DIERS, Peter, Sr. 1830-1917

DIERS, BEIL

Posted By: Debbie Nash (email)
Date: 11/16/2003 at 12:17:18

“Brighton "Enterprise"
Saturday, August 4, 1917
Page 1, Column 6

PETER DIERS, SR., DIED TUESDAY.

Peter DIERS, Sr., for many years one of the prominent men of Walnut Township, died at his home south of Brighton Tuesday evening at the advanced age of 87 years 3 months and 30 days. Born April 1, 1830 in Bremen, Germany. He attended the school of Germany. As the church of Germany is under state control, religion is also taught in what we would call the public schools and in these schools the deceased received his religious instruction. The so-called catechetical instruction, however, is given by the pastor. When a child is about 12 years of age he must attend these instructions. After a year or so he is confirmed, that is, the child confirms or ratifies the baptismal vows made in infancy. So also Mr. DIERS’ confirmation took place when he was 14 years of age.

In the following year, 1845, his parents came to America, making Burlington their home. From Burlington they moved to Germanville, having bought the farm which his son George is now working. Some time later the deceased went back to work in Burlington. In 1849 he followed the stream of emigrants to California. He and his partner made the trip in a prairie schooner drawn by a yoke of oxen. Two years later, 1851, he returned to Burlington. In the years following he met and learned to love Miss Catherine BEIL. They were married in Muscatine in 1855. Immediately after their wedding they came to Germanville. Their union was blessed with nine children, eight sons and one daughter. A son and the daughter died in infancy. Besides his wife, seven sons survive him: John, Henry, Peter, Bernard, George, Albert and Frank; also 16 grandchildren and 4 greatgrandchildren.

About three years ago he lost his eyesight, yet he was never heard to complain. He bore his heavy cross as only a Christian can. Day by day he became weaker. The wonderful machine of life was running slower and on July 31 at 6 p.m. the great Giver of life called a halt, and Mr. DIERS’ work on this earth lay behind, a finished product. A life full of work and worry, blessing and happiness, was ended.

Funeral services were held Thursday morning, conducted by Rev. E. G. Rieber, with burial in the Lutheran Cemetery at Germanville.

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Jefferson County Death Register #4,
Page 162

PETER DIERS, born Apr 1, 1830 in Germany, son of Daniel DIERS, born Germany. Died July 31, 1917, age 87-3-30. Buried Lutheran Cemetery. Undertaker, C. S. Woodford, Brighton.

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I am copying this information for the benefit of genealogical research and am not related to said individuals.

Admin. note: Buried in Hope Lutheran Cemetery with wife Catherine who died in 1918.