New Ulm Review July 19, 1916
BUILDER OF HERMANN'S MONUMENT DEAD
Julius Berndt, Sr. architect and builder of the Hermann's Monument has made his last trip to Hermann's Heights and the monument and the museum will have to forego the tender care that has been heretofore bestowed upon it by him. The man who conceived the idea that a monument should be erected here to the memory of Hermann, the Cherusker, similar to the monument erected in Lippe Detmold, near the Teutoburger Walde, passed away at his home on South Minnesota Street Thursday morning.
Mr. Berndt had been in feeble health for some months and was subject to dizzy spells, but his death really was not looked for, altho he had reached four score years and more. He had been confined to his bed for nearly 3 weeks and suffered considerable pain. With his demise one of the most intereting characters New Ulm has had to boast of, passed out. He was always active and busied himself especially with matters pertaining to the public welfare, never thinking of himself. As a result he was never burdened with riches and never got away from rubbing elbows with want. But he was always happy and contented, because his mind and his hands were occupied with doing the things that gave him pleasure and his lifework, disinterested and unselfish as it was, should be an inspiration to all to do a little less for self-aggrandisement and a trifle more for the general public good.
The deceased was born in Kloster Heinrich-Au near Breslau, Silesia March 13, 1832 and was therefore over 84 years old when he died. He attended a poly-technical school at Breslau and was fortunate enough to see something of the Revolution of 1848. Altho he did not take an active part in this movement, his sympathies were with the revolutionists.
At the age of 20 years, he came to America and directly to Chicago where he became associated with the Chicago Landverein which had for its main object the founding of a German colony. He was Secretary of the Association at the time it sold out its holdings to the German Land Association. In 1857 he came to New Ulm and has resided here continuously ever since. During his resdience here he was engaged as architect, contractor, and surveyor. For quite a few years he was County Surveyor of Brown County. He drew the plans for the old Turner Hall, a very pleasing and imposing structure, and also the plans for the small hall.
Shortly after coming to New Ulm, he became a member of the New Ulm Turnverein and was given his diploma for 50 years membership in the North American Gymnastic Union several years ago. He was one of the founders of the local lodge of Sons of Hermann and was for a great number of years a member of the local lodge of Freemasons. At the time of his death he held the office of Tyler in the local lodge.
He dearly loved to take in hand any work of preparation for civic celebrations. Nearly all of the arches of any consequence that were erected in New Ulm for festive occasions and beautiful floats for parades were designed and built by him. One winter he planned and erected an ice palace in North German Park. But the work that will always have his name coupled with it and will make his name so to speak immortal was the erection of the Hermann Monument on Hermann's Heights. He conceived the idea, prepared the plans and specification and practically without funds started the building process. In the interest of the monument, he traveled practically to the Atlantic coast. The corner stone was finally laid in 1888 and 9 years later the monument was completed and was dedicated in September 1897, a record crowd coming here to take part in the dedication ceremonies. It took a long time but it simply proves what perseverance, push and enthusiasm can accomplish.
Mr. Berndt was married to Miss Minna Kieseling September 14, 1861, who survives him. They celebrated their golden wedding in 1911.
Of the 12 children born to them the following 9 survive: Mrs. William Pfaender,Jr.: August Berndt and Miss Julia Berndt of New Ulm; Mrs. Chas. Davin of Springfield; Rudolph, Minneapolis; Julius, St. Peter; Robert, Huron, S.D.; Emil of Faribault and Mrs. W. B. Greig of Windom.
The funeral was held under the auspices of the Sons OF Hermann from Turner Hall Saturday afternoon. Albert Steinhauser spoke at the hall and also at the grave. At the grave Carl Ancker, of Minneapolis, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the Sons of Hermann of the State also spoke and he paid the deceased a very warm tribute.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 November 23, 2014, 9:42 pm
Source: See Below
Author: L. A. Fritsche
JULIUS BERNDT.
Julius Berndt, well-known architect and surveyor and superintendent of the noble monument to Hermann at New Ulm, who also is one of the few remaining survivors of that hardy band of pioneers who braved the hardships of the wilderness and laid the foundation for the present social and material well-being of this favored section of Minnesota back in the middle part of the last century, is a native of Germany, having been born in Kloster, Heinrick Aan, Breslau, in Prussia, March 13, 1832, son of John and Josepha (Kottvitz) Berndt, who were the parents of fourteen children, of whom the venerable architect at New Ulm is now the sole survivor.
