Johann Bernhard PRANGER

JOHN B. PRANGER was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, now in the empire of Germany, Aug. 15, 1831, his parents being B. H. and Mary (Ficker) Pranger. Jno. B. lived with his parents until he had arrived at the age of 20 years, assisting them with the duties and labors of the farm. He then went out to work for himself, continuing until 1858, deciding to come to America, he took leave of home and friends, and going to Bremen, took passage on a vessel bound for New Orleans. After a long voyage of ten weeks, and an additional week at New Orleans before leaving the ship, he arrived at the Crescent City. The journey was a very unpleasant one, and he experienced the worst form of sea life, the ship having gotten out of her course, and going by way of Cuba, San Domingo, etc. The yellow fever was then raging at New Orleans, and he took the boat for St. Louis, at a point distant from the former city. He remained in St. Louis two years, working at the cooper's trade most of the time. He then came up to Greene county, where he had relatives living, Mr. Snyder being among them. Thus those two gentlemen were about the first German settlers of this vicinity. On arriving here, John was employed by Mr. Snyder the first year, and the next year he rented five acres of land, and hired the work done on it, he himself working at the cooper's trade mostly, thereby turning out over 10,000 staves. In 1874, he purchased 30 acres of land on S. 12, T. 10, R. 13, where he has since resided. There were then no buildings on it, and the ground was mostly wild. It is now a finely improved farm, with very creditable and substantial buildings thereon, and he has since added to his land, so that he now has 60 acres. Mr. Pranger was married in St. Louis, Dec. 24, 1858, to Helena Johnson, a native of Hanover, and a daughter of Henry Johnson. This marriage was blessed by seven children - Anna, married Oswald Becker, living in Washington Territory; Catherine, Benjamin, John, Mary and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Pranger are members of the Catholic church, of Carrollton. Coming here 25 years ago with no capital save energy and willing hands, Mr. Pranger has certainly made a creditable record.

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