Cass County

Nebraska

Obituaries of Cass County Residents

NOTE: These obits are in no particular order. You must use the index to find a particular individual.

The Union Ledger,Friday, March 8, 1912

WILLIAM FRANS

WILLIAM FRANS was born March 1, 1831, in Mead county [sic], Kentucky. Died at 1:20 [unclear] p.m. Saturday, March 2, 1912, in Union, Nebraska.

The death of this pioneer settler occurred the day following his 81^st birthday, and while death came as a relief from many months suffering, it caused great sorrow among the relatives and many friends in this county who have known this kind old gentleman so long. Mr. Frans’ illness began about seven years ago with kidney trouble, but did not assume a dangerous form until two years ago, his health slowly failing since that time. He was unable to be out of the house the past few months and was confined to bed the last three weeks. Funeral services were held in the Baptist church at 8 o’clock Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W.A. Taylor, and a large number of the deceased’s neighbors and many acquaintances from all parts of the county were present to bid a final farewell to their beloved friend. The remains were then conveyed to the cemetery just west of town and laid to rest beside the wife, whose death occurred Oct. 20, 1910. The pall bearers were four sons and two sons-in-law — Robert H., Chas. W., Call R. and Harry M. Frans, Wm. W. Wolfe and W.P. Hutcheson.

William Frans left his native state (Kentucky) at the age of 14, going with his parents to Buchanan county, Mo., where he grew up to manhood and was married to Miss Rebecca Spiers. They resided in Missouri until 1851, when they removed to Fremont county, Iowa, and in 1854 they crossed the Missouri river and settled at the town of Rock Bluffs, in this county, he being engaged in freighting across the plains to Denver. In 1862 they went back to Missouri, and in 1883 returned to this county, locating at Factoryville (at that time a small town two miles southwest of here) and engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with his son Robert H. Frans. When the town of Union was established in 1887, they moved their store and families to this place and resided here ever after. William Frans retired from business about ten years ago.

The deceased and his wife were the parents of eleven children, all of whom are living and all were here to attend the funeral excepting Augustus Frans, of Oklahoma and Mrs. Rose Cogdill of Bancroft, Neb., who were unable to come. The children are Augustus Frans, Kingfisher, Okla.; Robert H. and Charles W. of Union, Flora, widow of Joseph Sands, Rock Bluffs; Lavina, wife of Wm. W. Wolfe, Union; Call R., Plattsmouth; Harry M., Union; and Emma, wife of W.R. Cross, Union. Deceased was well known as an honorable Christian man, and had been an active and faithful member of the Baptist church forty-five years, a kind husband and father, and one whose influence for good was felt in many ways in this community.

A Card of Thanks

We desire to thank our friends for their sympathy and assistance during the sickness and after the death of our father, Wm. Frans.

THE CHILDREN

Obituary of George Lawson Sheldon,

Plattsmouth Journal, Thursday, October 17, 1918
OBITUARY.

Geo. Lawson Sheldon Jr., was born May 19th, 1897, at Nehawka, Nebraska, where he lived with his parents until the spring of 1909, his father having been elected Governor, the family moved to Lincoln, where they occupied the Governor's Mansion for two years.

After the expiration of his term the family moved to Wayside, Mississippi. Young Lawson however returned over a year ago to help his uncle Frank in his store. A month ago he enlisted at Lincoln in the S.N.T.C. and was accepted and expected to report for duty October the 15th. However to ours and our country's loss fate ruled him out. He was taken sick with pneumonia and died Friday, October the 4th, 1918. His mother and sister Mary were constantly at his bedside during his illness.

He was laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant cemetery by his many friends amid a bower of roses, thus mingling the flower of young manhood with nature's blossoms.

While I had known Lawson all his life, it was only in the last year that we became intimately acquainted. I learned to admire his youthful optimism, his generous spirit, his loyalty to his friends, and his versatility of mind. He was one of my very few boy friends with whom I could visit and enjoy it (tho' thirty-five years his senior.). He brought to me that youthful effervescent spirit with which we need to commune in order to keep our hearts young and our eyes clear. I shall miss him very very much. "He, the young and strong who cherished noble thoughts for the strife, By the roadside fell and perished, weary with the march of life." A.F. STURM.
(Submitted by Becky Applegate)

Obituary of W.H. Banning,

Plattsmouth Journal, Thursday, September 26, 1918

PIONEER CITIZEN DIES TODAY
W. H. BANNING LIVING HERE SINCE 1857,
DIED AT HOME NEAR WYOMING.
WAS SICK ABOUT A WEEK
Funeral Will Be Held At Wyoming,
At Methodist Church Friday Morning

From Wednesday's Daily

W.H. Banning, a most highly respected citizen of Otoe county, died at his home near Wyoming, at six o'clock this morning, after an illness of but a few days.

