BIOGRAPHIES: John PIEPER, Sumner Township, Barron Co., WI ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Submitted by: Vic Gulickson 13 July 2004 ************************************************************************ John Pieper, section 7, Sumner Township, now deceased, was a splendid example of the men, who after marrying and acquiring a family in the old country, had the courage to start out from their friends and the scenes which they had loved since infancy, and seek their fortunes in a new land, amid strangers, and under strange conditions. He developed a good farm here, was a good friend, a generous neighbor, a loving father and faithful husband, and proved himself faithful to his duty in every walk of life. He was born in Germany, on a farm, Dec. 26, 1847, the son of John and Wilhelmina Pieper. He was the oldest of five children, the others being August, Herman, William and Caroline. He attended the government schools, worked on the farm, and did other general labor. He was married in Germany Oct. 3, 1872, to Amelia Schmeling, born June 12, 1853, the daughter of Gotlieb and Wilhelmina Schmeling. In the Schmeling family there were eight children, Charles, William, Herman, Julius, Wilhelmina, Amelia and Rica. Of these Amelia and Julius were the only ones to come to America. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pieper established their home in Germany, and there had four children, Anna, Bertha, Herman and Amelia. But they were not satisfied with the opportunities there so in 1881 they set out for America and came to Barron County, where Mr. Pieper entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. He secured 80 acres of land in section 7, Sumner Township, built a small frame house and moved his family there. The only domestic animal they had at first was a cow. For some years the wife was left alone with the children on the farm, while he continued his work as a logger to get a little money for provisions. The country was still wild. Roads were little more than trails. Provisions were brought in afoot. Mrs. Pieper had brought three spinning wheels with her, and she spun wool and knitted socks, mittens and jackets for the family. Their privations and hard work were rewarded in time and they achieved prosperity. After a long and useful life Mr. Pieper died Oct. 9, 1905. In addition to the children already mentioned, he had three, Ida, Helen and John, born in this country. Since his death the mother has continued to live on the home place, which is operated by the youngest son, John. This son, John Pieper, was born on the farm Aug. 29, 1898. He was reared here, attended schools and learned farming from his father. He has continued the improvements started by his father and is an industrious and successful young man. He stands high in the community and is well thought of by all who know him. --Transcribed from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1922, pp. 811-812. © All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm