Mr Anthony W. Riecke, a well-known citizen of Charleston, died in his home at No. 311 King Street, yesterday morning at a few minutes after 1 o'clock. Mr Riecke had been in ailing health for several weeks and his death was not unexpected.Mr Riecke was born in Charleston on the 4th day of January, 1842, and has always lived here, except the time when he served in the war between the states and a short time at Walhalla just after the surrender at Appomattox. Mr Riecke received his education in private schools, and was only 18 years of age when he enlisted as a private in the Zouave cadets, of the South Carolina State militia.
When war preparations began Mr Riecke was one of the first to come forward. His command was stationed on Morris Island, where they constructed the fortifications. When the Zouave cadets were disbanded in February, 1862, he volunteered in the Washington Artillery, Walter's battery, of the South Carolina State troops. This command was later mustered into the Confederate States service.
Mr Riecke was with the batteries on Morris Island that fired the first gun of the war, and he was with the last body of troops of the Eastern army that surrendered. During his service in the army he was stationed with the coast guard most of the time. He participated in the following engagements: Firing on the Star of the West from Morris Island, January 1, 1861; bombardment of Fort Sumter, from Sullivan's Island, on April 12 and 13, 1861; engagement with the gunboat Hale, on the Dahoo River, April 28, 1862; engagement on Seabrook's Island on June 17 and 18, 1863, battle of Waterloo, on John's Island, July 9, 1864; engagement with the gunboats Pawnee and Little Britain, February 9, 1865; battle of Averysboro and McNeill's Ferry, on March 12, 1865; battle of Bentonville, March 17, 1865.
Mr Riecke was with Johnson at the surrender near Greensboro, N. C., and after receiving his parole, made his way homewards and took up the hard task of making a living.
Besides his admirable record made in the war, Mr Riecke did good service in the stormy times of '76, being at that time a corporal in the German Fusiliers.
Mr Riecke was connected with the dry goods firm of Ufferhardt & Co for many years, and in 1893 he started out in business for himself, opening up a stationary store at No. 311 King street. He was actively engaged in this business until about six months ago, when feeble health made it necessary to turn the business over to his son.