Donatus Seger 1828-1909

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Photo courtesy of Paul Seger, Atkinson NE

Born: 26 Sep 1828, Friesenheim, Baden, GERMANY
Died: 27 Oct 1909, Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska, USA
Buried: Atkinson (St Joseph's Cem), Holt Co, Nebraska, USA
Cause of Death: Old Age

PARENTS
Father: Leopold SEGER (1798-Aft 1864)
Mother: Eleonora GLASER (1792-1867)

SPOUSE
Margareta SONTAG, born ca 1830 at Luxumburg, died 28 Oct 1894 at Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska, buried at St Joseph's Cemetery, Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska

Married: 1855, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA

CHILDREN

1. John "Leopold" SEGER (31 Oct 1856-20 Dec 1920)


2. Bernard SEGER (12 Jul 1858-23 Nov 1859)


3. Joseph SEGER (20 Feb 1860-25 Jun 1863)


4. Catherine SEGER (10 Oct 1861-1 Jun 1863)


5. Susan Seger (13 Oct 1863-27 Oct 1863)


6. Johanna "Jennie" SEGER (15 Jan 1865-1939)


7. Nicholas Donatus SEGER (24 Jan 1867-1944)


8. Paul Peter SEGER (21 May 1869-14 Jul 1956)


9. John Henry Seger (31 Aug 1871-1935)


10. Max Joseph SEGER (16 Aug 1873-1947)

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NOTES:
Noted in OSB Friesenheim: mit. d. Eltern {Parents} nach Amerika. Died of old age.

It appears that Donat immigrated to America, married, started a family, then returned to Germany for his parents and nephew. Donat and Margaret's son Bernard died in 1859 and three children died in Chicago in the summer and fall of 1863. Within the next year Donat went back to Germany for his parents and nephew and returned to the US. The only living child at that time was John Leopold, one living child and 4 dead. I wonder about Margaret during those trying times, where she was and how she dealt with such tragedy. (K.Davis)

Boyd County Nebraska GenWeb page-Cemetery Lists
http://www.rootsweb.com/~neboyd/cemname/cemname-s.htm

1. SEGER, DONATUS - born Sept 26,1828 - died Oct 27,1909 - age 81 years 1 month and ? days - married Margaret Sontag - buried St Joseph Cem, Arkinson - had children - Leopold, Donat, Paul, John, Max, Jennie - shares stones with John H, Margaret, Jospehine, N Donatus (obit in file and Seger file)

2. Seger, Margaret Sontag - married Donatus Seger - born 1830 - died Oct 28,1894 - buried St Joseph Cem, Atkinson - shares stones with Donatus, John H, Josephine, N Donatus

Donat Seger arrives in NY - 1853

This is a page from "Germans to America". It lists Donat Seeger (note double "e") arriving in New York on 5 Sep 1853. The ship he sailed on was the "Trumbull" sailing from Harve France to New York. Donat was aged 25, male, farmer, from Baden, destination New York.

An uncle, Josef Seger, and an aunt, Magdalena Seger Braun, had immigrated in the 1840's. Donat settled in Chicago near his uncle Josef.

In Chicago Donat married Margaret Sontag and had five children. Four of these children died as infants or very young.

In 1864 Donat returned to Germany and escorted his parents, Leopold Seger and Eleanora Glaser, along with his nephew, Joseph F. Seger, to his home in Chicago.

After Donat returned to the United States he and Margaret had 5 more children.

About 1870-71 Donat and his family left Chicago and went to Long Grove Lake Co Illinois, in 1878 they moved to Omaha Nebraska and in April 1880 they arrived at Atkinson Nebraska where they took up a homestead. Many of Donat's descendants remain in the Atkinson area.

Donat Seger Family to Atkinson

From: Homestead Fever by Marie Kramer, published by Marie Kramer 1993.
Told by Joe Ziska's daughter, Mary Ziska Krysl.

The Leopold *{see note} Seger family also came in 1880 and settled south of the Elkhorn River five miles west of Atkinson. They had first lived in Chicago where they operated a brewery which burned in the Great Chicago Fire* {see note}. Journeying to Omaha, they built another brewery. When this business also burned (they suspected a rival of arson) they decided to respond.

The family traveled by train to the end of the railroad at West Point and proceeded from there in wagons. After many days, they came to a lone store located near the Elkhorn River, and Leopold sent young Paul to ask the way to Atkinson.

"Sonny, you're here!" responded the storekeeper.

Since the family had lived in Chicago and Omaha, it had not occurred to them that a townsite at the far reaches of the frontier might consist of a single building.

Atkinson did not begin to develop until the railroad came through the following year-1881-after which it mushroomed.

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{NOTES from K.Davis:}
This should read Donat Seger family not Leopold Seger family.

It is family legend that there was a fire at a family owned brewery in Chicago. Also, that after relocating to Omaha they owned another brewery that burned under suspicious circumstances. The legend was that competitors caused the fires and that after the fire in Omaha Donat decided to go to Atkinson and claim a homestead.

There is evidence that Henry John Seger was born 31 Aug 1871 in Long Grove, Lake Co, Illinois. Max Joseph Seger also seems to have been born in Lake Grove, Lake Co on 16 Aug 1873. The Great Chicago Fire was in October 1871, therefore it would seem that the family had left Chicago sometime before the Great Fire.

The Donat Seger Family - from "The Stuart Centennial"

Donatus Seger Family
Stuart Centennial, A One Hundred Year History of Stuart, Nebraska (1884-1984)
This publication and others about the Stuart Nebraska area and people are available for purchase from:The Stuart White Horse Museum

page 333 and 334
On Sept 26,1828, Donatus Seger was born in Friesenheim (Baden) Germany. He married Margaret Sontag (born 1830) of Luxemburg.

They left their homeland to come to America in 1851 settling in Chicago, Illinois. There Donatus and Margaret lived for 28 years. They had 6 children; Leopold (Oct 31,1856), Jennie (1865), Donatus (1867), Paul (May 21, 1869) and John H (Aug 1871). The last child Max, (1873) was born in Long Grove, Ill.

Leopold Seger was born in Chicago, the eldest son of Donatus and Margaret. In 1878 Leopold made a westward trek by covered wagon over the plains of Iowa and Nebraska with his parents, four brothers and one sister. They stopped in Omaha, Nebraska, where they worked in a meat market.

However, in just two years, the Seger family again traveled further west, looking for a place called Atkinson, Nebraska, where land was available for homesteading. Their well used covered wagon was drawn by a team of oxen with one cow being prodded along behind the wagon.

On April 1,1880 they came at last to a few buildings standing grey against the horizon. One son, Paul, was sent to inquire the whereabouts of Atkinson. To their surprise, they had finally arrived at their destination. The long, dusty trip over, the Segers homesteaded about 5 miles west and 1 mile north of the small Atkinson settlement. In just 2 years, 1882, this small town beginning was to become incorporated as a township.

Working hard to prove their homesteader’s deed, the Segers fought to tame the Nebraska soil. Some of the boys even helped friends on neighboring farms.

Margaret Sontag Seger died on Oct 28,1894, and was buried in the Atkinson Cemetery. Donatus then made his home with his son, Donatus, and wife, Josephine. He died Oct 27,1909, and was buried in the St Joseph Catholic Cem, Atkinson, Nebraska. Of him it was said, “He was a man who united sound sense with strong convictions, and a candid, outspoken temper, eminently fitted to mould the rude elements of pioneer society into form and consistency, and aid in raising a high standard of citizenship in our young and growing state.”

Continued:

1. John Leopold Seger - from "The Stuart Centennial"


2. The John "Jack" Seger Family - from "The Stuart Centennial"


3. The William James Seger Family - from "The Stuart Centennial"


4. The Max J Seger Family - from "The Stuart Centennial"

Donat Seger - Naturalized citizen

Naturalization Record, Holt Co Nebraska
14 Dec 1885

United States of America
The State of Nebr
Holt County
Be it remembered, that at a term of the District Court holden in and for said county in O'Neill therein on the 14th day of December in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighty five, was present the Honorable A W Post sole presiding judge, Ed Hershiser sheriff of said county and John McBride, clerk of said court, when the following, among other proceedings, were had, to wit: Donat Seger, a native of Germany and at present residing within said State, appeared in open Court, and made application to be admitted to become a citizen of the United States, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that he had declared on oath, before the Clerk of the Circuit court of Cook County State of Illinois, a court of record having common law jurisdiction, and using a seal, two years at least before his admission, that is was bona-fide his intention to become a citizen of the United States, and to renounce forever all allegiance to any foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty whatsoever, and particularly to the Emperor of Germany of whom he was heretofore a subject and said applicant having declared on oath, before this court, that he will support the Constitution of the United States, and that he doth absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign Prince,Potentate, State or Soverignty whatsoever, and particularly to the Power above named; the Court being satisfied that said applicant has resided within the United States for the term of five years next preceding his admission, without being at any time during the said five years out of the Territory of the United States, and within this State one year at least; and it further appearing to the satisfaction of this Court, that during that time he has behaved as a man of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the same;

Whereup it is ordered by the Court, that the said Donat Seger be and he is hereby admitted to become a citizen of the United States.

In Testimony whereof, I, John McBride clerk of the court aforesaid, have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said court, at my office in O'Neill, Nebr in said County, Dec 14th, 1885.

Signed John McBride, Clerk of the District Court

Donat Seger Home - Atkinson Nebraska

Then
and Now
click on photos to view full size and print
Photos courtesy of Paul Seger, Atkinson NE
This is the home of Donat Seger and Margaret Sontag Seger located at Atkinson Nebraska. After Donat's death their son John lived in the home until he passed away.

