THE HARM and DENA BUUS STORY

 

THE HARM & DENA BUUS STORY

FROM

LENNOX, SOUTH DAKOTA ANNIVERSARY BOOKS

Among the pioneers of this section who shared in its early struggles and development were Mr.  & Mrs. Harm Buus who settled on a homestead four miles southwest of Lennox in 1878. They were the days of prairie fires, grass hoppers and primitive transportation. Harm Buus was born in Ostfriesland, Germany on February 1, 1848, and at the age of 16 came with his parents to America locating near Freeport, IL. In 1870 he moved to Grundy County, Iowa, locating near Grundy Center, and that same year was united in marriage to Hedina Margaret Bossman.

 

Harm & Hedina were married in Sept. 11, 1870

Mrs. Buus was born at Holthusen Kries, Wiener, Germany on December 28, 1850. There she spent her childhood days and when yet in her teens she came to America. They settled first in Illinois, where they lived a few years. Later the family moved to Grundy County, Iowa, near Ackley. There, on September 11, 1870 she was united in marriage with Harm Buus. They continued their residence in Iowa for eight years, and then in 1878 came to Dakota Territory to cast their fortunes with the other early homesteaders in this region.
 
Mr. Buus was one of the organizers and charter members of the First Turner County Presbyterian Church (now called Turner County First Presbyterian Church) and active in all community affairs in those early days. For 33 years they continued on the farm and in 1911 retired to take up their residence in Lennox. Here they continued to enjoy the material comforts that were their reward following years of hard work and thrift.
 

  

Mr. Buus died from anemia (Bright’s Disease) on July 31, 1924 at age 76 and six months. Rev. John Rops officiated at the funeral.

Coming here many years ago when the section was but a bare prairie, Mrs. Buus experienced all the hardships of the early days. In 1882 she joined with the Turner County First Presbyterian church and for 56 years was a faithful and active member. She was one of the pioneers who took the lead in the organization of this religious institution. She was a kind wife and mother, a true friend and neighbor, who was always willing to do everything humanly possible to help those in need of her services. Mrs. Buus was one of the sturdy pioneer women who played an active part in the up-building and advancement of this locality. In the fall of 1937, Dena became seriously ill and then failed rapidly. She died on the morning of May 7, 1938. Funeral services were conducted in the Turner County First Presbyterian Church and interment for both Mr. & Mrs. Buus is in the cemetery there.

 Mrs. Buus passed to her reward on May 7, 1938 at the age of 87 years, four months and seven days. Twelve children were born to this union. (Eleven of those children are pictured in the previous blog: "BUUS GENERATIONS 1774 - 1979")

This picture from the "family archives" was not labeled, but it is safe to say that the two fellows on the near side of the car are father and son: Harm in the front and Hinderk in the back. The presumption is that their companions are their sons.