The Columbus Daily Telegram, Jan 16, 1923
RATTERMAN--Two Deaths in One Family Within Hour--Judge Ratterman's Son Passes Away at Kearney; Mrs. Ratterman's Father at West Point
A two-fold burden of sorrow descended upon the home of Judge and Mrs. John J. Rattermon [sic] yesterday when the judge's son, John Ratterman, jr., passed away at the state hospital in Kearney at 1 p.m., and at almost the same moment a message came announcing the death of Mrs. Ratterman's father, Thomas Cain, which occurred at the old people's home in West Point at noon the same day. Judge Ratterman was confined to his home at the time, convalescing from a siege of ptomaine poisoning.
Mrs. Ratterman was at John's bedside in Kearney when her father passed away and did not learn of his death until her arrival home last evening. The funeral had been set for Wednesday, but has been changed to Thursday in oder that Mrs. Ratterman may attend. Her sister, Mrs. A. Swanson, of Blair, will meet her in Fremont Thursday and together they will go to West Point. Mr. Cain was 90 years old and was one of the earliest pioneers in Holt county. He entered the old people's home at West Point some years ago.
The body of John Ratterman, jr., arrived from Kearney this afternoon and was taken to the home of his parents. Funeral services will be held at St. Bonaventure's church Wednesday at 10 a.m., with burial in the Catholic cemetery.
John G. Ratterman was born at Menominee, Cedar county, Nebraska, coming to Columbus with the family in childhood. He was graduated from the Columbus high school in 1909. During his school days he was an athletc [sic], a football player and at one time won second honors in a state track meet. For several years he was a member of the Columbus city band.
Ex-Service Man.
Ater completing his school course, he accepted a position with the Presto-Lite company at Omaha, winning promotion to the management of the company's branch house in Kansas City. Later he became auditor for the Peake Auto Supply company of Kansas City, and served in that capacity until the world war, when he offered himself to his country as a volunteer, enlisting in the tank corps. He was sent to Camp Colt, Pa., and then to Camp Dix, N.J., for training preparatory to crossing to France. While there he was stricken with the flu, which undermined his health and from which he never fully recovered. Because of the ravages of the disease, he was honorably discharged and returned to his former place with the Peake Auto Supply company at Kansas City.
Having left home 12 years ago, a picture of health and strength, he returned home Oct. 27, 1922, stricken with tuberculosis. An x-ray examination showed the entire right lung affected and he was taken immediately to St. Mary's hospital for treatment. A week ago today he was removed to the state hospital at Kearney in the hopes that special treatment might stay the dread malady.
Besides his parents, he leaves one brother, Frank J. Ratterman, of Omaha, and four sisters, Mrs. L.V. Evans, of Council Bluffs; Mrs. Hilton White, of San Diego; Mrs. George H. Bender and Miss Lucy Ratterman, of Columbus.
The Columbus Daily Telegram, February 23, 1923
HAMLING--Stephen Hamling, Pioneer, Is Dead - Was Resident of Platte County in the Creston Neighborhood for Nearly Half a Century
Creston, Neb., February 23--Complications incident to his advanced age caused the death yesterday morning the anniversary of George Washington's birth, of Stephen Hamling, a resident of Platte county for the past 47 years. Death came at 11 o'clock. Mr. Hamling had attained the age of 83 years, 3 months, and 14 days.
Mr. Hamling was born in East Prussia, Germany, Nov. 8, 1839. He was united in marriage Nov. 20, 1863, to Miss Pollena Spiski. Ten years later the family came to America, first residing for two years in New York City. Then it was the move to Nebraska was made, the family going on a farm south of Creston. Not until 1913, when Mr. and Mrs. Hamling celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, did they retire from the farm and move into Creston, where they have made their home ever since.
