Merrick County Archives – Page 3 of 6

John & Christine Bader of Merrick County, Nebraska

A History of Merrick County, Nebraska to 1895

John Bader, originally from New Philadelphia, Ohio, and Christine Buchfinck from Dieplitz, Russia, settled in Merrick County, Nebraska, following their marriage at Zion Lutheran Church in Worms on March 20, 1875. They initially homesteaded in Prairie Creek Township before purchasing additional land in the same township, where they raised their family of ten children. John Bader, a pioneering figure in the community, played a significant role in establishing his family in farming across the region. His descendants, including his youngest son August and grandson Harold, continued to farm the family land, maintaining a legacy of agricultural prosperity and family unity across generations. This family history reflects a commitment to land, community, and family values spanning over a century.

Johnanes Bader of Merrick County, Nebraska

Johanes Bader, born on September 4, 1816, in Wurtenberg, Germany, emigrated to the United States in 1846, settling initially near New Philadelphia, Ohio. His family later moved to Minnesota and finally to Merrick County, Nebraska, in 1873, where they were instrumental in agricultural development. Johanes and his wife, Elisabeth Studley, had a profound impact on their community, leaving a legacy of family commitment to farming that persists through their descendants. The Bader family history is marked by perseverance and dedication, from Johanes’s son Jacob, who died serving in the Civil War, to the continued stewardship of their land in Nebraska by subsequent generations. This enduring connection to their land and community showcases the Bader family’s deep roots and contributions to the American Midwest.

Henry & Johanna Baese of Merrick County, Nebraska

Johanna Donovan Baese, born February 20, 1855, in Ireland, exemplifies the pioneering spirit of early American settlers in Merrick County, Nebraska. Arriving in Chapman in 1868 with her father, John Donovan Sr., a former section foreman for the Union Pacific railroad and local land donor, Johanna courageously homesteaded on her own as a teenager. She married Herman Henry Baese on October 30, 1881. Herman, recognized for his contributions as one of Merrick County’s first commissioners, upheld a traditional approach to farming, contrasting with their son Fred J. Baese’s early adoption of mechanized equipment. This lineage of innovation and community involvement continued through to their descendants, maintaining a legacy of dedication to their land and local heritage.

The Bahensky Family of Merrick County, Nebraska

The Bahensky family, led by Joseph and his wife, emigrated from near Prague, Czechoslovakia, to Nebraska in 1868 with their children Anna and Winslow James. They first settled near the Big Blue River and later homesteaded in Saline County, where four more children were born. In 1882, the family moved to Merrick County, enduring the harsh blizzard of January 12, 1888. Joseph’s son Jim became a respected veterinarian. The family moved to Howard County in 1913, where their descendants continued farming. Joseph Bahensky lived from 1839 to 1924, and many family members are buried in Palmer Cemetery.

Cash Baird Family of Merrick County, Nebraska

Cash Baird, born September 7, 1898, in Redding, Iowa, and his wife Eileen, born April 23, 1904, in Grand Island, Nebraska, moved to Merrick County on December 1, 1945. They settled on a farm in Midland Township, previously known as the Bert Crouch farm. The couple married on January 1, 1926, and had two children, Jack and Betty. Jack, born July 7, 1928, became a soil science expert in North Carolina, while Betty, born October 26, 1931, married Howard Zeilinger and resided in Kimball, Nebraska. Cash transitioned from farming to insurance before retiring due to health issues, passing away on May 21, 1980.

Robert Baird Family of Merrick County, Nebraska

Robert Baird, born October 31, 1839, in Randolph County, Illinois, and his wife Mary Jane McDonald, born May 12, 1843, moved to Merrick County, Nebraska, in 1871, homesteading 160 acres. Despite returning to Illinois in 1877 due to hardships, they resettled in Nebraska in 1884. They raised ten children, including Lucinda, Prudence, Hugh, Mary Jane, Martha, Elizabeth, Robert, Cora, and David. Robert served in the Civil War and was active in local education and church communities. The homestead remains in the Baird family for over a century. Robert died on February 20, 1922, in Central City, Nebraska.

Baker — Beman Family of Merrick County, Nebraska

My grandparents, Abram P. Beman and Esther Lamb Beman, came to Nebraska with her parents. Squire and Carolyn Stark Lamb, from Madison. Wisconsin in 1857. Both couples first settled on land where the town of Schuyler now stands and five years later moved near Wood River. Squire “Pap” Lamb drove a stage from Wood River to Fort Kearny and Mrs. Lamb operated the Western Stage Inn. Abram Beman was born in Chateaugay, New York in 1834 and died in Merrick County in 1911. He was the grandson of Nathan Beman w ho fought in the Revolutionary War. Esther Lamb Beman … Read more

William Brage Family of Merrick County, Nebraska

William Brage, born June 17, 1860, and his wife Louise, born January 10, 1863, in Wolderheim, Germany, emigrated to the United States, initially landing in New Jersey before settling near Central City, Nebraska. William, nicknamed “Leap Frog Brage” for his energetic tree planting, and Louise built a homestead six and a half miles north of Central City. Their children included Fredrick Brage, who became an architect in Grand Island and later Dallas, Texas. After William’s death on May 1, 1889, Louise continued to manage the household until her death on May 4, 1938. William H. Hayes, another family member, moved from England to the U.S., eventually settling near the Brage family in Nebraska.

Joseph Ray Barnes Family of Merrick County, Nebraska

Joseph Ray Barnes, born 18 October 1889 in Guthrie County, Iowa, was the son of Elhanan Davies Barnes and Lydia Emily Goff, and the great-great-grandson of Revolutionary War artilleryman William Barnes. He married Bessie Amanda Mesner on 7 November 1917 in Central City, Nebraska. Joseph passed away on 1 June 1971 in Caldwell, Idaho, and was buried in Greenleaf, Idaho. Bessie, born 2 May 1895 in Pleasant Plain, Iowa, died on 9 November 1971 in Caldwell and was also buried in Greenleaf. They had four children: Clayton, Joseph, Paul, and Marilyn. Joseph was a farmer and educator, and the family resided in Nebraska and Idaho.

Ross V. Baumann Family of Merrick County, Nebraska

Ruth Lucile Lambert, the eldest of four daughters born to Quiznee Farnum Lambert and his wife, was born near Palmer, Nebraska. She attended Palmer public schools until moving to Fullerton, Nebraska at fifteen. After graduating from high school, Ruth attended the University of Nebraska, working various part-time jobs. She graduated and taught Home Economics in Nebraska, Michigan, and Wisconsin. On 2 July 1938, she married Ross Virgil Baumann. They lived in various states as Ross worked for the USDA and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. The couple had three daughters and seven grandchildren. Ruth was active in the Methodist Church and enjoyed sharing memories of her childhood and family history.