Bindner, Peter 1880-1948

BINDNER, KOSSE

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 6/11/2016 at 14:32:23

Source: Alton Democrat (11-4-1948)

Born: February 15, 1880
Died: 1948

PROMINENT SIOUX COUNTY FARMER FALLS IN ELEVATOR PIT

The Alton and Granville communities were shocked Wednesday evening by news of the tragic death of Peter Bindner, prominent Sioux County farmer and cattle feeder since 1910.

Mr. Bender was found uncurious at about 6:10 by his son Barney in the corn elevator pit on the Bindner farm where he was unloading corn. His sons Will and Barney brought the last load of corn in and had left the elevator to take care of chores, but the later had not reached the barn when he noticed that the elevator belt had slipped and was smoking. He went back to discover the trouble and found his father in the pit partially buried by corn but his head and shoulders free and still breathing. He called the doctor and priest at once, together with other members of the family.

Mr. Bindner had suffered a skull fracture and passed on soon after Reverend Dalhoff arrived. Some corn had apparently dropped into the pit before he fell and kept Mr. Bindner from being drawn into the elevator. The family also considered it providential that the belt slipped and stopped the elevator, as it had never been known to do this before.

Just what happened will never be known, whether he had slipped on an ear of corn and fallen into the elevator or whether he might have had a fainting spell or stroke. He was always very careful around machinery and had warned his son the same day to watch out and not fall into the 10 foot deep cement pit. A few weeks previous he had mentioned to Mrs. Bindner that he was dizzy and it is possible he had another such spell. He had also suggested at that time that after corn picking they would take a trip to visit his brother and sisters in Minnesota and Wisconsin and then both would have a check-up at Rochester.

He was born February 15, 1880 at Worthington, Iowa, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Bindner. He married Anna Kosse January 28, 1908 at Le Mars and the couple farmed for two years on the Morton ranch near Le Mars, then brought the farm now owned by Henry Hoefer in the Granville vicinity. A few years later he brought the present farm 2 miles west of Granville where he has resided for 31 years. He was 68 years of age last February.

Considered one of the most successful farmers and livestock men in this section, he had built up a modern farmstead second to none. He was withal a devoted family man, good neighbor and kind friend.

He is survived by Mrs. Anna Bindner, two sons and four daughter namely William and Barney of Alton, Mrs. Everett (Caroline) Roetzel, Ashton, Iowa: Mrs. Cyril (Martha) Kokenge of Alton; Mrs. Jack (Susn) Van Wyk, Glendale, California; Mrs. Victor (Agnes) Ruppert, Alton; by eleven grandchildren, 2 brothers, John of Marcus and Barney of Mankato, Minnesota, and two sisters, Mrs. John (Anna) Verooren of Sheldon, Wisconsin and Mrs. Alvin (Maggie)Byam of New Lisbon, Wisconsin.

Solemn Requiem Mass was held at St. Joseph’s Church, Granville Saturday morning, with interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. The Reverend Dalhof was in charge of the services and pallbearers were Ben and Henry Hoefer, Tony and Joe Schuver, Peter and Henry Klein.

At noon dinner was served in the town hall at Alton to 85 relatives, many of whom came some distance for the funeral and including a number from Rock Valley, Marcus and neighboring towns. All the children were here with their families. Mr. and Mrs. Van Wyk having arrived Friday from California, The Van Wyks expected to leave this weekend and will be accompanied by their mother, Mrs. Bindner, who will spend several weeks with them at Glendale before returning to Iowa.