Holland City News, August 8, 1922

John Van Dyke, Sr., aged 83 years and ten months, a pioneer of the Holland colony and a Civil War veteran, died Wednesday afternoon at his home, 204 W. 11^th Street, after a residence in Holland and vicinity for 75 years.

Mr. Van Dyke was born in the province of Gelderland, Netherlands, and came to this country in 1847, when a lad of seven years. For 48 years they made their home on the North Side and about ten years ago the family moved to Holland. He is the second death in his family of 11 children. Last spring, Mr. And Mrs. Van Dyke celebrated the 56^th anniversary of their marriage, which was solemnized on March 27, 1866, in this city.

Mr. Van Dyke served in the Civil War under General Grant and participated in several thrilling battles including the Battle of the Wilderness. He was never wounded, but suffered a close escape from death when a bullet hit the thick buckle of his belt.

Besides his widow, ten children survive; Mrs. J. Van Alsburg, Martin Van Dyke,

Mrs. N. Prakken, Mrs. R. Riksen, C. Van Dyke, Mrs. B. Dekker, Anna Van Dyke, Mrs. B. De Young, of Newark, N. J., Anthony Van Dyke of Detroit, Maggie Van Dyke. The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the home, Rev. James M. Martin officiating.

(Mr. Van Dyke served in the 8^th Michigan Infantry. He is buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.)