Leeuwrik, Gerrit 1872-1900

LEEUWRIK, TERHOFSTEDE, KLAY

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 1/29/2023 at 12:17:27

Leeuwrik, Gerrit , a US Soldier, single, 28 yrs 5 mo 7 dys born 1872 Netherlands died Sep 9, 1900 Rock Valley, Iowa Source- Sioux county death record.

From a family report on Ancestry.com (submitted by other family) Gerrit Leeuwrik was born 2 May 1872 Oosterleek, Venhuizen NH Neth. died 9 Sep 1900 Rock Valley IA. Son of Jan Leeuwrik 1838-1886 and Niesje Ter Hosfstede 1840-1897 She died 3 Nov 1897 at Hull IA.

Rock Valley Register of Sep 14, 1900 page 3,
Gerrit Leeuwrik, Sunday Sep 9, 1900 occurred the death of Gerrit Leenwrik, a young man at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Reynold Klay. The deceased was born 28 years ago in the Netherlands and came to the United States when 11 years old. In 1898 when the war against Spanish cruelty began, his sympathetic nature and patriotism prompted him to enlist with Company E., first Regiment, Washington Volunteers, which he did an he sailed with that regiment for the Philippines where he served until Nov 1899 when they were returned to San Francisco and were mustered out. The severe service and long ocean voyage however, left him so ill that he was compelled to enter the military hospital where he remained for two months before he was able to travel to Rock Valley. Here he received the best care and attention of loving friends and relatives but the disease he had contracted in the Philippines could not be shaken and he gradually wasted away until death came to his relief Sunday morning. His affliction was chronic dysentery and he had been ill fifteen months. The funeral was held Tuesday from the Holland Reformed church, Rev. Plummer and Rev. Bok, officiating. There were present a large number of sorrowing friends who had loved and admired him members of the GAT, and a squad of members of Co. E. 52nd Iowa Volunteers, the latter marched in a body with the remains to their last resting place and the military funeral rites were by them performed at the cemetery. Those left to mourn beside this numerous friends, his sister Mrs. R. Klay, a sister at Yankton and a brother in Minnesota, to all of hem the Bee extends its sincere sympathy along with the condolence of the entire community.

Card of Thanks
We desire to extend our sincere thanks to the old soldiers, members of Company E. and neighbors and friends for assistance shown us during the death of Gerrit Leeuwrik, Mr. and Mrs. R. Klay, J. Leeuwrik.