Notes:

MRS. JOHN BIERMAN

Mrs. Louise Bierman, nee Berning, was born March 18, 1859, in Halle, Westphalia, Germany. She lost both her parents before she was seven years of age and at the invitation of her uncle, Mr. Krueger, emigrated to this country in company with the Buhrmester family when she was nine years old. She was made a member of the family in the home of her uncle and there grew to womanhood. She was united in marriage to John Biermann on February 18, 1877, who with his bride moved to a farm near Centralia and thirty-one years ago settled on the farm which has been their home until the death of teh wife. Nine children were born to this union of whom one son, Benjamin, departed this life in October, 1918, at Camp Granat. The surviving children are: Louis, Edward, Arthur, Albert, Harry and James of Centralia, Mrs. Walter Dueker of Huegely and Margaret of Centralia.
The departed was converted and became a member of the German M. E. Church at North Prairie at the age of fifteen years, continuing to be a true child of God during her entire life. After moving away from the vicinity of this church Mr. and Mrs. Bierman affiliated with the Hoyleton Church. About two years ago she was taken seriously ill and has been in delicate health since that time. She passed away Friday.
Funeral services were held Sunday, Rev. E. Hemke officiating, and interment was made in Elmwood Cemetery at Centralia.
The pallbearers were Cleve, Richard and Amos Bierman, James Jones, Earl Garrison, and Ed Norton. Flower girls were Bertha and Erma Garrison, Stella Norton, Rosa Jones and Marguerite Dinkelman.
Never shall you be forgotten,
Never from our memories fade,
A loving heart will always linger
Around the grave where you are laid.
The Lord said, you have finished;
Come up higher, mother, dear,
You have won a crown in heaven
for the pains you suffered here.

Louise Berning was born on the 18th of March 1859 in the little village Hille, Westphalia, Germany. Both of her parients died before she was 7 years old. An uncle, who lived in the United States, sent for the little orphan, and she came across the Atlantic with the family of Mr. Burmeister. In the home of her uncle Krueger she found a hearty welcome and was brot up as a member of the family. On reaching a sufficient age she worked for several families, longest for Mr. Louis Huck of North Prairie. There she met and married John Biermann (Feb. 1877) with whom she has jointly born the trials, sorrows and joys of life for 43 years. After marriage they moved into the neighborhood of Centralia, living at different places until they moved to the home from which she now has gone to her heavenly home. Mrs. Bierman became the mother of nine children. One of them, Ben, gave his life in the service of his country during the war. The other eight are living and mourn tthe death of a beloved mother. they are: Louis, Edward, Arthur,
Albert, Harry, James, Ida (Mrs. Walter Dueker) and Margaret.
In her girlhood she lived close to the German M. E. Church of North Prairie in families and among members of that church. It was but natural that she should attend that Sunday School and Church, receive catethelical instruction and was eventually examined and received as a member of the church. In her 15th or 16th year she was soundly converted and has, since then, been a consistent and faithful member of the church of her choice and a true follower of her Saviour. This has been no easy matter for her since she lived far from her church and had the core of a large family and home which made it impossible to be a regular attendant of the services and have the blessings and encourgement of such communions. Yet, in spite of this it can be truthfully said: she has kept the faith. Her ________ faith made her uncomplaining in her sickness, knowing that her Lord would put no greater burden on her than she could bear. Even in the hours of her sickness she was ever thotful of others willing to help in some way if she could.
About two years ago Mrs. Biermann took seriously ill and at different times her death was expected almost hourly. Lately she has suffered greatly, but greater yet has been her faith and the sustaining grace of God in whom she trusted. She left a clear testimony of her salvation to her dear ones and all her friends. On the evening of the 61s6 anniversary of her birth, March 18, 1920 God took her home.
Beside the children names above, Mrs. Biermann leaves her life's companion who has been striken by a fatal disease and who may soon follow her to the home above. With him 13 grandchildren look today upon the calm face of grandmother for the last time in this world; one half brother, other relatives and a host of friends. But we all look, tho with tear-dimmed eyes toward the heaven which is her eternal abode and which we, by the help of God, hope to share some day.

MARY married BIERMAN JOHN HENRY on 18 Feb 1877. JOHN (son of BIERMAN HEINRICH and UNKNOWN LOUISA) was born in 1852; died in 1920. [Group Sheet]

1. BIERMAN WILHELM FRIEDRICH LOUIS was born on 18 Jan 1878 in Centralia, Illinois; baptized March 24, 1878 by F. M. Rinkel; died on 23 Jan 1948.
2. BIERMAN EDWARD JOHN was born on 3 Aug 1879; died on 3 Aug 1858.
3. BIERMAN ARTHUR HEINRICH was born in 1881; died in 1927.
4. BIERMAN ALBERT GEORGE was born on 17 Mar 1884; died on 20 Jul 1969.
5. BIERMAN MARGARET LYDIA (MAGGIE) was born on 26 Sep 1887 in Centralia, Illinois; baptized November 6, 1887; F. S. Mahle officiating; died in Oct 1961.
6. BIERMAN IDA HULDA was born on 28 Jan 1891; died on 14 Sep 1979; was buried on 17 Sep 1979 in North Prairie Cemetery, Washington County, Illinois (cremated).
7. BIERMAN BENJAMIN AMOS was born on 29 Apr 1895; died on 5 Oct 1918 in Camp Grant.
8. BIERMAN HARRY HOMER was born on 6 Sep 1897 in Centralia, Illinois; baptized November 17, 1898 by H. F. Miller; died on 15 Jun 1985.
9. BIERMAN JAMES OTTO was born in 1904; died in 1990.