Coming to this country more than sixty years ago and making this portion of the state his home, W.H. Banning raised a family of children, who have made most excellent citizens, and after about a week's illness passed away at the place where he has lived for so long. The wife survives the aged husband. The funeral of Mr. Banning will be held from the Methodist church at Wyoming, on Friday afternoon at 2:30, and the interment also at the cemetery there. The children who are left to mourn the father are, W.B. Banning and Joe Banning of Union, John Banning of Seward, Misses Pearl and Carrie Banning who make their home with the mother at Wyoming. A further and more extended account of the life of this exemplary citizen and pioneer will be given at a later date.

From The Plattsmouth Journal, Monday, October 28, 1918

PLATTSMOUTH BOY WHO PAID IN FULL

SGT. GEORGE H. KOPISCHKA, WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR

COUNTRY’S SAKE

MADE AN ADMIRABLE SOLDIER

Was Slated For the East, When He Was Taken With Spanish Influenza.

From Friday’s Daily

Sergeant George H. Kopischka was born in this city on November 20^th, 1895, and spent his life for the most portion as a citizen of this place. He attended the public schools here, and when the school days were over, entered the work of life with a zest which plainly told of a brilliant future. He had gone since the registration of June 5^th, 1917, to Alliance, where he entered the employment of the Burlington, as a switchman. Then was thus engaged when last spring the call came for reporting to go to the cantonment. On March 18 last he with the quota from this place went to Camp Funston, where he had remained until the call came for him to go to the other world. During his training at Camp Funston, he picked up the knowledge of military tactics, and was so enthusiastic in his work, that he might do something for his country; that he was soon promoted from the ranks, and later advanced until long since he was made a drill master. He had been slated just before his last visit to this place for a position in the east, and would have gone soon on his return to the camp, but for the attack of the Spanish Influenza.

At the time he visited in this city, he was present at the maneuvers of the Home Guards at the ball park, which was using for training grounds, and there was given charge of the company in drilling, where he demonstrated his capabilities as an expert handler of a company of soldiers. While here he was the light of the home of his parents, and by his genial ways, and kindly disposition brought joy into the household. Sgt. Kopischka is one of many, who are giving their lives, their time, their energies and their enthusiastic Americanism to the cause of country, to civilization, and for the welfare of mankind.

The following Card of Thanks was published on the same day.

CARD OF THANKS.

We wish to extend our sincere thanks to friends for sympathy and beautiful floral offerings at the burial of our son, and brother Sgt. George H. Kopischka, and especially to the choir for their musical offering and to the Home Guards for the military burial attended by them.

MR. AND MRS. CARL KOPISCHKA AND FAMILY.

MR. AND MRS. ADAM HEIL.

MR. AND MRS. D.E. NORMAN.

From The Plattsmouth Journal, Monday, October 28, 1918

MRS. FRANK S. GORTON DIES

FORMER PLATTSMOUTH LADY DIES OF PNEUMONIA, AT

DUNBAR ON TUESDAY EVENING

From Thursday’s Daily

Mrs. Frances Gorton, wife of F.S. Gorton of Dunbar, and formerly of this city died at her home in that city, Tuesday evening at nine o’clock. Mrs. Gorton had an attack of Spanish Influenza, and which grew into pneumonia, with the resut [sic], that after a fight of two weeks, she had to give the struggle over. Mrs. Gorton was formerly Miss Frances Taylor, sister of Roy, Elmer and Ivan Taylor of this city, and lived in Plattsmouth formerly. Mrs. Gorton, besides her husband leaves six children, four boys and two girls. The eldest Fochia Gorton, lives in Dunbar and has a family, while the next Bertie Gorton is in the U.S. Service. Burton and John Gorton are married and live near Dunbar. Mary the eldest daughter is also married, and lives on a farm near Dunbar. Lucy, the youngest, a girl of fourteen lived with the parents.

Mrs. Frank Gorton, was one of the finest of women, and made an excellent home for her husband and children. Nearly all of the families there are also sick, Mrs. Foshia Gorton only being not affected.

OBITUARY.
MRS EL1ZA BARNUM

Born Feb. 28. 1882, in Ostego [sic Otsego or Oswego] county, N. Y. Died at 3:30 a. m. Friday, March 18, 1910 at residence of James T. Reynolds, three miles southwest Union, Neb.

