Koster, Johanna 7 yr dau of Jacob 1871-1878

KOSTER, DEMOTS

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 1/2/2022 at 15:59:51

Koster, Jacob’s daughter Johanna at 7 years

Sioux county Independent paper of Oct 9, 1878

We regret to learn of a distressing and fatal accident, to a 7 year old child of Jacob Koster, of West Branch. On Friday last he had been burning fire brakes round his premises, and supposed no fire remained. About dark an older girl went out to look after matters, and with her knowledge the little one followed and it is supposed its clothing caught fire from some lingering spark, as when the older sister was warned by the screams it was enveloped in flames. Before Koster alarmed by its cries could reach it and extinguish the fire the clothing was entirely consumed and its body burned to a crisp. Koster also had his hands severely burned. The child lingered in great agony, and finally died at 11 p.m. , the same night. The funeral took place Monday.

She was Johanna, 1871-1878 the daughter of Jacob Koster and Matje De Mots first family to settle the site of Sioux Center. She was the first burial in the Sioux Center Cemetery. See the family story in the Bios Section of this page.