USA > Iowa > Marion County > Pella > Souvenir history of Pella, Iowa : contains a concise story of the founding and life of Pella, Iowa > Part 17
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Mr. Cole's success is attributable to a genius for hard work combined with a clear, logical men- tality and an abiding faith in the destiny of his state and country. The citizens of Pella are proud of his past attainments and look forward with con- fidence for yet greater things.
CYRENU'S COLE
C. RHYNSBURGER
Born in the Netherlands on the 8th day of January, 1839, and lived in his native country until he was sixteen years of age. In 1855 he cmigrated to the United States and settled in Lakc Prairie township where he followed farming until 1861, when he commenced his mercantile career. In his business lifc he built up a business from his in- tegrity and honesty with his fellowmen. He served for nine years on the school board of this District and was always interested in educational work. At one time he was a member of the State Board of Emigration. He was united in marriage to Miss R. Vander Ley in 1863 and to this union were born eight children: Willie, Jennie, Nellie, Pieter, Cor- nelia, Henry J., and Amelia E. Pieter died January 25th, 1890; Willie died October 18th of the same year.
C. RYNSGURGER
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
LOUIS RENAUD
P. J. KOELMAN
LOUIS RENAUD
Was born in France and came to Pella with his wife and other members of the Renaud families in 1854. He settled on a farm a few miles north of Pella. He lived there to a good old age, and en- joyed the respect and friendship of all his neigh- bors and associates. The farm is now owned and occupied by his son Henry Renaud. We have been unable to learn the date of Mr. Renaud's death.
P. J. KOELMAN
One of Marion county's most successful farmers was born in Utrecht, South Holland, February 1, 1829. In the spring of 1847 his father and two children crossed the ocean and arrived at Pella in August of that year. P. J. helped Mr. Scholte to lay out the town and survey the land in the vicinity; he planted the first shade tree in the Garden Square and the grove on the Scholte place and with his father laid out the beautiful English gardens for Scholte, that in the early days, at- tracted wide attention. He married Miss Cornelia De Haan in 1852. She was a native of Heergans- dam, Holland, and came to Pella in 1849. As a farmer and stock raiser Mr. Koelman was so successfut that when he retired to his handsome home in Pella, he was the owner of five valuable farms. He was a consistent church member and served as Elder for a number of years. He died at his home on North Broadway street, March 31, 1901.
CORNELIS DE GEUS
Was born in Maasdam, South Holland, July 26, 1836. He came to Pella in 1855, and up to a few years ago, when advancing age caused him to re- tire, he was engaged in farming. The home farm is located about four or five miles northeast of Pella. November 11, 1863, he married Miss Nellie Van Vliet, daughter of Jacob Van Vliet. To this mar- riage fourteen children were born, eleven of whoni survive. Mrs. De Geus died the 26th day of April. 1920. A few years ago Mr. De Geus built a modern home on West Franklin street, where he still lives. At the advanced age of eighty-six years, he is hale and hearty, and his many friends hope that he will be spared for many years.
CORNELIS DE GEUS
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BIOGRAPHIES
G. G. THOMASSEN
Was one of Pella's oldest merchants. He was born in Gelderland December 23, 1840, and came to this country with his parents with the first Holland colony in 1847. He received his education here and at the age of sixteen years he commenced buying and selling stock for his brother, and followed that until he entered the mercantile business for him- self. In 1874 he started a meat market and in 1877 branched out into general merchandise, in which business he engaged until his death, which oc- curred December 24, 1919. Few if any merchants of Pella have a record of longer continuous appli- cation in business. He was a man of exemplary character, great industry, and was universally esteemed in the community. He was a member of the First Reformed Church at the time of his death. He was married to Miss Maggie van Wyn- garden in March, 1864. She died leaving five chil- dren: Dina, Janie, Minnie, Johannes and John. Lost two. In 1876 he married Miss Elizabeth Den Berger. She was born on the 19th of April, 1857. By this marriage there were eight children: Mar- garet, Josephine, Herman, May, Cora, Edward, G. G. THOMASSEN Lewis, Paul and Harold.
THOMAS W. COX
Was born in Fulton county, Ohio, July 21, 1849. When about six years of age he came to Pella with his parents and was educated in the public schools of that city.
THOMAS W. COX
When the Civil war threatened the very exist- ence of our government, Tom, although only twelve years and about six months old, enlisted as a drummer boy and served throughout the war, not even coming home on a furlough.
