Maria Magaretha Schaaf was baptized on 15 February 1730 At home (probably by midwife).¹ She died on 15 February 1729/30 at age 0.² She was born on 15 February 1729/30.^1,3 She was the daughter of Georg Friderich Schaaf and Maria Catharina (?).¹

     Catharina Margaretha Schaaf was born on 5 September 1731.² She was the daughter of Georg Friderich Schaaf and Maria Catharina (?).¹

      Valentin Bock was also known as Veltin Bock.¹ He was born on 4 November 1691.¹ He was the son of Johann Conrad Bock and Elisabetha (?).¹ Valentin Bock married Maria Elisabetha Gallus, daughter of Conrad Gallus, circa 2 January 1719/20.¹ Valentin Bock died in May 1737 at age 45.¹

     Maria Elisabetha Gallus was born at GrossSachsen, Rhein-Neckar Kreis, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.¹ She was the daughter of Conrad Gallus.¹ Maria Elisabetha Gallus married Valentin Bock, son of Johann Conrad Bock and Elisabetha (?), circa 2 January 1719/20.¹

      Valentin Spitzer was also known as Johann Valentin Sputzer.¹ He was Legal court.¹ He was born in February 1696/97.¹ He was the son of Johann Valentin Spitzer and Margaret Sputzer.¹ Valentin Spitzer married Anna Margaretha Rudolph, daughter of Hans Conrad Rudolph and Anna Catharina Rudolph, in January 1717/18.¹ Valentin Spitzer died on 1 April 1759 at age 62.¹

     Anna Margaretha Rudolph was born on 15 January 1698/99 at GrossSachsen, Baden, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.¹ She was the daughter of Hans Conrad Rudolph and Anna Catharina Rudolph.¹ Anna Margaretha Rudolph married Valentin Spitzer, son of Johann Valentin Spitzer and Margaret Sputzer, in January 1717/18.¹ Anna Margaretha Rudolph died on 1 September 1767 at age 68.¹

     Hans Conrad Rudolph was was a miller at GrossSachsen, Baden, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.¹ He was born at GrossSachsen, Baden, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.¹ He married Anna Catharina Rudolph.¹ Hans Conrad Rudolph died on 20 December 1713.¹

     Anna Catharina Rudolph married Hans Conrad Rudolph.¹

     Johann Conrad Bock married Elisabetha (?).¹ Johann Conrad Bock was born in 1663/64.¹ He died on 15 February 1727/28.¹

     Elisabetha (?) married Johann Conrad Bock.¹

     Conrad Gallus was born at GrossSachsen, Baden, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.¹

      Johann Valentin Spitzer was also known as Johann Valentin Sputzer.¹ He married Margaret Sputzer.¹ Johann Valentin Spitzer was a Member, judicial court of Leutershausen say 1684.¹

     Blanche Lenora Merkel was born on 3 August 1886 at Arborville Township, York, Nebraska, U.S.A..² She was the daughter of John Adam Merkel and Henrietta Mosgrove.^1,2 Blanche Lenora Merkel was christened say 1887 at Harmony Evangel United Brethren Church, Bradshaw Township, York, Nebraska, U.S.A..² She was a household member in the 1900 U.S. Census of John Adam Merkel on 1 June 1900 at Arborville Township, York, Nebraska, U.S.A.; 01 June 1900 U.S Census, Arborville Township, York County, Nebraska, E.D. 168, p. 19, sheet 1A, lines 41-45, Household 5, 9.
John A. Merkle, white male, born October 1856 in Ohio, parents born in Germany, age 43 years, farmer, married 21 years;
Hattie, white female wife, age 44 years, born September 1855 in Iowa of Indiana-born parents, married 21 years, two of two children born still alive;
Arthur, white male son, age 20 years, born in Nebraska of Ohio-born father and Iowa-born mother;
Blanche, white female daughter, age 13 years, born October 1886 in Nebraska of Ohio-born father and Iowa-born mother;
Mosgrove, Hannah, white female widow, age 82 years, born in January, 1818, in Indiana, of Pennsylvanian born parents, 11? children born and eight? still alive;
all could read, write and speak English, children in school.³ Blanche Lenora Merkel was Arborville, NE shool teacher between 1906 and 1907.² She married William Raymond Tindall, son of William Marshall Tindall and Selena Ames Hatswell, on 30 December 1909.² Blanche Lenora Merkel After marriage, they moved to Kindersley, Saskatchewan, Canada say 1910.² She was mentioned in York County, Nebraska and its people: together with a condensed history of the state
Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1921, 1271 pgs.
JOHN A. MERKEL
John A. Merkel after long years of connection with agricultural interests in York County is now living retired in York, enjoying the fruits of his own diligence and industry. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 3, 1856, a son of Jacob and Mary (Emig) Merkel, both natives of Germany, but their marriage occurred in Ohio. The father was a brick maker and plasterer by trade and emigrated to the United States in the late '50s. He located in New York and later in Wayne County, Ohio, where he followed his trade for some time. In 1858 he removed to Iowa where he bought some land which he farmed in connection with his other trades. In 1871 he decided to come to Nebraska, with the result that he set out from Iowa in that year with an ox team. He left Boone, Iowa, on the 18th of April and arrived in York on the 6th of May, driving up what is now Lincoln Avenue. At the time he came to that town it consisted of but two frame buildings and a sod shanty. He pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres in Bradshaw town-ship which he later bought, and his first home on this land was a dugout with dirt floor and two small windows. The next house he built of frame which was sixteen by twenty-four feet, hauling the lumber from Lincoln and Columbus. All supplies were also hauled from these places. His land he broke with an 'ox team and he also planted a grove and orchard, but the latter mostly died out. He hauled his coal from Central City and got his wood from the Platte River. Mr. Merkel remembers having seen many antelopes and stray herds of buffalo. In 1873 the grass-hoppers destroyed all of the corn and in the same year at Easter time a blizzard kept the members of the family in the house for a period of three days. For a number of years he lived on the land and then sold it, removing to another place which he had bought and resided there until he retired. He spent the remaining years of his life with his son, John A. Merkel, the subject of this review, and died in 1908 at the age of seventy-six years. He was married in Ohio to Mary Emig who preceded him in death. The following children were born to them: John A., the subject of this review; Katie, who is deceased; Fannie, deceased; Emma, deceased; Maggie, who is the wife of John Glasser, a farmer in York county; Nora, who is the wife of W. A. Miller of York, engaged in the real estate business; Charles, residing in Marion, Ohio, where he is engaged in the implement business; and one child who died in infancy in Iowa. Both Mr. and Mrs. Merkel were stanch supporters of the United Brethren church, and he gave his allegiance to the Democratic Party.
In the acquirement of an education John, A. Merkel attended the public schools of York County, the first school he attended being built of sod and containing home-made benches. At an early age he started farming and homesteaded eighty acres in Bradshaw Township. He also bought forty acres in Arborville Township. His first house was built of sod and was fourteen by twenty feet, consisted of one room and had a dirt roof. Here he made his home for a number of years when he sold the homestead in 1910, purchasing a quarter section in South Dakota and a half section in Canada. He engaged in general farming and stock raising and had a fine grade of cattle. In 1910 he retired and moved to York as a result of impaired health and here he is now residing.
In 1878 Mr. Merkel was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Mosgrove, a native of Iowa, and they have become parents of two children: Arthur, who is a graduate of the State University and is now practicing medicine in Ankeny, Iowa; and Blanche, who is the wife of W. R. Findall who is engaged in farming in Canada.
Mr. Merkel gives his allegiance to the Democratic Party, having firm belief in the efficacy of the principles of the party as factors in good government. He is likewise a consistent member' of the United Brethren church. Mr. and Mrs. Merkel are now residing in York, where they enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life as the result of his well directed thrift and energy in former years. His labors have brought about settlement and development in various districts and he is now enjoying the well earned rewards of former toil.⁴ She died on 21 November 1973 at Kindersley, Saskatchewan, Canada, at age 87.^1,2 She was buried say 24 November 1973 at Kindersley, Saskatchewan, Canada.²

