Betten Antonie J. Jr. 1843-1925

BETTEN, RHYNSBURGER, VANDER LINDEN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--volunteer
Date: 5/21/2016 at 23:51:49

Source: Pella Chronicle

Birth: September 16, 1843, Netherlands
Death: October 8, 1925

Antonie J. Betten was born in Noordloos, Netherlands, September 16, 1843. At the age of four years he came to America with his parents who settled at Pella, Iowa. Here he received his education in the public schools, after which time he worked with his father until the time of his marriage in 1865, to Miss Marie Rhynsburger. For fifteen years after his marriage he was engaged in the mercantile business at Pella and in 1871 came to Sioux County settling at Orange City.

He was engaged in the mercantile business here, until he was elected county auditor Sioux County. From this time one, he served the county in the capacity of auditor, treasurer and as member of the Board of Supervisors. He also served the town of Orange City as mayor, councilman and member of the school board. In the church he served as deacon and clerk of the consistory and was a trustee of the N. W. C. A. for many years.

In 1895 he purchased "De Volksvriend" and edited and published it for six years when he sold the paper again and returned to the mercantile business as a member of the firm of the John Vande Steeg Co. He remained here until the store was destroyed by fire when he retired from public life. His wife and three of his children preceded him in death.

In 1898 he was married to Miss Cornelia Vander Linden, who, with his four children survive him. Mr. Betten was a kind and loving husband and father, a good citizen having performed his public duties well. He was prominent in church work having united with the First Reformed Church when a young man and later becoming a member of the American Reformed Church of this city.

His death occurred on Wednesday morning, October 8, 1925. He had been ailing since last April but during the summer improved so much that he was able to be out and enjoy his home and his garden.

During the past three weeks he began to fail rapidly, but was not confined to his bed until on Sunday before his death. The children who survive are: Mrs. A. W. Lohr of Berkeley, California; Miss Cocia Betten of Oakland, California, Dr. Cornelius Betten of Ithaca, New York, and Mrs. W. C. Hunter of Fargo, North Dakota.

The funeral services were held on Friday, October 9, in the American Reformed Church, Reverend C. De Young conducting the ceremony.