My great-grandfather was Jacob Deis born 1856, died 1936 married to Mary Unknown born 1855, died 1941. My grandfather was John Henry (Harry) Dies born 3-3-1883, died 12-15-1944. The spelling was changed from Deis to Dies by my great-uncle Paul Dies. If there is any connection please let me know and I'll let you know if I find more info.