Donsing

The Donsing Family
Left to Right: Sisters:  Elsie (Mrs. Curtis Smith), Harriet (Mrs. Wm. Bose), Minnie (Mrs. Wm. Lauer,
and brother Fred W. Donsing
(Source: Photo courtesy of Bonnie Helgeson, granddaughter of William Lauer)

Elsie Donsing Smith (Mrs. Curtis Smith)
(Photo courtesy of Jim Smith)



Minnie Donsing Lauer
(Source: Photo courtesy of Bonnie Helgeson, granddaughter of William Lauer)

Fred W.(son of Fred H. Donsing) and Laura Donsing
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Photo source:  Larry & Linda Kopet USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Fred H. and Mary A. Donsing
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Photo source: Larry & Linda Kopet USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)



Mary Angeline, wife of Fred H.W. Donsing
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Photo source: Larry & Linda Kopet USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

1900 U.S. Federal Census

Fred H. Donsing, born October 1859 in Wisconsin,

Home in 1900:  Somers Township

Mary A. Donsing, Spouse, born 1858

Fred H. and Mary A. Marriage Year:  1881

Fred H. father and mother birthplace:  Braunsweig, Germany

Children:

Minnie V., born about 1883

Fred W. born about 1884

Emma, born about 1888

Hattie, born about 1890

Elsie, born about 1894

Donsing "In The News" Somers Township

"Miss Elsie Donsing, youngest daughter of Mr. Fred Donsing was united in marriage to Mr. Curtis Smith on Thursday afternoon at the Second M.E. parsonage, Racine, by the Rev. W.W. Dale.  Mr. and Mrs. Smith are spending their honeymoon with friends in Milwaukee.  On their return they will be at home to their friends in Somers."

"Fred Donsing had a barn raising on Friday."

(Racine Journal, March 8, 1910)

"The marriage of Miss Hattie Donsing, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Donsing, to Mr. William F. Bose, Jr., of Berryville, was solemnized Tuesday evening, January 19, 1909 at the home of the bride.  Rev. Wiliams of the Presbyterian Church officiated in the presence of about fifty of the immediate friends of the contracting parties.  After the usual congratulations, a bountiful repast was served.  Both bride and groom are well and favorably known and have the heartfelt wishes of a host of friends.  They were the recipients of many useful and beautiful gifts.  The happy couple will reside upon the Bose homestead near Berryville."

(Racine Journal, January 26, 1909)

"Again has the Angel of Death entered our midst and taken one of our most beloved and esteemed.  Mrs. Mary Angeline Donsing departed this life Sunday evening August 18, 1907 after a lingering illness of some months.

Mrs. Donsing was born in Kewaunee Co., Wisconsin April 30, 1858, and was united in marriage to Fred Donsing December 14, 1880.  Some years ago she with her husband, came to Somers where she has since resided.  She was a woman of gentle, unassuming nature, loving and beloved by all who knew her.  She had a kind and generous heart, always ready and willing to lend a helping hand.  A true Christian, a devoted wife and mother, patient and uncomplaining in these sad years that disease has preyed upon her.

With the bereaved husband there survived her, and who have the heartfelt sympathy of all of this, their irreparable loss, four daughters, Mrs. William Lauer (Somers) , Mrs. M.A. Rasmussen (Somers) , Misses Hattie and Elsie Donsing, one son, Fred Donsing, a mother, one sister, Mrs. Emma Persel of Colorado; four bothers, Theodore, George, Nicholas, and Peter Lorig, of South Milwaukee.

The funeral services will be held from her late home on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Somers."

(Racine Journal, August 21, 1907)

"A diploma was issued Hattie Donsing from District No.1"

(Racine Journal March 31, 1905)

"Mr. Donsing bought a load of cattle in Milwaukee one day last week."

(Racine Journal November 21, 1900)

"Mr. Donsing purchased a new Osborne binder last week."

(Racine Journal July 19, 1899)

"Fred Donsing is out with a new cabbage planter."

(Racine Journal, March 5, 1896)

"Fred Donsing sold 40 acres of land to John Denig.  Mr. Fred Donsing is hauling material for a fine new resident he will build this fall."

(Racine Journal September 14, 1909)

"Mrs. Fred Donsing died at her home in Somers on Sunday evening after a long illness at the age of 40 years."

