AGED PIONEER LAID TO REST

William C. Bree Passes Away After Long and Painful Illness

William C. Bree died at his home in this village Monday, May 14, 1923 after a lingering illness due to his advanced age. The funeral was held at the Methodist church, Rev. W.A. Bowden officiating. The church was filled with old time friends of the deceased, some having known him since he came to this country more than half a century ago. The business of the village was suspended while the businessmen and their families paid their final tribute to a friend who has gone before.

Music was furnished by Fred Robertson, A.H. Smith, J.H. Johnson and R.H. Bovee with Mrs. E.P. Hanson at the piano. The pall bearers were E.W. Burdic, Gilbert Olson, L.V. Ackerman, J.P. Wachter, George Wachter of Pender and J.D. Lowe.

William Charles Bree was born in Templin, Germany August 9, 1837. He came with his parents to America at the age of 17, first settling in Wisconsin. In 1860 he was married to Anna Marie Morring. To this union three children were born. Of these, only Mrs. William Adams survives, Emma dying in 1890 and Mrs. Louis Wachter in 1899.

Mr. and Mrs. Bree came to Nebraska in 1867, settling on a homestead three miles north of Herman, where they lived 29 years. Here they suffered all the trials and hardships of pioneer life. They had to bring all their supplies by ox team from Omaha.

In 1899 Mr. and Mrs. Bree moved to Herman where for ten years he was engaged in the implement business and afterward in the pump business. Thirteen years ago he retired from active work.

He is survived by his wife, one daughter, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

~~~from obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Association. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska~~~

FindaGrave # 99044829