George Pfeiffer
No man who has lived in Chester township, Wayne county, in recent years left behind him a more honorable record than the late George Pfeiffer, who was a man whom everybody liked owing to his genuine kindness, generosity and unswerving honesty. He was a good neighbor, husband and father and left his family well provided for. As his name implies, he was an American by adoption only, having been born in Germany, January 29, 1839, the son of Philip and Mary Pfeiffer. In a very early day the family came to America and located in Cedar Valley, Wayne county, Ohio, and there the parents lived the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of eight children, four of whom are living at this writing. Philip Pfeiffer became an extensive landowner and an influential citizen here. His son, Philip, now lives on the place, and, like his father, is a good manager and is doing well. The elder Pfeiffer was a pronounced Democrat in his political views, but he never aspired for public office, preferring to devote his time exclusively to his individual affairs.
George Pfeiffer was educated in the common schools of Chester township, having been a mere boy when his parents brought him here. He was reared on the home farm, which he assisted in developing during the time he was not in school, and he accordingly took up farming and first worked for wages by the month . About 1880 he bought a farm of one hundred and twelve acres in Chester township, having prospered from the first and saved his money, so that he became well fixed in reference to this world's affairs. On this place he erected a large and substantial barn in 1881, and the following year built a fine residence, which is still the home of his widow. He engaged in the various lines of farming and stock raising and was regarded as one of the leading farmers of the township. Politically he was a Democrat, but not a partisan, having taken little interest in local matters, though he was always ready to do his share of the work in promoting the interest of his community. He was a member of the Reformed church, of which his widow is also a member.
Mr. Pfeiffer was married in 1862 to Martha Mowery, who was born and reared in Wayne county, Ohio, the daughter of John and Jane Mowery, an excellent old family, having been among the first settlers here. They came from Germany with their parents in a very early day and helped clear up this country. Mr. Mowery was a stanch Republican and he engaged in farming on a very extensive scale. Both he and his faithful wife are sleeping the sleep of the just. To Mr. and Mrs. Pfeiffer four children were born, namely: Mary Jane, wife of Frank Fair and the mother of three children; Sarah Ellen and Charles Allen (twins), the former deceased, and the latter is managing the home farm; Harvey died in infancy. Mrs. Pfeiffer is a woman of pleasing characteristics and she and her children have hosts of friends in this township.
The death of George Pfeiffer occurred on July 4, 1896. All who knew him are unstinted in their praise of his many sterling qualities as a man and citizen, and he will long be missed in this community.
From The History of Wayne County, Ohio, B. E. Bowen & Co., Indianapolis, 1910