(Racine Journal Aug. 10, 1907)

Partial 1908 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
Section 14 and 15
F. Donsing 152 acres and 118 acres
Location:  Corner of Highway E or Somers Road (East/West) and Highway 31 or Green Bay Road (North/South)

William Donsing Obituary (father of Fred Donsing of Somers Township)
Click on image for larger view.
Newspaper Clipping Source:  Unknown
Source:  rlastathome family public site on Ancestry.com

William Donsing, retired, one of the most respected citizens

of German birth residing in the city. was born at Brunswick, Ger-
many, on Dec. 22, 1841, a son of Fred and Minnie (Wolford) Donsing.
Both parents were born in Brunswick, where the father followed the
vocation of cooper successfully until the time of his migration to
America in 1853. He came direct to Milwaukee county and located
on a small farm in the town of Lake, and there remained until his
death in 1888. The mother died some years before her husband.
Three children, two of whom survive, were born to the parents. Wil-
liam Donsing, the subject of this review, received somewhat limited
educational advantages in the common schools of his native land.
When but fourteen years of age he left school to take upon himself
the superintendency of a large estate, caring for both the house and
the grounds. Shortly after coming to America he secured employ-
ment as a farm hand for ten dollars a month for the first few months
of his labor. Naturally of frugal habits, he managed to save enough
from his meager earnings to purchase a small acreage in the town of
Lake, where he continued farming operations until 1896. By that
year he had accumulated a sufficient competence to allow him to retire
from active participation in the affairs of life and purchase a fine home
at 801 Delaware avenue, where today he is enjoying a well-earned
respite. His success has in large measure been due to his habits of
thrift, perseverance in the face of difficulties, and his indomitable will
power, which have won for him the respect and esteem of all his
neighbors. In his political belief Mr. Donsing is staunchly Republican,
hut has never sought to become his party candidate for public office
of any nature. Mr. Donsing has been twice married. By his first
wife. Miss Minnie Timmerman, a native of Germany, he is the father
of six children: Fred, Henry, Mary and Augusta (twins), Minnie,
and Henrietta. His second wife has also passed away.

(Source:  Page 621 -622 Author: Watrous, Jerome Anthony, 1840- ed Volume: 2 Subject: Milwaukee County (Wis.) -- History Publisher: Madison : Western Historical Association Possible copyright status: NOT_IN_COPYRIGHT Language: English Call number: b4232529 Digitiz.  Jane_Shore public site of Ancestry.com) 

Henry W. Donsing Obituary (brother of Fred Donsing of Somers Township)
Click on image for larger view.
Newspaper Clipping Source: Unknown
Source: rlastathome family public site on Ancestry.com

Rasmussen

Emma M. Rasmussen (wife of M.A. Rasmussen)
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source: Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson. Copyright October 2011)

Emma M. Rasmussen
June 15, 1917, Mrs. Emma Mary Rasmussen died early this morning at her home in the village of Somers. The cause of her death was due to a lingering illness with a complication of diseases.
Emma Mary Donsing, daughter of Fred W. and the late Mary Donsing was born in Lake, Milwaukee County, March 26, 1888, and came with her parents to Somers when a little girl and passed most of her young life in this community where she was highly esteemed. Her joyous nature had its influence over all with whom she came in contact and in her passing our vicinity loses one of its most prominent and noble women - one who will be missed in all walks of life.
During the six years of failing health, she manifested those qualities of womanhood that will ever endear her to the hearts of all who knew her. In all her brief life she has taken an active part in social and civic affairs and was ever ready to do her part in the various undertakings of her church and the society's to which she belonged. Earl in life she united with the Presbyterian Church.
March 12, 1905 she was united in marriage to M. A. Rasmussen, who with two little daughters, Dorothy and Bernice, her father, one brother, Fred W. Donsing, three sisters, Mrs. William Lauer, Mrs. William F. Bose, Jr., and Mrs. Curtis Smith, survive her.
The funeral services will be held from her late home in the village on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
(Source: Racine Journal News, publication date June 15, 1917)

Matt Rasmussen-Donsing Marriage
A pretty wedding was solemnized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Donsing, Tuesday, December 12th when their daughter, Emma, was united in marriage to Mr. M.A. Rasmussen. Rev. Broudy officiating in the presence of the immediate friends and relatives. After a sumptuous dinner the happy couple departed for the south where they will spend several weeks, after which they will be at the home of their new residence, east of the village.
(Source, Racine Journal, publication date December 23, 1905)

Matt Rasmussen Death
"Sadly the story of the "Cabbage King" Matt Rasmussen, ended in tragedy when Rasmussen took his own life December 2, 1932."
(Source:  Kenosha News, text linked to the Neumiller Tower)
(Note:  No records other than this date can be found to confirm Matt Rasmussen's death.  No burial records, gravestones, news articles, or court records can be located.)

