Biography of Nathan D. Oberlin, page 631.  History of De Kalb County, 
Indiana.  Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Nathan D. Oberlin, farmer, section 15, Franklin Township, was born in Stark 
County, Ohio Feb.5, 1830.  In 1845 his father, John Oberlin, moved his 
family to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on the northwest quarter of 
section 28, Franklin Township.  Nathan D. worked for Samuel Kepler two 
years at $8 per month, and in the meantime cardled oats in the summer at 
five shillings a day.  In the winter of 1850-’51 he bought forty acres of 
land , paying $300 for it.  In 1850 he began to work at the carpenter’s 
trade with Elisha W. Beard, and remained with him five years, receiving $10 
a month for his services.  He worked at this trade in connection with 
attending to his farm, and has been successful in all his pursuits.  He now 
owns 160 acres of well-improved land.  In 1879 he built a large brick house, 
the main building two stories 18 x 28 feet, with one two-story wing 17x 18 
feet, and another one-story 16 x 26 feet.  Mr. Oberlin was married  Feb 12, 
1854, to Sarah Dirrim, daughter of James Dirrim.  To them have been born 
six children, but three of whom are living---Kyrus C., John J., and Isaac 
C.  Kyrus married Nancy Chard and lives in Otsego Township, Steuben County; 
has two children---Ora E. and Mertie.  John married Lenora Fifer, and 
resides in this township.  Mr. Oberlin has served two years as Township 
Trustee, and three years as  County, Commissioner.  In the war of the 
Rebellion he was member of Company G., Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, and 
participated in the battle of Kingston or Wise’s Forks, N.C.  He is a 
member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Hamilton Post.

Submitted by:
Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Agoodwin@ctlnet.com