Ernest Stockebrand Biography

Source: History of Allen and Woodson Counties, Kansas By L. Wallace Duncan and Chas. F. Scott, 1901, pages 779-780

Back to Biography Page    Back to Immigration Page

ERNEST STOCKEBRAND is numbered among the extensive land owners of Woodson County, and makes his home in Center township, where he has resided for forty-three consecutive years. He has met the hardships and trials of pioneer life in this county and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for its present development and progress. He belongs to that class of representative German-American citizens, who, loyal to their adopted land, aid in promoting the general progress while advancing their individual prosperity.

Mr. Stockebrand was born January 27, 1828 in Lippe, Detmold, a small dukedom of Westphalia, Germany, at the ancestral home, which had been in possession of the family for about two hundred and eighty years. His father, Adolph Stockebrand, followed farming there and married Justina Meyerjohn, by whom he had eight children, namely: Adolph and August, who have passed away; Frederica, deceased wife of Adolph Beyer; Wilhelmina, who became the wife of William Klaas and died at Freeport, Illinois; Couradina married to August Toedman; Ernest, of this review; Louisa, wife of August Lauber, and William.

In accordance with the laws of his native land Ernest Stockebrand pursued his education. At the age of twenty-eight years he took passage on a westward bound vessel that weighed anchor in the harbor of Bremen and sailed for New York. He had some relatives living in Freeport, Illinois, and went to that place, but after a very short time he sought a home in Woodson County, which offered its rich but wild lands to the settlers who would register a claim therefor with the government. He became the owner of a quarter section on section one, Center township, and with characteristic energy began the development of a farm. As the years passed and his financial resources increased he extended its boundaries until he became the owner of fifteen hundred acres, being therefore numbered among the extensive land holders of Woodson County. His realty is an evidence of an active business career. Continued effort, resolute will, determined purpose and careful management have enabled him to work his way steadily upward until he to-day stands on the plane of affluence.

In 1860 Mr. Stockebrand was united in marriage to Miss Mary Stange, who became a resident of this locality in that year. Their children are Ernest, Charles, Julius, Louisa, wife of Gustav Weide; Mary, wife of William Weide, Justina, Paulina, and Anna. Mr. Stockebrand has been deeply interested in politics since becoming an American citizen and is an earnest Republican. He voted for the free state constitution, and the first political speech made in Woodson County was delivered by a Mr. Perry in his home. He has labored to promote all measures for the public good, and a man of worth in his community.