He was born in Germany and came to America in 1861. He married Anna Koester in 1867 and after their marriage, they moved to Nebraska and settled on a farm near Lincoln, which was then a small hamlet. His wife died within a short time. After her demise, Wilhelm and his infant daughter returned to Illinois.
Eventually, he married Luecke Lahners, a widow with several children, but life was still difficult. His first child passed away at the age of 3 and his second wife soon died as well.
A third wife, Elizabeth Hajen joined him when he came back to Nebraska in 1883. He was instrumental in founding the town of Bruning. Wilhelm & Elizabeth's children who survived infancy were Margaretha (b: 1880), Herman Wilke (b: 1882) and John G. (b: 1889)
Eventually, he married Luecke Lahners, a widow with several children, but life was still difficult. His first child passed away at the age of 3 and his second wife soon died as well.
A third wife, Elizabeth Hajen joined him when he came back to Nebraska in 1883. He was instrumental in founding the town of Bruning. Wilhelm & Elizabeth's children who survived infancy were Margaretha (b: 1880), Herman Wilke (b: 1882) and John G. (b: 1889)
He was born in Germany and came to America in 1861. He married Anna Koester in 1867 and after their marriage, they moved to Nebraska and settled on a farm near Lincoln, which was then a small hamlet. His wife died within a short time. After her demise, Wilhelm and his infant daughter returned to Illinois.
Eventually, he married Luecke Lahners, a widow with several children, but life was still difficult. His first child passed away at the age of 3 and his second wife soon died as well.
A third wife, Elizabeth Hajen joined him when he came back to Nebraska in 1883. He was instrumental in founding the town of Bruning. Wilhelm & Elizabeth's children who survived infancy were Margaretha (b: 1880), Herman Wilke (b: 1882) and John G. (b: 1889)
Eventually, he married Luecke Lahners, a widow with several children, but life was still difficult. His first child passed away at the age of 3 and his second wife soon died as well.
A third wife, Elizabeth Hajen joined him when he came back to Nebraska in 1883. He was instrumental in founding the town of Bruning. Wilhelm & Elizabeth's children who survived infancy were Margaretha (b: 1880), Herman Wilke (b: 1882) and John G. (b: 1889)
Family Members
Siblings
