These residents who were born in the Netherlands are just way too easy to find in our older books. As may be surmised by the number of survivors, there are still many in this area who have that name.
From the 9 November 1916 Fremont TimesIndicator:
JOHN RYNBERG
John Rynberg was born in Berta, in the Province of Gronigien, Netherlands, on June 21 1842.
He was a member of a family of 13 children. He remained in Holland until he was 19 years of age, when he came to America and was located at Drenthe, Michigan. Here he was engaged in farming and carpenter work. In 1868 he was married to Clara Mast. To them were born 10 children, all of whom are living.
In 1892 he moved to the present farm home, four miles north of Holton. Here he died on October 29, 1916, at the age of 74 years, four months and eight days. He leaves a widow, six sons and four daughters who are: John Rynberg, of Grand Rapids, Bert Rynberg, of Reeman, Mrs Thayer Hill of Hesperia, and Jacob Rynberg, Joseph Rynberg, Peter Rynberg, Matthew Rynberg, Mrs Claude Markley, Mrs Will Nichols and Grace Rynberg, all of whom live near Holton, Mich.
The funeral services were held from the Holton Baptist church Thursday, Rev. Wm. Kuipers, of the Second Christian Reformed church, Fremont, officiating.
And from a gossip column in the same issue is this issue is this listing of some of the friends and next of kin, who attended the funeral.
John Rynberg and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Wynhoff, Mrs. G. Toppe and daughter, Kate, of Grand Rapids, were here last week to attend the funeral of John Rynberg, Sr. Others here were, Mrs. Fred Heistje , of Holland; Mrs Herbert, of Dublin; Henry Dorncot, of Detroit; Peter Kok and wife, of Zeeland; Mrs Hilbert Kok, Garret and Albert Kok and K Mast, of Drenth, and Bert Hazekamp of Muskegon.
You gotta love those old community gossip columns in the old papers. Where else can you get such information as this? Sometimes they report who came to dinner, and other times, they talk about weddings and births and such that are not mentioned elsewhere. A great source of information.
05 November 2010
03 November 2010
Obituary--Cornelius VanZomeren
Another of our area pioneers who, born in the Netherlands, settled eventually in the Fremont area. So typical of those early pioneers, who were active in the Christian Reformed church, and in their farming community.
From the 27 January 1916, Fremont TimesIndicator:
CORNELIUS VANZOMEREN
Cornelius VanZomeren was born in the Netherlands December 7, 1847 and cam to America when a young man, settling in Kalamazoo, Mich. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Betsy Vandewalker. In the spring of 1883 he moved his family to Fremont, settling on a farm in Dayton township, one mile east and three miles north of this village. He passed through all the hardships attendant on the clearing up of a large farm and the making of a home, but he was possessed of unfailing courage and indomitable will power and in time became one of the most prosperous and progressive farmers of Dayton. In 1903 the farm was sold and a smaller one purchased in Sheridan, one mile south of the city. This was sold in 1906 and he moved back to Kalamazoo, where he died January 21, 1916, at the age of 68 years, one month and 14 days.
Mr. VanZomeren was the father of 11 children, eight of whom, with the widow, survive him, namely, Nellie, Dick, Abraham, Grace and Mrs. G Broekema, of Kalamazoo; William of Detroit, and Mrs Steven Schreur and Lee of Fremont. He also leaves six grandchildren, two brothers Leonard, of Kalamazoo, and Dirk, until recently residing in Fremont, now of Walker.
Mr. VanZomeren was a member of the Christian Reformed church and was always willing to give both time and money to the furtherance of the cause of the church.
Funeral services were held at the home, 136 Johnson St., Kalamazoo, on Monday Jan. 24, conducted by Rev. S. Eldersveld, paster of the First Christian REformed church.
On Tuesday, Jan. 25, the remains were brought to Fremont and services were held at the First Christian Reformed church at 1:30 p.m., conducted by Rev. H. Keegstra. Interment was made in Maple Grove cemetery.
Besides the members of the family from out of town who attended the funeral were Dirk VanZomeren and Mrs. Jennie Zuidyk of Walker and Rev. John VanZomeren, of Grand Rapids.
