Steck, Ben "Berend" 1849-1903

STECK, STEK, SMIT, DEBOER

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

Source: Hawarden Independent (5-28-1903)

Born: February 7, 1849
Died: May 15, 1903

NB. Born as BEREND STEK.

First married to Jantje Smit who died at Finsterwolde 1 December 1886.

He married Harmke De Boer on 1878-04-04. They had five children in the Netherlands. Harnke, Berend, Jantje, Dirkje, and Hindertje. Another child was born in the United States: Howard in 1894.

Ben was murdered in May of 1903:

The death of Behrend Steck at Rock Valley last Friday night puts a more serious aspect on the charge which will be against his assailant at the next term of court.

The crime for which Mike Guinther is lodged in the county jail was committed nearly two weeks ago, it will be remembered, and was the result of a quarrel over religion.

Guinther had his preliminary hearing the next day, and was bound over to the grand jury on the charge of assault with intent to commit murder which charge the death of Steck on Friday night turns into that of murder in the first degree.

Sheriff Henry saw his prisoner on Saturday and said, “Well, Steck is dead," Guinther replied, “The h—1 he is. —Herald.