Wilhelm Ernest Adolph Will 1866 - 1917

WILL, RATH

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/14/2022 at 00:18:02

Correctionville News
1 November 1917

Wilhelm Ernest Adolph Will was born March 15th, 1866, in Burg of Febmarne, Germany. When he was 15 years of age, he ventured all alone from his folks and relatives and came to this country to battle with life for himself. He came to Miles, Clinton County, Iowa, June 8, 1881. After being there a few years, he came in 1886 to Pierson, where he lived up to the time when death called him from this world. When he was one year of age his father and mother had him baptized and when he was 15 prior to his coming to this country he was confirmed into the German Lutheran church. He was a life member of the church and believed in the religion of Jesus Christ.

After living 7 years in America and being 25 years of age, he was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Rath. To this union born 5 children. He had proven to be a good man, a loving husband and a kind father. After their many years of happiness and prosperity their day of separation on this earth has come.

In the spring of 1904, he began to fail in health. He went to Rochester, Minn. For an operation for a cancer of the stomach. It was very successful, and he gained health. But in and returning to Rochester with and going to Rochester again with his good wife learned that he would soon depart from this life.

Mr. Will lived to be 51 years, 7 mo. and 10 days old. He leaves to survive him his loving wife, Mrs. Johanna Will, 5 children, Mrs. Minie Harbold, Emma, Otto, John, and Otto Will, one little grandson, Laverne Harbold, his sister, Mrs. Lewis Todd of Lakewood, Minnesota, who were all present and his brother, John Will of Burg of Fehmarn, Germany, beside a host of friends. The funeral was held at the Christian church, sermon by Rev. Billman and interment made in the Pierson Cemetery.