JOHN OBERST, SR. DIES AT HERMAN

John Oberst was born January 18, 1849 at Sundusky City, Ohio, and died July 5, 1934 at 12:30 a.m. at his home in Herman, Nebraska. His age was 85 years, 5 months and 17 days.

At about the age of 10 years he moved with his parents to Fremont, Indiana. There he grew to manhood. On January 28, 1870, he was united in marriage to Martha Eleanor Cope, daughter of Dr. Samuel Cope. In the fall of 1870 he came alone to DeSoto, Nebraska and a few months later, in 1871, was joined by his wife. Their home was established in a two-room log cabin which is still standing near DeSoto. They lived through the experiences of the early pioneer settlers of this state. They took precautions arising from fear of Indians. Mr. Oberst used oxen in farming. In his later years he liked to relate the story of the deep snows of the winter of 1881.

On January 1, 1881 he moved with his family to a farm northwest of Herman, Neb. This was his home for 31 years. In the fall of 1912 he moved with his wife to Tekamah, Nebr. In 1919 he built a home in Herman where he has since lived. His wife preceded him in death four years ago on May 1, 1930.

He is survived by his four children, nineteen grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. The children are Fidelia L., now Mrs. Herman McGill of Tekamah, Neb.; John T. Oberst of Tekamah, NEbr.; Lavina Grace, now Mrs. Oliver Chambers of Bartlett, Iowa; and Ernest Bert Oberst of Herman, Nebr.

He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Tekamah and before that of the Free Methodist church. He was a member of Landmark Lodge, No. 222, A.F. & A.M., Herman, Nebraska. As a man he possessed many virtues which won for him the respect of those who knew him. He had but a meager schooling but having a desire for knowledge he was a great reader and student and was considered a well-read man. He studied the Bible and had a firm Christian faith.

His life not only made its contribution to the building of a state as a pioneer settler and farmer but also showed those qualities of a good and active mind and of good and honorable character as a husband, father, citizen and Christian.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church at 2 p.m. Saturday, Rev. C. C. Norlin, pastor, in charge. A large delegation of members of Landmark Lodge A. F. & A.M. were in attendance and the impressive Masonic rites were conducted at the grave. Interment was made in the Herman cemetery.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #58653900