Wilhelm Borchert of Fond du Lac, who was the director of the choral society 'Teutonia' the past seven years, was discovered hanging from a freight car, in Mayville near the blast furnaces, yesterday morning. The authorities were immediately notified but the life had already flown, when the body was brought down. What caused the victim such a tragic end will probably never be known, but the deed must have been accomplished during a few moments of dark moral weakness.
As we have previously reported, Borchert had for several weeks, been afflicted by a neurasthenia ailment, but had been able to carry on with his musical duties. Tuesday, as was customary, he arrived by train in Mayville, instructed his students here the day and in the evening he conducted the local 'Teutonia' Choral Society; but as his students noted a mysterious nervousness in their conductor and teacher, not one of them had a premonition of what was to happen 36 hours later. Wednesday morning, as usual he bought a ticket for the trip back to Fond du Lac from here. Not only his students, but also the citizens of our city were surprised to see Borchert on our city streets, all day, personally greeting everyone, in the manner of someone who had taken a vacation break. Wednesday evening he was at the station again, as if preparing for the return to Fond du Lac. He hesitated to climb aboard and began wandering about our town, until later, many who had noted his behavior finally, brought him to the hotel. It appears now that all day in town, Borchert had been preoccupied with ruminations of suicide. Then late at night he left the hotel , went to the location of the hanging, where the deed was discovered next morning, Thursday.
A coroners jury was assembled by the Justice of the Peace John Herberg; they unanimously voiced their verdict that Wilhelm Borchert ended his life by his own hands. On his person was found a gold watch, a gift from the Milwaukee Liederkranz; $55.85 in cash, and a copy of the song "Life's Dreams Are Over". The body was moved to the funeral parlor of the Mayville Furniture Co. and Saturday forenoon it was transferred to Turner Hall, where funeral services will take place; burial will follow from there to Graceland Cemetery. Participants of the funeral ceremonies will be a delegation from the Oshkosh Maennerchor; the Germania Maennerchor of Fond du Lac; the Liederkranz of Milwaukee and Miss Bessie Mayham of Fond du Lac, as well as our 'Teutonia' choral society. On this occasion several of the deceased's songs will be performed and John Herberg and Dr. Hans F. Forkmann will present memorial speeches. The deceased, age 54, leaves behind no relatives, except a brother in Germany.
This event awakened the sadness of his students, as well as that of the entire community, although the deceased had an eccentric personality, he was a good man an a sure musical guide;
and a music artist not to be denigrated: a goodness in the direction of the local choral society, as well as his most tactful direction in the concerts of the men's choir, always helped the latter to a brilliant success. With him, the world of art has once again lost a powerful force. May the earth be kind to him.
Dodge County Pionier December 21, 1906 (Translated from the German)
Last Thursday morning the community was greatly shocked by the sad news that the promi-musician and composer, Wm. F. Borchert had committed suicide by hanging himself to a box-car at the Northwestern Iron Co.'s plant. For several weeks past friends of the dead musician had noticed a decline in his health, and that he was suffering from a high nervous strain and mental anguish. He was taken to St. Agnes sanitarium at Fond du Lac where he received the best of care. Thinking that his health had materially improved, he again took up his work in music.
Prof. Borchert conducted large classes in instrumental and vocal music, both in this city and Fond du Lac. He came here every Tuesday morning and conducted the singing of the Teutonia Maennerchor. And so last Tuesday he came here as usual. In the evening the class met and Prof. Bochert was there, ready to conduct the class. At the close of the meeting he sang a farewell song, "Gute Nacht," and those who were present were impressed with the pathos in which the song was rendered and all felt a peculiar chill come over them. It seemed as tho he poured out his whole suffering in that song.
Wednesday morning he purchased a ticket for Fond du Lac, but his friends could not persuade to go on the train. He remained here during the day wandering aimlessly about the city. That same evening he spent with friends, who took him to his room at the Beaumont Hotel, where watch was kept, but he managed to leave the hotel without anyone noticing him. He was seen wandering about near midnight, carrying a roll of paper in his hand, and stopping now and then as tho reading. The supposition is that he went to the furnace right after that where the pour soul, suffering the intensest mental agony, committed the deed which cut short a life full of promises for the musical world.
He was found Thursday morning by John Lehner Jr., who was going to work and who was horribly surprised at the ghastly sight that met his eyes. He notified the working-men at the furnace and Justice John Herberg, Dr. D. L. Bachhuber and a jury consisting of Messrs. Robt. Westerholt, John Loehrke, M. Kammermeyer, A. Washburn, R. J. Langedbach and Wm. Schucknecht were summoned. After viewing the remains the jury met at Ziegler's Hall, where a verdict was rendered "that the deceased, during a fit of insanity, ended his life by hanging himself." The remains were taken to Butter's Undertaking rooms, where the body was prepared for burial. On his body were found a beautiful gold watch, a gift from the Milwaukee "Liederkranz," $55.85 in cash, and a copy of a song, "Life's Dreams are O'er."
Prof. Borchert was born in Germany about 55 years ago. Here he received a musical education, coming from Berlin to America when about 21 years of age. He immediately secured positions as leader of several big singing societies in the east. Later he went to San Francisco, where he was director of one of the largest singing societies of that city. From there he went to Milwaukee, where he was leader of the "Liederkranz" of that place. In that city he organized several singing societies. About nine years ago he went to Fond du Lac and since then has had charge of ... societies at Fond du Lac, Oshkosh and Mayville. Prof. Bochert composed several very beautiful songs, and an opera, "The Bride of Morocco." This was produced at the Shubert at Milwaukee and he was given great encouragement by New York managers. After working on it for years, his hopes were blasted by the rejection of it. This sudden shock is said to have unbalanced his mind, and brought to an end the life of one who would undoubtedly have rendered the world many a musical gem.
Following the expressed wish, which he made before death, Prof. Borchert was buried in this city. The funeral services were held at Turner Hall, Mr. John Herberg and Prof. H. H. Forkmann rendering touching eulogies on the life of the deceased. The Maennerchors of Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Mayville, and delegates from Milwaukee rendered several of the compositions of the deceased, among them one of Prof. Borchert's favorites, "Du bist mein Traum." The casket was covered with many beautiful floral tributes, among them a beautiful lyre, given by the Teutonia Mannerchor of this city. The remains were laid to rest on Graceland Cemetery.
Mayville News December 25, 1906
Fond du Lac, Wis., Dec. 21 --- The funeral of William F. Borchert, the musician who committed suicide at Mayville yesterday, will be held at Mayville at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon. It was intended to bring the body here, but as there are no relatives living here, the plan was changed. The brothers of Mr. Borchert in Germany have been notified of his act, and they will be asked to take the necessary steps to settle up the estate. Mr. Borchert was not wealthy, and it is believed that there will be little left after the funeral expenses are paid.
The Fond du Lac Maennerchor will go to Mayville to attend the services on Saturday.
William F. Borchert, who officiated as musical director at the annual Saengerfest held at Oshkosh last summer, and who was formerly director of the Freier Saengerbund of this city, committed suicide by hanging, at Mayville, Wisconsin, last Thursday morning. He was about 55 years of age at the time of his death. He was a native of Mecklenburg, Germany. He came to America in 1872. The decedent has no relatives in this country. Two brothers in Germany survive.
It is said that Mr. Borchert's mental health had been failing for some time, and that despondency was the cause of his putting an end to his life. Interment took place at Fond du Lac.
Manitowoc Pilot December 27, 1906
Mayville, Dec. 21 --- Because despondent over the refusal of a New York theatrical manager to accept his opera, Bride of Morrocco, produced successfully in Milwaukee last June, and because of a harsh criticism of the opera by a Milwaukee paper, William F. Borchert, a well known musical director of Milwaukee and later of Fond du Lac, hanged himself on the ladder of a box car here Thursday. Borchert directed maennerchors in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Appleton for several years. He came here to give music lessons, and slipped away and was found dead in the railroad yards.
