Seward County, Nebraska Genealogy

Biographies and Obituaries "O" INDEX

OHLWILER, OLMSTEAD, OLSON, OST, OSWALD, OXLEY

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OHLWILER, John Q., husband of Margaret (LUFT). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, page 129-130:
[Surnames: LUFT, OHLWILER, RINGLE, RUSNOGLE, WALKER]

JOHN Q. OHLWILER

    Is one of the very oldest if not the oldest living resident of "H" precinct. Was a Pennsylvanian boy, born in Erie County, November 5, 1843. Was educated in the common schools. Enlisted at eighteen and was at Fort Donaldson. In 1864 he enlisted again in the Pennsylvania light artillery and transferred to the Pennsylvania 5th heavy artillery. After the war he came to Seward County and took his homestead in the fall of 1868. He and Benjamin Walker had claims adjoining and they built the first claim shanty so that John could sleep on one homestead and Ben could sleep on the other. We suppose a certain crack in the floor was the dividing line. That new lumber shanty was a landmark on the plain for some years. It was "a free hotel," of course, and it was the lodging place of many a weary and forlorn traveler who was looking for somewhere and didn't know just where to find it. Many [p. 130] times, while the storm winds were howling over the bleak prairie, John and Ben would have their floor all covered with beds. By and by John heard of a new comer who settled a little to the south, and of course he made a friendly call at the new home of Uncle John Luft and he got sight of Margaret, and he had occasion to call frequently and Margaret and John called on the preacher, March 30, 1872, and since that long time ago we have known Margaret as Mrs. Ohlwiler. Mrs. Ohlwiler was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, July 4, 1853, and came to Seward County when seventeen.
    Three children were born to them: Edith E., now Mrs. George Ringle; Nellie, now Mrs. W. Rusnogle; and Berdella M., who died when a young child. Mr. and Mrs. Ohlwiler are honored members of the Congregational church and he is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. A very intelligent and worthy citizen who helped nobly in laying the firm foundations of our great commonwealth.
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OLMSTEAD, Orson, husband of Paulina D. (GRANT). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, pages 130 & 132 (photo scan p.131 courtesy Pat Ryan White):
[Surnames: GRANT, HUMPHREY, HUTCHINSON, OLMSTEAD, TRESSLER]

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ORSON OLMSTEAD

    Was one of the pioneer settlers in the hamlet of Seward. Came here August 3, 1870. He was born May 26, 1806, at east Hartford, Conneticut [sic], but moved to Walesville, New York, in childhood and there [p.132] grew to manhood. April 14, 1838, he married Miss Paulina D. Grant at Stillville, New York. She was born February 21, 1814, at German Falls, New York. They were the parents of seven children, viz: Lettia G. Humphrey, William T., Sophia S. Hutchinson, Caroline C. Tressler, Louisa M., died July 30, 1868; O. Kellog and Ada P.
    Mr. Olmstead and his good wife died within five days of each other. Her death occurred December 26, 1893, and his on December 31, 1893. Full of years and good works the good old people were laid to rest side by side after walking hand in hand over fifty-five years.
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OLSON, Richard R., son of George OLSON, husband of Julia (JACOBSON), who was a daughter of Ferdinand and Caroline (LUND) JACOBSON. This biography is from the Compendium of History, Reminiscence and Biography of Nebraska, Alden Publishing Company, Chicago, 1912, pages 476-477:
[Surnames: BEALS, BORCHERT, JACOBSON, LUND, OLSON, PROMINSKI, ROSBURG]

HANS OLSON.

