Harms, Peter J. (1864-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Sep 22 p. 3

Birth date: 1864 Sep 18

PETER J. HARMS

Peter J. Harms, son of Johan P. Harms and Anna Harms, was born in Michalin, Russia, September 18, 1864. At the age of about ten, together with his parents, he migrated to America in the year 1874. The family settled on the homestead near Whitewater, Kans. where he lived all the remaining years of his life — a period of approximately 75 years.

He shared the privations of pioneer life, having begun his education in Russia and completing his elementary education in this country.

In the year 1863, he was admitted to the membership of the Gnadenberg congregation by baptism at the hands of Rev. John Schroeder.

On May 28, 1891, he was betrothed to Anna Balzer of the Gnadenberg community. To this union were born seven children: Emma (Mrs. William Zarneke), Agatha (Mrs. Pete Reimer), Leah, Agnes (Mrs. Chris Stephens), Adolph, Sam, and Edward.

On March 26, 1901, it pleased the Lord to take away in death the wife and mother. To help bear the responsibilities of life and caring for the family, God gave him another help-meet through his marriage to Ferena Wuthrich on Sept. 26, 1901. To this union were born eight children: Leonard, Martha (Mrs. J. W. Bergen), Esther (Mrs. Ervin Penner), Nathan, Dorothy(Mrs Herman Penner), Justina (Mrs. Willard Claassen), John and Alvin.

Two children, Leah and Edward, preceded him in death, also two brothers and two sisters. He attained the age of 84 years, 11 months and 19 days.