Mrs. Jane Slothouber, Loved Resident Here 29 Years, Dies at Her Home

Mrs. Jannigje (Jane) Slothouber, nee Den Hartog, passed on at her home in Alton Saturday evening [March 13] at the age of 79 years and 8 months. Although not in good health for some years, she had continued as active as possible, and only in the last few days had failed rapidly.

She was one of the early residents, having come to this county in 1878 at the age of four years with her pioneer parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Den Hartog, who came from Pella and settled at Middleburg. She was the second oldest of a family of 13 children, and well remembered the "grasshopper plague" and the great blizzard of 1888. Not only did she help bring up the younger children, but after the death of her aunt, Mrs. F. Druyvesteyn, who was fatally burned, she cared for that family for many years.

She was married Feb. 25, 1909 to Henry Slothouber, and the couple lived south of Alton, also a year or two around Sheldon and Melvin, until the death of Mr. Slothouber Sept. 17, 1920. The couple adopted four children, of whom two, Dora and Henry, have been the comfort and support of their mother. For 29 years, Mrs. Slothouber, Dora and Henry, have lived in Alton, where her children gave her devoted care. Elroy and Edwin, the other sons, left home when very young.

She is survived by her children, two sisters and three brothers, namely Mrs. Herman (Nell) Scholten of Alton, Mrs. G. J. Te Grotenhuis (Gertrude) of Baldwin, Wis., John Den Hartog, Walter Den Hartog, both of Hospers, Edward Den Hartog of Sanborn. Sisters and brothers preceding her in death were Maggie, Mrs. Solsma; Ann, Mrs. Riemersma; Dick, Herman, Dim and Jim Den Hartog; Ida, Mrs. Peter Vis.

Mrs. Slothouber was an active member of the Reformed church and Ladies Aid, always doing her part, and a good and kind neighbor. In her neighborhood she was affectionately known as "Tantje Jane."

Funeral services Wednesday at the home and First Reformed church were in charge of the pastor, Rev. LeRoy Sandee, assisted by Rev. Henry Colenbrander, a friend of the family, who gave a short Dutch sermon and Dutch psalm 68 verse 10--a favorite passage which was used at the funeral of her husband. A favorite hymn, "What a Friend we have in Jesus" which had been sung at Mr. Slouthouber's funeral, was sung by a mixed quartet.

Pallbearers were six nephews: John Solsma, Gerald Scholten, Bob (Alvin) Den Hartog, Robert Den Hartog, Marion Den Hartog and John Huygens.

Source: Alton Democrat, March 18, 1954.