John Van Aelst

[Researcher Note: After several hours of research, I believe that John Van Aelst is a family name for Adrian Cornelius Van Aelst, and therefore, this would be a double entry. Some of my confusion began because in his 1917 WWI Draft Registration, he claimed "Section 8" exemption due to bladder problems; however, I believe that Adrian was in fact inducted into the army. In the 1930 census, he is cited as living with his brother Martin; however, there is also another entry in Vancouver, Washington for Adrian Van Aelst, and he is a commercial pilot, which is in keeping with the "John Van Aelst" who flew in WWI. In addition, in Hermina [Van Aelst] Lockman's obituary in 1930, she has two brothers living in Goldendale: John and Arie. Her brother Martin is cited as living in California. In the 1900 and 1910 censuses, there were four children in the Van Aelst family living with their parents: Adrian, Martin, Minnie and Arie. So, I have come to the conclusion that Adrian's family nickname was "John". Somewhat averse to this assumption is that in Mary Gosney's IOOF Cemetery listing, Adrian is cited as buried in Block 11, Lot 5, while John is cited as buried in Block 11, Lot 4.5. (If someone has information that would contradict or support this, please write to us!)

The following newspaper items tell a bit of the tale of John Van Aelst in the Klickitat County community.