I like the bit this obituary tells about the early farming life and "the hardships attendant on the clearing up" of a large farm. Nowadays with the open fields, and very large farms, with only smaller wood lots and marshes, it is easy to forget that when many of these settlers came, this area was a both tree covered and often marshy. Without the heavy equipment used today, much work was needed to make the land suitable for farming.
From the 27 January 1916, Fremont TimesIndicator:
CORNELIUS VANZOMEREN
Cornelius VanZomeren was born in the Netherlands December 7, 1847 and cam to America when a young man, settling in Kalamazoo, Mich. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Betsy Vandewalker. In the spring of 1883 he moved his family to Fremont, settling on a farm in Dayton township, one mile east and three miles north of this village. He passed through all the hardships attendant on the clearing up of a large farm and the making of a home, but he was possessed of unfailing courage and indomitable will power and in time became one of the most prosperous and progressive farmers of Dayton. In 1903 the farm was sold and a smaller one purchased in Sheridan, one mile south of the city. This was sold in 1906 and he moved back to Kalamazoo, where he died January 21, 1916, at the age of 68 years, one month and 14 days.
Mr. VanZomeren was the father of 11 children, eight of whom, with the widow, survive him, namely, Nellie, Dick, Abraham, Grace and Mrs. G Broekema, of Kalamazoo; William of Detroit, and Mrs Steven Schreur and Lee of Fremont. He also leaves six grandchildren, two brothers Leonard, of Kalamazoo, and Dirk, until recently residing in Fremont, now of Walker.
Mr. VanZomeren was a member of the Christian Reformed church and was always willing to give both time and money to the furtherance of the cause of the church.
Funeral services were held at the home, 136 Johnson St., Kalamazoo, on Monday Jan. 24, conducted by Rev. S. Eldersveld, paster of the First Christian REformed church.
On Tuesday, Jan. 25, the remains were brought to Fremont and services were held at the First Christian Reformed church at 1:30 p.m., conducted by Rev. H. Keegstra. Interment was made in Maple Grove cemetery.
Besides the members of the family from out of town who attended the funeral were Dirk VanZomeren and Mrs. Jennie Zuidyk of Walker and Rev. John VanZomeren, of Grand Rapids.
I like the bit this obituary tells about the early farming life and "the hardships attendant on the clearing up" of a large farm. Nowadays with the open fields, and very large farms, with only smaller wood lots and marshes, it is easy to forget that when many of these settlers came, this area was a both tree covered and often marshy. Without the heavy equipment used today, much work was needed to make the land suitable for farming.
02 November 2010
Tombstone Tuesday--Whipple Cemetery
Whipple Cemetery is located in northern Newaygo County, in the northernmost tier of townships, and on the border of the two townships west of of the county's center line, on a local gravel road.
In spite of the rather remote location, it appears to be a very well maintained cemetery, and while there are many older stones, there are also many newer looking stones.
And I like this picture. Water is available, but not without some work.
Here you can see what must be a newer portion of the cemetery. Most of the stones you can easily see are more modern granite. Notice that there are many plots with borders. Even that single grave in the foreground is bordered.
The Moote family have five family members in their plot, although in this picture only one newer stone is visible. You can clearly see the border that surrounds the plot in the front of the stone. The Moote family graves date back to 1881, and are as recent as 1947. And do you see the purplish haze above the stone, near the branch? Perhaps one of the family members popped up to see what was going on.
I don't notice any signs of vandalism in any of our pictures. Many of the pictures we have show stones in good repair. This stone still has the fragile finial in the shape of an urn on the top.
Here is another group shot of graves. A substantial border for the back group, and a very large rectangular urn, still with geraniums blooming. The main problem many of these graves face appear to be lichens. Many are not readable, and in many cases, lichens and discolorations seem to be the problem.
This stone simply reads Clarence J. with the dates 1853 - 1909. Who was this man? What was his story? Was he a logger with no family? A stranger who came by, and passed away? Or did his family stop, but not stay. Apparently someone has maintaining this grave, as the died back plants and the little picket fence area attest to.
