Brandsma, Abe J. 1841-1920

BRANDSMA, JONGSMA

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 8/10/2016 at 12:32:11

Source: Rock Valley Bee (12-31-1920)

Birth: November 14, 1841
Death: December 26, 1920

Abe J. Brandsma, a resident of Rock Valley and vicinity for many years past, died at his home in Rock Valley Sunday evening, at 9:10 o'clock, his death being due to the decline of old age. He had been failing in health for over a year, and continued to grow weaker gradually until the final summons came. The subject of this sketch was born November 4th, 1841, and died in Rock Valley December 20, 1920, at the age of seventy-nine years one month and twelve days. He spent the greater part of his life in his native land, Holland, coming to this country with "his family in 1886. He first settled on a farm near Alton, but later to Rock Valley and settled on a farm near here where the family lived for several years. He retired from the farm in 1901, and moved to Rock Valley where he resided at the time of his death.

He was united in marriage to Jennie Jongsma, May 17, 1862. To this union ten children were born, six of whom are living. The children are Mrs. Maggie DeJong who lives in Holland; George, Dick, and Annie, of Rock Valley; John, of Egan, South Dakota, and Gabe, of Ware, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the home at 1:00 o'clock and at the Reformed Church at 1:30, and the remains were taken to Valley View Cemetery.

Mr. Brandsma was a man who was highly thought of by all who knew him. He was kind to his family, and an obliging neighbor and a good loyal citizen, and the bereaved relatives have the sympathy of many friends in their sorrow.