Northern Wisconsin Advertiser (Wabeno) December 27, 1906
As we have previously reported, Borchert had for several weeks, been afflicted by a neurasthenia ailment, but had been able to carry on with his musical duties. Tuesday, as was customary, he arrived by train in Mayville, instructed his students here the day and in the evening he conducted the local 'Teutonia' Choral Society; but as his students noted a mysterious nervousness in their conductor and teacher, not one of them had a premonition of what was to happen 36 hours later. Wednesday morning, as usual he bought a ticket for the trip back to Fond du Lac from here. Not only his students, but also the citizens of our city were surprised to see Borchert on our city streets, all day, personally greeting everyone, in the manner of someone who had taken a vacation break. Wednesday evening he was at the station again, as if preparing for the return to Fond du Lac. He hesitated to climb aboard and began wandering about our town, until later, many who had noted his behavior finally, brought him to the hotel. It appears now that all day in town, Borchert had been preoccupied with ruminations of suicide. Then late at night he left the hotel , went to the location of the hanging, where the deed was discovered next morning, Thursday.
A coroners jury was assembled by the Justice of the Peace John Herberg; they unanimously voiced their verdict that Wilhelm Borchert ended his life by his own hands. On his person was found a gold watch, a gift from the Milwaukee Liederkranz; $55.85 in cash, and a copy of the song "Life's Dreams Are Over". The body was moved to the funeral parlor of the Mayville Furniture Co. and Saturday forenoon it was transferred to Turner Hall, where funeral services will take place; burial will follow from there to Graceland Cemetery. Participants of the funeral ceremonies will be a delegation from the Oshkosh Maennerchor; the Germania Maennerchor of Fond du Lac; the Liederkranz of Milwaukee and Miss Bessie Mayham of Fond du Lac, as well as our 'Teutonia' choral society. On this occasion several of the deceased's songs will be performed and John Herberg and Dr. Hans F. Forkmann will present memorial speeches. The deceased, age 54, leaves behind no relatives, except a brother in Germany.
This event awakened the sadness of his students, as well as that of the entire community, although the deceased had an eccentric personality, he was a good man an a sure musical guide;
and a music artist not to be denigrated: a goodness in the direction of the local choral society, as well as his most tactful direction in the concerts of the men's choir, always helped the latter to a brilliant success. With him, the world of art has once again lost a powerful force. May the earth be kind to him.
Dodge County Pionier December 21, 1906 (Translated from the German)
Last Thursday morning the community was greatly shocked by the sad news that the promi-musician and composer, Wm. F. Borchert had committed suicide by hanging himself to a box-car at the Northwestern Iron Co.'s plant. For several weeks past friends of the dead musician had noticed a decline in his health, and that he was suffering from a high nervous strain and mental anguish. He was taken to St. Agnes sanitarium at Fond du Lac where he received the best of care. Thinking that his health had materially improved, he again took up his work in music.
Prof. Borchert conducted large classes in instrumental and vocal music, both in this city and Fond du Lac. He came here every Tuesday morning and conducted the singing of the Teutonia Maennerchor. And so last Tuesday he came here as usual. In the evening the class met and Prof. Bochert was there, ready to conduct the class. At the close of the meeting he sang a farewell song, "Gute Nacht," and those who were present were impressed with the pathos in which the song was rendered and all felt a peculiar chill come over them. It seemed as tho he poured out his whole suffering in that song.
Wednesday morning he purchased a ticket for Fond du Lac, but his friends could not persuade to go on the train. He remained here during the day wandering aimlessly about the city. That same evening he spent with friends, who took him to his room at the Beaumont Hotel, where watch was kept, but he managed to leave the hotel without anyone noticing him. He was seen wandering about near midnight, carrying a roll of paper in his hand, and stopping now and then as tho reading. The supposition is that he went to the furnace right after that where the pour soul, suffering the intensest mental agony, committed the deed which cut short a life full of promises for the musical world.