To mourn his death Mr. Hamling leaves his devoted wife, one brother, four sons and five daughters. The children are: Mrs. William Englebart, John Hamling and Mrs. J. C. Moran, all of Creston; Steve Hamling of Spencer, Neb.; August Hamling, of Humphrey; George Hamling, of Newman Grove; Mrs. Herman Jacobe, of Cedar Rapids; Mrs. Otto Koch, of Columbus; and Mrs. Julius Michaelson, of Odessa, Wash. The brother who survives him is Andrew Hamling, of Humphrey.
No arrangements for the funeral services have as yet been made, the relatives awaiting word from the daughter in Washington before completing plans.
The Columbus Daily Telegram, March 7, 1923
LUSCHEN--Stricken with rheumatism which had rendered him an invalid for many years, George Luschen died this morning in the Tabitha home in Lincoln where he spent the past 10 years, according to a message received this noon from his brother, John R. Luschen, who went to his bedside yesterday. The body will be brought here tomorrow for burial, but funeral arrangements have not yet been made. George Luschen was 58 years old, and spent most of his life on the old home place on Shell Creek. He leaves his aged father, John H. Luschen, residing 12 miles northeast of Columbus; three sisters, Mrs. W.J. Voss, of Richland, Mrs. Henry Leffers, of Creston, and Mrs. Frank Adams, of Wyoming, and three brothers, Louis and Fred Luschen, farming north of the city, and John R. Luschen, Columbus businessman.
The Columbus Daily Telegram, March 8, 1923
BURKE--Henry Burke, 62, a resident of Platte county for 59 years, died at his home in Platte Center, at 6 p.m. yesterday. He had suffered more than a year with diabetes. A week ago he caught cold and pneumonia developed.
Mr. Burke was born in Ohio 62 years ago, a son of the late Patrick Burke, one of the real pioneers of this county. The family came here in 1864, homesteading on a farm on Shell Creek. About 30 years ago, Henry quit the farm and moved into Platte Center. Since that time he has followed the carpenter's trade.
He leaves his wife, three sons and three daughters--Mrs. Harold Smith, of Monroe; Earl Burke, of Silver Creek, and Celia, Harry, Francis and Gertrude, at home. He leaves also one brother, J.J. Burke, and one sister, Miss Johanna Burke, both residing in Columbus. He was a cousin of Mayor C.J. Carrig and Register of Deeds Jerrg [sic] Carrig.
J.J. Burke, Miss Johanna Burke and Mayor Carrig drove to Platte Center yesterday upon receipt of word that his condition was critical. Mayor Carrig returned home last evening, and Mr. Burke came down from Platte Center this noon, Miss Burke remaining there.
Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Joseph's church in Platte Center and a large number of Columbus people will drive over to attend.HARBICAN--The dead body of F.H. Harbican, of Blair, former manager of the Columbus Light, Heat & Power company, was found hanging from a bridge near East Dubuque, Ill., according to a letter received by Chas. Cleaver, clerk of the local Woodmen of the World lodge, this morning from the clerk of the lodge at Blair, but whether the tragedy occurred yesterday or Tuesday, the letter did not state. It seems that Mr. Harbican wandered away from the home of his mother in East Dubuque several days ago and his lifeless body was found during the search which was immediately instituted for him. He had been in failing health more than a year, suffering with a chronic affliction from which his physician could give him no hope of relief. Much of the time during the past year he had spent in hospitals and sanitariums. Mr. Harbican, who was an electrical engineer, came to Columbus in 1916 to take the position as manager for the light company. He resigned in 1918 to take a similar position at Humboldt, Neb., and later had charge of the light plant at West Point, and then the municipal plant at Blair. He was forced to resign the latter position about a year ago because of his failing health, but the family continued to reside in Blair. He leaves a splendid family, comprising his wife, one son and one daughter. It is understood that the funeral will be held in East Dubuque, as Clarence Pittman, as secretary of Lebanon lodge, A.F.& A.M., has received a message from the secretary of the Masonic lodge there saying that the East Dubuque lodge had been requested to take charge of the services. Mr. Harbican was a member of the Woodmen of the World and Masonic orders here.