     Dr. Arthur Edwin Merkel was born on 29 February 1880 at farm, NW Section 2 Township 11, Bradshaw Township, York, Nebraska, U.S.A..^1,2 He was the son of John Adam Merkel and Henrietta Mosgrove.^1,2 Dr. Arthur Edwin Merkel was a household member in the 1880 U.S. Census of John Adam Merkel on 8 June 1880 at Township 11 Range 4, York, Nebraska, U.S.A.; Household 11, 11
Merkel, John, white male, age 23, farmer, born in Ohio of parents born in Germany;
Cassie, age 24, wife, white female, keeping house, born in Iowa, her father born in Indiana, her mother born in Pennsylvania;
Arthur, son, white male, born in Nebraska, of father born in Ohio and mother born in Iowa.³ Dr. Arthur Edwin Merkel was described as Medical: Had a bad leg due to runaway field accident when young. Developed into osteomyelitis. Say 1896.² He was a household member in the 1900 U.S. Census of John Adam Merkel on 1 June 1900 at Arborville Township, York, Nebraska, U.S.A.; 01 June 1900 U.S Census, Arborville Township, York County, Nebraska, E.D. 168, p. 19, sheet 1A, lines 41-45, Household 5, 9.
John A. Merkle, white male, born October 1856 in Ohio, parents born in Germany, age 43 years, farmer, married 21 years;
Hattie, white female wife, age 44 years, born September 1855 in Iowa of Indiana-born parents, married 21 years, two of two children born still alive;
Arthur, white male son, age 20 years, born in Nebraska of Ohio-born father and Iowa-born mother;
Blanche, white female daughter, age 13 years, born October 1886 in Nebraska of Ohio-born father and Iowa-born mother;
Mosgrove, Hannah, white female widow, age 82 years, born in January, 1818, in Indiana, of Pennsylvanian born parents, 11? children born and eight? still alive;
all could read, write and speak English, children in school.⁴ Dr. Arthur Edwin Merkel was physician say 1904.² He married Katharine Maude Davis, daughter of William Morton Davis and Flora Melissa Tucker, on 25 December 1904 at Julian, Nemaha, Nebraska, U.S.A..^1,2 Dr. Arthur Edwin Merkel married Elizabeth Flin, daughter of James Wallace Flin and Sarah M. Hewitt, on 25 October 1917.^1,2 Dr. Arthur Edwin Merkel was mentioned in York County, Nebraska and its people: together with a condensed history of the state
Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1921, 1271 pgs.
JOHN A. MERKEL
John A. Merkel after long years of connection with agricultural interests in York County is now living retired in York, enjoying the fruits of his own diligence and industry. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 3, 1856, a son of Jacob and Mary (Emig) Merkel, both natives of Germany, but their marriage occurred in Ohio. The father was a brick maker and plasterer by trade and emigrated to the United States in the late '50s. He located in New York and later in Wayne County, Ohio, where he followed his trade for some time. In 1858 he removed to Iowa where he bought some land which he farmed in connection with his other trades. In 1871 he decided to come to Nebraska, with the result that he set out from Iowa in that year with an ox team. He left Boone, Iowa, on the 18th of April and arrived in York on the 6th of May, driving up what is now Lincoln Avenue. At the time he came to that town it consisted of but two frame buildings and a sod shanty. He pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres in Bradshaw town-ship which he later bought, and his first home on this land was a dugout with dirt floor and two small windows. The next house he built of frame which was sixteen by twenty-four feet, hauling the lumber from Lincoln and Columbus. All supplies were also hauled from these places. His land he broke with an 'ox team and he also planted a grove and orchard, but the latter mostly died out. He hauled his coal from Central City and got his wood from the Platte River. Mr. Merkel remembers having seen many antelopes and stray herds of buffalo. In 1873 the grass-hoppers destroyed all of the corn and in the same year at Easter time a blizzard kept the members of the family in the house for a period of three days. For a number of years he lived on the land and then sold it, removing to another place which he had bought and resided there until he retired. He spent the remaining years of his life with his son, John A. Merkel, the subject of this review, and died in 1908 at the age of seventy-six years. He was married in Ohio to Mary Emig who preceded him in death. The following children were born to them: John A., the subject of this review; Katie, who is deceased; Fannie, deceased; Emma, deceased; Maggie, who is the wife of John Glasser, a farmer in York county; Nora, who is the wife of W. A. Miller of York, engaged in the real estate business; Charles, residing in Marion, Ohio, where he is engaged in the implement business; and one child who died in infancy in Iowa. Both Mr. and Mrs. Merkel were stanch supporters of the United Brethren church, and he gave his allegiance to the Democratic Party.
In the acquirement of an education John, A. Merkel attended the public schools of York County, the first school he attended being built of sod and containing home-made benches. At an early age he started farming and homesteaded eighty acres in Bradshaw Township. He also bought forty acres in Arborville Township. His first house was built of sod and was fourteen by twenty feet, consisted of one room and had a dirt roof. Here he made his home for a number of years when he sold the homestead in 1910, purchasing a quarter section in South Dakota and a half section in Canada. He engaged in general farming and stock raising and had a fine grade of cattle. In 1910 he retired and moved to York as a result of impaired health and here he is now residing.
In 1878 Mr. Merkel was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Mosgrove, a native of Iowa, and they have become parents of two children: Arthur, who is a graduate of the State University and is now practicing medicine in Ankeny, Iowa; and Blanche, who is the wife of W. R. Findall who is engaged in farming in Canada.
Mr. Merkel gives his allegiance to the Democratic Party, having firm belief in the efficacy of the principles of the party as factors in good government. He is likewise a consistent member' of the United Brethren church. Mr. and Mrs. Merkel are now residing in York, where they enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life as the result of his well directed thrift and energy in former years. His labors have brought about settlement and development in various districts and he is now enjoying the well earned rewards of former toil.⁵ He died on 6 May 1958 at Des Moines, Polk, Nebraska, U.S.A., at age 78.^1,2 He was buried on 9 May 1958 at Glendale Masonic, Des Moines, Polk, Iowa, U.S.A..^1,2

