Services were held Saturday for Peter Louis Filer, Methow Valley pioneer who passed away at the age of 88 years [January 17, 1951] at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ora B. Voight, Bremerton.
Born April 9, 1862, in Dallas, Texas, Mr. Filer came to Washington in 1887, then but a territory. He stopped for a time in Ellensburg, coming on to Methow, where he took up a homestead on Beaver Creek and where he and his family lived for many years. Here he was engaged in cattle raising and ranching. He also was one of the first mail carriers in the valley, carrying the mail from Brewster in Silver.
Mr. Filer was engaged in the grocery business in Twisp, where he was associated with Dan McAlister for many years in the partnership of Filer-McAlister. He has been active as a director of the Commercial Bank of Twisp, which position he held until last year when he resigned. He had retired from active farm life seven years ago, selling his Beaver Creek land and home in Buck Stillwell.
For several years the Filers made their home in Twisp where Mrs. Filer passed away July 16, 1945 [Bertie Eudora Stone]. One son, Ernest, of Texas, preceded Mr. Filer in death. Surviving are Ora B. Voight, Bremerton; Frieda Schrag, Eatonville; Phyllis Bergo, Seattle; and Marie Risley of Twisp; two sons, Carlyle file of Dayton and Dean Filer of Twisp; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren also survive. Three sisters also survive, Mrs. Maude Charlton, Ellensburg; Mrs. Lulu Tuverson of Kellogg, Idaho; Mrs. Flora Jones, Wenatchee.
David Nickell of Pateros had charge of the services which were beautiful in its simplicity. He spoke with praise of the life and work of Mr. Filer as a citizen and pioneer builder of this community. The church was filled with friends who came to pay their final respects to Mr. Filer.
The interment was in the Beaver Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ben Nickell, Harley Nickell, Fred Bigelow, J. S. Allen, George Gibson, and Dan McAlister. Smith Funeral Home of Chelan was in charge of the arrangements.
Methow Valley News, January 25, 1951
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman