Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough
Page 135
This gentleman is a native of Scott county. He is a son of Detrich and Mary (Vortman) Pieper and was born about one and a quarter miles northeast of Exeter, November 29, 1845. His father, Detrick Pieper, was born at Bersene, Bruck, Germany, and came to Scott county, Illinois, in 1843, and settled near Exeter. His mother, Mary (Vortman) Pieper, was born at Batbergen, Hanover, Germany, and was married to Mr. Pieper in 1843. She was the daughter of Jorgen and Catherine (Shoney) Vortman. John H. Pieper was reared upon the farm and was educated in Morgan county.
September 14, 1868, John H. Pieper was married, at Beardstown, to Miss Rosa Krone, daughter of Henry and Ellen Krone of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Pieper were the parents of five children, viz: Edward, Henry and Lettie, who live in Winchester, and Mrs. Ella Sears, who resides near Bluffs. One child is dead. Two years ago Mrs. Pieper died and September 12, 1902, Mr. Pieper and Miss Minnie Flynn were married.
John H. Pieper spent his early years upon the farm and was taught that work pretty thoroughly. After he grew to manhood and began doing for himself he was for ten years traveling salesman for the Plano Manufacturing Co., of Chicago. After this he came to Winchester where he has since resided. In 1896, February 1, Mr. Pieper and his two sons, Edward and Henry, entered the hardware and implement business in Winchester. They first did business in the A. P. Grout building, but a couple of years later purchased the James Watt building, where they are at present located. They are an energetic, hustling firm and by honesty, fair dealing, energy and hustle, have succeeded in building up a splendid trade.