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years, and then took his theological training. He has held the following pastorates: Oildale, California, two months in 1926; and Brule, Nebraska, from 1926 until the present time. He is ordained to the Congregational Church. Mr. Nyrop is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Red Cross.
On June 17, 1931, he was married to Dorothy Charlotte Gorder at Weeping Water, her birthplace. Mrs. Nyrop was born March 25, 1902, and before her marriage was a high school teacher. Her family was originally German. Residence: Brule.
Thomas Charles Oates
Thomas C. Oates, successful farmer of Gage County has lived in this state for over 64 years, and has always been interested in the progress of his state and community. He was born at Peoria, Illinois, January 12, 1867, the son of Thomas and Hanah (McGrale) Oates. His father, who was a farmer, was born in Ireland in 1828, and died in Nemaha County, Nebraska, November 27, 1872. His mother was born in Ireland in 1833 and died in 1889.
Mr. Oates received his education in the public schools of Marysville, Kansas. He is affiliated with St. Joseph's Catholic Church, is a member of the Democratic Party, and holds membership in the Nebraskana Society.
He was married to Katherine Ann Gallogly at Barneston, Gage County, Nebraska, January 26, 1898. Mrs. Oates was born at Fort Sarney, Canada, October 10, 1879. To their marriage five children were born; Dureen, born March 23, 1900, who is married to Charles Mack; Beulah, born April 26, 1902, who married Roy Bradsby; Gervis, born July 2, 1907, who died July 27, 1920; Mabel, born June 6, 1913; and Donald, born September 20, 1915. Beulab is a stenographer at Lincoln, Nebraska. Residence: Liberty.
John Cooper Ober
A pioneer sheep trailer between Oregon and Nebraska in the early days of the country, John Cooper Ober is, at the present time an extensive landowner and stockman. He was born at Newburg, Pennsylvania, July 11, 1859, son of Jonathan John and Mary Ann (Cooper) Ober.
Jonathan Ober, born in Newburg, February 1, 1828, was a coachmaker, whose ancestors came from Holland prior to the Revolution. He died at Newburg on February 22, 1900. Mary Ann, his wife, was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, February 13, 1826, and died at Newburg on March 27, 1892. Her ancestry was Irish and Dutch; a brother, John Cooper, poet, historian and journalist, was private secretary to President Buchanan. The family was descended from the noted Peter Cooper.
Educated first in the public school at Newburg, John Cooper Ober was graduated from Stuart's Academy in 1876. On January 31, 1892, he was united in marriage to Eliza Ann Johnson at Silver Creek, Nebraska. There are two children, Bessie Irene, born December 25, 1896, and Lucia M., born September 6, 1902. Bessie, who is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University, and a former teacher, is married to John B. Skinner. Lucia, a graduate of the University of Nebraska, is a teacher. Mrs. Ober is descended from pre-Revolutionary settlers in America. Mr. Ober is affiliated with the Republican party and he is a member of the Nebraskana Society. Residence: Fullerton.
Robert S. Oberfelder
Robert S. Oberfelder, farmer, ranchman and broker, was born in New York City, December 8, 1855, and came to Sidney in 1876.
His father, Tobias Oberfelder, was born in New York, October 10, 1817, and died there on December 15, 1905.
He was a merchant, whose father was born in Germany. His wife, Betsy Silverman, was born in New York, September 10, 1830, and died there on April 15, 1900. She was of German descent.
Mr. Oberfelder attended public school, and coming to Sidney opened an outfitting store for people going to the Black Hills. He was in that business more than 50 years and then entered the bond business. At the present time he is president of the Oberfelder Investment Company. Mr. Oberfelder is the owner of considerable real estate, including two ranches and a number of farms.
Always active politically, he was mayor of Sidney for some time and was president of the Nebraska State Fish Commission.