Johann Berndt was a small merchant in his home village in Breslau. Determining to better his condition he came to the United States about the year 1850, with a view to seeking out a location in which to go into business, leaving his family in Germany. He located in Chicago, where he began working as a carpenter, and in 1852 was joined there by his sons, Julius and Herman. The next year, in 1853, Johann Berndt became a victim of the cholera scourge and died in
Chicago, his dreams of creating a new and better home for his family in this country unrealized. His widow, who continued to make her home in her native land, died there when past ninety years of age.
Julius Berndt was twenty years of age when he came to America. He readily found employment in Chicago, having received an excellent education in the schools of Breslau, his course having been directed with particular reference to civil engineering and architecture, and he was a skilled draftsman and architect. In 1857 he joined the Chicago Landverein and put in his lot with that of the hardy colonists of his own nationality in Brown county. Immediately upon his arrival here his special talents were recognized and utilized by the pioneer community, he having been the first duly elected official surveyor of Brown county, a position which he held continuously for a period of thirty years and in the performance of the duties of which office he rendered a most signal service in behalf of the commonwealth. In addition to performing his official duties he also was constantly called upon to lend his services as an architect to the new community and he became a general building contractor, continuing thus actively engaged until his retirement from business in 1899, during which time he had superintended the erection of many of the most important buildings in the county.
In the fall of 1861, four years after his arrival in this county, Mr. Berndt married one of the pioneer girls of this community and he and his wife witnessed the full horrors of the massacre of 1862. Mr. Berndt was one of the most distinguished of the valorous home defenders during that awful period and was one of the provost marshals of the town during the time it was under siege. He received the appointment of first lieutenant of the Brown county camp of
Light Artillery, Twenty-second Regiment, Minnesota National Guard, and upon the conclusion of his military service received from Governor Ramsey a certificate of commendation for his valor, patriotism and fidelity to duty.
For many years Mr. Berndt has been an active and enthusiastic member of that powerful and benevolent association, the Society of the Sons of Hermann, one of the strongest and most popular German societies in the United. States, which since its organization in 1840 has disbursed nearly fifteen million dollars among its members, and was the prime factor in the movement which led to the selection of New Ulm as the site for the erection of the noble monument to Hermann, built in honor of the society and dedicated on September 25, 1897, in the presence of a great concourse of people, numbering about twenty-four thousand.
Upon the completion of the monument Mr. Berndt was made superintendent of the same and since then has been devoted to its care and preservation.
On September 14, 1861, Julius Berndt was united in marriage to Mina Kiesling, who was born in the kingdom of Saxony, November 9, 1844, daughter of August Kiesling and wife, who were among the earliest and most influential pioneers of Brown county, and to this union twelve children have been born, as follow: Herman, who died when one year old; Ida, who married Anton Gag and died at the age of twenty-three; Sophia, who married William Pfaender, Jr., a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume; Julia, who since the death of the wife of her brother, Julius, is at home with her parents, taking care of her brother's bereaved children, Ruth Alice and Albert Julius;
August, a tinner, of New Ulm, who married Ida Liesch and has two children, Victor and George; Bertha, who married Charles Davin, a well-known Brown county farmer, and has eight children, Armin, Roland, Elsie, Rosa, August,Chester, Ernest and Bernen; Julius, a well-known citizen of New Ulm, who married Alice Baumann, who died, leaving two children, named above; Rudolph, of Minneapolis, who married and has two children. Norman and Florence; Rosa,who married Barney Greig, of New Ulm; Hugo, now deceased, who married Beulah Knighten and had four children, Robert, Russell, Herbert and Tom Knighten; Robert, who married Julia Hammond and lives in Huron, South Dakota, and Emil, who is unmarried.
Mr. and Mrs. Berndt celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage on September 14, 1911, the occasion being made one of rejoicing among their many friends. Despite the growing weight of their years, both are still hale and well preserved, active and vigorous, and continue to take a warm interest in local affairs. They have witnessed the development of this favored section of the state from the days of the very beginning of a social order hereabout and have done well their parts in promoting that wonderful development. They have a very wide acquaintance throughout the city and county and are held in the very highest esteem throughout the whole community.
