Families of Merrick County Nebraska Archives – Page 5 of 6

Gary & Connyce Bader of Merrick County, Nebraska

A History of Merrick County, Nebraska to 1895

Gary George, born to George and Irwina Bader March 25, 1942, at Palmer, was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Palmer. He attended school at District #49 and later District #63, where there was one teacher for all eight grades. He attended Palmer High School and played football, basketball, and track, graduating in 1961. Connyce Faye (Connie) daughter of James August and Ella Pauline Holtz Bremer, was born September 15, 1944. Baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran at Worms, she attended Zion Lutheran Parochial school. She graduated from Palmer High School in 1962. She was on the girls’ … Read more

Alfred & Elizabeth Bader of Merrick County, Nebraska

Alfred William Fredrick Bader, born on August 9, 1903, in Chapman, Nebraska, was a pivotal figure in local agriculture and community service. Son of Fredrick William Bader and Mary Amelia Loeffelbein, Alfred married Elizabeth Louise Giesler on March 10, 1925. The couple were known for their extensive contributions to community infrastructure, including donations to local medical facilities and public utilities, and for their support of various civic boards and community organizations. Notably, Alfred’s innovative farming techniques included the early adoption of mechanized combines. His legacy is commemorated through various local landmarks and community awards recognizing his service and philanthropy.

Ayers Family of Merrick County, Nebraska

A family photograph of the S. D. and Nancy Ayers family of Central City, Nebraska.

Noise Coates Arrants of Merrick County, Nebraska

Noise Coates Arrants and Mary Ann Haddix, post-Civil War settlers, established their lives together in Bryan County, Ohio, before relocating to Nebraska in 1879. Settling near Archer on Prairie Creek, Noise transitioned from farming to working with the railroad as it expanded into the area, eventually becoming a section foreman. The couple were integral in founding the Christian Church in Palmer, Nebraska. Their family legacy includes eight children, with lives marked by various notable events: Clyde passed away in infancy, Stephen’s daughter married celebrated baseball player Grover Cleveland Alexander, and Sarah Jane’s son, Vernie, mysteriously disappeared at a young age. The Arrants family’s history encapsulates the challenges and transformations of life in late 19th to early 20th century America, with descendants spreading across states and engaging in diverse professions. Noise and Mary, along with daughters Mina and Sarah, rest in Rose Hill Cemetery, Palmer, Nebraska, leaving a poignant historical footprint through both their communal contributions and family narrative.

Leo John Armatys of Merrick County, Nebraska

Leo John Armatys (1915-1975) was an influential figure in Central City, Nebraska, with a rich history of community involvement and legal practice. Born to Charles and Josephine Staniec Armatys, Leo quickly excelled in academics, completing high school at age 16 and subsequently joining the Civilian Conservation Corps. He advanced his education through correspondence courses, leading to his admission to the Nebraska Bar in 1939. His personal life was intertwined with his service during World War II, during which he met and married Dorothy Power in 1942. Post-war, Leo resumed his legal career, contributing significantly to the local community until his death. His legacy includes his wife Dorothy, their children, and his impactful professional and personal contributions to Central City.

Antrim — Shepherd Families of Merrick County, Nebraska

The article reflects on the enduring memories of a family farmstead located east of Havens, dismantled to accommodate modern farming methods. The narrator, Rose Betts, shares vivid childhood memories with her sister, Opal, on a farm built by their grandfather in 1908. Despite the challenges posed by their father’s early-onset arthritis and the economic difficulties during the 1930s drought, the family persevered, running a store in Havens. The narrative intertwines the histories of the Shepherd and Antrim families, early settlers of Merrick County, highlighting their contributions and struggles. Rose’s life journey includes her schooling, marriage to Kenneth M. Colby, subsequent work experiences, and later life with second husband Frank K. Betts. This personal account not only captures the changes in rural American life but also preserves the legacy of two pioneering families interconnected by marriage and shared hardships.

Thure W. Anderson Family of Merrick County, Nebraska

Thure William Anderson (1891-1980) was a significant community figure in Palmer, Nebraska, known for his service in the U.S. Army during World War I and his deep involvement in local community affairs. Born in Örebro Län, Sweden, Thure migrated to the United States as an infant and grew up in Montgomery County, Iowa. He relocated to Palmer, Nebraska in 1917 and later served in France with the 313th Engineers of the 88th Division during the war. Post-war, he was a founding member of the Burton-Beyer Post #120 of the American Legion in Palmer, holding various leadership roles over several decades. He was also actively involved in local agricultural committees, cemetery and fair boards, and served as a deacon in his church. Thure and his wife Ruth Anderson were married in 1923, had two daughters, and continued to contribute to their community until their retirement in 1962. Thure’s legacy includes his long-standing service to both his country and his community.

David & Dora Anderson of Merrick County, Nebraska

Dora Breyer Anderson (1887-1975) and David Anderson (1891-1965) were prominent figures in their community in Merrick County, Nebraska. Born in different towns in Wisconsin and Nebraska respectively, they married on February 18, 1914, in Wahoo, Nebraska. After moving to Merrick County, they established their life on a farm, which became the center of their family and professional endeavors. Their only child, Myrtle, was born in 1915. David’s farming activities included feeding cattle and raising hogs, and he played a significant role in the local agricultural community by operating the separator during the harvest’s steam threshing operations. Dora was an active community member, involved in the Community Sewing Circle from its inception in 1916 until its disbandment. The couple was well-regarded for their contributions to local farming and community life, leaving behind a rich legacy including their descendants who continued the farming tradition. David and Dora celebrated significant marriage milestones before David’s death in 1965 and Dora’s in 1975.

Axel E. Anderson Family of Merrick County, Nebraska

Axel E. Anderson, originally from Sweden, settled in the U.S. with his family and later married Clara Grahn in Nebraska. They moved across various farms, finally residing in Merrick County. Active in local governance, Axel contributed notably until his health declined in 1920, leading to his death in 1928. He and Clara had four daughters who married and gave them twelve grandchildren. After both Axel and Clara’s passing, their farm continued in the family under their daughter Ruth, who lived in Merrick County for over 77 years. This brief spans Axel’s immigration, family developments, and local engagements, reflecting his community contributions and family legacy.

William Alexander Family of Merrick County, Nebraska

William Bruce Alexander married Daisy Florence Rose in 1905 in Tazwell County. They had a son who died in infancy. Daisy died in 1908, and William moved to Omaha, remarried in 1910 to Emma Vonder Lieth, and had five more children. Their family moved several times, predominantly lived in Nebraska, and William worked in various jobs before resuming farming. He died in 1918. Emma managed after his death, moving with children and ultimately died in 1936. Their children had varied careers and lives, continuing the family lineage in Nebraska. This history traces the Alexander family’s multigenerational saga starting from the early 20th century, depicting transitions in residence, occupations, and significant life events.