He is a Democrat. Among the organizations of which Mr. Oberfelder holds membership are, the Red Cross (life member), the Masons, the Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America, Cheyenne County Historical Society, United Service Club (New York), the Omaha Athletic Club, and the Sidney Country Club. His favorite sport is golf and his hobby is working 16 hours a day. Residence: Sidney.
Louis Clark Oberlies
A resident of Nebraska for the last 57 years, L. C. Oberlies has been prominent in business throughout Nebraska for over 30 years. He was born at Galesburg, Iowa, April 23, 1872. John Oberlies, his father, who was born in New York City, July 10, 1839, was a lumberman and banker, and a Civil War veteran. He was a widely travelled and unusually versatile man, and was a diarist of note. His ancestors were Germans who came to America from Bavaria in 1838. John Oberlies died at Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, May 11, 1913.
Wilhelmina Augusta (Rohrdanz) Oberlies, his mother, who was born at Stettin, Germany, July 10, 1848, came with her parents to America in 1857. She was always unusually active in Red Cross work, charities, and church affairs. She died at Lincoln, March 15, 1932.
Mr. Oberlies attended the grade school at Dorchester, Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska Preparatory School. In 1895 he was awarded his A. B. degree at the University of Nebraska, and in 1899 received his A. M. degree there. He was president of his class; was active in musical circles; and was a charter member and founder of Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi.
From 1895 to 1908 he engaged actively in the lumber business, and from 1908 to 1917 he lectured, part of this work being devoted to Young Men's Christian Association affairs. He took part in war time activities during 1917 and 1918. He has been interested in the banking and investment business. Since 1929 he has been personnel director of the Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company, He is the manager of a line of lumber yards, and is a director in the following organizations: National Bank of Commerce; Homestead Bonding Company; Bendix Publishing Company, of which he is president; the Dwelling House Insurance Company; Cornbelt Life Insurance Company. He is president of the Tobias State Bank; president of the Waco Lumber Company; president of the Home Lumber Company; a director in the Chappell Hardware Cmpany (sic); and is president of the Union Lumber and Mercantile Company. In addition to his extensive business interests he owns and operates farming land in western Nebraska.
A Democrat, Mr. Oberlies served as a member of the state senate for some time, and was a member of the State Board of Control of State Institutions for eight years, from 1919 to 1927. He is a lecturer of some distinction and often addresses civic clubs and community groups. He is the author of Addresses to Boys, and has been the editor of various church and college publications.
His marriage to Ella Aurilla Hall was at Lincoln,
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June 30, 1896. Mrs. Oberlies was born at Columbus City, Kansas. They have the following children: Ruth, born July 17, 1899, who married Marvin R. Schafer and teaches with him at the University at Peiping, China; Colombe, born February 4, 1902, who married Paul Lessenhop; Helen, born June 14, 1904, who married Dr. Clarence I. Drummond a physician in Oregon; Lois, born September 17, 1906, who married William M. Dunkak; Viola, born October 1, 1908; Clark-Elinor, born August 6, 1915.
Mr. Oberlies spent six years in the military unit at the University of Nebraska where he was commissioned first lieutenant. He was secretary of the War Work Campaign for relief agencies during the World War. He has led the Oberlies Forum, a class for men for 25 years; is a member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln Rotary Club and the Hiram Club. He has been a member of the State Young Men's Christian Association for the past 12 years; and is a member of the local Young Men's Christian Association. He is a member of the Open Forum, of the Masons, Commandery, Consistory and Shrine. He is fond of golf. His hobby is boys' work and lecturing at father-and-son affairs. Residence: Lincoln.
Byron Bay Oberst
Byron Bay Oberst was born at North Platte, Nebraska, January 20, 1891. His parents are Martin and Belle (Howe) Oberst, the former a native of Strasburg, Germany, born April 15, 1841. Martin Oberst came to America in 1868, and was a scout and Indian fighter in the early days of Nebraska. Before coming to America he was a lieutenant in the German army. He died at York, Nebraska, April 10, 1929.
