Schwartz, Peter A. (1873-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Feb 8 p. 5

Birth date: 1872 Jan 27

text of obituary:

90-Year-Old Pioneer Immigrant Dies

Pretty Prairie, Kan. — Death removed one of this community's long-time residents with the passing on Feb. 1 of Peter A. Schwartz, 90. He died at Prairie Sunset Home after an illness of five years.

Born in South Russia on Jan. 27, 1872, he had lived here for 76 years. He was a charter member of the Pretty Prairie Mennonite Church where the funeral services were conducted Feb. 2 by Rev. P. P. Tschetter.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Ada Bennett of Overland, Mo., two brothers, one sister, nine grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Feb 15 p. 8

text of obituary:

PETER A. SCHWARTZ

Peter A. Schwartz, son of Andrew A. and Elizabeth Graber Schwartz, was born in southern Russia, Jan. 27, 1873. He was brought to America in 1874 and the family settled in South Dakota, where they lived until July of 1884, when they came to Kansas and settled east of Pretty Prairie. On Oct. 10, 1884 the Pretty Prairie Mennonite Church was organized with 30 families as charter members.

He was baptized on the confession of his faith on April 8, 1891 by the late Rev. Christian Kaufman. He was a very faithful worker in the church, serving in the Sunday school and especially in the music department. He loved to sing, and was a faithful choir director for many years. He was also instrumental in the purchasing of the first organ in 1909 and the first piano in 1914.

On Oct. 24, 1895 he was united in marriage with Katherine Schwartz. They were privileged to share the joys and sorrows of life for almost 65 years, until Mar. 6, 1960, when Mrs. Schwartz was called to her heavenly reward. They had no children of their own but adopted a daughter, Golda, and also raised a foster daughter, Ada Meade.

On Sept. 20, 1911, he became co-owner with P. J. Albright, and the Schwartz & Albright general store was started. The business and partnership flourished for 33 years until it was sold in 1944.

In August 1956 he suffered a stroke from which he never fully recovered and in March 1957 he again suffered a stroke when left him bedfast and speechless.

On Feb. 1, 1962, at 1:10 a.m. he answered his Master's call and was taken to his eternal rest, having reached the age of 89 years and five days. The last two years of his life were spent in the Prairie Sunset Home for the Aged, Pretty Prairie, Kan.

Surviving are the foster daughter, Mrs. Ada Bennett, Overland, Mo.; two brothers, Ben A., Pretty Prairie, and Jonas H. Hutchinson; one sister, Mrs. Carrie Krehbiel, Liberal; two sons-in-law, Ben J. Albright, Tucson, Ariz., and Dale E. Bennett, Overland, Mo.; nine grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 2, in the Pretty Prairie Mennonite Church, with burial in the church cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1962 13 p. 107