The death of Grandma Barnum was a very severe shook to the relatives and many friends, being so sudden and unexpected, although her health had been impaired for sometime past. Mrs. Barnum had been visiting her friends Mr. and Mrs Reynolds, and while there she suffered a stroke of paralysis on March 12, followed by an attack of pneumonia, the latter ailment being the immediate cause of death. The remains were removed to the Barnum home one-half mile west of this village Saturday where the funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. W. Barnes, pastor of the Episcopal church of Nebraska City. The sermon, the singing, the floral offerings and the many sorrowing neighbors, were such as to leave a lasting impression and to show the great love for this aged and most estimable lady. The remains were laid to rest beside her husband and son in the cemetery west of this village. The honorary pall bearers were M. H. Shoemaker, J. W. Pittman, Reuben Foster, E. E. Woolsey, Charles Swan and J. M. Stone; the active pall bearers were H. W. Lloyd, W. B. Banning, J. T. Reynolds, L. D. Switzer, Mont Robb and Albert Bennett.

The maiden name of deceased was Eliza Gilchrist, and her girlhood days were spent in her native state of New York, where her parents were among this prominent people of that state and were proud of their Scottish ancestors. She was the widow of the late Hon. Evander W. Barnum whose death occurred here Dec. 26, 1898. They were married in York State on Feb. 28, 1860, and came at once to this precinct and began pioneer life together on this place just west of this village where Mr. Barnum had homesteaded on a prior trip to this county. This they developed into one of the finest country homes in the county, a home noted for its hospitality. They were the parents of one child, Thomas G. Barnum, whose death resulted from a railroad wreck at this place Feb. 14, 1909.

Grandma Barnum was a lady who was loved by all, her excellent education and kind and jovial disposition being the qualities that won the admiration of those who were so fortunate as to form her acquaintance. She was a good Christian lady, a faithful and energetic member of the Episcopal church, a lady who found much pleasure in making others happy and cheerful. In her death the community has lost one of the most useful members of society, and both old and young mourn the loss of a greind whose place in their hearts can never be filled. The people of the entire county express deep sympathy for the bereaved relatives.

Union Ledger, Thursday February 11, 1904

OBITUARY.

------------

CHARLOTTE A. BARKHURST.

Born July 10, 1862, in Liberty precinct, Cass county, Neb. Died at 5:30 p. m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, 1904, at the home one mile northeast of Union, Neb.

Deceased was the wife of James M. Barkhurst, and her death came as a sad and unexpected blow, not only to the husband, but to all the relatives and many friends. A slight attack of la grippe three weeks ago was her first illness, followed by complications that baffled the skill of the physicians. She grew much worse last Sunday, and from that time she failed rapidly until death came to her relief Wednesday evening. The funeral services will be held at the residence today (Friday) at 11 o'clock a. m., conducted by Rev. A. L. Folden, and interment will be made in Union cemetery. The pall bearers selected are H. M. Frans, W. L. Taylor, H. A. Chilcott, M. M. Freeman, A. E. Taylor and O. C. Douge.

Deceased, whose maiden name was Charlotte A. Hathaway, was a daughter of the late Abram Hathaway, who was one of the pioneer settlers of this county. She was married to James M. Barkhurst on Feb. 16, 1881, at Nebraska City. They resided in Gage county for a number of years, and in 1895 they located in this vicinity. They are parents of three children, Frank M., Forest M., and Dovie F. Mrs. Barkhurst was a lady of many good qualities that made her one of the highest esteemed of the neighborhood, being always of a kind and gentle disposition that won the admiration and friendship of every person who formed her acquaintance. To the bereaved husband, children and other relatives, every resident of this neighborhood extends sincere sympathy.

Union Ledger,, no date given 1904

OBITUARY.

------------

FRANZ BAUER.

Born December 1, 1839, in Tepl, Austria. Died at 12:45 p. m. Sunday, September 18, 1904, at his home in Union, Neb.

The death of Franz Bauer takes from our midst another old settler of Cass county, a citizen of this neighborhood long before the town of Union was established. The news of Mr. Bauer's death caused no surprise among those who have noted his gradual decline the past few months, his illness beginning July 5, 1903, and since that time he slowly lost strength, although at times he apparently grew better and was able to walk about town on several occasions, the last time on the day of this year's old settler's re-union, August 20. From that date he failed rapidly, suffering the most intense pain from gastro enteritis, or inflamation of bowels and stomach. He became much worse Saturday afternoon, and it then became evident that his death was a matter of only a few hours.