Belle Howe was born at Dayton, Virginia, May 10, 1858, a descendant of Lord Howe, British general during the Revolution She was a teacher in North Platte High School, and active in the Woman's Club and in foreign missionary work. She died at Omaha, September 12, 1918.
Upon his graduation from the North Platte High School in 1907, Mr. Oberst entered Northwestern University from which he received his LL. B. in 1915. He was dean of Delta Theta Phi, member of the Wigmore Senate, dean of the Omaha Alumni and chairman of the student council at Northwestern.
He was promoted from private, infantry to captain, infantry, during the World War, and from captain, infantry to lieutenant-colonel in the Officers Reserve Corps. He is a member of the American Legion, Omaha Officers Reserve Corps, of which he was president in 1924 and again in 1927, Military Order of the World War, and Omaha chapter of the Sojourners, of which he was president in 1924. He was formerly editor of the Army News.
Upon his admission to the bar at Chicago he was associated in practice with Herrick, Allen and Martin. Returning to North Platte, he entered practice under the firm name of Muldoon and Oberst. In 1920 he became associated with William Baird and Sons, Interstate Oil and Refining Company of Omaha; then with the New York Title and Mortgage Company of New York, and is now attorney for the Federal Land Bank of Omaha.
He was married to Claire Mathilda Healy at Lincoln, July 6, 1912. Mrs. Oberst was born at Omaha, November 30, 1891, and is of Welsh and Irish descent. She is active in civic work, particularly the Camp Fire Girls. There are three children: Annabelle, born July 2, 1914; Virginia, born September 14, 1917; and Byron, Jr., born March 15, 1923.
Mr. Oberst is a Republican. He holds membership in the Nebraska State and Omaha-Douglas County Bar Association, American Title Association and the Nebraska Title Association. He is an Elk, a Mason and a Knight of Pythias. His sport is golf, and his hobby is reading. Residence: Omaha.
Edward James O'Brien
Edward J. O'Brien, physician and surgeon at Exeter, Nebraska, was born at Ranchester, Wyoming, November 16, 1896, the son of James Henry and Margaret (Haley)
O'Brien. His father, who was a miner, was born at Allentown, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1861, and died at Cripple Creek, Colorado, May 20, 1910; his ancestry was Irish. His mother was born, of Irish parentage, at Missouri Valley, Iowa, October 3, 1861.
Dr. O'Brien was graduated from the Cripple Creek High School in 1915, was awarded the A. B. degree at Colorado College, 1923, and received the M. D. degree at Creighton University in Omaha, 1928. He is a member of Alpha Sigma Tau, Theta Phi Alpha, and Sigma Chi. From 1911 to 1924 he was a pharmacist at Cripple Creek, Colorado, Casper, Wyoming, and Colorado Springs. Since 1928 he has been physician and surgeon at Exeter.
He is a member of the Exeter Commercial Club, the Nebraskana Society, Fillmore County Medical Society, Nebraska State Medical Society, and Knights of Columbus, and is affiliated with St. Stephens Catholic Church. During the World War he served from June, 1918, to December, of the same year, and since 1930 has been vice-commander of the American Legion. His social club is the Country Club of Friend, Nebraska, while his favorite sport is golfing.
He married Lucille Moran Egan at Omaha, November 8, 1930. Mrs. O'Brien was born at Highland, Wisconsin, February 23, 1904. Dr. O'Brien is a Democrat. Residence: Exeter.
Thomas Jefferson O'Brien
Thomas J. O'Brien was born at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, December 2, 1865, the son of Moses and Bridgett (Brennan) O'Brien. His father, who was born at Wixford, County Carlo, Ireland, August 15, 1826, was a farmer; he came to America in 1848, and lived in New York for two years after which he moved to Mount Pleasant; he died at Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa, January, 1910. His mother was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, 1832, and died at Ottumwa, June 15, 1874.
