Lifestyle
German Man
By Tiffany GreenBill Pfeil is proud of his German heritage.
His grandfather, Wilhelm Pfeil was born in Germany in 1837, and immigrated to Cullman around 1880. The Pfeils brought their four children with them and made a life here.
“My grandfather purchased 160 acres of land from Otto Cullmann in March of 1883 for $153,” Bill said.
The land is located near the railroad tracks in Phelan, where Bill and his wife Ann still live today.
Bill said he was a miracle from the beginning.
“My parents had two children that had died,” he said. “I was born in a one room log cabin with no medical assistance.”
Pfeil’s mom died shortly after his birth and he was raised by his father and uncle.
Pfeil still owns the home where he was born and his house sits on the land purchased so long ago by his grandfather. He remembers a hard life growing up.
“I was 12 years old before I had electricity,” he said.
He reminisced with his wife about the old days, when he could go to the movies, get a doughnut from Duchess Bakery and have a coke, all for just a handful of change.
“Things have changed a lot since I was young,” he said. “I can remember on cold winter days the small of my uncle blacksmithing.”
Pfeil’s family is buried at Cullman City Cemetery near Col. John G. Cullmann. He said he remembers the cemetery when it was small. His father is the only one of his family members with a marked grave. Pfeil is named after his grandfather, only a small difference in the spelling.
“It was spelled wrong on his grave,” he said.
Pfeil farmed and went to Hanceville High School where he graduated in 1957.
“In farmed one year then made a career with the state planning ALDOT for almost 40 years and farmed on the side,” he said.
A few years ago, Pfeil was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.
“It was through God’s grace that I’m here,” he said. “I was given a second miracle.”
Pfeil went to Boston for a few months of treatment. His wife stayed behind at home. It was the first time they had been apart.
“For the first time in 45 years, I had to take my wedding rind off,” he said. “I have been real fortunate in my life.”
Pfeil is now cancer free and enjoying life on his farm. In his spare time he enjoys traveling with his wife. They have been all over the United States as well as Canada, Switzerland, Austria, the Holy Land, Egypt and Mexico.
Another hobby is collecting antique tractors. He has been collecting them since age 18 and has several. He still using his 1953 tractor to move his pastures. Pfeil also enjoys raising cattle, collecting antiques and is a member of the Lion’s Club.
‰ Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.
- Lifestyle
-
-
'Just doing my job'
SMITH LAKE — Wayne Patton doesn’t consider himself a hero, but in a dense jungle on March 26, 1970, he sure acted like one.
-
'Just doing my job'
SMITH LAKE — Wayne Patton doesn’t consider himself a hero, but in a dense jungle on March 26, 1970, he sure acted like one.
-
Friends For Life
Sherri Bright was born with and has suffered most of her life from a genetic disease called polycystic kidney disease. When the time came for her to need a kidney transplant, Sherri did not have to look far.
-
I was never alone
JONES CHAPEL — It was her 36th birthday and instead of celebrating, she was mourning the death of her grandmother.
-
Hope for the next generation
Six-year old Cabri Adams wanted to do something in honor of her mom who survived breast cancer.
-
Survival, hope
Judy Adamson was living life to the fullest. She had a wonderful family, a good job and enjoyed the small things, when one Saturday she felt something.
- German Man
-
Roy Drinkard - Burgermeister
Drinkard has been a driving force in Cullman for more than 50 years.
-
Michael Waldrop
Michael Waldrep had never attempted to play a musical instrument. He had never even been able to read music.
-
Life Inspiration Awards
Getting cancer at a young age was something Clint Hollingsworth thought he would never have to deal with.
-
Home Away From Home
SMITH LAKE — Located in Crane Hill is a place for RV lovers to rest, relax and enjoy beautiful Smith Lake.
- More Lifestyle Headlines
-
'Just doing my job'
