ated at 883 baptisms, 632 confirmations, 209 marriages and 236 burials.

The Northern Nebraska District had been invited to meet in convention in Battle Creek in August 1925, on which occasion the 50th anniversary of Pastor Hoffmann's ordination to the holy ministry was to be celebrated. But the Lord of the Church had a more glorious celebration in view for His zealous servant.

Mr. Ernest Hoffmann of Norfolk contributed information used in the article about his father, Rev. Jacob Hoffmann. Other Hoffmann children still living are: Paul Hoffmann, Battle Creek; Pastor Victor Hoffmann, Kearney; Mrs. Selma Keyl, East Moline, Ill. and Mrs. Clara Uhlman, Williamsburg, Iowa.

At nineteen years of age, William Bierman came to the United States to escape compulsory military service. In 1868 he was smuggled out of Germany in a box or barrel. He had hired a sailor to release him after they were at sea two days and night. He was born in Hanover, Germany on October 21, 1849. His parents were Friedrich H. C. Beermann and Marie D. (Hasemeyer) Beermann. As most farmers in Germany, they lived in Hanover and farmed their land outside of the village. He also worked at a wagon manufacturer house, shaping and preparing the wood for the wagons.

William's brother, Fred came to the United States a year earlier. They worked on a dairy farm in Illinois for a few years. On October 18, 1870, he settled in Dakota County. Then he made his first homestead in Wayne County, Nebraska. After improving his homestead, he traded it for a team and buggy because he desperately wanted to return to Dakota City. Here he married Marie Bonhusky. To this union four children were born, Emma (Werner), Ida, Fred and William Jr. Ida died of measles as a child. While still living at Dakota City, he changed the spelling of his name to Bierman. This was done to avoid confusion in the mails and legal affairs.

Several years later they settled on the Elkhorn River four miles northeast of Battle Creek. He moved because Dakota City did not have a Lutheran Church. Also his crop was ruined by grasshoppers. On March 30, 1880, he filed for the claim on his homestead. The fee was $4.00 and $1.00 for registration. The deed and land are still held by a member of the Bierman family, Mrs. Myrtice Bierman.

William's wife, Marie, died on March 11, 1882 at the age of 27 years and 9 months. She is buried at Battle Creek Lutheran Cemetery. After her death, the children returned to Dakota City to live with their Bonhusky grandparents. Fred Bierman still vividly recalls the many Indians that lived at Dakota City. On one occasion a large Indian entered the house and sat beside the stove until he was fed.

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