Hello List, From The Heritage of Bancroft Co, Nebraska 1884-1984, The Heritage Book Committee, 1984; a narrative of BUCHHOLZ, Johann Ferdinand and Louise KOEHLER, by Emil A. BUCHHOLZ. (Unfortunatley the only page I copied from the book. Anybody with a copy they would like to part with, I'm interested.) "In the year of 1868 Johann Ferdinand BUCHHOLZ, at age 24, left Lebus, Germany with his elder brother Wilhelm for the United States of America. They worked at various jobs in the Chicago area, and then came to West Point, Nebraska at a time when Cuming County was building its first court house in 1870. Johann got the job of mortar mixer. When that was finished he packed his belongings in a knapsack and walked to Schuyler, Nebraska where they were building a courthouse in Colfax County. He had a similar job there. They moved onto their homestead in Neligh Township ten miles north of West Point. They broke the prairie with oxen, raised wheat, corn and vegetables. They lived in a dug-out or "soddie." After a few years Johann bought 160 acres located in the southwest corner of section 32 Bancroft Township. With a team of oxen he hauled lumber from the ferry at Decatur for house, barns, and sheds. In his locality he became known as "wheat king." Through the years he increased his holdings in Bancroft and Neligh Townships until he had a total of 440 acres. In 1874 he became a charter member in the founding of Zion Lutheran Church, four miles west and two miles south from Bancroft, Neb. Through the years he held various offices as chairman of the voters meeting and an elder. In 1882, Johann was united in marriage with Louise Koehler. The union was blessed with fourteen children: William m. Gesine Altemeister; Martha (Mrs. Fred Kolell); Anna (Mrs. Albert Ross): Augusta (Mrs. Henry Hansen); Mary (Mrs. John Hansen); Louise (Mrs. Hans Lase); Emma (Mrs. George Gerch); Antonia (Mrs. Frank Glissman); Herman m. Gustie Schleusener; Bertha (Mrs. Albert Wegner); Emil m. Clara Grotelueschen; Hans m. Ella Repschlaeger; Clara (Mrs. Edward Schluesener); and Gottlieb m. Leona Kruger. All were baptized and confirmed by Rev. Harms of Zion Lutheran Church, attended Zion Lutheran Parochial School. Of the fourteen seven are still living in 1983: Mary (95); Antonia (90); Herman (88); Bertha (87); Emil (85); Clara (82); and Gottlieb (80). There are 56 grandchildren and a host of great and great-great-grandchildren. Johann was instrumental in helping Bancroft grow for the bulk of his business went to town such as; machinery, lumber, hardware, and groceries. He patronized the local grain elevators and stock yards. Johann became known in his community to be the first to hoist hay into the loft with hay slings, first to own a manure spreader, and first in using an elevator for ear corn and small grain. In 1919, Johann retired to the town of Bancroft. His wife, Louise, died in 1926, so for several years he lived with daughter Antonia. Then he moved back to his farm and lived with daughter Louise and son-in-law Hans Lase, who were operating the farm. He died in 1935 at the age of 90. The mortal remains of Johann and Louise lie buried on the family lot in Zion Lutheran Cemetery. - by Emil A. Buchholz" Larry Edwardsville IL