J. F. Heberlein Obit

J. F. Heberlein, 89, Answers Final Call

Fennimore Times Newspaper, Fennimore, Wisconsin
Wed, May 4, 1932, page 1

Fennimore and Grant County lost a highly honored and respected citizen and civil war veteran in the death of John F. Heberlein, who passed away quietly Thursday morning at the residence of George Earl, where he had made his home for the past several years.

Mr. Heberlein, until recent years, had enjoyed the best of health, had a rugged constitution, and always led an active life. About a year ago, he submitted to a serious operation at Madison from which he rallied.

But lately, he gradually failed, and his grim determination and magnificent physique failed to respond as usual. On April 28, he quietly slipped away, at the ripe old age of 89, honored and respected by everyone in the community.

With another Memorial Day coming along, things somehow will not seem the same without Mr. Heberlein. For many years, he took an active part in the impressive memorial ceremonies and, in recent years, personally conducted the same at the cemetery.

His absence will be keenly felt, but the Legion boys will carry on. Mr. Heberlein’s memory will endure for many years. to come, and be an inspiration of patriotic, loyal American citizenship, for generations to come.

Mr. Heberlein was born in Prussia, Germany, on 27 September 1843, and emigrated to America with his parents, Philip and Margaret (Hoffman) Héberlein, in 1852. The family first lived in Pennsylvania, but in 1857, they moved to Lawrence County, Ohio. The father died in 1861, leaving a widow and nine children, all of whom had attained maturity, John F. being the youngest of the family.

On 3 Aug. 1862, Mr. Heberlein enlisted in Company K of the 50th O.V.I. for three years and was discharged July 21, 1865. His first service was in Kentucky, under Gen. Buell and then under Gen. Burnside. In the spring of 1864, he was placed in Gen. Schofield’s command and finished this service under that leader.

He took part in the famous battle of Perryville on 8 October 1862, Sherman’s Atlanta campaign, the Battle of Dallas, and the fight in front of Atlanta, where Gen. McPherson was killed. He was also in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and Jonesboro.

After Sherman started his memorable march through Georgia to the sea, Mr. Heberlein, with his regiment, in the 23rd Army Corps, proceeded to Franklin, Tenn., where they were under the command of General Thomas in the battle of Nashville, where the Confederate army met the signal defeat.

The Union troops then went in pursuit of Hood Wilmington, N. C., and thence to do Goldsboro, where they rejoined Sherman’s army, remaining in the army in North Carolina until the war ended. Mr. Heberlein’s regiment was stationed at Salisbury when it mustered out.

He then returned to his home in Lawrence County Ohio, where he was married 15 Oct.  1866, to Miss Mary C. Arnold. He started immediately for Grant County, Wis., being accompanied by his bride and mother, who made her home with him until her death in 1871.

He located on a farm near Lancaster, and in connection with its operation, also followed the trade of a mason for a number of years. Since August 1894, he has made his home in the village of Fennimore.

Mrs. Heberlein died at Patch Grove, Grant County, in September 1890, leaving nine children, five sons and four daughters, namely:

• Margaret (Mrs. M. L. Riley, Mt Ida)
• Wilhelmina, (Mrs. O’Hara, Fennimore);
• Frederick C., Emmetsburg, Iowa;
• Jacob, Los Angeles, California;
• Edward A., from Fennimore; he was a member of Company C, 4th Wis. V. L. in the late Spanish-American War.
• Sarah (Mrs. Morrison, Fennimore);
• Frank, Fennimore;
• Jos.., Minneapolis, Minn.;
• Mary:
• Catherine, (Mrs. George Earl) Fennimore.

Mr. Heberlein was a worthy member of Sam Monteith Post No. 173, G.A.R., of Fennimore and served as commander for many years. He served faithfully as a soldier for the Union, and during his long service, he was only absent from his regiment from April 5, 1865, to  June of the same year. During this whole period, he was confined in a hospital by sickness, brought on by long and arduous service and the malaria of North Carolina swamps.

Mr. Heberlein’s death leaves only one Civil War veteran in the local post, namely Amos Hadlock.

His death is a distinct loss to the community, where he was dearly beloved by all. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the M. E. Church under the pastor’s direction, Rev. G. A. Bird, who paid the deceased a deservedly high tribute. The church was filled to capacity by a large company of relatives, friends, and neighbors, assembled to do honor to one whom they all loved and respected.

Geo. D. Whitish Post of the American Legion, the lone surviving member of the G.A.R. Post, Spanish-American War Veterans, and W.R.C. members, formed a guard of honor for their fallen comrade. Interment was made in the Prairie Cemetery.