Obituary - John Lawrence Casper

   John Lawrence Casper was born on the 10th day of April, 1851, in Kierlindoh, Bavaria, Germany. He was made a member of the Lutheran church by his confirmation in 1864. He emigrated to this country in the year 1871 and was employed for a short time in Columbus, Ohio, after which time he came to Hardin county, where he made his home for the rest of this days. He was united in marriage with Miss Marguerite B. Frank on the 12th day of March 1872. To this union were born eleven children, six sons and five daughters, of which nine are still living, two having preceded him in death. 
    Mr. Casper remained faithful to his confirmation vows and was for fifty years a member of St. John's Lutheran church [Dola], which church he helped to organize. He became ill on the 29th of November and from that time his health and strength failed very rapidly amidst much pain and suffering until he peacefully fell asleep Monday, January 12 at 1:55 p.m. having reached the age of 68 years. 
    The following children are left to mourn him: Frederick W. Casper, Mrs. Anna Rosina Shaffer, Mrs. Maria Baier, Christ Casper, Carl Casper, Henry Casper, Mrs. Elizabeth Wedertz, and Lawrence Casper, Jr. Besides these are left to mourn him one brother and three sisters, seventeen grand children and two great grand children. Funeral services will be held at St. John's Lutheran church Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. 

The weather had become so bad, his body was taken from the church by bob-sled for burial in Smith Cemetery [located down the road.]  
(From the notes of Dorothy Casper Blumenschine, daughter of Carl Casper)