Vander Wilt, Arnold, Sr. 1857-1939

VANDERWILT, VANOORT, WERKHOVER

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Source: Alton Democrat (2-24-1939)

Born: June 10, 1857
Died: February 15, 1939

DEATH CALLS VANDERWILT AT AGE OF 81 SUPERVISOR WHEN COURT HOUSE WAS BUILT

Arnold Vander Wilt, Sr. pioneer citizen of the county and former county supervisor, died at the home of his son, Gerrit, at Alton last Wednesday night, February 15, at 11:30 o'clock, after a long illness. He outlived his colleagues who served on the board with him more than thirty years ago by many years.

Born June 10, 1857, at Pella, he came to Sioux County with his parents as a lad, about the year 1872.

On March 22, 1879, at the Reformed Church of Alton, he and Miss Aartje Van Oort were united in marriage. They farmed for several years north of Orange City, later going to Capel Township near Middleburg where they operated a farm with great success for many years.

About twenty-five years ago the family moved to Orange City where Mr. Vander Wilt constructed a large garage building on the corner opposite and South of what is now the post office. This building was one of the best in town and still stands as a monument to the man whose faith in Sioux County was unshakable.

WIFE DIED
Mrs. Vander Wilt died March 1, 1929, just three weeks before they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Mr. Vander Wilt, while on the farm in Capel Township, served two terms as comity supervisor from the Fourth District. He was always a popular and influential citizen.

NINE CHILDREN
Nine children survive their parents, two having died in infancy. Some now reside in California but all are well known throughout the county and have great numbers of friends here. They are Henry, Sibley; Hattie (Mrs. L. Van Wyk), Glendale, California; John, Hospers; Gerrit, Alton; Joe, Roscoe, California; whose name really is Johannes; Sophie (Mrs. Harry Dykstra), wife of the county sheriff, Orange City; Kate (Mrs. Elmer Oelrich), Roscoe, California; Arnold, Jr., Glandale, California; and Wien, also of Glendale.

TWO SISTERS
He is also survived by two sisters – Mrs. Herman De Kraay, Orange City; and Mrs. Vander Poel, Boyden. Of the two brothers and seven sisters in his family, he was the second oldest, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry and Cornelia (Werkhover) Vander Wilt, who will still be remembered by a good many of the older folks of the county.

RAPIDLY FAILED
Only Mrs. Arnold Vander Wilt, Jr., came from California to the funeral services as the rest of the family in the west had come last June when Mr. Vander Wilt was very low. All the family at that time helped him celebrate his birthday in June and he rallied later, although bedfast ever since last May his condition took a turn for the worse on Sunday, February 12, and he failed rapidly, passing away on Wednesday night.

BURIED MONDAY
Funeral services were held at 1:30 Monday afternoon at the home and at 2 o'clock at Trinity Reformed Church, Orange City. Reverend E. Van Engelenhoven of Alton and Reverend J.G. Brouwer, pastor of Trinity Church of which he was a member, conducted the services and interment was made at the Orange Cemetery.

He was 81½ years of age. Mr. Vander Wilt had made his home with his son Gerrit here for the past 2½ years where he received the most loving care that could be bestowed upon him in the declining days of his life.

SPLENDID MAN
Thus passes another good and useful citizen who brought honor to himself and to his family by his unselfish devotion to the public welfare, loyalty to his friends, a loving husband and father, devoting to his church, a splendid man.