A Münster artifact maintains its traditional essence
In the historic city of Münster, Germany, the life and legacy of Frans Essink continue to captivate locals and visitors alike. Born on April 25, 1801, to Josep and Elisabeth Essink, Frans spent his formative years in a house on Rothenburg 42, now home to Restaurant Töddenhoek. For 36 years, he lived next door to Hermann Landois, who would later describe Frans as a hearty, old Münsterian burgher in a book published in 1874.
Growing up, Frans' life was marked by tragedy. His mother passed away when he was a toddler, and his father remarried the following year. Frans' father was a brass founder, crafting shoe buckles, knee closures, and other small parts from brass or bronze. However, he passed away before Frans was fully trained in the trade. After his father's death, Frans neglected brass founding and found solace in his garden, where he tended to two goats and two pigs, as well as managing a maidservant named Muck.
Frans Essink was a regular participant in the Great Procession in Münster, annually decorating his house's gable with wreaths and holy pictures. His dedication to tradition was evident in his daily life, as he lived modestly and frugally. Despite his simple lifestyle, Frans was a generous man. In his will, he bequeathed 36,000 € to the Clemenshospital and the city's general poor fund, a significant sum for the time.
Frans Essink remained a bachelor until his death on December 31, 1871. Over 14 days, 23 lawsuits were filed at court regarding Frans' will, a testament to the impact he had on the lives of those around him. One such individual was Mittin, a distant relative who received money for the food she brought to Essink. However, there was also a case of embezzlement, with the maid Mucke stealing 23 talers from Essink's estate, although she was only paid her outstanding wages.
In 1914, Frans Essink's grave was moved due to the construction of the Antoniuskirche, but it remains in its place. His grave is marked by his typical "insignia": an unusually tall top hat, spade, rake, and umbrella. In 1958, a natural stone mosaic was laid on Frans Essink's grave in recognition of his contributions to Münster.
Josef Scheller, the author of this article, is a guest author at ALLES MÜNSTER. A retired industrial business manager, Josef enjoys tending to gardens in his free time. His fascination with Frans Essink's life and legacy led him to delve into the history of this remarkable Münsterian burgher, shedding light on a man who lived a simple life but left a lasting impact on his city.
Frans Essink's garden became his sanctuary after the loss of his father, and he spent much of his time tending to his home-and-garden, with two goats, two pigs, and a maidservant named Muck. Despite his simple lifestyle, his generosity was evident when he bequeathed a significant sum of money to the Clemenshospital and the city's general poor fund in his will.
