Another pioneer has passed away, and it is with feelings of regret that we note his death.

Herman Vogelsang was born April 7, 1853 near Herford, Westphalia, Germany, and died at his home near Randolph August 5, 1921, after a brief illness of three weeks, aged 68 years, 3 months and 28 days.

In the fall of 1869 he with his parents and one sister, Mrs. Charles Hagenmaier, emigrated from their native land to America. They came by way of St. Louis to Manhattan where two sisters, who had emigrated three years previously had located. His parents homesteaded at Winkler, and there he spent the years of his young manhood. As a lad he knew the hardships, difficulties, excitement and joys which the pioneer experienced. In a few short years, his mother died, and being the youngest of the family, he kept the "home fires burning" for his aged father and helped develop the Fancy Creek valley from a wilderness into a rich, productive community of beautiful, happy, prosperous homes.

In 1889 he was married to Miss Emma Hedke and to this union were born nine children who survived: Henry Vogelsang of Keats, Mrs. J. E. Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Bruce DeWyke and Mrs. Henry Vawter, all of Randolph; and Paulyne, Louise, Walter, Nellie and Hannah who are still at home.

In the spring of 1900 he and the family moved to Randolph for better school advantages and market facilities. Here he resided until his death.

Herman Vogelsang was a man of a very kind disposition, and broad, optimistic views. He found the 'good' in people, and his cheerfulness, his willingness to help and accommodate friends and neighbors even at a personal sacrifice, won for him the love and esteem of those who knew him best. He had a host of friends. His good home and splendid family testify to his noble character, his industry and perseverance. And because so many of his children ate still in the home nest, his death seems untimely, and this first break in the home ties leaves sorrowful and grief-stricken hearts.

The funeral services were held at the home. In the absence of the local pastor, Rev. E. F. Boehringer had charge and brought a tender, comforting message. The pall bearers were six nephews: Gust Hagenmaier, of Winkler, Will Hagenmaier of Randolph, Henry and Fred Moehlman of Manhattan. Herman Wetzig of Junction City, all sons of his sisters and Dr. W. M. Droll of Alta Vista, a nephew by marriage. Tenderly they bore him to his final resting place in the nearby Fancy Creek Cemetery.

Besides his widow and children he leaves two grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Chas. Hagenmaier, and a host of other relatives who mourn him. At such a time empty seems of words of comfort.

"But, O for the touch of a vanished hand,
And the sound of a voice that is stilled."

We can only say the memory of such a life will bring solace as time heals the wound. We are glad it was our privilege to know him well and will also cherish his memory. -H.A.D.