VerMulm, Cornelius, 1869-1921

VERMULM

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/25/2016 at 22:29:00

From the Rock Valley Bee, November 4, 1921:

CORNELIUS VER MULM MEETS FATAL ACCIDENT

Cornelius VerMulm was almost instantly killed Friday forenoon shortly after 11 o'clock when he fell from a corn crib, a distance of about eight feet, striking his head on the ground, and breaking his neck.

Mr. VerMulm lived on a farm northwest of Rock Valley. A load of corn had just been brought to the crib, and Mr. Ver Mulm climbed to the top of the crib to attend the corn elevator. He stood on a board which had been placed across the crib. He was near the end of the board and took another step backward onto the end of the board extending over the side of the crib. The board tipped and he fell to the ground.

Mr. Ver Mulm was born in Holland, March 10, 1869 and had reached the age of fifty two years, seven months and eighteen days. His early life was spent in his native land, Holland, where he grew to manhood, and was married some twenty five years ago. In the year of 1902, he came with his family to Sioux County and he had lived in this vicinity since that time. He leaves his wife and three sons, Case, Klaus and Will, and two daughters, Mrs. P. Vugteveen and Mrs. S. Buma all living in this vicinity. He also leaves two brothers and one sister in Montana, and another brother, Wm. Ver Mulm, who lives south of Rock Valley.

The tragic death of Mr. Ver Mulm is a great shock to his neighbors and friends. He was a hardworking man and a prosperous farmer, a good neighbor and friend, and he will be missed in the neighborhood where he lived.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Reformed church in Rock Valley. The services were largely attended by friends and neighbors.

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From the Alton Democrat, November 5, 1921:
(the text was very fuzzy and portions were nearly illegible; consequently, the submitter may not have interpreted all words correctly)

ROCK VALLEY FARMER FALLS BREAKS BACK

Cornelius Ver Mulm residing on one of the Van Osterhout[?] farms [west of?] town was gathering corn near[?] to the noon hour Friday, Oct. 28th[?] while working on the corn crib, fell backwards a distance of eight feet, breaking his neck and death was instantaneous. The accident was witnessed by Mrs. Mulm. The deceased was born March 10[?], 1869 in the Netherlands and at the time of his death was 52 years seven months and 18 days old. He came to Rock Valley from Holland in 1902 and for several years was employed by the milling company as [???]master, later moving onto a farm in which occupation he had been engaged until his death.

He was a member of the Reformed church and always took an active part in all its affairs. He was the father of five children, three sons and two daughters, all of Rock Valley. He has three brothers, William, Rock Valley, Ray and Herbert, and one sister, Mrs. L. Kemper of Conrad, Mont. He was an exemplary man, a good citizen, a devoted father and husband, and aimed to exemplify in his association with men the principles of the golden rule.

Funeral services occurred Monday afternoon at two o'clock from the Reformed church conducted by the pastor Rev. Colenbrander in the presence of a large gathering of neighbors and friends. Interment at Valley View cemetery. The bereaved have the heartfelt sympathy of their many friends in their hour of sorrow.

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The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Ver Mulm, Cornelius, b. 10 Mar 1869, d. 28 Oct 1921, w: Elsie, Valley View Cem Rock Valley IA.