Pekelder, Zwaantje (Mrs. Jan) 1834-1917

PEKELDER, CLEVERINGA

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 2/23/2023 at 15:02:29

Source: Alton Democrat issue of 7 April 1917, page 2, Sioux Center column:
Word was received here that both old gentleman Pekelder and his wife had died at the soldier's home where they went a couple of years ago. Both of our veterans of the Civil was, Vreeland and Pekelder are now gone. A few years ago we wrote a sketch in the Democrat as some of our readers will remember. We, as patriotic citizens always felt proud of these tow men who fought so bravely for this glorious land.

Jan Pekelder was born in the Netherlands on May 6th [8th?], 1830. His wife, Zwaantje Cleveringa was born in the Netherlands in 1834 on July 15th. They never knew each other in the old country but met in Chicago where they lived for years. Here they met, became friends, lovers and were married on January 21st, 1856. The day after their marriage they left for Muscatine where they resided for nineteen years and prospered.
After two years at Carmel the Pekelders returned to Sioux Center. For a time, Mr. Pekelder and P. Walhof owned a big blacksmith shop, but advanced age compelled Mr. Pekelder to retire from the firm.
The death of Mr. and Mrs. J. Pekelder some weeks ago at the Old Soldier's home recalls an article printed in the Alton Democrat on the occasion of their 59th wedding anniversary January 21, 1915 which is as follows:

In 1862 Mr. Pekelder enlisted in Company C of the 35th Iowa Infantry and served three years in the Civil war. Of the 987 men that went out from there with him only 140 returned. He fought in 18 battles and traveled 16,000 miles.
After a visit in the old country Mr. and Mrs. Pekelder moved to Emmons county, N.D. where they lost everything they had by hard times and a disastrous fire. From there they went to Missouri where they remained for one year when they returned to Sioux county, settling at Carmel where Mr. Pekelder again opened a blacksmith shop.
After the big fire in Muscatine the Pekelders came to Sioux county, being among the very first of the homesteaders. Mr. and Mrs. Pekelder made a home for themselves in what is now known as Old Sioux Center and it was in the Pekelder home there that the First Reformed church was organized. Mr. Pekelder farmed his homestead and had a blacksmith shop on the side.
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April 4, 1917 Sioux Center Nieuwsblad

A brief translation
Appears that both Mr. and Mrs. Jan ‘John’ Pekelder died at Hutton Valley MO. Mr. Pekelder died March 17 and was buried on 19 of March. Three days later Mrs. Pekelder (nee Zwaantje Cleveringa) died. Mr. Pekelder was 87 years and Mrs. Pekelder was 83. He was born in the province of Groningen, Netherlands and came to America in 1853. No mention of cemetery of burial it is assumed at the place of death.
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Note: For more information on this couple and their many pioneer experiences and challenges coming to the Untied States and trek to Sioux County IA, see in the BIOS section of this page the Biography of Jan Pekelder.