E-Mail dated 5 Jul 2005 from Paul Seger: I think the house was built by Donat. As I recall he died in this home. My dad said that he built the house across the street from my grandfather Paul P Seger. His son was named John. He may have inherited the house. It is still there. As I told you I once owned the house about ten years ago. That is about as much as I know about the house. Paul

Donat Seger - Census Reports

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1860-Federal Census
Illinois, Cook Co, Chicago 9th Ward
Enumerated 31 July 1860
Dwelling #787 Family #992
▪ Donl Segar, age 31, Laborer RE value 1000, Personal value 200, born Baden
▪ Margt Segar, age 27, female, born Luxumbourg
▪ Leopold Segar, age 3, male, born ILL
▪ Joseph Segar, age 3/2., male, born ILL

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1870-Federal Census, Illinois, Cook Co, Chicago 19 Ward
Siegel, Donalt, age 41, male, white, works in /brewery, real estate value 5000, born ILL (note: errors in spelling)
▪ Siegel, Margaret, age 40, female, white, keeps house, born ILL
▪ Siegel, Leopold, age 13, male, white, at school, born ILL
▪ Siegel, Johanna, age 5, female, white, at school, born ILL
▪ Siegel, Donat, age 3, male, white, born ILL
▪ Siegel, Joseph, age 15, male, white, worker in Brewery, born Germany (note: nephew)
▪ Siegel, Paul, age 1, male, white, born Germany

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1880-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Atkinson
Roll 750 pg 492D
▪ Donett Sigar, self, married, male, white, age 52, born Germany, farmer, father born Germany, mother born Germany
▪ Margret Sigar, wife, married, female, age 52, born Germany, farmer, father born Germany, mother born Germany
▪ Jennie Sigar, dau, single, female, white, age 15, born Illinois, farmer, father born Germany, mother born Germany
▪ Donett Sigar, son, single, male, white, age 11, born Illinois, farmer, father born Germany, mother born Germany
▪ John Sigar, son, single, male, white, age 8, born Illinois, father born Germany, mother born Germany
▪ Max Sigar, son, single, male, white, age 7, born Illinois, father born Germany, mother born Germany

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1900-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Atkinson
▪ Donat listed with Donat, Jr.

Donatus Seger Obituary

Atkinson Graphic, Oct 29, 1909
IN MEMORIAM
Donatus Seger was born in Friesenheim, Baden, Germany Sept 26,1828, died at his home near Atkinson, Nebr Oct 1909, aged 81 years 1 month and 2 days.

Mr Seger came to America in 1851 settling in Chicago, Ill, where he remained for a period of 28 years, going from there to Omaha, Nebr, where he resided nearly two years, coming to Holt County in 1880 and abided here until the time of his death.

He leaves five sons, Leopold, Donat, Paul, John, and Max and one dau, Jennie, now Mrs John Baumann, his partner in life having preceded him to the permanent home in 1894.

All the care and love that skilled physicians and an anxious household could devise and apply for his comfort and assistance were brought into play, but the fiat of Him who rules our incomings and outgoings had been issued and at the early morning hours the sufferer’s spirit took its flight to that home the Christian believes is the fulfillment of the life everlasting.

He was a man who united sound sense with strong convictions, and a candid, outspoken temper, eminently fitted to mould the rude elements of pioneer society into form and consistency, and aid in raising a high standard of citizenship in our young and growing state. How much this community owes him and such as he, it is impossible to estimate, though it would be a grateful task to trace his influence through some of the more direct channels, to hold him up in these degenerate days in his various characters of husband and father, of neighbor and friend, to speak of the sons and dau he has reared to perpetuate his name and emulate his virtues. But it comes not within the scope of this brief article to do so suffice it to say, he lived nobly and died peacefully at the advanced age of 81 years. The stern Reaper found him, as a shock of corn, fully ripe for the harvest.

Not for him be our tears! Rather let us crown his grave with garlands; few of us will live as long or as well, and fewer yet will the Angel of Death greet with such a loving touch.

Funeral services will be held this (Friday) morning at 10 o’clock at St Joseph’s Catholic Church and interment at their cemetery west of town.



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Grave markers at St Josephs Cemetery, Atkinson Nebraska

The Seger Farm - Public Sale

Atkinson Graphic, March 25, 1910

Public Sale
We will sell at public auction, 5 miles northwest of Atkinson and 5 1/5 miles east of Stuart, on Tuesday, March 29, 1910, the following described property:

42 Head of Cattle: Consisting of 20 cows, all good milkers, 7 fresh now balance coming fresh; 6 two year old heifers; 4 yearling heifers; 4 yearling steers; 7 calves coming yearlings; Shorthorn bull, with pedigree.

14 Horses: Mare ? years, weight 1400, in foal; mare 10 years, weight 1300; mare 8 years, weight 800; stallion, 7 years, weight 1400; mare colt coming 3; 2 mare colts coming 2; male coming yearling; colt coming yearling; bay horse, weight 1100; pony mare, 7 years, in foal; mare coming 4 years; horse colt coming 3 years old.

12 head of shoats

Miscellaneous: Header, push sweep, 2 mowers, 12 ft rake, 2 riding listers, corn planter, riding plow, riding cultivator, 2 two-row Badger, cultivators, two-row Swede cultivator nearly new, John Deere one-row disc, endgate seeder, Ideal feed grinder, and power combined with ear corn attachment nearly new, corn sheller, threesection harrow, 3 buggies, 3 wagons, 3 sets work harness, single harness, 2 bob sleds, walking cultivator, riding cultivator, platform scales, two breaking plows, scraper, well boring outfit, 800 bushels corn and other articles too numerous to mention.

Terms: All sums of $10.00 and under cash. On sums over $10.00 a credit of 10 months will be given approval security notes to draw 10 per cent interest.

Sale begins at 10 o’clock

Lunch at noon.

N. D. Seger
Paul Seger
J.R. Jarvis, Auctioneer
P. H. Swingley, Clerk

Donat's nieces and nephews

When Donat first arrived in the United States an uncle, Josef Seger, and an aunt, Magdalena Seger Braun, were residing in the Chicago area, having immigrated in the mid 1840's.

Donat settled near his uncle Joseph, married Margaret Sontag, and started their family.

In 1864 Donat returned to Germany for the purpose of bringing his parents and his 9 year old nephew, Joseph Frank Seger, to Chicago.

Donat's father, Leopold Seger, was a brother to the aunt and uncle mentioned above. Leopold Seger and his wife Eleanora Glaser Seger died at Chicago.

Joseph Frank Seger stayed with the family until they arrived at Omaha Nebraska. When Donat removed his family to Atkinson Nebraska Joseph stayed at Omaha where he married and started his own family.

In the late 1880's another nephew and two nieces immigratedto the United States and settled in the Atkinson area.

Niece Anna Maria Seger married Jacob Kramer and about 1903 immigrated to Alberta province Canada.

Niece Sophie Seger is believed to have first settled in the Atkinson area. When the wife of her brother Joseph Frank Seger died leaving four young sons Sophie went to Omaha to help care for the children. While there she married Joseph Koltenbronn They removed to his home in Montana where their children were born. The family removed to Alberta Prov. Canada before 1920 and then returned to the US before 1930 settling at Sumner Washington where Sophie and Joseph died and are buried.

Donat's nephew, Leopold Albert Seger, settled in the Atkinson/O'Neil area, married, had several children. His wife died. It is family legend that he adopted out the children to a jeweler in New York. It is known that he returned to Friesenheim Germany where he died in 1938.

Leopold Albert Seger (born 1861) and Donat’s son John ‘Leopold’ (born 1865) were close in age and lived in the same area. Information about Leopold Albert is sometimes erroneously applied to Donat's son John 'Leopold'. The existence of Leopold Albert Seger is not well known to the descendents of Donat contributing to the confusion.

More about the nieces, nephews, aunt and uncle of Donat can be accessed via the sidebar entries "Links to the Immigrants"
Karen Ashley-Davis

Donat Seger Family - The Second Generation

This posting begins the second generation
of the Donat Seger and Margaret Sontag family.

Donatus SEGER (1828-1909) and Margareta SONTAG (1833 - 28 Oct 1894) were married 1855, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA

Their Children

1. John "Leopold" SEGER (31 Oct 1856-20 Dec 1920)


2. Bernard SEGER (12 Jul 1858-23 Nov 1859)


3. Joseph SEGER (20 Feb 1860-25 Jun 1863)


4. Catherine SEGER (10 Oct 1861-1 Jun 1863)


5. Susan Seger (13 Oct 1863-27 Oct 1863)


6. Johanna "Jennie" SEGER (15 Jan 1865-1939)


7. Nicholas Donatus SEGER (24 Jan 1867-1944)


8. Paul Peter SEGER (21 May 1869-14 Jul 1956)


9. John Henry Seger (31 Aug 1871-1935)


10. Max Joseph SEGER (16 Aug 1873-1947)

John 'Leopold' Seger

Born: 31 Oct/1 Nov 1856, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA
Died: 20 Dec 1920, Atkinson,Holt Co, Nebraska, USA
Buried: Atkinson (St Joseph's Cem), Holt Co, Nebraska, USA

PARENTS
Father: Donat SEGER (1828-1909)
Mother: Margareta SONTAG (1833-1894)

SPOUSES AND CHILDREN
On 13 Nov 1877 at Cook Co, Illinois, Leopold married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Louisa ALM, born February 1862, died 1 Dec 1903 at Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska, buried Atkinson (St Joseph's Cemetery, Holt Co, Nebraska.

Their Children:

1. Gustavus Adolphus SEGER (9 Aug 1879- -- )


2. Jenny SEGER (13 Mar 1880- -- )


3. Mary Ann SEGER (Aug 1881- -- )


4. Caroline "Carrie" SEGER (3 Nov 1883-11 Mar 1945)


5. Charles Henry SEGER (16 Nov 1885-Dec 1885)


6. Minnie Anna SEGER (10 Dec 1886- --)


7. Margaret "Maggie" SEGER (16 Mar 1889- -- )


8. William P. SEGER (21 Jun 1891-2 Jun 1957)


9. John Leopold SEGER (3 Sep 1893-Oct 1984)


10. Frank Edward SEGER (30 Jan 1896-Jun 1966)


11. George Albert SEGER (13 Apr 1898-17 May 1898)


12. Infant SEGER (29 Apr 1899- -- )

On 31 Oct 1904 at Stuart, Holt Co, Nebraska Leopold married Wilhemina Philomena 'Minnie' WEINBERGER STEINHAUSER, daughter of Alexander Steinhauser and Barbara Brenhelden, born 29 Jul 1862, Vienna AUSTRIA, died 23 Mar 1935, buried St Boniface Cemetery, Stuart, Holt Co, Nebraska, USA. Minnie Seger filed for divorce 25 Jan 1906, but divorce was not finalized. Minnie married first Thomas STEINHOUSER at Holt Co, Nebraska. Their children were Clara, Mary, Elizabeth, Guido H, and infant son Steinhauser. Thomas Steinhauser died 16 Oct 1902, aged 45 years 5 mo, and is buried at buried Stuart Cemetery.

