Son of Francis Everett Amsberry of Mason County, West Virginia and Lucy Caroline Beard of Lynchburg, Bedford County, Virginia.

Husband of Mary Catherine Buckley of Point Pleasant, Mason County, West Virginia; married on 24 September 1879 in Marion County, Iowa.

"John A. Amsberry, 85, one of the earliest pioneers of this locality and a highly respected citizen, was found dead on the railroad track west of Mason City Tuesday afternoon at around 4 o'clock. His body was discovered by Kenneth Narragon.
Mr. Amsberry had walked out to his farm which adjoins the townsite, as was his almost daily custom, and was returning to his home in town when the final summons came. He had not been in very rugged health for some time, but was able to be around and attend to affairs and his sudden summons was a great shock to his family and friends.
John Amsberry was one of the best known citizens of Custer County, and especially in the southeast part of the county where he had an uninterrupted residence since 1878 when he filed on his homestead north of where Mason City is now located. This at a time when Grand Island-Kearney were the nearest railroad towns and when nearly every other evidence of civilization was lacking. During these years, Mr. Amsberry was one of the most active men of the community, interested in schools, churches and all other affairs which had a trend to advance the growth, improvement and prosperity of the country.
He was particularly interested in the raising of fine cattle and won a statewide reputation among cattlemen of Nebraska. The valuble and finely approved farm which was his home for so many years stands out as a monument to his industry and business sagacity.
Mr. Amsberry was a member of the Mason City Baptist Church for many years and was also quite interested in political matters and served as member of the Nebraska House of Representatives in the 1929 session, and also served in minor local offices.
John A. Amsberry was born in Mason County, Virginia (now a part of West Virginia) September 11, 1850 and at the time of his death had reached the advanced age of 85 years, 2 months and 21 days.
Mr. Amsberry is survived by his wife, Florence; and one son, Frank G.; two daughters; Mrs. R.H. Duke and Mrs. William E. Dorsett, two sisters, Mrs. Rose Greenlee and Mrs. C.C. Fisher of Mason City; and three brothers, J.M. Amsberry who lives in Oregon; Frank A. Amsberry of Kearney and William D. Amsberry of Alliance. and other relatives in Custer County, besides hosts of friends at home and elsewhere.
Funeral rites will be held at the Baptist Church at 2 o'clock this (Thursday) afternoon with Rev. L.J. Moran in charge. Interment in the Mason City Cemetery."