William F Ringer

William Ringer , was born at Stargodt Pommern, January 28, l836. He was the son of William Ringer; his mother died when he was but two weeks old. In 1872, he cane to West Point, Nebraska and engaged as a laborer; his first work was to help build the West Point Court House. The following year (1873) Mr. Rionger homesteaded a quarter Section in Section 28 Wisner Township. He immediately built a log house and started to make other improvements. His last farm residence was built in 1881 of brick which he burned on his own farm. For seven years he carried on a brick yard and many neighbors buildings were partially constructed of brick; manufactured by him on his homestead. (Article written by his son Theodore)

William Ringer, one of the representative farmers of Wisner township, Cuming County Nebraska, whose farm home is on Section 28, was born at Stargard, Pommern, Germany 28 Jan 1836. He is the son of .William Ringer. The younger Williams mother died when he was two weeks old. When a small boy, William worked with his father at brickmaking. In 1872 he came to West Point, Nebraska and engaged as a laborer. His first work was done in helping to build the courthouse. The following year he homesteaded a quarter-section of land in Wisner township, the same being his present farm. He built a small loghouse and began to make improvements, although he possessed but five dollars in money and had no team. His first and third crops were destroyed by grasshoppers, but he was not the kind to be disheartened, and kept pressing forward, believing that deliverance would come.

He now owns (or did) four hundred and eighty acres of choice land, with good improvements and all well stocked. His residence was built in 1881-, of brick, which he burned on his farm. For seven years he carried on a brick-yard, from the product of which many neighboring buildings were wholly or partially constructed. He was united in marriage 2 January 1662 to Anna Julia Fink, Politically, he affiliated with the Democratic Party, and in religious matters is connected with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. 

Obit was as follows

William Ringer died at his residence, this city, last Monday morning at ---- o'clock from heart failure. His heart had been affected for some time and he had used the ordinary stimulants as a relief from the defective heart action that caused him discomfort at times. There was nothing in condition the previous day to cause any thought that he would not see the light of' another day. When the attack came on he arose from his bed and awakening Mrs. Ringer told her that he was dying. She hastened to summon aid from neighbors and telephoned for Dr. Riley. Upon returning to their home he was Lying upon his bed and unconscious, and before the arrival of the physician he had passed away. The funeral took place Thursday afternoon, Rev. A. Ollendorf conducting services at the home at two o'clock followed by a sermon in the Christus German Lutheran church, of which the deceased was a zealous member. The body was interred in the family lot in the Wisner cemetery, a large concourse of old friends and neighbors attending the obsequies.

Mr. Ringer's death removes from This community another of its pioneer citizens and a man that was a familiar figure here for almost forty years. He was born January 28, 1836, at Schoenebeck, Pomerania. In 1836 he moved from his native place to West Preussen, and there was united in marriage with Anna Finck in 1862. Ten years later they emigrated to America and settled upon a homestead southwest of Wisner, which was the family home until 1896 when he retired and came to live in town. Mr. Ringer Was a man who enlisted the entire confidence and high respect of all who knew him, and will be missed from the lessening ranks of the old settlers in this part of the county. He is survived by his faithful and devoted wife, seven sons, three daughters and eighteen grandchildren.

The living children are: William Ringer of Texas; Gustav Ringer of Le Mars, Iowa; Charles Ringer of St. Joseph, Missouri; Emil Ringer of Los Angeles, California; Henry Ringer of Bremerton, Washington; Theodore Ringer of Tilden, Nebraska; Otto Ringer of Wisner; Mrs. Julius Wegner of Bloomfield, Nebraska; Mrs. Emilie Wienke of Glendive, Montana; Mrs. G. C. Benning of Battle Creek, Nebraska.

All were present at the funeral except William and Henry. He also leaves a brother, Edward Ringer of Neligh and half-brother Albert Ringer of Omaha.