Their Children

1. Charlie SEGER (Cir 1906- --)

---

NOTES:
Boyd County Nebraska GenWeb page-Cemetery Lists
http://www.rootsweb.com/~neboyd/cemname/cemname-s.htm

1. Seger, Leopold - born Oct 31, 1856 - died Dec 20,1920 - buried St Joseph Cem, Atkinson

2. Seger, Elizabeth - Dec 1,1903 - buried St Joseph Cem (Lizzie Alm??)

3. SEGER, WILHELMINA WEINBERGER STEINHAUSER - born Juy 29,1862 - died March 23,1935 - age 73 years - married Thomas Steinhauser and Leopold Seger - buried St Boniface Cem, Stuart - had five children - Clara Lang, Mary Schmeucker, Elizabeth Voycheske, Guido H, son - (obit in Seger file and file)

http://www.rootsweb.com/~neboyd/frontiernews.html
The Frontier News April 6,1882
Mr and Mrs Seger was called to mourn the loss of one of their younger
children on Thursday evening last. Funeral on Saturday.

Holt County Nebraska Marriage records
Book 4 page 297A
John S(L) Seger- age 48- born Ill- lived Atkinson- parents Donat Seger and *Sunday McGreedy (*NOTE klad: Should be Margaret Sontag)
Mrs Minnie Steinhauser- age 41- born Germany- lived Atkinson- parents Alexander Weinberger and Barbara Brenhelden
Married Oct 31,1904 in Stuart by Rev C Breitkoff

The Frontier News Jan 25,1906
Minnie Seger filed for divorce from Leopold John Seger, they were married in Stuart on Nov 1,1904

From the will of John Leopld Seger
Will beneficiaries of John L. SEGER:
Minnie SEGER, Widow, age 55
Gustave A. SEGER, son, age 42
Carrie MACK, dau, age 38
Minnie COBB, dau, age 35
Maggie SEGER, dau, age 33
William SEGER, son, age 30
John SEGER, son, age 28
Edward SEGER, son, age 25
Charlie SEGER, son, age 15
Mary L. STESKAL, gr dau, age 17
Catherine M. STESKAL, gr dau, age 15
Grace J. STESKAL, gr dau, age 13
Leo J. STESKAL, gr son, age 12
Ellen STESKAL, gr son, age 4
Dennis W. STESKAL, gr son, age 2
Lerena STESKAL, gr dau, age 1

John Leopold Seger - from "The Stuart Centennial"

Leopold Seger Family
Stuart Centennial, A One Hundred Year History of Stuart, Nebraska
1884-1984
This publication and others about the Stuart Nebraska area and people are available for purchase from:The Stuart White Horse Museum

Continued from:
The Donat Seger Family-from "The Stuart Centennial"

page 333 and 334
Donatus and Margaret Seger’s eldest son, Leopold married Elizabeth Aulm, who was of Dutch descent and was born in 1862. They had 8 children: Gustave, Mary, Caroline, Minnie, Margaret, William, John Leopold (Sept 3,1893) and Frank Edward (1896).

For awhile, this new generation of the Seger family lived in a sod house. In his earlier years, Leopold farmed in Holt County. By 1885 he owned his land, tilling 20 acres with 140 acres untilled. He had a few implements and livestock along with two working oxen named “Buck” and “Bill” and one milk cow. Later in life, Leopold Seger operated a local cream station in Atkinson.

On Dec 1,1903 his wife, Elizabeth suddenly died of pneumonia. She was buried in the Atkinson cemetery.

Left with 8 children, Leopold married a widow two years later. Wilhelmina ‘Minnie’ Philomena (Weineberger) Steinhauser, born July 29,1862, in Vienna, Austria had five children of her own. Leopold and Minnie had one son.

Leopold finally had to close the cream station because of ill health and was bedfast for over a year. On Dec 20,1920 he died and was buried from the St Joseph Cathlic Church in Atkinson.

▪ Gustave “Gus” Seger married a Beckwith and is deceased.
▪ Mary Seger married Gus Styskal.
▪ Caroline “Carrie “ Seger married Mathew Mick and passed away in 1945.
▪ Minnie Seger married an Eckhoff.
▪ Margaret “Maggie” Seger married a Purnell.
▪ William “Bill” Seger married Eva Kelly.
▪ Frank Edward “Ed” married Viola C Osborn and passed away in 1966.

Soon after Leopold remarried, his seventh child, John Leopold left home, first going to live with neighbors and later finding work where he could. He continued working his way south of Atkinson until he arrived at the Stuart Township northwest of Atkinson. This was probably between 1909 and 1911. There he found work and stayed.

Continued:

1. The John "Jack" Leopold Family - from "The Stuart Centennial"


2. The William James Seger Family - from "The Stuart Centennial"

John Leopold Seger - Census Reports

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Remember to change your printer's settings for the
images that are in landscape orientation.


1880-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Atkinson Pct
▪ Leopold Seger, self, married, male, white, age 23, born Illinois, Farmer, father born Germany, mother born Germany
▪ Louise Seger, wife, married, female, age 18, born Illinois, Farmer, father born Germany, mother born Germany
▪ Augustus Seger, son, single, male, white, age 1, born Illinois, Farmer, father born Illinois, mother born Illinois

---

1900-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Sheridan Twp
▪ Seger, John L, Head, white, male, born Oct 1856, age 43, married, 22 yr, Born IL, Farmer
▪ Seger, Lizzie, wife, white, female, born Feb 1862, married, 22 yr, 12 child, 8 living, born Germany
▪ Seger, Mary A, dau, white, female, born Aug 1881, age 18, born NE
▪ Seger, Carry, Dau, white, female, born Nov 1883, age 16, born NE
▪ Seger, Minnie A, dau, white, female, born Dec 1886, age 13, born NE
▪ Seger, Maggie, dau, white, female, born Mar 1889, age 11, born NE
▪ Seger, Frank E., Son, white, male, born Jan 1896, age 4, born NE
▪ Seger, John L Jr, son, white, male, born sep 1893, age 6, born NE

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1910-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Sheridan Twp
▪ Seger, John L, Head, male, white, 53 married twice, married 5 yr, born IL, Farmer
▪ Seger, Minnie, wife, female, 46, married twice, 5 child, 5 living, born Germany
▪ Seger, Frank E, son, male, age 14, born NE
▪ Steinhouser, Mary, step dau, female, age 14, born NE
▪ Steinhouser, Clara, step dau, female, age 13, born NE
▪ Steinhouser, Linnie, step dau, female, age 10, born NE
▪ Steinhouser, ----, step son, male, age 7, born NE
▪ Steinhouser, Chas, step son, male, age 4, born NE

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1920-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Atkinson Twp
▪ Seger, John L, head, male, white, age 63, born Il, Creameryman
▪ Seger, Mina, wife, female, white, age 57, born Austria
▪ Seger, Lizzie, dau, female, white, age 20, born NE (Minnie's dau)
▪ Seger, Charles, son, male, white, age 14, born NE

Leopold Seger Obituary

Atkinson Graphic, 24 Dec 1920

Leopold Seger
Requiem mass was observed at St. Joseph’s church Thursday morning and the remains of Leopold Seger were laid to rest following the services, conducted by Rev. Father Loecher.

Leopold Seger was born in Chicago, Illinois, October 31st 1856, died at his home in Atkinson December 20th 1920.

In the earlier years of his residence in Holt county he followed the occupation of farming. His latest employment was operating a local cream station in Atkinson.

He had been in failing health with dropsy for the past eight months.

Deceased is survived by his wife, Louise Seger and eight children by a former marriage – four sons, Gustav, William, John and Edward, and four daughters, Mary, Minnie, Carrie and Margaret. Also four brothers, Max Seger of Stuart, Nebraska, N. D., Paul and J. H. and one sister, Mrs. Jennie Bauman of Atkinson.

Mr Seger had been a resident of Holt county since 1880.

NOTE: This obituary should read . . . survived by his wife, Minnie.. . He married Elizabeth/Louise Alm at Chicago 13 Nov 1877. They were the parents of 12 children. Louisa died 1 Dec 1903 at Atkinson and on 31 Oct 1904 he married Wilhemina (Weinberger) Steinhauser (a widow) at Stuart Nebraska. Leopold and Minnie had one son, Charles.

Some Seger Men at Atkinson Nebraska

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Joseph Seger

Born: 20 Feb 1860, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA
Died: 25 Jun 1863, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA

PARENTS
Father: Donat SEGER (1828-1909)
Mother: Margareta SONTAG (1833-1894)

Spouses and Children: None

Bernard Seger

Born 12 Jul 1858, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA
Died 23 Nov 1859, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA

PARENTS
Father: Donat SEGER (1828-1909)
Mother: Margareta SONTAG (1833-1894)

Spouses and Children: None

Catherine Seger

Born: 10 Oct 1861, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA
Died: 1 Jun 1863, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA

PARENTS

Father: Donat SEGER (1828-1909)
Mother: Margareta SONTAG (1833-1894)

Spouses and Children: None

Susan Seger

Born: 13 Oct 1863, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA
Died: 27 Oct 1863, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA

PARENTS
Father: Donat SEGER (1828-1909)
Mother: Margareta SONTAG (1833-1894)

Spouses and Children: None

Johanna 'Jennie' Seger

Born: 15 Jan 1865/1866, Chicago, Cook Co, IL
Died: 14 Feb 1939 (aged 74 years) Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska, USA
Buried: St Joseph's Cemetery, Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska, USA

PARENTS

Father: Donat SEGER (1828-1909)
Mother: Margaret SONTAG (1833-1894

SPOUSE AND CHILDREN
On 16 Feb 1885, Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska, USA Jenny married John Baumann, son of John Bauman and Theresa Wynn. John was born 8 August 1861 at Honesdale, Wayne Co, Pennsylvania, USA, died 16 Mar 1932 (aged 70 years) and is buried at Atkinson (St Joseph's Cemetery), Holt Co, Nebraska, USA.

