Schut, Peeltjen (Mrs. Peter) 1848-1935

SCHUT, BRONKHORST

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

Source: Alton Democrat (6-28-1935)

Born: September 3, 1848
Died: June 24, 1935

MRS. PETER SCHUT EARLY PIONEERS DIED MONDAY AT SIOUX CENTER--FUNERAL WEDNESDAY

Mrs. Peter Schut, pioneer resident died at her home here Monday morning at six o’clock after an illness which confined her to bed for several weeks. She was 86 years old on September 20, 1934. On Saturday, June 22, occurred the 68th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Schut’s marriage.

Peeltjen Bronkhorst was born in the Netherlands and grew to womanhood there. After her marriage to Mr. Peter Schut the couple lived at Uddel, where two children were born to them, neither of the babies surviving their infancy. In 1821 they came to the United States living a short time in Alto, Wisconsin and then coming west. They homesteaded 2 ¼ miles east of old Sioux Center, living for two years in the customary sod hut and having their early crops devoured by grasshoppers. Even their young grove of cottonwood trees, some four feet tall, was demolished by grasshoppers in a single day. Twenty-six years ago the couple moved to Sioux Center where they have since resided.

Mrs. Schut was the last surviving member of her family, several brothers and sisters living in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Mrs. Schut was one of the last three surviving charter members of the First Reformed Church of which her husband is also a charter member. She is survived by Mr. Schut, 87 years, and by one daughter, Mrs. H.W. Wesselink, who is the sole surviving member of a family of five children. Another daughter lived to the age of two years and the youngest boy lived but four days. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and by one great-grandchild, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wesselink.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at the home and the First Reformed Church. Gerrit and Peter Wesselink of Chicago and Mrs. Elmer Merridith of West Liberty, were expected for the services.