Tiemens, Gerrit Jan 1827-1927 & Aartje Kers Family

TIEMENS, KERS, DIKS, HULSMAN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 1/14/2023 at 09:23:31

Tiemens, Gerrit Jan 1837-1927 and Aartje Kers Family

This biography was compiled by Wilma J. Vande Berg of the Greater Sioux County Genealogical Society and taken from various identified sources. The purpose was to find as much about the Gerrit Jan Tiemans family that was available from local sources. When family information is taken from various sources it is often found that the information varies from one source to another. Often birth places and dates are listed differently in various family reports. The information in this biography was stated as found in the source addressed.

A semblance of the life and times of Sioux County pioneers can be read about in several Sioux County books. “The Story of Sioux County” by Charles Dyk which gives a very colorful account of pioneer life with its joys and hardships. The book “Siouxland A History of Sioux County” by Nelson Nieuwenhuis gives great historical accounts of the area. The “1908 Sioux County Atlas” has historical accounts of the various townships of Sioux County. Also, the ‘Sioux County Iowa digital archives’ newspapers can be googled as such, and can be searched for pioneer's names that could lead to more items of interest in their daily life.

Research – A Family report on public member trees on ancestry.com (submitted by others) lists
Gerrit Jan Tiemens born 10 Nov 1837 Terwolde Gelderland Netherlands and died 29 Dec 1927 Washington. He was the son of Hendrik Tiemens and Willemina Diks. He married Aarjte Kers born 1834 Nijbroek Gelderland Netherlands and died 1914 Iowa. She was the daughter of Jan Kers and Aartje Hulsman. Just one child listed was Alice Tiemens 1871-1934, were more children.

1880 Census of East Orange and Nassau Township Sioux County Iowa, lists Gerret J. Tiemans age 42 born about 1838 Holland married wife Aartje occupation was Blacksmith. Children first four born Holland were: John 18, William 15, Henry 13, Aaltje 10 and Junsje 3 born IL.

1900 Census of Nassau Township, Sioux County Iowa lists Gerrit Tiemens age 62 born Nov 1837 Holland, immigrated in 1873 married to Aartjen, born Nov 1834 Holland, married 41 years in 1859, he was a retired implement dealer. Living with them was William Tiemens 35 a son and Jennie Tiemens 23 a daughter.

CHILDREN
1. John Tiemens born 11862-1914 Source: Alton Democrat issue of 14 Feb 1914, Alton column After many months of suffering, John Tiemens, a well known Kelso WA resident, passed to the Great Beyond last Thursday night. Although everything that the best of medical and surgical skill could do was attempted for his relief, the end was not to be avoided. Blood-poisoning, caused by a small bruise received while at work last August brought on his death. The original accident occurred at Taylor's camp on August 15, 1913. Mr. Tiemens was removing a nut from a bolt when the wrench slipped, and struck his left hand. From the middle finger of the left hand, which was originally injured the poison permeated his entire system, eventually bringing on death. John Tiemens was born in Deventer, Holland, February 24, 1862. With his parents he came to the United States in 1873, settling in Chicago. There the family remained until 1879, when they moved to Alton, Iowa. Mr. Tiemens at that place followed the black-smiting and hardware business. On December 29, 1885, he was married to Miss Mary Kooyman, and to this union were born two children, who, with the widow, survive. The children are Mrs. L. S. Dennison and George Tiemens of this place. Mr. Tiemens moved to Kelso in 1902, and in 1903 became associated with his father in the construction of dwelling houses here. Both of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.J. Tiemens, are residing in Kelso at present. Deceased is also survived by two brothers and two sisters. These are Henry Tiemens of Archer, Iowa; Mrs. Alice Mulder of Alton, Iowa, Wm. Tiemens and Mrs. A.G. Kenaston of Kelso. Funeral services conducted by Rev. D.W. Myers of the Baptist church, are being held at the family residence this afternoon. Interment is in the I.O.O.F. cemetery. Family and friends of the deceased have the most sincere sympathy of the entire community in this their hour of bereavement.---Washington Kelsonian.

