Schaap, P. R. (Sheriff) 1854-1912

SCHAAP, KRAAI, COON

Posted By: Georgine Burke (email)
Date: 1/29/2005 at 20:04:28

In the death of P.R. Schaap Sioux County loses a most energetic official, general favorite and sympathetic friend. Clear in his insight into the motive of men and alive to the forces that drag them down, his heart went out to that class of men in conflict with the law. Generous to a fault, Mr. Schaap was very ready to share his last crust with a friend or foe. No prisoner who ever served sentence while he was in office, has an unkind word to say for Sioux County’s most popular Sheriff. Seeking at all times to set them on their feet, they never doubted his sincerity. His interpretation of the sheriff’s function, often expressed, was that of the peace officer rather than the agent of the forces of punishment, litigation and strife. He believed in the corrective power of prevention and many a wrong was stopped before it reached the light of publicity. The people whom he served do not know of the many cases that never developed into expensive litigation because of his earnest advice to do right and made amends without delay. By the aid of the Golden Rule he sought to lead the people to obey the letter of the law so far as wayward humanity is able to reach perfection, and his constituents reacted to his fidelity and lofty purpose. As a member of the minority party, he was a political foe to be reckoned with. Party lines were ignored when votes were cast for sheriff. Republican aspirants continually pursued him and now at a time when his political horizon appeared unbroken, his called to an office beyond the ken of men.

P. R.Schaap was born at Ebenezer, Michigan, on October 21st, 1854, and died of bronchial pneumonia at his home in Orange City on April 3rd, 1912. He was therefore fifty seven years, five months and thirteen days of age. Returning from an official trip to another town under the threatening presence of his fatal illness but six days were required to take him from our midst. Mr. Schaap was serving his sixth term as sheriff of Sioux County having held office from 1892 to 1898 and from 1907 to the date of his death. In 1872 he came to this county and on December 31st, 1883 he was married to Fannie Coon at Orange City. Six children were born to them of whom Cornelius J., of Chicago; Fremont O., of Crawford, Colo.; and Jennie, Ray, and Mary of Orange City are living. Mrs. Fannie Schaap died on May 23rd, 1897. Mr. Schaap was married the second time on June 8th, 1899, to Mrs. Jacob Kraai and is survived by her and the two step children, Edward W. and Coba A. Kraai. His parents are not living and he is the first one of their sons to follow them. His brothers, Otto, Arie and Cornelius are living at Holland, Michigan. Mrs. H. Roek and Mrs. Minnie Van Voorst of Zeeland, Michigan, and Mrs. Sam Pas of Holland, Michigan, are the sisters who survive him. Mr. Schaap was a member of the Yeoman and A.O.U.W. Societies.

The funeral services will be held from the residence at 1:30 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. from the First Reformed church at Orange City today, Saturday. The services will be conducted by Rev. J. Engelsman and Rev. D. McEwan. Interment will be made in the cemetery at Orange City.

Sheriff P.R. Schaap has gone and his departure is keenly felt by Sioux County at large. But he still lives in the hearts of all who knew him.
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Boyden Reporter, April 4, 1912

The death of P. R. Schaap, Sheriff of Sioux County, at Orange City last evening at 10:40 was a great surprise to the people of Boyden. He had been ill since last Thursday evening with pneumonia and his condition grew gradually worse until the end. Last Wednesday evening he ate supper with W. R. Smith and A. VandenBrink in Sheldon and they came as far as Boyden with him on his way to Rock Valley. He seemed to be in good health but said he had been traveling quite a bit of late and told of his experiences of his trip to Denver the week before and his being snow bound for two days. The travel and exposure had put his system in such a shape he fell an easy prey to the dreaded disease and on his return from Rock Valley last Thursday evening he took to his bed, and death was the result.
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The Sioux City Journal, April 5, 1912
SIOUX COUNTY SHERIFF DEAD.
[Photograph included]

Orange City, Io., April 4.—Special: Peter R. Schaap, sheriff of Sioux county, died at his home here last night after an illness of less than a week’s duration. Mr. Schaap took sick a week ago with lung trouble, and it developed into pneumonia. Mr. Schaap was born in Ebenezer, Mich., in 1854, being 57 years of age at the time of his death. He came to Sioux county in 1872. He was marshal of Orange City and also deputy sheriff of Sioux county for several years.

Sioux county is strongly republican, but Mr. Schaap was elected sheriff six times on the democratic ticket. He served from 1892 to 1897, and from 1907 until the time of his death, being now in his sixth term. Mr. Schaap had a wider acquaintance than any man in the county, and was the best vote getter who ever ran for office in this county. Mr. Schaap was most capable as sheriff and had great success in chasing down criminals.

The funeral will be held Saturday at 1:30 o’clock from Mr. Schaap’s home, and at 2 o’clock from the First Reformed church.
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The Alton Democrat issue of 6 April 1912, Orange City column:
Sheriff Schaap was taken sick last Saturday with pneumonia and is in a critical condition. A nurse arrived from Sioux city on Monday and a second nurse was sent for on Wednesday. The absent children were notified and Miss Jennie arrived from Ireton on Tuesday and Ray came from Iowa City on Wednesday. Freeman, who is in Crawford Colorado on account of ill health, is expected also. Later--Peter Schaap passed away on Wednesday evening at eleven o'clock.
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Source: Alton Democrat issue of 13 April 1912, Alton column:

Many from Alton were at Orange City last Saturday to attend the Peter Schaap funeral and some were unable to find seating room in the church. Though the roads were extremely bad people from all parts of the county were present to pay the last respects to the departed official and friend. The services were held in the First Reformed church and were in charge of Revs. Engelsman and McEwan. A male quartette consisting of Messrs. Schultz, Rhynsburger, De Bey and Oggel sang a beautiful selection. The pall bearers were Messrs. McKee, Te Paske, Jongewaard, Reiniger, Hospers and Fuller---courthouse associates of the deceased. The floral offerings were many and beautiful.
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