Students conducted interviews with family members, and some were able to gather additional resources and pictures to help tell their story. While there were many great stories written, not all will be published.
This project was a collaborative effort between students’ history classes with Mrs. Kruthoff & Mr. Armstrong, English class with Ms. Baldwin, and their families. It was inspired by the original project that long-time English teacher, Mrs. Wiersema, made a tradition in her 8th grade class.
Students enjoyed getting to know more about their families, and many were surprised to learn how interesting their families were. We hope you all will enjoy their stories, too!
My Ancestor: Petrus Paul Dollieslager, by Aylia Grace Hanlon
Have you ever wondered what your family tree is? You might find out that your great grandfather was Italian. Well, that’s what happened to me! On my mother’s father’s side we had a 2nd great-grandfather named Petrus Paul Dollieslager. I know him because my (current) grandfather, Tom Dollieslager, told me about him and I was fascinated. The reason I picked Petrus is because he seemed like a very nice and kind man. My grandfather said he was the nicest man you’d ever meet.
Petrus was born 1896 in Kaprijke Belgium. Petrus had 12 siblings, dogs, loving parents, and a heart made of gold. Petrus helped around his family’s farm constantly. My grandfather told me when he was growing up he would find Petrus on his arm chair just sitting there peacefully.
Petrus, did in fact, get married and did, in fact have kids. Petrus’s kids grew up and also had kids of their own (and the cycle continues!). (Well, that’s the reason why I’m here!) Even though he’s not here now, I’m guessing he lived a pretty awesome life. Petrus didn’t go to school at all. He stayed home to help tend to the farm. Petrus died peacefully in his sleep while in his armchair. My grandmother says, “It’s exactly how he wanted to die. In his armchair, sleeping peacefully.”
My family is a big achievement due to my great grandfather and his kids. My family lineage would have never been here. His kids are another achievement for him and if he was here I think he would be proud to see his family grow up into fine young men and women. Petrus had many farm animals (like pigs, sheep, cows, and horses the whole thing) and Petrus had many, many dogs in his life.
One word I could use to describe Petrus is hardworking. Why? I think this described how he was as a person and how hard he worked to get here. I will always remember how the mentioning of Petrus brightens up my grandfather who will always jump into many tales about him. I feel good about my future… like really good… I also think that Petrus Paul Dollieslager is in a much better and more peaceful place, than this world could ever provide.
Aylia Grace Hanlon, Miss Baldwin’s Language Arts class