    Hans Olson, who came to Pierce county, Nebraska, in the early days of its settlement, and who has striven through many failures and hardships to establish a home and accumulate a competence for himself in the new western country, is now the owner of a fine farm which is located in the northwest quarter of section twelve, township twenty-eight, range three.
    Mr. Olson is a native of Norway, born June 19, 1858, a son of George Olson, who was born in 1827, and died in 1902 at the home of his son. The mother was born in 1835 and died in 1897. The elder Olson with his family sailed from Telarmarken, Norway, in May of 1866, on the sailboat "Roska," and after a fair voyage of six weeks, landed at Quebec. The railroad extended only to Norway Station, Iowa, where an uncle, Knud Nelson, met them with a wagon and conveyed them to Omaha, reaching their destination after two or three days' camping, on the evening of the third of July. So small was the town at that time that the houses could easily be counted. The father remained in Omaha for a time and then filed on a homestead in Seward county, from which he retired in time and returned to Omaha.
    Hans Olson was married in Columbus, Nebraska, to Miss Julia Jacobson, a native of Denmark, born September 1, 1858, a daughter of Ferdinand and Caroline (Lund) Jacobson, who sailed from Copenhagen for America in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are the parents of eight children, whose names are as follows: Carrie, wife of Frank Prominski; Henry, married Elsa Beals; Julia, wife of Charles Borchert, of Java, South Dakota; Anna, Lottie, wife of Charles Rosburg; Morris, Walter and Evangeline. Mr. Olson is affiliated with the Masonic order, also the Modern Woodmen; in politics, he votes the republican ticket.
    When Mr. and Mrs. Olson settled on their present farm in Pierce county in 1884, it was open prairie; here they built a sod house, partly extending into the hill, which was their home for a number of years. They immediately planted trees, which have grown into a fine grove, sheltering their frame dwelling, large barn and numerous outbuildings from the wintry winds. A view of their fine dwelling and surroundings, with the [p.477] grove of big trees, is to be found on another page of this work [farm in Pierce Co., not scanned here], showing how rapidly Nebraska prairies may be developed into a comfortable country home. For several years after settling here, hay was their only fuel, and the prices of their products were very low; they have seen fresh eggs sell for a cent a dozen, and butter, corn and grain at a proportionately low price. When first they settled in Seward county, the elder Olson built a dugout, which was the family residence for a number of years. Deer and antelope were plentiful in those days, and were at times to be seen in droves on the hillsides.
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OST, Louis E., husband of Mary (MOOK) The following biography, written by his daughter, is from pages 210-211 of the 1967 book On A Bend of the River, posted here courtesy of the author, Jane Ramsay Graff, who also provided his photo, from Seward County Nebraska, 1982, p.287.
[Surnames: LANGNER, OST ]

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L. E. OST
                        by Mabel Ost Langner

    L. E. Ost was the Burlington Agent for 50 years and came to Seward in 1891. He saw that Seward got a new and permanent [p. 211] depot. This was built soon after the turn of the century. The quaint brick structure was used as a depot until the line was straightened in and facilities (such as they are) completed in 1967 a half mile south of Seward.
    Mr. Ost was an active citizen in town affairs. He worked for city betterment, was active in getting better fair grounds and equipment, and worked very hard to get an adequate swimming pool for Seward children.
    Mr. Ost was a member of the board of directors of the Seward Building and Loan. In 1905, the Ost's bought the John Cattle home, west of 8th street on Hillcrest, his daughter Mabel Langner recalls with a twinkle in her eye the wonderful parties they had there almost every week-end. The three story home is situated on the hill overlooking the Blue River valley, and the 10 acres of ground made this "out in the country".
    Mr. Ost remained active in civic activities throughout his life time. He died December 27, 1936.

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This next biography of Louis E. OST is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, page 130:
[Surnames: MOOK, OST]

LOUIS E. OST

    For fifteen years the efficient agent of the B. M. R. R. Company at Seward. Was born at Spelburne Falls, Massachusetts, September 14, 1860, and was educated at Arms academy in his native state. When twenty years old he heard the western bee buzzing in his hat and he found the western trail and first landed at St. Louis, but did not like the atmosphere so in 1881 we find him at Beatrice, Nebraska, where in 1882 he took a position with the B. M. people in the same old shed that graces that city. Was in charge of Seward station for two years when he excused himself and was in the grain and stock trade for six years. In 1889 he again commenced with the B. M. people and managed the station at Bellwood and was transferred to Seward in 1891, where he seems to be right at home. July 4, 1885, he took a prominent part in the grandest celebration of his life at Tecumseh, Nebraska, and another prominent party in that celebration was a young New York lady, Miss Mary Mook. Under the starry folds of old glory they united their fortunes. Mrs. Ost was born March 17, 1866. They have five children: Percy E., Mabel K., Carl D., Lester E., and Irene. Mr. Ost is a prominent member of the A. O. U. W. and of the Knights of Pythias. Is president of the Seward commercial club. Has been for five years a member of the city council. Took a leading part in securing the electric plant. Mr. Ost is a thoroughly wide-awake and enterprising citizen and we shall look forward to the time when the company that he has served so long and so well shall say, "Come up higher."
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OSWALD, Ronald Gale, husband of Margaret Ann (EIKENHORST), son of Jacob and Mabel (HOBBS) OSWALD. This obituary is from the funeral pamphlet. Submitted by Ann Miller White.
[Surnames: CAST, EIKENHORST, HERSHBERGER, HOBBS, MORRIS, OSWALD, ROTH, SCHEELE, SCHWEITZER, TROYER]

