At the time of his retirement this article appeared in the "Freeport Weekly Journal". No date:
The Evangelical churches of Adeline and North Grove have lost a beloved shepherd in the person of the Rev. William Biesemeier, who preached his farewell sermon in Adeline Sunday. Mr Biesemeier has, from his sturdy qualities, his generous disposition and his pious walk among us become a very familiar figure in this part of the country. He was born Feb 13, 1833, in Lespeldothal, Lippe-Detmold Germany where he attended public school until his fourtheenth year. When twenty-one years of age, in the year 1854, he emigrated to the United States and his destination was Freeport Illinois. From that city he went to Mathersville [Marthasville] Missouri and attended the Seminary. In 1862 he graduated at Cincinnati, Ohio and was ordained by the Evangelical denomination to preach the gospel. He was sent to Ackersville Wisconsin as a missionary, where he labored five years. He then received a call to North Grove and Adeline. Rev. Jung living here conducted the services in the old log school house, which was purchased by the denomination and moved to the present site . . their new frame church. The fine stone edifice of North Grove which was erected in 1861, is a familiar landmark and can be seen at a great distance from all points of the compass. The reverened gentleman had a call in 1867 to Adeline, and has resided at North Grove ever since. Then the number of families in the church at Adeline was twelve, the number now is twenty-four; and North Grove, eighteen, now twenty-nine. He was married to Miss Hermena Gassman of Eleroy, Illinois, September 15, 1863. They were blessed with six children, two of whom are dead. The beloved wife died March 25, 1888. During his work he has baptized five hundred and ninety-two, and conducted ninety-eight marriage ceremonies. He taught school during the winter in the German language and has had in all three hundred pupils. The mission money he has received and distributed in Asia, Africa, Turkey, etc, amounted to twenty-one thousand and two hundred dollars. And that for churches, schools, etc, eleven thousand dollars. He was always prompt to fill his appointments, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He moves to Ruthven, Iowa and will reside with Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Hoffman. Mrs. Hoffman is his eldest daughter. He gave up the ministry about a year ago, feeling that his bodily condition should have a rest, but the brethren persuaded him and he continued another year. He was his own organist for many years and also led the song service. On Saturday night the members gave him a surprise party at the residence of his daughter Mrs. C. H. Brookmeier. The departure of a man of such sterling worth is a misfortune to any community, and Ruthven may be congratulated on their gain. We wish him well wherever he may be and bid him farewell with our best wishes.
Pamela Hutchison Garrett - http://www.pamgarrett.com/
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