Bnder, Ernest 1859-1936

BINDER, VAGTS

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 12/12/2016 at 04:54:45

Boyden Reporter May 14, 1936

Ernest Binder was born on March 30,1859, in Katenbergen, Hanover, Germany. He was brought to Holy Baptism at the legal age of 15 years by his pastor. He worked as a common laborer at various places. In October, 1880 he was married to Sophia Vagts. Nine children were born to this union: Mrs. Henry Meyers, and Mrs. F. Meyer, and three children who preceded him in death.

In March 1901 he took his family to the U. S. where he found a friendly reception with his brother-in-law, Klaus Vagts. He found remunerative work with Peter Reyelts. The following year he moved to the Hubbing farm (now the August Kruse farm) and later built a small house on the Klaus Vagts farm where he remained for a long time. When opportunity presented itself he made a little money. For many years he was janitor at St. John's Lutheran Church and was also Sexton of the Church's Cemetery. Fourteen years ago he lost his wife and remained for a short time with his children, Mr. and Mrs. F. Meyer, and then returned to his old home and remained there until he took ill with pneumonia. Then he stayed with Mr. and Mrs. H. Meyer. He sold his house to R. Fick. Quietly and unassumingly he lived, but was active in church activities. Gods word was the Lamb of his Life, and the Light on His Way. He was a faithful member of St. John's Church.

He took sick February 21, and died ten weeks later. His daughters took care of him faithfully and on May 1st; at 2;80 o'clock he drew his last breath. His last words were: "My dear Jesus, I'll not leave". On the 3rd day of May services were held at 1:30 at the Henry Meyer home and 2 o'clock at the St. John's Lutheran church, with Rev. August Hein in charge. Pallbearers were his grand-children, John, Albert, Ernest, August, Alfred and Willie Meyer, and interment was made in the Church Cemetery. He leaves to mourn the two Meyers families, 13 grand-children, and 9 great grand-children. He was'77 years at the time of his death.