Ernie Hammer is a long time Kiowa County Press contributor. This story is written by Ernie’s Aunt Liz, Elizabeth Katherine (Hammer) Smith Benatti, based on her memories and family research. The story begins in Germany with Oswald Hammer and Margarethe Marie von Barsewisch, Liz’s parents. Liz passed away at the age of 104. She was living at the Kohart Home in Kit Carson at the time of her death. Part 28 can be read here.

Pap Hammer (continuted)

It was many years after Fritz got married but was working at Routon’s filling station on South Nevada, that Pap got robbed one night by two young black girls.  They had well located him for his coming and going that they knew well.  They said, “Old man, we’re going to walk you home”, and each grabbed an arm and walked until they took him behind a tree and twisted his arms behind him.  Then while the bigger one held his arms and wrenched the hold so he had no power, the other said you may like this or not, just don’t holler, and she riffled all his money from his pants and shirt pockets.  That’s when Fritz and Rod and Ma thought it best to make him sign up for old age pension and live at the county farm.  Soon after, he was given a place on Mill Street to be cared for by a woman with several small children, using the old age pension and the small amount Fritz got for the 10 N. Walnut property.

Here he died one early morning at breakfast which was eggs, bacon and toast.  The children had left the breakfast table and this woman was out washing the clothes.  She came in and saw he was drinking his coffee and reading his newspaper he’d picked up on the street the night before.  Not wanting any more coffee, he thanked her and went back to reading as usual.  Later, she found him slumped into his dishes, his head resting on the plate.  He had a fatal stoke, which is debatable as the records show a heart thrombosis condition.

Liz was called by Swans Mortuary as the lady knew not of his family.  However, William had brought him home several times during the spring and summer.  The only thing found was a letter from his daughter Elizabeth, who lived in Fairplay, Colorado.

Mr. Hammer was disillusioned about the Great American Dream, but he always took his communion at church.  The pastor visited Mrs. Hammer at the ranch so she could take communion, also.

The two immigrants left quite a legacy.  None of the children were truant or jailed.  None made it real big or rich, but they were steady in their concern and passion for their fellow man.  

Next week – Ma’s Final Years

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