My Genealogy Hound

Capt. John Tobein, a prominent citizen, and one of the leading merchants of Eureka Springs, Ark., removed here in 1880 from Neosho, Mo. He was born January 21, 1826, in Mecklenburg, Germany. He was reared and educated in his native country, and after his marriage came to America with his parents, Hans and Minnie Tobein. They located in Cleveland, Ohio, where the soon after died. The mother remained in Cleveland until our subject removed to Neosho, Mo., when she went with him. While in Germany John Tobein learned the tailor’s trade, and upon locating in Cleveland engaged in cutting, which he continued there until 1856, when he removed to Rock Island, Ill. In the latter city he resumed work at his trade, and continued until the war broke out in 1861. He was then chosen captain of Company E, Forty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served four years. As he was ranking captain of the regiment, for thirteen months he commanded it as colonel pro tem. While in the service he was shot three times, and received injuries from which has never fully recovered. After the war was over he removed to Des Moines, Iowa, and again began working at his trade. Remaining there two years, he came South on account of rheumatism, and located at Neosho, but after five years removed to Eureka Springs for his health. Soon after he established a cloth and gents’ furnishing store, and has since been doing a successful business. In Germany, in 1851, he was united in marriage with Mary Makelson, who died in 1865, leaving three children: Augusta, John and Emma. Two years later Mr. Tobein married Anna Tappen, a native of Orange County, N. Y. In politics Mr. Tobein is an ardent Republican. Both he and wife are consistent Christians. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and she of the Presbyterian.