The Columbus Daily Telegram, March 10, 1923
MILLER--After waging a determined fight for life for more than a month against flu and pneumonia, Mrs. Isaac Miller, 84, passed away at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, County Judge and Mrs. John Gibbon, shortly after 2 o'clock this afternoon. A few days ago she rallied from an exceptionally critical state and seemed to be more than holding her own. About 3 a.m. today, however, her condition took a turn for the worse and it was soon apparent that death was near. As Martha Hitchcock, Mrs. Miller was born in New York state 84 years ago last October. During girlhood she moved to Wisconsin where, four years before the outbreak of the civil war, she married Willard Shephard. He later went into the army, and gave his life for his country. Fifty-five years ago she married Isaac Miller. They made their home in Wisconsin for a few years and then moved to Charles City, Ia., where they resided on a farm until 12 years ago, when Mrs. Miller fell on some ice and suffered a hip-fracture, from which she never fully recovered. The past 12 years, they spent with their sons and daughters in North and South Dakota and here. Mrs. Miller leaves her husband, three sons and three daughters -- I.W. Shephard, of Madison, Wis.; Andrew Miller, Leslie Miller and Mrs. Robert Sanderson, all of Milnor, N.D.; Mrs. N.R. Rundle, of Hurley, S.D., and Mrs. John Gibbon, of Columbus. She leaves also two brothers and one sister--Rev. Philo Hitchcock, of Red Granite, Wis.; Rev. Alviris Hitchcock, of Oak Park, Ill., and Mrs. Mary M. Hinchcliffe, of Enid, Okla. Mrs. Rundle and Mrs. Gibbon were the only members of the family with her when death came, though most of the others had visited her in recent weeks. Mrs. Miller was a life-long member of the Advent Christian church, but throughout her married life attended the Methodist church of which her husband was a member. In years past she was active in W.C.T.U. work, being a strong temperance advocate. Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Wm. A. Albright at the Gibbon home at 2:30 p.m. Monday. The body will then be taken to Hurley, S.D., for burial.
The Columbus Daily Telegram, March 12, 1923
THOMAS--Bronchial pneumonia, with which she had been afflicted for 10 days past, caused the death of Mrs. Mary Thomas, relict of the late Judge George H. Thomas, at her home, 1671 Twenty-seventh street, shortly after 11:30 o'clock last night.
Mrs. Thomas was taken ill a week ago last Wednesday and her illness, complicated by an unsatisfactory heart condition, soon became so serious that it was necessary to deny friends the privilege of visiting her. From that time her strength failed gradually until she could no longer carry on the fight.
Though slight of physique, Mrs. Thomas was a veritable dynamo of energy, and always her energy was directed in lines of service to others. During her 16 years of residence in Columbus, she was an active leader in woman's work in Grace church parish. Being keenly interested in young people, as well as in the church, she organized the junior auxilliary and later, in advisory capacity, helped to direct its activities. She was also an active member of the Platte chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and was serving as its chaplain at the time of her death. Socially, she was identified with the Monday Bridge club, of which she was president for a number of years. Endeared to all her friends becuase of her kindly, charitable disposition and instant sympathy, she was especially popular among the young people who knew her.
As Mary Ella Conant, she was born in Appleton, Maine, July 12, 1852, being 71 years old at the time of her death. On March 4, 1873, she was married to Captain Charles H. Matthews at Appleton, Maine. One daughter was born to them, now Mrs. W.I. Speice. Following the death of her husband, she moved to Schuyler, Neb., in 1883, and there on September 24, 1884, was married to George H. Thomas. They came to Columbus in March, 1907, to make their home, following the election of Mr. Thomas as district judge. His death occurred in April, 1921. Mrs. Thomas continued to occupy the family home in company with Miss Harriet Selzer, who had been a member of their household for nearly 30 years.
Mrs. Thomas was a life-long communicant of the Episcopal church.
