Kurka Family Cemetery History, Knox County, Nebraska

As I looked out from the top of the hill, I felt like I was on top of the world. The climb was strenuous, but so worth the effort. I had found the cemetery that had eluded me on a previous search, and the view from up there is simply breathtaking.

I could see for miles. The pastures are lush and green, fed by the Niobrara River as it snakes its way through the valley. Wild life is abundant. I could see why the immigrants chose this area to stake their claim. I was about twelve miles northwest of Verdigre.

Wenzl and Joseph Kurka, brothers, were born in Grosslippen, Bohemia. They set out to search for the "land of the free." They arrived in Knox County in what is known as the Dukeville area in 1871. They both applied for land under the Homestead Act and settled into farming, Wenzl in section 4 and Joseph in section 5 of Bohemia Township.

They brought their wives and children to a new country, a new life, and a hope for a brighter future. They were not immune to the struggles and hardships common to other pioneer families. Not long after they arrived, Julia, the 14 year-old daughter of Wenzl and Machtilda (Maier) Kurka died.

Wenzl chose a place almost in the center of his 320-acre farm to start his family cemetery. It was also the highest spot on the farm. After Julia was laid to rest, Wenzl made a fence of homemade cement pillars and galvanized iron pipe to mark and protect the cemetery. He planted eight cedar trees to give shade to the grave of his daughter.

It would be about twenty years before anyone would join Julia in the cemetery. Another daughter of Wenzl Kurka, named Matilda, died at age 33. She was buried beside Julia. An ornate headstone bearing the names and ages of both girls was placed where they sleep in eternity.

A couple of years later, the girl’s mother, Machtilda Kurka died in 1896 at the age of 72. Wenzl once again buried a loved one in his family cemetery. He continued to help his son Joseph farm, living out his last days doing what he knew best. His other three daughters, Anna, Theresa and Mary had married and were busy with their families.

Wenzl was the fourth and final burial in the Kurka Family cemetery. He died in 1908 at the age of 79. Wenzl had never deeded the land as a cemetery. The ownership of the cemetery goes with the land whenever it sells.

The preservation of the cemetery is unique. Seldom do I see a 128 year-old cemetery in good condition. Someone has placed a strong barbed wire fence around the outside of the pipe fence to help keep livestock out. Wenzl would be proud of how his family was being cared for.