Bredthauer, W. T. History

HISTORY OF W. T. AND VERA BREDTHAUER

Wilmer (Bill) Theodore Bredthauer, the son of Herman and Mary (Klein} Bredthauer was born in Scotia, Greely County, Nebr.

April 15, 1911.  He received his early educational training in the public schools of Scotia.

Mr. Bredthauer and Miss Vera Amelia Demmer were united in matrimony May 22, 1938 in Keeline, Wyo. Mrs. Bredthauer is of a pioneer family of Wyoming and South Dakota, Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Demmer.

Mrs. Bredthauer was born Feb. 2, 1916 in a sod house which her father had built at Colome, S.D.

Mr. and Mrs. Bredthauer are the parents of four sons, David, Ray, Ralph and Charles, all born in Lusk, Wyo.

Bredthauers operated the Keeline Grocery Store for two years from 1938-1940, then they moved to their ranch, four miles west of Lusk in May, 1940. They raise commercial Angus and crossbred cattle.  The brand of the Bredthauer ranch is "W Lazy 3".

Part of the property owned by Mr. Bredthauer was homesteaded by the De Castro family in 1880 and also the Quinns and others.  Former Mayor of Lusk, Nat Baker owned this ranch at one time and later it was the property of James, Paxton and Robert Irvine.

Mr. Bredthauer came to Niobrara County in 1930, with empty pockets, but a determination to make his own way.   He first work­ ed on the ranch of the Bruch Cattle Co., and remained there for seven years. Two years later, he made a modest start for himself with nine cows. In the ensuing years, Mr. Bredthauer built up his herd and his holdings until today he has a highly improved and well-operated ranch.

The Bredthauers are active members of the Lutheran Church. of Lusk. Mr.

Bredthauer has held several offices and been an elder of the church.

Mrs. Bredthauer has been a Sunday School teacher and also taught vacation Bible School. She is a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and the Royal Valley Club. She has held several offices in these organizations.

Mr. Bredthauer is past president and director of the Niobrara County Farm Bureau.   He was a Tractor 4-H Leader for 12 years.  He served on the Niobrara Fair Board for 15 years and has served on National Association of Conservation Districts, the Weed and Pest Control Board and is presently Chairman of the Niobrara County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.

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