Wonsmus, Henry B. 1848-1919

WONSMUS

Posted By: Linda Ziemann (email)
Date: 7/2/2004 at 21:59:34

LeMars Sentinel newspaper
Dated April 4, 1919

Many residents of LeMars will remember the Wonsmus brothers who made their home in LeMars for several years, leaving here about twenty years ago, when they were engaged in the shoe business. Henry B. Wonsmus died last week. The Marcus News says of him:

Henry B. Wonsmus, aged seventy-one years, died at the old homestead in Plymouth county, on Friday, March 21, of senility. His illness was only of short duration, having followed a severe cold. Every attention was given him by his brother, and kind friends.

The last rites were held at the Methodist Episcopal church on Monday afternoon conducted by Rev. G. R. Gilbert. The church was well filled by the old neighbors and friends who had known and esteemed Mr. Wonsmus during his long residence in this vicinity.

Henry Bertelsen Wonsmus was born in South Weistrup, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, June 1, 1848, and died near Marcus, Iowa, March 21, 1919. In 1873 he came to America and located in Clinton county, Iowa, where he resided for two years. Two years later, in 1875, he moved to Plymouth county and shortly afterwards he located on the old homestead northwest of Marcus. After the passing of his father and mother, Henry and his brother, John, continued to reside on the old homestead. In later years they built for themselves a cottage and used the old home for a tenant house. It is said by those who visited the house that the two brothers were immaculate housekeepers, and their flower gardens were the envy of the whole countryside. The two were constant companions. They were always together, for when one saw Henry, there was John also. They enjoyed life together, and when the roads were in good condition, they would take jaunts in the Ford roundabout. Mr. Wonsmus was kind and gentle in manner and his friends recall that once he injured himself to save his dog from a wound. For a man of his years, he retained fine mannerisms, and was always regarded as a fine old gentleman, a kind neighbor and friend. Sympathy goes out to the bereaved brother, who will feel so keenly the loss of his constant companion.

The Wonsmus brothers have lived continually in this community for forty-five years with the exception of a short time when they were engaged in the shoe business in LeMars and for a short while lived in Texas.