      Eva Catharina Salm was also known as Anna Catharina Salm in some children's records.¹ She was born on 21 August 1721.¹ She was born on 7 August 1723.¹ She was the daughter of Johann Michael Salm and Margaretha Saam.¹ Eva Catharina Salm married Johann Ehehard, son of Conrad Ehehard, on 17 May 1743.¹

     Julia Rouse and John Adam Dorssom were divorced.² Julia Rouse was born on 20 July 1870 at Rome, New York, U.S.A..^1,2 She married John Adam Dorssom, son of George Dorssom and Sophia Wilhelmina Rochelle, on 14 August 1894.^1,2 Julia Rouse died on 20 January 1947 at Atchison, Atchison, Kansas, U.S.A., 393347N0950717W, at age 76.^1,2

     Thomas Atkins was the son of James Adkins I and Chloe Hargis.¹

     Gerda A. Peterson was born on 26 October 1873 at Nebraska, U.S.A..^1,2 She was the daughter of Jon Peterson and Albertina A. Danielson.¹ Gerda A. Peterson was a household member in the 1880 U.S. Census of Jon Peterson on 13 June 1880 at Colfax Precinct, Colfax, Nebraska, U.S.A.; 13 June 1880 U.S. Census, Colfax Precinct, Colfax County, Nebraska, Schulyer Post Office, E.D. 3, sheet page 12, Household 88, 88, lines 23-27.
Peterson, John , age 41 years, farmer, married, born in Sweden of Swedish parents;
Albertine, age 39 years, wife, born in Sweden of Swedish parents;
Huldaff, daughter, 10 years old;
Janst, daughter, 8 years old;
Girtie, daughter, 6 years old;
Alpha, daughter, 4 years old;
All children born in Nebraska of Swedish parents;
Next door appeared to have been his father who was double counted:
Household 89, 89

Swanton,, no first name given, age 78, widowed father, born in Sweden of Swedish parents;
Philips, O.B., 36 years old, servant, farm laborer, married, his parents and he all born in Ohio.³ Gerda A. Peterson was a household member in the 1900 U.S. Census of Louis Christian Anderson on 9 June 1900 at Plattsmouth, Cass, Nebraska, U.S.A., 410041N0955255W; 09 June 1900 U.S. Census, Plattsmouth Precinct,Plattsmouth City, Cass County, Nebraska, E.D. 11, sheet 4A, lines 34-36, Household 615, 76, 76.
Anderson, Louis, white male head, born February 1844, 56 years of age, married 16 years, married for 16 years, born in Sweden and also both parents, immigrated in 1874 and lived in U.S. for 26 years and naturalized, carpenter, could read, write and speak English;
Albertina A. (Danielson Peterson), wife, age 69, W, F, married for 16? years, four of four children still lborn were still alive, born in Sweden and also both parents, immigrated in 1867, lived in U.S. for 33 years, could read, write and speak English;
Peterson, Gerda, white female step daughter, born in Oct.? 1876, 26 years of age, single, born in Nebraska of Swedish-born parents .⁴ Gerda A. Peterson was a household member in the 1910 U.S. Census of Louis Christian Anderson on 19 April 1910 at Plattsmouth, Cass, Nebraska, U.S.A., 410041N0955255W; p. 5 B Gerda Peterson enumerator, lines 53-56
Louis C. Anderson, age 66, W, M, married twice, for 27 years, born in Sweden and also both parents, immigrated in 1875 and naturalized, carpenter in railroad shop;
Albertina A. (Danielson Peterson), wife, age 69, W, F, married twice, for 27 years, four of four children still lborn alive, born in Sweden and also both parents, immigrated in 1868;
Gerda Peterson, step daughter, age 36, single, born in Nebraska of Swedish parents, seamstress working at home;
Alpha C. Peterson, step daughter, age 33, single, born in Nebraska of Swedish parents, teacher, public school.⁵ Gerda A. Peterson was enumerated in the 1920 U.S. Census: 12 Jan 1920 U.S. Census, Plattsmouth County Jail, Plattsmouth City, Ward 2, Cass County, Nebraska, E.D. 13, sheet 8B, line 56, household 331, 336.
Peterson, Gerda, white female boarder, 45 years of age, single, born in Nebraska of Swedish born and speaking parents, clerk, post office, could read wite and speak English.
It appears that she lived with the county sheriff, his wife and their four children along with five male inmates. On 12 January 1920 at 411 Main? Street, Plattsmouth, Cass, Nebraska, U.S.A..² She was postal worker on 12 January 1920 at Plattsmouth, Cass, Nebraska, U.S.A..^1,2 She and Alpha Constance Peterson were enumerated in the 1930 U.S. Census: 23 April 1930 U.S. Census, Ward 1, Plattsmouth, Nebraska, E.D. 13-16, sheet 5B, Avenue C, Household 624, 104, 151, lines 91-94.
Kaufmann, Marie, white female head, owner, $4,000 in real property, had a radio, not a farm, 47 years of age, born in Switzerland of Swiss-born parents, she spoke German before coming to the U.S., immigrated in 1882, naturalized, supervisor, public school;
Peterson, Alpha, white female boarder, 52 years of age, born in Nebraska of Swedish-born parents, County Supt of Public Schools;
Peterson, Gerda, white female roomer, 55 years of age, born in Nebraska of Swedish-born parents, clerk, Post Office;
Leach, Anna E., white female roomer, 66 years of age, born in Massachusetts of Massachusetts-born parents, clerk in Co. Supt office;
all were single, had not been in school in the last years, could read, write and speak English, and had been employed the last day. On 23 April 1930 at Avenue C, Plattsmouth, Cass, Nebraska, U.S.A..⁶ Gerda A. Peterson witnessed and/or was mentioned in the obituary/biography covering the burial of Hulda Albertina Peterson circa 25 September 1948 at Arborville Township, York, Nebraska, U.S.A., OBITUARY
Hulda Sterner
Failing health for a period of several years resulted in the death of Mrs. Hulda Sterner, widow the late Charles Sterner at Bancroft, Nebraska.
Mrs. Sterner was born near Rogers, Nebraska, September 7, 1869. Later the family moved to Plattsmouth, Nebraska where she was united in marriage to Charles Sterner, June 26, 1889. They made their home in Schuyler, Nebraska for several years where they both united with the Presbyterian church and took an active part in church activities. In 1902 they moved to a farm eight miles northeast of Bradshaw and made their home there until ill health forced them to retire in 1939.
Mr. Sterner passed away in 1944. Five children survive their mother, Cyril and Hillis of Bradshaw, Hilbert of San Ysidro, Calif., Mildred of Bancroft, Mrs. Olga Warrest of Lincoln; eight grand-children and five great grand-children. Also three sisters, Mrs. Jennie Enburg of Sheridan, Wyo., Gerda and Alpha Peterson of Plattsmouth. Though for many years she has had failing health and was practically an invalid she constantly maintained a cheerful and gracious spirit, never complaining of her life. Her family and their best....

She was staying with her daughter Mildred Sterner who was teaching in Brancroft.^1,7 Gerda A. Peterson and Alpha Constance Peterson lived on 22 December 1948 at 509 Avenue B ?, Plattsmouth, Cass, Nebraska, U.S.A., They never married and lived in a Victorian era house with original furnishings.^8,9 Gerda A. Peterson died on 23 June 1955 at age 81.¹ She was buried circa 26 June 1955 at Oak Hill Cemetery, 149 Oak Hill Road, Plattsmouth, Cass, Nebraska, U.S.A., 410041N0955255W.¹

     Anna Merckel was born on 11 April 1657.² She was the daughter of Hans Velten Merckel II and Catharina Kessler.¹

