John W. Ohrenberger

John W. Ohrenberger

JOHN W. OHRENBERGER, foreman of the lumber and shingle mill of Proctor & Co., White Cloud, was born in Gemany, Oct. 20, 1842. His parents were natives of the "Faderland," where his father died when he was but a year old. In 1852 his mother came to the United States and settled in MIlwaukee, where she passed the remaining years of her life, dying in 1878.

Mr. Ohrenberger lived in the Cream City six years and was there employed in learning the business of wagon-maker; and when he was 16 years old he came to Muskegon County. He labored as a saw-mill assistant until 1862, when he enlisted in the 5th Mich. Cav., and served in the capacity of a soldier of the United States nearly three years. He was under fire in many important actions and was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. He was hit by a minie-ball in the left side and spent four months in the hospital. After his recovery he was in the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac until the surrender of Gen. Lee.

After the war closed he returned to Muskegon and resumed his accustomed occupation in the mills there. In the fall of 1874 he settled in Alleyton, and entered upon the duties of his present position, which he has continued to discharge without intermission.

He was married in the township of White River, Muskegon Co., Mich., Nov. 23, 1868, to Louisa, daughter of Frederick and Minnie Streich, the parents being natives of Prussia, where Mrs. Ohrenberger was also born. Of eight children born of this marriage six survive. They are: Mary A., Louisa A., Lillie C., Maggie T., Minnie A. and Ida C. John died when 14 months old, and another child was lost at an earlier age.

In political connection Mr. Ohrenberger is a Republican, and has held different school offices. In the spring of 1883 (current year) he was elected Supervisor of Everett Township. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to the Knights of Honor.

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