USA > Iowa > Marion County > Pella > Souvenir history of Pella, Iowa : contains a concise story of the founding and life of Pella, Iowa > Part 15
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At the end of 64 years of happy married life, her husband died on the 11th day of August, 1894, MRS. C. H. OVERKAMP after which she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. H. Wormhoudt, her only surviving child. Here she lived in that peace and contentment which is the priceless possession of those who, looking back over a long life of faithful endeavor, also look forward in faith to a better life beyond. The call to join her loved ones came on the 20th day of April, 1903, at the ripe old age of 98 years, 7 months and 20 days.
MR. TEUNIS KLEIN
MRS. TEUNIS KLEIN
TEUNIS H. KLEIN
Was born in Leerdam, South Holland, and came to America with his parents with the first colonists in 1847, settling on a farm about three miles west of Pella. Here he helped his father until his majority. He was married to Miss Gertrude De Leeuw and they lived on a farm about two miles west of Pella until Mr. Klein's death in 1887. There were twelve children born to this wedlock, eight of whom, five sons and three daughters, are still living. Mr. Klein was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Pella, and was known as a man of earnest religious con- victions. At the death of her husband Mrs. Klein removed to Pella, where she lived until her death, which occurred on the 18th day of December, 1913.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
ALBERT VAN HOUWELINGEN
Was born in the Netherlands, October 2, 1841. He came to Pella with his parents who settled on a farm near Pella, where Albert lived until his marriage, with Annigje Klein, which occurred on the 14th day of August, 1865. After his marriage he continued to farm, first as a renter near Pella and later on land he bought about seven and a half miles northwest of Pella. He was one of the few men who even in the early days, when land was almost without market value, had the fore- sight to see that it was sure to grow in value with the inevitable development of the country. The result was that while he started as a renter, when he died at the age of 51, he was one of the largest land owners in the entire Holland colony.
An incident that shows the determined char- acter that marked all his activities in life was that ALBERT VAN HOUWELINGEN at the age of twelve, he made the trip to Keokuk alone, driving two ox teams the entire distance of 120 miles.
Mr. Van Houwelingen continued actively in the agricultural business until the day of his death, which occurred on the home farm on the 18th day of October, 1892
OEBELE HEERKES VIERSEN
Born in the city of Driesum, Province of Friesland, Kingdom of the Nether- lands, June 10, 1835. He emigrated to the United States with his parents in 1847 and landed in Pella on or about August 25, 1847. He has lived on the old home- stead about a mile and a half northwest of this city, known as the Hy. Viersen farm all of his life, seventy-five years, being twelve years of age upon his arrival here. He with his brother, S. H. Viersen, were en- gaged in the mercantile business for about three years. In 1858 he was united in marriage to Miss Emma F. Renaud. To this union four children were born: Harry, Lottie, Mary and Freddie, the two latter having passed to the Great Beyond in their early life, when a very dark cloud covered the home with sorrow. On Saturday evening, April 13, 1907, the wife and mother was called to her re- ward by the Lord Jesus whom she loved in spirit and in truth, but truly their loss was her gain, for of a truth of her it could be said, "Asleep in Jesus, Oh, How Sweet," from which none shall ever awake to weep. And now at this, his great old age, he enjoys life and good health at the hearth- side of son, Harry, and his esteemed wife, Dora Lautenbach Viersen, on the old homestead and who are doing all they can to make the evening shades of his life journey bright and pleasant. He enjoys every moment of his life as the days go by. O. H. VIERSEN
165
BIOGRAPHIES
F. LeCOCQ
Born in Amsterdam, Holland, July 14, 1828, and received a liberal education in the schools of that renowned city. In 1847 he came to the United States with his parents and in company with the first emi- grants, under the leadership of Rev. H. P. Scholte. The ship of the flotilla on which he sailed was the Pieter Floris. After an eventful trip they landed at Baltimore, Md., and came by canal boat to Keo- kuk, Iowa, from whence they traveled in wagons to their destination, 120 miles distance, to "Pella to be" or the famous "Strooi Stadt," a cluster of straw thatched huts that made up the first settle- ment at Pella. May 22, 1856, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Van Gorkom, from which union six children were born. From 1856 until 1872 he was engaged in a successful general mercantile business in this city. In 1872 he moved to Orange City, Iowa, being among the early pioneers of that settlement, where he served four years as deputy county treasurer and four more years as county recorder. He also served several years as deacon of the First Reformed Church at Orange City. In F. LeCOCQ 1883 he had the courage to pioneer it once more, this time in Douglas county, South Dakota, where he started a bank in company with his son. He served as elder in the First Reformed Church from its organiza- tion and was the efficient secretary until he died, May 26, 1907. His son, Frank, lives in Lynden, Washington, and his daughter, Cornelia, is a resident of this city.
