Jacob LAABS

                   Wilhelmena was the spelling on her grave marker in the Lake Benton
Cemetary (found by George Sommerlade, grandson, and Joyce Goodman,
great-granddaughter in May of 1969).

She came to America in 1866 with family and friends, settling in Minnesota.   Four years later she married John C. Sommerlade, 15 Jan 1870 in Olmsted county.   The tamily moved in 1878 to Drammen township settling onb a farm.

One child died apparently before 1880, according to the obituary of
Wilhelmena's husband, Johann Christoff Sommerlade.   This is the only
reference to this child.

She was a cute-looking short, roundish lady with light gray hair parted
in the middle.   She was spoken of as a kind woman who cared about her
neighbors.

She inherited money from her family in Germany which she kept in a
trunk in the attic.  The house burned down, destroying the money.   She
was said to never have recovered fully from this tragedy.