WELL KNOWN BLAIR MAN, THOMAS T. OSTERMAN, DEAD

Blair Editor Found Dead in Bed From Bullet wound. Active in Public Affairs of Blair Since 1896

AMASSED A GREAT FORTUNE

Known Over State for His Aggressiveness in Newspaper work. President of Neb. Press Ass’n.

The book is closed. An Omnipotent hand has pulled down the curtain closing the last act in the life of Thomas T. Osterman, editor and publisher of the Pilot-Tribune of Blair, president of the Blair Chamber of Commerce and also of the Nebraska Press Association.

Blair, his home town, was shocked when on last Monday forenoon the news spread about that he was found dead in his bed, a bullet hole through his head. A revolver was found near him, and the supposition is that he had ended his life with his own hand. Why, no one but the Almighty will probably ever know. He was supposed to have been in good health, his business relations are pleasant and he had laid aside amply for his declining years. No logical reason can be found for the act.

Deceased was born in Fremont where his early life was spent. In youth he learned the printer’s trade, and at one time ran a newspaper in Arlington, Nebraska. In 1896 he came to Blair where he worked as a printer on one of the local papers. He also served as deputy county clerk. From this position he went into the Republican office which he purchased, and changed the name to the Democrat. Later he combined this with the Courier and later with The Tribune. Later in conjunction with the writer he purchased The Pilot and changed to the name of The Pilot-Tribune.

His activities in Blair and Washington County are well known and anything which might be said would only prove superfluous.

He was a man of strong character, positive in his manner and made both enemies and friends. He was energetic and ambitious and made money, which with good business acumen he invested wisely. He was a good newspaper man and a good competitor.

While he was of a strong character, yet in his make-up there was a great deal of kindness for his fellow man, and we have known of many instances where he has helped financially both young and old when in need. He was of an outspoken nature that often showed him at his worst.

But whatever we say, we must all admit that he was a man of ability and a personality that will be missed in his community.

The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock from the Blair High school auditorium with Rev. A. F. Newell of the local Congregational church officiating, and interment was made in the Blair Cemetery. The last sad rites at the grave were in charge of the Masonic order of which he was an active member. The survivors are the widow and two brothers and six sisters: Mrs. George Stafford, living in Florida; Mrs. Henry Walters, Sant Ann, Cal.; Mrs. Gus Gardner, Oakland, Cal.; Mrs. Harry Powell, Central City; Mrs. Carl Hansen, Anchor, Neb., and Mrs. Joseph C. Beaty, Fremont, and Theodore and Edwin of Central City, Neb.

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