J. H. Willmering 1834-1907

WILLMERING, KOTTCAMP

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 9/4/2022 at 11:27:42

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Thursday, July 25, 1907
page 5

J. H. Willmering was born at Hanover, Germany, December 18, 1834, came to America in 1852, landed in New York, very soon thereafter coming to Columbus City and this continued his home ever since. He was married December 25, 1858 to Miss Louisa Kottcamp, who survives him. Of the nine children born to them, seven are living. These are Herman, of Grandview township; Mrs. Dora Kottcamp, of York, Penna; E. J., of Peoria; Harry, Charles and Dr. Sena, of Columbus Junction and Beulah, another son, at Spokane, Washington. His death was the result of an accident in Oklahoma, some three weeks ago. He was brought home July 10 and cared for at the home of his daughter, Dr. Sena Willmering. He died Wednesday morning, July 24, at 4:45 a. m., his children all being with him at the time. The two children who are dead were Erastus, who died when quite young, and Ions, a daughter aged twenty, who died in 1890.

J. H. Willmering, better known as "Dutch Jake" has been a familiar character in this community for over half a century and at one time did an immense live stock business, shipping first from Old Clifton, afterwards from this place. He was here at the founding of Columbus Junction and took a very active part in booming the place. Was once reputed wealthy, but falling markets and bad investments worsted him in a business way. He was a man of wonderful energy and resourceful, as well. He had as much to do with the conduct of the great county seat contest over thirty years ago, at the time the new court house was built here. He was the proprietor of Willmering addition to the town of Morning Sun. The last few years he has been int he real estate business and was looking after his interest in Texas when the accident happened. The funeral is to be held Friday, July 26, a short service at the home at 1 o'clock, regular funeral services at the U. B. church, Columbus city, at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. A. Schwimley. Interment in Columbus City cemetery.