2. William Tiemens From the Alton Democrat, June 2, 1933: Wm. Tiemens, brother of Mrs. Ryer Mulder, and an early resident of Alton, died at his home in Kelso, Wash., on May 26, according to news received by his sister here. Mr. Tiemens was about 68 years of age and is survived by his wife and one daughter and by several sisters and brothers. His boyhood and youth were spent in Alton, where he later engaged in the painting and decorating trade. He has lived in Washington for many years. Note; Transcribed information from his State of Washington death certificate, posted on Ancestry.com, has William Tiemens, married, age 68, born abt. 1865; parents G. J. Tiemens and Aartga; spouse Minnie Tiemens; died 26 May 1933 in Tacoma, Washington. FindaGrave.com has William Tiemens; born 3 Jan 1865; died 26 May 1933; buried in Cowlitz View Memorial Gardens, Kelso, Washington. Parents Garrett J. Tiemens (1837-1927) and Aartje Kers Tiemens; spouse Willemina I. Rube Tiemens (1882-1933). The 1900 U.S. census shows him (age 35, born in Holland), his parents (Gerrit and Aartjen, both born in Holland), and his sister Jennie (age 23, born in Illinois) living in Alton. William and his parents had immigrated in 1873. His father is a retired implement dealer and William is a teamster. From the Alton Democrat, August 14, 1909: “Will Tiemens who is here from Kelso, Washington to visit old neighbors after an absence of eight years reports his parents well” and his sister Jennie has married a Mr. Kenniston. “Will’s father was one of Alton’s early blacksmiths. Will is following painting and paperhanging…. The father and his sons Will and Arie each have an eighty of land apiece. Will—who was for several years ‘devil’ on the Alton Democrat—is now foreman in a logging camp.

3. Henry Tiemens born abt 1867 Holland Washington Death born 1867 died 19 Aug 1959 at Kelso Cowlitz WA. Sioux county Capital of Sep 10, 1959 Mr. and -Mrs. Henry Klein have received word of the death of their cousin, Mr. Henry Tiemens, 92, of Kelso, Wash. Mr. Tiemens was a former resident of Alton. He was engaged in the blacksmith business here and for many years after he moved to Kelso, frequently visited Alton relatives and friends. Alton Democrat of Sep 3, 1959 Charles M. McCabe, Boyden Former Resident Passes Word has been received here of the death of Henry Tiemens, 92, of Kelso, Wash., on August 20. Mr. Tiemens was a cousin of Mrs. Henry W. Klein of Alton. Many years ago he assisted his father in the Tiemens blacksmith shop here.

4. Aaltje Alice Tiemens Mrs. Reyer Mulder 1871-1934
Source: Alton Democrat (3-23-1934) Born: February 16, 1871 Died: March, 1934 Mrs. Reyer Mulder, a resident of Alton for nearly 50 years, passed on at her home here Monday night after an acute illness of five days. She was an invalid and shut in for twenty-two years, unable to stand or walk but sustained by a courageous and patient spirit and cared for by a loving family, she reached the age of 63 years. Alice Tiemens was born February 16, 1871, at Denventer, The Netherlands. When a young child she accompanied her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. G.J. Tiemens, to the United States. The family first settled in Chicago but a few years later moved to Alton, where Mr. Tiemens was a pioneer blacksmith, having his shop on the corner now occupied by the Service garage. In 1894 she was married to Reyer Mulder. To this union five children, a daughter and four sons, were born. They are Mrs. Ralph Hulst of Gilby, North Dakota; John, Gerrit, Arthur (Barnum), and Edward, all of Alton. She is survived by her husband and children, by a brother, Henry Tiemens and a sister, Mrs. A.G. Kennston both of Kelso, Washington. Two brothers, John and William Tiemens passed on within the last few years. Although Mrs. Mulder’s acquaintance was not large owing to her infirmity, she had many devoted friends to whom she was a shining example for her patience, cheerfulness and appreciation of the higher things in life. Funeral services were held at the home on Wednesday afternoon, in charge of Reverend J.R. Enwema, and interment was in Nassau Cemetery. The only daughter, Mrs. Hulst, was not able to come on account of illness in the family but a nephew, Herman Tieman and family of Archer came Wednesday to attend the service.