Extracted from:
HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY MINNESOTA
ITS PEOPLE, INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS
L. A. FRITSCHE. M. D.
Editor
BUILDER OF HERMANN'S MONUMENT DEAD
Julius Berndt, Sr. architect and builder of the Hermann's Monument has made his last trip to Hermann's Heights and the monument and the museum will have to forego the tender care that has been heretofore bestowed upon it by him. The man who conceived the idea that a monument should be erected here to the memory of Hermann, the Cherusker, similar to the monument erected in Lippe Detmold, near the Teutoburger Walde, passed away at his home on South Minnesota Street Thursday morning.
Mr. Berndt had been in feeble health for some months and was subject to dizzy spells, but his death really was not looked for, altho he had reached four score years and more. He had been confined to his bed for nearly 3 weeks and suffered considerable pain. With his demise one of the most intereting characters New Ulm has had to boast of, passed out. He was always active and busied himself especially with matters pertaining to the public welfare, never thinking of himself. As a result he was never burdened with riches and never got away from rubbing elbows with want. But he was always happy and contented, because his mind and his hands were occupied with doing the things that gave him pleasure and his lifework, disinterested and unselfish as it was, should be an inspiration to all to do a little less for self-aggrandisement and a trifle more for the general public good.
The deceased was born in Kloster Heinrich-Au near Breslau, Silesia March 13, 1832 and was therefore over 84 years old when he died. He attended a poly-technical school at Breslau and was fortunate enough to see something of the Revolution of 1848. Altho he did not take an active part in this movement, his sympathies were with the revolutionists.
At the age of 20 years, he came to America and directly to Chicago where he became associated with the Chicago Landverein which had for its main object the founding of a German colony. He was Secretary of the Association at the time it sold out its holdings to the German Land Association. In 1857 he came to New Ulm and has resided here continuously ever since. During his resdience here he was engaged as architect, contractor, and surveyor. For quite a few years he was County Surveyor of Brown County. He drew the plans for the old Turner Hall, a very pleasing and imposing structure, and also the plans for the small hall.
Shortly after coming to New Ulm, he became a member of the New Ulm Turnverein and was given his diploma for 50 years membership in the North American Gymnastic Union several years ago. He was one of the founders of the local lodge of Sons of Hermann and was for a great number of years a member of the local lodge of Freemasons. At the time of his death he held the office of Tyler in the local lodge.
He dearly loved to take in hand any work of preparation for civic celebrations. Nearly all of the arches of any consequence that were erected in New Ulm for festive occasions and beautiful floats for parades were designed and built by him. One winter he planned and erected an ice palace in North German Park. But the work that will always have his name coupled with it and will make his name so to speak immortal was the erection of the Hermann Monument on Hermann's Heights. He conceived the idea, prepared the plans and specification and practically without funds started the building process. In the interest of the monument, he traveled practically to the Atlantic coast. The corner stone was finally laid in 1888 and 9 years later the monument was completed and was dedicated in September 1897, a record crowd coming here to take part in the dedication ceremonies. It took a long time but it simply proves what perseverance, push and enthusiasm can accomplish.
Mr. Berndt was married to Miss Minna Kieseling September 14, 1861, who survives him. They celebrated their golden wedding in 1911.
Of the 12 children born to them the following 9 survive: Mrs. William Pfaender,Jr.: August Berndt and Miss Julia Berndt of New Ulm; Mrs. Chas. Davin of Springfield; Rudolph, Minneapolis; Julius, St. Peter; Robert, Huron, S.D.; Emil of Faribault and Mrs. W. B. Greig of Windom.
The funeral was held under the auspices of the Sons OF Hermann from Turner Hall Saturday afternoon. Albert Steinhauser spoke at the hall and also at the grave. At the grave Carl Ancker, of Minneapolis, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the Sons of Hermann of the State also spoke and he paid the deceased a very warm tribute.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 November 23, 2014, 9:42 pm
Source: See Below
Author: L. A. Fritsche
JULIUS BERNDT.
Julius Berndt, well-known architect and surveyor and superintendent of the noble monument to Hermann at New Ulm, who also is one of the few remaining survivors of that hardy band of pioneers who braved the hardships of the wilderness and laid the foundation for the present social and material well-being of this favored section of Minnesota back in the middle part of the last century, is a native of Germany, having been born in Kloster, Heinrick Aan, Breslau, in Prussia, March 13, 1832, son of John and Josepha (Kottvitz) Berndt, who were the parents of fourteen children, of whom the venerable architect at New Ulm is now the sole survivor.