RIP Clarence, and all who rest here.
RIP Clarence, and all who rest here.
31 October 2010
Obituary--Kornelius Mulder
And one more of our "born in the Netherlands" series. Mr Mulder came earlier than the others seem to have, and instead of being a farmer, as were our previous people, he was a lumber man, working in mills and later owning his own business.
From the 18 March 1915 Fremont TimesIndicator:
K. MULDER DIED IN COOPERSVILLE
Former Business Man of Fremont Passed Away at Home of His Niece Last Thursday.
The death of Kornelius Mulder, a former resident of Fremont, occurred at the home of his niece in Coopersville last Thursday morning. The body was brought here Saturday and interment took place in Maple Grove cemetery Monday morning.
Mr. Mulder was born in the Netherlands July 30, 1926 and came to America at the age of 21 years in company with an elder brother. They went immediately to Grand Haven Mich., and spent the first winter at Perrysburg. (Editor's note, probably Ferrysburg--village across river from Grand Haven.) For several years he lived at Mill Point, now known as Spring Lake where he was employed in a saw mill.
In 1856 he went to Muskegon and helped to build L. G. Mason's first saw mill. He remained in Muskegon until 1873 and was engaged in the mercantile business there from 1862 until 1872.
In 1873 he moved his family to Fremont where he had prviously erected a saw mill. This he operated until 1881 when the mill was destroyed by fire. He at once rebuilt the mill and resumed operations. He was also engaged in the grocery business here.
Mr. Mulder was first married in Muskegon to Fannie C. Langley who died in 1871. To them one child was born. This child died in infancy, a few days after the death of hits mother. In 1873 Mr. Mulder was married to Jane SImpson, a native of Indiana, who died about 5 1/2 years ago.
Since the death of his wife Mr. Mulder has made his home with relatives in Coopersville.
Those attending the funeral here Monday were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mulder, of Muskegon, Luther Mulder of Coopersville; Mrs. Otto Powers of Traverse City and Wm. Hardy and daughter Mrs. Bochs, of Holland.
Again, the Holland connection among the mourners. I searched out business index for his name, but apparently his business was thriving before we have papers available on microfilm. I did find a Jake Mulder, possibly a nephew, who about five years after this, was opening a new general store.
From the 18 March 1915 Fremont TimesIndicator:
K. MULDER DIED IN COOPERSVILLE
Former Business Man of Fremont Passed Away at Home of His Niece Last Thursday.
The death of Kornelius Mulder, a former resident of Fremont, occurred at the home of his niece in Coopersville last Thursday morning. The body was brought here Saturday and interment took place in Maple Grove cemetery Monday morning.
Mr. Mulder was born in the Netherlands July 30, 1926 and came to America at the age of 21 years in company with an elder brother. They went immediately to Grand Haven Mich., and spent the first winter at Perrysburg. (Editor's note, probably Ferrysburg--village across river from Grand Haven.) For several years he lived at Mill Point, now known as Spring Lake where he was employed in a saw mill.
In 1856 he went to Muskegon and helped to build L. G. Mason's first saw mill. He remained in Muskegon until 1873 and was engaged in the mercantile business there from 1862 until 1872.
In 1873 he moved his family to Fremont where he had prviously erected a saw mill. This he operated until 1881 when the mill was destroyed by fire. He at once rebuilt the mill and resumed operations. He was also engaged in the grocery business here.
Mr. Mulder was first married in Muskegon to Fannie C. Langley who died in 1871. To them one child was born. This child died in infancy, a few days after the death of hits mother. In 1873 Mr. Mulder was married to Jane SImpson, a native of Indiana, who died about 5 1/2 years ago.
Since the death of his wife Mr. Mulder has made his home with relatives in Coopersville.
Those attending the funeral here Monday were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mulder, of Muskegon, Luther Mulder of Coopersville; Mrs. Otto Powers of Traverse City and Wm. Hardy and daughter Mrs. Bochs, of Holland.
Again, the Holland connection among the mourners. I searched out business index for his name, but apparently his business was thriving before we have papers available on microfilm. I did find a Jake Mulder, possibly a nephew, who about five years after this, was opening a new general store.
