Brands, Gerrit Jacob, 1870-1930

BRANDS, VRIJHOF, KROEZEN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

Birth: October 11, 1870
Death: August 18, 1930

From the Alton Democrat, August 29, 1930, Rock Valley news

Heat Causes Death

G. J. Brands died at his home near here August 18 as the result of pneumonia which developed after he had been overcome by the heat a few weeks ago.

He was born in The Netherlands in 1870, married Miss Reintje Vrijhof in 1891. One of his first employments was in fishing in the Zuider Zee but he moved to the United States in March, 1913, the fishing in the inland sea having become too poor to furnish a living. They lived in Hull, Rock Rapids and Inwood before moving to Rock Valley a number of years ago.

Besides his wife he leaves nine children, namely, Evert and Jan, here; Bert, Mrs. G. Droogers, Edgerton, Minn.; Mrs. A. Brower and Mrs. J. Brower, Inwood; Henry, Jacob and Gerrit, Rock Valley.

Funeral services were held at the Christian Reformed church here, conducted by Rev. J. Gritters, and burial was at Valley View cemetery.

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From the Rock Valley Bee, August 22, 1930:

MR. G. J. BRANDS

Monday morning the news went round Rock Valley that Mr. Brands had passed away. He had been a strong, healthy man till recently. A few weeks ago during the threshing season, he was overcome by the heat, which developed into pneumonia, and after a brief illness, he breathed his last.

Mr. Brands was born in 1870, in the Netherlands. In 1891 he married Miss Reintje Vrijhof. First he was engaged in fishing on the famous Zuiderzee in the old country but when the fishing became poor he decided to move with his family to the United States. On March 7, 1913 they arrived. Two years were spent in Hull, Iowa, one in Rock Rapids, and one in Inwood and the remining [time] they were near Rock Valley.

Besides the widow nine children remain to mourn his demise, namely, Evert Brands, John Brands, of Rock Valley; Bert Brands, Mrs. G. Drooger of Edgerton, Minn.; Mrs. A. Brouwer, Mrs. J. Brouwer, of Inwood; Henry, Jacob and Gerrit, of Rock Valley.

The family has the sympathy of their many friends. Mr. Brands was a straight, forward, and a busy man, a hard worker, of robust health, and a full member of the Christian Reformed church.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon, and the body was laid to rest in the Rock Valley cemetery.

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RESEARCH NOTES

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Brands, Gerrit Jacob, b. 11 Oct 1870, d. 18 Aug 1930, ss Reintje, Valley View Cem Rock Valley IA.

His death certificate adds his occupation, farmer; parents Edward Otto and Gertrude; died at 2 a.m. August 18, 1930; cause of death, carcinoma of liver, date of onset unknown.

FindaGrave.com shows him born in Harderwijk, Gelderland, Netherlands; spouse Reintje Vrijhof Brands (1870-1935). Four children are listed: John Brands (1895-1976), Nennetje Drooger (1899-1983), Jacob Brands (1909-1936), and Gerrit J. Brands (1911-1972).

A birth record on WieWasWie.nl has Gerrit Jacob Brands, born 11 Oct 1870 in Harderwijk, parents Evert Otto Brands, a shoemaker, and Geurtje Kroezen.

A marriage record on WieWasWie.nl shows groom Gerrit Jacob Brands, age 21, a fisherman, son of Evert Otto Brands and Geurtje Kroezen; bride Reintje Vrijhof, age 22, daughter of Jan Vrijhof and Nennetjen Hoeven; married 1 June 1892 in Harderwijk.