Sioux County, Iowa

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HAVERHALS, JOHN B. AND MARIA (AANEN)

John B. Haverhals was born May 29, 1885. He was the son of Sebrecht Haverhals and Anna Maria Vander Hoeven, born at Sprang, the Province Noord Braband, Netherlands. John had four brothers and three sisters. John married Maria Aanen on May 26, 1910 at Giessen, Nieuwkerk. John was a trolley car conductor in the Hague.

John B. and Maria Haverhals in 1910.

John B and his parents and two sisters came to America on February 26, 1915. He left his wife and son Adrian, to go to America. She did not join him until three years later, because of World War I.
To this union five children were born: Adrian, Anne (Mrs. Jon Wiechers), Johanna (Mrs. John Vande Kieft), Marie (Mrs. Floyd Van Kley) and John.

John first worked for Remko Kooi and later started farming in the Hawarden area, and then moved to a farm five miles west of Sioux Center. General farming and cattle feeding was his way of life. It consisted of hard labor.

John B. and Maria Haverhals in 1960 at their 50th
wedding anniversary.

An outstanding event experienced by John was on September 17, 1926, when the flood hit Center Township. The six-mile creek went on a rampage and made an island out of Center Township School #2. Jake De Vries, age 23, was a hired man for John Haverhals. Jake decided he would rescue the children and the teacher, Miss Jo Mouw. He was not successful and lost his life. When the team, wagon and driver were caught in the swollen creek, Jack's body was found nearby, caught in the line fence. The horses and the wagon were found at the Highway #10 bridge, 3 1,4 miles east of Hawarden.

On June 16, 1944, a tornado hit in the area. It took several farm places and also took the lebanon Church which the family attended.

John served many years in consistory and also the school board. John was active in the community. He served on several Co-op boards and also served on the hospital board. He loved to promote the Town of Sioux Center, Iowa.

In 1950, John and his wife retired to Sioux Center and built a new house. His hobbies were bowling and shuffle board. He spent time at the senior citizens building with his friends.

They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May, 1960. In November, 1960, Mrs. John Haverhals died. In 1964 John suffered a stroke and died in June, 1965.

by Mrs. Jennie Haverhals

Source: Sioux Center Iowa 1991 Centennial Book--Family Contributor, Mary Haverhals

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