Wollmann, Jacob M. (1864-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Sep 6 p. 1

Birth date: 1864 Oct 8

text of obituary:

PIONEER BANKER AND CIVIC LEADER AT FREEMAN, S. D. CALLED

Freeman, S. D.—This community paid final respects to Jacob M. Wollmann, prominent banker and civic leader, at funeral services held at the Bethany Mennonite church on Aug. 9. He passed away Aug. 6 at the age of 86.

Coming here in 1886, Mr. Wollmann was employed for 18 years as a clerk in the store of his brother, M. Wollmann. He then launched his own bank and was active in that business until his retirement a few -years ago. He was the first mayor of Freeman, and served for a number of years as county commissioner.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Sep 6 p. 9

text of obituary:

JACOB M. WOLLMAN [sic Wollmann]

Jacob M. Wollman [sic Wollmann], son of Michael Wollman and Kathrina Hofer Wollman, was born October 8, 1864, in South Russia, and passed away at his home in Freeman, South Dakota, at 12:30 a.m. August 7, 1951, having reached the age of 86 years, 10 months.

As one of 11 children, he came to America at the age of 13 years together with his parents, who homesteaded along the James River northwest of Freeman.

He was baptized by Rev. Paul Tschetter upon the confession of his faith in Jesus Christ on March 13, 1883, and was accepted as a member in the New Hutterthal church. His membership was transferred later to the Bethany Menn. church, of which he was a charter member, and there remained a faithful member until the time of his death. For many years he was a Sunday School teacher, the church secretary, trustee and later also a deacon.

He was engaged in business in Freeman for almost sixty years. In 1886 he came to work for his brother in the mercantile business. Later he accepted a position with the Merchants State Bank. He retired as president of the bank a few years ago.

On November 24, 1889, he was married to Susanna Glanzer by Rev. Paul Tschetter. To this union six children were born: Anna, (Mrs. A. W. Gross), Katherine, Jacob, Michael, Justina (Mrs. C. H. Dugan), and Elizabeth. On November 29, 1908, at the age of only 39 years, his wife died, so that for over 43 years he assumed the responsibility of both father and mother with sincere love and devotion. Katherine, Justina, and Elizabeth also preceded him in death.

He took an active part in civic affairs. He was the first mayor of Freeman. He served two years as county commissioner, and for over thirty years as treasurer of the school board. He exerted unusual influence in various community undertakings. He had more friends than the average man because he himself was a good friend.

During his lifetime he possessed a great deal of physical energy, and generally enjoyed good health with the exception of several major operations. He enjoyed life with its joys and sorrows and patiently resolved reverses as they came.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his daughter, Anna Gross; two sons, Jacob J. and Michael J.; one son-in-law; one daughter-in-law; five grandchildren, two brothers; many nephews and nieces; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services, which were largely attended, were held in the Bethany Mennonite church, Thursday, August 9, 1951, in charge of Rev. Hugo Mierau and the Walter funeral home. He was laid to rest in the Freeman cemetery.