John J Hetsch
Cincinnati Enquirer, Wednesday, 12 June 1901, page 8
PROMINENT NEWPORT MAN
J J Hetsch, one of Newport's most prominent and respected
citizen, died yesterday afternoon at his residence, 18 West Eighth street, at
the age of 49. Cerebral apoplexy was the cause of death, Mr. Hetsch having been
stricken about 10 o'clock in the morning. Yesterday morning he arose as usual,
but complained of feeling badly and lay down again. About 10 am he suffered a
severe stroke of apoplexy and Dr. Fishback was called. His condition rapidly
became worse and she soon became unconscious, passing away a little after 4 pm.
Mr. Hetsch was editor and proprietor of the Kentucky Journal, the official paper of Campbell County, a prominent member of Newport Lodge No 273, BPOE, an Odd Fellow, a Turner, a member of Eureka Lodge, K of P and of Robert Burns Lodge, F and A M and a Knight Templar. He also belonged to Newport Court, Tribe of Ben Hur.
When Judge Charles Helm occupied the bench of the Campbell Circuit Court, he appointed Hetsch a member of the Board of Courthouse Commissioners. He served as a member of the Board of Examiners of the Newport Public Schools, and was Postmaster of Newport during President Cleveland's second term. He was prominent in church work, having been connected with the choir of Salem M E Church for some time.
The death of Fred Baumbach, also an Elk, and a close personal friend of Hetsch, is thought to have much to do with the latter's sudden death. Mr. Baumbach's demise occurred Monday and Hetsch was greatly shocked to hear of it.