All photographs courtesy of Chester Herbst, grandson of Fernando Herbst.
All newspapers Clipped from The Wyoming Newspaper Project
other sources used - Michael Dykhorst Personal Archives, The Wyoming Room Clipping files and Museum at the Big Horns
Fernando Herbst's Early Life and Musical Beginnings:
Gustave Christian Camillo Fernando Herbst, who went by just "Fernando" was born on October 4, 1860, in the vibrant city of Hamburg, Germany, he was destined for a life that would take him far from his European roots. His parents, Carl Gustav Isidor Herbst and Auguste Margaretha Rebecca Reimers, were integral in shaping his early years. His father, Carl, was a ship master with a primary occupation of importing goods, contributing to the bustling trade activity of the region during the 19th century.
Fernando's journey into the world of music commenced at the tender age of three. His parents recognized his budding talent and passion for the piano, leading them to arrange for his early education under the guidance of skilled tutors. His innate musical gifts quickly became evident, setting the stage for his lifelong dedication to the art.
As he advanced in his musical studies, Fernando's talents required a more structured education, leading him to enroll in academies specialized in music. These institutions became the breeding grounds for his burgeoning skills, shaping him into the accomplished musician he would become.
Defective Eyesight and Discontent with Militarism:
Despite his promising musical career, Fernando's life took an unexpected turn due to a personal challenge. He suffered from defective eyesight, a condition that would later exempt him from military service in Germany. While many would have seen this as a stroke of luck, it planted the seeds of rebellion and discontent in his heart.
Germany at the time was characterized by a militaristic society, and the young Fernando's observations and innate sense of broad-mindedness made him acutely aware of the nation's militaristic methods. This growing disillusionment with his homeland's governance fueled his desire for a change, and he grew increasingly disenchanted with a government that he perceived as depraved in its militaristic approach.
Emigration to the United States:
Fernando's loathing for the regime under which he was born became a defining moment in his life. In an act of defiance and a pursuit of a better future, he made a momentous decision to leave his homeland and seek a new life in America. At the age of 23, with a heart full of hope and a spirit of adventure, he boarded a ship named "Hammonia" in Hamburg, Germany, on February 28, 1883.
His voyage was not just a journey across the Atlantic; it was a voyage towards a new life and new opportunities. Onboard, he was listed as a "Buchdrucker," a printer, indicating his multifaceted skills even before arriving in the United States.
The ship's voyage took him from Hamburg to Le Harve, France, and eventually brought him to the bustling, diverse metropolis of New York. It was on March 12, 1883, that Fernando Herbst, a young man with dreams and determination, set foot on American soil, marking the beginning of his American odyssey.
Settling in and Pursuing Knowledge:
Upon his arrival in the United States, Fernando Herbst's journey was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. He brought with him the trade of printing, which included binding and other related skills. His journey was not only a geographical one but also a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
In his spare moments, he dedicated himself to the study of the English language. Learning a new language, especially one as complex as English, is no small feat, but Fernando displayed exceptional discernment and fluency in using his acquired tongue. This linguistic mastery was a testament to his dedication and intelligence, making his conversational English a rare and valuable accomplishment, and a reflection of his commitment to integrating into American society.
With the language barrier overcome, he expanded his horizons. Mastering English enabled him to share his passion for music and become a music teacher. It was through his teaching that he touched the lives of countless students, imparting not only the technical aspects of music but also his deep passion for the art. His journey in the United States led him to live in various parts of the country, each chapter adding to his cultural richness and breadth of experiences.
Family and Life in Kansas:
In the 1885 Kansas State Census, we find Fernando Herbst in Chautauqua, Kansas. This marked a significant period in his life, as he had married Julia Ette Lyon just the year before, on November 22, 1884, in Chautauqua, Kansas. The union between Fernando and Julia would result in the birth of five children, each with their unique place in the family's history.
Their children included Elsie Margaret (1885–1975), who lived through a significant span of history and witnessed the changing world around her. Elsie would go on to marry Emery Perkins Chase and they would have four children; Emery Philip Chase (1906 - 1907), Ruth Chase (1907 - 1999), Chester Frederick Chase (1908 - 1921), and Gail Perkins Chase (1910 - 2004). Elsie passed away on February 27, 1975 in Lomita, California. Her legacy transcended her generation as she left behind three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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Chester Gustave (1887–1940) came of age during an era marked by profound transformation and hardships, navigating the challenges of the early 20th century. In due course, Chester entered into marriage with Sadie Vance, and their union brought forth a family of five. Their family included Dorothy Vance Herbst (1912 - 1917), Bernadene Vonne Herbst (1916 - 1998), Mary Marguerite Herbst (1919 - 1999), and John Ronald Herbst (1933 - 2001) contributed to the diverse fabric of the Herbst lineage. Additionally, Chester Herbst, who is still thriving as of 2023, continues to carry the family name forward, adding a contemporary dimension to the ongoing Herbst legacy. The author has been in contact with Chester and he gave Michael permission to use and publish photographs of the family.
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Valentine Fernando (1889–1953) carried his father's name, a legacy that would shape his own life.
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Anna Dorothea (1891–1912) had a tragically short life, but her presence in the family undoubtedly left a lasting impact.
