KRAYE, ERNST A. FAMILY

by Nancy Kraye Laier

Entry F244 from the History of Hooker County Nebraska
with permission of the Hooker County Historical Society

Ernst Kraye 1918

Ernst Kraye 1973

Mildred and Ernst Kraye, Christmas 1979

Helen Kraye 1973

Ernst Adolph Kraye, oldest son of Fried-
rich and Annchen (Dierhs) Kraye, was born
and raised on Schaarreihe Street in Wil-
helmshaven, West Germany, on August 19,
1898. Age 11 Ernst was injured while playing
with some neighborhood boys; the loss of an
eye affected his early life but with age was
able to cope with this disability.

After completion of grammar school, Ernst
became an apprentice taking up business and
accounting trade. When he finished his
schooling and his obligation to the Germany
army, he became manager of a shop in
Wilhelmshaven. Young Ernst was dissatis-
fied with the unrest following the first World
War and the social standards of the times. As
a result, he sold all of his personal belongings
in the spring of 1922 to start a new life in
America. He left behind his parents, Fried-
rich & Annchen; twin sisters, Nimi Pieper
(born Dec. 5, 1899-died 1982) and Hanni
Linkohr (12-5-1899) ; brother, John Kraye
(born 8-31-1904 deceased 3-12-81); many
other relatives and friends.

Ernst obtained an address from his aunt,
of a man who lived at Mount Clair, Ne., near
Superior in Nuckolls County. After corre-
sponding with him, Ernst was able to get a
sponsor and a ticket to the New World. In the
spring of '22, Ernst arrived in Nebraska and
worked for his sponsor until his debt was
paid. He saved money to send back to his
brother, John for a ticket to the land of a
thousand possibilities. Ernst and John ren-
ted their first ranch together north ofMullen,
Ne. They then sent money for their parents
to come to America to make their home with
their sons. First living in Nuckolls County
then to the Morrison place south of Mullen,
later moving to the Folk place north of
Mullen until 1937 when they returned to
their homeland. Friedrich passed away (11-
'45) and Annchen returned to U.S. in the late
40's staying till May 1950 before returning
again to Germany. She passed away June 12,
1951.

In 1932 Ernst made an important step in
his life by becoming a U.S. Citizen. He was
very proud of the Sandhills and also of his
heritage.

March 22, 1933 at Alliance, Ne. Ernst A.
Kraye married Lydia Helen Jordan, better
known as Helen. They made their home on
their own ranch 12 miles west of Mullen.

Helen was born on April 7, 1906, near
Jewell, Kansas, to Maggie Moore Jordan born
1-16-1875 deceased 11-6-57 and Issac Russell
Jordan born 9-19-1870, deceased 7-21-1919.
She had one brother, Harold born 1-1909
died 5-1925. Helen received her education at
Athens & Jewell Schools and completed the
Grand Island Business College. She was
employed at Mathews Motor Co. as a
bookkeeper prior to her marriage. Helen was
an asset to this marriage helping out with the
ranch work. She enjoyed handy work, espe-
cially crocheting and was very devoted to her
family and the Methodist Church. Her
mother, Maggie Jordan, lived in the home
with Ernst & Helen at various times until her
death in 1957.

To the union of Ernst & Helen, three
children were born: Fred LaVern born 1934;
Betty Jean born 1936; Nancy Lou born
1937.

Ernst had a dream to help out the less
fortunate people from Germany who wanted
to come and settle in this land of opportunity!
He tried helping with the Displaced Persons
program in the early '50's but due to the
isolation of Nebraska, the displaced people
were not willing to come to the ranch. A
nephew showed some interest in coming but
that didn't work out. In 1959 Ernst's dream
became a reality. He sponsored Wilfried
Ernst Meyer, son of a classmate. Wilfried
worked on the ranch to pay off his debt. It was
an exciting day for Ernst as well as Wilfried
four years later when Wilfried became a U.S.
citizen.

In 1956 after Fred was married and took
over the operation of the ranch, Ernst &
Helen retired and moved into town. Helen
took the job as administrator of the new
Mullen Hospital for several years. Ernst did
not remain idle, he rented the Gibson place
and was busy running cattle and growing a
huge garden. He also was brand inspector for
several years.

1957, Ernst's two sisters, Hanni & Mimi,
came for a six month visit with Ernst and
John. They were astonished with the vast
expanse and isolation of the Sandhills. They
returned to Germany with much to tell of
their brothers and their lives!

1972 the children hosted a reception
honoring Ernst for his 50 years in America.
Many people attended and Ernst remarked
that this was one of the happiest times of his
life!

October 15, 1974, Helen passed away.

1977 Ernst met Mildred Shook of Wichita,
Kansas and were married June 27th. Mildred
had been for many years a legal secretary and
worked for a law firm in Wichita. Ernst and
Mildred were active in community affairs and
enjoyed playing cards and visiting with their
many friends and relation.

Ernst made several trips to Germany to
visit. His last trip was made in 1981 with his
daughter, Nancy, and her children. He also
enjoyed in later years the visits from many
of his friends and relation who came to
Nebraska to spend some time.

Ernst died September 21, 1985 after a long
and happy life in his beloved Sandhills. He
was confirmed in the early years in the
Lutheran Church in Neuende, Wilhelmsh-
aven. This church was built in the 1300's and
is still in use. He belonged to the Mullen
Methodist Church from the time of his
marriage to Helen. He was not an active
member but always supported the church.