     Justus Kleppe was buried at German Lutheran Cemetery, Leona, Doniphan, Kansas, U.S.A., 394714N0951917W.^1,2 He was born on 27 April 1842 at Wechdorf, Germany.^1,2 He was the son of Eckhard Kleppe.^1,2 Justus Kleppe married Margaret Jane Dorssom, daughter of George Dorssom and Sophia Wilhelmina Rochelle, on 1 November 1874 at Atchison, Kansas, U.S.A., 393347N0950717W.^1,2 Justus Kleppe died on 22 November 1915 at Willis, Brown, Kansas, U.S.A., 394330N0953020W, at age 73.^1,2

      William Raymond Tindall was also known as Will Ray Tindall a farmer.² He was born on 23 February 1885 at Hawthorne, Garfield Township, Montgomery, Iowa, U.S.A..^1,2 He was the son of William Marshall Tindall and Selena Ames Hatswell.^1,2 William Raymond Tindall married Blanche Lenora Merkel, daughter of John Adam Merkel and Henrietta Mosgrove, on 30 December 1909.² William Raymond Tindall witnessed or was mentioned in York County, Nebraska and its people: together with a condensed history of the state
Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1921, 1271 pgs.
JOHN A. MERKEL
John A. Merkel after long years of connection with agricultural interests in York County is now living retired in York, enjoying the fruits of his own diligence and industry. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 3, 1856, a son of Jacob and Mary (Emig) Merkel, both natives of Germany, but their marriage occurred in Ohio. The father was a brick maker and plasterer by trade and emigrated to the United States in the late '50s. He located in New York and later in Wayne County, Ohio, where he followed his trade for some time. In 1858 he removed to Iowa where he bought some land which he farmed in connection with his other trades. In 1871 he decided to come to Nebraska, with the result that he set out from Iowa in that year with an ox team. He left Boone, Iowa, on the 18th of April and arrived in York on the 6th of May, driving up what is now Lincoln Avenue. At the time he came to that town it consisted of but two frame buildings and a sod shanty. He pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres in Bradshaw town-ship which he later bought, and his first home on this land was a dugout with dirt floor and two small windows. The next house he built of frame which was sixteen by twenty-four feet, hauling the lumber from Lincoln and Columbus. All supplies were also hauled from these places. His land he broke with an 'ox team and he also planted a grove and orchard, but the latter mostly died out. He hauled his coal from Central City and got his wood from the Platte River. Mr. Merkel remembers having seen many antelopes and stray herds of buffalo. In 1873 the grass-hoppers destroyed all of the corn and in the same year at Easter time a blizzard kept the members of the family in the house for a period of three days. For a number of years he lived on the land and then sold it, removing to another place which he had bought and resided there until he retired. He spent the remaining years of his life with his son, John A. Merkel, the subject of this review, and died in 1908 at the age of seventy-six years. He was married in Ohio to Mary Emig who preceded him in death. The following children were born to them: John A., the subject of this review; Katie, who is deceased; Fannie, deceased; Emma, deceased; Maggie, who is the wife of John Glasser, a farmer in York county; Nora, who is the wife of W. A. Miller of York, engaged in the real estate business; Charles, residing in Marion, Ohio, where he is engaged in the implement business; and one child who died in infancy in Iowa. Both Mr. and Mrs. Merkel were stanch supporters of the United Brethren church, and he gave his allegiance to the Democratic Party.
In the acquirement of an education John, A. Merkel attended the public schools of York County, the first school he attended being built of sod and containing home-made benches. At an early age he started farming and homesteaded eighty acres in Bradshaw Township. He also bought forty acres in Arborville Township. His first house was built of sod and was fourteen by twenty feet, consisted of one room and had a dirt roof. Here he made his home for a number of years when he sold the homestead in 1910, purchasing a quarter section in South Dakota and a half section in Canada. He engaged in general farming and stock raising and had a fine grade of cattle. In 1910 he retired and moved to York as a result of impaired health and here he is now residing.
In 1878 Mr. Merkel was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Mosgrove, a native of Iowa, and they have become parents of two children: Arthur, who is a graduate of the State University and is now practicing medicine in Ankeny, Iowa; and Blanche, who is the wife of W. R. Findall who is engaged in farming in Canada.
Mr. Merkel gives his allegiance to the Democratic Party, having firm belief in the efficacy of the principles of the party as factors in good government. He is likewise a consistent member' of the United Brethren church. Mr. and Mrs. Merkel are now residing in York, where they enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life as the result of his well directed thrift and energy in former years. His labors have brought about settlement and development in various districts and he is now enjoying the well earned rewards of former toil.³ He died on 16 February 1979 at Kindersley, Saskatchewan, Canada, at age 93.^1,2 He was buried circa 19 February 1979 at Kindersley, Saskatchewan, Canada.¹

     Hans Balinger married Anna (?).¹ Hans Balinger died before 12 August 1679.¹

     Margaret Jane Dorssom was born on 2 February 1854 at Wooster, Wayne, Ohio, U.S.A..^1,2 She was the daughter of George Dorssom and Sophia Wilhelmina Rochelle.^1,2 Margaret Jane Dorssom married Justus Kleppe, son of Eckhard Kleppe, on 1 November 1874 at Atchison, Kansas, U.S.A., 393347N0950717W.^1,2 Margaret Jane Dorssom died on 16 June 1946 at Willis, Brown, Kansas, U.S.A., 394330N0953020W, at age 92.^1,2 She was buried say 19 June 1946 at German Lutheran, Leona, Doniphan, Kansas, U.S.A..^1,2

     Elizabeth Flin was born on 25 December 1894 at Des Moines, Polk, Iowa, U.S.A..¹ She was the daughter of James Wallace Flin and Sarah M. Hewitt.¹ Elizabeth Flin married Dr. Arthur Edwin Merkel, son of John Adam Merkel and Henrietta Mosgrove, on 25 October 1917.^2,1 Elizabeth Flin died in March 1975 at Des Moines, Polk, Iowa, U.S.A., at age 80.^2,1