The funeral services were held at the residence Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. After singing and prayer the Modern Woodmen of America of which the deceased became a member fifteen years ago, rendered their ritualistic ceremony, excorting the remains to the cemetery west of the village, a large concourse of neighbors and old friends accompanying them. At the grave the Modern Woodmen conducted their beautiful burial service, bidding a last farewell to the deceased Neighbor and bestowing upon him the merited honors of the fraternity. The pall bearers were F. W. Young, Dan Lynn, G. N. LaRue, Miles F. Chilcott, W. F. McCarroll and J. A. Talkington. Beautiful floral emblems were sent by his lodge, also by the Fraternal Union.

Mr. Bauer remained in his native country some years after he had grown to manhood, and in February 1867, in the town of his birth, he was married to Elizabeth Hochmeth who survives him. They came to America in 1871, landing at Chicago on October 2nd that year. They came to Nebraska soon afterward and stopped first at Nebraska City, living there and in Lincoln until June 1875, when they located just west of this place at what was then called Stringtown. In 1887 when the town of Union was platted Mr. Bauer built a residence and shop and moved here, conducting shoemaking and harness business with his son Frank. It can be said of Mr. Bauer that he was a good and liberal neighbor, honest, generous and true to his friends. Besides the widow he leaves three sons and three daughters, as follows: Mrs. Lucy Chase, residing near Union; Mrs Kate Ross, of Chicago; Frank, Joseph, Emery and annie, have remained in the parental home.

Kindness Appreciated.

We desire to make known to our neighbors and friends the gratitude we feel toward those who kindly offered sympathy and assistance in our sad bereavement by the illness and death of husband and father. We fully appreciate the kindness shown him during his many days of suffering, and we thank them all, especially his Woodmen Neighbors who honored him in life and death.

Mrs. Elizabeth Bauer,
Mrs. Lucy Chase,
Mrs. Kate Ross,
Frank Bauer,
Joseph Bauer,
Emery Bauer,
Annie Bauer.

Union Ledger, no date given 1908
Died in Minnesota. A message was received here on Wednesday from Walter Stotler of St. Vincent, Minn., stating that his wife (formerly Miss Nellie Eaton) died at 12:10 p. m. on Wednesday from the effects of a surgical operation, and that he would start that night to bring the remains here for interment. No definite arrangements for funeral can be announced at time of going to press, as the exact time of their arrival was not known. The deceased was youngest daughter of Eli Eaton, and was born near this village. We shall have a more extended report of her life, illness and death in next issue of The Ledger. filigree bar

Obituary of Walter Gochenour,

Plattsmouth Journal, ?month 5, 1952

Name: Walter GOCHENOUR
Date of Birth: 1878
Place of birth: Mills County, Iowa
Date of death: 1952
Place of death: Cass County, Nebraska
Parents' names: Isaac Newton Gochenour and Sarah Russell
Spouse's name: Rebecca Moreland
Date and place of marriage: May 9, 1930 Nebraska City, Ne.
Occupation and military service: Farmer
Children's names: No children
Preceded in death by: father in 1906; mother in 1926; brother, Claude 1950
Listed survivors and each person's place of residence: brothers John, Samuel and Harry
Service: (place) (conducted by) not listed
Place of burial: Horning Cemtery, Plattsmouth, Ne.

Obituary of Mrs. Melvina Baker,

Plattsmouth Journal, date of paper not stated, 1910

OBITUARY.
MRS. MELVINA BAKER.
      Born January 13, 1837, in Macon county, Mo. Died at 4 o'clock a. m., on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 1910, at her home in this village.
      Deceased was the wife of Thomas Baker, and her death is a matter of deep regret to all who had formed her acquaintance. She had been a lady of very strong constitution until about six weeks ago, and since that time she had been a patient sufferer, heart trouble being the immediate cause of her death. The funeral services were held at 10 o'clock yesterday morning in the Baptist church, conducted by Revs. John Richards of Syracuse, W. A. Taylor and D. B. Lake of this village and a large number of friends assembled there to bid a final farewell to the estimable companion they had known for many years. After the services at the church the remains were taken to the Sciota cemetery east of town for interment, the pall bearers being James Talkington, Geo N. LaRue, Dan Lynn, Frank Finkle, Charles Woodard and Jas. Wilson.
      The maiden name of deceased was Melvina Sleath, and she was married Jan. 1, 1867 to Thomas Baker. They came to this county in 1872, and ever since then have made their home in and near this village. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are living -- W. I. Baker of Wakefield, Nebr., Mrs. Kate Edmisten and George Baker of Union, and Mrs Viola Eaton of Rosalie, Neb. The step-children of the deceased, who always showed her the effection [sic] due a mother, are James Baker of Decatur, Neb., Oliver Baker of Thomas, Okla., Mrs. Mary Mark of Union, Mrs. Rebecca Craig of Rosalie, and Mrs. Eliza Pope of Oklahoma. One grand-son, Edgar Baker, has made his home with her from his infancy and her affection for him was that of a mother. Grandma Baker, as she was familiarly called, was a good and kind lady who had always lived true to the teachings of the Bible and was for many years a member of the Baptist church. Her influence was always for good, and the community was better for her having lived among us, and in her death there is a loss that is felt by us all. The bereaved husband, children and other relatives have the sincere sympathy of all. ------------
A Card of Thanks.
      We wish to convey to our many friends our heart-felt thanks for their kindness and sympathy given us in our sad bereavement by the death of our dear wife and mother, and such generosity is appreciated and will not soon be forgotten.

