Obit: Porath, Herman (1842 - 1911)
Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: PORRATH ZIMMERMAN BLOCK WHEATON GOWER HAMILTON

----Source: HUMBIRD ENTERPRISE (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) 11/25/1911

Porath, Herman (6 APR 1842 - 22 NOV 1911)

Mr. Porrath died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. A. E. Zimmerman, Wednesday at three o'clock, after but a few days illness. His home was at Alma Center, but he has spent part of the time with his daughter here (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.). He came over from Alma Center but a day or two before being taken ill. Funeral services will be held at Alma Center Sunday afternoon.

(Follow on in 12/2/1911 Humbird Enterprise)

Herman Porath was born in Germany April 6th, 1842, and came to America in 1869, soon afterwards settling on a farm north of Black River Falls. On Nov. 17, 1872 he was married to Miss Minnie Block, at the Falls, and they made their home on the farm until his wife's death eleven years ago. Eight children survive this union, six daughters and two sons, namely: Mrs. Edith Zimmerman of this place, Mrs. Frank Wheaton of Alma Center, Mrs. A. A. Gower, Dogden, N. D., Miss Anna Porath, Alma Center, Mrs. C. F. Hamilton, Athens, Albert and Gust, of Alma Center, and Miss Julia Porath of Dogden, N.D. Mr. Porath was ill only a few days, although he had been in poor health for some time. While visiting at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Zimmerman, he was taken with his last sickness and passed peacefully away Nov. 22nd, 1911, aged 69 years, 7 months and 16 days. The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon, there being a prayer service at the home and services at the Presbyterian Church at Alma Center by Rev. A. D. Moore. The interment was in the Alma Center Cemetery. All of his children, excepting Mrs. Gower, were present at the funeral.

The death of Mr. Porath was a shock to family and friends as it was thought his illness was not of a serious nature. He was a man who was held in high esteem by all who knew him as was shown by the large number who followed his remains to their last resting place.