Obituary from unknown newspaper:

"Mrs. Peter Birk, a resident of Canton for seventy-nine years passed away at her home Saturday afternoon at 1:30, following an illness of several weeks. With her sweet smile and unassuming nature Mrs. Birk endeared herself to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed in the home where she was a devoted wife and mother and by the entire community where she was an ever helpful friend and neighbor and the sympathy of the entire community is extended to the husband and children in their bereavement. She united with the Methodist church in early childhood and was a consistent member to the end.

"Wilhelmina Yust, daughter of Fredrick and Amalia Yust, was born in Grafenheinchen Saxony, Germany on March 20, 1853 and passed away in her home in Canton June 2, 1934, aged 81 years, 2 months and 12 days.

"At the age of three years, with her parents, she came to this country, landing at New Orleans, La., and coming directly to Canton where her entire life was spent.

"She was united in marriage to Peter Birk of Canton June 29, 1871. To this union were born nine children, Mollie, Louise, Rose, Fred, Dora, Nora, Clara, Florence and Earl. Louise and Clara preceded her in death a number of years ago. She is survived by her husband, two sons, Fred of St. Louis and Earl of Canton, and five daughters, Mrs. George [Rose] Laumann of St. Louis, Mrs. Oscar [Florence] Morris of Hannibal, Mrs. George [Nora] Heckrodt of Steffenville, Mrs. Mollie Stone and Mrs. Robert [Dora] Hohmann of Canton. There are also fifteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

"Mr. and Mrs. Birk lived all their married life on Washington St. Following their marriage they went to housekeeping in the cottage, three doors west of the First Methodist church where they lived seventeen years when they moved one-half block east where the rest of their life was spent.

"In 1910 Mr. and Mrs. Birk spent three months abroad visiting in England, Switzerland and Germany and many other places of interest.

"Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. F.P. Hanes in the First Methodist church Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

"Interment was in Forest Grove cemetery."