Thomas Baker and Children. filigree bar

Plattsmouth Journal, October 24, 1918

BURIED WITH MILITARY HONORS

THE REMAINS OF GEO. KOPISCHKA, LAID TO REST

WITH MILITARY DISTINCTION.

From Wednesday’s Daily

On account of the order of the state board of health, the funeral of the late Sgt. Geo. Kopischka, was made as private as it is possible.

The Home Guards, having charge of the ceremonies. The pall bearers were selected from the members of the company, and also a firing squad of four. Otherwise the public with the exception of the friends were kept away. The pall bearers were, E.C. Hill, J.W. Holmes, A.J. Snyder, F.J. Libershal, Wm. Evers and B.A. McElwain, while the firing squad were composed of Jess F. Warga, Phillip F. Rhin, Fred P. Busch and F.M. Bestor. The interment was made in Oak Hill cemetery, and over his grave were held the military ceremonies.

Plattsmouth Journal, November 4, 1918

RETURNED HOME.

This morning Charles Kopischka and daughter Mrs. Don Norman, who has been at Junction city, Kansas, for the past few days, returned home on the early train. They went to Junction City, Kans., and to the camp at Funston, to see regarding the effects of their son and brother, Sergeant Geo. H. Kopischka, who died at that place but a short time since. When the remains were brought to this city his effects were not included, and to see about them, the father and sister made the trip. They found all the camps strictly under quarantine.

Plattsmouth Journal, November 18, 1918

MISS WANDA RAMSEY DIES IN OMAHA

From Friday’s Daily

Word was received here today telling of the death of Miss Wanda Ramsey of Omaha, of pneumonia, following a case of Spanish influenza. Miss Wanda Ramsey will be remembered as having been a student in the High School, and was a very nice little girl. Her father Frank S. Ramsey was employed with the Dovey store here some years ago, then moving to Omaha from here. The many friends of this popular young lady will be grieved to know of her death. She has been sick for about a week.

The Union Ledger, February 17, 1911, page one

Death of Little Child.

Glen Emmet, the 3-months-old son of Mr. And Mrs. James Roddy died at their home last Saturday evening about 10 o’clock, after an illness of two weeks. The little child was born Oct. 24, 1910, and was permitted to stay on this earth only long enough to make the hearts of the parents glad, and to become a blessing to them. The funeral services were held at the home on Monday at 10 o’clock a.m., conducted by Rev. W.A. Taylor.

Plattsmouth Journal, January 16, 1919

FRED PECK KILLED IN ACTION

From Wednesday’s Daily

The Omaha papers yesterday contained an article confirming the reporting of the death of Freddie l. Peck in France, and who is a son of Mrs. Peck of Omaha and George Peck who lives in the western portion of the state. This family lived in Plattsmouth for a number of years coming from Paducah, Ky., and while here the father, George Peck was employed as the janitor at the Burlington station, at the time when the old building was used and Fred Latham was agent and L.F. Kearnes was the operator here.

Plattsmouth Journal,Monday, November 4, 1918, page one

FRED C. HEYDEN DIES

From Saturday’s Daily

Word has been received of the death of Fred C. Heyden of Lincoln as a result of influenza followed by pneumonia. Mr. Heyden is a grandson of Henry Steimke who for many years and until just recently lived in Plattsmouth but is now living in Lincoln. The funeral will be held from the home in Lincoln on Sunday afternoon. He leaves a wife, mother, sister Mrs. H. F. Crittanden and grand father [sic], Mr. Steimke to mourn his death.

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David Gochenour

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