Their Children:

1. Jennie T. BAUMAN (Jan 1886- -- )


2. Margaret M BAUMAN (Sep 1888- -- )


3. Barbara BAUMAN (Nov 1890 - -- )


4. John Alfred BAUMAN (3 Mar 1892-16 Oct 1980)


5. Charles D BAUMAN (3 Mar 1892- -- )


6. Louise C BAUMAN (22 Jul 1894/1895-7 Dec 1986)


7. Henry A BAUMAN (Mar 1899- -- )


8. Marie M BAUMAN (Cir 1902- -- )


9. Charlotte C BAUMAN (Cir 1906- -- )


10. Harold Francis BAUMAN (Cir 1908- -- )


11. Josephine Bauman


12. Edward Bauman

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Holt County Nebraska Marriage Records
Book 2 page 65A
John Bauman and Jennie Segar married Feb 16,1885 in Atkinson by Patrick Brophy
John- age 23- born Penn- parents ? Bauman and Theresa Wynn
Jennie- age 20- born Ill- parents Donat Seger and Margaret Surett

Boyd County Nebraska GenWeb page-Cemetery Lists
http://www.rootsweb.com/~neboyd/cemname/cemname-b.htm
▪ BAUMAN, JENNIE SEGER - born 1865 - died Feb 14,1939 - age 74 years - married John Bauman - buried St Joseph Cem, Atkinson - had children - (obit in file and Seger file)
▪ BAUMAN, JOHN - born Aug 8,1861 - died March 16,1932 - age 70 years - married Jennie Seger - buried St Joseph Cem, Atkinson - had twelve children - Jennie Callen, Margaret Brewer, Barbara, Marie Holtzfaster, Charlotte, Jack, Charles, Louise Reynolds, Henry, Harold, Josephine, Edward, (obit in file and Seger file)

The Bauman Family - Photo

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John and Jenny Seger Bauman
with Jennie, Margaret, Barbara, John and Charles

Jennie Seger and John Baumann - Census Reports

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1900 Federal Census, Nebraska, Douglas Co, McArdle Pct
Series: T623 Roll: 925 Page: 276
▪ Bauman, John A, head, white, male, born Sept 1861, age 38, married–15 yr, born Pennsylvania, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer
▪ Bauman, Jane, wife, white, female, born Jan 1866, age 34, married-15 yr, 8 children-7 living, born Illinois, father born Germany, mother born Germany
▪ Bauman, Jennie, dau, white, female, born Jan 1886, age 14, single, born Nebraska, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Illinois, at school
▪ Bauman, Maggie, dau, white, female, born Sep 1888, age 11, single, born Nebraska, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Illinois, at school
▪ Bauman, Barbara, dau, white, female, born Nov 1890, age 9, single, born Nebraska, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Illinois, at school
▪ Bauman, John, son, white, male, born Mar 1892, age 8, single, born Nebraska, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Illinois, at school
▪ Bauman, Charles, son, white, male, born Mar 1892, age 8, single, born Nebraska, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Illinois, at school
▪ Bauman, Loeisa, dau, white, female, born Jul 1895, age 5, single, born Nebraska, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Illinois
▪ Bauman, Henry, son, white, female, born Mar 1899, age 1, single, born Nebraska, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Illinois

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1910-Federal Census, Holt Co, Atkinson Twp, Atkinson Village
Series: T624 Roll: 848 Page: 12
▪ Bauman, John J, head, male, white, age 47, married once-25 yr, born PA, general merchandising
▪ Bauman, Jennie C., wife, female, white, age 45, married once-25 yr, 12 children-10 living, born IL, housekeep
▪ Bauman, Jennie T, dau, female, white, age 24, single, born NE, teaching
▪ Bauman, Margaret M., dau, female, white, age 22, single, born NE, clerking in store
▪ Bauman, John A, son, male, white, age 18, single, born NE, clerk-dry goods
▪ Bauman, Charles D, son, male, white, age 16, single, born NE, clerk-dry goods
▪ Bauman, Louisa C, dau, female, white, age 15, single, born NE
▪ Bauman, Henry S, son, male, white, age 11, born NE
▪ Bauman, Marie M, dau, female, white, age 8, born NE
▪ Bauman, Charlotte C, dau, female, white, age 4, born NE
▪ Bauman, Harold F, son, male, white, age 2, born NE

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1920-Federal Census, Holt Co, Atkinson Town
Series: T625 Roll: 993 Page: 10
▪ Bauman, John J, head, owns home, male, white, age 58, born PA, merchant-store
▪ Bauman, Jennie, wife, female, white, age 54, born IL
▪ Bauman, Mary M, dau, female, white, age 18, born IL
▪ Bauman, Charlotte, dau, female, white, age 14, born IL
▪ Bauman, Francis H, dau, female, white, age 12, born NE
▪ Bauman, Henry A, son, male, white, age 20, born NE, laborer- ???

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1930-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Atkinson Twp, Atkinson City
▪ Bauman, John L, head, own home-value 4000, male, white, age 69, born PA, proprietor-store
▪ Bauman, Jennie, wife, female, white, age 64, born IL
▪ Bauman, Henry A, son, male, white, age 31, born NE, machinist-factory
▪ Bauman, Charlotte, dau, female, white, age 24, born NE
▪ Bauman, Charlie, son, male, white, age 38, born NE, driller-oil fields

The Baumann Family

John Bauman from Baden Germany - to Honesdale Pennsylvania
Children:
Charles Bauman, born Baden Germany,
married Mary Ann Moran
Children: Henry, Charles, Ella, Mary

Henry Bauman, born Pennsylvania
married Anna Alworth
had six children

John Bauman, born Pennsylvania
married Jennie Seger
Children: Jennie T, Margaret M, Barbara,
Charles D, Henry A, Louise C, Marie M,
Charlotte C,Harold Francis

Jacob Bauman, born Pennsylvania


From: Before Today, A History of Holt County Nebraska
By Nellie Snyder Yost
Published by Miles Publishing Co, O'Neil Nebraska 1976
Mr. and Mrs. John Bauman left Baden, Germany, for America when their first son Charles was six months old. Seven more children were born to them in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Charles went west very early and found the adventure he sought in Newton, Kansas, where he was a deputy marshal for awhile. The town was new and wild and, at the most popular saloon, he frequently saw a boy of about sixteen in a red velvet suit, hanging around the gaming tables.

One night things got a bit out of hand and bullets began to fly. Charles was shot in the hip, and as he fell he saw the boy in the velvet suit going out a window. Charles recovered, went on several buffalo hunts and then returned to Honesdale to marry Mary Ann Moran. After working in a meat market for four years he took his wife and two children to a homestead west of Atkinson.

The year was 1878 and another family, the Leopold Ulriches, came with them. The two men hauled stone and logs from the Niobrara to build their homes. On one of these trips Charles shot an antelope and was skinning it when a man on a black horse rode up. Charles had his gun ready in case the stranger proved unfriendly. Instead he seemed amiable and Charles invited him to get down and have supper with him. While they were eating antelope steaks the stranger said, “I know you. Do you remember me?” Charles said no and the stranger said, “You were the deputy in Newton and I was the kid in the red velvet suit.” They spent the night together and went their separate ways in the morning. Charles never saw him again.

Five more children were born to Charles and Mary Ann on the homestead and three of Charles brothers, Henry, John and Jacob, followed him to Holt County. Henry took a claim near his brother, married Anna Alworth and fathered six children. John married Jennie Segar and raised a family. Jacob contracted to build a section of the railroad on from West Point and hired Henry and John to work for him. After completing his contract he returned to Pennsylvania.

After a few years Charles moved into Atkinson and ran a saloon on the site where the Night and Day Cafe now stands. John moved over onto Charles' farm and built up a good herd of cattle. The blizzard of '88 wiped him out and he moved to Omaha. Charles moved back onto his farm. When the Kinkaid Act was passed he filed on anpther half section. His sons, Henry and Charles, Jr. and his daughters, Ella and Mary, all past twenty-one years of age, filed on four more sections. All of this land was about thirty miles south of Atkinson, and there they built up “the ranch.”

They traveled between the Atkinson farm and the ranch by horse and wagon at first, later in cars when the roads were good enough that they didn't get “high-centered” or stuck too often. In 1910 Charles sold his farm and built a home in Atkinson. John Bauman, after twelve years in Omaha, came back to Holt County, farmed again for awhile, then moved into town and ran a grocery store until his death in 1933.

John Bauman - Obituary

From: The Atkinson Graphic March 18,1932

DEATH ENDS SUFFERING OF JOHN BAUMAN
Was Early Homesteader; Owned Store Here for 25 Years
Funeral Next Monday

Deceased was 70 Years of Age; Lost all Livestock in Blizzard of ‘88
John Bauman, another of Atkinson’s early settlers who for twenty five years conducted a general merchandise business in this town, died at his home Wednesday night at 10:50. Mr Bauman was 70 years of age. He had been in ill health the past year and for many weeks previous to his death he suffered intensely, however, he was not confined to bed steadily until last Sunday. Death came very peacefully.

Funeral services will be held next Mon morning at 10 o’clock at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Atkinson.

Mr Bauman was born Aug 8,1861 in Honesdale, Penn. He lived in Pennsylvania until he was 21 years of age and then came to Atkinson, Nebraska, where he took a homestead about four miles south of town. He was married to Miss Jennie Seger in Atkinson in 1885.

