Boersma, Harke 1842-1914

BOERSMA, TALSMA, MIEDEMA

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 12/12/2016 at 08:47:53

Source: Alton Democrat issue of 30 May 1914, Alton column.
[NOTE: His first name was also spelled Harka in the newspaper.]
Harke Boersma died at his home a mile west of Hospers on Thursday May 28th of dropsy at the age of 87. Deceased was born in the Netherlands and came to the United States in 1867 and three years later located in Sioux county and was therefore one of Sioux County's pioneers. In 1873, at Hospers, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Wyke Talsma. This union was blessed with eight children all of whom survive. The funeral services will be held on Monday afternoon from the Presbyterian church and will be in charge of Rev. Vander Heide. The surviving children are: George of Bemis, S.D., and Lewis, Mrs. G. Hofmeyer, Jake, Martin, Mrs. H. Van Donselaar, Mrs. J. Vischer and Mrs. Dick Hofmeyer of Hospers.
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Alton Democrat issue of 6 June 1914, Hospers column.
Harka Boersma, one of the very first settlers of Hospers vicinity, passed away Friday, May 29th of dropsy at the age of 72 years. The funeral was held from the Presbyterian church here Monday afternoon Rev. De Groot officiating. So well was Mr. Boersma known and so many his friends that the church was filled to overflowing. In the autumn of 1869 he and his brother Lubbert, together with K. Wieringa reached here from Pella, having covered the distance in a covered wagon. They camped on the river in this vicinity over night. It was a beautiful country, they thought, and an ideal place to live. That is, all but one thought so. This third man was not contented with the place. So they drew straws and fate decided they should remain. The three lived for three weeks in the covered wagon when they built some kind of a shack. Mr. Boersma is the first of the trio to pass on. His brother Lubbert is a resident of Duel county, S.D., and K. Wieringa lives in Hospers So well was Mr. Boersma satisfied with the farm that he picked out that day that he has lived on it ever since. Eight children survive. They are: Gerrit, of Bemis, S.D., Martin, Jake and Lubbert of Hospers; Mrs. Gerrit Hoffmeyer, Mrs. Harry Van Donselaar, Mrs. John Verschoor,and Mrs. Dick Hofmeyer all of Hospers. Among those from away who attended the funeral are; Klaus Wynia of Platte, S.D., Meindert Talsma of Boone Co., S.D., Lou Boersma of Bemis, S.D., Harry Boersma and Gerrit Sikkink of Day Co., S.D. and Mr. and Mrs. Fred De Vries of Minnesota.
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MORE NOTES:

Boersma, Harke born 1842 died 1914 Hospers IA buried in Hospers Memorial cemetery (WPA record)

Source: Hospers Tribune May 29th 1914
Harke Boersma who lives west of town is quite ill this week.

Note: By Jun 13th his last will and testament was published in the Alton Democrat.

Source: Hawarden Independent of Jun 11, 1914
Harka Boersma, one of the first fettlers of Hospers, died at his home there May 29th at the age of 72 years. He came to Sioux county from Pella, Iowa, in 1869. He is survived by eight children.

Note: From ancestry.com (done by others) Hake Boersman born 10 Apr 1842 Kollum Friesland Netherlands died 29 May 1914 Floyd Tsp Sioux County IA. wife was Wyke Talsma 1850-1895 They had children: Gerrit, Matheus, Martin, Jacob, Lubbert, Rena, Jane, Winnie, and Martha. Harke was the son of Gerit Biersma and Janke Harkes Miedema.

Research Note:
Harke Boersma born 11 April 1842 at Achtkarspelen Netherlands died 29 May 1914 Hospers IA. Married 2 May 1872 to Wyke ‘Winnie’ Talsma 1850 – 1895.

Harke Boersma is listed in the Sioux County cemetery index as born 1842 died 1914 buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery Hospers IA. He is listed in the newspapers at being ill and then his estate notices were posted but his obit was not readily found.

Note: According to a source on ancestry.com his father was Gerrit Lubberts Boersma 1812 and his mother was Janke Harkes Miedema 1810-1894.