MAARTEN KLEIN
MAARTEN KLEIN
Was born in Leerdam, South Holland, in 1836, and emigrated to Pella with his parents in 1847. He lived on the farm about three miles west of Pella until his majority, helping his father with the farm work. Married Johanna Hoogenaaker in March, 1855. Later he moved to Eastern Nebraska until the time of his death, which occurred about twelve years ago.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
HUIBRECHT DE BOOY
Born in Noordeloos, in the Netherlands, January 22, 1825. He came to Amer- ica with his parents, three brothers and two sisters on the sail boat "Catharina Jackson," one of the four boats carrying the Scholte colonists to their new home and country. On the 25th of August he was united in marriage to Miss Anna van der Linden. To this union were born ten children, five of whom are living. Early in the '50's he formed a partnership with Pieter Barendrecht, opening a general store on the corner now occupied by the Garden City Feeder works. A few years later Mr. de Booy built the brick store room on West Washington street, later purchasing the brick room adjoining his building, which was owned by Mr. van Asch and in which what is now "Central College" had its. beginning. Mr. de Booy was a member of the First Reformed church of this city from its founding, holding the office of deacon for many years, also the office of Secre- tary of the Consistory. He served several terms at different periods as a member of the city council HUIBRECHT DE BOOY and throughout his entire life was a public spirited and active man and citizen. Less than one month before he reached his eighty-seventh milestone he was called to his reward. The end came on the 26th of December, 1911-quietly and peacefully as his life had been, dying in the home where he and his faithful wife had raised their family- the home around which clings many sacred memories for the remaining children. Mrs. de Booy passed to the Great Beyond in 1922.
MISS SEBRIETJE H. VIERSEN
Was born in the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the city of Driesum, Province of Friesland, January 8, 1830. She emigrated from her native country with her parents in 1847, when she was seventeen years of age. The family lo- cated in Pella and she grew up in this community. From her childhood she showed an unusual dis- position toward thrift and as the years passed she gradually accumulated desirable property in the city. In 1905 or 1906 she decided to modernize her business property and erected three nice business blocks. Later, she felt that she would like to leave something for posterity and she visited Andrew Carnegie and between them Pella now enjoys a beautiful library building which is filled with the most desirable literature. Little did she know how well she had builded her monument in the com- munity in which she lived and loved. She died August 25, 1910.
MISS S. H. VIERSEN
BIOGRAPHIES
167
MR. CORNELIUS VER PLOEG
MRS. CORNELIUS VER PLOEG
CORNELIUS VER PLOEG
Born in the Netherlands December 7, 1832. He came to America in 1853 and located in Pella with his parents and one sister and four brothers. It took them 53 days to make the trip across the ocean and during this time he lost his father and one sister by death. A contagious disease broke out on the boat and it be- came necessary to leave an uncle on an island. The family landed at New Orleans and from there they traveled up the Mississippi river to Keokuk and thence by team and covered wagon to Pella, their future home. They landed here July 1, 1853. On March 8, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Van Zee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Koenrad Van Zee. To this union were born two sons and seven daughters. The mother died on February 3, 1890. Mr. Ver Ploeg passed away July 26, 1904, at the ripe old age of seventy-two. He was considered to be one of the most prosperous farmers in this community. His son, C. R. Ver Ploeg, lives on the old homestead, Henry having died several years ago.
M. DE REUS
Was born in Beicland, South Holland, in May, 1811, and emigrated to Pella in 1847. Here he became a successful farmer, and continued in that industry until his death, which occurred in July of 1896. He was a man of generous and genial disposition, who made friends by the score and had no enemies, because he never gave cause for enmity.
M. DE REUS
168
SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
ISRAEL COLEMAN CURTIS
Was born July 21, 1813, near Fort Adams, Wilkinson county, Mississippi. He was the son of William Curtis and Mary Barfield, his wife. When he was three years old the family removed to a farm near Rod- ney, Mississippi, and there Israel lived until he attained manhood.