In the blizzard of 1888, Mr Bauman lost all of the livestock on his farm and in the spring of that year he quit farming and moved to Omaha, where he lived about 15 years.

He moved back to Holt County in 1903 and for 25 years was engaged in the general merchandise business here. He sold his store a year and a half ago and retired from business.

To Mr and Mrs Bauman twelve children were born, ten of whom are living. Josephine and Edward having died in infancy.

Surviving him are Mrs Bauman and the following children; Mrs Jennie Callen, Mrs Margaret Brewer, Miss Barbara Bauman, Mrs Marie Holtzfaster, and Miss Charlotte Bauman, all of Atkinson; Jack Bauman of Macy, Indiana; Charles of Douglas, Wyoming; Mrs Louise Reynolds of Los Angeles, California; Henry Bauman of Omaha; and Harold Bauman of Macy, Indiana; Six grandchildren also survive him.

Jennie Seger Bauman-Obituary

From: The Atkinson Graphic Feb 17,1939
DEATH TAKES PIONEER RESIDENT OF ATKINSON
Mrs John Bauman Expires After Long Illness; Funeral Rites Held at St Joseph

Death removed another pioneer from this community Tuesday when Mrs John Bauman passed away at 1:55 that morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs C E Brewer in Atkinson. Mrs Bauman was 74 years of age, and came to Nebraska with her parents in 1879, having lived in Atkinson most of the time since. She was the wife of the late John Bauman, for 25 years an Atkinson merchant.

Funeral services were held Thursday morning at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Rev John Pieper, officiating at a requiem high mass. The body was laid to rest in St Joseph’s Cemetery, the pallbearers being her nephews, Leo, Joe, Gerald and John Seger, and Charles and Howard Bauman. The date of the funeral was on the 54th anniversary of her marriage.

Mrs Bauman became ill two weeks before Christmas while she was visiting her daughter in California. Her condition was not considered serious until the latter part of January, when she was taken to the hospital in Los Angeles and the diagnosis of physicians revealed the critical nature of her illness.

She prepared to return home at once, and arrived here February 1, accompanied by her daughters, Mrs Louise Reynolds of Los Angeles and Mrs Charlotte Roche of Salt Lake City. She was met in Omaha by her son, Henry, with whom she spent a day. Mrs Bauman had the pleasure, before passing away of seeing all of her children, some of whom she had not seen for a number of years.

OBITUARY
Jennie Seger was born in Chicago, Ill in 1865, and died at Atkinson, Nebraska, February 14,1939 at the age of 74 years.

She came to Nebraska with her parents in 1879 and was united in marriage to John Bauman at Atkinson on February 16,1885. For a few years they made their home on a farm near here, but in the blizzard of January 12,1888, they lost all of their livestock, so they quit the farm and that spring moved to Omaha where they stayed for 15 years.

In 1903 they came back to Atkinson and Mr Bauman established a general merchandise business which he continued until a short time before his death on March 16,1932.
For four and a half years after the death of her husband, Mrs Bauman lived here with her daughter, Mrs C E Brewer, and family. In the fall of 1936 she went to California to visit her daughters, Mrs Marie Holtzfaster, Mrs Louise Reynolds and Miss Barbara Bauman, and made her home with them until two weeks previous to her death.

She is survived by six daughters and four sons. Mrs Jennie Callen and Mrs Margaret Brewer, both of Atkinson; Miss Barbara Bauman, Mrs Louise Reynolds, and Mrs Marie Holtzfaster, all of Los Angeles, California; Mrs Charlotte Roche of Salt Lake City, Utah; Jack Bauman of Borger, Tex; Charles of Douglas, Wyoming; Henry of Omaha; and Harold of Marion, Indiana. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and three brothers, ND Seger and Paul Seger of Atkinson and Max Seger of Stuart. A daughter, Josephine, and a son, Edward, died in infancy.

Nicholas Donatus Seger

click on photo to view full size and printN. Donat Seger & wife Josephine Kramer
with sister Mary Kramer
Photo courtesy of Paul Seger, Atkinson NE

Born: 24 Jan 1867, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA
Died: 11 Feb 1944, (age 77) Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska, USA
Buried: Atkinson (St. Joseph Cem), Holt Co, Nebraska, USA

PARENTS
Father: Donat SEGER (1828-1909)
Mother: Margareta SONTAG (1833-1894)

SPOUSE AND CHILDREN
On 27 Jan 1896, at St Joseph's Church, Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska, USA Donatus married Sophia "Josephine" KRAMER, daughter of Jacob Kramer and Elizabeth Smith. Josephine was born born 25 Feb 1876 Austria; died 19 Aug 1938 (aged 62 yrs 5 mo 24 days)at Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska, USA and is buried at Atkinson (St Joseph's Cemetery), Holt Co, Nebraska, USA

Their Children

1. John Henry Seger

Adopted:

1. Anna With


2. Edward With

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NOTES:
Holt County Nebraska Marriage Records
Book 3 page 252B
Donat N Segar age 28 born Illinois parents Donet Segar and Margareta Samtag
Sophia Kramer age 19 born Germany parents Jacob Kramer and Elizabeth Smith
Married Jan 27,1896 in Atkinson by C Breitkroff
Witness-Agnes Kramer and John Segar

Atkinson Graphic Jan 23,1896
Last Sunday in the Catholic Church, Father Breitkopf announced the coming marriage of Donut Segar and Sophia Cramer.

Atkinson Graphic Jan 30,1896
Donut Segar and Sophia Cramer were married at the Catholic Church by Father Brietkopf at 10 last Monday morning

Boyd County Nebraska GenWeb page-Cemetery Lists
http://www.rootsweb.com/~neboyd/cemname/cemname-s.htm
1. SEGER, NICHOLAS DONATUS - born Jan 24,1867 - died Feb 11,1944 - age 77 years - son of Margaret Sontag and Donatus Seger - married Josephine Kramer - buried St Joseph Cem, Atkinson - had children - Edward, John H - shares stones with Donatus, John H, Margaret, Josephine (obit in file and Seger file)

2. Seger, Donat - Feb 11,1944 - buried St Joseph Cem

3. Seger, Josephine Kramer - born Feb 25,1876 - died Aug 19,1938 - age 62 years 5 months 24 days - married N D Seger - dau of Jacob Kramer and Elizabeth - buried St Joseph Cem, Atkinson - had children - John - adopted Anna and Edward With - shares stones with Donatus, John H, Margaret, N Donatus (obit in file and Seger file)

Nicholas Donatus Seger - Census Reports

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1900-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Atkinson Twp
▪ Segor, Donat, head, white, male, born Jan 1868, age 32, born IL, Farmer
▪ Segor, Sophia, wife, white, female, born Feb 1871, age 29, born Germany
▪ Segor, Donat Sr, father, white, male, born Sept 18??, age 72, born Germany, farmer
▪ Segor, John, brother, white, male, born Aug 1872, age 27, born IL, farmer
▪ Kramer, Anna, sis-in-law, female, white, born Dec 1881, age 12, born NE, at school

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1910-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Atkinson Twp Dwelling 36, family 36
▪ Seger, N.D., head, male, white, age 44, married-15 yr, born Illinois, father born Germany, mother born Germany, occupation ??
▪ Seger, Josephine, wife, female, white, age 34, married-15 yr, 0 children, 0 living, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany
▪ Seger, Edward J, adopted, male, white, age 16 single, born Illinois, father born (unknown), mother born (unknown)
▪ Seger, Anna J, adopted, female, white, age 14, single, born Illinois, father born (unknown), mother born (unknown)

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1920-Federal Census, Nrbraska, Holt Co, Atkinson Twp, Atkinson Town
▪ Seger. Donat N, Head, Owns home, male, white, age 52, married, born IL, garage-Ford garage
▪ Seger, John H, son, male, white, age 1 1/12, born NE

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1930-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Atkinson Twp, Atkinson City
▪ Seger, Nicholas D, head, owns home, value 7000, male, white age 63, age at 1st marriage 29, born IL, father born Germany, mother born Luxenburg, proprietor-garage
▪ Seger, Josephine, wife, female, white, age 52, age at 1st marriage 20, born Austria, father born Austria, mother born Austria, immigrated 1882
▪ Seger, John, brother, male, white, age 47, single, born IL, salesman-garage
▪ Seger, John H, son, male, white, age 11, born NE

Orphan Trains

From: Before Today, A History of Holt County Nebraska, Centenial Edition
In 1912 the Omaha Bishop notified his Nebraska parishes that the New York Foundling Home was overcrowded and was looking for homes for some of its babies and small children. People in the Atkinson, O'Neil and Stuart areas responded generously and within a few months a train with three coaches filled to capacity with orphans left New York.

Some of these children had been orphaned by the sinking of the Titanic, some by the loss of both parents from other causes, others by the loss of the father, leaving the mother unable to provide for her family.

The children were cared for on the long journey by a priest and several nuns of the Sisters of Charity Order, operators of the orphanage. The children were placed in homes throughout the midwest, many in Nebraska, and twenty in Holt County. Each child wore an identification number pinned to his clothing, and when accepted by his new parents papers corresponding to the numbers were given to the adopting parents.

The following Holt County families adopted children: In the Atkinson area Mr. and Mrs Donat Seger took a boy, Ed, and a girl, Anna. . . .

Sophia Josephine Kramer Seger-Obituary

The Atkinson Graphic
26 Aug 1938
MRS N D SEGER OF
ATKINSON IS CALLED
Death Takes Pioneer Resident After Long Illness; Rites Held at St Joseph’s.

Mrs N D Seger, resident of this community for more than half a century and wife of one of Atkinson’s leading businessmen, passed away at her home here shortly after noon Friday, August 19. Mrs. Seger was 62 years of age and had been in declining health for the past ten years.

