----Sources: Greenwood Gleaner and from the scrapbook of Mrs. Andrews, former librarian of The Greenwood Public Library, Greenwood, Wisconsin (Clark County)

Surnames: Vollrath, Decker, Kemer, Fravert

OBIT: OBITUARY OF WM. VOLLRATH 1856-1938

William Vollrath, son of John and Elizabeth Kemer Vollrath was born at Wintenbach/Wintenbalb Rhine Prussia, Germany on November 23, 1856.

He came to America in 1867 at the age of 11 years with his mother's brother. This uncle was quite wealthy and disappeared suddenly and no trace of him has ever been found. Mr. Vollrath attended the Missouri Home in Sheboygan for a time. After the disappearance of his uncle, his parents, a brother Phillip and a sister, Margaret, later Mrs. Henry Fravert, came to Franklin, Sheboygan County.

The family came to the town of Warner in 1870 and Mrs. Vollrath passed away December 1, 1881. This was the first funeral in the township west of Black River.

On April 18, 1881 he was united in marriage to August Decker, daughter of Ferdinand and Maria Decker. To this union was born two children, Bertha. Mrs. Frank Blecha (Rasmussen) who passed away in 1920 and John Vollrath of the town of Mead. Mrs. Vollrath passed away on January 30, 1883.

On Decmeber 1, 1883 he was united in marriage to Anna Maria Herljan. Seven children were born to them. Anna Margaret at home, George Wm. of the town of Longwood, Clara Emilie (Mrs. James Metcalf) of the town of Roseburg, Ida (Mrs. Jake Speich) of the town of Warner, Emma Minnie (Mrs. John Gerlach) of the town of Osseo, Ernest Edward of the town of Mead, and Bernard Henry of Detroit, Mich.

Mr. Vollrath became a member of Immanuel Reformed Church near the date of its organization. He was ordained an Elder on July 31, 1887. He was re-elected to this office in 1909 and again in 1924. He also served as trustee on two different occasions.

Besides being a progressive farmer, clearing the homestead in the town of Mead, he held the office of supervisor 4 years, town clear 17 years, town treasurer 4 years. He was also associated with the Lynn Insurance Company as agent for 45 years, director 28 years and as president 17 years. He was director of the former State Bank and at one time director and vice president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank. He also served as Clerk of the School District.

In 1919, he with his wife and daughter, Margaret moved to Greenwood and became member of Zion Reformed Church. On December 1, 1933 they celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary with all their children being present.

Mr. Vollrath passed away at his home on Friday evening, Mar 11, 1938 at 8:40 o'clock after an illness of nearly three weeks.

Funeral services were conducted at the home at 1:30 on Tuesday afternoon, March 15 and at 2:00 o'clock from the Zion Reformed church, Rev. E.G. Pfeiffer officiating. Interment was made in the West Side Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, and above named children, 26 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Mr. Vollrath was a faithful attendant and supporter of his church. He was at services whenever health and weather permitted and was interested in the Mission work of the church. He was a reader of the German church paper for many years, which fact accounts for his interest in all the work of the church.

The pallbearers were Adolph Mayer, Adolph Schwarze, Wm. Schwarze, Albert Schwarze, Ed. Buker and C.C. Hoehne.

The flower girls were six grand daughters, Viola Speich, Alice Verona, Bernice and Alvera Vollrath and Mrs. Walter Rahm of Loyal.

Those from away who attended the funeral were Mrs. Emma Timberger, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Timberger, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hilbert of Granton, Mrs. Minnie Herian, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Perian and son, Perry, Mr. and Mrs. Kurth, Mr. and Mrs. Ure and Donald Speich of Neillsville, Lee Blech, Toulan, Ill; Miss Emaline Gerlach of Whitewater, Bernard Vollrath of Detroit, Mich., Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Gerlach of Osseo, Mrs. Walter Rabin, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Schoettler, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fravert of Loyal.