Besides her daughter, Mrs. W.I. Speice, of Columbus, she leaves two brothers, Bancroft H. Conant, of Belfast, Maine, and Frank A. Conant, of Santa Barbara, Cal., and three sisters, Mrs. Emory Varney, of Freeport, Maine, and Mrs. Henry W. Wiggin and Mrs. W.R. Marshall, both residing in Winchester, Mass.
The funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Wm. L. Blaker at Grace church Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., with burial in Columbus cemetery.GASS--Mrs. Henry Gass, Sr., is Called in Death--Wife of Pioneer Merchant Succumbs to Influenza and Complications at 10:20 a.m.
Mrs. Elizabeth Gass, wife of Henry Gass, sr., pioneer Columbus business man, passed away at the family home, 962 Twenty-first avenue, at 10:20 a.m. today. She was stricken with influenza the night of Feb. 22, and her condition was complicated by the fact that her health had been impaired by a chronic ailment for many years. Last week she seemed to rally, but Saturday night there was a change for the worse and hope of her recovery was abandoned yesterday.
Though she had been handicapped for many years by poor health, it was given her to realize the one hope that she cherished during the later years -- that she would live to celebrate her golden wedding anniversary. She and Mr. Gass observed the happy event on the third day of last August, with all the members of their family and a great many of their friends present at a reception given in their honor by the Maennerchor society.
As Elizabeth Schmid, Mrs. Gass was born in Watwille, Canton St. Gahlen, Switzerland, August 11, 1849. She came to America, and Rock Island, Ill., in 1872. There she was married on August 3, 1872, to Mr. Gass, who had come to Columbus two years before and established a cabinet shop, the forerunner of the present Henry Gass & Co. furniture store. Immediately after their marriage she accompanied her husband back to Columbus and here the family home has been during all the intervening years.
Mrs. Gass and her husband were among the founders of the Columbus Evangelical Protestant church, and she was active in the affairs of the church to such extent as the condition of her health permitted. Possessed of the sterling qualities of the pioneer woman, her interest centered always in her home and family and in the companionship of her neighbors and friends.
She leaves her aged husband, two sons and one daughter -- Sam Gass, Henry Gass, jr., and Miss Rose Gass. Two sons and two daughters preceded her in death.
Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made, but the services will probably be conducted Thursday by Rev. R. Neumarker.
The Columbus Daily Telegram, March 13, 1923
LIGHTNER--Isaiah Lightner, son of John David and Sophia Lightner, was born at Union Bridge, Carroll county, Md., Oct. 30, 1841, being one of six children. The father died when Mr. Lightner was a small child, leaving the raising of the children to the mother, who was a strong christian character.
On Aug. 2, 1862, he enlisted in the Union army and remained in the service until the close of the war. On Dec. 3, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Fannie R. Haines at Union Bridge. There the two oldest children, Esther and Stephen, were born.
In 1870 he and his wife united with the Friends society. Shorty after this he became a minister of that faith, continuing his regular vocation as well, as is customary in that society. He contiued his ministry all his life and was a forceful and sympathetic speaker.
The following extract from the History of Nebraska, printed in 1880, is of interest: "Isaiah Lightner, U.S. Indian agent, is a native of Carroll county, Md., where he was born and raised. He was a clerk in a store several years and enlisted in 1862 in Company F, 7th Maryland infantry, was promoted to captain, which position he held when he was mustered out of the service at the end of the war. He was wounded in the battle of Five Forks, Ga. At the close of the war, he returned to Union Bridge and engaged in merchandising, which he continued until 1877, when he was appointed by President Hayes as agent of the Santee Sioux Indians, Knox county, Nebraska, since which time the Flandreau and the Ponca Indians, of Dakota, have been consolidated with the Santee. The major purchased 350 acres of land in Platte county, Nebr., which he is improving to make it his future home."
Major Lightner, which rank he held until he resigned from the service, was so successful in the management of the agency that he continued as its head for nine years. Though he resigned three different times from his post, he was not released until he had moved his family to the above mentioned land in this community in 1885. He still remained in the service in an advisory position for several years.
