OBIT: Charles H. DIA, 1932, Meyersdale, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/
________________________________________________


CHARLES H. DIA

Death Claims Charles H. Dia
Sterling Citizen and Native of Meyersdale Succumbs to Long Illness

  The Grim Reaper, who has been taking heavy toll of the sterling citizenry of 
Meyersdale during the current and past year, included Charles H. Dia in his 
harvest last Saturday, the community thereby losing another of its most highly 
esteemed citizens.
  Charles H. Dia, eldest of the ten children of Mr. and Mrs. Christian A. Dia, 
and the first to die, was born and reared in Meyersdale and lived here during 
his entire life, excepting a few years during his young manhood when he was 
employed in Pittsburgh.
  He was born January 9, 1877, and was aged 55 years, 8 months and one day on 
the day of his death.  His mother, Caroline Ebbecka Dia, passed away Sept. 13, 
1931.  Both of his parents were born in Germany and came to Meyersdale before 
their marriage.
  Blest with thrifty, industrious, intelligent and honest parentage, Charles H. 
Dia and his sisters and brothers had the kind of bringing up that builds 
character and stability which were not lacking in him or any of his kin.
  Charles received his education in the Meyersdale public schools and in Prof. 
J. D. Meese's Preparatory School.  His first position was as a clerk in Laird's 
Shoe Store in Pittsburgh, where he worked for several years.
  Thirty-four years ago he took over his father's shoe store, which was 
established in 1874, and which he conducted successfully until disabled by 
illness nearly a year ago.  For many years his store was located on the east 
side of Center Street adjoining the Naugle block.  As his business increased and 
he needed more room, he purchased the T. W. Gurley Building on the west side of 
Center Street, about fifteen years ago, where the store is still located and 
will be continued by his widow.
  Besides being an honest and successful businessman, Mr. Dia made an enviable 
record as a public-spirited citizen and public servant.  He served as a member 
of the Borough Council for twenty years and was president of the Council for two 
four-year terms, always faithful to his trust and doing his utmost to serve the 
best interests of the town.
  In politics he was an ardent and loyal Republican and served his party as 
County Vice Chairman for two terms.  Although a strong partisan, he despised 
crookedness in politics or office and would not support any candidate whom he 
believed to be dishonest or incompetent.
  He was for a number of years a director of the Star Mutual Fire Insurance 
Company of Somerset and was held in high respect by all of his business, 
official and political associates.
  Nurtured in the Lutheran Church he was confirmed in it at an early age and was 
during his busy lifetime a faithful and active member of Zion Lutheran 
congregation and for some years filled the office of deacon.
  In his young manhood he married Miss Edna Baldwin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
Charles W. Baldwin.  To them were born three children, one daughter, Alice, and 
two sons, Charles and William, all of whom survive.  He is also survived by his 
aged father, three brothers, William F. and Elmer L. of Meyersdale, Harry E., of 
Davenport, Neb., and six sisters, Elizabeth, Minnie, Olivia and Caroline, who 
live in the parental home, Margaret, of Cincinnati, and Ida, a teacher in the 
Swissvale High School.
  Although during most of his life blest with robust health, he became sorely 
afflicted several years ago with an ulcerated stomach.  He consulted various 
specialists and employed the best of physicians, but his malady refused to yield 
to treatment.  During the latter part of last year his health became so bad that 
he was no longer able to attend to work in his store.  His condition gradually 
became more critical and during the last few months he was confined to his bed 
most of the time while his strength and body slowly wasted away.  He was very 
feeble during his last weeks, but his mind continued normal and he endured his 
suffering patiently and was resigned to his inevitable fate.  Up to 11 o'clock 
last Friday night his mind was still alert and he was able to converse with his 
family, but after going to sleep for the night he slumbered without waking until 
he quietly expired at 8:45 on Saturday morning.
  Funeral services were held at his home on North Street at 4 o'clock Monday 
afternoon, his pastor, Rev. H. K. Hilner, of Zion Lutheran Church officiating.  
J. L. Tressler was the undertaker in charge.  Interment was made in Union 
Cemetery.
  The floral tributes were unusually large and beautiful, symbolic of the love 
and high esteem in which he was held.  Large numbers of sorrowing relatives and 
friends called at the Dia home to pay their respects and express their sympathy 
for the bereaved family.
  The funeral was largely attended, and as a mark of respect for the lamented 
citizen and his family, all business places in town were closed during the hour 
of the funeral.
  Among the many friends and relatives from distant places who attended the 
obsequies were:  County Treasurer Walter McNutt, County Recorder Donald Lohr, 
Ellis C. Boose and M. G. Shumaker, of Somerset; Hon. J. B. Schrock and Capt. Don 
M. Kimmel, Berlin; W. J. Gumbert, Pine Hill; Mrs. Belle Walker, Johnstown; Mr. 
and Mrs. Sam Buckman and son, Donald, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Baldwin, Miss Cora 
swartzendruber, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Coleman and son, Alton, Mrs. Morgan Dickey 
and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Dickey, Berlin; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Weimer, Somerset; Mr. 
and Mrs. Harvey Kendall, Garrett; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ringler, Somerset; Mrs. 
Eliza Zimmerman, Frank Zimmerman and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Leese, Stoyestown; 
Mrs. Walter Schaffer, Somerset; Rev. and Mrs. E. F. Dickey and Rev. Fisher, 
Derry; Jack and Galen Shober, Garrett.

Meyersdale Republican, September 15, 1932