Funeral services were held Monday morning at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Atkinson, the Rev John Pieper, conducting the rites. Burial was in St Joseph’s Cemetery. The pallbearers were Frank Kaup of Stuart, Frank Wewel of Newport, John Laible of Atkinson, Henry Krieger of Stuart, George Verzal of Atkinson, and Lawrence O’Malley of Amelia. That Mrs Seger was highly esteemed in the community was indicated by the great number of neighbors and friends who paid their last respects at the funeral rites.

OBITUARY
Josephine Kramer, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Kramer was born in Austria on February 25,1876, and died at her home in Atkinson on Friday, August 19 at the age of 62 years, 5 months and 24 days.

When she was a baby she came to America with her parents, who settled on a homestead seven miles southwest of Atkinson about the year 1882. She grew to womanhood in that community and on Jan 27,1896 she was united in marriage to N D Seger. The ceremony was performed at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Atkinson by the Rev Father C Britkopf, who was parish priest at that time.

Mr and Mrs Seger set up housekeeping on a farm west of Atkinson where before their marriage Mr Seger had been batching. A year later they moved to the Seger home place seven miles northwest of Atkinson, now the Fritz Vogel farm, where Mr Seger helped his father operate the farm for several years.

In the spring of 1909, Mr Seger and his brother, Paul, purchased from the late J J Stilson a farm implement business and Ford Automobile agency in Atkinson and the firm became known as Seger Bros, and is still one of the town’s leading business firms. Mr and Mrs Seger moved to town that year and this has been their home ever since. In 1915 they moved into the house built by Dr Townsend in the west part of town.

Mrs Seger was a faithful member of her church and an active member of the church societies as long as her health would permit. She was a member of the Christian Mothers Society, the Catholic Ladies Guild, St Joseph’s Helpers, and the Catholic Knights of Stuart. She was of cheerful disposition and had a great many friends in the community.

Her death is mourned by her husband and one son, John, two adopted children, Edward and Anna With, who were raised in the Seger home, attended school here and now live in Chicago; two sisters, Mrs Theo Grof of Atkinson and Sister Mary of York, formerly Anna Kramer; several cousins and other relatives in this vicinity. For the past ten years or so she had been suffering from diabetes and was under the care of Dr Sturdevant.

Among relatives and friends from out of town who were here for the funeral were Mrs Margaret Langmeir {??Langer??} of Ord, Mrs Catherine Bose of Martin, SD, Leo Seger of Broken Bow, Mr and Mrs Algie Irish of Chadron, Mrs Anna Murphy and Mrs Anna Bauman and dau, Mrs Protovinski of O’Neill.

Nicholas Donatus Seger - Obituary

The Atkinson Graphic
11 Feb 1944
DEATH TAKES DONAT SEGER, 77, FUNERAL TO BE NEXT MONDAY

Death came early this morning to Nicholas Donatus Seger, 77, who lived in this community almost all of his life and for the past 35 years was in business here with his brother, Paul, in the firm of Seger Bros Garage.

Mr Seger had been ill with a heart ailment for some time.

Funeral rites will be conducted at St Joseph’s Catholic church at 10 o’clock Monday morning, according to present arrangements. Surviving is one son, John, of Omaha, two brothers, Max of Stuart and Paul of Atkinson.

Mr Seger is a former member of the Atkinson City Council, serving several terms with that body, and in past years was very active in local political and commercial club affairs.

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From: The Atkinson Graphic Feb 18,1944
RITES AT St JOSEPH’S FOR N D SEGER WHO LIVED HERE 63 YEARS

While Atkinson business places were closed in respect for a long time business associate and former city official, funeral services for Donat Seger, 77, were held Monday morning at St Joseph’s Catholic Church here.

Mr Seger, ill with a heart ailment for several months, died at his home here early Friday morning, February 11. A pioneer who came here the same year the town of Atkinson was founded, 1880, he helped build the railroad line west of here, farmed near here for many years, pioneered in the automobile business and established the first Ford agency west of Norfolk and served many years on the Atkinson city council.

The requiem mass at St Joseph’s Church was celebrated by the Rev A A Lehmen, pastor. Burial was in the family lot in St Joseph’s Cem. The pallbearers were William Wilkinson, Frank Pettinger, Anton Dobrovolny, and Eli McConnell, all of Atkinson, Alois P Wewel of Newport and James J O’Connor of Omaha.

OBITUARY
Nicholas Donatus Seger, son of Margaret Sontag and Donatus Seger was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 24,1867 and died at his home in Atkinson February 11,1944, at the age of 77 years and 18 days.

At the age of 11 years, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska with his parents who lived there two years. From Omaha the Seger family came by wagon to Holt County arriving here April 1,1880. They homesteaded west of Atkinson on the Elkhorn River on the place now known as the Edward Kramer farm.

On their arrival in the settlement which a few months later was to be organized as the village of Atkinson, there were only three buildings making up the business section.

From 1882 to 1886 Donat was employed by the railroad in the construction of the line west to Valentine. From 1887 to 1889 he worked in the old railroad gravel pit three miles west of Atkinson. His experience of pioneer day hardships included the great blizzard Aug 13,1938.

On Jan 27,1896 he was united in marriage to Josephine Kramer in St Joseph’s Church in Atkinson. To this union two sons were born, Edward who died in infancy in 1915 and John H. His wife preceded him in death on Aug 18,1838.

For many years Mr Seger operated the farm which is now the Fred Vogel place, northwest of here. In 1910 he moved from the farm to Atkinson where he and his brother, Paul, formed the business partnership which since has been known as Seger Brothers.

They established here the first Ford Automobile agency west of Norfolk, and for several years the firm also sold farm machinery and equipment. The business was housed in a large wooden building located where the post office, Chaces Market and the Lyric Theater now stand.

About 8 years after the partnership was established, they erected the cement block garage building which has since been known as Seger Bros Garage.

Before age and ill health overtook him, Donat was active in affairs of the community and he served 12 years as a member of the city council, representing the third ward. He was a member of the A OU W,Yeoman, and the Sons of Herman. For many years his chief hobbies were hunting and fishing.

He is survived by a son, John H of Omaha; two brothers, Paul of Atkinson and Max of Stuart; many nieces and nephews, and countless friends who mourn his death.

Paul Peter Seger

click on photo to view full size and print
Photos courtesy of Paul Seger, Atkinson NE

Born: 21 May 1869, Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois, USA
Died: 14 Jul 1956, Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska, USA
Buried: Atkinson (St. Joseph Cem), Holt Co, Nebraska, USA

PARENTS

Father: Donat SEGER (1828-1909)
Mother: Margareta SONTAG (1833-1894)

SPOUSE AND CHILDREN
On 24 May 1897 at St Joseph's Church, Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska, USA Catherine CHRIST, daughter of John CHRIST (Cir 1841-1896) and Margaritha BECKER (1846-1918), born 15 Dec 1870, Darlington, Lafayette Co, Wisconsin, USA; died 23 Jun 1962, Atkinson, Holt Co, Nebraska, USA; buried in Atkinson (St. Joseph Cem), Holt Co, Nebraska, USA.

Their Children:

1. Margaret Catherine SEGER (22 Feb 1898- --)


2. Mary Josephine SEGER (19 May 1901- -- )


3. Gertrude Marie SEGER (3 Oct 1903- -- )


4. Joseph John SEGER (20 Aug 1905-Mar 1981)


5. Leo Francis SEGER (30 Apr 1907 - 2 Jul 1962)


6. Catherine Eugenia SEGER (29 Mar 1909- -- )


7. Agnes Amalda SEGER (28 Aug 1911 -- )


8. Edward P SEGER (8 Jun 1914-19 Nov 1948)

Also See: The Christ Family-Nebraska Pioneers

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NOTES:
Boyd County Nebraska GenWeb page-Cemetery Lists
http://www.rootsweb.com/~neboyd/cemname/cemname-s.htm
1. Seger, SEGER, PAUL - born May 21,1869 - died July 14,1956 - age 87 years - married Catherine Christ - son of Donatus Seger and Margaret - buried St Joseph Cem, Atkinson - had children - Margaret Langer, Mary White, Gertrude Bond, Catherine Bose, Agnes Leninger, Edward, Joe, Leo, Frederick, - shares stones with Edward P, Catherine, Frederick - (obit in Seger file and file)

2. SEGER, CATHERINE CHRIST - born Dec 15,1870 - died June 23,1962 - age 91 years - dau of John Christ and Margaret Becker - married Paul Seger - buried St Joseph Cem, Atkinson - had children - Edward, Joseph, Leo F, Frederick, Margaret Langer, Mary White, Gertrude Bond, Catherine Bose, Agnes Leininger, - shares stones with Edward P, Paul, Frederick G (obit in file and Seger file)

3. - Christ, John “Johan” - April 10,1896 - geb 10 Sept 1841 - gest 11 April 1896 - buried St Joseph Cem, Atkinson - iron cross - Hier Ruhtin Christo - Ruthe Sanft - (Father of Catherine Christ Seger)

- Christ, John - born 1842 - died 1896 - buried St Joseph Cem, Atkinson - shares stone with Margaret

4. Christ, Margaret - born 1846 - died May 18,1918 - buried St Joseph Cem, Atkinson - shares stone with John

Holt County Nebraska Marriage Records
Book 3 page 301A
Paul Seger- age 28- born Ill to Donet Seger and Margaritha Sonnag
Kathe Christ- age 26- born Wis to John Christ and Margaritha Baker
Married May 27,1897 in Atkinson by Rev C W Klemens

The Atkinson Plain Dealer (June 16,1887 - Sept 12,1902)
http://www.rootsweb.com/~neboyd/atkinnews2.html
1. Feb 24,1898 Atkinson Plain Dealer - Born to Paul Seger Tuesday Feb 22, a daughter.

Catherine Christ Photos

click on photos to view full size and printPhotos courtesy of Paul Seger, Atkinson NE
CATHERINE CHRIST
Wife of Paul Peter Seger

For more about Catherine Christ Seger see:
The Christ Family-Holt Co Nebraska Pioneers

Paul P Seger Family by Margaret Langer

PAUL SEGER FAMILY
Written by Margaret Seger Langer

Donatus Seger, Baden, Germany and Margaret (Sontag) Seger from Luxemburg immigrated to America and lived for some years at Chicago, Illinois.

