DeRoos, J. W., died 1921 age 53

DEROOS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/25/2016 at 17:57:28

From the Alton Democrat, October 29, 1921:

HANGS HIMSELF ON ACCOUNT OF ILL HEALTH
John De Roos of Sanborn Takes Own Life Monday By Hanging
Ill Health Cause
Leaves Wife and Seven Children--Four Brothers and Sisters--53 Years Old--Funeral Thursday

John De Roos, formerly of Alton but the last two years farming near Sanborn, hung himself in the barn after supper Monday night. He had been ill for several years and suffered especially in winter. It is thought that the dread of winter coming on caused him to commit the awful deed which has been a terrible blow to the bereaved wife and children.

One of the boys intended going to town and looked for his father after supper to get some money. The mother said that he had gone to the barn and on going to the barn door the boy found it locked on the inside. He went back to tell his mother who then opened the door and found the body hanging just inside with life extinct.

The funeral was held Thursday from the home near Sanborn, burial taking place at Hull, his boyhood home. Many friends attended the service and extended their heartfelt sympathy to the family. The children are Mrs. Geo. Hofmeyer and Mrs. Otto Van Zandbergen of Orange City, Will, Tony, Charles, Catherine and Donald, all at home. There are three brothers, Will of Hull, Chas. and David of Sioux City, and one sister, Mrs. John Hochsberger of Hull.

Mr. De Roos was 53 years old. The widow and children are thinking of returning to Alton to make their home. They moved to Sanborn from here some two years ago.

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The Hull news section of the Alton Democrat, October 29, 1921, includes a brief announcement of his death and says that he some years ago sold medicine through this territory, and also hung paper when residing in Hull.

The Sioux County Index (Hull) has a brief obit that also says he had been in very poor health for some time. The funeral was held at the First Reformed church at Sanborn on Wednesday, and the remains were brought to Hull for burial in Hope Cemetery.

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has an entry that is probably him, although it gives a death year of 1922 (a typo?): De Roos, J. W., b. 30 Oct 1868, d. 24 Oct 1922 Hope Cem Hull IA.