A MENNONITE PIONEER DIES
Jacob B. Dirks, Aged 94, Was One of Original Colonists From Russia
Buhler, Jan. 12 -- 'Father' Jacob B. Dirks, aged 94 years, one of the original Mennonite colony which came here from southern Russia almost sixty years ago, is dead at his home here.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at the Mennonite church here, his son-in-law, Rev. P. R. Voth, with whom he made his home preaching the funeral sermon.
'Father' Dirks was born June 19, 1838 at Karlswalde, Southern Russia. He was married there to Helena Voth. In 1874 they joined the Mennonite immigration to the new home in America, Mr. and Mrs. Voth bringing their four daughters, and located on a farm four miles northeast of Hesston.
They were identified for years with the Alexanderwohl Mennonite congregation in that community.
In 1904 Mr. and Mrs. Dirks retired from the farm and moved with the family to their youngest daughter, Mrs. P. R. Voth, and Rev. Voth to Gotebo, Okla.
In 1930 the family moved back to Kansas, locating in Buhler, where Rev. Mr. Voth became pastor of the Mennonite church, which pastorate he has since held.
Father Dirks is survived by the four daughters, Mrs. D. J. Unruh, of Newton, Mrs. Henry Schmitt, of Moundridge, Mrs. J. R. Thierstein, of Newton, and Mrs. P. R. Voth, of Buhler. There are 20 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
