John P. Bratt, 1856-1930 [RG1994.AM]

NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID

RG1994.AM:  John P. Bratt, 1856-1930

Papers:  1881-1901

Bennet, Lancaster County, Neb.:  Businessman, soldier

Size:  0.5 cu.ft.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

John P. Bratt was born in Bureau County, Illinois, on February 9, 1856. He received his education in the public schools, but little else is known of his early life. In 1880 the family moved to Bennet, Nebraska, where Bratt engaged in the hardware and implement business. He later sold real estate, and was cashier of the Citizen’s Bank of Bennet from 1896-1903, and its Vice President until 1927.

In 1881 Bratt joined the newly organized Nebraska National Guard and rose to the rank of Colonel by 1890. When war with Spain broke out in 1898, Bratt was appointed to lead the 1st Nebraska Regiment which embarked for the Philippines in June of that year. The regiment took part in the military operations that resulted in the capture of Manila on August 13, 1898. Col. Bratt commanded the district of Binondo, Manila, until October 1st. On that date, he was ordered back to the United States because of illness, and honorably discharged from military service.

John Bratt married Mary E. Roggenkamp of Bennet, Nebraska, on May 5, 1885. The couple was affiliated with the Republican Party. Bratt was a Mason and a member of the Lincoln Commercial Club. He died at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 25, 1930, at the age of 74.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

This collection consists of manuscript materials arranged in three series: 1) Correspondence, 1881-1885 and 1898-1901; 2) Manuscripts, 1898; and 3) Printed Matter, 1892-1901.

The collection relates to Col. John P. Bratt’s service as commander of the 1st Nebraska Regiment, April-October, 1898, and the activities of the 1st Nebraska Regiment in the Philippines, 1898-1899. A portion of the collection relates to the presidential inauguration of 1901.

DESCRIPTION

Series 1 – Correspondence, 1881-1885 and 1898-1901

Box 1

Folder

1. 1. 1881-1885

1. 1. 1898-1901

Series 2 – Manuscripts, 1898

1. 1. Proclamation of Governor Silas Holcomb to 1st Nebraska, 1898
      
      Reports of Col. Bratt to Adjutant General P.H. Barry, 1898
      
      Speeches, including Colonel Bratt’s speech to 1st Nebraska, July 4, 1898

1. 1. Field order #60, 4th of July Program, 1st Nebraska, 1898
      
      General order #12, attack on Manila, August 12, 1898

Series 3 – Printed matter, 1892-1901

1. 1. “Extended order Drill,” 1893
      
      Muster Roll, field and staff, 1st Nebraska, May 1898
      
      Orders for Inaugural Parade, 1901
      
      Miscellany

1. 1. Military Certificates, 1884, 1887, 1890, 1898 (see OB059)

ADDED ENTRIES:

Bratt, John P., 1856-1930

Nebraska. National Guard — History

Philippines — History — Philippine American War, 1899-1902

Spanish-American War, 1898 — Regimental histories — Nebraska

06-18-2007   Revised TMM/tmm