J. W. Herbig was born in Schwartzburg, Sonderhausen, a principality of Germany, November 10, 1845. In this providence he spent the greater part of his boyhood and youth, going to school until he was fifteen years of age when his father bound him to a shoe maker for three and a half years, the time he was required to serve before he could get a certificate of proficiency. While he was learning his trade, all of the remuneration he received was his board.
After securing his certificate, Mr. Herbig worked at his trade in Madgeburg. He also worked in many other cities in Germany until 1866, when he was conscripted into the Prussian army, the Austro-Prussian war being on at that time. He was in the army thirteen months, and was honorably discharged upon a petition to the government made by his father wanted to emigrate to America. May 3, 1867, he emigrated to America with his father, mother, brothers and sisters, and located at Lena, Illinois. There he was married to Miss Caroline Reiter, September 11, 1868. In 1880, they moved from Illinois to a farm in Hamilton County, Nebraska, at which they resided until 1914, when they moved to Marquette, Nebraska, where he passed away May 23, 1933 at the age of 87 years, 6 months, 13 days. His wife preceded him in death April 15, 1919. Mr. Herbig enjoyed good health until his last year; his final sickness lasted one month.
He leaves to mourn his passing, Robert F., of Arcadia, California; William F., of Clarksville, Arkansas; Mrs. Clara May of Ogallala, Nebraska; Mrs. Linnie Wolff of Aurora, Nebraska; Henry A., of Fort Morgan, Colorado. Mrs. Lulu Carlson of Doniphan, Nebraska; Walter C., of St. Paul, Nebraska; Albert J., of Fort Morgan, Colorado. One son, Earl, and one daughter, Lydia, preceded him in death. He also leaves two brothers and one sister, twenty-six grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.
Mr. Herbig was a faithful member of the Richland United Brethren church until moving to Marquette, then transferring his membership to the United Brethren church there. He attended loyally until four weeks before his death.
"Oh, father, when I think of thee,
'Tis but a step to Calvary,
Thy gentle hand upon my brow
Is leading me to Jesus now."
The services were conducted by Rev. H. W. Henry of Clay Center, Nebraska, assisted by Dean Kimble of York College. The pallbearers consisted of the six remaining sons. Interment was in the Richland cemetery.