He became a member of the Baptist church while residing at Amora, Indiana, on the 8th day of January, 1843, and in the autumn of the same year he was ordained as a Baptist minister. On the death of his father in 1833 he had entered Miami University intending to fit himself for the legal profession, but complications in his father's estate interrupted his college course. He then entered the mercantile business but the financial crisis of 1837 and the years which followed left him scarce- ly enough property to satisfy his creditors. This misfortune again turned his attention to the law. He pursued his studies vigorously and was ad- mitted to the bar in 1841.
In 1844 Mr. Curtis, with his family, removed to Iowa and settled on the Des Moines river near ISRAEL C. CURTIS Pella. Here for a time he devoted himself to agri- culture, but his great talents as a minister and a lawyer were not to be buried in the seclusion of a country home. He soon returned to the work of the ministry, and in a few years resumed the practice of law.
He was largely instrumental in securing the founding of Central University at Pella. During all the years of his residence in Iowa he showed a deep and abiding love for this institution, and his recognized ability as an orator and in debate, led to his being chosen to represent "Central" in the fight to secure the coveted prize of acceptance by the different Baptist organizations. So great was his talent and energy for this work that he coped successfully with such gifted men as Dr. J. A. Nash, representing Des Moines University, and with Dr. George J. Johnson, who labored in behalf of the Burlington institution. "Central" se- cured the endorsement of every Baptist institution save one.
Mr. Curtis was District Attorney of Marion county and represented the coun- ty in the legislature from 1857 to 1860. In 1860 he was a member of the joint legislative committee which revised the laws of Iowa, and whose work culminated in the adoption of the state code.
He was conceded by his friends and opponents to have made the most pro- found constitutional argument of the legislative session.
In 1864 he concluded to emigrate to California. There were no railroads in those days and the weary journey of more than two thousand miles had to be made with teams. The way was bordered by hardships and dangers. Twice the little caravan was attacked by Indians, and many times the travelers were threatened with extermination and some perished by drinking poisoned waters. On the third day of October, 1883, he died at his home in Los Angeles county, California.
169
BIOGRAPHIES
HERMAN NOLLEN
The youngest of the four Nollen brothers who came to Pella in 1854. He was born in the family home in Diedam, Holland, on the 7th day of De- cember, 1842, and settled on the farm, where he continued to live until a short time ago, when he made his home with his children, Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Ver Meer. Mr. Nollen lived on the same farmi about three miles west of Pella for 68 years. He was eminently successful in his chosen work, being known as one of Marion county's progressive farmers and stock raisers. Like his brothers, he is a man of deep religious conviction and has always stood for those things that made for the best moral interests of the community.
HERMAN NOLLEN
HENRY NOLLEN
HENRY NOLLEN
Was born in Diedam, the Netherlands, on the 6th day of October, 1833, and came to Pella with his parents in 1854. He remained on the farm with his parents for ten years, after which he entered the law office of P. H. Bousquet, where he served as bookkeeper and notary public and carried on an extensive insurance business. He was an earn- est Christian and one of the early members of the Second Reformed Church. He took an active part in the upbuilding of this congregation, serving for many years as a member of the Consistory, and taking a leading part in the Sunday School. Hun- dreds of our people will remember him best as the organist of the church, as he served for many years in this capacity. His death, which occurred on the 7th day of February, 1920, was mourned by the entire community.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
GYSBERT VAN HOUWELINGEN
Born January 2, 1813, at Niewland, Nether- lands. His wife, Margie Kappetyn van Houwelin- gen, was born at Binschap, Netherlands, March 6, 1813. Mr. and Mrs. van Houwelingen came to America on the ship Maastrom in 1847 and arrived in this place in the fall of that year. Mr. van Houwelingen started the first dairy and butcher shop that Pella ever had and conducted the busi- ness for the first eight years. In the fall of 1853 they moved onto a farm southwest of town, where they remained until Mr. van Houwelingen died, on November 12, 1874.
GYSBERT VAN HOUWELINGEN
CHARLES RENAUD
Was born in France, December 29, 1825. With others of the Renaud family he came to America and settled near Pella in 1860. Those who knew him during the years that he lived in this vicinity remember him as a man of warm heart and generous impulses, a good neighbor who was al- ways ready and willing to help in time of need, and his death was recognized as a great loss to the community. He died March 1, 1908.