     Hannah Danley was born on 18 August 1816 at Indiana, U.S.A..^1,2 She was the daughter of John Danley and Julia Ann Mosier.^1,2 Hannah Danley married Watson Mosgrove, son of Robert? Mosgrove and Jane Watson, on 29 January 1835 at Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S.A..^1,2 Hannah Danley was a household member in the 1870 U.S. Census of Watson Mosgrove on 5 September 1870 at Jackson Township, Boone, Iowa, U.S.A.; 05 September 1870 U.S. Census, Jackson Township, Boone County, Iowa, p. 17, lines 3-10, Household #126, 126.
Mosgrove, Watson, white male farmer, age 56 years, $1,200 in real property, $445 in personal property, born in Ohio, U.S citizen over the age of 21 years;
Hannah, white female, age 53 years, born in Pennsylvania;
Margaret, white female daughter, age 23 years born in Indiana, works home;
Hannah, white female daughter, age 20 years born in Indiana, works home;
Jasper, white male son, age 19 years born in Indiana, works home, attended school within the last year;
Fanny , white female daughter, age 15 years born in Iowa, works home, attended school within the last year;
George, white male son, age 13 years born in Iowa, works home, attended school within the last year;
Mary, white female daughter, age 11 years born in Iowa, works home, attended school within the last year.³ Hannah Danley was a household member in the 1880 U.S. Census of Watson Mosgrove on 2 June 1880 at Jackson Township, Boone, Iowa, U.S.A.; 02 June 1880 U.S. Census, Jackson Township, Boone County, Iowa, E.D. 1, p. 1, lines 40-45, Household #9.
Mosgrove, Watson, white male head, born in Ohio, father born in Ireland, mother born in P?, retired;
Hannah, white female wife, age 62 years, married, keeping house, born in Pennsylvania of Pennsylvanian-born parents;
Jasper, white male son, age 28 years born in Ohio of Ohio-born father and Pennsylvania-born mother,farming;
Lucy, white female wife, age 28 years, married, keeping house, born in Iowa of an Illinois-born father and Indiana-born mother;
Geo., age 6 years, white male son, born in Iowa of Ohio born father and Iowa-born mother, at home;
Logan, white male son, age 5 years, born in Iowa of Ohio born father and Iowa-born mother, at home.⁴ Hannah Danley was a household member in the 1900 U.S. Census of John Adam Merkel on 1 June 1900 at Arborville Township, York, Nebraska, U.S.A.; 01 June 1900 U.S Census, Arborville Township, York County, Nebraska, E.D. 168, p. 19, sheet 1A, lines 41-45, Household 5, 9.
John A. Merkle, white male, born October 1856 in Ohio, parents born in Germany, age 43 years, farmer, married 21 years;
Hattie, white female wife, age 44 years, born September 1855 in Iowa of Indiana-born parents, married 21 years, two of two children born still alive;
Arthur, white male son, age 20 years, born in Nebraska of Ohio-born father and Iowa-born mother;
Blanche, white female daughter, age 13 years, born October 1886 in Nebraska of Ohio-born father and Iowa-born mother;
Mosgrove, Hannah, white female widow, age 82 years, born in January, 1818, in Indiana, of Pennsylvanian born parents, 11? children born and eight? still alive;
all could read, write and speak English, children in school.⁵ Hannah Danley died on 28 April 1905 at Bradshaw, York, Nebraska, U.S.A., at age 88.^1,2 She was buried say 1 May 1905 at Lincoln Creek Cemetery, Section 8, South Center, Road 17 between Roads "H" & "I", Lockridge Township, York, Nebraska, U.S.A., 405550N0974100W.^1,2

     Watson Mosgrove was born on 17 June 1813 at Ohio ~Eastern, U.S.A..^1,2 He was the son of Robert? Mosgrove and Jane Watson.^1,2,3 Watson Mosgrove married Hannah Danley, daughter of John Danley and Julia Ann Mosier, on 29 January 1835 at Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S.A..^1,2 Watson Mosgrove was enumerated in the 1870 U.S. Census: 05 September 1870 U.S. Census, Jackson Township, Boone County, Iowa, p. 17, lines 3-10, Household #126, 126.
Mosgrove, Watson, white male farmer, age 56 years, $1,200 in real property, $445 in personal property, born in Ohio, U.S citizen over the age of 21 years;
Hannah, white female, age 53 years, born in Pennsylvania;
Margaret, white female daughter, age 23 years born in Indiana, works home;
Hannah, white female daughter, age 20 years born in Indiana, works home;
Jasper, white male son, age 19 years born in Indiana, works home, attended school within the last year;
Fanny , white female daughter, age 15 years born in Iowa, works home, attended school within the last year;
George, white male son, age 13 years born in Iowa, works home, attended school within the last year;
Mary, white female daughter, age 11 years born in Iowa, works home, attended school within the last year. On 5 September 1870 at Jackson Township, Boone, Iowa, U.S.A..⁴ He was enumerated in the 1880 U.S. Census: 02 June 1880 U.S. Census, Jackson Township, Boone County, Iowa, E.D. 1, p. 1, lines 40-45, Household #9.
Mosgrove, Watson, white male head, born in Ohio, father born in Ireland, mother born in P?, retired;
Hannah, white female wife, age 62 years, married, keeping house, born in Pennsylvania of Pennsylvanian-born parents;
Jasper, white male son, age 28 years born in Ohio of Ohio-born father and Pennsylvania-born mother,farming;
Lucy, white female wife, age 28 years, married, keeping house, born in Iowa of an Illinois-born father and Indiana-born mother;
Geo., age 6 years, white male son, born in Iowa of Ohio born father and Iowa-born mother, at home;
Logan, white male son, age 5 years, born in Iowa of Ohio born father and Iowa-born mother, at home. On 2 June 1880 at Jackson Township, Boone, Iowa, U.S.A..⁵ He Originally from Boone County Iowa. Were neighbors of Merkels. Say 1890.² He died on 7 June 1892 at Bradshaw Township, York, Nebraska, U.S.A., at age 78.^1,2 He was buried circa 10 June 1892 at Lincoln Creek Cemetery, Section 8, South Center, Road 17 between Roads "H" & "I", Lockridge Township, York, Nebraska, U.S.A., 405550N0974100W.⁶

