Vos, Rachel (Mrs. Peter N.), 1867-1924

VOS, DOUGHERTY, HERSHEY

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

From the Alton Democrat, September 27, 1924:

MRS. P. VOS RELIEVED OF EARTHLY PAIN
Resided In Maurice Since 1890 – Beloved Woman Laid To Rest Wednesday

Mrs. P.N. Vos died at her home in Maurice Tuesday morning at three o'clock after a protracted illness which was caused by cancer.

Just about a year ago her family and friends were rejoicing over her remarkable recovery from an illness which according to the best doctors and surgeons was hopeless. To those who had watched her suffering for months her recovery seemed to be a miraculous return from the very gates of death. Mrs. Vos was exceedingly happy over her apparent return to health. She took great delight in visiting her friends and once more took up the affairs of life with renewed interest. Busy with her home, her fancywork and flowers, she spent a few very happy months.

But again the old symptoms began to reappear. For a time she suffered in silence knowing that any complaint on her part would bring sorrow to those she loved. But at last weakness and pain conquered even her strong will. Seven weeks ago she was not able to arise from her bed and since then her suffering has been intense, so terrible indeed that even those to whom she was dearest must say, even in their sorrow, “It is best”.

Rachel Dougherty was born July 29 1867 at Greenfield Ind. She was raised on a farm and received her early education in the rural schools of Indiana. At the age of seventeen she learned the dressmaking trade and later opened a shop in Hastings. In 1890 she was married to R. A. Hershey at Kansas City. Two children were born to this union, R. A. Hershey and Mrs. S. E. Faith of Omaha.

She moved to Maurice in May 1890 and conducted a small store and dressmaking shop. In May 1904 she was married to Mr. P. N. Vos of Maurice and they have since made their home here.

Surviving the deceased are her husband, daughter and son. Funeral services which were all arranged according Mrs. Vos’ requests were conducted Wednesday afternoon by Rev. Duiker from the Am. Ref. church. Interment took place in the Orange City cemetery.

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RESEARCH NOTES

This obituary was also published in the Maurice Times, September 25, 1924.

Her death certificate has her as Rachel Jane Vos, born July 29, 1867, father Mr. Dougherty, and adds death information: died in Maurice at 2:45 a.m. September 23, 1924; cause, “Carcinoma of stomach & other abdom. organs, secondary to carcinoma cervix uter. following operation Wertheim [a type of hysterectomy procedure],” duration 2 years; the operation was performed Feb. 18, 1923.

Her FindaGrave page has her as Rachel Dougherty Vos; born 29 July 1867 at Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana; died 23 Sep 1924 at Maurice, Sioux County; buried in West Lawn Cemetery, Orange City. Husband Pieter Nicholas Vos (1866-1939). Daughter Goldie Ione Hershey Faith (1895-1978). There is a photo of her headstone.

The Sioux County marriage register for 1904 has groom Peter N. Vos, age 38, residence Maurice, occupation cashier, born in Pella, parents Joseph [Vos] and Maria Overkamp, first marriage; bride Rachel A. Hershey, maiden name Rachel Dorrity, age 37, resident of Maurice, born at Greenfield Indiana, parents George [Dorrity] and Ann Gephart, second marriage; married at Maurice April 30, 1904.