Daniel Pees

William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas

GREENWOOD COUNTY, Part 10

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES -- MADISON TOWNSHIP (MCCLURE - WICKER).

DANIEL PEES, boots and shoes, is a native of Saarbruck in Prussia, born in 1832, and came to the United States in 1849, locating in Port Washington, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, where he resided for thirty years. November 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Fifty-eighth Ohio Infantry, and participated in the engagements at Forts Donelson and Henry, and Shiloh, Corinth, Memphis, etc. He was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, in October, 1865. He was married in 1860 to Miss Caroline Doll, and has five children. Mr. Pees came to Kansas in the beginning of April, 1879, and at first located upon a farm in this county, on the Verdigris River, but in the fall of that year he built his present house in Madison and soon afterward, renting his farm, he removed to town and commenced business. He now employs three good workmen, who are kept constantly busy. He owns three buildings on Main street, two of them being two-stories, in one of which he himself lives, whilst the others are rented as stores and residences and are all fully insured. Mr. Pees is a member of the G. A. R. and is also a charter member and officer of Madison Lodge, No. 171, I. O. O. F.

Madison News, Thursday, Feb. 24, 1887

At Rest.

Upon Saturday morning February 19, 1887, at about 6 o’clock, Daniel Pees, after a long lingering illness, passed from earth away. To him, in his worn and emaciated condition, death came as a happy release. Without a struggle, with no apparent pain the resigned spirit took its flight.

For several years “Uncle Dan,” as he was familiarly called, has been a prominent , active citizen of this locality. About one year ago there appeared a small pimple on his lower lip which developed into cancer and gradually continued to grow worse, despite the efforts of physicians and the tender solicitude of friends until, as recorded above, death came to the sufferer’s release.

The deceased was born in Germany and at the time of his death was 55 years, 1 month and 15 days old. At the age of 16 he with his father left the “fatherland” and emigrated to America, locating at Port Washington, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he learned the shoe makers trade and, engaging in that business, remained a resident until the spring of 1879 when he came to Kansas. For about three months after arriving in Kansas he lived at Verdigris Falls, he then moved to this town where he continuously resided up to the time of his death.

The deceased was twice married. In the year 1854 he was united in marriage to Miss Katie Humm, who bore him two children both of whom died in infancy. In 1856 his first wife died. In 1859 he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Doll who survives him, and who is the mother of six children, five of whom are now living. Of the children who survive their father, there are four boys and one girl, all of whom except one, are now at home.

In 1862 Mr. Pees responded to the call of his adopted country and, as a private, enlisted in Company C, of the 58th O. V. I. Among the many battles in which he participated were those of Shiloh and Vicksburg. He was also in the Red River expedition under A. J. Smith. After three years of faithful service he was honorably discharged as Corporal in 1865.

For a number of years the deceased was a member of the German Lutheran church, he was also a member of the I. O. O. F., G. A. R., and Knights of Labor organization.

Mr. Pees, like all men now living, had his faults but he also had many good traits of character. He was kind, and benevolent to a fault—his strong sympathies were easily aroused by the sick, distressed and unfortunate. He was a good neighbor, a kind husband and father, a worthy, active enterprising citizen, an honest, fair-dealing business man. His death, though expected by his friends and desired by himself, was nevertheless the occasion of sadness and grief to his family and numerous friends.

The funeral took place on Sunday following his death, and by request of the deceased, was conducted by the Odd Fellows assisted by the G. A. R., K of L, and Madison Cornet Band. The remains were interred in Park Place Cemetery and were followed to their last resting place by the orders above named and a vast concourse of friends, all anxious to pay the last tribute of respect to their brother, comrade, neighbor and friend. May his soul rest in Peace!

To the bereaved wife and children the sympathy of the entire community is extended.