Johann Ferdinand Krohn, aged eighty-four years, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. August Vulp, of this city Monday morning, following an illness of about three months, death being due to general infirmities of old age. The death of Mr. Krohn marks the passing of the last of the founders of the St. Paul's Lutheran congregation of this city.

Deceased was born on February 2, 1835, in Treptow-on-the-Rega, Pommer, Germany. In early manhood he with his parents left Germany to seek their fortune in the new world coming to Wisconsin and settling first at Thiensville. A short time later the subject of our sketch left the parental roof and ambitiously proceeded northward and settled in the town of Pierce on a farm. In the year 1857, he was united in marriage to his first wife, Miss Mathilda Hauke. Thence followed the outbreak of the Civil War and he answered the call of his country and enlisted in Company G of the 11th Infantry. Faithfully he served his country until his discharge when he returned to his farm and home. In the year 1870, his helpmate passed to the Great Beyond, he with seven children being left to mourn the death of a wife and mother. Several years later he was again married to the widow of the late W. Kempf nee Fredericka Wolfgram, she passing away about four years ago. Seven children were also born to this union.

As the years passed and when the toil and labor began to bear heavily on deceased he with his esteemable wife purchased a fine home near Bruemmerville where they settled to spend remaining years of their life and enjoy the fruits of their labors. However, after the death of his mate Mr. Krohn took up his home with his daughter, Mrs. August Vulp, where he found a pleasant home to spend the days of his enfeeblement.

Deceased was widely known in this section, kind and willing neighbor and popularity was attested by the large attendance at the funeral of the pioneer citizen, many friends from surrounding communities being in attendance.

Seven children preceded their father in death. Those who survive to mourn the death of their father are: Mrs. Agnes Poehls, of this city, Mrs. Augusta Vulp, this city, Henry of the town of Ahnapee, Mrs. Emelie Lohrey of Iron River, Mich., Mrs. Ida Hansenjager of Jacksonport, Mrs. Emma Burkhart of Chicago, Mrs. Bertha Knappmiller of Milwaukee. Thirty-six grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren also survive, besides one sister, the widow of the late Wm. Haack of Rio Creek.

The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock from St. Paul's Lutheran church of this city and interment was made in the "Evergreens," Rev. A. Schlei officiating. The pall bearers were: Fred Kirchmann, Herman Densow, Ernst Bruemmer, Gust Zirbel, Julius Busch and Herman Ganlke.

Information from:
Obituary from Algoma Record Herald, 7 March 1919
U.S. Federal Census for 1860, 1880 and 1910
Civil War Pension Index - filed 27 Jan 1880

Research by Bro. Don Jager

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