Sunday's Obituary - J. B. Hermans

A few weeks ago I posted about a diamond anniversary for Mr and Mrs George Hermans, and that I would soon be working him into my family tree.  While visiting Wisconsin, I stopped by the Wisconsin Historical Society and pulled the obituary for George's father Jean Baptiste (yeah, that whole "Joseph" isn't quite right in the obit).  Trying to add to my research and maybe even discover some new information.

The New Era, 09NOV1892, pg 1 (Kewaunee County, WI)

Unfortunately as J.B. Hermans died in 1892 and newspapers were particularly lacking in many aspects to genealogist as far as obituaries went (unless your ancestor was famous...or infamous).  I'm glad to have them though, even with information being scant.  I now know the cemetery that he was buried in and as long as the rain keeps away, I plan to visit it on Monday.  Hopefully, I'll find him while I'm there!

The second obituary does make me laugh a bit.  Stating that J.B. was "about 45 years old" and leaves "about eight children".  I was beginning to wonder how they came by there information and what exactly they were sure of!

"Mr. Joseph B. Hermans, one of the most prominent farmers in Red River died last Sunday from a stroke of apoplexy.  He was well up to a few moments of his death, and died almost without warning.  He was 47 years old, and a highly respected man.  He was buried on Tuesday from the Catholic church at Walhain, Rev. Fr. Van Huyster officiating.  He was a native of Belgium, and leaves a wife and a large family of children."

Kewaunee Enterprise, 04NOV1892, pg 8

"-Died, of apoplexy, on Oct. 30, 1892, Mr. J. B. Hermans, of Tonet, town of Luxemburg:  His remains were interred in the Catholic church cemetery at Martinsville on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd, Re. Father Van Huyter officiating.  Deceased was about 45 years old and leaves a wife and about eight children, besides his aged mother, a brother and two sisters, to mourn his loss."