J H Pies

PIES

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/12/2009 at 12:43:33

J H Pies, whose home is Sec 17, in Garden township, and who is a highly esteemed citizen, familiarly called “Henry” by his friends, is now engaged in farming and stock raising, owning and cultivation a good farm of 240 acres. It is pleasantly and conveniently located three miles and a half from Madrid and thus the conveniences of city life are easily obtainable, while at the same time he enjoys the comfort and freedom found only upon the farm.
Since 1866 he has been a resident of Boone county which is far from the place of his birth for he is native of Germany. He was born October 3, 1850, a son of H W Pies, who was also born and reared in the fatherland, where he married Wilhelmine Otto, also of Germany. The parents spent their entire lives in that country, but Henry Pies came to the new world when a lad of fifteen years and from that time forward has been a resident of Boone county. He joined an uncle here and began work as a farm hand by the month He had enjoyed fair school advantages in his native country and thus was well prepared to meet the practical and responsible duties of life. He made his first purchase of land in 1875, becoming the owner of 80 acres on which he now resides. It was still in its primitive condition but he broke it the same year and thus prepared it for cultivation. In 1876 he built a small house and began to farm his land and further improve the property Subsequently he purchased another tract of 40 acres adjoining the first purchase and still later added 80 acres on Sec 7 and a 40 acres tract on Sec 19, Garden township. He has since built and remodeled his residence and now has a large and substantial farm house, good barns and all the necessary outbuildings upon his place. Trees of his own planting adorn the lawn and the orchard yields its fruits in season. He has been engaged in raising and breeding stock, usually feeding from one to two carloads of cattle and quite a large number of hogs annually. He is accounted one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of the county, a position which is a creditable one because it has been obtained entirely through his own efforts.
On February 21, 1878, Mr Pies was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Frey, a daughter of J F Frey. There are four children by his marriage: Anna, Francis, Emma and Lillie. The son assists the father in carrying on the home farm. The family are members of the Garden Prairie Congregational church and are people of sterling worth, enjoying the high regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact.
Mr Pies votes with the Democracy and his first presidential candidate of the Democratic party with on exception. He was elected and served as township trustee, has also filled the offices of school treasurer and school director and in every position of public trust has been found loyal, capable and faithful. He has been a delegate to the county conventions of his p arty and takes a deep interest in its growth and success. When Mr Pies came to Boone county he was a poor man, but in this land effort is not hampered and labor finds its just reward. Through unflagging industry he has worked his way steadily upward and today is the owner of a valuable farm as the result of his untiring labors which have been vigorously prosecuted during a residence of 36 yrs in this county . His memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He is familiar with pioneer experiences and has taken a just pride in the advancement of the county as it has progressed toward substantial improvement. As a citizen he is reliable and trustworthy and as a man possesses many sterling traits of character that commend him to the confidence and regard of all with whom he is brought into contact.

1902 Boone County History Book