Riley Regent, June 26, 1913
Riley County Loses Another Early Settler

Mr. Hassebroek was born in Germany, August 23, 1836 and died at Riley, Kansas June 13, 1913, his age being 76 years, 9 months and 20 days. In accordance with the laws and customs of his native land, he entered school at an early age and secured a good education in the German language before coming to America with his parents at the early age of seventeen. His parents located on a farm in Ogle County, Illinois where ten years later he united in marriage to Miss Ida Groenhagen. To this union there were born ten children. One died in infancy, one at the age of seven and one, Mrs. Minnie Evans, preceded her father only about two years. His long continued and devoted companion in life, and seven children remain to mourn. The children are Mrs. Visser, Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Goodwin of Riley, Mrs. Downing of Clay Center, Enoch and John of Riley and William of Salt Lake City, Utah. In the homes established by these children twenty -one grandchildren have been born, and seven great grandchildren have been born in the fourth generation.

Mr. Hassebroek's early married life was spent in Illinois but in 1874, the family moved to Riley County, locating on a farm near Riley Center. Three years later he moved to Riley Center to engage in a general merchandise business. When Riley began to come into existance in 1887, the family moved in this town and Mr. Hassebroek maintained in the same business as long as his physical strength permitted. As a business man he was careful, industrious, honest and economical. His customers knew that they would receive honest treatment in dealing with him. He was thoroughly trusted far and wide. He was conscientious to a penny.

Contributed by Arletta Webster

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