Bert E. Sebern (1868-1914)

SEBERN

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 10/3/2022 at 19:36:55

Bert E. Sebern
(December 9, 1868 – October 4, 1914)

On the roster of county officials in Calhoun County, Iowa, appears the name of Bert E. Sebern, who since January 1, 1898, has occupied the position of county treasurer, discharging his duties in such a prompt and capable manner that he has won uniform commendation, enjoying in large measure the respect and confidence of his fellow men. He well deserves the honor that has been conferred upon him by his election, for he is a loyal and progressive citizen who has ever exerted his influence and directed his labors in support of those measures which contribute to the public good along lines of general progress and improvement. Mr. Sebern is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Benton County, December 9, 1868, his parents being James J. and Alary Sebern, both of whom were natives of the state of Indiana. They are now residents of Manson. Iowa. The father followed general farming for a number of years and afterward turned his attention to the lumber, coal and grain business, which he still follows. He is an enterprising business man and his worth is widely acknowledged. Unto him and his wife were born three children: Bert E., Florence A. and Frank J. During his early boyhood our subject was brought by his parents to Calhoun County, where he was reared to manhood, pursuing his education in the public schools of Manson and thereby attaining a good knowledge of the branches of English learning which form the foundation of business success. At the age of eighteen years he began dealing in real estate and enjoyed a constantly increasing clientage, whereby he conducted many important real-estate transfers. He had a comprehensive knowledge of property and its values in this section of the state and gained a fair competence in that way. In 1897, however, his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to public office, electing him to take charge of the county finances, which he has managed in a most careful way, so that he has gained the highest commendation not only of the men of his own party, but of the leaders of the opposition as well.
Mr. Sebern was united in marriage to Miss Tillie Wise, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of John Wise, who is a pioneer of this state, coming here when the work of progress and improvement had scarcely been begun and taking an active part in the pioneer development of the state. They have one daughter, F. Marie. Socially Mr. Sebern is connected with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, at Manson, and with the Masonic Lodge at Rockwell City. He enjoys the high regard of his brethren of those fraternities and in his life he exemplifies the beneficent spirit upon which they are based. He has never faltered in his allegiance to the Republican party since attaining his majority and does all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. Whether in business life, in public office or fraternal circles he commands the esteem of his fellow men by his fidelity to duty. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S.J. Clarke, 1902, p.414]