Nicholas Rathjen

After being confined to his bed for more than two months Nicholas Rathjen, one of the old and highly respected residents of this vicinity, passed away at his home in Ft. Calhoun on Sunday morning, Feb. 27, at the age of 84 years, 5 months and 27 days.

Mr. Rathjen was born in Rendsburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, July 30, 1842. At the age of sixteen he came with his parents to Davenport, Iowa. In 1872 he moved to his farm near Ft. Calhoun, where he resided until 1906 when he removed to Ft. Calhoun.

In 1872 Mr. Rathjen was united in marriage to Maria Rohwer. To this union three children were born: Emil Rathjen and Mrs. Clara Hinrichsen; another daughter, Mrs. Lena Fischer, preceded her father in death sixteen years ago. Besides his two children Mr. Rathjen leaves to mourn his departure his loving wife, twelve grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a sister, Mrs. Doris Asmussen, of Ft. Calhoun.

Mr. Rathjen was esteemed by all who knew him. Quiet and unassuming, he made friends by his industry, his honesty and true worth. He was a charter member of the local Masonic order, Solomon lodge No. 10, joining it 55 years ago, and was one of the oldest Masons in the state.

A large audience attended the funeral services, conducted by Rev. L. W. Kurtz, at the Presbyterian church Tuesday afternoon. Masonic lodge members were present in a body and had charge of the services at the grave.

Tribune 3 March 1927

Nicholas Rathjen was born in Rendsburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, July 30, 1842, and died at his home in Fort Calhoun, Sunday, February 27th. At the age of 15 years Mr. Rathjen emigrated to this country and settled at Davenport, Iowa, and in 1872 moved to Fort Calhoun, where he was united in marriage to Maria Rohwer, who survives him. To this union wre born three children, Emil and Mrs. Clara Hinrichsen who reside at Fort Calhoun and Mrs. Lena Fischer who died some years past. A sister, Mrs. Dora Asmussen, survives him as well as twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild. We will all miss Mr. Rathjen’s cheery countenance and greeting and the death of this grand, good man surely marks the closing of a wonderful and useful life. Since 1906, when Mr. Rathjen and his good wife left the farm and moved to Calhoun, their circle of acquaintanceship has grown until it embraces the entire community, and commands the love and respect of each and every one. He was buried Tuesday afternoon in the Fort Calhoun cemetery.

Pilot 2 March 1927

Nicholas Rathjen, one of Washington county’s oldest settlers passed away Sunday morning at his home in Ft. Calhoun. Death was due to old age. He was 84 years old at the time of his death. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, one son, Emil, one daughter, Mrs. John Hinrichsen and one sister, Mrs. Doris Asmussen, all of Ft. Calhoun township, besides 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. One daughter, Mrs. Henry Fischer, preceded him in death fifteen years ago. He emigrated to this country from Germany in the early sixties, first landing at Davenport, Iowa, and later coming to Nebraska. He settled on a farm known as the old Jim Foley farm about three miles southwest of Ft. Calhoun where he resided until 1905 when he and his wife retired and moved to Ft. Calhoun. Nicholas Rathjen was a member of the Masonic order. He joined the lodge during his residence in Davenport, Iowa, many years ago and was perhaps the oldest member of the county. Through his death the community is losing one of the most upright and respected citizens. The funeral will take place on Tuesday at 2 p.m. from the Presbyterian church, interment in Ft. Calhoun cemetery.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~