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- John and Barbara Schneider Köhn
Buffalo, Dawson, HE
In the early 1800s military training was compulsory in Germany. Because of this, many Germany families came to the US. John Köhn, born in Prussia in 1842, came to us with his parents and family 7 Jun 1861 [NY passenger list reports arrival 8 Jun 1861].
Barbara Schneider, born in Bavaria [Bayern] in 1847, came to US at age 6 months. [NY passenger list reports arrival 22 Jun 1847].
Both grew up in Michigan and Wisconsin and were married at Haughton [Houghton Lake, Roscommon, MI] in 1864.
In 1885 they moved to Nebraska, coming to Plum Creek with their 9 living children; 3 having died in WI. After coming to Dawson Co, they bought 160 acres from the United Pacific Railroad paying $480. Later they bought more land. In 1879 they built a 2-story, frame house and had all the experiences of the pioneers of that time; prairie fires, Indians, drought, grass hoppers, blizzards, etc.
While living in Germany, John studied medicine and all his life he continued his study, staying up until after midnight every night reading new medical books. He was a very good country doctor and had everything except the final exams to become a practicing physician. Living 25 miles from town with a family the size of his, he just never got around to taking the exams. For those early pioneers it was often impossible to get a doctor, as the few practicing physicians were often miles away on another call when you needed them. So John often helped neighbors as a male nurse and saved many lives while farming 25 miles northwest of Lexington. Many neighbors to this day will testify that he saved many lives, although some of the local doctors didnt like the idea.
Barbara also spent much time caring for sick neighbors. Among the many occupations practiced on the farm was a cheese factory, where they made American cheese that was aged, wrapped and delivered to grocery stores in Lexington and Cozad every week.
The most cherished memories of some of the grandchildren are the days spent going out to the farm. A 5 or 6 hour drive in a spring wagon, up and down hill, and then arriving at the farm with all the home-made food. Most of the food was raised on the farm and canned or prepared to keep until needed. Especially delicious was the home-made sausage stored in lard in huge crocks. All meat and vegetables were home-grown and stored in the cellar. Even the sorghum press across the creek was interesting as were the hours spent with some of the younger members of the family, herding cattle in the hills each day. Herding was required since there were no pasture fences.
Entertainment, for the most part, included dances, although later there were literary societies and school programs. The older children of the family have often told of walking miles across the hills to the country dances and walking back arriving home about daylight.
Weddings and the like were celebrated by all the neighbors with their families sitting around all night, visiting, smoking dancing and playing music or cards.
The family of 12 children never got too lonely, as every member could play several musical instruments. Among these could be found the piano, organ, guitar, mandolin, violin, clarinet, viola, cornet, flute and many other instruments, some home-made. And most every member could play every instrument.
John passed away in 1908 and Barbara in 1920. They are buried in the Catholic Cemetery near Eddyville, Dawson, NE.
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