Johann Berndt was a small merchant in his home village in Breslau. Determining to better his condition he came to the United States about the year 1850, with a view to seeking out a location in which to go into business, leaving his family in Germany. He located in Chicago, where he began working as a carpenter, and in 1852 was joined there by his sons, Julius and Herman. The next year, in 1853, Johann Berndt became a victim of the cholera scourge and died in
Chicago, his dreams of creating a new and better home for his family in this country unrealized. His widow, who continued to make her home in her native land, died there when past ninety years of age.
Julius Berndt was twenty years of age when he came to America. He readily found employment in Chicago, having received an excellent education in the schools of Breslau, his course having been directed with particular reference to civil engineering and architecture, and he was a skilled draftsman and architect. In 1857 he joined the Chicago Landverein and put in his lot with that of the hardy colonists of his own nationality in Brown county. Immediately upon his arrival here his special talents were recognized and utilized by the pioneer community, he having been the first duly elected official surveyor of Brown county, a position which he held continuously for a period of thirty years and in the performance of the duties of which office he rendered a most signal service in behalf of the commonwealth. In addition to performing his official duties he also was constantly called upon to lend his services as an architect to the new community and he became a general building contractor, continuing thus actively engaged until his retirement from business in 1899, during which time he had superintended the erection of many of the most important buildings in the county.
In the fall of 1861, four years after his arrival in this county, Mr. Berndt married one of the pioneer girls of this community and he and his wife witnessed the full horrors of the massacre of 1862. Mr. Berndt was one of the most distinguished of the valorous home defenders during that awful period and was one of the provost marshals of the town during the time it was under siege. He received the appointment of first lieutenant of the Brown county camp of
Light Artillery, Twenty-second Regiment, Minnesota National Guard, and upon the conclusion of his military service received from Governor Ramsey a certificate of commendation for his valor, patriotism and fidelity to duty.
For many years Mr. Berndt has been an active and enthusiastic member of that powerful and benevolent association, the Society of the Sons of Hermann, one of the strongest and most popular German societies in the United. States, which since its organization in 1840 has disbursed nearly fifteen million dollars among its members, and was the prime factor in the movement which led to the selection of New Ulm as the site for the erection of the noble monument to Hermann, built in honor of the society and dedicated on September 25, 1897, in the presence of a great concourse of people, numbering about twenty-four thousand.
Upon the completion of the monument Mr. Berndt was made superintendent of the same and since then has been devoted to its care and preservation.
On September 14, 1861, Julius Berndt was united in marriage to Mina Kiesling, who was born in the kingdom of Saxony, November 9, 1844, daughter of August Kiesling and wife, who were among the earliest and most influential pioneers of Brown county, and to this union twelve children have been born, as follow: Herman, who died when one year old; Ida, who married Anton Gag and died at the age of twenty-three; Sophia, who married William Pfaender, Jr., a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume; Julia, who since the death of the wife of her brother, Julius, is at home with her parents, taking care of her brother's bereaved children, Ruth Alice and Albert Julius;
August, a tinner, of New Ulm, who married Ida Liesch and has two children, Victor and George; Bertha, who married Charles Davin, a well-known Brown county farmer, and has eight children, Armin, Roland, Elsie, Rosa, August,Chester, Ernest and Bernen; Julius, a well-known citizen of New Ulm, who married Alice Baumann, who died, leaving two children, named above; Rudolph, of Minneapolis, who married and has two children. Norman and Florence; Rosa,who married Barney Greig, of New Ulm; Hugo, now deceased, who married Beulah Knighten and had four children, Robert, Russell, Herbert and Tom Knighten; Robert, who married Julia Hammond and lives in Huron, South Dakota, and Emil, who is unmarried.
Mr. and Mrs. Berndt celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage on September 14, 1911, the occasion being made one of rejoicing among their many friends. Despite the growing weight of their years, both are still hale and well preserved, active and vigorous, and continue to take a warm interest in local affairs. They have witnessed the development of this favored section of the state from the days of the very beginning of a social order hereabout and have done well their parts in promoting that wonderful development. They have a very wide acquaintance throughout the city and county and are held in the very highest esteem throughout the whole community.
