Berlin W. M. Dieter was born near Charlottesville, Indiana, on May 23, 1886. He was a son of George A. and Josephine (Jeffries) Dieter. George A. Dieter was the son of John S. Dieter and wife, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in New England. John D. Dieter came to the United States when a young man and settled in the East. Later he moved to Adams county, Ohio, where he was engaged in the mercantile business. He died in California and his wife is still living in Clear Lake, Washington. They were the parents of the following children: John, Fernandes, George A., Florence, Rose and Mary.

George A. Dieter was born in Adams county, Ohio, on March 20, 1855, and died in Greenfield, Indiana, on May 7, 1914. He was educated in Ohio and in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a stationary engineer and engaged in this occupation in Greenfield. He was a Democrat in politics. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen lodge and had been through all the chairs of this lodge. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church. They were married on December 25, 1884, and had only one child, the subject of this sketch. Josephine Jeffries, who was the mother of the subject of this sketch, was born on December 25, 1856 and is still living with her son in Greenfield. Her parents were from Virginia.

Berlin W. M. Dieter came to Greenfield when he was four years old. He received all of his education in Greenfield, and after he left school he entered the service of the telephone company of Greenfield. He spent about four years in this service, working for both the Hannah Jackson and Morrison telephone companies. When he quit the service he was holding the position of trouble-man. After a serious illness, which lasted for ten months, Mr. Dieter bought a half interest in the Elam Leary electrical supply house. Later he bought the entire control of this concern and has developed a large and lucrative business, the only one of its kind in Greenfield.

Mr. Dieter is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Christian church.

Transcribed from History of Hancock County, Indiana, Its People, Industries and Institutions by George J. Richman, B. L., Federal Publishing Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, 1916. Pages 894-895.

Submitted by Sylvia (Rose) Duda, Laingsburg, MI September 24, 2001.

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