Gerrit Beyer, 1842-1925

BEYER, VANDESTEEG, RAP

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 12/10/2016 at 20:15:13

Alton Democrat of Dec 4, 1925

G. Beyer, SR. Pioneer, is summoned Went To Oregon In 1861 settled In Sioux County 1870
—Died Sunday-
Gerrit Beyer, one of the few living who came to Sioux county in 1870, passed beyond at four o'clock Sunday morning from a complications of troubles resulting from his advanced age. His daughter, Miss Bertha, who has kept the home for him since Mrs. Beyer’s death five years ago, and three others of the children have been with him constantly the past few weeks.

Mr. Beyer was born In Veenendaal, Gelderland, the Netherlands January 11, 1841. coming to America with his father, two sisters and one brother in 1857. His mother died when he was four years old. They settled at Pella, remaining there four years but then joined a party of travelers who went to Oregon by way of the Isthus of Panama. But after four years of hardship and strife they returned to Pella and is 1870 Mr. Beyer moved to Sioux County where he assisted to break prairie for Mr. Pas.

In 1872 he was married to Miss Jane Vande Steeg and took possession of his homestead where ten children were born to them, two sons and eight daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Beyer endured all the hardships know in those pioneer days when advantages and comforts could not be obtained. After 3 years they moved to Orange City where Mrs. Beyer died April 29, 1915 there daughters having preceded her to the Great Beyond. Severn children and nineteen grandchildren survive to mourn the death of a much beloved father and grandfather.

Mr. Beyer’s only sister is Mrs. A Veenstra of Perry but on account of her age at 82 yrears, she was unable to be present at the funeral which was held Wednesday afternoon at the American Reformed church.

Note: Gerrit Beyer listed in the Sioux County cemetery Index as born 11 Jan 1841 died 29 Nov 1925 buried West Lawn cemetery Orange City IA. He is listed in the 1925 census as born 1841 son of Hart Beyer and Maria Rap, Daughter Berte 37. Found on www.wiewaswie.nl birth of Gerrit Beijer 20 Jan 1842 to Hartger Beijer and Maria Rap. She died in Veenendaal, Ede, Gelderland 3 Aug 1848 at 34 years. From the Pella book, 1857 ship list, listed Hart Byer, Heintje, Gerrit, Gysbert, and Evertje.