#1-Published in the Pilot February 23, 1927

August Bruse passed away last Friday, February 18th, just two days before his 89th birthday, he having been born in Mecklenburg, Germany, February 20, 1938. He grew to manhood there and was married to Miss Lena Buttenschon in 1868, sailing for America shortly thereafter. They came to this county and located on a homestead about three miles northwest of Blair, where all their children were born and which was their home for 34 years. In 1902 they removed to this city and Mrs. Bruse passed away ten years ago last December. Since her death he has made his home with Mrs. Peter Reeh, in this city, at whose home he passed away and where the funeral was held at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon, Rev. Arthur C. Smalley officiating. The other children are Henry Bruse, of Pueblo, Colo., Lutie Bruse, of Palacious, Texas, Mrs. Henry Rathmann, of Scribner, Nebr., Mrs. Jacob Sierk, of Ft. Calhoun, Mrs. John Bruse of Hoskins, Nebr., George Bruse, of Kamrar, Ia, Albert Bruse of St. Louis, Mo., and Mrs. Chris L. Withers, of Omaha. There are 23 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren. Mr. Bruse was of sturdy German sock, industrious, honest and kind, a heritage to the children of which they have every right to be proud. In recent years his hearing had failed so that his contact with his friends was almost entirely cut off, but will long be remembered by all who knew him in his active days and loved him for his many sterling qualities. The bereaved families have the sincere sympathy of their many friends.

#2-Published in The Enterprise February 24, 1927

August Bruse was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, Feb 20, 1838 where he grew to manhood and where he was married. In 1868 they came to America and settled on a farm three miles northwest of Blair where they resided until 1902 when they moved to Blair.

The wife passed away ten years ago and since that time he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Sophia Reeh who has given him all care and attention that is possible for loving hands to do.

He departed this life Friday, Feb 18 just two days before his 89th birthday, leaving to mourn him nine children: Mrs. Peter Reeh, Blair, Henry Bruse, of Pueblo, Colo; Lutie Bruse of Palacious, Texas; Mrs. Henry Rathmann of Scribner; Mrs. Jacob Sierk of Ft. Calhoun; George Bruce of Kamrar, Iowa; Albert Bruse of Saint Louis, Mo., and Mrs. C. L. Winters of Omaha. There are 23 grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held from the home of Mrs. Reeh on west Washington Street Monday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in charge of Rev. Arthur D. Smalley, pastor of the Baptist Church. A quartet composed of Mrs. Helen B. Smalley, Miss Mary Cook, Messrs. John Moore and Allen Phillips sand two numbers. Interment was made in the Blair Cemetery.

#3 Printed in the February 24, 1927 Tribune, Blair, Nebraska

OLD SETTLER EXPIRES

August Bruse Dies at Home of Daughter at Age of 89 Years

One of Washington county’s oldest settlers was called to rest when August Bruse died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Peter Reeh last Friday afternoon, February 18, 1927. He had been ailing for over a year, so his death did not come unexpected.

He was born in Mecklenburg, Germany on the 20th of February, 1838, and spent the first thirty years of his life in his native country. In 1868 he was married to Lena Buttenchein, and shortly thereafter they came to this country, making their home temporarily at Ft. Calhoun.

The following spring he took up a homestead three miles northwest of Blair and lived there continuously until 1902, when he and his wife decided that they deserved a rest from their labors and moved to this city. They endured the many hardships that come with settling a new country. In 1917 his wife died and he, feeling that he was unable to care for himself, made his home with his daughter, with whom he lived up until his death. He was widely known throughout the community and the enormous number of floral offerings at the funeral bear witness to this.

He leaves to mourn his loss nine children, all of whom are living: Mrs. Peter Reeh of Blair; Mrs. Jacob Sierk of Ft. Calhoun; Mrs. Henry Rathmann of Scribner; Mrs. Lena Bruse of Hoskins; Henry of Pueblo, Colo.; Lutie of Palacios, Texas; George of Kamrar, Iowa; and Albert of St. Louis, Mo.; besides twenty three grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held from the home of Mrs. Reeh on Monday afternoon at 3:00 o’clock, the Rev. A. D.Smalley, pastor of the Baptist church being in charge. A quartet composed of Mrs. Helen B. Smalley, Miss Mary Cook and the Messrs. John Moore and Allen Phillips rendered several beautiful numbers at the services. The body was laid to rest in the Blair cemetery.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. News clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~