Local History and Genealogy

Thursday, April 28, 2011

John Dygert Obituary

OLDEST MAN IN STEUBEN COUNTY DIED LAST FRIDAY

     John Dygert, who died in Scott township last Friday, in his 94th year was probably the oldest man living in the county at the time of his death.  He came with his father's family to Steuben county in 1838 and lived in the county continuously from that time, and for several years has carried off the honors at old settlers' meetings as the oldest living settler in the county.  He was county commissioner at the time the present county court house in Angola was built and took great interest in the progress of the work.   
John Dygert
     John, the son of Adam and Jane Dygert, was born in Montgomery County, New York  Feb. 27, 1826, and passed away at his late home in Scott Township, Sept 18. 1919, at the age of 93 years, 6 months and 23 days.
     He was one  of a family of ten children all of whom have preceded him in death.  At the age of twelve, with the family, he moved in a wagon to York Township, where he resided until he started to make a home for himself.   September, 1853, he united in marriage with Caroline Stotts of York Township.  To this union were born two children, Charles F., and Sarah Jane Gifford.  In 1875 after great suffering the wife and mother passed away leaving the father, to keep the house together until 1878, when the daughter was united in marriage to Jackson Nisonger.  Then he went to make his home with her until April 28, 1881, when he was re-married to Mary G. Grubb.  To this union was born three boys, Ora C., Carl G., and Levi F.  He has been a resident  of Scott Township for the past sixty years living until the end on the farm he purchased soon after his first marriage.
     Although without professed religion he was a Christian in the true sense of the word, always doing as he would be done by.  He has a large heart for the needy never turning anyone from his door.  As his life work has been finished he has received his eternal reward.  He was a kind and loving husband and father always thinking of the welfare of his family.
     He leaves to mourn Their loss a wife, five children, three daughters-in-law. one son-in-law, ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of sorrowing friends.
     Although physically weak hew was mentally active until the end.  He was a patient sufferer always looking on the bright side of life,  When the end came he went peacefully to sleep and to his eternal resting place.  Funeral services were held at the late home conducted by Rev Humfreys and burial in the Dygert cemetery.