29 October 2010
Obituary--Wyan Arendsen
Another "born in the Netherlands" obituary. And again, mourners coming from Holland. As the name implies, that city was gateway to many of the settlers who came to Michigan from the Netherlands.
From the 9 March 1916, Fremont TimesIndicator:
WYAN ARENDSEN
Wyan Arendsen was born in the Netherlands, May 17, 1840 and emigrated to this country about 50 years ago. He was married to Libbie Hopp in 1865 and to this union were born seven children, five sons and two daughters.
He who knows best called him to a land of rest Wednesday evening, Feb. 23rd, at 8:15 o'clock, being 76 years, nine months and six days of age. Mr. Arendsen leaves to mourn their loss, an aged wife, three sons, Henry, Albert and John, all of Fremont; and two daughters, Mrs. Alice Scott of McCord, Mich., and Mrs. Mary Dunning, of Fremont, sixteen grand-children and twelve great grand-children.
About 31 years ago, Mr. Arendsen purchased a farm northwest of Fremont in Dayton township, where he lived until about seven years ago when old age made the care of the farm too hard for him and his wife and they moved to Fremont and they lived happy and contented until his work was done. Last November he was stricken with heart trouble which caused his death.
Those from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. John Scott, of McCord; Andrew Scott, of Muskegon; Miss Dora Scott, Mrs. Winnie Dysker, Alice Scott, Mrs. Soll, of Grand Rapids; Wm. TImmer and Wm. Hopp, of Holland; Mr. and Mrs. John Hopp and Mrs. Wm. Hopp, of Beaverdam, Mich., and Brad Odell of Big Rapids.
The funeral services were held at the First Christian Reformed church of which he was an active member, Rev. H. Keegstra officiated. He was laid to rest in Maple Grove cemetery.
Another member of the farming community, apparently coming around the time of the Civil War. Family man and one who helped to grow this area into what it is today.
From the 9 March 1916, Fremont TimesIndicator:
WYAN ARENDSEN
Wyan Arendsen was born in the Netherlands, May 17, 1840 and emigrated to this country about 50 years ago. He was married to Libbie Hopp in 1865 and to this union were born seven children, five sons and two daughters.
He who knows best called him to a land of rest Wednesday evening, Feb. 23rd, at 8:15 o'clock, being 76 years, nine months and six days of age. Mr. Arendsen leaves to mourn their loss, an aged wife, three sons, Henry, Albert and John, all of Fremont; and two daughters, Mrs. Alice Scott of McCord, Mich., and Mrs. Mary Dunning, of Fremont, sixteen grand-children and twelve great grand-children.
About 31 years ago, Mr. Arendsen purchased a farm northwest of Fremont in Dayton township, where he lived until about seven years ago when old age made the care of the farm too hard for him and his wife and they moved to Fremont and they lived happy and contented until his work was done. Last November he was stricken with heart trouble which caused his death.
Those from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. John Scott, of McCord; Andrew Scott, of Muskegon; Miss Dora Scott, Mrs. Winnie Dysker, Alice Scott, Mrs. Soll, of Grand Rapids; Wm. TImmer and Wm. Hopp, of Holland; Mr. and Mrs. John Hopp and Mrs. Wm. Hopp, of Beaverdam, Mich., and Brad Odell of Big Rapids.
The funeral services were held at the First Christian Reformed church of which he was an active member, Rev. H. Keegstra officiated. He was laid to rest in Maple Grove cemetery.
Another member of the farming community, apparently coming around the time of the Civil War. Family man and one who helped to grow this area into what it is today.
27 October 2010
Obituary--Mrs. Henry Derks and Mrs. Jacob Tanis
I am starting another theme week with my obituaries. This time the theme is "born in the Netherlands." In randomly searching through some of the obituaries I have copied off for posting, the same phrase kept popping up. While this area was originally settled by other pioneers and lumbermen, we had several waves of settlers from the Netherlands who had a great influence on the culture of the region. You probably have noticed many previously obituaries with that phrase already, and this week will be no exception.