He was found Thursday morning by John Lehner Jr., who was going to work and who was horribly surprised at the ghastly sight that met his eyes. He notified the working-men at the furnace and Justice John Herberg, Dr. D. L. Bachhuber and a jury consisting of Messrs. Robt. Westerholt, John Loehrke, M. Kammermeyer, A. Washburn, R. J. Langedbach and Wm. Schucknecht were summoned. After viewing the remains the jury met at Ziegler's Hall, where a verdict was rendered "that the deceased, during a fit of insanity, ended his life by hanging himself." The remains were taken to Butter's Undertaking rooms, where the body was prepared for burial. On his body were found a beautiful gold watch, a gift from the Milwaukee "Liederkranz," $55.85 in cash, and a copy of a song, "Life's Dreams are O'er."
Prof. Borchert was born in Germany about 55 years ago. Here he received a musical education, coming from Berlin to America when about 21 years of age. He immediately secured positions as leader of several big singing societies in the east. Later he went to San Francisco, where he was director of one of the largest singing societies of that city. From there he went to Milwaukee, where he was leader of the "Liederkranz" of that place. In that city he organized several singing societies. About nine years ago he went to Fond du Lac and since then has had charge of ... societies at Fond du Lac, Oshkosh and Mayville. Prof. Bochert composed several very beautiful songs, and an opera, "The Bride of Morocco." This was produced at the Shubert at Milwaukee and he was given great encouragement by New York managers. After working on it for years, his hopes were blasted by the rejection of it. This sudden shock is said to have unbalanced his mind, and brought to an end the life of one who would undoubtedly have rendered the world many a musical gem.
Following the expressed wish, which he made before death, Prof. Borchert was buried in this city. The funeral services were held at Turner Hall, Mr. John Herberg and Prof. H. H. Forkmann rendering touching eulogies on the life of the deceased. The Maennerchors of Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Mayville, and delegates from Milwaukee rendered several of the compositions of the deceased, among them one of Prof. Borchert's favorites, "Du bist mein Traum." The casket was covered with many beautiful floral tributes, among them a beautiful lyre, given by the Teutonia Mannerchor of this city. The remains were laid to rest on Graceland Cemetery.
Mayville News December 25, 1906
Fond du Lac, Wis., Dec. 21 --- The funeral of William F. Borchert, the musician who committed suicide at Mayville yesterday, will be held at Mayville at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon. It was intended to bring the body here, but as there are no relatives living here, the plan was changed. The brothers of Mr. Borchert in Germany have been notified of his act, and they will be asked to take the necessary steps to settle up the estate. Mr. Borchert was not wealthy, and it is believed that there will be little left after the funeral expenses are paid.
The Fond du Lac Maennerchor will go to Mayville to attend the services on Saturday.
William F. Borchert, who officiated as musical director at the annual Saengerfest held at Oshkosh last summer, and who was formerly director of the Freier Saengerbund of this city, committed suicide by hanging, at Mayville, Wisconsin, last Thursday morning. He was about 55 years of age at the time of his death. He was a native of Mecklenburg, Germany. He came to America in 1872. The decedent has no relatives in this country. Two brothers in Germany survive.
It is said that Mr. Borchert's mental health had been failing for some time, and that despondency was the cause of his putting an end to his life. Interment took place at Fond du Lac.
Manitowoc Pilot December 27, 1906
Mayville, Dec. 21 --- Because despondent over the refusal of a New York theatrical manager to accept his opera, Bride of Morrocco, produced successfully in Milwaukee last June, and because of a harsh criticism of the opera by a Milwaukee paper, William F. Borchert, a well known musical director of Milwaukee and later of Fond du Lac, hanged himself on the ladder of a box car here Thursday. Borchert directed maennerchors in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Appleton for several years. He came here to give music lessons, and slipped away and was found dead in the railroad yards.
Northern Wisconsin Advertiser (Wabeno) December 27, 1906
Wilhelm Borchert of Fond du Lac, who was the director of the choral society 'Teutonia' the past seven years, was discovered hanging from a freight car, in Mayville near the blast furnaces, yesterday morning. The authorities were immediately notified but the life had already flown, when the body was brought down. What caused the victim such a tragic end will probably never be known, but the deed must have been accomplished during a few moments of dark moral weakness.
As we have previously reported, Borchert had for several weeks, been afflicted by a neurasthenia ailment, but had been able to carry on with his musical duties. Tuesday, as was customary, he arrived by train in Mayville, instructed his students here the day and in the evening he conducted the local 'Teutonia' Choral Society; but as his students noted a mysterious nervousness in their conductor and teacher, not one of them had a premonition of what was to happen 36 hours later. Wednesday morning, as usual he bought a ticket for the trip back to Fond du Lac from here. Not only his students, but also the citizens of our city were surprised to see Borchert on our city streets, all day, personally greeting everyone, in the manner of someone who had taken a vacation break. Wednesday evening he was at the station again, as if preparing for the return to Fond du Lac. He hesitated to climb aboard and began wandering about our town, until later, many who had noted his behavior finally, brought him to the hotel. It appears now that all day in town, Borchert had been preoccupied with ruminations of suicide. Then late at night he left the hotel , went to the location of the hanging, where the deed was discovered next morning, Thursday.
A coroners jury was assembled by the Justice of the Peace John Herberg; they unanimously voiced their verdict that Wilhelm Borchert ended his life by his own hands. On his person was found a gold watch, a gift from the Milwaukee Liederkranz; $55.85 in cash, and a copy of the song "Life's Dreams Are Over". The body was moved to the funeral parlor of the Mayville Furniture Co. and Saturday forenoon it was transferred to Turner Hall, where funeral services will take place; burial will follow from there to Graceland Cemetery. Participants of the funeral ceremonies will be a delegation from the Oshkosh Maennerchor; the Germania Maennerchor of Fond du Lac; the Liederkranz of Milwaukee and Miss Bessie Mayham of Fond du Lac, as well as our 'Teutonia' choral society. On this occasion several of the deceased's songs will be performed and John Herberg and Dr. Hans F. Forkmann will present memorial speeches. The deceased, age 54, leaves behind no relatives, except a brother in Germany.
This event awakened the sadness of his students, as well as that of the entire community, although the deceased had an eccentric personality, he was a good man an a sure musical guide;
and a music artist not to be denigrated: a goodness in the direction of the local choral society, as well as his most tactful direction in the concerts of the men's choir, always helped the latter to a brilliant success. With him, the world of art has once again lost a powerful force. May the earth be kind to him.
Dodge County Pionier December 21, 1906 (Translated from the German)
Last Thursday morning the community was greatly shocked by the sad news that the promi-musician and composer, Wm. F. Borchert had committed suicide by hanging himself to a box-car at the Northwestern Iron Co.'s plant. For several weeks past friends of the dead musician had noticed a decline in his health, and that he was suffering from a high nervous strain and mental anguish. He was taken to St. Agnes sanitarium at Fond du Lac where he received the best of care. Thinking that his health had materially improved, he again took up his work in music.
Prof. Borchert conducted large classes in instrumental and vocal music, both in this city and Fond du Lac. He came here every Tuesday morning and conducted the singing of the Teutonia Maennerchor. And so last Tuesday he came here as usual. In the evening the class met and Prof. Bochert was there, ready to conduct the class. At the close of the meeting he sang a farewell song, "Gute Nacht," and those who were present were impressed with the pathos in which the song was rendered and all felt a peculiar chill come over them. It seemed as tho he poured out his whole suffering in that song.
Wednesday morning he purchased a ticket for Fond du Lac, but his friends could not persuade to go on the train. He remained here during the day wandering aimlessly about the city. That same evening he spent with friends, who took him to his room at the Beaumont Hotel, where watch was kept, but he managed to leave the hotel without anyone noticing him. He was seen wandering about near midnight, carrying a roll of paper in his hand, and stopping now and then as tho reading. The supposition is that he went to the furnace right after that where the pour soul, suffering the intensest mental agony, committed the deed which cut short a life full of promises for the musical world.
