Agnes Ziegler, GW #4

Agnes was born in January 1874 Weissport, Pa. to Frederick and Matilda Messinger.  She was licensed as an evangelist in 1894.  The following year, on 21 February 1895 she married preacher Wilson K. Ziegler.  The marriage was performed by William Gehman in Vera Cruz, Pa.  On the marriage license application, Wilson’s occupation is listed as minister and Agnes’ occupation is evangelist. 

Their first child made her appearance in 1897.  In those days, married women were expected to stay home since housekeeping was a full-time job.  It appears that Agnes did not stay long with the Gospel Workers.  Her husband Wilson was a preacher for several years, being assigned to the Norristown congregation in 1897.  The following year he served in Norristown, Hatfield, and Quakertown.  In 1899 he served in Hatfield and Quakertown.  In 1900 Wilson was assigned to Reading where he served until 1903 when he no longer has a pastoral assignment.  Wilson was the chairman of the 1902 ministerial convention.  In spite of his esteemed position, Wilson was accused of disloyalty.  After being examined by a committee, it was decided to expel him.  The Zieglers moved to Hazelton, in Luzerne County, Pa. where Wilson worked as a coal miner.  Their family continued to grow as more children were born to Agnes and Wilson.  They had six children in all.  According to Wilson’s obituary, the Zieglers were of the Mennonite faith.  Agnes died on 21 April 1951 and is buried next to her husband in Mountain View Cemetery in Hazel Township.