Extracted from:
HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY MINNESOTA
ITS PEOPLE, INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS
L. A. FRITSCHE. M. D.
Editor
New Ulm Review July 19, 1916
BUILDER OF HERMANN'S MONUMENT DEAD
Julius Berndt, Sr. architect and builder of the Hermann's Monument has made his last trip to Hermann's Heights and the monument and the museum will have to forego the tender care that has been heretofore bestowed upon it by him. The man who conceived the idea that a monument should be erected here to the memory of Hermann, the Cherusker, similar to the monument erected in Lippe Detmold, near the Teutoburger Walde, passed away at his home on South Minnesota Street Thursday morning.
Mr. Berndt had been in feeble health for some months and was subject to dizzy spells, but his death really was not looked for, altho he had reached four score years and more. He had been confined to his bed for nearly 3 weeks and suffered considerable pain. With his demise one of the most intereting characters New Ulm has had to boast of, passed out. He was always active and busied himself especially with matters pertaining to the public welfare, never thinking of himself. As a result he was never burdened with riches and never got away from rubbing elbows with want. But he was always happy and contented, because his mind and his hands were occupied with doing the things that gave him pleasure and his lifework, disinterested and unselfish as it was, should be an inspiration to all to do a little less for self-aggrandisement and a trifle more for the general public good.
The deceased was born in Kloster Heinrich-Au near Breslau, Silesia March 13, 1832 and was therefore over 84 years old when he died. He attended a poly-technical school at Breslau and was fortunate enough to see something of the Revolution of 1848. Altho he did not take an active part in this movement, his sympathies were with the revolutionists.
At the age of 20 years, he came to America and directly to Chicago where he became associated with the Chicago Landverein which had for its main object the founding of a German colony. He was Secretary of the Association at the time it sold out its holdings to the German Land Association. In 1857 he came to New Ulm and has resided here continuously ever since. During his resdience here he was engaged as architect, contractor, and surveyor. For quite a few years he was County Surveyor of Brown County. He drew the plans for the old Turner Hall, a very pleasing and imposing structure, and also the plans for the small hall.
Shortly after coming to New Ulm, he became a member of the New Ulm Turnverein and was given his diploma for 50 years membership in the North American Gymnastic Union several years ago. He was one of the founders of the local lodge of Sons of Hermann and was for a great number of years a member of the local lodge of Freemasons. At the time of his death he held the office of Tyler in the local lodge.
He dearly loved to take in hand any work of preparation for civic celebrations. Nearly all of the arches of any consequence that were erected in New Ulm for festive occasions and beautiful floats for parades were designed and built by him. One winter he planned and erected an ice palace in North German Park. But the work that will always have his name coupled with it and will make his name so to speak immortal was the erection of the Hermann Monument on Hermann's Heights. He conceived the idea, prepared the plans and specification and practically without funds started the building process. In the interest of the monument, he traveled practically to the Atlantic coast. The corner stone was finally laid in 1888 and 9 years later the monument was completed and was dedicated in September 1897, a record crowd coming here to take part in the dedication ceremonies. It took a long time but it simply proves what perseverance, push and enthusiasm can accomplish.
Mr. Berndt was married to Miss Minna Kieseling September 14, 1861, who survives him. They celebrated their golden wedding in 1911.
Of the 12 children born to them the following 9 survive: Mrs. William Pfaender,Jr.: August Berndt and Miss Julia Berndt of New Ulm; Mrs. Chas. Davin of Springfield; Rudolph, Minneapolis; Julius, St. Peter; Robert, Huron, S.D.; Emil of Faribault and Mrs. W. B. Greig of Windom.
The funeral was held under the auspices of the Sons OF Hermann from Turner Hall Saturday afternoon. Albert Steinhauser spoke at the hall and also at the grave. At the grave Carl Ancker, of Minneapolis, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the Sons of Hermann of the State also spoke and he paid the deceased a very warm tribute.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 November 23, 2014, 9:42 pm
Source: See Below
Author: L. A. Fritsche
JULIUS BERNDT.
Julius Berndt, well-known architect and surveyor and superintendent of the noble monument to Hermann at New Ulm, who also is one of the few remaining survivors of that hardy band of pioneers who braved the hardships of the wilderness and laid the foundation for the present social and material well-being of this favored section of Minnesota back in the middle part of the last century, is a native of Germany, having been born in Kloster, Heinrick Aan, Breslau, in Prussia, March 13, 1832, son of John and Josepha (Kottvitz) Berndt, who were the parents of fourteen children, of whom the venerable architect at New Ulm is now the sole survivor.
