My family tree

Rolling over the rich prairie in covered wagons these families of German descent had come from Wisconsin to establish homes in the new region. They were impressed with the fertility of land near Springbranch creek and chose the location for their homes. Wisner was then the end of the railroad and Norfolk was a small scattered settlement.

Among those coming to Springbranch territory were the families of Ernest Behmer, Frederick Schroeder, Frederick Strate, Frank Puls, Frederick Puls, Frederick Blaze, Frank Folks, Mr. Barnhart, Charles Green and John Donner. The had come during the years of 1870 to 1872.

The trip to Wisner for provisions required two days and the journey was hard as there were no roads for bridges. Often it was necessayr to go five or ten miles farther to ford a stream at a shallow place. Sometimes the wagon had to be unloaded and the merchandise carried across. Grain was taken to West Point to be ground into flour and on such occasions the journey required often three or four days.

Many Indians used to camp around the neighborhood but they were very sociable and never caused any harm. They often persuaded the white men to smoke the pipe of peace with them. Ernest Behmer did not like to smoke and one time declined the offer of the peace pipe. The Indians immediately were aroused so Mr. Behmer was obliged to puff the pipe.

Prairie fires, blizzards and other hazards were bravely met by the pioneers. Mr. Behmer, who was county commissioner, had to make frequent trips to LaPorte over the untraveled country. One night he was lost in a severe snow storm on his way home. A neighbor at whose home he always stopped realized that Mr. Behmer was later than usual and must be having hard traveling. A lighted lamp was hung in the window. The light directed Mr. Behmer to the neighbor's home where he was obliged to remain several days before he c ould complete his journey.

Since the little settlement was far from medical aid, the pioneers were obliged to care for their own illness with home remedies. Elderberry blossoms were used to make tea which was a prevalent cure for colds. Other home remedies were used and surprisingly enough there was little sickness in the settlement.

Most of the settlers in the southwest part of the county established their residence on homesteads. . . Most homes and barn were of sod and the floors were covered with a fine sand hauled from the creek beds.

Principal crops raised in the pioneer days were wheat, corn and oats.

The early settlement was first called Donop. The first postmaster was Frank Puls and the office was in his home about two miles southwest of the present site of Hoskins. Later Ernest Behmen was postmaster and the office was in his home a mile west of the present site o Hoskins. Mail was carried from Stanton on foot. In winter the trip was often made with skis.

When the railroad was extended from Wayne to Norfolk in 1881 the present site of Hoskins was chosen. This was on the Simon Gehle land which Wm. Lalk had bought. David Rees was the first postmaster in the new town which was then named Hoskins. David Rees and William Sonneken established the first stores, handling general merchandise. John Crosby had the first bank.

School was first held in one of the homes. In 1878 a school house was built and organized into district No. 3. David Patterson was the first teacher and there were five beginners, all different ages. The school afterward was enlarged and modernized.

In early years the pioneers of the settlemet, together with those from Norfolk, then only a village, felt the need of religious services. A meeting was called at the Ernest Behmer home February 6, 1881, and the First Reformed church was founded with Rev. Mr. Huellhorst of Yatan, in charge. Immediately after the first service Miss Caroline Meier and Louis Langenberg were married. Early meetings were in homes with the minister coming from Stanton. A church building was erected in 1882 on property donated by Mr. Behmer. With the coming of additional people to the community the Methodist church was established in 1883.

The water works system was completed in Hoskins in June, 1921. The light plant has operated since 1918.

At a meeting January 12, 1899, the matter of asking that Hoskins village be incorporated was considered. W. J. Weatherholt served as chairman and R. G. Rohrke as secretary.

The group met again January 20, 1899, adn decidedto ask the county commissioners to allow the incorporation and to appoint five committeemen to serve as village trustees until the April election.

The law required 200 or more residents for incorporation. As Hoskins contained the required number, a petition was filed with Wayne county board. On February 7, 1899, the village of Hoskins was ordered incorported . . .W. H. Weatherholt, John Shannon, R. G. Rohrke, Louis Ziemer and Peter Kuntz were appointed trustees.

On May 7, 1885, Frederick and Conradina Schroeder deeded land to the Evangelical Church for the Hoskins Evangelical Cemetery. There were burials on this land as early as 1881 with markers for William Jochens and Ella Maas. Other were buried in 1882. Trustees of the church were William Schmidt, Frederick Blaese, and Frederick Schroeder.

The memorial gate ot the cemetery is in memory of the charter members.

On February 21, 1972, the Hoskins Cemetery Association was formed. Rev. C.F. Wideman was the pastor at this time. Serving as directors were Ray Jochens, Edwin Meierhenry, Philip Scheurich, Henry Kleinbach, and Hermand Opfer, with Erwin Ulrich as clerk.