"History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and
Coos Counties.  Compiled from the Most Authentic Sources."  A. G. Walling,
Publisher.  Portland, OR.  1884.  pg. 537.

JOHN G. RAST

     The well known proprietor of the Roseburg brewery, is a native of Luzerne,
Switzerland, born May 10, 1838.  In the spring of 1854 with his parents and
three sisters he sailed from Havre for America, arriving in New Orleans in May
of that year.  They proceeded direct to St. Louis, where John was placed as an
apprentice in a furniture manufactory, and he remained one year and then moved
to Independence, Missouri, where he continued his trade.  Two years later he,
with his parents, moved to Davis county, Kansas, where they engaged in farming
until May, 1859, when he joined a train and crossed the plains to Oregon. 
Coming direct to Douglas county, Mr. Rast made his home for the first three
years with Mr. Charles Henderer, on Elk creek.  In the fall of 1864 Mr. Rast
came to Roseburg and purchased an interest in the Roseburg brewery with Mr. G.
Mehl, in which he remained until 1871, when in that year they suffered the loss
of their brewery by fire.  Mr. Rast then purchased Mr. Mehl's interest in the
property and rebuilt the brewery -- the one he now operates.  A view of his
dwelling adjoining his brewery property is among the illustrations of this
history.  Mr. Rast was married in Roseburg to Miss Clara Jones in 1875.  They
have a family of four children, Regenia, Samuel J., Annie M. and Gertrude.
 

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in July 2005 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.