Dietrich William Wiemers

Johann & Aalke Wiemers Heritage Site

Dietrick William Wiemers was the sixth of ten children born to Johann Heinrich Wiemers and Aalke Janssen Gerdes Wiemers. He was christened and confirmed in the New Fountain Methodist Church on March 5, 1883, of which he was a lifetime member.

On December 29, 1888, at 21 years age, Dietrick married Trientje Bohmfaulk who was then 20 years of age. Trientje came to America in 1884 with her brother Rolf Bohmfalk. Trentje was a kind, gentle character, and devout Christian. She was loved by all who knew her.

Dietrick and Trientje first lived in New Fountain. On March 26, 1890, Dietrich William and his brother-in-law, Rolf Bohmfalk, jointly purchased 320 acres located about five miles southeast of Hondo, Texas. Twenty-one years later, on September 19, 1911, the land was divided equally, with Dietrich acquiring the north 160 acres. This was known as the "home place". Dietrich and Trientje bulit a large barn first and lived in it until the house could be built later.

Dietrich was a hard worker and a successful farmer and rancher. He cleared the land, built fences, dug wells, and made other improvements. He also owned a cane mill of which he made syrup, not only for their own home use, but also for many of the neighbors. He owned one of the first automobiles in Medina County, a 1915 Buick. Dietrich primarily raised cattle. He drove many herds to the San Antonio market on horseback and in later years the cattle were shipped by railroad to the Fort Worth market.

Trentje died June 11, 1934, at age 65. Dietrich lived another 19 years and died on April 13, 1953 at the age of 85 years. Both are buried at New Fountain Cemetery.

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