Preheim, Peter (1848-1937)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1937 Mar 9 p. 10

Birth date: 1848 Sep 17

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1937 Mar 10 p. 5

text of obituary:

OLDEST FREEMAN, SO. DAK., SETTLER IS CALLED AWAY

Freeman, South Dakota, March 1. — Peter Preheim of Freeman, S. Dak., was born in Horodishtsch, Volhynian Province, Russia, which is now Poland. He was the younger son of his father. As he grew up with his family he received some school training. He was taught reading, writing and geography and had to memorize some church hymns and other verses, besides learning a few things out of the Bible. Even an elementary training helps a person very much during a life-span of 80 years. Mr. Preheim was baptised upon his confession of faith in his 16th year by Bishop Jacob Graber and admitted to the Mennonite church, of which he was a faithful member as long as he lived.

He was married to Miss Barbara Strausz on Nov. 29, 1869. This union lasted 65 years, until Mrs. Preheim died two and one-half years ago.

In the year 1874, when the great migration of Mennonites from Russia to America took place, Mr. Preheim with his wife and one child also came across and settled down in So. Dakota, where he lived for the rest of his life. The first winter was spent in the city of Yankton. During the following two years they lived 14miles north of Yankton and since 1877 he lived on the homestead 9 miles southeast of Freeman, which place is now owned by his youngest son Henry.

Pioneer life in So. Dakota was connected with many hardships. The winters were long and cold, with little fuel to burn. The summers were hot, while grasshoppers and other insects were numerous. The prairies were covered with long grass which was hard to bring under culture, and our people were poor and could scarcely buy the necessities of life.

Mr. Preheim was then an able young, man, possessing good judgment, and was therefore chosen to do some special duties and tasks which he faithfully tried to perform.

He helped to organize the first school districts and helped to build the first school houses. He helped to make the first roads and built some of the first bridges. He helped to organize the first congregation and to build its church building.

Mr. Preheim was a great reader and was well posted on world history, as well as on the main questions and problems of his day.

He also emphasized the need of a renewed life and said frequently that it is not sufficient to be a nominal Christian. One must be born again. He was also convicted as one of the vilest sinners and found forgiveness through the mercy of God and in the merits of Jesus Christ his Lord.

Father Preheim was the last surviving member of his father's family with the exception of a sister-in-law, Mrs. Jacob Preheim, Sr.

His family consists of 8 children: Anna, Mrs. Jacob G. Graber; John P. Preheim, Mary, Mrs. Wm. F. Brockmueller; Samuel P. Preheim, Peter P. Preheim, Jacob P. Preheim, Frances, Mrs. Richert Hahnemann; and Henry P. Preheim; 3 sons-in-law and 5 daughters-in-law; 48 grandchildren, 14 by marriage; also 17 great-grandchildren. In all his family numbers 95 persons.

Mr. Preheim was born on Sept. 17, 1848, and died on Feb. 23, 1937. He reached the old age of 88 years, 5 months and 6 days.

Funeral services were held of Feb. 26, Rev. P. R. Schroeder being in charge, assisted by Rev. A. P. Waltner. The grandchildren sang a few appropriate duets and quartets. His body was laid to rest in the Salem cemetery, near the Salem Mennonite church. Thus has passed the oldest man in the east freeman community.

One by one the old have parted,
Left us sad and broken-hearted,
Yet we know their work is done.
They have charged us with their duty,
Let our lives reflect their beauty
Till our race and crown is won.

The Mennonite obituary: 1937 Mar 23 p. 9