University of Nebraska Alumni Dead in WW1
Photos and legends extracted from The Cornhusker, 1919, Volume 13, University of Nebraska showing those alumni who were killed or died in WW1.
Town: Lincoln
Biography of John W. Barnhart
John W. Barnhart, born November 8, 1856, in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, was the proprietor and publisher of the Nemaha County Herald in Auburn, Nebraska. Descended from Alsace-Lorraine immigrants, Barnhart’s family has deep American roots, with one ancestor serving under Washington in the Revolutionary War. Barnhart started his newspaper career in Pennsylvania before moving to Nebraska in 1877. He established several newspapers, including the Nemaha County Herald in 1888. Barnhart married Clarabel Foster in 1883, and they had five children. A dedicated Democrat, Barnhart was active in local politics and community affairs, including serving in the state legislature.
Biography of Louis H. Rohmeyer
Louis H. Rohmeyer, born February 5, 1860, in Hanover, Germany, was the editor and publisher of the Westlicher Beobachter, a prominent German newspaper in southeastern Nebraska. He immigrated to America in 1890, initially working as a compositor in St. Louis before moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1898. In 1900, he purchased the Western Observer in Auburn, significantly increasing its circulation and elevating its standards. Rohmeyer was married to Johanna Tieman in 1884, and they had five children. He was active in several fraternal organizations and a member of the Republican Party.
Biography of Austin C. Mutz
Austin C. Mutz, a prominent nurseryman in Auburn, Nebraska, was born on February 18, 1850, in Edinburg, Indiana. His grandparents emigrated from Germany, initially settling in Pennsylvania before moving to Ohio. John Mutz, Austin’s father, married Phoebe Williams in 1847 and relocated to Nebraska in 1857. Austin received his education in Cass County, Nebraska, and pursued farming and the nursery business, establishing a successful nursery in Auburn. He married Mary Seybolt in 1884, and although they lost their only biological child, they adopted a son, Otto. Austin was active in educational matters and politics, identifying as a Bryan Democrat.
The Bittinger Family of Merrick County, Nebraska
The Bittinger family traces its origins to John Bittinger, born on November 3, 1817, in Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. John and his wife Rebecca Kail had six sons. Their second son, Charles Henry, and his wife Anna Hittle Bittinger, moved to Nebraska in 1877 and homesteaded near Clarks. They had three children: Walter, Otis, and Mabel. Otis Allen, born in 1878, married Fannie Bird in 1908 and managed the Clarks Telephone Exchange. Their son, Vinson, served in the U.S. Air Force and later managed the family business. Vinson and his wife Margaret Hayes had five children and maintained their home in Clarks, Nebraska.
Bice — Tilley Family of Merrick County, Nebraska
Ethel Bice, born near Chapman in 1901, was the daughter of William H. and Etta Campbell Bice. She married Ralph W. Tilley in 1929. Ralph, born near Grand Island in 1902, was the son of Will F. and Floy S. Wilcox Tilley. The couple had two sons: Donald, born in Alda, Nebraska, and Loran, born in Central City. Ethel and Ralph, both graduates of Grand Island Baptist College, were active in education and community work. They taught high school in Nebraska, and Ralph held superintendent positions. Later, they raised turkeys commercially and moved to Grand Island in 1950.
Roger C. Beck Family of Merrick County, Nebraska
Roger Beck and Mildred John Beck, born in Merrick and Valley Counties respectively, married on March 12, 1949, in Lexington, Nebraska. They initially farmed near Clarks, Nebraska, before purchasing acreage in Clarks in 1954 and later moving to Holt County in 1962. They were active in 4-H, church, and community events. They settled east of Central City in 1964, continuing their farming and horse interests. They raised three children—John, Jerry, and Charlene—and have three grandchildren. The Becks enjoyed family gatherings, community involvement, and travel, marking their life with memorable holidays and activities.
Clinton Baum Family of Merrick County, Nebraska
Clinton Baum was born at Milltown, South Dakota on September 1 , 1 904 to George and Carrie Edith Wheatly Baum. His great-grandfather was John Baum, born in Pennsylvania in 1811 . Grandfather George Steven Baum was born in Michigan in 1841 and his father George Ernest Baum in 1871. The Baum family moved from Three River Michigan to Milltown, South Dakota when George was seven years old. They were farmers there, and it was on the family dairy farm that Clinton was born. His early education was at Milltown. Later the family moved to near Mitchell, South Dakota where … Read more
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.
Stewart L. Abel of Merrick County, Nebraska
Stewart L. Abel recounts his life’s journey, beginning with his birth in Central City, Nebraska, in 1924. He attended District #50 and later married the daughter of a woman who once cared for his father. He transitioned from farming to a fulfilling career in life insurance in Columbus, Nebraska. Abel reflects on the economic shifts over the decades, the deep roots his family has in Merrick County, and his aspirations for future generations preserving the land. His narrative is enriched by vivid memories of his schooling days, community challenges, and significant familial connections that shaped him and his community’s history, tying his life story closely to the broader economic and historical changes observed in his lifetime.