GEERDES, Gertje 1826-1914

GEERDES, MEYER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 5/14/2015 at 18:29:56

Mrs. W. A. Meyer Dead

Mrs. W. Meyer died at her home southwest of town Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock. She had been sick for several months and for weeks her death was expected at any hour. Funeral arrangements have not been made. A complete obituary will appear in next paper.

--The Grundy Democrat (Grundy Center, Iowa), 19 March 1914, pg 1

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Passing Of Another Pioneer

Mrs. A. W. Meyer Was Resident of County 49 Years

In the death of Mrs. A. W. Meyer Grundy county lost another of her early settlers. Mrs. Meyer came to this county in 1865 and she resided here continually up to the time of her death. Her home during the largest share of these 49 years was on the place that her husband bought in Shiloh township when she and her family came here. Mrs. Meyer up to the time of her death was the oldest woman residing in this section. Less than a half dozen families are now residing here who lived in this part of the county when the Geerdes family moved here.

Mrs. Meyer was compelled to take to her bed about two months ago. From the first her illness resulting from the infirmities of old age it was feared would be her last and during the last two weeks her death was expected at any hour.

Funeral services were held at the Rev. Hoefker church Friday. They were in charge of the local pastor. Owing to the wide acquaintance of the deceased and her family the attendance at the funeral taxed the seating capacity of the large church.

Obituary
Mrs. Gertje Geerdes Meyer was born in Campen, Eastfriesland, Germany, June 15th, 1826. In 1856 she was married to Geerd J. Geerdes. The wedding ceremony was performed in the Fatherland and shortly after the young couple sailed for America to make their future home. In 1856 they arrived in Stephenson county, Ill., where they resided for nine years. In 1865 they moved to Grundy county. They bought a farm on the Shiloh-Hardin line west of Wellsburg. The place at that time was bought for $4.00 a acre. Seven children were born to this union, all of whom are now living. The children are A. G. Geerdes, Jacob, Henry, Heye and John Geerdes, Mrs. W. A. Meyer and Mrs. S. J. Snittjer. The father of this family died in January 1880. In December 1882 Mrs. Geerdes was united in marriage to A. W. Meyer who survives her.

--The Grundy Democrat (Grundy Center, Iowa), 26 March 1914, pg 1