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NIESEN, WILLIAM (deceased). - Springfield owes much to the sturdy, reliable Germans who located here and gave forth of their best to make the city what it is today. One of those who did his duty as a man and good citizen, but no longer is here to enjoy the benefits of what he helped to accomplish, is the late William Niesen, a tailor by trade, who made Springfield his home from 1871. He was born on the historic Rhine in Germany, August 6, 1848, being a son of Jacob and Agnes Niesen. Like many Germans, Jacob Niesen was a soldier, but when his term of service expired, he brought his family to America, this being about 1864 or 1865. Settling in Cleveland, Ohio, the father worked at his trade of tailoring, and there he and his wife both died. Their children were: Henry, Arnold, William and Odell.
William Niesen received but few educational advantages but he was taught the tailoring trade, working at it in Germany, and with his father after the family migration to this country. On July 6, 1871, he was married in Cleveland, to Marie Killian, and came to Springfield the same year. Here he found plenty of work at his trade, and worked at it until his death, April 9, 1900. He was a well known capable man, whose word could always be depended upon. A Republican in politics, he supported the candidates of his party, while not seeking office for himself. He had been a member of the I.O.O.F. sixteen years. In March, 1890, he bought the family residence at No. 718 South State Street, where his widow now lives. She was born in West Prussia, January 6, 1851, but came to the United States when only eighteen months old. She is a daughter of Karl and Augusta (Dann) Killian, both of whom died in Germany.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Niesen were: Jacob of Springfield, where William also resides; Agnes at home; Mary, Mrs. Louis Myerhoff of Springfield; Catherine, Mrs. Charles Springer of Springfield; Henry is also at home; Odell and Frank, at home. There are four grandchildren in the family. The family are well known in the city, and retain the respect which attaches to the name kept untarnished by the husband and father who was called away from those he loved.