VerMeulen, Henry, 1850-1922

VERMEULEN, VERMULM, VERWEY

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/26/2012 at 21:27:00

Rock Valley Bee, February 3, 1922

HENRY VER MEULEN

Henry VerMeulen passed away at his home in Rock Valley Tuesday morning, January 31, at the advanced age of seventy-one years, two months and nineteen days. Mr. VerMeulen had been sick about ten months and suffered much during that time.

He was born in Holland, November 12, 1850, where the greater part of his life was spent. He came with his family to this country thirty-one years ago, coming directly to Rock Valley, where he resided continuously until his death. He was married in Holland Feb. 24, 1878, to Gertrude Ver Wey. To this union seven children were born, four boys and three girls, five of whom are living. They are John, of Ramer [i.e., Remer], Minn., Gerrit, Dick, and Mrs. G. Hovenagel, of Rock Valley. [Note that this adds up to only four.] He is also survived by his wife, and a brother in Holland.

Mr. VerMeulen was an active member of the Reformed church in Rock Valley. He was a man who was kind to his family, and was an obliging neighbor and true friend.

Funeral services will be held from the home at 1:30 p.m. and from the Reformed church at 2:00 o'clock Friday.

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A different obituary was published in the Alton Democrat, February 4, 1922. This obit gives his surname as Ver Mulm:

Henry Ver Mulm who has been ill for a period of ten months of a complication of diseases departed this life at his home in Rock Valley Tuesday morning, Jan. 31, 1922. The subject of this sketch was born in the Netherlands Nov. 12, 1850 and at the time of his demise was 71 years two months and 19 days old. He grew to manhood in his native country and on February 24, 1878 he was married to Miss Gertrude Ver Wey and as a result of this union seven children were born to them, four boys and three girls. Three boys and one daughter survive him, namely, Gerrit, Dick, and Mrs. G. Hovenagle of Rock Valley and John Ver Mulm of Remer, Minn., all of which were present to pay the last tribute of respect to a loving father.

In March 1891 he came with his family to America and located in Rock Valley where he has continuously resided till his passing. He was an industrious hard working man, was a good neighbor, an upright citizen and esteemed by all who knew him. He was a devout member of the First Reformed church and was much interested in its activities, and contributed to its various interests by his means and otherwise. He leaves a companion and children and one brother in the Netherlands to mourn his passing.

Funeral occurred at the Reformed church Friday at 2 o'clock conducted by Rev. H. Colenbrander in the presence of many sympathizing friends. Interment in Valley View cemetery. The bereaved have the sympathy of their many friends in their hour of sorrow.

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His wife's obituary (Rock Valley Bee, December 28, 1934) gives their surname as Ver Meulen.