NEGenWeb Project
HISTORY OF GASS HANEY
COLUMBUS, PLATTE COUNTY, NEBRASKA


[The Columbus Daily Telegram, Columbus Nebraska - Centennial Section Seven, May, 1956, page 3]

Gass Funeral Home oldest business firm

Oldest business firm in Columbus is the Gass Funeral Home, 1263-65 25th avenue, which opened for business in 1870.

In [sic] was in that year that Henry Gass, sr., who had been an apprentice cabinet maker in his native Switzerland, came to Columbus. He worked as a carpenter for a few months, and later in the same year opened his own cabinet whop [sic] and undertaking parlors on 7th street.

At the start Mr. Gass made his own furniture and coffins. An entry in his first book of accounts is to the effect that he made his first coffin Aug. 4, 1870, and it was for "a man killed by the Indians," with no further identification.

Destroyed by Fire

The following year Mr. Gass erected a two story building on Washington avenue, using the first floor for his business and the second for living quarters.

His business expanded to the extent that, in 1878, he built on [sic] store at 11th street and 23rd avenue. It was about this time that the pioneer merchant quit making his own furniture and began handling factory-made products. The building was destroyed by fire in 1910.

Mr. Gass then constructed a new brick building at 2415 13th street, which was the home of Henry Gass & Company for many years.

[The Columbus Journal, November 9, 1910]
For the last few years there has been need of an ambulance in this city, especially for use in transferring patients to the hospital, and to meet this need Henry Gass last week purchased an up to date and modern amublance. It has a closed body and is the same style of vehicle used in the cities. Mr. Gass will use it in connection with his business, and they have arranged to answer promptly all calls for it.
In 1922 Mr. Gass sold the business to his sons, Samuel and Henry, jr., who had long been associated with their father, and retired.

Two Funeral Homes

In the following year Samuel Gass bought his brother's interest. In 1924, Henry, jr., erected a new funeral home at 1263 25th avenue, and for a while there were two in Columbus.

In February, 1925, Henry, jr., bought the funeral business of his brother, consolidating it with his own establishment. Samuel continued for several more years as the Henry Gass & Company, handling furniture. Henry Gass, sr., died in 1926.

Incorporated

The Gass Funeral Home was incorporated Aug. 6, 1929 by Henry Gass, jr., Christie Gass and John Gahan. Gahan left the firm in 1932 and Christie Gass died in 1940.

Herbert Ernst had entered employment in the firm in 1921 and Edward Wegrzyn followed in 1924. In 1940 Ernst and Wegrzyn became stockholders.

William F. Haney, who had married Marjorie, a daughter of Henry Gass, jr., became identified with the firm in April, 1940 and for several years was its active head. Mr. Gass died Dec. 30, 1951, and Mr. Haney passed away July 3, 1952.

Present stockholders and officers of the Gass Funeral Home are: Mrs. William F. Haney, president; Herbert Ernst, vice president and Edward Wegrzyn, secretary-treasurer.


RECORDS

The first record at Gass Haney is found on August 4, 1870. Information contained during the following years was sketchy at best, including the date, a name and the charge. Even the name may not be of much help as it may appear as "Mr. Smith's baby."

The records after December 5, 1906 include a bit more information, with additional information found after July 16, 1912. During this period you will find the name and age of the deceased, whether single or married, and religion; date, place, and cause of death; location and date/time of funeral service and interment; charges and description of coffin.

Records from the late 1920's include additional information such as parents' names and places of birth.

There are exceptions, of course, and little tidbits of information can occasionally be found in the margins. But this will give you a general idea of what you may expect to find in the records.

NOTE: Gass-Haney is currently working on a database of their records. Please let them know that you appreciate their efforts with this tremendous project.


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