While in Knox county, four other children were born: Mary, William, Elizabeth and Charles. Mary and William both died in early childhood. After putting extensive improvements on his farm, Mr. Lightner very successfully practised what is known as diversified farming, having a large dairy and orchard in addition to the farm proper.
On arrival, Mr. and Mrs. Lightner united with the Friends organization here and were among the builders of the Friends' meeting house east of Genoa. They were also leaders in all community life. For years Mr. Lightner was a republican, but united with the prohibition party in their demand for a cessation of the liquor traffic and advocacy of equal suffrage. He was a nominee one year on the prohibition party ticket for lieutenant governor. When the W.C.T.U. was organized in 1890, with his wife and daughter among the charter members, he joined as an honorary member, continuing his membership until his death. Mr. Lightner was also a member of the Masonic lodge. He was one of the main workers in securing the rural telephone service here. He was the first president of the Monroe Independent Telephone company when it was organized 20 years ago, and remained at its helm until its success was assured.
In his work as a farmer, temperance worker and minister, Mr. Lightner was ably assisted by his wife, who had no small part in his success. After nearly 46 years of loving companionship, she passed away April 14, 1911. Of his wonderful career as a soldier Mr. Lightner was very reticent, as its horrors were so repellent to him. One memory was very dear, however--that of having the honor of having Abraham Lincoln shake his hand and inquire solicitously after his welfare, when he was in the hospital after receiving his wound. The martyred president was shot one short week after, but the ovation given him by those wounded soldiers Mr. Lightner enjoyed recalling.
On Oct. 26, 1912, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Catherine DePeel, a friend of many years, of Clearwater, Neb. This union was also very congenial. The last five years they made their winter home in Pasadena, Cal. It was there at 3 p.m., March 2, that Mr. Lightner answered the final summons after a two hours' illness.
He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, Catherine; four children, Mrs. F.A. Matson, of Monroe; Stephen Lightner, of St. Edward; Mrs. E.L. Dubrava and Charles Lightner, also of Monroe; four step-children, James DePeel and Mrs. John Cooley, both of Clearwater; Mrs. Charles Follie, of Pasadena, Cal., and Mrs. Arthur Woodard, of Cattaraugus, N.Y.; his oldest brother, Daniel Lightner, of Baltimore, and five grandchildren.
It is impossible to sum up in a few words all the lovable traits of this kind, sympathetic man, who has so fittingly spoken the last words of comfort over the bier of so many of our departed loved ones; who was ever ready to lend a hand and be a true neighbor. Suffice it to say that the community is mourning not only a benefactor, but a tried and true friend. A funeral service was held at the Friends' meeting house at Pasadena, Cal., Sunday, March 4. Stephen Lightner went to California to bring home the body of his father. Owing to her advanced age, Mrs. Lightner did not come for fear of the change in climate at this time of year. Funeral services were also held at the Friends meeting house 4 miles west of Monroe Sunday afternoon. J.W. Campbell, of Fullerton officiated. He paid tribute to the life of Mr. Lightner, stating that its memory was the greatest monument that ever could be erected in his honor; emphasizing his great love for humanity by quoting the last words he spoke, addressed to his wife, "Catherine, I love everybody," which included all of his Platte county friends. The Genoa chapter of Master Masons had charge of the ceremony at the grave, where he was laid to rest by the remains of his first wife. The pallbearers were E.A. Matson, John Clayburn, Dr. Homer Davis, Charles Kelley, John Talbitzer and C.O. Hart. Despite the condition of the roads, a vast assemblage of friends was present, crowding the house to capacity, with as many more on the outside.
Among those present from out of town were his son and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Lightner, and children, Frank, Ada and Esther; Mr. and Mrs. Dana Williams, of Albion; Mr. and Mrs. James DePeel, of Clearwater; Mr. and Mrs. John Cooley and son, George, of Clearwater; Mrs. C. Berndt and Bert Berndt, of St. Edward; Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Echols and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Potter, of Columbus; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Irish, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Higgins and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Clother, of Platte Center. All the children and grandchildren were present, except Miss Elizabeth Matson, who is attending school in Baltimore, Md., and George Lightner, of Bristow, and Lowell Dubrava, who were ill. [Monroe.]
