The First To Arrive!

    The first one to leave was the oldest, Theodor Kressa, Jr. who applied for citizenship in April of 1886 in Osceola, Nebraska and became a citizen in March of 1887. It is believed he sailed across the Atlantic in 1877 with some of his friends, also about to become 15 years old. He worked as a blacksmith in the Columbus, Nebraska area.

Theodore Kresha, Jr.

    An internet search provided these ‘mentions’ of Theodor, Jr. in the Platte County records:

Columbus Journal, August 1, 1894

"KRESHA; --The board of insanity again send Theodore Kresha to the asylum at Norfolk."

The Weekly Telegram, September 28, 1899

"KRESHA--Theodore Kresha, commonly known as "crazy Theodore from behind Silver Creek," was examined by the commissioners of insanity Tuesday evening and pronounced insane. The warrant was signed by L.L. Gray. This is the third time that he has been adjudged insane by the board of this county, but after short terms in the asylum he has been released. He has not been very violent--simply feeble minded, but seems to grow even worse as he gets older. He will be taken to Norfolk as soon as he can be received there."

The Columbus Journal, September 21, 1904

"KRESHA--Theodore Kresha was examined this afternoon by the insanity board and declared insane. He will be taken to the Lincoln asylum as soon as the authorities there can be heard from. This is the third time Kresha has been declared insane, having been sent to Norfolk twice. Kresha has been extremely irrational for some time and of late has been a source of annoyance on the streets, causing the police considerable trouble."

The Columbus Journal, October 25, 1904

"KRESHA--C. M. Gruenther has received the following letter from Dr. T.L.Greene, superintendent of the Lincoln Insane asylum, under date of October 24, notifying him of the escape of Theodore Kersha [sic], who was adjudged insane a few weeks ago and taken to the asylum by the Platte county authorities: "I beg to advise you that Theodore Kresha escaped from custody yesterday. If this man is again found in Platte county, have him taken into custody and returned as the law directs."--J. L. Greene. superintendent."

http://www.rootsweb.com/~neplatte/insane.html

    Theodore Kresha, Jr. died July 19, 1938 at the age of 76 at the Binghamton State Hospital in New York State.  There is no record of his ever having been married or having children.