He was found Thursday morning by John Lehner Jr., who was going to work and who was horribly surprised at the ghastly sight that met his eyes. He notified the working-men at the furnace and Justice John Herberg, Dr. D. L. Bachhuber and a jury consisting of Messrs. Robt. Westerholt, John Loehrke, M. Kammermeyer, A. Washburn, R. J. Langedbach and Wm. Schucknecht were summoned. After viewing the remains the jury met at Ziegler's Hall, where a verdict was rendered "that the deceased, during a fit of insanity, ended his life by hanging himself." The remains were taken to Butter's Undertaking rooms, where the body was prepared for burial. On his body were found a beautiful gold watch, a gift from the Milwaukee "Liederkranz," $55.85 in cash, and a copy of a song, "Life's Dreams are O'er."
Prof. Borchert was born in Germany about 55 years ago. Here he received a musical education, coming from Berlin to America when about 21 years of age. He immediately secured positions as leader of several big singing societies in the east. Later he went to San Francisco, where he was director of one of the largest singing societies of that city. From there he went to Milwaukee, where he was leader of the "Liederkranz" of that place. In that city he organized several singing societies. About nine years ago he went to Fond du Lac and since then has had charge of ... societies at Fond du Lac, Oshkosh and Mayville. Prof. Bochert composed several very beautiful songs, and an opera, "The Bride of Morocco." This was produced at the Shubert at Milwaukee and he was given great encouragement by New York managers. After working on it for years, his hopes were blasted by the rejection of it. This sudden shock is said to have unbalanced his mind, and brought to an end the life of one who would undoubtedly have rendered the world many a musical gem.
Following the expressed wish, which he made before death, Prof. Borchert was buried in this city. The funeral services were held at Turner Hall, Mr. John Herberg and Prof. H. H. Forkmann rendering touching eulogies on the life of the deceased. The Maennerchors of Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Mayville, and delegates from Milwaukee rendered several of the compositions of the deceased, among them one of Prof. Borchert's favorites, "Du bist mein Traum." The casket was covered with many beautiful floral tributes, among them a beautiful lyre, given by the Teutonia Mannerchor of this city. The remains were laid to rest on Graceland Cemetery.
Mayville News December 25, 1906
Fond du Lac, Wis., Dec. 21 --- The funeral of William F. Borchert, the musician who committed suicide at Mayville yesterday, will be held at Mayville at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon. It was intended to bring the body here, but as there are no relatives living here, the plan was changed. The brothers of Mr. Borchert in Germany have been notified of his act, and they will be asked to take the necessary steps to settle up the estate. Mr. Borchert was not wealthy, and it is believed that there will be little left after the funeral expenses are paid.
The Fond du Lac Maennerchor will go to Mayville to attend the services on Saturday.
William F. Borchert, who officiated as musical director at the annual Saengerfest held at Oshkosh last summer, and who was formerly director of the Freier Saengerbund of this city, committed suicide by hanging, at Mayville, Wisconsin, last Thursday morning. He was about 55 years of age at the time of his death. He was a native of Mecklenburg, Germany. He came to America in 1872. The decedent has no relatives in this country. Two brothers in Germany survive.
It is said that Mr. Borchert's mental health had been failing for some time, and that despondency was the cause of his putting an end to his life. Interment took place at Fond du Lac.
Manitowoc Pilot December 27, 1906
Mayville, Dec. 21 --- Because despondent over the refusal of a New York theatrical manager to accept his opera, Bride of Morrocco, produced successfully in Milwaukee last June, and because of a harsh criticism of the opera by a Milwaukee paper, William F. Borchert, a well known musical director of Milwaukee and later of Fond du Lac, hanged himself on the ladder of a box car here Thursday. Borchert directed maennerchors in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Appleton for several years. He came here to give music lessons, and slipped away and was found dead in the railroad yards.
