died at his Bratenahl home on April 23, 1913. Louisa died ten years later in 1923. Both are buried in Knollwood Cemetery in Mayfield Heights.