John G. Spethmann (1830-1895)

Sources: Randy Beck and Adrienne Karr

Death of a Prominent Citizen

GRETNA, Neb., Jan. 11.—(Special.)—John G. Spethman, one of Sarpy county's oldest and most respected citizens, died at his home at 1 o'clock this morning at the age of 64. Last Sunday evening he was stricken with paralysis, from which he never recovered consciousness. Mr. Spethman was well known in local politics, having been county commissioner for some time. He leaves a wife, six sons and two daughters. He was born in Hamburg, Germany, and came to this country when 18 years of age and settled at Davenport, Ia., where he was married, and engaged in the lumber and live stock business, migrating to Nebraska in 1880, since when he resided at his present elegant home near town. The funeral will occur in Council Bluffs Monday afternoon.