SOURCE: BIOGRAPHY

JOHN T TRAUERNICHT

John T Trauernicht was born in Aurich, Germany in 1851, migrated to America in 1865, landing in New York, went direct by train to St. Joseph, MO, then west by steamer to Brownville, MO and by prairie schooner to Humboldt, Nebraska.
Mathilda Saathoff Trauernicht was born in Holtrop Germany in 1860, migrated to America in 1875, landed in New York; proceeded by train to Craig, Missouri. Several years later her family moved to Humboldt, Nebraska where Mathilda Saathoff married John T Trauernicht on April 15, 1877.
Three children were born to John and Mathilda while in Missouri; Thomas J., Mate, and Hermina I. Hermina died in infancy. Seven were born in Nebraska. Hermina II and Carl who died in infancy, Herman J., John who died at age Two, Nancy, Johanna and Lena who died of severe burns at age seven.
The remaining children: Thomas, who married Carrie Hill of Beatrice, farmed a few years, later taught several years. He was elected County Superintendent of Schools in Gage County, serving two terms. He later became a salesman for the Milburn & Scott Office and School Supply Co. Upon the passing of his wife, Carrie, he resided in Lincoln, employed by Stephenson Office Supply Co. His health failing he later retired, and passed away in 1978, age ninety-nine years and five months.
Mate, who married Edward Wolken, resided on their farm near Diller until their retirement, then resided in Diller for several years. Upon the passing of her husband Edward, she became very feeble and was taken to a nursing home, passing away at age eighty-three years in 1963.
Herman, married Emma Heusman of Wymore and farmed for several years. He later was engaged in the garage business with Frank Herman. This business was known as The Owl Garage for several years. He operated a golf course on the farm on which he had lived. Later, he became Superintendent of the Peoples Natural Gas Co, in Wymore. His health had begun to fail. Following the passing of his wife, Emma, his health failed rapidly and he asked for an early retirement. He located in Arizona where his health improved somewhat. In 1951 he met and married Mary Purdy and he resided there until his passing in 1962, age seventy-six years.
Nancy, who had lived in the home with her parents for many years, married Omer Pyle. They resided on their farm near Wymore until her passing in 1943. She died at the age of forty seven years.
Johanna taught school two years, later entered nurses' training and graduated in 1920. She married Justus Smith of Blue Springs. They lived in Omaha eight years. Her husband's health failed, and they located in Arizona. They were there seven years, until his passing in 1939. She returned to Nebraska and was employed by the Dempster Mill Mfg. Co. as a Registered Nurse for approximately twenty years, retiring in 1962.
Mrs. Trauernicht was a gentle and kindly mother, and truly a "Fairy-Book" grandmother. Her hobby was her beautiful flowers which she tended with care and affection. She passed away after a lingering illness in 1941 at the age of eight-one year.
Mr. Trauernicht, after a long successful life, passed away after a short illness in 1942, at the age of ninety-one years. They had been married sixty-four years.
Johanna Smith Passed away in 1979

Contributor: Sharon Lindbloom (47355918)