prangeuncompleted
Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
HENRY PRANGE. If one-fourth
of the hardships endured and labors performed and the suffering undergone
by the pioneers were written, books would be multiplied in an untold degree.
It is only when one comes in contact with real pioneers, and face to face
with the actual conditions as they exist that he can realize these things.
Douglas county has been no exception to pioneer history and many could
repeat tales of actual experience stranger than fiction. We are pleased
to have the privilege of recording some of the incidents in the career
of the subject of this article, who, with his faithful wife, has labored
most assiduously and has gained, also, a very brilliant and gratifying
success, in which latter, every one, who knows their history, will take
great pleasure. Henry Prange was born in Hanover, Germany, on June
10, 1854. His parents, John and Annie (Prigge) Prange, were also
natives of Hanover. He was educated in the public schools of his
native place and there remained until 1882 when he came to the United States,
settling in South Dakota. He did general work there for a while and
then farmed for five years. In 1888 he came to Douglas county and
took a pre-emption near his present homestead which lies about two miles
southeast from Farmer. He also took a pre-emption. He went
to Kittitas county and worked to get money to move his family on the claim
and then came hither with them. Mr. Prange was forced to work out
to gain food for the family and his wife cared for the place. On
Sundays, he would come home and haul a supply of water for the week from
a well nine miles distant then return to his work on Sunday night.
During these times, his wife cut fifteen acres of grain with a knife and
so industrious was she that she saved the entire amount. Such faithful
labors as these could but gain success. Although both were beset
with many adverse circumstances, they have steadily climbed up the grade
until now they are among the most prosperous people in Douglas county.
To the claim they have added one-half section by purchase and now they
have a magnificent estate of one section, with good residence, large barn,
plenty of water and all other improvements necessary. In addition
to farming, they handle fine graded cattle and also good horses.
The farm is supplied with the latest improvements in machinery. Everything
about the premises, from the broad acres to every part of the house, shows
a real industry thrift and prosperity. Mr. Prange has three brothers
and two sisters in Germany while his wife has one brother and four half-sisters
in Germany.
In South Dakota on May 6, 1883, Mr. Prange
married Miss Annie, daughter of Carstan and Kathrina (Schreider) Prange,
natives of Hanover, Germany. To this union the following children
have been born; Annie C., in South Dakota, March 27, 1884; William John
Henry, in South Dakota, on August 11, 1885; Otto A. J., in South Dakota,
on December 11, 1887; John H., in Ellensburg, on March 20, 1890; Emma M.,
in Douglas county, on May 13, 1893; William H., in Douglas county, on October
11, 1895; and Maria M., in Douglas county, on February 23, 1898.
In their labors to gain prosperity in temporal
things, Mr. and Mrs. Prange have not forgotten the true spirit life and
are devoted members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Prange is fully satisfied
with the country of his adoption and feels, also, that his choice of Douglas
county has not been a mistake. It is a pleasure to note that he has
made another valuable citizen to the land of the Stars and Stripes, coming
from the land which has given us so many of sturdy worth.
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