Died 27 April 1929

Burial in Herman Cemetery

Published in Enterprise on 2 May 1929

Mrs. Mary Bree was born in Temple, Germany March 18, 1843 and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wm. Adams, April 27, 1929, aged 86 years, 1 month and 10 days. When a small child she with her mother, one sister and two brothers sailed for America. While on the boat the mother was taken violently ill. She died and was buried at sea. The father had died a few years previous. On reaching America the children were placed in an orphan home in Chicago. It happened to be the fortune of the deceased to be taken into a fine home where she remained eight years. When she was eighteen, in August 1860, she was united in marriage to Wm. Bree. They lived in Chicago and Milwaukee for a few years and emigrated to Nebraska in 1863. They lived on a farm west of town for a time, later moving into Herman where Mr. Bree died six years ago, March 12, 1923. Grandma Bree, as she was lovingly called by all who knew her, continued to live in her home until two and one half years ago when she went to live with her daughter. Due to her age her health has been failing gradually for some time and she has been confined to her bed the past five weeks. When young she joined the St. Johns Episcopal church and continued in that faith until the time of her death. For the past few years while she has been kept closer to home she loved to read her German bible and appreciated the visit of friends and relatives and seemed happy. Those who knew her best will ever remember her for her sweet disposition. Coming to Nebraska in the early days she experienced all the trials and hardships of the pioneers. The father having to make trips to Omaha with an ox team for supplies. Life brought to her its full measure of troubles and sorrow but she met them bravely and was rewarded by living to enjoy many blessings, a fine home plenty, a devoted daughter and loving care in her declining years. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Jennie Adams, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren, one sister and two brothers. Two daughters, Anna and Emma, Mrs. Louis Wachter, having preceded her in death. Funeral services were held at the Baptist church at two o'clock on Monday afternoon. Rev. P.H. Petersen being in charge. Music was furnished by a quartet made up of Mrs. Geo. Lowe, Mrs. C.E. Johnson, Fred Robertson and C.R. Gray, Mrs. P.H. Petersen accompanying. Interment was made in the local cemetery beside the husband.

#2-2 May, 1929 - The Pilot-Tribune

Mrs. Mary Bree died Friday evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wm. Adams, where she has made her home since Mr. Bree’s death a few years ago. Mrs. Bree was eighty five years old. She had made her home in and near Herman for a number of years. The funeral was held Monday afternoon from the Baptist church, with burial in Herman Cemetery. She leaves one daughter, Mrs. Wm. Adams, and a number of other relatives to mourn her death.

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