Cpl. Oliver M. Ober

Cpl. Oliver M. Ober

B Co. 5th Mass. Inf.

K Co. 5th Mass. Inf.

Post war;
   Moved to Elgin, Ill. in the 1870's.
   Worked at the Watch Factory.
   Joined Elgin GAR Veteran's Post #49 April 7, 1885.
   Althea Lodge of the Odd Fellows.
   Modern Woodmen of America, Silver Leaf Camp #60.
   Elgin Masons.
   Elgin Tent of the Maccabees.
   Freia Society
   Resided at 322 Waters Place.
   Listed on the 1900 Federal Census as a 52 year old Watch Factory worker from Sweden.  He could read and write English.  He lived in Elgin, Ill.

   Obit; Aug. 30, 1913 issue of The Elgin Daily News.
   Oliver M. Ober, for more than forty years a well known resident of Elgin and a leading club, lodge and society man until compelled to retire from active life by ill health, died at Sherman hospital this morning at 6:30 o'clock after an illness of six years.
   Mr. Ober had been unconscious since Sunday and his death was expected.
   He was a staunch republican and on each campaign year organized a quartet which was in great demand at rallies.  Many of the songs were of his own composition.
   Mr. Ober was of a social and genial disposition.  He was the organizer of Althea lodge I.O.O.F. of this city and was an active member for many years.  he held the office of noble grand for several terms and was honored with the position of past grand and member of the grand lodge of the state.
   He was one of the original members of Silver Leaf Camp of Modern Woodmen and was venerable consul of the camp of several years.  he was also a member of Elgin lodge of Masons; of Veteran post G.A.R. and of Elgin Tent of Maccabees, as well as of the Freia society and many musical organizations.
   He was born in Sweden sixty-eight years ago, August 18, and came to this county when a boy.  During the Civil war he served in Company K, Seventh Massachusetts infantry.
   Mr. Ober came to Elgin in the early seventies to take a position with the Elgin watch company and was for thirty years one of their expert workmen.  When he was disabled from work the government granted him a special pension on account of his condition and his services during the war.
   He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Dora Fish who was also prominent in musical circles here, and who died many years ago.
   His widow and a son, Oliver, survive him.
   The funeral will be held Monday morning at 10 o'clock at the house, 322 Watres place.  The service at the grave will bed in charge of Veteran post, G.A.R.

   As recorded on the Elgin Sexton's ledger:  Occupation, Watchmaker.  Died Aug. 30, 1913, 6:30 am at Sherman Hospital.  Aged 68 years.  Cause of death listed as Parisia 1 years w/ Paralisis Agitena for 6 years.  Undertaker retained, Prinker & Chambers.  Physician, E. H. Abbott.  Permit #14453.
   Buried at Bluff City Cemetery.

Obit lists him in the 7th Mass. Inf.

Used with permission Dan Mallett

Members of Post 49 sewed watch faces to their ribbons to show they were from Elgin.