LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

Pg 39

WILLIS DILLER

Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts, submitted June 13, 2017

        Martin Diller cane to Iowa in early 1850's, and spent some time in and around Fredonia. When the rail road came to Fredonia, he built the hotel just north of the railroad tracks, and west of the county road. He also operated the ferry at the same time. Later the family moved to Miltonville, Kansas. The Burrough Westlake family also moved to Kansas, where Henry Diller son of Martin Diller met and married Lavina Westlake, April 24, 1866. To this union, nine children were born: Minnie O. and Ora Hester both passed on, Willis Edgar born December 18, 1872, Lena W, who died in 1920, Oliver A. born April 5, 179, Margaret E. died March 8, 1902, Marcus E. died in 1927, Alma C. (Sadie) born April 6, 1886, and Frank, born April 6, death not recorded.

        The family came from Kansas in 1900, driving through in covered wagons. The John Fuller and Sam Smoke families came through at the same time, as there were no roads a that time, they followed trails, and occasionally had to pick their way across country. The trip took 17 days. When they were about 9 days out, their dog decided to return to Kansas, the trip back took him 2 ½ days. Arriving in Louisa county, they made their home east of town for a time. At one time operating a Sorghum and Grist mill on the land just south of Fay Fosters.

        Lena Diller was united in marriage to May Yocum, and to them five children were born. After Lena passed away in 1920, the family moved to Muscatine.

        Oliver Alonzo was untied in marriage to Effie Warnstaff. To them, one daughter was born; Ruth, now Mrs. Forest Powers, who have four children.

        Marcus E. was united in marriage to Mattie Wall. A sketch of them will be found elsewhere.

        Alma C. or Sadie, as she is known, became the wife of Earl Trimble, who passed away several years ago. Sadie is making her home in Los Angles, California.

        Willis E. was united in marriage to Delsie Warnstaff, October 3, 1898. To this union eight children were born. William J. was united in marriage to Miss Mable Edwards, of Wapello, and make their home in Columbus Junction where he is in charge of the cemetery on that city.

        Violet M. became the wife of Chester Colvin and make their home on a farm near Wapello. Ethel became the wife of Fred Riedesel, and reside near Bluegrass, Iowa. Ransom F. was united in marriage to Grace Norton of Davenport, where Ransom has been employed on the Milwaukee bridge over the Mississippi river.

        Roy E. was united in marriage to Dorothy Wagg of Wapello, and they are residing on a farm near Letts. Helen F., Harold L., and Dorothy I., all are home. Also Fay Dean, a grandson is with them. Willis bought the home place in 1900, and later bought the Shaw property on the same lots. He cut buttons in his younger days, and has operated a sorghum mill most of his married life. Mrs. Diller wove rugs for many years, and helped with the sorghum mill, while rearing a large family. She was a charter member of the Methodist church which was started in 1918, and reorganized as the W. S. C. S. in November 22, 1940.

        Mrs. Diller and family were loyal church workers, and regular attendants. She was a correspondent for the Columbus Gazette for many years.

        Helen and Dorothy have been caretakers for the church for many years, and could always be counted on , through rain or shine. Helen has been secretary for the Sunday school almost without a break for over 20 years. And Dorothy teaches a class at Sunday school.

        Mrs. Diller lived to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, and seven more anniversaries, passing away November 21, 1955. Mr. Diller continues to live with the children at home and at the age of 84 years, is quite well.

        Mrs. Lavina Diller died on January 26, 1900. Harry Diller passed away in 1916.