With the coming of the railroad, a new town was born. Mr. Charles Spencer was the first to locate in the town as he owned most of the land. The town was in need of a name and Mr. Spencer decided to name the new town for himself, but a short time later found out there was already a Spencer so he picked the name “Augusta” in honor of his wife. Again he learned that his choice had been used for another town. Finally it was decided to call the new town “Bellin” for a town in Scotland which his wife loved. The word was misinterpreted and appeared as “Berlin” on the official maps and document. Because it was a German community, the name Berlin was accepted and became official. In 1913 Berlin was incorporated.
Life continued smoothly for people in this little town until the outbreak of World War I. Soon those of German birth or descent were subject to verbal and physical abuse by those who questioned their loyalties. To demonstrate their support of the United States and to indicate that the majority of the people were loyal to her, the council decided to select another name for the town. It was suggested that “Lincoln” be chosen and on June 12, 1918, the name was approved.
With the coming of the railroad, a new town was born. Mr. Charles Spencer was the first to locate in the town as he owned most of the land. The town was in need of a name and Mr. Spencer decided to name the new town for himself, but a short time later found out there was already a Spencer so he picked the name “Augusta” in honor of his wife. Again he learned that his choice had been used for another town. Finally it was decided to call the new town “Bellin” for a town in Scotland which his wife loved. The word was misinterpreted and appeared as “Berlin” on the official maps and document. Because it was a German community, the name Berlin was accepted and became official. In 1913 Berlin was incorporated.
Life continued smoothly for people in this little town until the outbreak of World War I. Soon those of German birth or descent were subject to verbal and physical abuse by those who questioned their loyalties. To demonstrate their support of the United States and to indicate that the majority of the people were loyal to her, the council decided to select another name for the town. It was suggested that “Lincoln” be chosen and on June 12, 1918, the name was approved.
Family Members
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Mary Margaretha Bern Langholz
1884–1936
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Henry Christian Bern
1885–1970
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Amelia Christina Bern Hoeg
1886–1916
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William Frederick Bern
1888–1971
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John Fredrick Bern
1889–1973
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Alvena Pauline Bern Dahms
1891–1974
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George Washington Bern
1897–1979
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Roy Bern
1899–1966
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Lena Edna Bern Dahms
1901–1988
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Lillian Dorothy Bern Rehder
1903–1989
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Emma Margaret Bern Stricker
1905–1979
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Rudolph Roy Bern Sr
1909–1980
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