Person:Melis van Polen (1)

Obituary

Mr. M. Van Polen passed quietly and peacefully to rest at half past four o'clock on Saturday morning, April 7, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. A. P. Van Houwelinge, after months of suffering of neuritis. His first attack of the disease was noticed about two years ago, from which time his health has been failing. Two weeks ago paralysis set in and it was evident he could not recover. His children were summoned and remained by the side of their father until he closed his eyes in the long, sweet sleep that knows no waking in this world. He was willing to go and gave loving messages to his children.

Mr. Van Polen was an ideal father, his home and children lying closer to his heart than all things earthly. Three sons and one daughter have grown to useful manhood and womanhood and have the priceless legacy left them of a father's love and devotion, to which, more than anything else, they owe their success in life. The children have the comforting thought that their beloved father has passed over on the other shore and is watching from the heights for their coming, when a glorious family reunion will continue throughout all eternity.

Melus Van Polen was born in Holland April 8, 1831. There he grew to manhood. In 1855 he married Miss Jannetje Stomphorst and came to this country and settled near Pella. This wife passed away in 1859. One son was born to this union who yet survives. In 1865 he married Miss Anna Vriezelaar who also passed away from this earthly life on October 27, 1891. Five children were born to this union. One son and one daughter were called away from earth; Allie passed away in infancy and Peter died in 1895. Four children survive the father, viz.: Arie Van Polen, Gerrit Van Polen, John Van Polen and Mrs. Nellie Van Houwelinge, also nine grandchildren.^[2]

Poor, tired hands that toiled so hard for me: At rest before me now I see them lying. They toiled so hard for me And yet we could not see that he was dying. Poor, rough hands that toiled the life-long day- Still busy when the midnight oil was burning. Oft' toiling on till he saw the gray of day returning. If I could sit and hold those tired hands And feel his tender heart once more beating! And gaze with him across the twilight bands, Some whispered words repeating. I think tonight I would love him so, And could tell my love to him so truly That even though tired he could not wish and leave me thus unduly.

Poor, tired heart that had so weary grown That death came all unheeded o'er it creeping. How still it is to sit here all alone While he is sleeping. Dear, patient heart, that deemed the heavy care Of drudging toil, its highest duty; That laid aside its precious yearnings there Alone with beauty. Dear heart and hands, so pulseless, still and cold; How peacefully and dreamlessly he's sleeping. The spotless shroud of rest about them fold And leave me weeping. Mrs. A. P. Van Houwelinge. ^[2]

1.   Geboorte, in Putten, Gelderland, Netherlands. Burgerlijke Stand
   Akte 20, 1831.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} Pella Chronicle. (Pella, Marion, Iowa, United States )
   pg. 3, 26 Apr 1906.