    Ron was born on January 6, 1942, in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska to Jacob and Mabel (Hobbs) Oswald. He graduated from Beaver Crossing High School in 1959 and from Midland Lutheran College in 1964. He received his master's degree from Wayne State College in 1973; his specialist in Education Administration in 1979 from UN-L. On October 14, 1960, Ron was united in marriage to Margaret Ann Eikenhorst in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska. Survivors include his wife, Margaret, four children, Tommy and his wife Vicki Oswald of Lincoln, Nebraska and children Kala, Sean and Joey; Julie and her husband Monty Scheele and children Jorie and Jacob of Lincoln, Nebraska; Angela and her husband Greg Morris and children Connor, Bailey, and Rylee of Fairfield, Nebraska; Lisa and her husband Justin Cast and children Brett and Devin of Syracuse, Nebraska. Other survivors include on brother Vesper and his wife Janice Oswald of St. Joseph, Missouri; three sisters and their husbands Jeannine and Lester Schweitzer of Arizona City, Arizona, Dorla and Tillman Hershberger of Hesston, Kansas, and Twila and Jim Roth of Fairbury, Nebraska. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Darlene Troyer. Ron passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2002, at his home in Lincoln at the age of 60 years, 9 months, and 4 days.
    Ron served for 36 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator in Fort Calhoun (1 year), Rising City (2 years), Clarkson (7 years), Fairbury (10 years), Centennial, Utica (14 years), and Lenox, Iowa (2 years).
    Ron was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals, American Association of School Administrators, Nebraska Association of School Administrators of which he served as President from 1990-1991 and Region I President from 1988-1989. Ron was an Executive Board Member of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators from 1989-1992 serving as Chairman in 1991-1992. He served on the Nebraska School Activities Association District 1 Committee from 1994-1997 and was Chairman from 1996-1997.
    Ron was the recipient of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators Distinguished Service Award in August, 1993.
    Ron felt relationships with others were important and enjoyed observing his kids being successful. As he grew in all phases of his life, his faith in the Lord grew as well.
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OXLEY, Charles H., son of Micajah and Nancy OXLEY, husband of Lena (SCHNOOR). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical 1905, page 132:
[Surnames: OXLEY, SCHNOOR]

CHARLES H. OXLEY

    One of the enterprising merchants of Pleasant Dale. Was born in Linn County, Iowa, April 19, 1866. Spent his boyhood in Henry County, Iowa, and came to the neighborhood of Pleasant Dale in 1884, where he worked in the first store in the village.
    In 1893, December 14, he and Miss Lena Schnoor made a match. She was a Missouri girl that came to Seward County in childhood. Born in St. Charles County, October 12, 1876. They have two children living, Homer C. and Maurice J. One died in infancy. Mr. Oxley is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Modern Woodmen and the Maccabees. He is a wide-awake business man and helps to make his village what it should be, an up-to-date town.

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This next biography (as well as the store photo [ZOOM]) for Charles H. Oxley, courtesy Doris Lostroh, is from the Pleasant Dale, Nebraska Centennial History Book, 1882-1982, p.73:

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CHARLES AND LENA OXLEY

    Charles H. Oxley was the son of Micajah and Nancy Oxley. He was born in Linn County, Iowa, in 1866, and came to the Pleasant Dale community in 1881.
    Lena Schnoor was born in St. Charles County, Missouri, in 1876, and came to Nebraska in childhood.
    The Oxleys were married in 1893. They ran a grocery store in Pleasant Dale, and lived east of the village square, next door south of the old hotel.
    They had 3 sons, Leslie, who died in infancy and is buried at Pleasant Dale, Homer, and Maurice.
    From 1910 to 1916, the Oxleys lived in and ran a hotel which had been the original hospital building in the south part of town. One year later, they moved to Lingle, Wyoming, where they began farming.
    Homer married Lula Burke, and Maurice married Sylvia Wells. Neither of the sons had children, and both are now deceased.
                                                                                                        Doris Lostroh
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