Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-06

1SOTSe w llIHeI, HIuctS cc Scdle VI
age. for over seventy-four years a resi-
dent of the District Of Columbia. and a
member of the Association of the Oldest
Inhabitants. died at 3 o'clock this morn
ing at his home. 400 9th street northwest,
after an illness OF three weeks.
The funeral arrangements have not
been completed. The services, however
are to be held at the Trinity German
Lutheran Church. 4th and streets
northwest. which was founded by Mr..
wilmer. Rev. Henoch Schroeder will Of
flciate. Nephews of the deceased will be
active pallbearers, while the honorary
pallbearers will be members Of the Asso-
citation Of the Oldest Inhabitants Inter-
ment will be in Rock Creek cemetery
alongside the remains of his wife. In
compliance with a special request Of Mr..
Wilmer the pallbearers are to wear white
Grape on their arms.
Born in Germany.
Mr.. Willnes was born in Zellerfelt.
on the famous Hartz mountains. in Han
over. Germany. ninety-three years, four
months and twenty days ago. He came
to the United States in 1899 landing in
New York. but proceeding almost directly
man and began work as an upholsterer
and decorator. He soon opened an, es-
ia Adjustment for himself on Gunton's
square. as the block on 9th street from
Pennsylvania avenue to d street was
known in the early days. He opened a
paperhanging and uphOlstering shop in
1910, having bought out the oldest ablish-
morean. After conducting business there
fifteen years he moved to his present ad-
dress and had been there ever since.
In 1871 he married Miss Margaret Poss,
who died in November. 1902. No children
were born to the couple. Mr.. wilmer re-
tired from active business In 1900. He be-
came an active member of the Associa-
ton OF Oldest Inhabitants thirteen years
ago and always took the liveliest interest
in it's membership and its objects and
traditions.
Founder Of Church.
Mr.. wilmer was a member of the old
German Benevolent Association before II
was dissolved eleven years ago. He was
noted for his acts of philanthropy and
charity. He was a member of the Trinity
German Lutheran Church. which he
founded in 1851. He stated at one time
the reason he wanted the church to be
known as the Trinity German Lutheran
Church was because he believed in pre-
serving the herman udBe dHlOnS the
German immigrants. and he had always
insisted upon having German pastor.
In 1857 he was councilman from the old
third ward of Washington, embracing the
business center of the. city. under Mayor
Murray.
During the many years he had resided
at 429 9th street he had been greatly in
terested in the growth of Washington
from the proportions OF struggling
town to its present size. He watched
constructed
Treasury building. the patent Office and
| the old post office. Many times during
the various celebrations in the city he
conducted he recalled the frog ponds
| the commercial center of the city He
also recalled the simplicity of the in
auguration ceremonies OF President Har-
rison. when the cry was 'Tippecanoe
casions Of greatest frenzy I'm the long
| ago in the District were marked by great
! bonfires, cheers. parades and similar
demonstrations.
His 92d Birthday Anniversary.
| Upon the occasion of the celebration of
his ninety birthday June %. 1908.
when his many nephews and nieces and
friends gathered at his home. he declared
that he had had a successful and happy
life. ;s ~
One of the incidents of his life was at
the celebration OF the golden wedding OF
Mr.. and Mrs. Joseph Schlegel. some years
| ago. when Mr.. and Mrs. wilmer, who had
| acted as best man and bridesmaid at the
wedding again stood at the altar with
| the celebrating couple.
| With Mr. wilmer when he died was his
| constant attendant for the last twenty
| six years, Emma Carter. an aged coored
woman. Aunt Emma. as she is IA
| miliarly known, said today that of late
| Mr. Wilmer seemed to realize that he
| was soon to pass away, as during the
| last week he had often spoken Of dying
| and repeatedly said he did not fear death.
| His only surviving relatives are a num-
| Der OF nieces and nephews.