     Anna Sophia Anderson was born on 26 December 1863 at Norrköping, Östergötland, Östergötland, Sweden.¹ She was the daughter of Johan Olof Andersson and Johanna Maria Persdotter.¹ Anna Sophia Anderson emigrated on 19 September 1884 from Göteborg, Västra Götaland, Västergötland and Bohuslän, Sweden. Her emmigration record reads:Anna Sofia Sterner
b abt 1863
place of origin: Norrkoping, Ostergotland lan, Sverige (lan=county; Sverige=Sweden)
Destination: New York
record date: 19 Sep 1884
Port of Departure: Goteborg (Gothenberg)
The emigres would go from Gothenberg or Malmo in a small ship and catch the big ship in Liverpool. Sometimes they'd catch the steamers in Hull. After arriving in America, they'd take a train to their next destination. Sometimes, you can find in the New York Times on microfillm of the day the ship arrived, what berth it came into.² She immigrated on 3 October 1884 to New York, New York, New York, U.S.A.. Anna S. Sterner
arrival date: 3 Oct 1884
age 21--estimated birth year, 1863
Port of Departure: Liverpool, England
Destination: USA
Place of Origin: Sweden
Ship name: America
Port of Arrival: New York.³ As of 1885, her married name was Karlson.¹ She married Louis Karlson in 1885.¹ Anna Sophia Anderson witnessed the death of Louis Karlson on 17 February 1893.¹ As of say 1894, her married name was Swanson.¹ Anna Sophia Anderson married Peter M. Swanson on 28 March 1898.^4,5 Anna Sophia Anderson was a household member in the 1900 U.S. Census of Peter M. Swanson on 22 June 1900; 22 Jun 1900 U.S. Census, Richland Precinct, Colfax County, Nebraska, E.D. #50, sheet 10A, lines 3 -11, Household 189, 189.
Swanson, Peter, white male head, born July 1860, age 39 years, immigrated in 1884, lived in USA for 16 years, Petition Applied, farmer, could read, write and speak English;
Annie, white female wife, born December 1863, age 36 years, married 15 years, three alive children of three born, born in Sweden of Swedish born parents, could read, write and speak English, appears immigrated in 1884, lived in USA for 16 years;
Arthur, single, white male son, born April 1886, age 14 years, born in Nebraska of Swedish born parents, in school, could read, write and speak English;
Walter, single, white male son, born September 1891, age 8 years, born in Nebraska of Swedish born parents, in school, could read, write and speak English;
Edward, single, white male son, born June 1892, age 7 years, born in Nebraska of Swedish born parents, could speak English but not read nor write;
Anderson, Johanna, white female mother in law, widowed, born April 1829, age 71 years, one of one child born still alive (error, should be 4?); born in Sweden of Swedish born parents, apparently could not read, write or speak English, appears (ditto marks?) she may have immigrated in 1884, lived in USA for 16 years.⁴ Anna Sophia Anderson was a household member in the 1910 U.S. Census of Peter M. Swanson on 20 May 1910 at Richland Precinct, Colfax, Nebraska, U.S.A.; 20 May 1910 U.S. Census, Richland Precinct, Colfax County, Nebraska, E.D. #52, sheet 6B, lines 59-66, Household 102, 102.
Swanson, Peter, white male head, born in Sweden, age 50 years, married twice?, married 11 years, immigrated in 1884, lived in USA for 16 years, Petition Applied, farmer, could read, write and speak English;
Annie, white female wife, born in Sweden, age 46 years, married 15 years, three alive children of three born, born in Sweden of Swedish born parents, could read, write and speak English, appears immigrated in 1884, lived in USA for 16 years;
Walter, single, white male son, single, age 18 years (error?), born in Nebraska of Swedish born parents, in school, farm laborer;
Edward , single, white male son, single, age 17 years, born in Nebraska of Swedish born parents, could speak English but not read nor write;
Norman, white male son, single, age 10 years, in school;
Harry, white male son, single, age 7 years, in school;
Chester, white male son, single, age 3
Alpha, white female daughter, single, age 1 year, born in Sweden of Swedish born parents, could speak English;
all children born in Nebraska of Swedish born parents and with exception of youngest two, could read write and speak English.⁶ Anna Sophia Anderson was a household member in the 1920 U.S. Census of Peter M. Swanson on 9 January 1920 at Richland Precinct, Colfax, Nebraska, U.S.A.; 9 Jan 1920 U.S. Census, Richland Precinct, Colfax County, Nebraska, E.D. #57, sheet 2B, lines 61-66, Household 32, 33.
Swanson, Peter, white male head, born in Sweden, age 59 years, married years, immigrated in 1894, nationalized in 1917, farmer, owned farm, could read, write and speak English;
Annie, white female wife, born in Sweden, age 56 years, married, born in Sweden of Swedish born parents, could read, write and speak English, immigrated in 1895?;
Norman, white male son, single, age 19 years, farm laborer on family farm;
Harry, white male son, single, age 17 years, farm laborer on family farm, had been in school;
Chester, white male son, single, age 13, in school
Alpha, white female daughter, single, age 11 years, in school;
all children born in Nebraska of Swedish born parents and could read write and speak English.⁷ Anna Sophia Anderson and Peter M. Swanson lived in 1923 at 2053 25th Avenue, Columbus, Platte, Nebraska, U.S.A..⁸ Anna Sophia Anderson died on 2 December 1945 at St. Mary's Hospital, Columbus~, Nebraska, U.S.A., at age 81.^1,5 She was buried say 6 December 1945 at Columbus Cemetery, Columbus, Platte, Nebraska, U.S.A., Funeral Services Thursday For Mrs. Anna Swanson
Mrs. Anna Sophia Swanson, 82, died Sunday at St. Mary's hospital where she had been a patient since Wednesday, and funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 1:45 p. m. at the family home at 2053 Twenty-fifth Avenue and at 2 p. m. at the Methodist church with Rev. Walter H. Jackson, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Columbus cemetery.
The daughter of Johan and Johanna Anderson, she was born on Dec. 26, 1863 at Norrkoping, Sweden. She came to America when a young woman and directly to Schuyler.
She was married to Louis Karlson and to this union were born two sons, Arthur Karlson, deceased in 1905, and Walter Karlson, residing at Kingsley, Ia. Mr. Karlson died in 1894.
On March 28, 1898 she married Peter M. Swanson and they made their home on a farm northeast of Columbus. To them were born Norman Swanson of Richland, Harry Swanson of Columbus, Chester Swanson of Omaha, and Alpha Swanson of Columbus. Mrs. Swanson is also survived by a stepson, Ed. Swanson of Schuyler; 13 grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.
Mr. and Mrs. Swanson moved to Columbus in 1923 and Mr. Swanson died here on June 3, 1924.
The body will lie in state at the Gass funeral home from 10 a. m. Wednesday until 4 p. m. when it will he taken to the home to be until the hour of the service.^9,5