Burials No Gravestone

Larson, James
"James Larson, aged 17 years and 11 months, died on Tuesday morning of appendicitis, at the home of Mrs. and Mrs. Jay L. Bailey.  The news of his death caused a sadness over the entire community.  Jimmie was a favorite among his associates and loved by all who knew him.  He leaves a father and stepmother, two brothers and three sisters to mourn his departure.  The funeral was held from his home on Friday afternoon, conducted by the Danish pastor of Racine, assisted by Rev. O.E. Steward.  Interment at Oakwood Cemetery."
(Source:  Racine Daily April 15, 1901)


Wyman, Michael
"Michael Wyman, one of the pioneers of Racine County, was buried at Somers, Kenosha County, today.  Mr. Wyman was 80 years old and came to this country in 1842, went away again and returned in 1846.  In 1849 he was one of the many who went to California in search of gold.  Until three years ago he lived in the Town of Mt. Pleasant.  By trade he was a blacksmith and conducted a shop in Mt. Pleasant for many years."
(Source:  Racine Journal April 10, 1903)

Note:  Michael Wyman married Lucy Emmaline Sanborn in 1848.  Lucy died July 5, 1880 in Mt. Pleasant, Adams, Wisconsin.  Michael and Lucy had children, one a daughter Helena who was born 1853 in Wisconsin.  Helena married Walter Dearsley in 1875, lived in the Berryville area near Lake Michigan, in Somers Township.  The 1900 US Federal Census shows Michael Wyman lived with his daughter (Helena Wyman Dearsley) and son in law (Walter Dearsley).  More information on the Dearsley family on these blogs.

Hunter, Fred
"The remains of the late Fred Hunter of New Orleans, Louisiana were brought to Oakwood Cemetery for interment on Sunday."
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication date October 23, 1918)


Rasmussen or Robinson
"Below is a portion of a letter received here today and will be of interest to the friends of the dead man mentioned:
Frank Robinson or Rassmussen formerly of Racine, with his sister, Hana, were brought up in the Taylor orphan asylum, having been placed there at a very early age by his father.  The above mentioned was at one time in the employ of J. I. Case as a coachman.  The late Frank Robinson or Rassmussen met with an accident from which he died at the Mercy Hospital in Chicago July 1, and was buried at the Oakwood Cemetery on July 4, 1901.  He left Hana Robinson or Rassmussen as his beneficiary of $1,000 life insurance in the Independent Order of Foresters, of which he was a member of Court Fearless, No. 3710, also a member of the Knights of Pythius.  Any communication in regard to the above would be gladly received by Clyde H. Marsh, Rec. Sec. 3250 Prairie Avenue, Chicago.
(Source:  Racine Weekly Journal, publication date July 25, 1902).

Olson
Jeanette Olson, the seven year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Olson, 1420 Clark Street, died last evening.  The funeral will take place from her former home at 1:30 o
clock and interment to be in Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Kenosha County.
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, publication dated May 22, 1907).


Steinmeller
"The little son of Mrs. Louis Steinmeller was laid to rest Monday afternoon in Oakwood Cemetery."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, publication date October 14, 1908).

Bishop
Funeral services for the late Spence Bishop whose death occurred in Texas last week, were held from the Hansen Funeral Home, Kenosha, Saturday afternoon, Rev. Hogan of the Plymouth Congregational Church officiating.  The remains were interred beside his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. E.S. Bishop, at the Oakwood Cemetery.
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication date March 10, 1933).


Mary Carre Ozanne
Mrs. Mary Carre Ozanne, with one exception the oldest resident of the Town of Somers, died of acute bronchitis Thursday, October 11, 1906, aged 87 years, 8 months, and 23 days.
She had been failing for some time and her demise would have occurred in a short time from infirmities due to old age, if the illness of which she died had not hastened her departure.
Mrs. Ozanne was born in the Isle of Guernsey, January 18, 1810 and was united in marriage to James Ozanne in May 1847.  In June 1850 they sailed for America, landing in Racine and moving immediately to the farm in Somers, already purchased, and upon which they spent the remainder of their lives, Mr. Ozanne, having departed this life December 11, 1872.
Four children were born to them, all of whom survive, E.G. Ozanne, Emma Ozanne, and Mrs. Helena Hitler of Somers and A.Z. Ozanne of Tempe, Arizona, also six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one brother, Daniel Carre of Beatrice, Neb.
Mrs. Ozanne was in early life an attendant of the Episcopal Church and was converted at the early age of ten years.  She united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of fourteen, a membership of 73 years.  She was a devoted Christian.  The funeral service was held from her late home Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Rollins of Racine, a former Pastor of the Somers M.E. Church.  Burial at Oakwood Cemetery. (Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication October 19, 1906).