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The youngest, Gertrude 'Gertie' Lena Herbst (1893–1905), would see only a few years but remained an integral part of the family's narrative.
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Life in Sheridan, Wyoming
By 1894, Fernando Herbst had relocated to Sheridan, Wyoming, a place that would become significant in his life story. Here, he assumed the role of a German and music teacher at Sheridan High School. His talents and expertise in these areas found a home within the educational landscape of Sheridan, and he played a crucial role in shaping the musical and cultural experiences of the students under his tutelage.
Professor Herbst's time in Sheridan, marked a significant period in his life, characterized by his role as the German and music teacher at Sheridan High School. This chapter of his life brought about several noteworthy experiences and contributions. From all the research, it is believed that Fernando Herbst only taught at Sheridan High School for about 15 to 20 years. He cannot be found after 1916 in any of the High School records located in the Wyoming Room.
As a German and music teacher, Fernando was not only a source of knowledge but also a cultural ambassador. He had the opportunity to introduce students to the nuances of the German language and culture, offering a glimpse into a world far different from the American landscape. His expertise allowed students to explore the intricacies of German literature, history, and language.
In the realm of music, Fernando's passion truly shone. His students were not just taught how to play instruments and read musical notes but were instilled with a deep love and appreciation for the art. Through his guidance, many young minds in Sheridan developed their musical talents, and some might have pursued careers in the field themselves.
Fernando's teaching extended beyond the classroom. He organized or participated in concerts, recitals, or musical events that enriched the cultural life of Sheridan. The music he shared with the community would have left a lasting impact, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for this universal language. If you read the old newspapers you can see several mentions of Fernando participating in musical gatherings.
Building Brotherhood: Fernando the Worshipful Master
In 1902, Fernando assumed the position of Worshipful Master at Masonic Lodge No. 8 in Sheridan, Wyoming. Not much is known as Brother Fernando's time in the Masons.
Fernando also belonged to the De Molay Commandery, The Kalif Temple, The Consistory of Cheyenne, and The Theosophical Society.
The society which met regularly at the home of Fernando, with the primary goals including promoting the study of comparative religion, philosophy, and science, as well as exploring the deeper mysteries of life and existence.
According to Google "Theosophy is the core belief system of the society, it combines elements of Eastern and Western spirituality and emphasizes the idea of a universal truth that can be found at the heart of all religions and philosophies. The society aimed to foster understanding among people of various religious backgrounds and encourage spiritual growth and exploration."
Despite his professional success in Sheridan it is also crucial to recognize that while Fernando was deeply dedicated to his career, his personal life during this time remained a subject of mystery. The separation from his wife, Julia Ette Lyon, and their children, who didn't accompany him to Sheridan, adds an intriguing dimension to his time here.
The reasons for this separation, whether personal or practical, remain unknown. It's possible that his commitment to teaching and a desire to further his career led him to make this move independently. Understanding the dynamics of his personal life during this period would shed more light on the complexities of his journey, unfortunately nothing more can be found on his personal life than already has been found.
Mystery Surrounding His Divorce:
A significant mystery surrounds Fernando Herbst's personal life during his time in Sheridan, Wyoming. His death record from Reed Funeral Home in Sheridan indicated that he was divorced. However, the exact circumstances of his divorce remain unclear, as no official divorce record has been found. This enigma adds a layer of intrigue to his life story, leaving us to wonder about the complexities of his personal relationships during this time.
Julia's Second Marriage:
While Fernando's life continued in Sheridan, his wife, Julia Ette Lyon, took a different path. By 1907, Julia had remarried and was living in Los Angeles, California. Her decision to remarry and relocate to a different part of the country speaks to the evolving dynamics of their relationship. It's a reminder that life is a complex and multifaceted journey, marked by individual choices and the diverse paths that family members may take. Julie Ette died in 1932 in Oregon. Michael was also given a document of remembrances by Julie Ette, which gave insight into her life and was quite a fascinating read.
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Death Takes His Victim: Fernando's Demise
The Sheridan Post documented on November 3, 1918, "Prof. F. Herbst, whose residence is at 465 West Smith street, is critically ill and was removed to the state hospital yesterday."
As of January 31, 1919, an update in The Sheridan Post reported that, "Professor Herbst who has been ill at the state hospital for some time, is progressing nicely towards recovery."
Tragically at 7:15 a.m., on March 10, 1919, Fernando Herbst's life journey reached its conclusion. His death occurred due to Chronic Nephritis (according to his Funeral Record) and Brights Disease (according to one of his obituaries). While most circumstances of his passing remain shrouded in mystery, his Legacy forged through his passion for music and dedication for teaching resonated through those who knew him and learned from him remained a testament to his enduring significance and marked the end of a chapter in his remarkable story.
Fernando Herbst is buried in the Masonic Circle in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, Sheridan, Wyoming. His grave stone is modest, just a small stone with his name and year of birth and death are recorded.
Fernando Herbst's life, as glimpsed through these significant milestones and the intriguing mysteries that surround it, is a testament to the courage to pursue one's dreams and the resilience to adapt to the challenges life presents. His life left a lasting legacy on the people of Sheridan during that time, and until he had been almost forgotten by the people of Sheridan.
Below view more Newspapers about Fernando Herbst
ALL CLIPPED FROM THE WYOMING NEWSPAPER PROJECT
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