CHARLES RENAUD
GERRIT NOLLEN
Was born in Diedam, Province of Gelderland, Holland, March 6, 1830. In 1854 he came to Pella with his parents and after a year in town the fam- ily moved to the farm. He lived in Pella until the beginning of the Civil war, when he took up his residence in Keokuk, then one of the leading cities of Iowa. Here he followed his chosen profession of landscape and portrait artist. Later he came back to Pella and engaged in the same line of work. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Kramer.
He was an artist of unusual ability and in addi- tion to doing art work he taught a number of pu- pils. He was a man of earnest religious convic- tions and blameless life. He died in Pella on the 1st day of April, 1901.
GERRIT NOLLEN
171
BIOGRAPHIES
NICKOLAAS HOSPERS
Was born in Hoog Blokland, Holland, on the 4th day of March, 1836, and in the spring of 1849 came to Pella with his parents and lived with them on a farm about three miles northwest of Pella. Later he farmed for himself in the same locality and followed this vocation until he re- tired to Pella on account of advancing age. In May, 1883, he was married to Pietronella van Leeuwen, who died in July, 1900. To this mar- riage three daughters were born, who still survive: Henrietta (Mrs. Ed. Cook), Cornelia and Jennette (Mrs. S. Van Vliet).
WILLIAM H. HOSPERS
NICKOLAAS HOSPERS
WILLIAM HENDRIK HOSPERS
Born in Hoog Blokland, Holland, August 19, 1844, and came to Pella with his parents in the spring of 1849. Here he lived on the farm with his parents until his majority. He emigrated to Sioux county in 1870, and was prominently connected with the de- velopment of that prosperous Holland colony until liis death, which occurred about seven years ago. For many years he was engaged in the mercantile business with his brother Cornelis under the firm name of Hospers Brothers.
J. DE GELDER HOSPERS
Was born in Hoog Blokland, Holland, the 22d day of September, 1838, and came to Pella with his parents in 1849. They settled on a farm northwest of Pella, where Gelder learned farming and worked for his father until he commenced for himself. He followed this farming until 1911, when he retired to Pella with his family. He was married to Miss Johanna Margaret Wormhoudt on the 28th day of November, 1878. All the children, three sons and three daughters, are still living. Mr. Hospers is an Elder of the First Reformed Church, an office he has filled for years with faithfulness and ability.
J. DE GELDER HOSPERS
172
SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
CORNELIUS HOSPERS
CORNELIS HOSPERS
Was born in Pella the 13th day of April, 1851. Here he received his education and as a boy worked with his father on the farm. In 1870 he joined the Holland emigrants to Sioux County, Iowa, and became a leading factor in the upbuild- ing of that large and flourishing colony. He is still living in Orange City and is at the head of the mercantile establishment started years ago in connection with his brother William and now owned by Cornelis and his son. Like all the sons of John Hospers, Cornelis is a man who takes a deep interest in all matters pertaining to the moral and educational development of the com- munity in which he lives.
MRS. EVA C. BARON
(Eva C. Hospers) was born in Hoog Blokland, the Netherlands, and came to America and settled on the farm with her parents in 1849. She was married to Dr. H. S. Baron in 1879. She lost her husband the 20th day of September, 1914, his death occurring at the home on East Second street in Pella. Mrs. Baron continues to make her home in Pella among the many friends who know and esteem her for her kind and Christian character.
MRS. EVA C. BARON
PETER LUBBERDEN
Born in Straw Town (Strooi Stadt), Lake Prairie township, October 19, 1847. When a young man he taught school, but at the age of 29 years he died.
PETER LUBBERDEN
173
BIOGRAPHIES
H. NEYENESCH
Among the Hollanders who came to Pella in the year 1855, few if any took a more prominent part or proved of greater value in the work of building up this community, than did H. Neyenesch. He was born in the Netherlands on the 25th day of Octo- ber, 1823. He enjoyed excellent educational ad- vantages in his youth and for some years was an instructor in his native country. He was one of the first teachers Pella had and filled an important place in the educational life of the community. He taught here for some fifteen years, part of the time in Central University and also in the public schools. In 1870 he became the editor of the Weekblad and later added the Pella Blade, pub- lished in the English language. For a time he also published a religious paper known as the Chris- tian Herald. He continued in the publishing busi- ness for about thirty-one years and his papers did much to encourage the development of the com- munity.
He was intimately identified with public af- H. NEYENESCH fairs and held the position of city recorder for eleven years and was elected as mayor in 1874. He held this office for five terms and was justice of the peace for eleven years.
