Ketel, Laurence 1835-1926

KETEL, ROGHAIR

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

Source: Alton Democrat (4-9-1926)

Born: 1835
Died: April 2, 1926

LAURENCE KETEL, WHO DIED FRIDAY WAS SHIPWECKED WHEN COMING TO AMERICA IN 1871

Laurence Ketel, for many years a resident of Alton died at his home here Friday, April 2nd, at the age of 91 years, after an illness which confined him to the home since last December.

Laurence Ketel was born in Apeldoorn, Netherlands in 1835. He spent his boyhood days there and came to the United States in 1871 with his father. The ship on which they sailed was wrecked on the coast of England and all their possessions went down with the boat. They stayed in Liverpool for two weeks and sailed on a larger boat, landing at Montreal, Canada. They settled first at Waupon, later coming to Sioux County with a covered wagon and yoke an oxen. In 1874 Mr. Ketel was married at Orange City to Julia Roghair. They settled on a homestead two miles north of Alton, where they lived for many years. Nine children were born to this union, of whom 7 survive. One child died in infancy and Henrietta, Mrs. George Gertzen passed away 10 years ago. Mrs. Ketel died in 1893. The children who are living are: Mrs. John Roghair (Gertie) of Orange City; Mrs. Henry Scholten (Anna). Anton; Henry Ketel, Lawrence Ketel of Bigelow; Nicholas Ketel, Maurice; John Ketel, Bigelow; Mrs. Gerrit (Julia), Anton.

Mr. Ketel was a devoted husband and father, a kind neighbor and friend patient, and resigned during his last illness. He lived the life of the hardy pioneer, full of self-sacrifice and hardship, and has gone to his reward.

Funeral services were held at the home and at the Reformed Church and the body was laid to rest in the Orange City Cemetery beside that of Mrs. Ketel. On account of the illness of Reverend Klearen, Reverend Colenbrander of Orange City had charge of the services. Many friends were here from surrounding towns and a large circle of Alton fiends paid their respects to the memory of the departed pioneer. Among those from away were Ben and Lewis Ketel of Harrison, South Dakota, W.C. Wycatt, R.H. Wicks of Rigelow, Minnesota; John Roghair, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Heenstra of Maurice; Mr. and Mrs. M. Schilt and daughter of Hull.