The Monroe News, March 22, 1923
KEELER--Saturday morning, March 17, at 4 a.m., a little daughter came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Keeler, making a family circle of five sisters and three brothers.
The Columbus Daily Telegram, May 28, 1923
MAHOOD--Death of Hugh M. Mahood -- Stricken with complications incident to his advanced age, Hugh Frazier Mahood, former Columbus man and a brother of Sam Mahood, passed away Friday in Norfolk. The body was brought to Columbus yesterday noon and was laid to rest in Columbus cemetery where his parents were given burial 45 years ago. Rev. T. M. Pyle, pastor of the Baptist Church, conducted the services at the cemetery. Relatives here to attend the funeral were Mrs. T. N. Olin of Tilden; Mrs. S. A. Harris, of Brunswick, Neb.; Mrs. Ellen Mahood of Neligh; Mr. and Mrs. George Mahood and family of St. Edward; and Mrs. John James of Lindsay. Mr. Mahood was 80 years old. He never married. Born in Ulster, Ireland, he came to this country with his parents in 1879, the family locating on a farm south of Columbus. For the past 40 years Mr. Mahood resided in a number of different Nebraska towns, but in the more recent years made his home with his sisters, Mrs. Olin in Tilden, and Mrs. Harris at Brunswick. Besides the two sisters, he leaves two brothers, Sam Mahood, of Columbus, and George, of St. Edward.
The Columbus Daily Telegram, July 10, 1923
HAFNER--[City Briefs] Death of Nick Hafner
An illness of long duration during the last six weeks of which he was confined to his bed resulted in the death of Nick Hafner, a resident of Nebraska 43 years, at his home, 2208 Ninth street, at 5:30 p.m. yesterday. Death was due to kidney trouble and complications. Mr. Hafner was born in Germany April 15, 1848. He came to America 43 years ago, locating on a farm near Leigh where he made his home until he retired from active farming in 1905 and moved to Columbus. His first wife passed away in 1917, and in May, 1922, he married Mrs. Minnie Dietz, who survives him. He leaves also one daughter, Mrs. August Runge, seven miles northeast of Columbus; a step-daughter, Mrs. Louise Knight, of Grand Island; two brothers and two sisters, residing in Germany, and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. R. Neumarker at the German Evangelical Protestant church at 12:30 p.m. Thursday. The body will be taken to Leigh for burial. Mr. Hafner was a member of the Order of Herman Sons.
The Columbus Daily Telegram, October 25, 1923
TOBER--The body of John Tober, 22, son of John Tober, Twenty-fifth avenue and Sixth street, Columbus, is being sent here from Chicago for burial. Young Tober, according to a dispatch received by Chief of Police Jack Lehman from police headquarters in Chiccago, was found, hanging dead, in a rooming house there yesterday.
In the dead man's pockets authorities found a picture of young Tober in a boxer's costume and on the picture was written the name "John Tober, Columbus, Neb." Police investigation here disclosed that the body was that of the Columbus boy. His father said the son had been away from here for about two years. He was formerly employed at the Swift & Co. packing plant here.
The father, John Tober, this morning completed arrangements with the Gass and Co. mortuary to send the remains to Columbus. No funeral arrangements will be made until the body arrives.