Northern Wisconsin Advertiser (Wabeno) December 27, 1906
As we have previously reported, Borchert had for several weeks, been afflicted by a neurasthenia ailment, but had been able to carry on with his musical duties. Tuesday, as was customary, he arrived by train in Mayville, instructed his students here the day and in the evening he conducted the local 'Teutonia' Choral Society; but as his students noted a mysterious nervousness in their conductor and teacher, not one of them had a premonition of what was to happen 36 hours later. Wednesday morning, as usual he bought a ticket for the trip back to Fond du Lac from here. Not only his students, but also the citizens of our city were surprised to see Borchert on our city streets, all day, personally greeting everyone, in the manner of someone who had taken a vacation break. Wednesday evening he was at the station again, as if preparing for the return to Fond du Lac. He hesitated to climb aboard and began wandering about our town, until later, many who had noted his behavior finally, brought him to the hotel. It appears now that all day in town, Borchert had been preoccupied with ruminations of suicide. Then late at night he left the hotel , went to the location of the hanging, where the deed was discovered next morning, Thursday.
A coroners jury was assembled by the Justice of the Peace John Herberg; they unanimously voiced their verdict that Wilhelm Borchert ended his life by his own hands. On his person was found a gold watch, a gift from the Milwaukee Liederkranz; $55.85 in cash, and a copy of the song "Life's Dreams Are Over". The body was moved to the funeral parlor of the Mayville Furniture Co. and Saturday forenoon it was transferred to Turner Hall, where funeral services will take place; burial will follow from there to Graceland Cemetery. Participants of the funeral ceremonies will be a delegation from the Oshkosh Maennerchor; the Germania Maennerchor of Fond du Lac; the Liederkranz of Milwaukee and Miss Bessie Mayham of Fond du Lac, as well as our 'Teutonia' choral society. On this occasion several of the deceased's songs will be performed and John Herberg and Dr. Hans F. Forkmann will present memorial speeches. The deceased, age 54, leaves behind no relatives, except a brother in Germany.
This event awakened the sadness of his students, as well as that of the entire community, although the deceased had an eccentric personality, he was a good man an a sure musical guide;
and a music artist not to be denigrated: a goodness in the direction of the local choral society, as well as his most tactful direction in the concerts of the men's choir, always helped the latter to a brilliant success. With him, the world of art has once again lost a powerful force. May the earth be kind to him.
Dodge County Pionier December 21, 1906 (Translated from the German)
Last Thursday morning the community was greatly shocked by the sad news that the promi-musician and composer, Wm. F. Borchert had committed suicide by hanging himself to a box-car at the Northwestern Iron Co.'s plant. For several weeks past friends of the dead musician had noticed a decline in his health, and that he was suffering from a high nervous strain and mental anguish. He was taken to St. Agnes sanitarium at Fond du Lac where he received the best of care. Thinking that his health had materially improved, he again took up his work in music.
Prof. Borchert conducted large classes in instrumental and vocal music, both in this city and Fond du Lac. He came here every Tuesday morning and conducted the singing of the Teutonia Maennerchor. And so last Tuesday he came here as usual. In the evening the class met and Prof. Bochert was there, ready to conduct the class. At the close of the meeting he sang a farewell song, "Gute Nacht," and those who were present were impressed with the pathos in which the song was rendered and all felt a peculiar chill come over them. It seemed as tho he poured out his whole suffering in that song.
Wednesday morning he purchased a ticket for Fond du Lac, but his friends could not persuade to go on the train. He remained here during the day wandering aimlessly about the city. That same evening he spent with friends, who took him to his room at the Beaumont Hotel, where watch was kept, but he managed to leave the hotel without anyone noticing him. He was seen wandering about near midnight, carrying a roll of paper in his hand, and stopping now and then as tho reading. The supposition is that he went to the furnace right after that where the pour soul, suffering the intensest mental agony, committed the deed which cut short a life full of promises for the musical world.