Paul Seger was the third son of Donatus and Margaret Seger. He was born on May 21, 1869 at Chicago. Other members of the family were Leopold, Donatus, John, Max and one sister, Jennie (Mrs. John Bauman).

When Paul was 9 year old he moved with his family to Omaha. Two years later the family came west in a covered wagon drawn by an ox team. They had one cow which the boys took turns prodding along behind the wagon.

They were looking for a place called Atkinson where land was available for homesteading. On April 1, 1880 they arrived at a cluster of three buildings standing on the prairie. They stopped in front of one of the buildings and Paul went in to ask the way to Atkinson. “You are in Atkinson right now, sonny”, said the storekeeper, who was Frank Bitney, on whose land the original town of Atkinson was established. At that time the nearest railroad point was at Neligh and supplies had to be hauled from there.

It was important to be near water so the family homesteaded on a place along the Elkhorn River, about five miles west and a mile north of the settlement. The place is now owned by Edward Kramer.

Paul grew up on this place and as more settlers moved in, he helped on other farm as a hired hand.

Whenever new settlers arrived, the ones who were already established were eager to become acquainted with the new comers and to find out where they came from. It is an interesting fact to note that a covered wagon camped one night along the river near the Seger home. Mr. Seger and the boys went over to get acquainted. It happened to be the John Christ family from Darlington, Wisconsin, whose daughter Katherine, later became Mrs. Paul Seger.

The Christ family homesteaded about ten miles north of Atkinson. John and Margaret (Becker) Christ had only one child, Katherine. They moved later to a hay claim about ten miles northwest of Atkinson where Mr. Christ passed away in 1896.

Both families being members of staunch Catholic faith they were among the founders and supporters of St. Joseph's Parish in Atkinson.

Paul Seger and Katherine Christ were married at St. Joseph's Church on May 24, 1897 by Rev. E. A. Klemenz, and lived on the Christ hay claim for several years.

Paul then purchased a farmstead about five miles northwest of Atkinson. The house was moved from its original place to the new farm. Mrs. Christ lived with the Paul Seger family until her death in 1918.

Grandmother (Margaret Seger) passed away in 1894, and Grandfather (Donatus Seger) made his home with his son, Donatus, and wife Josephine. He passed away in October 1909.

In 1909, Paul Seger and Donatus Seger purchased a farm implement business in Atkinson, owned by J. J. Stilson. In 1910 they established the first Ford car agency west of Norfork. The business, known as Seger Brothers, was located on the south side of the street but later they erected the building on the north side which is now the Miller Theatre building, where they operated for some 25 years. Paul retired from business in 1941.

The family lived in a house just northeast of the Chicago, Northwestern depot till 1917 when they built the large house one block north of St. Joseph's Church. This was the family home until after the death of Mrs. Seger when it was sold.

Mr. and Mrs. Seger, like the rest of the sturdy pioneers of this community, believed that you could accomplish most anything by honesty and hard work. And that is the standard by which they lived. They observed their 59th wedding anniversary in 1956.

Paul Seger passed away on July 14, 1956 at the age of 87 years. He was preceded in death by all the members of his family. Katherine Seger passed away on June 23, 1962 at the age of 91 years.

Eight children were born in to this family:
Margaret (Mr. and Mrs Joseph Langer, Denver, Colo.)
Daughter Joanne (Mr. and Mrs. Gayle Hector, Denver, Colo.)
Children: Jeff, Gayla and Brad
Son Donald (Mr. and Mrs. (Annabel Doran) Donald Langer,
Arvada, Colo.)
Children: Jeanette, Cheryl and Joseph

Mary (Mr. and Mrs. Ray White, Atkinson)
Daughter Gayle (Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tushla,
Correctionville, IA)
Children: Tim and Tom

Gertrude (Mr. and Mrs. Judd Bond, Atknison)

Joseph (Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Seger, Atkinson)
Daughter Joan (Mr. and Mrs. James Harm, Seattle, Wash)
Children: Jim, David, Paul and Dean

Leo (Mr. and Mrs. (Pat Bigelow) Leo Seger, Atkinson), Leo passed away in July 1962, Pat passed away in April 1964
Daughter Patricia (Mr. and Mrs. Ed Callahan, Omaha, Nebr)
Children: Patrick, Michael, Catherine, Mary,
Colleen and Danny
Son Paul (Mr. and Mrs. (Karen Kaup) Paul Seger, Atkinson)
Children: Sharon, Patty, Leo, Michelle, Sandra, Peggy,
Tammy and Matthew
Daughter Margaret (Mr. and Mrs. Gary Burkholder,
Omaha, Nebr)
Children: Jennifer and Paul
Daughter Mary (Mr. and Mrs. Orlan Braun, Atkinson)
Children: Lori and Brian

Catherine (Mr. and Mrs Harry Bose, Sheldon, Iowa)
Son Richard (Dr. and Mrs. (Marlyn Schaecker) Richard Bose,
Estherville, Iowa)
Children: Ricky, Terry, Kathy, Lisa, Michell
Daughter Karen (Mr. and Mrs. Mike Schaaf, Algona, Iowa)
Children: Lori, Ricky, Julie and Brian

Agnes (Mrs. Gus Leininger, Atkinson) Mr. Leininger passed away in August 1964
Son Charles
Daughter DeeAnn

Edward, passed away in Nov 1948, Atkinson

Frederick Seger, a nephew (son of Max Seger), joined this family at the age of three weeks, after the death of his mother. Fred has always been a treasured member of this family and remained with Mr. and Mrs. Seger until their deaths. He now resides at Atkinson.

click on photos to view full size and print
Home of Paul Seger and Catherine Christ Seger

Paul P. Seger & Catherine Christ Seger
at Atkinson Nebraska

Paul Seger & Catherine Christ Seger
Fiftieth Anniversary
Photos courtesy of Paul Seger, Atkinson NE

Paul P Seger - Census Reports

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1900-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Stuart Twp
▪ Seger, Paul,head, white, male, born May 1869, age 31, married 3 yr, born IL, Farmer
▪ Seger, Catherine, wife, white, female, born Dec 1870, age 29, married 3 yr, 1 child, 1 living, born WI
▪ Seger, Margaret, dau, white, female, born Apr 1898, age 2, born NE
▪ Christ, Margaret, Mo-in-law, white, female, born Mar 1846, age 54, born Germany, immig 1855, 45 yr in US

1910-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Atkinson Twp
▪ Seger, Paul, head, male, white, age 40, married once-13 yr, born IL, occup- ??
▪ Seger, Catherine, wife, female, white, age 39, married once-13 yr, 6 child-6 living, born WI
▪ Christ, Margaret, mo-in-law, female, white, age 64, born Germany
▪ Seger, Margaret C, dau, female, white, age 12, born NE
▪ Seger, Mary J, dau, female, white, age 9, born NE
▪ Seger, Gertrude M, dau, female, white, age 6, born NE
▪ Seger, Joseph J, son, male, white, age 5, born NE
▪ Seger, Leo F, son, male, white, age 3, born NE
▪ Seger, Catherine, dau, female, white, age 1, born NE

1920-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Atkinson Twp, Atkinson town
Dwelling 193 Family 203
▪ Seger, Paul P, head, owns home, male, white, age 51, married, born Ill, father born Ill, mother born Ill, auto business-Ford garage
▪ Seger, Catherine, wife, female, white, age 49, married, born WI, father born Germany, mother born Germany
▪ Seger, Margaret K, dau, female, white, age21, single, born NE, teacher
▪ Seger, Mary J, dau, female, white, age 18, born NE
▪ Seger, Gertrude M, dau, female, white, age 16, born NE
▪ Seger, Joseph J, son, male, white, age 14, born NE
▪ Seger, Leo F, son, male, white, age 12, born NE
▪ Seger, Katherine U, dau, female, white, age 10, born NE
▪ Seger, Agnes E, dau, female, white, age 8, born NE
▪ Seger, Edward P, son , male, white, age 5 1/2, born NE
▪ Seger, Fredrick ?, son, male, white, age 11/12, born NE (Note: son of Max)

1930-Federal Census, Nebraska, Holt Co, Atkinson Twp, Atkinson City
▪ Seger, Paul, head, own home-value 7000, male, white, age 60, born IL, proprietor-garage
▪ Seger, Katherine, wife, female, white, age 59, born WI
▪ Seger, Joseph, son, male, white, age 24, born NE, laborer-garage
▪ Seger, Agnes, dau, female, white, age 18, born NE
▪ Seger, Edward, son, male, white, age 15, born NE
▪ Seger, Freddy, son, male, white, age 11, born NE (Note: son of Max)

The Segers at Upper Elkhorn

From: Before Today, A History of Holt County Nebraska,
Centennial Edition
Settlement on the Upper Elkhorn

Page 232
. . . Another Illinois family that came to Atkinson in 1880 was that of Paul Seger. His parents, Donatus and Margaret Seger, had left Germany for Chicago before Paul was born. In 1878 the nine-year-old boy, with his parents, four brothers, and a sister, moved to Omaha, and from there to Atkinson in a covered wagon. They had one cow which the boys took turns prodding along behind the wagon.

On April 1 they came to a small cluster of buildings on the prairie. They stopped and Paul went into one to ask the way to Atkinson. “You are in Atkinson right now, sonny,” the storekeeper, Frank Bitney, told him. To people who had lived in Chicago or even Omaha, so few buildings did not look like a town.

The Segers homesteaded on the Elkhorn, five miles west and a mile north of the settlement. There Paul grew up, working at home or as a hired hand for the neighbors. Covered wagons were coming to and through the region every day, and camping wherever night took them. The Segers made a practice of visiting those who camped near them, interested in finding out who they were, where they came from and where they were going. One evening the campers they called on were the John Christs, from Darlington, Wisconsin.

