Leeuwrik, Gerrit 1872-1900

LEEUWRIK, TERHOFSTEDE

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 5/17/2012 at 14:05:52

Sunday, September 9, 1900. occurred the death of Gerrit Leenwrik (Leeuwrik), young man, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Reynold Klay. The deceased as born 28 years ago in Netherlands, and came to the United States when 11 years old. In 1898 when the war against Spanish cruelty began, his sympathetic nature and patriotism prompted him to enlist with Company E, First Regiment, Washington Volunteers, which he did and he sailed with that regiment for the Philippines where he served until November .1899. Then they were returned to, San Francisco and were mustered out. The severe service and long ocean voyage however, left him so ill that is was compelled to enter the military hospital where he remained for two months before he was- able to travel to Rock Valley. Here he received the best care and attention of loving friends and relatives but tbe disease he had contracted in the Philippines could not be. shaken and he gradually wasted away until death came to his relief Sunday morning. The affliction was chronic dysentery and he had been ill fifteen mouths.
The funeral was held Tuesday 'rum. the Holland reformed church, Rev Plummer and Key. Bok, officiating. There were present a large number of sorrowing friends, who had loved and admired him,- members of the G. A. R, and a squad of members of Co. E 52nd Iowa Volunteers, the latter marched in a body with the remains to their last resting place and the military funeral rites were by them performed at the cemetery.
There remain to mourn, besides his numerous friends, his sister, Mrs. R. Klay, a sister of Yankton and a brother in Minnesota, to all of whom THE BEE extends its sincere sympathy along with the condolence of the Entire community.

Source: Rock Valley Bee, September 14, 1899
--------------------------------------

(found his parents on www.genlias.nl Jan Leeuwrik age 26, born Oosterleek NH Neth. married 12 May 1864 Wijdenes NH to Niesje Ter Hofstede age 24 born Wijdenes NH. His parents were Gerrit Leeuwrik and Dieuwertje Bruin, her parents were Jacob Ter Hofstede and Ijtje Visser. They had three children Diertje Dora Mrs. Regnold Klay, Gerrit 1872-1900, and Itje Ida 1878-1932.)