Herman N. Osher 1863-1921

OSHER, JENSEN, ENGLUND, SCHOOLEY, HENNINGSEN, REFSELL, GUNDERSON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 6/14/2013 at 23:06:31

Pioneer Merchant Passes
H.N. Osher of Graettinger Succumbs After Short Illness
On Tuesday morning of last week occurred the death of H.N. Osher, a pioneer merchant of Graettinger. He had not been well for a week, but on Monday he became much worse, and during the evening unconsciousness followed, and he passed away shortly after midnight.

About thirty-five years ago he was a telegraph operator for the B.C.R. & N. at Graettinger, and when that town began to grow he opened and stocked up one of the best stores in that town, of which he made a notable success, built up by his ability and strict attention to his trade. He was at all times a loyal supporter of and booster for his home town, and counted among his friends all those who knew him. He is survived by his wife, one son and four daughters. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, May 11, 1921)

The Passing of H.N. Osher
H.N. Osher of Graettinger, one of the leading merchants of our county, died of heart failure Tuesday morning at 1 o’clock. He was ill for about a week, although he felt fairly well until Monday when he became very weak. During the evening unconsciousness followed. He passed away shortly after the midnight hour.

Mr. Osher was a telegraph operator on the old B.C.R. & N. railroad at Graettinger about thirty-five years ago. He was obliging, steady and reliable and when the town commenced to grow he opened the first store of importance at that place. He was successful and built up a large business. He carried one of the best stock of goods in the county and his patronage grew very fast. He is survived by his wife, one son and four daughters. The only son, Norman is a member of the Graettinger High School class of 1921. The daughters are Mrs. Jensen of Lone Rock, Iowa, Mrs. Eglund of Muscatine, Mrs. Robert Schooley of Omaha and Mrs. Arthur Henningsen of Graettinger. We have not learned what arrangements have been made for the funeral. The death of Mr. Osher will be sincerely regretted in this vicinity and in other parts of the county where he was known. He contributed generously and cheerfully towards the development and improvement of northwest Iowa and his life was an example of good in the community in which he resided. The people of Emmetsburg and vicinity unite with the Democrat in extending sincere sympathy to Mrs. Osher, the son and four daughters in their bereavement. – Emmetsburg Democrat (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, May 11, 1921)

Wallingford - H.N. Osher of Graettinger was buried in the Riverside cemetery Friday afternoon. He was in the mercantile business in Graettinger and was well known here. His brother lives here and several other relatives reside on farms in this neighborhood. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, May 11, 1921)

Remains Laid to Rest Friday
Mention was made in last week’s Times of the death of H.N. Osher, pioneer merchant of this city, who passed away Tuesday, May 3, after an illness of a week’s duration. The cause of his death was heart failure, due to diabetes and complications. The funeral was held Friday afternoon. Services were conducted at the residence at 12:30, by Rev. J.A. E. Cunningham, pastor of the M.E. church of this city. From the residence the remains were taken to the Lutheran church where services were conducted by Rev. S.O. Sande. An impressive funeral sermon was preached and a beautiful tribute paid to the memory of the deceased. From the church the funeral procession wound its way to the cemetery east of Wallingford where the remains were placed in their final resting place. It was perhaps the most largely attended funeral ever held in Graettinger. Nearly two hundred cars were parked around the church in addition to scores of people from town who were in attendance. Nearly a hundred cars filled with relatives, friends and old acquaintances of the deceased, accompanied the remains to the cemetery. Scores of beautiful and costly floral decorations were in evidence at the residence, the church and at the burial ground, loving and thoughtful remembrances of one who was held in high esteem by his fellow man. The pall bearers were Fred Simonson, John O. Jertson, John Wikert, H.V. Dickey, E.S. George and A.J. Johnson.

Herman N. Osher, the youngest of a family of nine children, was born near Cambridge, Dane county, Wisconsin, August 7, 1863. Hence he was 58 years, 8 months and 26 days old at the time of his death. At the age of eight years in company with his parents, Nels and Ingebord Osher, he moved to Emmet county, Iowa, taking up their residence on a farm. As a boy Mr. Osher attended the public schools of the county and at the age of seventeen took up the profession of teaching. Shortly afterwards he began the study of telegraphy at Livermore and assisted with the station work at that place. He was then tendered the position in the depot at Emmetsburg and later came to Graettinger as agent for the B.C.R. & N. In the spring of 1887 he resigned his position with the company and entered the grain and mercantile business. His was the first mercantile establishment in Graettinger. He continued in the grain business until about fifteen years ago when he sold his interests to the Farmers’ Elevator Company. He continued in the mercantile business and from a small beginning he built up one of the largest and most prosperous department stores in northwest Iowa. He was an exceptionally capable merchant and we frequently heard traveling men say that he was one of the best business men in their territory. However, in the earlier days he probably did not take advantage of all the opportunities that were open at that time as he was too generous hearted to draw the line on credits and scores of needy families have substantial reasons to remember his kindness in assisting them over times that were not as prosperous as those in which we live. Mr. Osher never refused groceries, fuel and clothing to those who were in need. He was indeed a lover of mankind and he passed away with the good will and esteem of all.

On February 21, 1887, Mr. Osher was united in marriage to Miss Sophie Jensen at Albert Lea, Minnesota. To this union were born nine children, four of whom died in infancy. He is survived by his wife and five children – Mrs. F.W. Englund of Muscatine, Iowa; Mrs. Earnest M. Jensen of Lone Rock, Iowa; Mrs. R. W. Schooley of Kansas City; and Mrs. Art Henningsen and Norman W. Osher of this city. He is also survived by one grandchild, two sisters – Mrs. Gunderson of Lebanon, Oregon; and Mrs. James Refsell of Wallingford; and three brothers – Wm. Osher of Chicago and Ed N. and B.N. Osher of Wallingford, Iowa.

The deceased was one of the most prominent citizens of Graettinger and his death is sincerely mourned by all who knew him. He was a man who attended strictly to his own affairs and who would not cause the slightest injury to anyone. He was, on the contrary, ever willing to do a favor for others, to extend a word of sympathy and to lighten the burden of those who were unfortunate. He was patriotic and public spirited and always took a keen interest in the affairs of the community. He contributed materially to every worthy cause and aided financially in the establishment of business enterprises that would build up the town. As a friend and neighbor he was ever kind and considerate and the friendships he formed were sincere and lasting. He was a kind and loving husband and father and he was ever willing to make sacrifices, if need be, for the welfare, the comfort and the happiness of those who were near and dear to him. He was the champion of his children and not better tribute could be paid any father. He will be sadly missed from the happy home circle as well as from the business life of the community. To the grief stricken wife and the sorrowing children the Times extends heartfelt sympathy in their hour of sorrow. (Graettinger Times, Graettinger, IA, May 12, 1921)