Van Pelt, John 1820 - 1907

VAN PELT, RICHARDSON

Posted By: Norman Hjelmeland (email)
Date: 10/21/2022 at 12:41:02

At 12:30 o'clock on Friday noon occurred the death of one of the old pioneer residents of Decorah and Winneshiek Co. Mr. John Van Pelt, at the advanced age of 87 years, after an illness lasting 7 years, death resulting from old age.

John was born in Middlesex, Chautauqua County, New York 8 April 1820. Mr. Van Pelt was a veteran of the Mexican War and served 5 years. He left New York in the forties and came west to Freeport, IL where he engaged in brick making. In 1852 he came to Decorah where he followed the same occupation for some years, making part of the brick for the old Luther College building. Soon afterward he secured from the government a 160 acre farm in Canoe Twp. for $2.50 per acre, where he resided until 22 years ago, when he returned to Decorah and has made his home here ever since. He had engaged in truck gardening for several years. He was a great hunter and lover of nature and he killed many a deer and bear. He bore the respect and esteem of all who knew him, as a man of honor and integrity and a good citizen.

He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, aged 85 years, and two children, Willard E. of Decorah and Mrs. Richardson of Sioux City. Also a brother and sister in Sioux City.

The funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at 12:30 o'clock from the home, Rev. W.E. Van Buren officiating, with interment in the Russell cemetery north of the city.

Decorah Public Opinion, October 30, 1907

Russell Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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