their death. All claimed these weddings were outstanding events of their pioneer days.

Anna Bierman represented the true pioneer mother and wife. She worked hard, raised a large family, and was devoted to her church. Her faith in God strengthened her in the hardships of her life.

Their children still can recall many humorous and happy memories:

—Whenever they were sick they received a liniment, sugar and hot water mixture.

—The time the Indians put blankets over their heads and the big bull chased them.

—They raised large quantities of potatoes and sold them for 25¢ a bushel.

—Henry Barry and the Gerhits always played in the river and ate fresh fruit on the banks and valley.

—Emma and Minnie's weddings were large. Guests came by train from Dakota City the day before. They slept on straw in the old homestead house. For Minnie's wedding they baked bread for a week, baked 45 cakes, and made a large milkcan of doughnuts for the 300 guests that attended.

Lillian Bierman

During the "nineties," W. B. Fuerst bought out the William Bates Store, where Esther's Store is now located, and abut 1900 sold out to a Mr. Stavely. Then in 1903 came the Fred Koester family when Mr. Koester bought the store from the Stavely family and continued to operate a general merchandise business with the assistance of his daughter Bertha until his death in 1920. It was soon after this that an event took place which definitely affected the destiny of Battle Creek. Mr. Koester's family consisted of Fred Jr. and daughter Minnie, both of whom were grown and did not remain long in Battle Creek; the daughter Bertha, sons Ernest and Adolph and daughter Clara, the last 3 mentioned being of school age. The Koester home was where the Bittinger family now live. Fred eventually moved to California. Minnie moved to Massachusetts. Ernest as a very young and courageous man went to Canada about 1911 and took up a homestead in Saskatchewan, Canada.

A history of Battle Creek would not be complete with only a few passing lines about G. A. (Adolph) Koester, for his contributions to the community are endless.

After Adolph received his Bachelor's degree from Doane College, he taught at Franklin Academy for one year. World War I broke out and he enlisted, serving with the Marines. When he returned from overseas, his father was in ill health so Adolph took over the store. He had planned on further education

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