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GEORGE J. BAUMANN, one of the oldest residents of Grand Island, was born and reared in this city, having been concerned in business enterprises here for many years. He has, also, served most acceptably in public office. Few men are better known in this section and none have a higher reputation for trustworthiness. Mr. Baumann is proprietor of the leading undertaking establishment at Grand Island.
George J. Baumann was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, March 24, 1873, a son of Henry and Martha (Preiss) Baumann, who came from Germany to Grand Island in 1866, being married here and reared a family of nine children: August, assistant post master of Grand Island for a number of years; George J., who lives in Grand Island; Oscar and Herman, twins, both of whom are in the drug business, the former at Lincoln and the latter in Grand Island; Nora, residing with her mother in California, is engaged in the millinery business; Anna, assistant auditor for a creamery company, lives in California; Henrietta, associated with her sister in business, also lives in California; and two children who died. The father of this family was a tailor in Grand Island who died here when his children were yet young. He was a member of the Catholic church.
The early death of his father placed heavy responsibilities on George J. Baumann in boyhood, and in order to meet these he worked industriously at various occupations, among them selling newspapers. Later he entered a photographic studio to learn the business, in which he continued for twenty-five years; subsequently he conducted a store for two and a half years before accepting a position as commercial traveler for two years. Upon leaving the road he invested in an installment furniture house, buying the outstanding contracts, a business he conducted with marked success for three years. In 1913, in partnership with F. M. O'Malley, he engaged in the undertaking business, subsequently purchasing Mr. O'Malley's interest, and in September, 1917, formed his present partnership with F. G. Evans. They conduct an excellent undertaking business. Mr. Baumann is a registered embalmer, having attended the Des Moines School of Undertaking.
In November, 1904, occurred the marriage of Mr. Baumann and Miss Jaunita Metcalf, who was born at Laramie, Wyoming. Her father, A. J. Metcalf, is now a resident of Grand Island but formerly was engaged in the cattle industry in Wyoming. Mr. and Mrs. Baumann have four children; Alfonso, John, Mary Juanita and Henry Bruce. The two older children are attending school. Mr. Baumann and his family are members of the Catholic church. In politics he is a Democrat. He has always felt the responsibility of citizenship, responding cheerfully to public demands upon his time, having served in local offices and has been both coroner and deputy coroner of Hall County. He belongs to the Yeomen, the Royal Highlanders, the Elks and the Knights of Columbus, being financial secretary of the last named organization.
