Kit Carson County, Colorado
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Kit Carson County Pioneers:

John W. Goracke, brother George Goracke, 6 South 43 West



In 1880 Johnson County, Nebraska, John Gorake is 1, with Thomas 29, Mary 25, "Gorge" 4, and Annie 2.
They're still there in 1885, with George 9, Anna 7, John 6, Frances and Frank 4, Lawrence 2, and Elizabeth five months.
In 1900 Thomas is in Smith County, Kansas, born Dec 1855 in Germany, married but no spouse, with Frances Mar 1881, John Dec 1889, Lawrence Sep 1883, Pauline Aug 1894, Dora Nov 1895 Kansas, and Thomas Nov 1898 Oregon.

GEORGE

On the same page is son George Goracke May 1876 Nebraska, with Daisy E. Jan 1877 Iowa.

"Dazie E." White was in Furnas County, Nebraska in 1880, 4, born in Iowa, with Charles R. White 29, born in Indiana, a farm laborer, with Clarinda 22 born in Missouri, Solman 6 and William 5 born in Missouri, Daisy 4, and Mahalie 2 born in Nebraska.

George 34 and Daisy E. 33 are farming in Smith County, Kansas in 1910.

George H. Goracke claimed a quarter in section 17, 8S 45W in 1910.


1917

In 1920 Smith County, Kansas, George is farming, with Daisy 42 born in Iowa, Golden 5, Diamond 3, and Boone two months old, all three born in Kansas.
George and Daisy are living in Kensington, Kansas in 1943.

George is buried in Smith County 1876-1952 # 116527413, with Daisy Elizabeth (White) Goracke 1877-1957.

Boone D. Goracke, born Nov 30, 1919 in Kensington, Kansas to George H. Goracke and Elizabeth White, died in Las Vegas July 9, 1953, to be buried in Kensington, Kansas.

Golden L. Goracke is buried in Smith County 1914-1976 # 146330346.
"Golden Loren Goracke, son of George and Daisy Goracke, was born June 13, 1914, on a farm near Kensington. He departed this life Nov. 26, 1976, at the age of 62 years, 3 months and 13 days. at the age of 5 years, he moved with his parents into Kensington where he grew to adulthood.
On Sept. 17, 1935, he was united in marriage to Jessie O. Boyce. They made their home in Phillipsburg, where Golden was employed 27 years for Phillips County. He was a member of the First Christian Church.
Because of a heart attack in 1961, he was unable to work for the county any longer. However, this did not stop him from working entirely. Golden loved working with his hands. He was an all-around handy-man and to him a job, large or small was a challenge. When called upon, Golden spent many hours helping his family and friends.
He was preceded by his parents and one brother, Boone.
He is survived by his wife, Jessie of the home; brother Diamond and wife Daisy of Smith Center; niece Darlene Carroll and family of Mt. Grove, Mo.; sister-in-law Naomi Schultz of Stockton; and three nephews, Walter Wheeler and family of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; Jack Wheeler and family of Moss Beach, Calif.; and Forrest Wheeler and family of Westminister, Colo., many other relatives and a host of friends and neighbors."

Diamond R. Goracke 1916-1992 is buried in Smith County # 13727961, wtih Daisy Mae (Moore) Goracke 1913-2012.

JOHN

John Goracke is in Kit Carson County in 1910, 32, widowed, born in Nebraska, with son George 7 born in Kansas.


Natialene Schopf (natialene@comcast.net) 11 March 2007
Edith Fanny PATTEN was my grandmother. Her parents were George Evan PATTEN and Caroline CUATT. She married Charles Clayton GARNER in 1914. His parents were Henry J. PATTEN and Martha Ellen BOWEN. I am looking for any additional information you can provide including ancestry, land purchases, etc.

In 1900 Decatur County, Kansas, Alice E. Patten born March 1900 in Kansas, is with George June 1870 New York and Carrie E. Jan 1864 Missouri. Daniel W. June 1896 was born in Kansas, Edith F. May 1878 Nebraska, and Alice in Kansas.
In 1910 Cheyenne County, Kansas, Alice Patten is 10, one of seven kids of George 39 and carrie 37 Patten.
John W. Goracke, age 36, of Burlington married Alice Patten, age 15, of Hale in Burlington on Feb 5, 1915. George might be with Thomas Goracke in 1915 in Smith County, Kansas. Thomas is 64, with Pauline 21, Dora 20, and Thomas 17.
John William Goracke registered in Burlington - address "Transient" working for A.F. Elder, of Cole, Kit Carson County. He's married to Alice.
1. Goracke, Ida May - Birth/Chris: ... 1916 at ... 2. Goracke, Henry Davis - Birth/Chris: ... 1918 at ... 3. Goracke, William Thomas - Birth/Chris: ... 1920 at ...

In 1925 Phillips County, Kansas, John W. Goracke is farming 46, divorced, with Ida M. 9 and Henry D. 7, both born in Colorado.
In 1930 Canyon County, Idaho, John is 51, widowed, a farm laborer, with Ida M. 14, Henry D. 12 both born in Colorado, and Willie 10 born in Kansas.
In 1940 Owyhee County, Idaho, John is 61, widowed, living alone, a farm laborer.

John William Goracke registered for WWII in Homedale Idaho, born January 30, 1878 in Johnson County, Nebraska.
John 1879-1962 is buried in Marsing, Idaho # 60100307.
Ida M. Copley has a stone in Marsing, with William J. Copley 1914-1982 - he's # 60091294.