5. Jennie Tiemens Mrs. Arthur G. Kenaston 1876-1938 From the Alton Democrat, August 5, 1938: Mrs. Kenaston Dies In Tacoma Hospital Mrs. Jennie Tiemens Kenaston of Kelso, Washington, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. G. J. Tiemens and resident of Alton until she was 26 years of age, died in a Tacoma hospital on July 22. She lived most of her life at Alton until the family moved from here in 1903. Mrs. Kenaston had been ill for nearly two years and at the time of her death was 62 years of age. Her husband, Arthur G. Kenaston; a daughter, Mrs. Evelyn Godfrey; four sons, Lawrence, George, Richard and Henry; a brother, Henry Tiemens; and three grandchildren, all of Kelso, survive. Funeral services were held at Kelso on July 26. The four sons, the son-in-law and a nephew were pallbearers. Mrs. Kenaston was a sister of the late Mrs. Ryer Mulder of Alton. NOTE A death record extract on Ancestry.com has Jennie Kenaston, age 61, father Garrett Tiemens, mother Autje Kera or Kerr, spouse A. G. Kenaston, died 22 July 1938 at Fort Stellacoom, Pierce County, Washington. FindaGravecom page adds her birth year, 1876; buried in Cowlitz View Memorial Gardens, Kelso, Washington. Parents Garrett J. Tiemens (1837-1927) and Aartje Kers Tiemens (1834-1914). Three siblings listed. Spouse Arthur Garfield Kenaston (1881-1953). Children Evelyn Leola Kenaston Godfrey (1906-1976), George Kenaston (1910-1965), Richard Arthur Kenaston (1912-2004), and Henry Ronald Kenaston (1915-1988). There is a photo of her headstone. U.S. census records show that she was born in Illinois and that in 1910 the Kenastons were farming in Cowlitz County; in 1920 they were living in Kelso where Arthur was a shingle mill packer and her father Gerrit J. was living with them as head of household; and in 1930 Arthur was a millwright in a shingle mill.

OBITUARY of Gerrit J. Tiemens 1837-1927
From De Volksvriend, January 12, 1928: OVERLIJDENSBERICHT
Den 30n Dec. 1927, heeft G. J. Tiemens te Kelso, Wash , het tijdelijke met 't eeuwige verwisseld. Tot het laatste uur was hij volkomen bewust van alles. Maar hij was blijde heen te gaan en weder vereenigd te worden met de geliefden die hem voorgingen. Hij geloofde in Christus als zijn Zaligmaker en dit bleek ook uit zijn leven, in zijn optreden in de Geref. kerk, in de Y M. C. A. en in de Zondagsschool.
Vader bereikte den gezegenden ouderdom van 90 jaar, 1 maand en 19 dagen. 25 jaren lang woonde en werkte hij als smid te Alton, Iowa, waar de oude pioneers zich zijner zeker zullen herinneren. Zijn heengaan is voor ons en zijn vrienden een verlies, maar wij wor¬den getroost door de gedachte dat zijn geloof niet beschaamd zal wor¬den.
Zijne kinderen ; Henry Tiemens, Kelso, Washington ; Wm. Tiemens, Kelso, Washington ; Jennie Kenaston-Tiemens ; Alice Mulder-Tiemens; 16 Klein- en 5 Achterkleinkinderen