John and Margaret Christ had one little daughter, Katherine, and Paul Seger had no inkling, that evening, that he had seen his future wife in the settler’s camp. The Christs homesteaded about ten miles north of Atkinson. Both families being Catholic, they were among the founders and supporters of St. Joseph’s Parish, and Paul and Katherine were married in St. Joseph’s church in 1897. They made their home on the Christ hay claim, west of the homestead, and became parents of eight children.

Paul and his brother Donatus in 1909 bought J.J. Stilson’s farm implement business in Atkinson, and the following year established the first Ford car agency west of Norfolk. Seger Brothers operated this business for twenty-five years or more. Paul and Katherine observed their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary in 1956 and Paul died shortly afterward at the age of eighty-seven, the last of his father’s family.

Page 444
Back in the day when the Seger Brothers started their Ford Car dealership in Atkinson, writes Mark Hendrick, I was about 6 years old. One day in the spring of 1912 Paul Seger drove into our yard in a new Ford Car, or Tin Lizzy, as many called them. After a littler persuasion Paul got granddad to get in and go for a ride. When Paul left, the Joseph and O N Hendricks Ranch has a new 1912 Ford.

Some Paul Seger Family Photos

On the steps of the family home


Photos courtesy of Paul Seger, Atkinson NE

Joe, Leo, Eddie, Fred Seger Photo

Joe Seger, Leo Seger, Eddie Seger,Fred Seger
Photo courtesy of Paul Seger, Atkinson NE
Joe, Leo Eddie are sons of Paul & Catherine Seger. Freddie Seger, son of Max Seger, was raised by Paul and Catherine from age about 3 weeks when his mother died.

Christ Family - A terrible accident

“A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT”
From: Homestead Fever by Marie Kramer,
published by Marie Kramer 1993.
Told by Joe Ziska's daughter, Mary Ziska Krysl.
** John and Margaret are the great-great grandparents of Leo Seger of Atkinson (1992). The little girl, Catherine Christ, married Paul P. Seger 1897.

John and Margaret Christ** (pronounced Krist to rhyme with list) and their little girl, Catherine, suffered shocking misfortune when they first came to the Atkinson community. They set out from Wisconsin in 1878 and settled for two years in Platte County, Nebraska. They then yielded to the intoxicating urge to press westward to the frontier where they could obtain free land. John was handy with tools and constructed a canvas cover for their ordinary wagon.

Margaret had baked bread before they began the trip, and whenever they stopped to eat, she made coffee. For a stove, she used a flat, square piece of sheet iron that was propped up on either side by a few shovelsful of sod. Under this iron they made a fire, using dried grass.

After two weeks of travel, they arrived at the place (about ten miles north of Atkinson) where they intended to homestead. At the time, it was assumed that Atkinson would spring up south of the river, but even though the town had been platted, there were no buildings on that location. However, on the north side of the river was Bitney's little frame cabin which was simultaneously a general store, a post office, and a drug store.

The Christs were disappointed in their new home site, for there was absolutely nothing to be seen except prairie and sky - a limitless nothing on every side.

It was nearing dark, and John was anxious to unhitch the horses and prepare for the night camp. As he was doing so, one of the horses - for some unexplainable reason -lurched and fell on him, pinning him to the ground. Probably the animal had either a heart attack or a stroke.

The terrified wife and daughter worked frantically to move the animal aside and managed to do so before John smothered.

Little Catherine was only nine, and it required several hours for her and her mother to get the broken man into the wagon and onto a make-shift bed spread on top of their boxes of belongings.

There was no doctor for many, many miles. The injured man lay all summer, unable to do anything toward making a home or planting crops.

Finally, with winter approaching, he dragged himself out of the wagon and began to consider how they might fashion some kind of shelter for Margaret and Catherine, for he must use the wagon to go to Neligh (seventy miles distant) for supplies.

First of all, they dug a hole about a foot deep and six feet square and placed sticks and poles - whatever they could find among their few provisions - in the comers. These sticks were leaned together at the top, teepee fashion, after which dried grass was collected and piled against them. They could gather only enough grass to enclose three sides, and thus the south side was left open. This little structure would be the canopied bed for Margaret and Catherine.

The shelter was so low that it was necessary for them to creep in on hands and knees. They spread their blankets inside, and at one edge, they piled their clothes. After John departed with the wagon, this covered bed was their only protection against foul weather.

One night a heavy blanket of snow fell. They could do nothing but huddle under their quilts, shivering, while the snow piled up more and more deeply as the hours passed. How difficult it was to creep out of their nest the next day when the storm ceased, and face the task of getting their clothes and bedding out from under the snow bank! However, once out, they found a shovel among the field supplies that were piled nearby.

As they removed the snow from the outside of their hut, they piled it on the south side, molding it to form the fourth wall of their tiny bedroom.

After about ten days, John returned with food and fuel. Suffering from one snowstorm to the next, this courageous family did manage to survive the winter. In the spring, John, even though he was still crippled, managed to break some sod. He, with the help of his wife and child, built the walls for their soddy.

Next, he went thirty miles (probably to the Niobrara River area) to get trees and branches to form the roof. Last of all, the family removed the hay which covered their bed and placed it on top of the new dwelling.

When the spring rains began to fall, they discovered that their thatching ability was deficient, for the roof began to leak. That night at bedtime, Margaret opened an umbrella, and they huddled under it as best they could. By morning it was raining harder in the soddy than it was outside.

The leaky roof turned the earthen floor into a mudhole. Each morning Margaret removed the ashes from the stove and spread them underfoot. The mud eventually dried, and the ashes made a hard floor-until the next time it rained!

When John traveled to the Niobrara River area to gather wood, he had to be alert and careful. The Indians claimed the trees and did the best they could to frighten the settlers away from them. Once, they shot a gun, striking John's wagon wheels. The loud explosion (probably coupled with John's quick application of the whip) frightened the horses, and thereafter the team was skittish, jumping at every sudden noise.

During times when there were Indians camped nearby, the Christs kept their horses harnessed day and night in the event that they would need to make a fast get-away. However, their home was never attacked.




click on photos to printGrave markers at St Josephs Cemetery, Atkinson NE

Paul Seger Obituary

Death Takes Paul Seger, 87;

Town Had Only 3 Building When He Came Here in 1880

Paul Seger, who came to this community several months before the town of Atkinson was officially founded in 1880, died Saturday, July 14, at his home in this city.

He was 87 years of age. He and wife observed their 59th wedding anniversary the 24th of May, this year.

When Mr. Seger was 11, the family made its westward trec by ox team and covered wagon, looking for a place, called "Atkinson," where land was available for homesteading.

On April 1, 1880, they saw a cluster of three buildings on the prairie. Paul's father stopped the wagon in front of one of them and told Paul to hop out and ask for directions.

Inside, he inquired of the first man he saw, "How far is it to Atkinson?"

"You're in Atkinson right now, sonny," replied the storekeeper, who was the late Frank Bitney on whose land the Original Town of Atkinson was established.

Mr. Seger lived on a farm near here until 1909, when he and his brother, the late N. D. Seger, formed the business partnership in Atkinson known as Seger Brothers. The firm, in 1910, was the first Ford automobile dealership west of Norfolk. They erected what is now the Miller Theatre building, in which they operated for some 25 years. Mr. Seger retired from business in 1941.

Funeral services were held at 10 o'clock Tuesday morning, July 17, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. The rites were conducted by the Rev. Richard J. Parr, pastor. Atkinson business places were closed during the funeral hour.

Burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetey. The pallbearers were Aloys Wewel, John Laible, Dan O'Connell, John Kramer Jr., Francis D. Lee and William Troshynski.

Paul Seger, son of Donatus and Margaret Seger, was born May 21,1869, at Chicago, III.

When he was nine years old, he moved with his family to Omaha. Two years later, the family came west in a covered wagon drawn by ox team, arriving at Atkinson on April 1, 1880. Mr. Seger's father homesteaded along the Elkhorn river five miles west and a mile north of here. The place is now owned by Edward Kramer.

He was married to Catherine Christ at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Atkinson May 24, 1897. They lived on a farm five miles northwest of Atkinson until 1909, when he and his brother, the late N. D. Seger, purchased a farm implement business in Atkinson which was owned by the late J. J. Stilson. 1910, they established the first Ford agency west of Norfolk. Mr. Seger retired from business in 1941.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine; five daughters, Mrs. Joe (Margaret) Langer of Denver, Colo., Mrs. Ray (Mary) White of Martin, S.D., Mrs. Judd (Gertrude) Bond of Omaha, Mrs. Harry (Catherine) Bose of Le Mars, Ia., and Mrs. R. J. (Agnes) Leininger of Ft. Pierre, S.D.; three sons, Joe, Leo and Frederick, all of Atkinson; 12 grandchildren and one great grandson.

He was preceded in death by one son, Edward, on November 19, 1948.

Relatives and friends who came from a distance to attend the funeral included: Mr. and Mrs. Joe Langer, Denver, Colo., Mr. and Mrs. Ray White, Martin, S.D., Mr. and Mrs. Judd Bond, Omaha, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bose and Karen, Le Mars, IA., Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Leininger, Kay and Chuck, Ft. Pierre, S.D., Dr. and Mrs. R. P. Bose, Council Bluffs, IA.; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Callahan, Gayle White and John Seger, all of Omaha.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Norris, Shenandoah, IA., Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Seger and Chuck, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Seger, all of Newport; Mr. and Mrs. Elite Irish and Marilyn, Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Seger, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Krueger, Mrs. Emma Kunz, Miss Margaret Kunz, Mr. and Mrs. Dana Bigelow, Mr. and Mrs. Arby Krueger, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Kunz, Mrs. Karl Weichman, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Wedige, John Seger, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bose, and Mr. and Mrs. Herb Lane, all of Stuart.

Mrs. John Simmons and Miss Kate Kunz, Valentine; Mrs. Julia White, Amelia; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Leininger and family, Waco: Mr. and Mrs. Milan Sharp, Norden; Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Wedige, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Wedige, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Wedige, Mrs. Gus Seger and Mrs. Minnie Beckwith, all of Emmet.

Click on photo to printGrave marker at St Josephs Cemetery, Atkinson Nebraska