23 Dec 1943, p 1 -
PERSHING - Benjamin F. Sourbeer, 86 years old, prominent merchant and well-known resident of Jackson township, died at his home here, Thursday. He was born in Lancaster county, Pa., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Sourbeer, on Sept. 26, 1856. He was a former postmaster here and was one of the oldest merchants of Jackson township. In 1893 he purchased a drugstore in Pershing and later added farm machinery to the other goods sold there. The firm developed into what was known as Sourbeer, Rodenberg & Sons. He was a member of the Masonic lodge, No. 5, F. and A.M., of Cambridge City, the Walnut Level lodge, No. 156, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Pershing. He is survived by the Widow, Ona; one daughter, Mrs. Everett Rodenberg of Pershing; one grand daughter, Mrs. Walter Schaeffer; one grandson, Marshall Rodenberg; one great-grandson; four sisters, Mrs. Belle Rothermel of Richmond, Mrs. Olive Rummel of Cambridge City, Mrs. Fannie Neff of Pershing, and Mrs. Ira J. Wicks of rural route 2, Cambridge City; two brothers, Harry M. Sourbeer, and William C. Sourbeer of Richmond. Funeral services for Mr. Sourbeer were held at the Zion Lutheran church, of which he was a member, Sunday at 2:30pm. Rev. Paul Erney officiated with burial in the Lutheran cemetery.
