Obituary: From Superior Telegram, Sept 29, 1931

AGED PIONEER LAID TO REST
M.B. Firmenich, 91, Buried in Ashland Cemetery After Final Rites

ASHLAND, Wis - Final rites for Mathias B. Firmenich, 91, pioneer resident of Ashland and a charter member of the Chequamegon Bay Old Settler's club. who died Saturday were to be held Tuesday morning at the A.F. Anderson residence, 900 Ninth avenue west at 9 o'clock and at the St. Agnes church at 9:30. Burial was to be made in St. Agnes cemetery.
Born in Cologne, Germany, February 11, 1840, Mr. Firmenich came to Milwaukee in May 1847 and settled with his parents on a farm located in the wilderness 25 miles from that city.
Coming in contact with Indians who the inhabited the region, he learned to weave baskets from ash wood, a hobby which he enjoyed until the time of his death. His marriage to Miss Pauline Thompson took place at Green Bay, February 11, 1867. Mrs. Firmenich preceded him in death by 21 years.

Lived With Daughter

Mr. Firmenich first worked in Ashland as a millwright for the Miller and Ritchie company. He was employed there for four years. and later became connected with D.W. Mowatt firm where he was employed until 1905. He also lived on a farm near Sanborn until 1916. For the past few years he has been making his home with his daughter. Mrs. Andrew Anderson on Ninth avenue west.

Survivors Listed

Surviving are: Five daughters, Mrs. Emma Martin, Milwaukee; Mrs. William McKinley, Seattle; Mrs. Tom Gorman, Iron Mountain, Mich.; Mrs. Joseph Fabro and Mrs. A.F. Anderson, Ashland. Two sons, Henry of Elma, Manitoba, and Albert of International Falls; fifty-two grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Six of his grandchildren saw service in France during the World war.