Ludwig Henry Fredrick Kuhlmann (Fred L.) was born Jan. 8, 1875 in Warpe Hanover, Germany. He came to America with his parents, Grandfather, 4 brothers and a sister on the ship Tarfe. They landed in New York March 7, 1888. The family traveled to Nebraska by train, arriving at Humboldt at 4 p.m. March 11. They hired 2 drivers with teams and wagons to haul their belongings, while most of the family walked the 15 miles to the Eggers farm North West of Humboldt yet that night. Fred L. worked at odd jobs and went to school. He worked for one farmer, Henry Stutheit, for 6 years. While working around at different places and attending the same church, Fred met and courted Emilie Volker. They were married January 23, 1902 and started farming for themselves North East of St. James Church. | Fred and Emilie -- 1965 photo |
Emilie Volker was born on August 1, 1882 north of Humboldt, Nebr. to Frank and Helena (Borgman) Volker. She was one of 6 children. She attended Prairie Hill school near her home and graduated from the 7th grade.
In 1908 they purchased their own farm 1 1/2 miles west and 1/2 mile north of St. James Lutheran Church, where they were life long members. In addition to tilling the soil they raised pure bred hogs and cattle. They had an orchard of mostly apple trees which provided in addition to apples to eat and can, cider and food for the hogs. Fred also enjoyed working with honey bees and selling the honey. He never lost his love for horses, keeping his last one until he was almost 90. Emilie worked at her garden, flowers and sewing. She was also fascinated by the telephone which was beginning to make it's appearance in Nebraska communities. At one time she had telephones from two exchanges in her home and kept quite busy relaying messages for friends and neighbors.
Fred and Emile raised 5 children, Hubert, Theodor, Edwin, Elta, and Melvin. They all attended the little country school 1/2 mile south of their home, known as the "Pigtail".
After Fred retired from farming, their son Edwin and his wife purchased the farm, and moved a second house on to the place for their residence. Fred and Emilie continued to live in their home until their death. Emilie suffered with cancer the last years of her life, passing away on July 19, 1968, shortly before her 86th birthday. Fred suffered a broken hip when he was 98, which was pinned, and was able to walk again with a cane. Although his mind never faded, his mobility problem made it necessary to spend his last year in a nursing home. On special occasions he was able to visit family and friends that last year, and in July 1974 visited his old farm home for the last time. He passed away on August 4, 1974 at the age of 99 1/2.
Fred Kuhlmann Family
Edwin
Theodor
Hubert Elta
Emilie
Melvin Fred
1928 Photograph
Edwin, Melvin, Elta,
Theodore, Hubert
Fred, Emilie
Their family in 1943 | |
Their Wedding -- Jan. 23, 1902 | Colorado Vacation --Emilie on left, Fred on Right, Hubert and Elta on Donkey (others unidentified) |
List of Fred and Emilie's decendents. | |
1939 |