22 April 1901 - Grand Haven Daily Tribune , p. 4

Death of P. F. A. VandenBerg

Paul F. A. VandenBerg who ranked with the oldest of our Holland settlers, passed away at shortly before midnight last night, at his home on lower Clinton street, after an illness that has extended over most of the winter. He had been gradually weakening and his death was not unexpected.

Born on January 28, 1836, in the city of Goor, provinces of Overisel, the Netherlands, he was slightly over 65 years of age at the time of his death. His father, Peter VandenBerg, emigrated to America in 1847, settling in Chicago. After residing there two years, the family moved to Holland, and in 1853 came to Grand Haven. At the time of his parents’ removal to Grand Haven, Paul was apprenticed to a Mr. D’Ooge of Grand Rapids, learning the painter’s trade. This Mr. D’Ooge was the father of Prof. D’Ooge of the University of Michigan. Paul did not like the painting business however, and shortly came to Grand Haven. He followed sailing for many years, and then became a fisherman. At the time of his death he conducted a fish smoking and wholesale business.

Mr. VandenBerg’s father was one of the best known of the early Holland colonists in Ottawa county. He was a man of ability and enterprise and before coming to America had held positions of influence and trust in the Netherlands. Coming to this city, he was appointed keeper of the government light at Grand Haven in 1853 by President Pierce. He came with his family and they have resided here ever since. VandenBerg, Peter, served as light keeper for six years. He was register of deeds of the county, and a justice of the peace for many years. He died in 1867 and his good wife passed away three years before him.

Paul F. VandenBerg and his brother, Albert G. VandenBerg, of this city, were the surviving members of the original family. Two brothers Peter and Martin, died while attending college. Peter was a particularly brighter young man, a student in the law department at Ann Arbor. Martin was attending Hope, when he too, sickened and died.

The deceased, Paul VandenBerg, sickened and died.

The deceased, Paul VandenBerg, was a member of Grand Haven Lodge, No. 139, F. & A. M., having been such since February 26, 1873, and the funeral will be under Masonic auspices.

Politically he was a staunch Democrat. Only recently he served two years in the city council, during the period when the city electric light plant was established.

Mr. VandenBerg was one of those men who dared to speak his mind. Once he formed an opinion it was hard for him to break loose from it. While many differed with his view, all admired the staunch, open stand he took, whether right or wrong. He was great reader and well in formed on all topics. He took a liberal view of religion, and in that particular differed from many of his countrymen. But his heart was in the right place, and in a business way and as a citizen he was a man of strict integrity.

Mr. VandenBerg’s death was due to grip and a complication of causes. Toward the last heart disease developed. He was conscious to the last, although he suffered much.

The deceased is survived by his wife, and three sons, Fred of Sherwood, Washington; Peter of Ogdensburg, N.Y.; and Essel of this city, and a stepdaughter, Miss Clara Roland of this city.

Funeral Tuesday, at two o’clock from the home under Masonic auspices.

Transcriber: Barb Jones
Created: 4 Sep 2010
URL: http://ottawa.migenweb.net/obits/s-z/vandenbergPFA.html