Obituary CHARLES HENRY CARSTEN
Born: December 1846 or 1847 in Kiel in province of Holstein, Germany.
(Headstone in Mt. Hope Cemetery at West Point reads: Born 1847.
Earl Boston of West Point Monuments said the rock was hand carved.)
Died: Thursday morning, February 20, 1919, at home in West Point, Nebraska.
The obituary from West Point Republican Newspaper Feb. 21, 1919, reads:
As mentioned in these columns last week, Charles Carsten passed away at his home in this city, Thursday morning, February 20, after a lingering illness of many months duration. Kidney trouble was the nature of his disease.
Charles Henry Carsten was born in 1847 in the city of Kiel in the province of Holstein, Germany. His early school training was in that city and later, from 14 years of age to 18 he took a course in a training school for ship carpenters. At the age of nineteen he was employed on an American sailing vessel, and during his sea life he made approximately two trips around the world.
At the age of 23 Mr. Carsten landed in New York City and was employed in the Brooklyn navy shipyard. He returned to sea at twenty-seven and worked at his trade for twelve years when he again relocated at New York City.
Later he came inland going as far west as Fremont, Nebr. where he remained one year and then came to West Point. Here in this city he took up the wagon maker trade which he continued to the end of his life.
Mr. Carsten was first married to Josephine Scharlick, who after a short illness died in 1897. In 1898 he was again married to Mrs. Marie Rehme.
Mr. Carsten was a highly respected citizen of this community. Although of a quiet disposition, he took a keen interest in public affairs and held minor political offices. He was also active in societies, being a member of the I.O.O.F. and other organizations. He was a charter member of the Rebekah lodge. He joined the I.O.O.F. on February 4, 1885 and held continuous membership. He was past Noble Grand of this lodge and also District Deputy Grand Master and served as delegate to the Grand Lodge for several years.
Mr. Carsten is survived by his wife and three sons. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon under the auspices of the I.O.O.F. lodge. Interment was made in Mt. Hope cemetery. The Republican offers condolences to the bereaved family. ……………………………………
Note from Diane (great great granddaughter) --- The librarian who helped me commented that Charles lead a full, remarkable life. His activity in community caused her to look into some city yearbooks; however with quick glancing, we did not see him listed. The librarian also made note that she had not seen a newspaper write their condolences into an obituary.
