Van Wey, Cornelius 1825 – 1897

VAN WEY, ELTING, WEBSTER, BOVENIZAR, SPAUN, PECK

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 12/20/2020 at 16:44:52

Source: Decorah Republican Nov. 11, 1897 P 8 C 1

Died, in Frankville, Saturday evening, Nov. 6th, 1897, about 8 o’clock, of appoplexy, Cornelius Van Wey, aged 72 years, 7 months and 21 days. Mr. Van Wey was born in Ulster county, New York, in 1825. In 1854 he was married to Maria C. Elting. Two years later they came west to Frankville, Ia., where he purchased a few lots and erected a small house where he has resided ever since, having been a resident of Frankville for 41 years and occupying the same house during all this time. Eleven children were born to these parents, one of which died in childhood and another dying at the age of 18. Nine children and a bereaved wife survive him, all living in Frankville except Mrs. Mary Webster, who resides at Ossian. The children are George, Dewitt, Mrs. Webster, Mrs. Bovenizar, John, Mrs. Spaun, Mrs. Frank Peck, Bert and Edith. The last two named are unmarried and live at home. All these were born in Frankville except George, who was born in York state. Mr. Van Wey was a blacksmith by trade and supported his family by this trade. He had not blacksmithed any for a few late years. Several years ago he purchased 80 acres of land about a mile southwest of Frankville, which he retained at the time of his death. He sat on a horse power and drove the horses Saturday forenoon while all his boys helped him saw wood with a power saw. He had said during the day that he felt so sleepy he could hardly sit up, but this was not known till after the work was done. After eating quite a hearty supper he went to his son-in- law’s (Geo. Bovenizar’s) store, and sat there talking with the men, apparently in as good health as anyone of his age could be. About eight o’clock he was silent a short time, when suddenly his head fell forward, his hat dropped off and he gasped for breath. He was carried out on the porch, thinking fresh air would revive him, but he only gasped several times just as the doctor arrived. He was carried into the living room back of the store, and breathed his last as they were passing through the back door of the store. It could not have been more than ten minutes from the first sign of anything wrong until he was gone. It was a thunderbolt to the family and a shock to the community. The funeral was held at the Presbyterian church, Monday, Rev. Phillips officiating. The church was full and a crowd outside that could not get in. People came from far and near. The burial was made at the Frankville cemetery. He was a respected citizen and an earnest Republican.

Frankville Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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