Cambier, Peter, 1874-1932

CAMBIER, VANDERSCHAAF

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/4/2010 at 19:12:49

P. CAMBIER LIES BESIDE HIS BROTHER
Died Saturday From Same Cause as John

Peter Cambier's death Saturday [Feb. 20] caused a shock to the county as great as the passing of his brother John just 18 days previously. His death was from the same cause--a blood clot in the heart--and like his brother he was seriously ill only a few days.

His business success closely paralled that of his brother John, with whom he was associated, and the firm of Cambier Bros. was so well known throughout this section of the state that the two men were known to practically every farmer within a radius of many miles of Orange City.

Mr. Cambier was taken ill between one and two o'clock Wednesday morning, having spent the entire previous evening with friends at the indoor fair, when he appeared in excellent health. His death occurred at 1:45 Saturday afternoon.

He was the third child of Mr. and Mrs. John Cambier, Sr., and was born at Port Gibson, New York, February 23, 1857.[note that this year cannot possibly be correct] Had he lived until the following Tuesday he would have been 57 years old. At the age of seven years he came with his parents to Sioux county; the family located on a farm a mile west of the Carnes church. In 1898 he married Miss Bessie Vander Schaaf, daughter of Auke Vander Schaaf, a Sioux county pioneer, at Sioux Center. They farmed until 1912 when Peter purchased half interest in the implement business of his brother John, the new firm operating under the name of Cambier Bros.

Two children were born, both of whom survive their father, Miss Sadie, now employed in the Toy National bank of Sioux City, and Miss Ruth, a teacher in the Webster City high school, both of whom were with their mother at his bedside when he passed beyond.

In 1912 Cambier Bros. erected the cement block building in which they organized and conducted what was destined to become one of the largest implement houses that ever existed operating without branches. Machinery was sold in unbelievable quantities over the entire northwest, the old Cambier slogan of "Large sales and small profits" setting the pace. The older residents will recall that on the Cambier Sale day crowds were brought to Orange City which could only be paralleled by celebrations.

On coming to Orange City Mr. Cambier purchased the Bolks residence opposite the American Reformed church where the family reside at this time.

During the year 1920 Cambier Bros. erected the beautiful garage building now occupied by the Cambier Motor Co., and with the increase in automobile sales Peter Cambier, in 1912[1922?], bought the interest of John Cambier in the implement business and operated under his own name until the spring of 1930 when he sold the stock to the Miller Implement Co. of LeMars, retaining possession of the building. His business when alone was as successful as in the past and it was only his desire for more leisure that prompted the sale to the Miller company.

In 1925 he purchased the farm of Henry Brinks located a mile and a half west of Orange City on Highway 10. Up to the time of his death he had built the farm up until it was one of the show places of Sioux county, with modern and beautiful buildings. His particular hobby was fine Polled Hereford cattle, and he owned the most outstanding herd in this section of the country. He spared no money or expense to obtain the finest and best-blooded cattle in the country. Mr. Cambier was also a heavy feeder of stock; in 1929 gaining the unique and enviable distinction of marketing two carloads of beeves--one of fat steers and the other fat heifers--both groups topping the market price for the year on the same day. The high quality of his feeding stock was recognized in the fact that one year he sold seven baby beeves for feeding purposes which were on our fair circuits that fall.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at one-thirty o'clock at the house and at two o'clock at the First Reformed church, of which he was a member, Rev. H. Colenbrander officiating. Burial was at the Orange City cemetery on the same lot where his brother John was buried, a fitting thought after the lifetime association of the two men. The funeral arrangements were in charge of Mr. A. D. Van Etten of Webster City, fiance of Miss Ruth Cambier, and Charles Van der Ploeg of Sioux Center, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Cambier.

Peter Cambier was a highly respected citizen and community builder, a liberal donor to charities and other general community welfare. He was a man of very high moral character, respected and liked by everyone. Mr. Cambier had a very likable disposition, always cheerful and pleasant to meet.

Besides the bereaved family he is survived by the one brother now remaining, Jacob of Alton; and his two sisters, Mrs. John Mason, also of Alton, and Mrs. Henry Giebink of Orange City. The loss of the two brothers in such a short interval of time has nearly dazed the members of the family and even their friends can scarcely comprehend as yet the loss that has been suffered by relatives and community alike.

The funeral services Monday were attended by a vast concourse of friends who crowded the great church to its utmost capacity, with many unable to find room in the large auditorium, attesting to the wonderful esteen in which the departed citizen was held.

Source: Alton Democrat, Feb. 26, 1932.
The obituary is accompanied by a photo.

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Death Claims Peter Cambier

Peter Cambier of Orange City passed away Saturday afternoon, less than three weeks after the death of his brother, the late John Cambier. Mr. Cambier was born in 1874 and he came to Sioux county when he was 7 years old. He was engaged in farming until 1910 when he formed a partnership with his brother John in the implement business. In 1922 this partnership was dissolved and Peter Cambier continued the business alone until 1930 when he sold out and retired. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Miss Sadie Cambier of Sioux City and Miss Ruth Cambier, who teaches at Webster City.

Source: Hawarden Independent, Feb. 25, 1932.