Collman, Anka Margaret 1854-1940

COLLMAN, COLLMANN, HELGENS

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/16/2013 at 19:58:25

Note: The children's obituaries spell the last name as Collmann.

Mrs. Henry Collman Preston Pioneer Taken By Death

Was In Vanguard Among First Homesteaders

Mrs. Henry Collman, 86, one of the first settlers in Preston township, died at her home Friday, October 4, from old age.

Her maiden name was Anka Margaret Helgens and she was born in Hanover, Germany, April 8, 1854. With her parents she came when a small child to America. They located in Dixon, Illinois, and then moved to Jones county, Iowa, where she was married to Henry Conrad Collman February 29, 1872.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Collman, the Siefke Bohlken, Claus Frerichs and Fred Jacobs families came together from Jones county in 1872 and homesteaded land in Preston township, Elk Taylor, another pioneer, preceded them in Preston township a few months. Mr. and Mrs. Collman developed a fine farm from the homestead and acquired more land, farming with success.

Nine children were born to them, two of them dying in infancy.

She is survived by her children, Mrs. Henry Theilen, Le Mars; Will Collman, living in Minnesota, Albert, Louis and Henry Collman of Preston township; and Mrs. Ben Theilen, Maynard, Minn.; Mrs. Emma Borchers, Le Mars. There are 21 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. She leaves three sisters, Mrs. Louise Harms, Omaha; Mrs. Emma Rieken, Anamosa, Iowa; and Mrs. Anna Smith, Omaha, Neb.

Funeral Held Monday

The funeral was held Monday afternoon at Christ church, Mammen, Rev. Fred Bunge in charge. Funeral arrangements were in charge of Maurer's funeral home.

Coming to attend the funeral were her three sisters and Will Rieken and sons, Will and George, of Anamost; Sylvia Rocheford and Theodore Kratz of Lincoln, Neb., Mrs. and Mrs. Randolph Kratz of Omaha, Neb.

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Tuesday, October 8, 1940
Le Mars, Iowa