#1 Published in the Nov. 16, 1911 Blair Democrat, Blair, Nebraska

THE HILGENKAMP FUNERAL

The funeral of the late William Hilgenkamp was held last Friday afternoon at 12:30 from the family residence and at 2:00 o’clock from the German Lutheran church north of Arlington, and the remains laid to rest in the cemetery near the church.

The funeral was one of the largest ever held in that community, the host of friends of the family desiring by this means to show their respect for the deceased and express their sympathy for the bereaved family and relatives.

Rev. Hallerberg had charge of the services, and after a short service and a song at the late home the remains were taken to the church where services were held in both the German and English languages, Rev. Hallerburg making both addresses.

The church was crowded and many were compelled to find room in the gallery.

Mr. Hilgenkamp was one of the best known pioneers of Washington count and died from injuries received a few weeks ago when he was unhitching a team of horses, which became unmanageable and dragged him for some distance before they were stopped. Mr. Hilgenkamp had been in feeble health for the past two years, at which time he suffered a mental breakdown and was a constant care on his family, who did all in their power to relieve him of his affliction and make him as comfortable as possible.

Ten years ago Mr. Hilgenkamp was known as the “boss” farmer of Washington county. He was a man possessed of exceptional vigor and business ability. He acquired large holdings of land. At one time he had approximately 2,400 acres in Washington county, and in addition owned town property in Arlington. He was a native of Herfurt, Westphalia, Germany, where he was born July 12, 1838. He came to America in 1853, settled first at Quincy, Ill., and eight years later came to Nebraska and located at Fontanelle. At Fontanelle in 1864 he was married to Miss Caroline Wilkening, a daughter of a member of the original Fontanelle colony. The young couple settled on a farm three and one-half miles northeast of Arlington, and the place has been occupied by them ever since. A large portion of Mr. Hilgenkamp’s property has been transferred to his children. Six daughters, all married now, reside on land that Mr. Hilgenkamp acquired. The daughters are Mrs. John Echtenkamp, Mrs. George Knecht, Mrs. Theodore Rinas, Mrs. Louise Dickmeyer, Mrs. William L. Scheer and Mrs. E.H. Dunklau.

#2 Printed in the November 17, 1911 Kennard Enterprise, Kennard, Nebraska

William Hilgenkamp

William Hilgenkamp, mention of whose death was made last week, passed away Wednesday at the age of 73 years. He was one of the pioneer residents of this county, coming here in the early 60’s. Mr. Hilgenkamp had not been in the best of health for some time past, and a few days before his death met with an accident that is thought to have hastened the end. He was a member of the Mason lodge and was one of the largest land owners in the county.

#3 Printed in the November 15, Pilot, Blair, Nebraska There was no additional material in this obituary, other than that his middle name was Henry. ~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~

Find A Grave Memorial# 51595924