Zwemer, Richard, 1894-1929

ZWEMER, GLEYSTEEN, PEIRCE, PIERCE

Posted By: Lydia Lucas-Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/28/2011 at 10:43:33

RICHARD ZWEMER CALLED BEYOND
Grandson of Late Dirk Gleysteen Was Brilliant Young Man

Richard A. Zwemer, aged 35, the only son of Mrs. Cynthia Zwemer of Assiut, Egypt, passed away Thursday last [July 18] at the home of his father-in-law, Howard Peirce, in Sioux City, after a short illness. Sioux City papers stated he had been having trouble with his heart and Mr. and Mrs. Zwemer and son Howard had shortly before come from their home in Chicago for a vacation and rest at the Peirce home.

In his boyhood days here he gave evidence of possessing a brilliant mind and ability which led his friends into the belief that he would go far--a belief which was amply justified by his later accomplishments--but his career has been cut short by his untimely passing.

After graduation from the high school here in 1911 the young man was employed for a time in an advertising capacity by John F. D. Aue, then publisher of The Alton Democrat. He studied later at the University of Wisconsin and also at Columbia university, New York City. His splendid work on The Democrat led to a position as city advertising manager for the Daily Livestock Record at Sioux City. Upon the outbreak of the World War he entered the Plattsburg training camp, returning from overseas with the rank of captain. Shortly after returning from overseas he was appointed traffic manager at the stock yeard and secretary of the livestock exchange. During that period he took a prominent part in the endeavor to cut down the losses arising from tuberculosis in cattle--losses from which not only the farmer, but also the packing houses suffered severely. He was very active in urging the eradication of cattle t.b., going out to speak before farm bureau and other farm meetings. Many farmers here remember the logical talk made before members of the Sioux County Farm Bureau at the court house some years ago.

His mind, however, was always busy and ever occupied with acquiring greater knowledge. In 1925 he resigned and entered the practice of law in Chicago, specializing in traffic. He was married in 1917 to Miss Suzanne Peirce, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Pierce, prominent citizens of Sioux City. He was a member of the Chicago Bar association, Chicago Traffic club, Tyrian lodge, A.F. & A.M., No. 508 of Sioux City, the Sioux City Royal Arch Masons, No. 26, and of St. Mark's Episcopal church of Evanston, Ill.

He is survived by his widow and son, Howard; by his mother, Mrs. Cynthia Zwemer, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Dirk Gleysteen who were pioneer citizens of Alton and helped found this town. Mrs. Zwemer returned last year from China when the troublous times broke out there. She spent the summer here with relatives and with her son in Chicago and Sioux City, going in August to take up missionary work in Egypt. She is a teacher in Assiut college at Assiut. At present she is in Cairo for the summer, The Democrat understands.

Richard was born in Sioux Falls, S.D., November 30, 1894, where his father died shortly after Richard was born. His mother then came here and lived with her parents who were advanced in years and needed her care. Thus the boy not only had the advantage of his mother's care, but also Kind oversight from his wise grandparents. His sudden passing came as a severe shock to relatives and many friends here.

Funeral services were held at St. Thomas Episcopal church in Sioux City Saturday afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. John Meyer, Dr. and Mrs. D. J. Gleysteen and Miss Sya Gleysteen attended the services. Heartfelt sympathy of this community goes out to the bereaved family and mother in the passing of this outstanding young man.

Source: Alton Democrat, July 26, 1929.