Ellerbroek, Peter 1851-1931

ELLERBROEK, SLYSTER

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer
Date: 5/24/2012 at 00:17:52

Alton Democrat, March 20, 1931: TRAVELED TO PORTLAND BY OX TEAM - Early Sioux County Business Man, Peter Ellerbroek, Died March 17:

Peter Ellerbroek, who was one of Orange City's first business men, passed away at his home in Sioux City, Tuesday night, March 17, following a long illness. He traveled with his family from Pella, where he was born, to Portland, Oregon, by ox team. Mr. Ellerbroek was 13 years old at the time of the cross country trip. He returned to Iowa in 1870, setteling in Sioux County. He taught school while studying pharmacy. His drug store at Orange City was the first in Sioux county.

In 1874, Mr. Ellerbroek married Miss Carrie Slyster of Orange City. She died in 1926, two years after they had celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. After operating the drug store ten years the Ellerbroeks moved to Grandview, S.D. They retired in 1916 after remaining there eight years and came to Sioux City in 1891 Mr. Ellerbroek traveling for the International Harvester Co.

He is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Ethel O'Leary, Mrs. Anna Kesner and Mrs. Jeanette Perry, all of Sioux City; Mrs. Leone Erich of New York City, and Mrs. Mabel Schlaifer of Dundee, Ill. A brother, John Ellerbroek of Sheldon, IA, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Wynia of Springfield, S.D. also survive.