TRANSLATION: OBITUARY On December 30, 1927, G. J. Tiemens of Kelso, Washington, exchanged the temporary for the eternal. Until the last hour he was perfectly aware of everything. But he was happy to go and be united again with the loved ones who preceded him. He believed in Christ as his Savior and this also applied to his life, in his participation in the Reformed church, in the Y.M.C.A. and in the Sunday school. Father reached the blessed age of 90 years, 1 month and 19 days. For 25 years he lived and worked as a smith [blacksmith] in Alton, Iowa, where the old pioneers surely will remember him. His passing is a loss for us and his friends, but we are comforted by the thought that his faith remained steadfast. His children: Henry Tiemens, Kelso, Washington, William Tiemens, Kelso, Washington, Jennie Kenaston-Tiemens, Alice Mulder-Tiemens, 16 grand- and 5 great-grandchildren.

OBITUARY From De Volksvriend, January 19, 1928, Corsica, S.D. news: News of the deaths of two old settlers, one of whom was Mr. G. J. Tiemens.
Mr. Tiemens kwam uit Chicago en begon dadelijk een smederij. Later was hij in de machine business met Wm. Mulder. Hij was niet verlegen, kon goed redeneeren, las en studeerde veel, soms boeken van een andere richting dan bij vroeger beleed. In de Y. M. C. A. was hij een der getrouwste medewerkers. Hij verhuisde naar het westen. Tot onze blijdschap ver¬namen wij uit het schrijven In de V en ook in het overl. bericht dat hij "geloofde In Christus als zijn Zaligmaker” Hij is dus de rust ingegaan.

TRANSLATION Mr. Tiemens came from Chicago and immediately started a smithy. Later he was in the machine business with Wm. Mulder. He was not shy, he could reason well, read and studied a lot, sometimes books from a different direction than in the past. In the Y.M.C.A. he was one of the most faithful workers. He moved to the west. To our joy we learned [from his correspondence and also in his final message?] that he “believed in Christ as his Savior.” He has entered his rest.

RESEARCH NOTES FindaGrave.com has him as Garrett J. Tiemens (with a photo of his headstone); born 10 Nov 1837; died 29 Dec 1927; buried in Cowlitz View Memorial Gardens, Kelso, Washington. Spouse Aartje Kers Tiemens (1834-1914). Children John (1862-1914), William (1865-1933), Henry (1867-1959), and Jennie Tiemens Kenaston (1876-1938).
The 1880 U.S. census for East Orange [Alton], Nassau Township, Sioux County has Gerrit J. Tiemans, age 42, a blacksmith, with wife Aartje (45) and children John (18, farm laborer), William (15, farm laborer), Henry (13), Aaltje (10), and Jeensje (3). All were born in Holland except Jeensje, who was born in Illinois.
The 1900 census shows him as Gerrit Tiemens (62, a retired implement dealer) with wife Aartje (65), son William (35, a teamster), and daughter Jennie (23). Gerrit, Aartje and William immigrated in 1873, and Gerrit is naturalized. In the 1920 census he is living with Jennie and Arthur Kenaston and their family in Kelso, Washington; he is the homeowner; his naturalization year is given as 1878. News notes in the Alton Democrat indicate he moved to Kelso in about 1903.
WieWasWie.nl has a birth record entry for Gerrit Jan Tiemens, born 11 Nov 1837 in Terwolde, Gelderland; parents Hendrik Tiemens, age 38, a shoemaker, and Willemina Diks, age 36.

OBITUARY of Aartje Mrs. Gerrit Tiemens
Source: Alton Democrat issue of 23 May 1914, Archer column and Alton column. Mr. and Mrs. H. Tiemens were called to Kelso, Wash., on account of the death of the former's mother. Word was received here this week that Mrs. Tiemens Sr. of Kelso, Wash., died very suddenly Saturday last of heart failure. The deceased formerly was a resident of Alton.
Poster's note: On ancestry.com and the Washington Death Certificate record lists Mrs. G.J. Tiemens, age 87, born about 1827, died 16 May 1914 at Kelso, Washington. Her parents were John and Aartje Kers.

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