Jake Haller died at 12:45 yesterday afternoon at the home of his brother, W. D. Haller, of diabetes. He has been gradually failing for some time, but the end was not thought to be so near as it was. Rev. A. E. Marsh conducted a short service at the house at 3:30 this afternoon, after which the body was taken to the 5:00 o’clock train and shipped to his old home at Honey Creek, Wis. Two brothers, Theo. and Frank accompanied the remains, and will bury them by the side of his wife whose death occurred after they were married but one year. Jake was the youngest of a family of five brothers and five sisters and lived on the old homestead until about three years ago when he sold it and has since made his home here in Blair. The brothers are: W. D., S. G., Theo. and B. F., all of this city. The sisters living are: Mrs. Mary Kemp of this city, Mrs. E. Castetter of Lucas, S.D. and Mrs Frazer of Lake Beulah, Wis. Deceased was a member of the Maccabee and M.W.A. lodge carrying $1,500 insurance in the former and $2,000 in the latter order. He was worth about $15,000 besides this, which will be divided between his brothers and sisters.

#2-1 Aug., 1906 - The Pilot - Jake Haller

JAKE HALLER CALLED TO GREAT BEYOND

The death of Jake Haller Tuesday noon came as a great surprise to his many friends here. It had been known for some time - measured almost in years - that he was suffering from a disease the cure of which was doubtful, but none had supposed that the question of his life was days instead of months or years.

Less than two weeks ago he was about town as usual and was planning on a trip up into Minnesota where he had planned quite a time with the fish. One week ago last Monday he was downtown for the last time, though he was up around and could have made the trip later than that had he desired.

Mr. Haller was born at East Troy, Wisconsin in April, 1850 where he lived the first fifty years of his life. Of a family of ten - five boys and five girls - he was the youngest and it fell to his lot to remain at home with his parents while they lived and care for them. After they had passed away he took the homestead, paying those of the family who desired it their part of the estate. The four boys at Blair, however, refused to take any part of the estate, believing their brother had well earned it in caring for their parents. Jake has returned the kindness, for as near as we can learn he has arranged that the four brothers at Blair shall each receive $1,000 and then their regular share of the estate left.

Years ago, and after the death of his parents, Mr. Haller married a young lady of East Troy who had been his constant companion for years, and here is where the first sad experience overtook him. The day he was married his young bride complained of a pain in her head. She had always enjoyed unusually good health and nothing serious was anticipated, and the young people took the train for Chicago, but at the hotel that night she became violently insane and though she lived a year, she never recovered and it could not be said that she was ever rational after the first attack. She was cared for in a private hospital, but her case was beyond medical aid. Mr. Haller never remarried.

Some five years ago he sold the home place and came to Blair where he has resided for the most part, though last year he was back to Wisconsin, most of the time at the sanitarium taking treatment for diabetes. He was one of the most even tempered men it was ever the pleasure of the editor to meet. He was always in a pleasant mood and we doubt if he had an enemy in the world.

A short service was held this afternoon a the home of his brother Will, Rev. A. E. Marsh officiating. The body will be taken to the old home at East Troy, leaving Blair this afternoon and will be accompanied by the two brothers, Theo. and Frank.

The family consisted of ten children, Mrs. Jake Gambold and Mrs. Schafer and Jake who are dead, and Sam, Will, Theo. and Frank of Blair and Mrs. E. Castetter now at the Rosebud reservation and Mrs. F. L. Fraser of East Troy, Wisconsin and Mrs. Mary Kemp of Blair.

#3-9 Aug., 1906 - Blair Democrat - John Jacob “Jake” Haller

John Jacob Haller, better known to most Blair people as “Jake” Haller, passed to the great beyond on Tuesday of last week at the home of his brother, Senator Haller, on Colfax street. In our short acquaintance with him we had learned to like him for he was a man who seemed to know kindly things and to do only kind deeds.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at the home of his brother, W. D. Haller, and the remains were taken on the five o’clock train to his old Wisconsin home by his brothers Theo. and Frank, where he will be laid beside his deceased wife, there to sleep the sleep of the just and true. The following which was spoken at his funeral by Rev. Marsh of the Episcopal church well voices the sentiment of all who know him.

John Jacob Haller was born in the town of East Troy, Walworth County, Wisconsin on the 16th day of April, 1850, and died at the home of his brother, William D. Haller in Blair, Nebr. on the 31st day of July, 1906. He was ninth in a family of fourteen children that were born to Jacob and Elizabeth Haller. Four brothers and three sisters of this family are left to mourn his death. In compliance with his expressed wish, his body will be laid beside that of his deceased wife in the cemetery at Honey Creek, Wisconsin near the home of his childhood. His death, not wholly unexpected, came all too soon, and his brothers, sisters and large circle of nephews and nieces sincerely and deeply mourn.

By nature he was gentle, loving, confiding, generous and by these traits of character endeared himself in the hearts of his friends and relatives of whom there are many. His life had a peculiarly sad surrounding. In his early manhood he took upon himself the care of his aged father and mother and devoted the very best years of his life to their loving care. Later he married a beautiful, loving wife, who was taken from him by death at the very time when he had planned and provided a home for her.

He cared for his father and mother during their old age, and until their death with a tender loving care. He idolized his mother and their love was reciprocal. Her last days were brightened and comforted by his tenderness and care. How often she thanked her Heavenly Father, in whom she trusted, for the tenderness and love of her son.

Never a word of complaint fell from his lips that would indicate that the burdens of care rested heavily or were at all unpleasant to bear. Those who knew him best, loved and respected him most. In his old home he was held in the highest esteem by his neighbors and friends. To them he was one of nature’s noblemen. In his death they feel a personal loss.

His brothers and sisters feel the sad loss which has befallen them, and which his taking from them occasions in their ever narrowing circle. They knew him best, and knowing, loved and appreciated his presence with them most. Here at his bier we bring our tribute of love and with unspeakable sadness we consign his mortal remains to the quiet grave.

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

Find a Grave Memorial #81829825