The first posting is actually a two-fer. The death of these two ladies both were mentioned in the same community column for Reeman. Their obituaries were in the same paper, they were born in the Netherlands and both died in the same small community. I decided it was fitting their obituaries be posted together.
From the 25 May 1916 Fremont TimesIndicator:
REEMAN
This community was shocked and saddened by the death of two of its number during the space of one week. Mrs. Derks, who has made her home with her soon, Joe Frens, passed away Wednesday May 17. Early on the morning of May 19 came the death of Mrs. Jake Tanis, who has been ill at her home here for the past three months.
Next, the actual obituary for Mrs. Derks:
MRS. HENRY DERKS
Mrs. Henry Deks died Wednesday noon, May 17 at her home near Reeman, at the age of 72 years. The deceased was born in the Netherlands November 7, 1843. She is survived by her children, namely, John Frens, Mrs. B. Rynberg, Joe Frens, Harry Frens, Mrs F. Buteau and Mrs G. Dake, besides several step-children.
Those from away who attended the funeral are Mrs. Frank buteau, Mr and Mrs. Harry Frens, and Mrs. F. Dake, from Muskegon, Mrs Henry Teusink, from Holland, Mrs. E Comissaris and Mrs. L Lanting from Jamestown.
I am fairly certain that the Holland referred above and again below to was the city in the Michigan county of Ottawa, which is about 50 miles or so away.
Anyway, on to Mrs. Jacob Tanis's obituary.
MRS. JACOB TANIS
Lizzie Drost was born in the Netherlands March 19, 1878. Her parents came to America in 1885, settling first in Brookside and later moving to their present home near Reeman.
She was married May 12, 1897 to Jacob Tanis and to this union three children were born, Willie aged 18, Libbie, 16 and Cora 14.
Mr.s Tanis died Friday, May 19, aged 38 years, two months. She was a loving and devoted wive and mother and a sincere christian, having been a member of the Christian Reformed church since age 16. Besides the grief-stricken husband and children, an aged father and mother, three brothers and three sisters are left to mourn.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 22, at the church which was filled to overflowing by the hosts of friends who gathered to pay their last tribute to one who by her sunny christian character had endeared herself to all.
Those attending from a distance were John Newald and wife, Mr. and Mrs Maring, John Drost and Ed Neiboer of Muskegon, Martin Tanis and wife, Lane Tanis and wife of Holland, Will Drost, of Racine, Wis., and Mrs Josephine bush, of Grand Rapids.
I find particularly interesting in Mrs Tanis's obituary the line about her parents settled first in Brookside and then moving to a home near Reeman. What were then two very small communities are only a three miles apart, and even closer going cross country.
The first posting is actually a two-fer. The death of these two ladies both were mentioned in the same community column for Reeman. Their obituaries were in the same paper, they were born in the Netherlands and both died in the same small community. I decided it was fitting their obituaries be posted together.
From the 25 May 1916 Fremont TimesIndicator:
REEMAN
This community was shocked and saddened by the death of two of its number during the space of one week. Mrs. Derks, who has made her home with her soon, Joe Frens, passed away Wednesday May 17. Early on the morning of May 19 came the death of Mrs. Jake Tanis, who has been ill at her home here for the past three months.
Next, the actual obituary for Mrs. Derks:
MRS. HENRY DERKS
Mrs. Henry Deks died Wednesday noon, May 17 at her home near Reeman, at the age of 72 years. The deceased was born in the Netherlands November 7, 1843. She is survived by her children, namely, John Frens, Mrs. B. Rynberg, Joe Frens, Harry Frens, Mrs F. Buteau and Mrs G. Dake, besides several step-children.
Those from away who attended the funeral are Mrs. Frank buteau, Mr and Mrs. Harry Frens, and Mrs. F. Dake, from Muskegon, Mrs Henry Teusink, from Holland, Mrs. E Comissaris and Mrs. L Lanting from Jamestown.
I am fairly certain that the Holland referred above and again below to was the city in the Michigan county of Ottawa, which is about 50 miles or so away.
Anyway, on to Mrs. Jacob Tanis's obituary.
