Burgers, Gerrit (Gradus), 1882-1914

BURGERS, BURGESS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/8/2015 at 09:36:00

From the Rock Valley Bee, November 27, 1914:

Gerit Burgers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Burgers residing 3-1/2 miles southeast of Rock Valley, while watering the hogs fell in the trough face downward and was drowned Monday afternoon [Nov. 23]. He was subject to epileptic fits and it was during one of these that the accident occurred. The deceased was 33 years old. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at Hull.

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From the Alton Democrat, November 28, 1914: Rock Valley news:

Gerrit Burgers, a man about thirty-three years old, who resided with his father, Walter Burgers on the old J. M. Stickney farm about four miles east of Rock Valley and who has been afflicted with the fits from early childhood, was swilling the hogs Monday evening when he was seized with a fit and fell into the swill-barrel and was drowned before the members of the family could come to his rescue. At this writing we have not been advised as to the time of funeral or burial.

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Alton Democrat issue of 5 Dec 1914, Sioux Center column.

Last Friday death came to Gerrit Burgess who was thirty-three years old. It is said that he was busy taking some slop to the pigs. He fell in and smothered there before any one knew of it. It is sad for his aged parents who are highly respected. For years Mr. Burgess has suffered from fits and it is surmised that when he fell into the barrel he was seized by such a fit, thus causing his death. [Note-adding the surname of "Burgess" as that is how it is spelled in the Sioux Center column of Alton Democrat, 5 Dec 1914]

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A brief news note in the Sioux County Index (Hull), November 27, gives his name as Gerrit Burgers, his father as Wouten Burgers, and their residence as west of Hull.

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Burgers, Grades W., b. 19 Oct. 1882 d. 23 Nov. 1914 Hope Cem Hull IA.

The 1910 U.S. Census for Center Township, Sioux County has Wouter Burgers, age 53, born Holland, immigrated 1892, a farmer; his wife Hendrika (47, born Holland); sons Gradus W. (27, born Holland), Christian (17), and William (8); and daughters Tillie (15), Allice (13), and Gertie (5), all born Iowa.