Will of John Klapperich of Marytown, Wisconsin

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: Marytown, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Surnames/tags: Klapperich, Klapprich Friedel

Source: Wisconsin, Wills and Probate Records, 1800-1987 ^[1]

John Klapperich lived in Marytown after his wife and children moved to Saint Anna and this separation in 1878 seemed to solidify over the years. Neither John nor his wife appear in the 1880 census. In subsequent census he lists himself as widowed.

He worked as a hired man and in his later years lived alone. Then he wrote his last will and testament which was signed 13 Jul 1912 and brought into probate August 1912 after his death 25 Jul 1912. In it, he talks about all his sons and his daughters by name and their married names, awarding each one $5. He wanted a headstone at St Mary's in Maryville at the cost of $80; masses for his soul at $100 and a stained glass window at St Marie's church for $175. All his debts should be paid and he described the lease agreement that he arranged to have his lodgers care for his farm and his personal care as he was debilitated by dropsy.

The remainder of his estate and land, he said should be quickly liquidated and set aside for his granddaughter, Sidonia Friedel, when she reached the age of 21. Sidonia was the daughter of Theresa Klapperich and her late husband Hubert Friedel. She was 16 years old at her grandfather's death and the trust for her inheritance may have been almost $5,000.

In a twist of fate, Sidonia did turn 21 and presumably receive her inheritance, and the same year married Joseph Schmidtbauer October 1 1918. She died within the month from the 1918 flu. Her new husband was also infected and removed to his parents' house but he did survive and eventually remarried.

Legally, her husband would retain her inheritance from her grandfather. No information about how that was resolved.