MRS. JACOB TANIS
Lizzie Drost was born in the Netherlands March 19, 1878. Her parents came to America in 1885, settling first in Brookside and later moving to their present home near Reeman.
She was married May 12, 1897 to Jacob Tanis and to this union three children were born, Willie aged 18, Libbie, 16 and Cora 14.
Mr.s Tanis died Friday, May 19, aged 38 years, two months. She was a loving and devoted wive and mother and a sincere christian, having been a member of the Christian Reformed church since age 16. Besides the grief-stricken husband and children, an aged father and mother, three brothers and three sisters are left to mourn.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 22, at the church which was filled to overflowing by the hosts of friends who gathered to pay their last tribute to one who by her sunny christian character had endeared herself to all.
Those attending from a distance were John Newald and wife, Mr. and Mrs Maring, John Drost and Ed Neiboer of Muskegon, Martin Tanis and wife, Lane Tanis and wife of Holland, Will Drost, of Racine, Wis., and Mrs Josephine bush, of Grand Rapids.
I find particularly interesting in Mrs Tanis's obituary the line about her parents settled first in Brookside and then moving to a home near Reeman. What were then two very small communities are only a three miles apart, and even closer going cross country.
26 October 2010
Tombstone Tuesday--Volney Cemetery
Volney Cemetery is near the Beaver township hall, in western Newaygo county. Burials appear to start in the 1870 and 1880s and continue to the current time.
Much of the cemetery, especially the older sections have the cement boundaries. The bordered plot above is typical. Unfortunately, the day most of our pictures of Volney cemetery were taken was a bright sunny day, and many of our pictures have highly contrasting light and shadows, making some of the names hard to read.
Here however is a clearly visible military stone with the flag in place. The word "Artificer" apparently refers to his rank or job in the army, as it was skilled workman or mechanic in the armed services. Jesse E Walker served in Company 1 of the 18 US Infantry during the Spanish American War. Living from 17 March 1871 to 18 February 1936, I am unable to make out the words inscribed on the bottom of the stone. Although the stone is mottled with lichen, it is very sharp and free from weathering in this picture.
This stone for Sarah Painter Redding (1846-1880) was surprising to me also. It appears to be composed of red granite, a material that I always thought of as of usage much later. While it could have been placed much later than her time of death, the stone itself is of a shape and design similar to older stones.
This stone for John Painter (died 13 November, 1887, age 69 years, 11 months 3 days) is also in a remarkable state of repair. While it is missing a top finial of some kind, the fleur de lis pattern around the bottom is wonderfully sharp and clear. The same stone can be seen in the picture below, although the border from the plot in back cannot.
Here is another large Painter family stone, with a large Bettys family stone in the background.
Here is another old stone in a great state of repair. The base with the crosshatching pattern is clearn and in one piece. The obelisk above is also tall and has the little urn shaped finial still in place. It memorializes the Loehr family. Only the name of Edna Clair Loehr, daughter of J & J Loehr, who died in 1908 is easily readable from this side.
Many family stones are visible in this picture: McDonald, and Charles & Charlotte Gleason. but I was most intrigued by the double stone with the carving in the right foreground. I cannot make out the name but the carved middle stone seems to connect the stones of two separate couples.
Another family plot for the Conleys. Newer stone, but still a bordered plot behind it.
One of the most intriguing stones, listed in the transcript, but not seen in our pictures, has this inscription: James Gorwin, son of J.W and H.M. Was murdered by Daniel McDonald June 2, 1881. 12 years, 10 m's, 3 d'y. Dearest child, rest with your mother's love and care and God will deal justly with the murderer that took your young life. 1869-1881.
Whew! Interesting enough, of the McDonalds in our transcript, there is no Daniel.
One of the most intriguing stones, listed in the transcript, but not seen in our pictures, has this inscription: James Gorwin, son of J.W and H.M. Was murdered by Daniel McDonald June 2, 1881. 12 years, 10 m's, 3 d'y. Dearest child, rest with your mother's love and care and God will deal justly with the murderer that took your young life. 1869-1881.
Whew! Interesting enough, of the McDonalds in our transcript, there is no Daniel.
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