Bernard Pfeifer Family

The Bernard (Ben) Pfeifer family lived on various farms in Addie and Tyrol Township.  Ellen could remember when they lived on the Thorn place (now Bill Zimprich farm, originally Frank J. Pfeifer (no relation) homestead) and she delivered milk to the Jessie people.  She especially remembers that one sloppy spring day, she had on a brand new red coat, and fell on her milk route.

Ben was married to Anna Kuntz, and they had 13 children.  The family is pictured here: 

Caroline, Clara, Harry, Mary, Benny, Agnes, Elsie, Alma, and Ellen

 Mrs. Pfeifer, Al, Melvin, Joe, and Mr. Pfeifer.

In June 1920, Ben and his brother Frank sold shares in the Pfeifers' Straw Gas Producer Company Frank moved along with the family all except Clara, who was married to Frank Zimprich to Fargo to set up the factory.  Unfortunately, the venture was not feasible, although the German's used a straw produced gas during World War II, and Ben found himself with a shattered dream.

Ellen remembers that she taught school down in Romness Township, and on Friday afternoon, she would walk to Frank and Clara's.  The young Zimprich's offered to come get her in buggy, but she knew they were too busy for such stuff - although in the winter, she sometimes rode in covered rig instead of walking.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 459