SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Gerret Wissink, Page 534

GERRET WISSINK, residing on section 26, Holland Township, is a native of that town, his birth having occurred February 7, 1854.  He is one of a family of five children, of whom three are living:  Jane, who is the wife of Benjamin Wymveen, a farmer of the town of Holland; Arent J., who resides in Sheboygan; and Gerret, whose name heads this record.  The father of this family, Berent J. Wissink, was a native of Markelo, province of Guelderland, Holland, born October 12, 1812.  Before leaving his native country he wedded Teuntje Landewaart, who was also born in that country, April 1, 1825.  In 1847, with his young wife, Mr. Wissink sailed from Rotterdam for New York, reaching that port after forty-eight days.  Coming on to Sheboygan County, he located in the woods in the town of Holland, building a cabin, which was his home for many years.  Mrs. Wissink was not long permitted to enjoy the companionship of her husband and family, as she was called to her final rest January 10, 1857.  Mr. Wissink's first landed possession in the New World was eight acres on section 26, which was nearly all covered with timber.  He owned a number of different tracts of land, which he improved to a greater or less extent, and then sold.  He was an industrious, energetic man, who took an active part in constructing roads and in making other useful improvements.  After the death of his first wife, Mr. Wissink was again married, and of this union had five children, of whom four, two sons and two daughters, are living.  Having reached the age of seventy-three this worthy pioneer passed away, April 8, 1886, and was buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

    Gerret Wissink received a common-school education, and early learned habits of industry and thrift, which have done much toward making his career a success.  Until seventeen years of age he assisted his father in conducting the farm, then for some five years he worked for wages, being employed a short time as a farm hand near Waupun.  In 1877 he rented his father's farm, and three years later purchased forty acres of his father.

    Mr. Wissink was married, February 7, 1878, to Miss Jane F., daughter of G. J. and Janna W. (Brummelstroete) Sikkink.  Mrs. Wissink was born in Kotten, Guelderland, February 5, 1859.  Of this union were born two children:  Benjamin, born March 4, 1880; and Arent J., born October 3, 1881.  The family are members of the Dutch Reformed Church.