Cornelia (Drees) ABBAS

ABBAS, SEEBECK, DREES, BOCKHOLT, LUITJENS, RUBENS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/14/2008 at 11:06:05

Source Unknown
May 16, 1934

MRS. BEREND ABBAS (1845 - 1934)

One of Kanawha's oldest residents, Mrs. Berend Abbas, was summoned from this earthly life early Saturday morning while at the home of her youngest daughter, Mrs. Charles Seebeck, seven miles north of Kanawha. Mrs. Berend Abbas, nee Cornelia Drees, was born on December 26, 1845, in Stoppemoor, Ostfriesland, Germany. While still in Germany she was united in marriage to Mr. Berend Abbas of Wiemeer. In 1874 they migrated to America making their home in the vicinity of Abbot Crossing, Grundy County, Iowa. From there they moved to a farm near Kanawha and after retiring from the farm they spent twenty-four years together in their declining years in their home in Kanawha. About five years ago her beloved husband was called from her side with whom she had been united in marriage for over fifty-six years. Lonesome and restless after the death of her husband she spent part of her time at the homes of her children. The last nine months were spent at the home of her youngest daughter, Mrs. Charles Seebeck where she was summoned from this earthly life after an illness of about three weeks on May 5, 1934, at the advanced age of 88 years, four months and nine days.

Her departure is mourned by three children, George, Mrs. Harm Bockholt and Mrs. Charles Seebeck; also twenty-two grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. Her husband and two daughters, Mrs. Jake Luitjens and Mrs. Henry Rubens preceded her in death.

Mrs. Abbas was well known in this community and during her long life made many friends. With her husband she was a charter member of the Kanawha Christian Reformed church. Her rheumatic condition in her advanced age made attendance at Sunday services almost impossible during the last years of her life. Her interest in the Scriptures however continued and she loved to speak about the blessed fellowship of God's children with their Savior, Jesus Christ, with whom she longed to be in glory free from the cares and anxieties of this life. The funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church under the direction of Rev. D.H. Plesscher. Interment was made in the Kanawha cemetery.