He came to NY in 1882 and he went to Nebraska in 1894
From Who's Who in Nebraska -1940
BARTELS, GERD HENRY: Retired; b Martfeld, Hanover Province, Germany Feb 24, 1865; s of William Bartels-Anna Henneke; ed Germany; m Anna Bormann April 13, 1887 New York City; s William H; d Anna M, Elsie V, Anna Kate Lena; 1883 came to New York City; 1894 came to Otoe Co; 1884-85 worked for Henry Meyer in coal bus, New York City; 1885-94 opr coal bus New York City, 1887 added ice bus; 1895-1916 owner & opr farm, Otoe Co; 1916 ret; mbr sch bd 2 years; treas Luth Memorial Ch 18 years; hobby, reading; res Syracuse.