PIONEER HOMESTEADER GONE

Wm. Gosker, aged 81 years, pioneer homesteader of Grant township, passed away at his home on last Thursday, October 12.

Mrs. Gosker was born in Lippe Detmold, Germany where he grew to manhood, coming to America in 1868, and settling on the homestead where he died. When he came to Grant township the settlers were very few in number, and he witnessed the development of the richest part of the state, content to be a part of the great commonwealth that he had chosen as his home.

In 1874 he returned to Germany and married Miss Fredericka Busse, and together they returned to this country where he had already made a home. To them six children were born, five of whom are still living, three boys and two girls, all living in this county, highly respected citizens.

The funeral services were held Sunday and were attended by a vast assemblage of neighbors and relatives who did all in their power to show their respect to a good neighbor, a good friend and a good citizen.

He leaves to mourn him his aged wife, two sons and three daughters.

#2-19 Oct., 1922 - The Tribune - William

WASHINGTON COUNTY PIONEER IS CALLED

William Gosker, a highly respected resident of Washington county since 1870 died at his home Thursday at 8:30 after a lingering illness due to old age.

Deceased was born at Lippe, Detmold, Germany December 18, 1840, where he grew to manhood. Coming to Nebraska he took a homestead in Grant township, Washington county, and in 1874 he went to Germany, and on February 25 he was married to Fredericka Busse. They immediately came to this country and established their home on the homestead, and by thrift and industrious methods, prospered and acquired considerable wealth. Six children were born to them, five of whom with the widow survive, William and Henry Gosker of near Blair; Mrs. W. R. Ruwe, Hooper; Mrs. Fred Peterson, Herman; Edward Gosker, Nickerson.

The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 from the home and at 2 o’clock from the Vacoma Lutheran church with Rev. F. C. Schuldt officiating.

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

Find a Grave Memorial #9331350