DeGraaff, John William, 1897-1924

DEGRAAFF, DEGRAFF, FABER

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/16/2017 at 20:42:27

From the Rock Valley Bee, February 22, 1924:

YOUNG MAN MEETS WITH FATAL ACCIDENT

John William DeGraff who worked for John Van Dammeran, met with a fatal accident Saturday afternoon while he was hauling water with a team of horses. The horses started up and he caught hold of one line and was thrown under the wagon, the wheels passing over his body causing injuries from which he died Sunday morning at 12:30 o'clock.

Mr. DeGraff was born in the Netherlands and came to this country from Holland about three years ago, and since that time had lived in this vicinity. He was 27 years of age. He has a brother and sister here and three brothers and three sisters are still living in Holland. Funeral services were held at Lebanon Tuesday afternoon in charge of Rev. Steganga.

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From the Hawarden Independent, February 21, 1924:

MEETS ACCIDENTAL DEATH
John DeGraaff of Garfield Township Fatally Injured Saturday

John DeGraaff passed away about 10:30 Saturday night at the home of Peter Andriessen, fifteen miles northeast of Hawarden, from injuries which he received that afternoon when he was hauling water for his brother-in-law, John Van Gammeren. He had driven to the Andriessen home for water and had filled the barrels and was returning home. He had driven through a gate and stopped the team and was closing the gate when the horses became frightened and started to run. As he grabbed for the lines he slipped and fell, the wagon going over him. His left side was badly crushed and bruised and a number of ribs broken, some puncturing the lungs.

No one saw the accident but the men about the Andriessen farm saw the unfortunate man lying on the ground and hurried to his assistance. He was rendered unconscious at the time of the accident but regained consciousness before he died. He remembered that he tried to stop the team but did not clearly recall just how the accident occurred. Dr. Jordan of Hudson was called immediately but no hopes were held out for his recovery from the first.

John William DeGraaff was born in Holland and was 27 years old at the time of his death. He came to America three years ago and made his home with his sister, Mrs. John Van Gammeren near Lebanon. He is survived by his parents, three brothers and three sisters, who reside in Holland and one sister, Mrs. John Van Gammeren and one brother, Peter DeGraff of Garfield township. He was engaged to Miss Lena Faber of Hawarden and was to have been married this month and had rented a farm on this vicinity where they had panned to make their home. His sudden death in the prime of life comes as a severe shock to his family and fiancee.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the home of his sister at one o'clock and at the Lebanon church at two. Rev. Steiganga was in charge of the services and interment was made in the Lebanon cemetery. The loved ones have the sympathy of all.

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His death certificate on Ancestry.com has John W. de Graaff, born January 27, 1897 in Holland; died February 16, 1924 in Garfield Township, Sioux County; accidentally killed wagon passing over chest; occupation, farm hand; father C. de Graaff, mother Edie[?] Van Marbeaan[?]; informants Peter and John Graaff, Rock Valley.