John S. Oberly was born on the estate where he lived and died in Bethlehem township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, September 9, 1809. During the winter months he attended school, and the knowledge thus obtained was supplemented by a brief attendance at a private school in Easton, where he acquired the branches of reading, writing, arithmetic, and bookkeeping as then taught. During his early years he assisted with the work of the farm, which in that day was more arduous than at the present time, and being deprived of his father by death when he reached the age of manhood, the care of his mother and two youngest children and the property devolved upon him. He was among the first in his section of the state to adopt the new inventions for lightening the work on the farm. At the age of forty-seven he commenced to erect new buildings on the west side of the estate, which were completed in three years, after which he decided to divide the large home- stead into two farms, and in i860 moved to the new two-story double brick house, leaving the old homestead to his son Erwin. In the spring of 1867 he resigned all farm work, and left the care of the upper farm to the tenant, living near by on his estate. Possessing an unlimited character for honesty, he was for years selected as the custodian for moneys, and the person to settle estates in his vicinity. His advice was being constantly sought, and some of his trusts were only ended with his life. He was on friendly relations with his neighbors, and those who loved him most were those who knew him longest and best. He had a pleasant salutation and a cheerful smile for everybody he met, and his kindly blue-gray eyes lighted up and heightened the expression of his face whenever he engaged in conversation. Under all circumstances he was the same, unruffled in his feelings, cool and deliberate in his judgment. He possessed an intense activity and endurance in which few persons were his equal, and he never expected anybody to do anything that he was not willing to do himself. As he was accustomed to take the lead and never undertook what could not be accomplished nor rested while anything to do was on hand, he proved successful in life in everything he attempted. Whatever he did himself he did well, and those in his employ he guided well, as the neatness and order of his numerous farms and buildings testified.
In early life he embraced Christian doctrines, was a regular and faithful attendant at church, and was always called upon to hold some responsible office. In school matters he also took an active part, and for years filled the position of school director in the township in which he lived. When the subject of a new schoolhouse adjoining his own home was advocated, he stood ready with his hands and money while others held aloof, and insisted that all the modern conveniences and comforts should be provided. In politics he was less active, casting his vote for the man who in his opinion was best suited for office. In his dress and tastes he was plain and simple, despising all ostentations. He was strictly temperate in all things. To his children he was kind and considerate, and later in life he took a great interest in watching their progress as they took an active interest in life's work. Thus his life passed quietly and happily, and his example was one well worthy of imitation.