The Jacob and Gysbertha Pothoven Family

Name                  Occupation              Date of Birth          Birthplace          Date of Death         Notes                                         

Jacob                   Farmer                       Feb 15, 1866           Iowa                      Dec 1, 1838

Pothoven

Gysbertha         Housekeeper         Jan 4, 1870               Iowa                      Feb 10, 1944

De Jong

Martha                Daughter                  Nov 27, 1892          Iowa                      Feb 13, 1976

Martinus            Son                                Apr 16, 1895           Iowa                      Jun 12, 1977

Otto                      Son                                Sep 17, 1898            Iowa                     Mar 1, 1961

Garret                  Son                                Nov 19, 1902           Iowa                    Jan 12, 2002

Henry                   Son                                Mar 26, 1905           Iowa                     Feb 14, 1991

Peternella          Daughter                   Mar 9, 1909              Iowa                     Jun 3, 1990 

(Nellie)

Jacob and Gysbertha were married in 1891. They farmed in Richland Township, Mahaska County near her brothers, Peter J. and Arie. In 1925, they moved off the farm to Pella to 506 East Liberty Street. Their religious affiliation was Christian Reformed. 

In 1937, they sold 120 acres to her brother Peter J. and his son John. After Jacob’s death, Gysbertha moved to the home across from the Second Christian Reformed Church.

Kenn Haven, Gysbertha’s grandson, recalls that she was an extremely large woman. He said that each fall, she would search for every available window screen in order to dry as many apple slices as possible.