Mr. O'Brien, who has led in Omaha civic and business affairs for the past 35 years, was graduated from high school at Ottumwa, Iowa. He was engaged in the hotel business at Omaha, from 1895 to 1919; and since 1914 has been in the automobile business there. He is now president of the T. J. O'Brien & Son automobile firm. He is a member of the Omaha Auto Trade Association; the Chamber of Commerce; and was one of the organizers and a charter member of the Rotary Club at Omaha. His social club is the Omaha Country Club. His sport is golf. He is an Elk and Eagle, and a member of St. Cecilia s Cathedral at Omaha.
He was married to Helen C. McGuire, at Omaha, January 12, 1896. Mrs. O'Brien, whose ancestry is Irish, was born at Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska, January 10, 1877. They have five children: Coreta, born January 12, 1897, who married John H. Markel; Willow, who married Edward J. Shoemaker; Grace, who married Chester Winn; Thomas; and Mildred. Residence: Omaha.
Rinehardt Otto Ochsner
Rinehardt Otto Ochsner, born August 6, 1901, at Sutton, Clay County, Nebraska, is the son of John Peter Ochsner and Marguretha Lee (Griess) Ochsner. His father, who was born in Neustadt, Germany, June 22, 1861, was a farmer, and later became a real estate and insurance agent. He came to America in 1866 and died at Sutton, March 5, 1917. Most of his family are farmers, and one a successful surgeon. His mother was born in Neustadt, Germany, January 10, 1862; her parents came to America in 1867.
Rinehurdt O. Ochsner attended rural school, the Sut-
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ton grade school and was graduated from the Sutton High School, May 25, 1921. He attended the Peru State Normal College the summer term of 1919 and on June 15, 1926, he received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska. He was a member of Xi Psi Phi and the Green Goblin. While attending high school Dr. Ochsner was active in basketball and track.
On June 29, 1926, he was united in marriage with Margaret Lee Uter, at Hastings. Mrs. Ochsner was born at Fairbury, Nebraska, January 21, 1904, and was cash auditor at Rudge and Guenzel's store at Lincoln prior to her marriage. They have two children: Jacquelyn Lou, born March 28, 1927; and Thomas Stanley, born September 12, 1929.
Dr. Ochsner is a Democrat and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the national, state, and district dental associations and is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He holds membership in the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the Nebraskana Society.
He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce at Deshler, the Luncheon Club, the Young Men's Christian Association and the Country Club. Golf, football and swimming are his favorite sports and he enjoys reading and traveling. Residence: Deshler. (Photograph on Page 898).
Frank Boyd O'Connell
Frank Boyd O'Connell, secretary of the Nebraska Game Forestation and Parks Commission, was born at Malcolm, Nebraska, February 19, 1892. He is the son of John and Emma (Bates) O'Connell, the former a retired farmer who was born at Bloomington, Illinois, March 4, 1850. His mother was born in Michigan, in 1860, and is still living.
Mr. O'Connell attended public school, Raymond High School, the University of New York, and the University of Nebraska. He has been and is active in Republican politics, and served as chief Game Warden of Nebraska, March, 1925-29; and as secretary of the Nebraska Game Forestation and Parks Commission, 1929. He has done much as a newspaper writer and as a lecturer, and is the author of the following: When Peace Comes (1930); History of Nebraska American Legion (1922), besides many magazine articles and stories. From January, 1919, to July, 1919, he was editor of the American Embarkation News (LeMans, France), and is now editor of Outdoor Nebraska. He held the rank of major in the Nebraska National Guard, 19201931. He was one of the founders of the American Legion, and one of the founders and first secretary of the commission authorized to disburse the $2,000,000 trust fund for World War veterans, given by the State of Nebraska.
Of his many memberships in fraternal, civic and other organizations the following are perhaps the most important: The Lions Club, Izaak Walton Club, Masonic Order, and Nebraska Writer's Guild. Mr. O'Connell attends Westminster Presbyterian Church. Residence: Lincoln.
