Claus Mencke

Former Washington Sheriff Dies

Special Dispatch to the World Herald

Blair, Nebraska, July 10.--Claus Mencke, abstractor, and for twenty two years sheriff of Washington County, died here at 6 p. m. today.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p. m.

He was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1861, and came to this country in 1869, having lived here ever since.

He leaves six children.

#2-Published in the Pilot July 13, 1921

An Old Settler Gone

After many months of suffering Claus Mencke, Sheriff of Washington County for so many years, died at his home in this city Sunday afternoon. The funeral was held at 2:30 yesterday afternoon, Rev. J. W. Johnson, pastor of the Methodist Church, officiating.

Claus Mencke was born in Hanover Province, Germany, April 7, 1850 where he grew to manhood and was educated, not only in his mother tongue, but in the English language also. He came alone to the United States at the age of 19 years, coming directly to Omaha, Nebraska, where he worked for John and Chris Rathmann on a farm near Fort Calhoun. In 1871 the deceased bought a farm 6 miles west of Blair, where he lived until 1884, at which time he moved to Blair, where he made his home until the time of his death. His age was 71 years, 3 months and 3 days.

Mr. Mencke was married September 19, 1874, his bride was Miss Tine Rathmann, daughter of George D. and Marie Rathmann. To this union were born ten children, Henry, of this city, Bessie of Tekamah, George of Seattle, Washington, Mrs. Emma Lazure, of Hemingford, Nebr., John of Brush, Colo., all of whom with their mother, Mrs. Tine Mencke, and five grandchildren, and a host of friends are left to mourn the going of a husband, father and grandfather and friend. Five children, William, who died two years ago, Ella, who died at the age of 9 years, Clifford, who died at the age of 7 years and two babes preceded him in death.

The deceased was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Washington County under H. D. Schneider in which capacity he served five years. He was then appointed Sheriff and after two years of service he was elected to the same office, serving continuously for 22 years, being elected by the people of Washington County for ten consecutive terms, in spite of the fact that he was a Democrat and the county was at that time largely Republican.

After retiring from the sheriff’s office, Mr. Mencke became an abstractor, closing his office work last year, because of ill health.

All the children were here to attend the funeral except George, who lives in Seattle, Washington and Mrs. Lazure, who arrived the same evening.

Mr. Mencke has suffered much, and while he has been ill a long time, he was patient to the end, always extending a glad hand to his neighbors and friends who called to see him. He said her was not afraid to go, though he loved life, as is natural in all men. He was confirmed in the German Lutheran Church in the old country in his youth.

The day of the funeral was well nigh a perfect one and there was a large attendance. The floral offerings were exceptionally numerous and beautiful showing something of the high esteem in which Mr. Mencke was held.

The bereaved family have the sincere sympathy of their many friends. “So, when life’s sweet journey ends, Soul and body parts like friends, No quarrel, no murmurs, no delay; A kiss, a sigh, and so away.”

#3-14 July, 1921 - The Tribune - Claus Mencke (photo)

CLAUS MENCKE PASSES AWAY AT HOME IN BLAIR

Shortly after six o’clock Sunday evening the spirit of Claus Mencke took its flight, and the long battle for life and health was over. He had been ill for more than a year and unable to be at his office.

Claus Mencke was born April 7, 1851 in Hanover, Germany, and came to Washington county, Nebraska in 1868, and for several years followed farming. In the year 1893 he was elected sheriff of Washington county and held that office for twenty two consecutive years, and filled the position with credit to the county and to himself. It was during his administration that the present county jail was erected. During the last several years he has devoted himself to abstract work and had built up an enviable business.

Mr. Mencke was married September 19, 1874 to Miss Tina Rathmann at Blair and has since resided in this city or county.

Several years ago his health as well as his eyesight began failing him. He was in an Omaha hospital for some time when a cataract was removed from one of his eyes, but he never quite regained his former health. For the past year he has been very ill, and for the past ten days had been a great sufferer.

His widow and five children survive him. The children are Attorney Henry Mencke of this city, Miss Bessie Mencke of Tekamah, George of Seattle, Wash., John of Brush, Colo. and Mrs. E. J. Lazure of Alliance, Nebr. One son, William, died at Florence in 1918. One brother, Gust Mencke of Blair, also survives.

The funeral was held at his late residence on Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. Johnson.

The community mourns the loss of an upright man and a good citizen, and the family loses a kind husband, an indulgent father and a faithful friend.

The offices at the court house were closed during the time of the funeral.

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

Find a Grave Memorial #111849134