Bamberg, Peter 1855 - 1938

BAMBERG, WICTOR

Posted By: Wilma J. VandeBerg -volunteer (email)
Date: 12/4/2023 at 15:29:29

Obituary of Peter Bamberg

Source Alton Democrat of Feb 25, 1938

Peter Bamberg was born in Prussia in year 1855. Choir Master at Alton Over 50 Years.

Peter Bamberg, pioneer Alton resident passed on at this home here on Feb 22nd at the age of 82 years and 70 days. Active in the affairs of the town and church for a span of over fifty years, his remarkable energy continued until fall of 1936 when on Oct 26th he was taken ill with a paralytic stroke from which he never recovered. On Dec 10th 1937 he had a second stroke which completely incapacitated him. He has had the devoted attention during his illness of his nephew Lorenz N. Bamberg, who made his home with his uncle.

Peter Bamberg was born on Dec 12, 1855 at Trier Prussia, where he grew to manhood. In his early twenties he came to the United States to join his brother, the late Matthew Bambeg at Caledonia, IA. In 1880 or 1881 he came to Alton, where the two brothers established a meat market on the corner now occupied by the Bekman tailor shop. In 1882 they built a new shop on the present main street where they continued in business for some years.

In the fall of 1923 Mr. Bamberg established the Alton Rendering Works. He was a member for many years of the town counsel where his good sense and keen judgment were greatly valued by his colleagues. For over fifty years he was a faithful member of St. Mary’s choir, where his strong and pleasing baritone voice led the responses Sunday after Sunday. In September 1933, fellow choir members honored him at a jubilee celebration of his 50th year with the choir.

He was married in 1888 to an Alton milliner, Miss Philomena Wictor, who preceded him in death by several years. Surviving are one daughter Mrs. Vincent Lieb of Oak Grove, Oregon, three grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was the last surviving member of five brothers, of whom two remained in Germany. Several nieces and nephews, children of this brother Lorenz, may drive here from Kingfish OK, for the funeral services Friday at St. Mary’s church. Mr. and Mrs. Julius Bamberg and their son Edward Bamberg and wife, are expected today from Chicago. No definite word has been received from Mrs. Lieb and relatives believe she may be on her way to Iowa.
One of the stalwart builders of the town and community, his integrity and faithful service to his town and church caused him to be highly regarded by all, while his cheerful kindliness endeared him to a host of friends and acquaintances.

Funeral services will be held at nine o’clock Friday morning in charge of the Very Rev. M. A. Schemel.

(See a BIOS of the Bamberg Brothers, Peter and Matthew on this page.