Johann Berndt was a small merchant in his home village in Breslau. Determining to better his condition he came to the United States about the year 1850, with a view to seeking out a location in which to go into business, leaving his family in Germany. He located in Chicago, where he began working as a carpenter, and in 1852 was joined there by his sons, Julius and Herman. The next year, in 1853, Johann Berndt became a victim of the cholera scourge and died in
Chicago, his dreams of creating a new and better home for his family in this country unrealized. His widow, who continued to make her home in her native land, died there when past ninety years of age.
Julius Berndt was twenty years of age when he came to America. He readily found employment in Chicago, having received an excellent education in the schools of Breslau, his course having been directed with particular reference to civil engineering and architecture, and he was a skilled draftsman and architect. In 1857 he joined the Chicago Landverein and put in his lot with that of the hardy colonists of his own nationality in Brown county. Immediately upon his arrival here his special talents were recognized and utilized by the pioneer community, he having been the first duly elected official surveyor of Brown county, a position which he held continuously for a period of thirty years and in the performance of the duties of which office he rendered a most signal service in behalf of the commonwealth. In addition to performing his official duties he also was constantly called upon to lend his services as an architect to the new community and he became a general building contractor, continuing thus actively engaged until his retirement from business in 1899, during which time he had superintended the erection of many of the most important buildings in the county.
In the fall of 1861, four years after his arrival in this county, Mr. Berndt married one of the pioneer girls of this community and he and his wife witnessed the full horrors of the massacre of 1862. Mr. Berndt was one of the most distinguished of the valorous home defenders during that awful period and was one of the provost marshals of the town during the time it was under siege. He received the appointment of first lieutenant of the Brown county camp of
Light Artillery, Twenty-second Regiment, Minnesota National Guard, and upon the conclusion of his military service received from Governor Ramsey a certificate of commendation for his valor, patriotism and fidelity to duty.
For many years Mr. Berndt has been an active and enthusiastic member of that powerful and benevolent association, the Society of the Sons of Hermann, one of the strongest and most popular German societies in the United. States, which since its organization in 1840 has disbursed nearly fifteen million dollars among its members, and was the prime factor in the movement which led to the selection of New Ulm as the site for the erection of the noble monument to Hermann, built in honor of the society and dedicated on September 25, 1897, in the presence of a great concourse of people, numbering about twenty-four thousand.
Upon the completion of the monument Mr. Berndt was made superintendent of the same and since then has been devoted to its care and preservation.
On September 14, 1861, Julius Berndt was united in marriage to Mina Kiesling, who was born in the kingdom of Saxony, November 9, 1844, daughter of August Kiesling and wife, who were among the earliest and most influential pioneers of Brown county, and to this union twelve children have been born, as follow: Herman, who died when one year old; Ida, who married Anton Gag and died at the age of twenty-three; Sophia, who married William Pfaender, Jr., a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume; Julia, who since the death of the wife of her brother, Julius, is at home with her parents, taking care of her brother's bereaved children, Ruth Alice and Albert Julius;
August, a tinner, of New Ulm, who married Ida Liesch and has two children, Victor and George; Bertha, who married Charles Davin, a well-known Brown county farmer, and has eight children, Armin, Roland, Elsie, Rosa, August,Chester, Ernest and Bernen; Julius, a well-known citizen of New Ulm, who married Alice Baumann, who died, leaving two children, named above; Rudolph, of Minneapolis, who married and has two children. Norman and Florence; Rosa,who married Barney Greig, of New Ulm; Hugo, now deceased, who married Beulah Knighten and had four children, Robert, Russell, Herbert and Tom Knighten; Robert, who married Julia Hammond and lives in Huron, South Dakota, and Emil, who is unmarried.
Mr. and Mrs. Berndt celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage on September 14, 1911, the occasion being made one of rejoicing among their many friends. Despite the growing weight of their years, both are still hale and well preserved, active and vigorous, and continue to take a warm interest in local affairs. They have witnessed the development of this favored section of the state from the days of the very beginning of a social order hereabout and have done well their parts in promoting that wonderful development. They have a very wide acquaintance throughout the city and county and are held in the very highest esteem throughout the whole community.
