VandeSteeg, Gerrit, 1853-1907

VANDESTEEG

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/28/2012 at 21:15:08

The community was shocked last Wednesday [June 12] by the news of a serious accident to Gerrit Van de Steeg, who is well known throughout the county. Mr. Van de Steeg left Orange City in his usual health and spirits and had gone to Holland, Minn., on business. While crossing the railroad track at that place he was struck by a passing train sustaining severe internal injuries. His brother, G. L. Van de Steeg of this city, at once went to Holland and found the injuries were so serious as to make it necessary to take the injured man to a hospital. The surgeon at the Sioux City hospital, whither they went, performed an operation and discovered that fatal injuries had been done to the kidneys and internal organs. There were no external injuries save some bruises. Mr. Van de Steeg died early Saturday morning [June 14].

Gerrit Van de Steeg was born in Ede, Netherlands, in 1853 and came to this country with his parents in 1857. They remained at Pella, Iowa, until 1870, when they came to Sioux county along with the first settlers. Mr. Van de Steeg was for several years engaged in business at Harrison, S.D., and at Maurice. For the past three years he managed the Betten House at this place, but had retired from the hotel business shortly before his death. The deceased was well known in this vicinity, had many friends and was characterized by a cheerful and pleasant disposition.

The funeral service was held in the American Reformed church Monday, June 16th, Rev. J. F. Heemstra conducting the services. Six children survive the deceased: Leonard, Mrs. Van Benthem, Gerrit T., Bert, Pearl and Harry.

Source: Sioux County Herald (Orange City), June 19, 1907.

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Last Saturday this community was shocked to learn of the death of Gerrit VandeSteeg junior which occurred that morning in a hospital in Sioux City. Mr. Vande Steeg left here last week Tuesday to attend to business matters in Holland, Minnesota. On Wednesday he started for the depot with the purpose of taking the train for Pipestone, Minnesota. To reach the depot he was obliged to cross the tracks. In his haste he stumbled and was struck by the approaching train and received internal injuries. He was taken to Sioux City where an operation was performed Friday -- the results of which proved fatal.

Deceased was born in the Netherlands in 1853. He came to America with his parents in 1857 and lived in Pella until 1870 when he formed one of the party which first settled here. For several years the family lived in Maurice and later Mr. Vande Steeg had charge of the Betten house in this city.

He is survived by four sisters--Mrs. H. J. Vander Waa, Mrs. G. Beyer, Mrs. M. E. Lewis and Mrs. Slob and two brothers John and Bert and six children--Gerrit, Leonard, Mrs. Van Benthem, Pearl, Bert and Harry. The whole community sympathizes with the children who within the past four months have lost both parents.

Source: Alton Democrat, June 22, 1907: Orange City.