I was researching Henry Wulff Sr, who is my 3rd great grandfather.

He was born in Germany and died in Schapville, Illinois.  His wife was Maria Sophia Schumacher and they had three children, Carolina Sophia, Henry Jr., and Anna Marie.

I found this obituary in the Freeport Journal-Standard. It was published January 3, 1929.

Transcription of obituary:

Elizabeth, Ill., Jan. 2 – Funeral services were conducted at Schapville, a few miles north of this city, on Sunday morning at 11 o’clock at the Schapville Lutheran church at the Schapville Lutheran church for Henry P.[sic] Wulff, aged resident of that community for the past 45 years, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 84 years. The services were conducted by the pastor, the Rev. Otto C. Moke, and burial was made at the Lutheran cemetery adjoining the church.

Henry John Wulff was born at Jarmstorf, Mecklenburg, Germany, on July 15, 1844 and had reached the age of 84 years, 5 months and 12 days at the time of his death. He remained in Germany to receive his education and before coming to this country in 1883 he was united in marriage to Miss Marie Schumacher.

Upon their arrival in America the young couple came directly to this community, Mr. Wulff working as a laboring man for a time and later acquiring a farm which he operated until 17 years ago when he retired and moved into the village of Schapville. He was well known in this section of the country and especially in Schapville where he had resided for the past 45 years.

The deceased is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Hermann Bohnsack of Elizabeth, Miss Anna Wulff at home and one son Henry Wulff who aslo resides in this vicinity. Six grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren are also left to mourn his departure besides other relatives and many friends. His wife passed away just about 10 years ago this time when the 1918 epidemic of influenza was current throughout the country.

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His daughter, Mrs. Hermann Bohnsack, aka Carolina Sophia or Lena, was my great-great grandmother.  Her husband’s full name was Carl Herman Bohnsack.  I think it’s interesting that they say his wife, Maria (Schumacher), died “when the 1918 epidemic of influenza was current throughout the country.”  I wonder if this means she died of influenza?  Something I’ll have to explore.