| Notes |
- (Research):[barberhistorymuriels.FTW]
Peter was born August 3, 1892 on the farm in the NE 1/4 of Section 12. In 1910 his folks moved to Vesta, (after Will was married) and he lived with them as well as Agnes and Sadie and perhaps Burt. Pete worked about three years in the Bendix-Dickson General Store in Vesta. This was approximately 1910 through 1913. He told of some experiences working for Frank Bendix. The flour came in large barrels and the clerks would put a small amount in bags. Although it was one brand of flour, some of the customers were very particular about the quality purchased. One lady in particular always requested a certain brand - - but no matter what kind the customer asked for, it all came out of the same barrel. Probably some of the "better brands" cost a little more than the others!
In later years Pete didn't want his wife, Hilda, to use the colored sugars (on Christmas cookies, for example). Many women bought them - - whether it was just the colored sugars he disliked or the customers themselves, he didn't elaborate, but no doubt it was the customers. There were some hard times those years and many customers would charge their groceries and other items until they could pay. Of course, some of them never were able to take care of their bill and others simply took advantage of Frank's kind heart. At the beginning of the week he would instruct his clerks not to give credit to those customers whose accounts were in arrears. Of course, before the week was out, some of these customers were back wanting to charge their supplies. When the clerk refused to do so, the customer would often go "right to the top" and ask Frank to charge the items. Being a compassionate person - and unable to say "no", he would give permission to extend more credit.
At one time Pete worked in Northern Minnesota in the St. Vincent area doing farm work for Qustin Griffith. When he was up there a friend told him about the meetings that the "holy Rollers" conducted during the summer months and said he would take Pete when the meetings were in session. When the Holy Rollers came, put up a tent and started their meetings, Pete asked about going. "No" said his buddy, "We'll wait a few days until they get warmed up abit". Later Pete again mentioned going to the meeting - - he was most anxious to see just what went on. But his friend insisted they wait a few more days so as to give the Holy Rollers more time to get into the spirit of it all! Finally, his friend told him, "Tonight we'll go to the meeting". It was a hot night, very crowded, so they had to sit way up in front. The congregation was really "warmed Up" - many were praying out loud - some were singing - general confusion reigned. Suddenly, the woman sitting next to Pete threw her arms up almost hitting him and started shouting/and or talking - - it was difficult to tell which. About then, Pete noticed his friend was no longer sitting beside him and looking around, spied his buddy standing in the doorway of the tent, laughing and enjoying Pete's discomfort. Although Pete didn't want to leave (probably thinking it poor maners), he too made his way to the door. No doubt that was the first and only time he attended the Holy Rollers meeting.
He also "tanked" for Charley Johnson during the thrashing season keeping the tank filled with water. The machine was fired with coal and in order for the motor to run, the tank had to be filled with water so as to create the steam necessary for the motor. Pete worked at the Youman
Lumber Co. in Marshall, MN., a year or two - - from there he entered the service in 1918. He was first sent to Cincinnati, Ohio and then sent to Camp Jackson in South Carolina which was located near Charleston. He had the rank of Ord. Sergeant and served his Army time in the USA. After Pete's discharge from the Army in April 1919 he came by train to Marshall, NM. and got a ride to Vesta. Thinking to suprise his folks, he didn't let them know he was coming. Since it was a warm spring evening, they were sitting out on the front porch. When Pete was about a block from home, he happened to clear his throat. Immeciately his mother said, "Pete's home". Apparently, he had a distinctive "throat clearing" sound! During the next two years Pete worked at various places - - his leisure time was spent with friends - there were picnics - family dinners etc.
Of the various jobs he had, the grocery business was his favorite. At on time Pete seriously considered going back to that and giving up the farming. His son, Wayne, was much relieved when Pete decided to stick with the farm, which was Wayne's preference.
Following is some information concerning the farm where Pete and Hilda lived for thirty years - - the Northeast quarter of Section 11 in Underwood Township. It is taken from the abstract of deed, one of the earliest dated documents concerning the above tract of land in May 9, 1871 when W. W. Curtis, Acting Comissioner of U.S. General Land Office certified that the tract of land was a true description which was on file in his office .
This land together with a portion of land in Section 9 were said to be granted to the state of Minnesota by Acts of Congress approved March 3, 1865 and July 13, 1866.
Peter Marvin was born at the farm where his parents were living. Both Peter and Hilda are buried in Crestlawn Cemetery in Redwood Falls, MN. In September 1952, Pete and Hilda purchased a home at 111 West Wyoming in Redwood Falls, MN., living there ten years. April 1962 they bought a home at 402- 2nd Street.
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1892 - 1970 (78 years)