The Columbus Daily Telegram, November 16, 1923
SWIRZSVYNSKI - Fall Hastens Death. Robert Swirzsvynski, 89 years old, father of Sister M. Ruperta, passed away last night at 1 o'clock at St. Mary's Hospital where he and his wife have made their home with the sisters the past 11 years. He had been in feeble health since last March, and a fall last Saturday in which he fractured one of his hips, hastened his death. Mr. Swirzvynski was born in West Prussia, Germany, June 1, 1834. He came to America in 1873, locating first in Parkersville, W. Va. Sixteen years later he came to Nebraska, locating on a farm northwest of Grand Island. There he resided until 1891 when he moved to Texas. He and Mrs. Swirzvynski made their home in the Lone Star state until 11 years ago when sister M. Ruperta, who is stationed at St. Mary's Hospital, went south and brought them here to make their home. Members of the immediate family surviving are the wife, four sons and four daughters - Julius and John of Oklahoma City; Joseph and Mrs. Agnes Yosten, of Muenster, Tex.; Phillip, of Omaha; sister Ladesiaus, of Tarnov, Neb.; Sister Angeline, of Emporia, Kas., and Sister Ruperta, of Columbus. Mrs. Swirzvynski, Phillip, and Sisters Ladesiaus and Ruperta were at his bedside when death came. Funeral services will be held at St. Bonaventure's Church at 8 a.m. Monday, with burial in the parish cemetery.
The Columbus Daily Telegram, November 23, 1923 LUTJELUSCHEN--John Henry Lutjeluschen, 90 years old, who had the distinction of being one of the oldest living pioneers of Platte county, died at his old home farm on Shell creek, 13 miles northeast of Columbus, at 5:30 a.m. today. His death was caused by pneumonia and followed an illness of only two days. Up to the time he was stricken this week he enjoyed exceptionally robust health for one of his extreme age and retained the use of his faculties to a rare degree.
Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Hugo Welchert at the Shell Creek Lutheran church at 1:45 p.m. Monday, following brief services at the home at 1 p.m. Burial will be made in the cemetery near the church.
Mr. Lutjeluschen was born in Oldenburg, Germany, Oct. 14, 1833, and observed his 90th birthday anniversary just a month ago. In 1869 he brought his wife and family, and his aged parents, to America, coming directly to Columbus. Arriving here on Aug. 2, of that year, he homesteaded in the Shell creek valley and there he made his home throughout the 54 years which have ensued. He is the last of the old settlers of that community, with exception of Gerhold Loseke, who is a younger man, having come here as a boy. Mr. Lutjeluschen's parents, who died here many years ago, were the oldest of the settlers who came from Germany to Platte county, both of them having been born in the 18th century.
Laboring steadfastly through the years of hardship and privation incident to pioneer life, Mr. Lutjeluschen not only acquired a competency, but lived to see the barren prairie transformed into the garden spot of the world.
Mrs. Lutjeluschen, who, before her marriage was Anna Maria Borchers, of Oldenburg, Germany, passed away June 2, 1900. Two sons, George and Henry, also preceded Mr. Lutjeluschen in death. Surviving members of the immediate family are three sons and three daughters--Fred and Louis Luschen, who reside on the home farm; John R. Luschen, prominent Columbus business man; Mrs. William J. Voss, residing northeast of Columbus; Mrs. Frank Adams, of Yoder, Wyo., and Mrs. Henry Leflers, of Creston, Neb. Mr. and Mrs. Adams arrived this afternoon from Wyoming to attend the funeral.
The Columbus Telegram, November 28, 1923
JANSSEN--Brief Illness Fatal - An illness of only five day's duration proved fatal Monday evening when death came to Mrs. Margaret Janssen, wife of Bernhardt Janssen, at the family home in Sherman township 15 miles north of Columbus. Death was due to heart trouble. Born in Germany March 2, 1848, Mrs. Janssen had been a resident of this community since coming to America in 1894. She was mother of eight children and step-mother of nine. Her four sons and four daughters are: Mrs. Minnie Rosendahl, John G. Janssen, Mrs. Lena Osten, Gerhart, Bernardt, and Herman Janssen, Mrs. Bernardina Mohlman and Mrs. Martha Linthmer. She leaves also two brothers, George Borchers, of Columbus, and John Borchers, of Platte Center. Funeral services will be held at the family home at 2 p.m. Thursday and at the Lutheran church in that vicinity at 3 p.m., Rev. Holm officiating.