     Sophia Wilhelmina Rochelle was born on 3 August 1836 at Bremen, Germany.^1,2,3 She was the daughter of NFN Rochelle.^1,2 As of June 1850 or July 1850, her married name was Dorssom.^1,2,4 Sophia Wilhelmina Rochelle married George Dorssom, son of Jakob Dorsam and Catharina Anna Schulz, in June 1850 or July 1850.^1,2,4 Sophia Wilhelmina Rochelle witnessed and/or was mentioned in the obituary/biography covering the burial of George Dorssom circa 5 January 1895 at Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster, Atchison, Kansas, U.S.A..^1,2 Sophia Wilhelmina Rochelle married Jacob Merkel, son of Georg Petrus Merckel and Anna Catharina Dorsam, on 19 February 1896; Jacob Merkel was George's (her first husband) cousin, a widower from York, Nebraska. He had a large, grown family. They lived in Lancaster, Atchison County, Kansas for 12 years. On 12 Mar 1908, Jacob died on a trip to Nebraska to visit his family.^2,4 As of 19 February 1896, her married name was Merkel.^2,4 Sophia Wilhelmina Rochelle was a household member in the 1900 U.S. Census of Jacob Merkel on 18 June 1900 at Lancaster, Atchison, Kansas, U.S.A.; 01 June 1900 U.S Census, Lancaster, Lancaster Township, Atchison County, Kansas, E.D. 17, sheet 17B, lines 73-74, Household 206, 206.
Merkel, Jacob, white male head, age 70 years, married 32 years of age, born in Germany of German-born parents, could read, write and speak English, retired farmer, owned his own residence, immigrated in 1850, had been in the U.S.A. for 50 years, and was a naturalized citizen;
Merkel, Sophia, white female, age 63 years born in August 1836, married 32 years of age, nine of nine children born still alive; born in Germany of German-born parents, no mention as to whether or not she could read, write and speak English.³ Sophia Wilhelmina Rochelle died on 1 May 1921 at Home, Lancaster, Atchison, Kansas, U.S.A., at age 84.^1,2 She Obit, The Atchison Daily Globe, May 2, 1921 Married her first husband's cousin, Jacob Merkel.
Atchison Daily Globe
1015 Main
Atchison, KS 66002-0247
Telephone: 913-367-0583
FAX: 913-367-7531
Publisher: Stan Wilson
Editor: Steve Bennett
Buried with first husband (Rochelle)

At age 1 1/2 Sophia and her sister, Louisa, came to America with their parents, who either died at sea or shortly after arrival in the USA. The girls were raised by a family named Sturm. After George died, Sophia moved into Lancaster, Kansas. On 2 May 1921.^2,5 She was buried on 3 May 1921 at Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster, Atchison, Kansas, U.S.A..^1,2

     Katherine Buttron married John Adam Dorssom, son of George Dorssom and Sophia Wilhelmina Rochelle.² Katherine Buttron was born in 1868.^1,2 She died in 1948 at Lancaster, Atchison, Kansas, U.S.A..^1,2

     Malachi Atkins was the son of James Adkins I and Chloe Hargis.¹ Malachi Atkins witnessed the birth of Malichi Mitchell on 15 April 1834 at Clay, Indiana, U.S.A.; May have been named after his mother's brother Malachi Atkins.^2,3,4,5,1