Timothy Joseph O'Conner
Timothy Joseph O'Conner, retired farmer, was born at Old St. Johns, Nebraska, October 31, 1856. He is the son of Cornelius Constantine and Catherine Mary (Duggan) O'Conner, the former a captain in the United States Army during the Indian campaigns in Dakota County, in 1863. He was a member of the Nebraska legislature two terms while it was a territory, and another after Nebraska became a state. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, August 14, 1815, and came to America in 1820. His death occurred at Homer, Nebraska, August 16, 1903. Catherine Mary Duggan was born in County Cork, September 8, 1830, and died at Homer, December 17, 1916.
Mr. O'Conner attended country school, and became engaged as a farmer shortly afterward. He was married to Mary Celestine Dillon at Sioux City, Iowa, April 18, 1889, and to them were born six children: Charles, born December 12, 1900, married Anna Rocheford; Helen, born December 8, 1902; Harry, born October 29, 1904; married Hazel Beatty; Harold, born September 10, 1906; Catherine, born November 9, 1908, married Vincent F. Harrington; and Charlotte, born November 5, 1910.
An ardent baseball fan, Mr. O'Conner is fond of horseback riding also. He is a member of St. Cornelius Catholic Church at Homer, and the Nebraskana Society. Residence: Homer.
Viola Emily Rosseter Odendahl
A business woman at Loup City, Nebraska, and a resident of this state for the past 62 years, Viola Emily Rosseter Odendahl was born in Illinois, March 1, 1862. Her father, C. E. Rosseter, a hotel proprietor, was born in Portage County, Ohio, July 30, 1838. He moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, was in California, during the gold rush of 1861, and came back to Illinois, the early part of 1862, remaining there until 1870. After that he located at Grand Island, Nebraska. In the year 1872-73, the people decided to form a county organization, named Sherman County, and he was the first treasurer elected. He died at Los Angeles, California, October 1, 1906. His ancestry was Pennsylvania Dutch. Her mother, Lydia (Williams) Rosseter, was born at Washington, Ohio, May 4, 1838, and died at Chicago, May 19, 1897.
Mrs. Odendahl attended the public school at Loup City, and for a number of years has been the proprietor of a hotel there. She was vice president of the Loup City Community Club in 1931, is active in the Order of Eastern Star, and holds membership in the Nebraskaua Society.
Her marriage to Charles Julius Odendahl was solemnized at Loup City, at the home of her parents. Mr. Odendahl who was a descendant of William Williams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born September 16, 1853. They have three children: Frederick, born November 30, 1880, who married Ella Stepnowski; Ernestine, born December 12, 1882, who married Charles Carter; and William, born April 23, 1889, who married Lulu Winkleman. Residence: Loup City. (Photograph on Page 900).
August R. E. Oelschlaeger
For the past 38 years August R. E. Oelschlaeger has lived in Nebraska where he has taken a prominent part in the religious welfare work of the state. He was born near Farley, Missouri, June 6, 1871, the son of Henry Frederick and Johanna (Jungblut) Oelschlaeger. His father, a farmer, was born in Westphalia, Germany, 1824, and in the early 1850's moved to America; he died near Farley, Missouri, in the fall of 1876. His mother, an active farm woman and the mother of a large family, was born in Westphalia, 1836, and died near Farley, October, 1875. Her father was a blacksmith in Westphalia.
Mr. Oelschlaeger attended the parochial and public schools of Missouri, and parochial school at Leavenworth, Kansas. His advanced education was received entirely in church colleges, St. Paul's College at Concordia, Missouri, 1884-85; Concordia College, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1885-89; and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, 1889-90, 1891-93. All of the former were Lutheran Missouri Synod institutions.
He served as traveling pastor in Sheridan County, Nebraska, 1893-5, covering the territory of Rushville, Hay Springs, Gordon, and Chadron. Since 1895, he has been pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, at West Point, Nebraska. St. Paul's has a membership of over 500 hundred people, and includes an eighth grade all English Church school with two teachers; both German and English services are held. Mr. Oelschlaeger is a member of
