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VAN PEURSEM, HENRY AND CYNTHIA (BOEYINK)
Cynthia Boeyink was born at Gelderland, Netherlands on July 3, 1869 at the age two she accompanied her parents, Henry and Johanna (Kastein) Boeyink to Alto, Wisc. where they made their home for 12 years. Then they moved to Sioux Center where she made her home for 11 years, the later four of that time having been spent housekeeping at the Rev. Boer home in Maurice. Rev. Boer was pastor of the Maurice First Ref. Church at that time.

Before coming to Maurice she had been a Sunday School teacher in Sioux Center and she continued her service when she came to Maurice. She was an active member of the Ladies Aid for 30 years and will be remembered for her willingness to assist the unfortunate, as exemplified by her knitting army sweaters for the motherless soldier boys during the World War.

Cynthia Boeyink married Henry Van Peursem February 25, 1892 at the home of his parents Mr. and Mrs. George Van Peursem. Rev. P. Wayenburg performed the ceremony.

Cynthia (Boeyink) and Henry Van Peursem family: Back row: Minnie 1894-1981; George
1895-1983; Anna 1892-1955 Middle row: John 1899-1972; Alfred 1903-1962; Henrietta
1898-1977 Front row: Henry 1870-1951; Cynthia (Boeyink) 1869-1935 Children in front:
Ralph 1907-1973; Delbert 1911-1982

Henry Van Peursem was the son of George and Mina (Kars) Van Peursem. He was born May 1, 1870, 5 miles west of Pella in a log house. He and his family came to Sioux County in 1872. They boarded a train in Pella and arrived in Le Mars. This is where his father assembled a wagon, loaded all their belongings and started their journey to a farm place 3∏ miles east of Maurice.

The first years of their marriage they lived on a farm 3 miles north of Maurice then later they purchased the farm 1 mile west and 1 mile south of Maurice. After many years of farming they built a house in town at 411 Main St. and retired at this home. To this union eight children were born.

Johanna Wessalina (Anna) Dec. 10, 1892 - Dec. 20, 1955; Wilhilmina Marie (Minnie) Jan. 29, 1894 - Aug. 29, 1981; George Andrew April 1, 1895 - Dec. 7, 1983; Henrietta Gertrude March 10, 1898 - Nov. 27, 1977; Henry John (John) July 13, 1899 - April 29, 1972; Alfred Dick Sept. 26, 1903 - Aug. 15, 1962; Ralph Lawrence Nov. 27, 1907 - April 30, 1973; Delbert Luverne July 30, 1911- May 24, 1982.

Cynthia died Saturday Sept. 14, 1935 from a heart attack she had on the previous Monday. Funeral services were held at the First Ref. Church at Maurice with Rev. R. Duiker and Rev. John Straks officiating. She was laid to rest at the Sherman Township cemetery. Henry continued to live for a few years at 411 Main but later moved to an upstairs apartment at the Peter Van Peursem home. Later when Peter Van Peursem sold his home to Bill Korver, Henry continued living upstairs. About 1949 he moved into an apartment by John Vander Weide's in the former hotel building.He lived here until his death Aug. 14, 1951.

By Mrs. Peter De Koter

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