KOENRAD VAN ZEE
And wife came to America with the first Hol- landers in 1847. He purchased a farm in 1850 where he remained until his death. He was united in marriage to Miss Mattie de Kock in 1837. He followed farm life and was considered one of the most successful farmers in this vicinity. He held many offices of trust and honor in the com- munity during his life and he had a great part in the making of it.
KOENRAD VAN ZEE
JOHN VAN DER LEY
Was a brother of Mrs. C. Rhynsburger. He volunteered for the defense of his country in the Civil war. Died in 1920.
JOHN VAN DER LEY
174
SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
MR. AND MRS. A. VAN DE ROOVAART
A. van de Roovaart was born in the Netherlands, May 30, 1837. He came to America in 1847. He followed farming for many years and was successful with his calling. He was united in marriage, April 9, 1861, to Miss Mary Kats. She was born May 30, 1837. Mr. van de Roovaart died December 3, 1919. Mrs. van de Roovaart died July 31, 1920.
H. H. BARKER
One of the pioneer settlers of Marion county came to Pella in 1865, and conducted a dental office here until 1881. For a period of sixteen years he was a well-known and popular citizen of our city, and took a deep interest in the educa- tional and business development of the town. When he retired from practice and moved to an- other locality, his departure was regretted by a host of friends who had learned to value him as a friend and fellow citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Barker are now residents of Harvey, lowa.
H. H. BARKER
175
BIOGRAPHIES
GYSBERT BEYER
Was born in Veenendaal, Holland, July 8, 1823. He came to Pella, Iowa, with the immigration in 1847 and remained for one year. He then re- turned to St. Louis, Mo., and was engaged in busi- ness for five years. He then returned to Pella and bought a farm and was engaged in that occupa- tion the remainder of his life. On March 28, 1855, he was married to Roelfina Dounbos, who was born in Delfzyl, Holland, May 30, 1839, and came to Pella with her parents in 1847. He started the first coun- try Sunday school, which later developed into the Bethel Church, and later when removed to Lynn- ville Township, Jasper County, he and his wife be- came charter members of the Bethany Reformed Church, he being elected as Senior Elder of the Consistory. Both were active in Christian work and in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the community.
Mr. Beyer died July 27, 1912. Mrs. Beyer died March 17, 1918. Six children survived them, viz .: Rev. Evert G., John, Henry and Simon Beyer, and Mrs. Hubert Versteegh and Mrs. Arie Elscott.
GYSGERT BEYER AND WIFE
JOHN ULRICH
Was born in Wurtenburg, Germany, August 8, 1847. When a young man he decided to cast his lot with America and arrived in this country in 1867 and worked in New York for one year, after which he moved to Pennsylvania, where he remained one year. Hearing of the golden opportunities of the western prairies, he came to Pella in 1869. Being thrifty, he started making the bologna that has made Pella famous from north to south and east to west. He began in a small way, peddling his prod- uct in a basket from door to door. This he contin- ued for eleven years. He then started in the butcher business. In 1871 he was united in marriage to Miss Bertha van der Zyl. To this union two chil- dren were born. Mrs. Ulrich died in 1876. In 1877 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Rhynsbur- ger and to this union there were five children born, three of whom are living in the city. Mr. Ulrich retired from active business about three years ago and is now enjoying the fruits of his labors.
JOHN ULRICH
176
SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
DeREUS BROTHERS
ARIE DEREUS was born in the Netherlands on April 8, 1836. He has ten children, ninety-six grand children and twenty-eight great-grandchildren. He came to this country in 1850.
PETER DEREUS was born September 29, 1839. He has nine children and fifteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He has been a resident of this community since 1850.
M. DEREUS is the father of nine children, has forty-nine grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. He was born December 9, 1842, and has been a resident of this community since 1850.
N. DEREUS was born on August 18, 1845, and is the father of nine children, has sixteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
All have followed the vocation of farming with the exception of Peter and all have retired on account of advanced age, and are living in this community.
177
BIOGRAPHIES
DR. I. J. STODDARD
Few if any events in the history of Pella had a greater or more beneficent effect on the spiritual and intellectual development of the community than the coming of this cultured and devoted servant of God. Inspired by the highest ideal of Christian service, possessed of great natural ability and a thorough edu- cation, he was eminently fitted to lead a pioneer people in everything that made for a high standard of Christian citizenship.
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