Extracted from:
HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY MINNESOTA
ITS PEOPLE, INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS
L. A. FRITSCHE. M. D.
Editor
BUILDER OF HERMANN'S MONUMENT DEAD
Julius Berndt, Sr. architect and builder of the Hermann's Monument has made his last trip to Hermann's Heights and the monument and the museum will have to forego the tender care that has been heretofore bestowed upon it by him. The man who conceived the idea that a monument should be erected here to the memory of Hermann, the Cherusker, similar to the monument erected in Lippe Detmold, near the Teutoburger Walde, passed away at his home on South Minnesota Street Thursday morning.
Mr. Berndt had been in feeble health for some months and was subject to dizzy spells, but his death really was not looked for, altho he had reached four score years and more. He had been confined to his bed for nearly 3 weeks and suffered considerable pain. With his demise one of the most intereting characters New Ulm has had to boast of, passed out. He was always active and busied himself especially with matters pertaining to the public welfare, never thinking of himself. As a result he was never burdened with riches and never got away from rubbing elbows with want. But he was always happy and contented, because his mind and his hands were occupied with doing the things that gave him pleasure and his lifework, disinterested and unselfish as it was, should be an inspiration to all to do a little less for self-aggrandisement and a trifle more for the general public good.
The deceased was born in Kloster Heinrich-Au near Breslau, Silesia March 13, 1832 and was therefore over 84 years old when he died. He attended a poly-technical school at Breslau and was fortunate enough to see something of the Revolution of 1848. Altho he did not take an active part in this movement, his sympathies were with the revolutionists.
At the age of 20 years, he came to America and directly to Chicago where he became associated with the Chicago Landverein which had for its main object the founding of a German colony. He was Secretary of the Association at the time it sold out its holdings to the German Land Association. In 1857 he came to New Ulm and has resided here continuously ever since. During his resdience here he was engaged as architect, contractor, and surveyor. For quite a few years he was County Surveyor of Brown County. He drew the plans for the old Turner Hall, a very pleasing and imposing structure, and also the plans for the small hall.
Shortly after coming to New Ulm, he became a member of the New Ulm Turnverein and was given his diploma for 50 years membership in the North American Gymnastic Union several years ago. He was one of the founders of the local lodge of Sons of Hermann and was for a great number of years a member of the local lodge of Freemasons. At the time of his death he held the office of Tyler in the local lodge.
He dearly loved to take in hand any work of preparation for civic celebrations. Nearly all of the arches of any consequence that were erected in New Ulm for festive occasions and beautiful floats for parades were designed and built by him. One winter he planned and erected an ice palace in North German Park. But the work that will always have his name coupled with it and will make his name so to speak immortal was the erection of the Hermann Monument on Hermann's Heights. He conceived the idea, prepared the plans and specification and practically without funds started the building process. In the interest of the monument, he traveled practically to the Atlantic coast. The corner stone was finally laid in 1888 and 9 years later the monument was completed and was dedicated in September 1897, a record crowd coming here to take part in the dedication ceremonies. It took a long time but it simply proves what perseverance, push and enthusiasm can accomplish.
Mr. Berndt was married to Miss Minna Kieseling September 14, 1861, who survives him. They celebrated their golden wedding in 1911.
Of the 12 children born to them the following 9 survive: Mrs. William Pfaender,Jr.: August Berndt and Miss Julia Berndt of New Ulm; Mrs. Chas. Davin of Springfield; Rudolph, Minneapolis; Julius, St. Peter; Robert, Huron, S.D.; Emil of Faribault and Mrs. W. B. Greig of Windom.
The funeral was held under the auspices of the Sons OF Hermann from Turner Hall Saturday afternoon. Albert Steinhauser spoke at the hall and also at the grave. At the grave Carl Ancker, of Minneapolis, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the Sons of Hermann of the State also spoke and he paid the deceased a very warm tribute.
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 November 23, 2014, 9:42 pm
Source: See Below
Author: L. A. Fritsche
JULIUS BERNDT.
Julius Berndt, well-known architect and surveyor and superintendent of the noble monument to Hermann at New Ulm, who also is one of the few remaining survivors of that hardy band of pioneers who braved the hardships of the wilderness and laid the foundation for the present social and material well-being of this favored section of Minnesota back in the middle part of the last century, is a native of Germany, having been born in Kloster, Heinrick Aan, Breslau, in Prussia, March 13, 1832, son of John and Josepha (Kottvitz) Berndt, who were the parents of fourteen children, of whom the venerable architect at New Ulm is now the sole survivor.
