Esser Family

1. Unknown

2. Simon/Lybertus Esser

3. Peter Esser was born about 1795 In Germany. He married Anna Sophia Cremer. She died before 1860. They lived in Wevelinghoven, a village about 2 or 3 miles from Evinghoven. They were listed in the 1860 census of Green Isle TWP., Sibley Co., MN living with his son John. They lived next to his son Peter. He was listed in the 1870 census of Green Isle TWP., Sibley Co., MN living with his son Peter.
- 31. Peter William Esser was born 22 Feb 1832 Widdenhofen, Province Rhein, Prussia, Germany. He died 23 Feb 1920 in Sibley Co., MN. He was a soldier with the rank of captain in the Flying Artillery at Fort Wesel on the Rhine. He married Maria Anna Duester 12 Nov 1853. She died in 1889.
  
  They came to America in December 1854. They spent four years at Freeport, IL and came to Minnesota in 1858. They settled on a farm in Green Isle Township. They were listed in the 1860 census of Green Isle TWP., Sibley Co., MN.
  
  In 1862, during the Civil War, he was appointed as Enrolling Officer for this district, and in 1863 he was made a Captain of the militia by Governor Swift and Adjutant General Malmross.
  
  They were listed in the 1870-1880 censuses of Green Isle TWP., Sibley Co., MN. The family came to Arlington to reside in the year 1883. He operated a hotel which was later run by his son, Leonard. He was listed in the 1900-1920 censuses with his son Leonard.
  - 41. Peter Esser was born about 1854 in Germany. He is not listed in the 1870 census with his parents yet a younger Peter is.
  - 42. Sophia Esser was born Jul 1855 in Illinois. She married Michael Kauffmann about 1876. They are listed in the 1900 census of Sibley Co., MN. She was mentioned in her father obituary.
  - 43. Catherine Esser was born about 1859 in Minnesota. She died before 1920.
  - 44. Leonard Esser was born Oct 1861 in Minnesota. He married Bertha _____. She was born Jun 1866 in Minnesota. They were listed in the 1900-1920 censuses of Arlington, MN without children. He is listed in the 1830 census of Arlington as a widow.
  - 45. Elizabeth Esser was born about 1863 in Minnesota. She died 4 Oct 1888.
  - 46. Margareth Esser was born Feb 1865 in Minnesota. She married Henry Wisdorf. They were listed in the 1900-1920 censuses of St. Paul, MN. She was mentioned in his father obituary.
  - 47. Gertrude Esser was born about 1866 in Minnesota. She married Fred Schlesser. They are listed in the 1920 census of Brule, Douglas Co., WI. She was mentioned in his father obituary.
  - 48. Peter J. Esser was born about 1867 in Minnesota. He died before 1920.
  - 49. Anna M. Esser was born about 1875. She married Bernard Warnecke. They are listed in the 1920 census of St Paul, MN. She was mentioned in his father obituary as Mary.
  - 49b. Unknown child
  - 49c. Unknown child
- 32. John Esser was born about 1834 in Germany. He was listed in the 1860 census of Green Isle TWP., Sibley Co., MN.

Note:

Arlington Enterprise
Thursday 11 October 1888

OBITUARY
On Thursday, October 4th, at the residence of her parents, in this village, Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. P. W. Esser, age 24 years. The deceased had been sick but three weeks, having contracted a severe
cold which eventually ended in lung fever. She was confined to her room over two weeks but no serious
results were anticipated until the day before her death, and even then it was not thought that the end was so
near. She was raised from childhood in this county and therefore had a large circle of friends and
acquaintances who loved her for her many virtues. She was the pride of the family, and her sudden taking
away was a severe blow to her parents and brothers and sisters. The funeral took place on Saturday at the
catholic cemetery and was very largely attended. --- Rev. Father Schmidt, of Fairfax, officiated. The
family have the sympathy of the entire community in their sad affliction.

Arlington Enterprise
Thursday 26 February 1920

P. W. Esser -- Pioneer -- Expires
The news of the death of Peter W. Esser, which occurred Monday evening at 7 o’clock, was accepted by
the people of Arlington and vicinity with an intense feeling of sorrow. His passing was spoke of by young
and old with profound respect and his past life reviewed by those who knew him best with sincerest
admiration.Mr. Esser passed away just one day after his birthday, having passed his 88th milestone on
February 22nd. His death followed a gradual decline in health since last fall and was therefore not
unexpected. Knowing himself that he was soon to succumb to the infirmities of old age the venerable old
gentleman awaited his end with great patience and fortitude.
Mr. Esser was one of the pioneers of Sibley County and had the distinction of being the oldest active fire
chief in the state. he was chief of the Arlington Fire Department for many years.
The fuenral will be held today (Thursday) with services at St. Mary’s church at 10 o’clock A.M. A
complete obituary will be published next week.
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Arlington Enterprise
Thursday 4 March 1920

Obituary of P. W. Esser
The death of Peter W. Esser, as previously stated in the Enterprise, occurred at his home in this village
Monday evening, Feb. 23, at 7 o’clock.
He died at the age of 88 years and 1 day, succumbing to old age.
Captain P. W. Esser was born at Widdenhofen, Province Rhein, Prussia,
Germany Feb. 22nd, 1832. He was a soldier with the rank of captain in the Flying Artillery at Fort Wesel
on the Rhine. He was married to Maria Anna Duester on Nov. 21st, 1853 and they came to America in
December 1854. They spent four years at Freeport, Ill., and came to Minnesota in 1858. They settled on a
farm in Green Isle township. In 1862, during the Civil War, he was appointed as Enrolling Officer for this
district, and in 1863 he was made a Captain of the militia by Governor Swift and Adjutant General Malmross.
The family came to Arlington to reside in the year 1883. Mr. Esser establishing the hotel business which
is now conducted by his son Leonard. His beloved wife passed away in 1889, 31 years ago. Eleven
children were born to them, five of whom are living, one son and four daughters, viz: Leonard of Arlington
; Mrs. Sophia Kauffmann of Green Isle twp; Mrs. Margareth Wisdorf of St. Paul; Mrs. Gertrude Schlesser,
of Bruh, Wis.; Mrs. Mary Warnecke of St. Paul.
Mr. Esser served as Justice of the Peace in this village for a period of 24 years and held the office of
Assessor for 26 years. At the time of his death he was Chief of the Arlington Fire Department which office
he held for 34 years, being the oldest fire chief in the state. He was a man who exemplified in every way
the life of a good Christian and citizen. His whole life was devoted to a large extent in serving his fellow man.
The remains were laid to rest in St. Mary’s cemetery Thursday morning, services being conducted at the
church at 10 o’clock by Fr. Doring. The firemen attended in a body.

Esser Family

of Prussia

By Christopher A. Meek
Research by Emily Eggleston

Esser Family

of Prussia

By Christopher A. Meek Research by Emily Eggleston

By Christopher A. Meek
Research by Emily Eggleston