Herman Mehrens

Herman Mehrens was born at Oldenburg, Germany September 27, 1840. His mother had died in Germany, leaving him and his brother Dietrich. His father remarried and had three other sons, John Henry, Christopher and Gayhart. In the mid-1850's, Herman Mehrens family emigrated from Germany to America, and settled in the area of Iowa City Iowa. They took up a large section of land there. A short while later, the family decided to remove to Washington county. The elder Mr. Mehrens took up his land at Cuming City. Soon after he died, and his second wife (Herman’s Stepmother), remarried ; her new husband’s name was Zimmerman. Herman’s younger brother died of tuberculosis, and he was left on his own. His step-father Mr. Zimmerman was not willing to care for him, so he was "bound out" to a farmer in the Cuming City area, Josiah Boise. It was while working for Mr. Boice, who had several young daughters, that he became acquainted with the young lady who would later be his wife-Josephine. Herman Mehrens enlisted as a volunteer when the Civil War broke out, and was one of the first from Washington County. He enlisted in the first Nebraska, and served until his health broke. He then returned to Washington County, working as a hired man. He was married to Josephine Boice, at Cuming City, on March 28, 1866. He first worked his father-in-law’s farm and it was there that their first, a daughter Laura Mae was born, March 4, 1867. A son, John Henry, followed on May 14, 1868, and another daughter, Dorothal, August 11, 1870. This infant daughter died on December 31, 1871, and was buried in the Cuming city cemetery. In October of 1871, Herman Mehrens took out Homestead Certificate #328, for "160 16/100 acres of land"in Washington County. He built a log cabin there, for his growing family. Another daughter, Rosa Nell, was born November 10, 1871. February 22, 1874, a son, George Washington was born. Martha Alice was added to their family July 15, 1876, and Eva Lena December 18, 1881. By this time, the original log cabin, even with and addition, was too small for this large family. Mr. Mehrens constructed a fine two-story frame home which was completed to welcome the last of their children. A daughter, Birdie Irene, was born October 27, 1888. For many years Mr. Mehrens engaged in farming. He was very much loved by all who knew him,and many examples of his kindness and generosity are still remembered. He was a very religious man, a true christian. He and his family had been early members of the church of God, which had been established by Bro. Alumus Adams at Blair, in the 1890's. His life was his testimony, and he never turned away a stranger who required assistance He always invited those who were less fortunate to join him at his table, and he shared his generosity with all. Herman Mehrens died at his home on June 19, 1914. His wife passed away on January 13, 1913. Both now rest in the Blair Cemetery. The homestead farm of Herman Mehrens located north of Blair is now owned and operated by Viggo Anderson and sons, and Viggo still lives in the house. His wife, Birdie Josephine Hundrum, was a Grand-daughter of Herman Meherns.

Source: Washington County Nebraska History 1980. The Washington County Historical Association. Taylor Publishing Company, Dallas, Texas, 1980.