Dietrich - John
JOHN DIETRICH
Source: Waveland Independent, Jan 1, 1915
John L. Dietrich was found dead in the rear of his home on W. Howard Street about half past 2 on Saturday afternoon. He has been in poor health for a year past but has kept going most of the time, and has been uptown nearly everyday since moving back from Crawfordsville. Funeral services were conducted by Rev WW Speer, assisted by Rev FB Solin, at hte Methodist Church on Monday afternoon. Judge Jere West conducted the Masonic exercises at the Presbyterian Cemetery The following obituary was read:
"John L. Dietrich son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dietrich was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania May 13, 1836 and died at his home in Waveland Dec 26, 1914, aged 78 years 7 months 13 days. Mr. Dietrich was married to Rebecca C. MILLER, April 17, 1859. To them were born 6 children: Harriet Sevilla; Henry Jasper; Charles Francis; Harrison Ellsworth; Elmer Clinton and William Newton. All of these but Elmer who with his family lives in Waveland, have preceded the father in death. There also live to mourn their loss, 4 grandchildren; Mrs. Hazel Fulwider, Carson, Louise and John Dietrich, one great grandchild, besides the large number of friends and acquaintances who have so long known him.
Mr. Dietrich was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Masonic Fraternity to both of which he gave the interest of many of his best days. He with his wife have been residents of this county for the long span of 50 years during which time he became known for his integrity of spirit and for his generosity to others which so often overcame his better judgement that others prospered at his expense. During the last 12 years he lived in Crawfordsville, where he was keeper of the Gun Club, in which position he became endeareed to the hearts of many in that community. A few weeks ago, on account of his advanced age and failing health he was compelled to give up this work and reluctantly moved back to his old home in Waveland where he was suddenly stricken by the hand of death on Saturday...... Again this unrelenting visitor has entered our lodge and taken from our midst a very revered and honored brother.
John L. Dietrich, who was made an Entered Apprentice Mason, March 11, 1870, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft May 13, 1870 and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason July 8, 1870, our most revered Worshipful Master Paris M. Conner, presiding. He lived a long and faithful Masonic life and we his brethren mourn his departure. May the influences of his life abide with us and may we fashion our lives to a deeper devotion to those great principles of our noble order to that when our earthly pilgrimage is ended, we, too shall have a place in the Lodge Celestial. - kbz