He was found Thursday morning by John Lehner Jr., who was going to work and who was horribly surprised at the ghastly sight that met his eyes. He notified the working-men at the furnace and Justice John Herberg, Dr. D. L. Bachhuber and a jury consisting of Messrs. Robt. Westerholt, John Loehrke, M. Kammermeyer, A. Washburn, R. J. Langedbach and Wm. Schucknecht were summoned. After viewing the remains the jury met at Ziegler's Hall, where a verdict was rendered "that the deceased, during a fit of insanity, ended his life by hanging himself." The remains were taken to Butter's Undertaking rooms, where the body was prepared for burial. On his body were found a beautiful gold watch, a gift from the Milwaukee "Liederkranz," $55.85 in cash, and a copy of a song, "Life's Dreams are O'er."
Prof. Borchert was born in Germany about 55 years ago. Here he received a musical education, coming from Berlin to America when about 21 years of age. He immediately secured positions as leader of several big singing societies in the east. Later he went to San Francisco, where he was director of one of the largest singing societies of that city. From there he went to Milwaukee, where he was leader of the "Liederkranz" of that place. In that city he organized several singing societies. About nine years ago he went to Fond du Lac and since then has had charge of ... societies at Fond du Lac, Oshkosh and Mayville. Prof. Bochert composed several very beautiful songs, and an opera, "The Bride of Morocco." This was produced at the Shubert at Milwaukee and he was given great encouragement by New York managers. After working on it for years, his hopes were blasted by the rejection of it. This sudden shock is said to have unbalanced his mind, and brought to an end the life of one who would undoubtedly have rendered the world many a musical gem.
Following the expressed wish, which he made before death, Prof. Borchert was buried in this city. The funeral services were held at Turner Hall, Mr. John Herberg and Prof. H. H. Forkmann rendering touching eulogies on the life of the deceased. The Maennerchors of Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Mayville, and delegates from Milwaukee rendered several of the compositions of the deceased, among them one of Prof. Borchert's favorites, "Du bist mein Traum." The casket was covered with many beautiful floral tributes, among them a beautiful lyre, given by the Teutonia Mannerchor of this city. The remains were laid to rest on Graceland Cemetery.
Mayville News December 25, 1906
Fond du Lac, Wis., Dec. 21 --- The funeral of William F. Borchert, the musician who committed suicide at Mayville yesterday, will be held at Mayville at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon. It was intended to bring the body here, but as there are no relatives living here, the plan was changed. The brothers of Mr. Borchert in Germany have been notified of his act, and they will be asked to take the necessary steps to settle up the estate. Mr. Borchert was not wealthy, and it is believed that there will be little left after the funeral expenses are paid.
The Fond du Lac Maennerchor will go to Mayville to attend the services on Saturday.
William F. Borchert, who officiated as musical director at the annual Saengerfest held at Oshkosh last summer, and who was formerly director of the Freier Saengerbund of this city, committed suicide by hanging, at Mayville, Wisconsin, last Thursday morning. He was about 55 years of age at the time of his death. He was a native of Mecklenburg, Germany. He came to America in 1872. The decedent has no relatives in this country. Two brothers in Germany survive.
It is said that Mr. Borchert's mental health had been failing for some time, and that despondency was the cause of his putting an end to his life. Interment took place at Fond du Lac.
Manitowoc Pilot December 27, 1906
Mayville, Dec. 21 --- Because despondent over the refusal of a New York theatrical manager to accept his opera, Bride of Morrocco, produced successfully in Milwaukee last June, and because of a harsh criticism of the opera by a Milwaukee paper, William F. Borchert, a well known musical director of Milwaukee and later of Fond du Lac, hanged himself on the ladder of a box car here Thursday. Borchert directed maennerchors in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Appleton for several years. He came here to give music lessons, and slipped away and was found dead in the railroad yards.
Northern Wisconsin Advertiser (Wabeno) December 27, 1906
Inscription
Aged 54 yrs. Prof. of Music. Born in Neu-Strelitz, Germany.
Professor of Music
Born in Neu=Strelitz Germany
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