Koop, Wiebrand J. (1843-1914)

KOOP, SCHAA, GREENFIELD, CORDES, ABBAS, SMID

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 5/24/2015 at 15:24:36

Jewell Record, Thursday, March 19, 1914

PIONEER HAS PASSED AWAY

W. J. Koop Died Sunday at Home Northwest of Jewell at Age of About 70 Years

Another of the pioneers of this community passed to his final reward when W. J. Koop died of cancer of the stomach at his home northwest of Jewell last Sunday, March 15th, at the age of 70 years, 4 months and 25 days. He had suffered from the disease about one and one-half years, but only in the past two weeks was it realized that his condition was serious. Funeral services were held yesterday, Wednesday afternoon, at one o'clock from the home and at two o'clock from the German Presbyterian church, east of Kamrar, the pastor, Rev. Gerdes, officiating.

Wiebrand J. Koop was born October 20th, 1843, near Bunde, Ostfriesland, Germany, and in 1867 he emigrated to America. He lived at first in Illinois, and elsewhere, finally locating in Lyon township, Hamilton county, Iowa, on the homestead farm still owned by his family. There he continued to live until death claimed him, one of the community's early and always respected pioneers, one of those who witnessed the growth and development of this county, and has borne a prominent part in the bringing about of its development. He has always been a faithful member of the church east of Kamrar.

Two years after he came to America he sent back to Germany for the young lady who had promised to be the sharer of his life in the new country, Miss Harmke A. Schaa, and on November 14th of that year they were united in marriage. This union was blessed with seven children, all of whom, as well as the wife, still survive. The children, all of whom live in the community between Jewell and Kamrar, are John W. Koop, Mrs. S. H. Greenfield, Mrs. A. B. Cordes, Mrs. Arend Greenfield, W.W. Koop, Mrs. George Abbas and Mrs. George Schmid. [Smid]

The Record joins with a host of friends of this worthy pioneer who sincerely regret his loss, and extends the bereaved wife and family its heartfelt sympathy in their hour of sorrow.