Holland City News, Tuesday, March 9, 1916

P. H. Wilms Took Part in 18 Battles; Came to Western Michigan in ’71

As Woodworker

Peter Henry Wilms, aged 76, a well- known businessman, and G. A. R. veteran, passed away at 6:20 A. M. Monday at his home, 258 River Avenue. For several years he had been afflicted with heart trouble, and on February 4^th, after an attack of grippe, suffered his third stroke of paralysis. His temperate life and strong latent vitality surprisingly prolonged his existence.

Mr. Wilms was associated prior to 1871, with prominent Racine, Wisconsin, manufacturers, and worked out many valuable details for them. He was also engaged in operating a woodworking shop of his own. In 1871, he moved to Western Michigan, to take advantage of the abundant supply of timber, from which he manufactured whiffel-trees, neck yokes, and other things, which he shipped by vessel loads to Racine and Chicago.

He later turned his attention to the manufacture of wood pumps, tannery logs and spring tooth harrows, in which industry he has been well known for over 35 years. Mr. Wilms’ record as a Civil War soldier is especially honorable. He was a member of the 22^nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company A, which was composed of the tallest men in the regiment. In this company he served not quite three complete years. This company, at the head of the regiment, was one of the first to enter the City of Atlanta, Georgia, after completing the famous siege of that place. He was captured at Brentwood, Tennessee, by the Confederates and confined in the infamous Libby Prison, from which he was released after 16 days by exchange and sent back to his regiment.

Later Mr. Wilms, with his regiment, made the well known "March to the Sea" with General Sherman, and thence northward, participating finally in the Grand Review at Washington. During his entire service he was "never off duty." He participated in 18 battles, besides the skirmishes, and frequently did special volunteer duty as a scout, in which service he was especially appreciated and mentioned.

Many of his friends and acquaintances remember and miss his interesting and vivid portrayal of Civil War scenes and experiences in his soldier life. Mr. Wilms has always been a loyal and intense supporter of principles and causes he believed to be right, regardless of selfish interests. A very patriotic citizen, he was always keenly appreciative of the blessings and privileges of this country, and eager to jealously guard them.

He was a charter member and Post Commander of A. C. Van Raalte Post. As a business- man, he was extremely cautious not to contract financial obligation which he could not fulfill.

He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Denmark, (now Germany) on April 24, 1840, immigrating to the United States at the age of 8 years, and settling in Wisconsin.

He is survived by his widow, Mary Ellen, and his two sons, Oscar B. and Oliver N.

The funeral took place yesterday at the home, 258 River Avenue, at 1:00 P.M., and 1:30

P. M. from Hope Church, of which congregation he has been a member nearly 40 years and in which he served as deacon in the early eighties.

(Buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.)