PHOTOS FROM GLASS NEGATIVES

GEORGE ZILLMANN


George Zillmann

George Zillmann (3 OCT 1860 – 1 AUG 1941) 
George Zillmann, a prominent and highly esteemed resident of Thorp 
(Clark Co., Wis.), passed away at the Luther Hospital at Eau Claire 
at 8:30 o’clock last Friday morning, Aug. 1, 1941, following an 
operation on Wednesday, the shock of which proved too great for an 
overburdened heart. 
Mr. Zillman underwent a serious operation about ten years ago from 
which he entirely recovered and enjoyed good health up until several 
weeks ago when he failed noticeably. He was taken to the hospital on 
Tuesday, July 29th. Death came to him quietly, without pain. 
Born in Rockville Township of Ryan, Sheboygan Co., Wis., on Oct. 3, 
1860, Mr. Zillmann came to Thorp in the years 1888, joining the 
pioneers of our little village and surrounding community and giving 
the past fifty-three years of his life to its welfare. He became a 
partner of the firm Nye, Lusk & Hudson in their mercantile establishment 
here and later bought out that department. Up until 1927 he was active 
manager of the Thorp Mercantile Co. which for many years was the most 
popular trading center of this community. He sold the business at that 
time to Adam Lesniewski. 
He was an early stockholder in the Peoples State Bank and Peoples 
Exchange Bank, holding the offices of director and vice president for 
many years and president since 1931. He also served as village trustee 
and president and a member of the local school board besides being the 
village representative on the Clark County Board of Supervisors for 
many years. 
On Dec 16, 1891, he was united in marriage to Mary Allen Nichols at 
Madrid, St. Lawrence Co., N.Y. Two children blessed this marriage, one 
son Harold, now of Douglaston, Long Island, N.Y., and Ruth (Mrs. Stephen 
P…ron?), of Littleton, Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. Zillmann would have 
celebrated their golden anniversary this coming December. Also surviving 
are one sister, Mrs. Annie Ebert and one brother, Ed Zillmann of Colby. 
Two other brothers preceded him this Spring within a span of five weeks. 
Mr. Zillmann was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Thorp for 41 years. 
He was an ardent admirer of the principals of that fraternity and an 
active member up to the time of his death, holding the office of 
trustee. 
We quote here words of John G. Whittier which seems to describe our friend 
and brother: 
Such was our friend, formed on the good old plan, 
A true, a quiet and a downright honest man; 
Loathing pretense, he did with earnest will, 
What others talked of while their hands were still; 
His daily prayer, far better understood 
In acts than words was simply Doing Good. 
So calm, so constant was his rectitude, 
That by his loss alone we know its worth, 
And feels how true a man has walked with us on earth. 
Funeral services were conducted by Thorp Lodge No. 264, F. & A.M., and were 
held at the Bogumill Funeral Home at two o’clock Monday afternoon, Aug. 4. 
A.L. Devos of Neillsville served as Grand Master and Corwin C. Guell as 
Chaplain. Masonic services were also held at the grave in the East Thorp 
Cemetery. Masons from Owen, Withee, Stanley, Eau Claire, Neillsville and 
Chippewa Falls attended in a body. Pallbearers were: Albert Childs, D.D. 
Stookey, Wm. J. Klouda, Richard Coates, Harry Quelle and Wm. S. Wagner. 
Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 08/07/1941
*********
He is a brother to William Zillmann in the next photo.

WILLIAM ZILLMANN


William Zillmann

From Manitowoc county death records:
William Zillmann (single) (v.34 p.136)
July 11, 1862-March 4, 1941
Son of William Zillmann and Katherine Kopke (both born Germany)
Born Town of Herman, Sheboygan County –farmer 
Died from “volnulus –defuse arteriosclerosis –chronic myocarditis”
Buried at Rockville Cemetery, Town of Schleswig
**********
William Zillmann, aged 78, passed away at the Zillmann farm home in 
Rockville at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, following an illness of eight months.
The deceased was born in the town of Herman on July 11, 1862, the son 
of Mr. and Mrs. William Zillmann, Sr. In April, 1869 he came to his 
present farm home with his parents.
Survivors are one sister, Mrs. Anna Ebbert, and a brother, Edward, both 
residing in Colby, and a brother, George of Thorp. A brother, Alfred, 
preceded him in death January 25 of this year.
Funeral services will be conducted this Friday at 2 p.m. at the 
Meiselwitz Funeral Home, with the Rev. H. O. Grunwald officiating. Burial 
will be made in the Rockville cemetery. - March 1941
********
The following is the marriage record of William's parents:
From Sheboygan county marriage records:
William J. F. Zillmann and Catherine Kopke (v.2 p.66)
Married May 15, 1859 by minister in Town of Herman
William J. F. Zillmann
Son of Daniel Zillmann and Louise
Born Pommeran
Catherine Kopke
Daughter of Henry Kopke and Adeliede 



W. Zillman



Gust Zilsness