" Earl William Copley born September 21, 1906 in Inavale, Nebraska. He married Edith Florette Burwell on February 22, 1928 at Atwood, Kansas. They later divorced. He married Ida Mae Goracke on June 21, 1935 at Imperial, Nebraska. "

Culbertson Progress, Culbertson, Hitchcock County, Nebraska on September 30, 1937.
Cousins Die In Georgetown Mine
Earl Copley and William Berns Die From Effects of Gas Saturday Night While Working in Mine
Earl Copley and William Berns, cousins, died from the effects of carbon monoxide gas about 10:30 Saturday night while working in the famous Griffith mine at Georgetown, Colo.
Paul Moore, brother-in-law of Earl Copley, who was working on the day shift, was called when it was learned that the boys were in danger and went in after them. They had been working about a half mile into the mine. He found Will Berns dead, but Earl was still breathing. However, he died as soon as they got him into the fresh air.
Both of the boys had been working in the mill most of the time since they went out there. Earl about six months ago, and Will only about five weeks ago. Having been laid off at the mill, they applied at the mine, where they had worked occasionally, and this was the first night they had gone into the mine to work.
Earl Copley, aged 30, is the son of Mrs. Otto Nehring, and is very well known around here as he lived in this neighborhood for 16 years. He worked the Harry Lehman farm for a time before he left for Georgetown, he operated the Home Service Station at Trenton and a movie picture machine at night. He was known as a hard worker.
Surviving him are his wife and baby son, about 18 months old, and a daughter, six; his mother, Mrs. Otto Nehring; a sister, Mrs. Paul Moore; and three brothers, Louis and Grover of Georgetown, Colo., and William Copley of Red Cloud.
William Berns, aged 25, is a brother of Miss Marie Berns and H.A. Berns of Culbertson. Two years ago he worked for Pete Haller, near here, and is acquainted in this vicinity. He had been farming before leaving for Georgetown five weeks ago.
Mourning his sudden death are his wife and four-months-old baby girl; four sisters, Miss Marie Berns of Culbertson, Miss Frances Berns, Mrs. E.J. Clusters, and Mrs. Joe Dusek of Bladen; and four brothers, H.A. Berns of near Culbertson, Ernest of Lyons and Henry and Joe of Bladen.
The bodies were held several days at Georgetown for investigation. Mr. Copley's funeral was held at one o'clock at the local Methodist church Wedsnesday.
The remains of Will Berns will be sent to his home town of Blue Hill, where interment will be made.

So it appears that William married his brother's widow.

William T. Goracke 1920-1942 # 26562987 is buried in Caldwell, Idaho.
Solomon Islands 1942 " On November 29 at 3:00 a.m. another air raid; no casualties. Our continuous bombardment of enemy positions has caused some withdrawal. They are attempting to strengthen their positions. Coordinated artillery and mortar fire at enemy positions went on all afternoon. Our patrols are active. The enemy continues to fire mortars at our positions, effectively. The following man was killed in action: Pvt William T. Goracke, Company “C”. We got together a makeshift Battalion to relieve the Second Battalion of the Eighth Marines. Capt Crook is commanding our makeshift Battalion."


LESS LIKELY
In 1880 Phillips County, Kansas, John Goracke is 33, born in Nebraska, married to Elisabeth 29. They have George 11, John 9, Mary 7, Frank 5, and Deella 2.
In 1900 Platteville, Colorado, John born April 1871 in Kansas, married seven years to Flora Sept 1876 Kansas. Claude L. Feb 1894 Kansas, Ervie C. May 1896 Kansas, and Goldie M. Feb 1899 Coloradoi.
In 1910 they're farming in Canyon County, Idaho, with Claude 16, Clair 14, Goldie 11, Isaac 9, Colorado, Artie 7, Colorado, and Floyd five months Idaho.
John proved up a quarter in 15, 6 South, 43W in 1914.

In 1915 they're in Phillips County, Kansas again, with John 43, "Dalla" 38, Claude 21, Clair 19, Goldie 16, Isaac 14, Artie 12, Floyd 7, and Gracie 5.
Ervy Clair Goracke registered in Milliken, Colorado, born May 6, 1896 at Phllipsburg, Kansas, farming, marrried.
In 1920 Milliken, Colorado, John is 47, widowed, no occupation. Goldean is 20, Arthur 16, Floyd 10, and Grace 8.
John is living alone in 1930 Milliken, a farm laborer.
Clair has moved to Ventura, California, where he is 34, married to Sylvia 33, with Robert E. 11 and Maxine P. 7. Brother Ted, 21 is living with them.
Grace A. Goracke, 19, married Lamar C. Griffin, 22, April 12, 1931 in Greeley.
In 1940 Fort Collins, Grace is 28, L.C. Griffin 31, both born in Idaho. Ted Goracke, 30, is living with them, a hair dresser in a beauty shop.
C.E. and Sylvia have moved back to Larimer County by 1935, and in 1940 are farming, with Maxine, 17.
Ervy C. 1896-1974 and Sylvia 1897-1995 are buried in Crown Hill #@ 92077222, with Robert E. buried in Olinger Highland # 99174826.
Flora A. (Stradley) Goracke 1876-1917, is buried in Pueblo, Colorado # 33046961.

John W. Goracke 1871-1944 is buried in Platteville, Colorado # 33081531.

This page is maintained by Steve Stein.