Streff, Peter 1870-1933

STREFF, FRANTZEN, HASTERT

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Source: Alton Democrat (10-27-1933)

Born: November 1, 1870
Died: October 22, 1933

PETER STREFF WAS PIONEER OF THIS COUNTY--RESPECTED CITIZEN LIVED HERE 62 YEARS

Although it was known that he was probably fatally ill with blood poisoning, it was with shock and a feeling of great regret that Alton people learned Sunday afternoon of the passing of Mr. Peter Streff.

Just a week previously Mr. Streff had stepped on a rusty nail. Blood poisoning developed from the infection in the wound, causing lockjaw which is always fatal. He had come to town each day to have the wound dressed and was last seen here Thursday afternoon when he walked briskly enough, but with limp favoring the injured foot. Serum was administered Friday, but too late to check the tetanus and he became steadily worse, passing away shortly afternoon Sunday, almost exactly a week after the nail penetrated his foot, and a month following the death of his brother, Joe Streff, in Sioux City.

Peter Streff was the eldest child of Mathias and Susan (Frantzen) Streff family, Sioux County pioneer settlers. He was born at St. Catherine in Jackson County, Iowa on November 1, 1870, accompanying his parents here in May, 1871, before he was a year old. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Mike and Joe, a baby sister also dying in infancy, but is survived by three brothers and a sister, as follows: Martin of Alton; Mary (Mrs. Joe Beheim) of James, Iowa; Felix and Al, both of Alton.

On January 17, 1904, Mr. Streff married Miss Magdalene Hastert at David City, Nebraska. After touring the west they settled on the farm near Alton which he owned at the time of his marriage. Four children came to bless this union, but the youngest, Elmer, died nine years ago. The three children who survive their father are Mrs. Matt Klein of Granville, Miss Irene Streff of Sioux City and Oscar at home; also their mother, his devoted helpmate.

A charter member of the Farmers Mutual Co-op Company of Alton and Carnes, Mr. Streff was a member of the board of directors until last year, and also served on the board of directors of the Alton Savings Bank until last year. He was president of the bank for one year. Mr. Streff was democratic member of the board of Nassau Township trustees, for many years. Although without particular ambition for this job his colleagues on the board appointed him to fill the vacancy when one occurred, thus drafting his experience and sound judgment into service. He was invariably appointed election judge for the Nassau precinct and election officials in the future will miss his genial and accommodating personality. Those who have visited Mr. Streff at his beautiful farm home four miles south of Alton were impressed and keenly delighted with his accurate descriptions of this prairie before its settlement, his vivid recollections bringing those days clearly before bearer. We were impressed with his description of some of the wild game birds of the early days here, particularly one bird which he named that flew at the hunter like a cannonball, veering sharply off just as he got ready to duck. He knew the names of all the bids common in that day, many of the species now extinct.

Mr. Streff “grew up with Sioux County” but was widely traveled and his extensive knowledge not only of the early days here but of other parts of the country, made his personality especially attractive, while his sound judgment gave his opinions on current matters much weight. Although frequently urged to run for public office he had no ambition along that line.

Solemn Requiem High Mass was held Wednesday morning at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Alton of which he was a lifelong devoted member. Burial was at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The sympathy of the community goes out to the devoted family in their great loss.