Person:Gerrit Van Der Weit (1)

Gerrit Gerbens van der Weit was born on February 11, 1815 in Stiens in the municipality of Leeuwarderadeel. He was the son of Gerben Wijtzes van der Weit and Tjitske Baukes van der Woude. Gerrit married Wypkje Jacobs Kuipers on May 6, 1837 in the municipality of Westdongeradeel. Wypkje was born on December 16, 1817 in Hiaure (Westdongeradeel), daughter of Jacob Tjerks Kuipers and Renske or Rinske Wijbes Kuipers. The couple begot 4 children, all born at Bornwird: Gerben on July 3, 1840, Renske born on June 9, 1842, Jacob born on February 5, 1844 and Wijtze born January 1, 1847.

They too boarded the Pieter Floris under the leadership of Rev. H. P. Scholte in search of a better life in America. Disaster struck the family while still at sea. Thrice they stood at the rail of the ship to see one of their beloved children disappear into the water. Renske, Jacob and Wijtze all died during the ocean crossing. What a trauma this must have been for the young parents who lost 3 children in such a short time. Luckily a few months after arriving in Pella another daughter was born on February 2, 1848 and she again was given the name of Renske. Tragically their oldest son Gerben died in 1850. After that 2 more children were born at Pella: Joseph G. on July 3, 1855 and Mary C. on Jaqnuary 5, 1858. On November 16, 1869 again death struck when their 14 year old son Joseph G. died.

About the joys and sorrows of this family we have learned very little more, just that Gerrit was known to have a well run farm. As they grew older they were cared for by daughter Mary and son-in-law Frank Hugen and died in their own home. According to the Knoxville Express and the Pella Chronicle they left behind many children, and grandcildren as well as many good friends. Gerrit died on June 3, 1901 and Wypkje on August 29 (or 31), 1902, both in Pella, and are buried in Oakland Cemetery.

About daughter Renske, born February 2, 1848, we luckily know a little more. Renske married on October 27, 1871 in Pella Willem Alberts Mulder. Willem was born on December 10, 1844 at Wildervank in the province of Groningen. He was the son of Albert Egberts Mulder and Hinderkien Willems Broekman. Renske died on October 28, 1913 and Willem on January 5, 1924, both in Corsica, Douglas County, South Dakota. The Mulder family had 13 children. Because so little is known about the family's situation in Pella we record the 13 children: Henderkien or Hendrika (August 4, 1872 - September 28; 1958); Gerrit (June 18, 1874 - June 24, 1911); Albert (October 16, 1875 - January 9, 1961); Jacob (January 7,1877 - no death date known); John (March 23, 1878 - August 23, 1966; Wiepke (August 3, 1879 - April 18, 1958); Hendrik (April 10, 1881 - July 16, 1936); Marie (September 16, 1882 - July 20, 1964); Magdalena (March 7, 1884 - May 29, 1971). The first 9 children were all born in Pella. The other 4 were born in Corsica: Johanna (February 14, 1887 - April 1, 1973); William (February 13, 1889 - June 26, 1953); Geertje (November 15, 1891 - death date unknown) and Herman (February 7, 1895 - death date unknown).

About daughter Mary C. van der Weit some information has also been unearthed. She married Frank Huigens on Occtober 14, 1881 in Pella. Later the surname was changed first to Hugens and then to Hugen. Frank was born on February 14, 1857 and was a farmer, probably of Dutch descent. Frank died on May 22, 1914 at Pella where his wife Mary also died on May 27, 1936. They were buried in the Oakwood Cemetery. They left 4 children behind, all born in Pella: Harry F. (November 11, 1882 - September 1928; Frank (1884 - no death date known); Gerrit (June 2, 1887 - October 13, 1963); and Kate (1888 - June 9 1977). (Kor C. Postma)

1.   Greetings from America: 8, in Marion County IAGenWeb.

   http://iagenweb.org/marion/GROETEN/English_GROETEN/GroetenTrans_8.htm. Accessed: 2011-01-09. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/5vbj9U5kS)

2. ↑ Geboorte, in Leeuwarderadeel, Friesland, Netherlands. Burgerlijke Stand
   Akte 6, 1815.

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