John Bader, born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and Christine Buchfinck born in Dieplitz, Russia, were married at Zion Lutheran church in Worms, Nebraska, on March 20, 1875 by Rev. August Leuthaeuer. Their first home was on the homestead in section 22 in Prairie Creek township in Merrick county. Three of their children were born here: John L. Bader, January 18, 1876, died December 14, 1959; William Baker, April 18, 1877, died May 15, 1941; Mary Caroline, September 8, 1879, died October 26, 1957.
In 1880, John and his wife purchased land in section 5 in Prairie Creek Township in Merrick County. They moved with their family to the farm 1 1/2 miles north of Worms. Seven children were born here; Amelia, August 29, 1881, died February 22, 1886; Jacob, April 5, 1883, died July 28, 1967; Rosa Bader Miller, September 16, 1884, died April 18, 1959; Elisabeth Bader Helzer, January 17, 1887, died November 26, 1971; Joseph, March 14, 1888, died November 14, 1971; Edward, April 23, 1890, died October 11, 1969; August H., November 6, 1895, died February 14, 1962.
Mr. Bader continued to purchase land in western Merrick county, and set up his six sons in farming. He was one of those sturdy pioneers who endured bravely all the vicissitudes incident to settling in a new country. For many years he enjoyed the prosperity which was the reward of his industry. He was proud of his family, just to his fellowmen, and proud to be an American.
August, being the youngest son, continued the farming of the home place in Section 5. He married Christine Helzer of the Worms area on October 4, 1916. Christine was born May 5, 1897 and died June 18, 1969. They are buried on the Zion Lutheran Church cemetery in Worms. A son, Harold, was born on January 13, 1 9 1 7, and a daughter Ellen on October 28, 1922. As Harold grew to manhood, he took over the farm and on October 3, 1948, he married Evelyn Niemoth of St. Libory, Nebraska, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Worms. Evelyn was born February 8, 1925, in Howard County. Their three daughters were the 5th generation to have lived on this farm. The eldest, Judy Lyn, now of Seattle, Washington, was born May 5, 1951. Beverly (Mrs. Dale) Rubesh was born April 23, 1953, and is living in a home on this same farm with her husband and sons, Jeffry and Aaron. Kristy Marie is a senior at Palmer High School. She was born April 2, 1963.
Ellen married Lyman Wedemeyer in August of 1946, and continues to live on a farm south of Ravenna, Nebraska. They have a son, Dennis, who farms with his parents, and a daughter, Janelle, now Mrs. Brad Oberg of Kansas City, Missouri.
Submitted by Harold Bader