Johann Berndt was a small merchant in his home village in Breslau. Determining to better his condition he came to the United States about the year 1850, with a view to seeking out a location in which to go into business, leaving his family in Germany. He located in Chicago, where he began working as a carpenter, and in 1852 was joined there by his sons, Julius and Herman. The next year, in 1853, Johann Berndt became a victim of the cholera scourge and died in
Chicago, his dreams of creating a new and better home for his family in this country unrealized. His widow, who continued to make her home in her native land, died there when past ninety years of age.
Julius Berndt was twenty years of age when he came to America. He readily found employment in Chicago, having received an excellent education in the schools of Breslau, his course having been directed with particular reference to civil engineering and architecture, and he was a skilled draftsman and architect. In 1857 he joined the Chicago Landverein and put in his lot with that of the hardy colonists of his own nationality in Brown county. Immediately upon his arrival here his special talents were recognized and utilized by the pioneer community, he having been the first duly elected official surveyor of Brown county, a position which he held continuously for a period of thirty years and in the performance of the duties of which office he rendered a most signal service in behalf of the commonwealth. In addition to performing his official duties he also was constantly called upon to lend his services as an architect to the new community and he became a general building contractor, continuing thus actively engaged until his retirement from business in 1899, during which time he had superintended the erection of many of the most important buildings in the county.
In the fall of 1861, four years after his arrival in this county, Mr. Berndt married one of the pioneer girls of this community and he and his wife witnessed the full horrors of the massacre of 1862. Mr. Berndt was one of the most distinguished of the valorous home defenders during that awful period and was one of the provost marshals of the town during the time it was under siege. He received the appointment of first lieutenant of the Brown county camp of
Light Artillery, Twenty-second Regiment, Minnesota National Guard, and upon the conclusion of his military service received from Governor Ramsey a certificate of commendation for his valor, patriotism and fidelity to duty.
For many years Mr. Berndt has been an active and enthusiastic member of that powerful and benevolent association, the Society of the Sons of Hermann, one of the strongest and most popular German societies in the United. States, which since its organization in 1840 has disbursed nearly fifteen million dollars among its members, and was the prime factor in the movement which led to the selection of New Ulm as the site for the erection of the noble monument to Hermann, built in honor of the society and dedicated on September 25, 1897, in the presence of a great concourse of people, numbering about twenty-four thousand.
Upon the completion of the monument Mr. Berndt was made superintendent of the same and since then has been devoted to its care and preservation.
On September 14, 1861, Julius Berndt was united in marriage to Mina Kiesling, who was born in the kingdom of Saxony, November 9, 1844, daughter of August Kiesling and wife, who were among the earliest and most influential pioneers of Brown county, and to this union twelve children have been born, as follow: Herman, who died when one year old; Ida, who married Anton Gag and died at the age of twenty-three; Sophia, who married William Pfaender, Jr., a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume; Julia, who since the death of the wife of her brother, Julius, is at home with her parents, taking care of her brother's bereaved children, Ruth Alice and Albert Julius;
August, a tinner, of New Ulm, who married Ida Liesch and has two children, Victor and George; Bertha, who married Charles Davin, a well-known Brown county farmer, and has eight children, Armin, Roland, Elsie, Rosa, August,Chester, Ernest and Bernen; Julius, a well-known citizen of New Ulm, who married Alice Baumann, who died, leaving two children, named above; Rudolph, of Minneapolis, who married and has two children. Norman and Florence; Rosa,who married Barney Greig, of New Ulm; Hugo, now deceased, who married Beulah Knighten and had four children, Robert, Russell, Herbert and Tom Knighten; Robert, who married Julia Hammond and lives in Huron, South Dakota, and Emil, who is unmarried.
Mr. and Mrs. Berndt celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage on September 14, 1911, the occasion being made one of rejoicing among their many friends. Despite the growing weight of their years, both are still hale and well preserved, active and vigorous, and continue to take a warm interest in local affairs. They have witnessed the development of this favored section of the state from the days of the very beginning of a social order hereabout and have done well their parts in promoting that wonderful development. They have a very wide acquaintance throughout the city and county and are held in the very highest esteem throughout the whole community.
Extracted from:
HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY MINNESOTA
ITS PEOPLE, INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS
L. A. FRITSCHE. M. D.
Editor
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