Photo from the J. Knutson, Riser Photo collection.
Peter Reiser Riser
b. 5-31-1838 Switzerland
d. 11-11-1902
wife Catherine Marti 1844-1928

"Upon the role of Allamakee county's honored dead appears the name of Peter Riser, who at the time of his death in 1902 was one of the substantial agriculturists and large landowners of Lansing township. Although born across the water, practically his entire life was spent in Iowa among whose pioneers he is numbered and to whose development and progress he made important contributions through the years.

Mr. Riser was born in Switzerland, May 31, 1838, and when he was four years of age was brought to the United States by his parents who established their home in Illinois. They there remained until their son was fourteen years of age when they came to Iowa settling in Allamakee county in pioneer times. Here Peter Riser grew to manhood, aiding in the clearing, opening and developing of the homestead and becoming a practical and able agriculturist. At the age of 21 he began his independent career, turning his attention to the occupation to which he had been raised and winning success as a general farmer. Upon the death of his father he inherited a farm of one hundred and twenty acres and upon this property continued to reside until his death, each year adding to his prosperity and to the high regard in which he was held by his neighbors and friends. As circumstances justified he added to his holdings, finally acquiring 360 acres of land upon which he made substantial improvements, erecting a large barn and all the necessary outbuildings and installing the needed farm equipment. The old log cabin in which the family made their home in the early days still stands upon the homestead, but the present residence is a fine, modern brick structure erected some years ago.

In Allamakee county Mr. Riser was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Marti who was born in Switzerland, February 4, 1844, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Blumer) Marti, who came to the United States in 1853. They settled in Allamakee county and here made their home until their death, the father passing away in 1871 as a result of a stroke of paralysis suffered seventeen years before. Mr. and Mrs. Riser became the parents of the following children: Marie Anna, who died October 17, 1871, when she was seven years of age; John Henry, who is engaged in farming near New Albin, IA; George William, a farmer of Lansing township; Julius Edward, who passed away on January 10, 1900, at the age of 28 years; Emma, the wife of John Babler; and Philip and Barbara Catherine, both of whom live at home.

Mr. Riser was ever stanch in his support of the republican party and although he never sought nor desired office took an intelligent interest in community affairs and could always be relied upon to further progressive public movements. He was public-spirited and loyal in all matters of citizenship, cooperating heartily in those measures and projects which had for their object the upbuilding and development of the county wherein he had so long resided. Thus it was that at his death which occurred November 11, 1902, Allamakee county lost one of its representatives and valued citizens. Mrs. Riser survives her husband and makes her home on their farm, which is now conducted by her son Philip. She is a member of the methodist church to which her husband also belonged and is a lady whose many excellent traits of heart and mind have won her the affection and esteem of all who know her."

Spouse Catherine Marti 1844-1928
(of Henry Marti and Catherine Blumer)
Children:
Marie 1864-1871
John Henry 1869
George William 1869-1958
Julius Edward 1871-1900
Emma 1874- (John C. Babler)
Barbara 1875-1960
Philip 1875-1960

The Graphic press Postville Iowa 01 June 1893 pg 1 badgerlink.com The town heard Peter coming before they saw him. He had to be the talk of the town for a couple of days and teased about the proceeds the following Sunday at church.