He was granted a furlough at one time but gen- erously had it transferred to a comrade who had a very urgent reason for wanting to visit his home. To those who knew "Tom" this incident will be recognized as an outstanding indication of his character. On the 11th day of September, 1882, he married Miss Betsy Hayward at Creston, Iowa. After his return from the war he attended Central University, and later learned telegraphy. For the greater part of his active life he followed this work until failing health caused him to resign. He purchased the American House at Pella from Mrs. C. Bongers, and continued as manager and landlord until his death, which occurred in 1909. Few men have ever lived in this community who had more warm friends than Tom Cox.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
JOHANNA SCHOLTE
JOHANNA SCHOLTE
Youngest daughter of Domine Scholte, was born in Utrecht, Holland, June 5, 1842. She celebrated her fifth birthday in New York City, when her father's colony was on their way to lowa. The family traveled from New York to Keokuk by rail, and thence to Pella by carriage. When the travelers finally drew up beside a little inn and two or three small shacks, Mrs. Scholte looked out over the vast expanse of uninhabited prairie and exclaimed, "But where is Pella?"
The family lived in a little log cabin in the middle of the town square until the Scholte house could be built and made ready for habitation.
In the early days Pella offered practically no educa- tional advantages so that Johanna's education was picked up at home and in a small private school conducted by Miss Coleman.
In 1864 Johanna Scholte was married to John Nollen, who was then assisting Mr. Scholte in the bank and in the publication of the Pella Gazette. Their five children, Henry, John, Sara, Gerard, and Hanna still survive. Mrs. Nollen lived in Pella until the death of her husband, May, 1914, which occurred only a month after the celebration of their golden wedding. Since her husband's death she has made her home in Des Moines. There are four grandchildren, Anna and Emelene, daughters of John, and Johanna and Cara, daughters of Gerard.
CAPTAIN J. MURRAY COX
CAPT. J. M. COX
MRS. J. M. COX
Was born in Fulton county, Ohio, March 23, 1845. He came to Pella with his parents when ten years of age and later he accepted a position with Van Dam Bros., as clerk on Saturdays, the remainder of the week he attended school and received his education in this manner. When sixteen years he enlisted in the
191
BIOGRAPHIES
Union army in 1862 in Company G, 17th Iowa Volunteers and served until the war closed. He was made a prisoner at Hollow Springs, Mississippi, and placed in prison and again later he was made a prisoner near Atlanta, Georgia, and placed in Andersonville prison. He was given an honorable discharge on April 30, 1865, and immediately began his career as a railroad man. His first position was as agent of the Des Moines Valley railroad at Bonaparte. Afterward he was transferred to Monroe, Prairie City, and finally to Des Moines. His last move was to Pella where he served forty consecutive years of his forty-eight years in the service. During his residence here he took a great pride in organizing a band
WM. COX
CHARITY COX
which he at one time perfected and held the distinction of being one of the best musical organizations in the state. During the present summer the Park Commis- sion erected a very beautiful and substantial band stand in Central Park and it was dedicated to him as an honor for his untiring efforts in the line of music during his life as a citizen here. He still lives here and it is hoped will be with us for many years. He was united in marriage to Miss Luella Keables on September 21, 1871, at Thayer, Kansas. To this union were born six children: William and Mur- ray A. died early in life. Those who are living are Mrs. Carrie Vander Ploeg, of Knoxville; Mrs. Hattie Van Cleave, of California; Mrs. Libbie Closz, of Muskegon, Mich., and Henry Given, of Omaha, Nebraska.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
DAVID WELLE
DAVID WELLE
Born in the City of Gorengem, South Holland, where he lived and received his education. He came to Pella with his parents in 1847, and settled with them on a farm. Mr. Welle will be best re- membered by the older residents as the agent for the United Express Company, and a partner in the livery business, conducted for many years under the firm name of Wheeler & Welle. This firm deserves great credit for being the pioneers in improving the breed of draft horses in this part of Iowa, they being the first to ship in pedigreed Norman horses for breeding. Mr. Welle was a man of genial disposition, who counted his friends by the score. He was a public spirited citizen, always ready to encourage any movement that was for the improvement of the community. His death occurred September 1, 1902.
J. T. VAN ZANTE
Since J. T. moved to Pella from a farm near Monroe some years ago, he has become known as one of our most popular and successful auctioneers and dealers in real estate. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Baptist Church. A few years ago he built a beautiful home south of the East Market Square, and it is the hope of his large host of friends that he and his estimable family will remain as permanent citizens of Pella.
JOHN WELLE
J. T. VAN ZANTE
JOHN WELLE
The youngest son of the Welle family, came to Pella with his parents in 1847, and settled on the farm. He was born in Gorengem, South Holland. After his marriage he lived for many years on the farm, about three miles west of Pella, now owned by Walter Nollen. Here he was known as one of our most progressive and successful farmers and stock raisers. A number of years ago he moved to Jasper county, where he bought a large farm and became one of the noted farmers and stock raisers of that county. Later he retired from active life and moved to Newton, where he and his wife still reside.
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BIOGRAPHIES
J. H. STUBENRAUCH
Was born in the Netherlands, October 8, 1842. Came to America with his parents in 1846, and to Pella in 1851. Few men have been more prom- inently and usefully connected with the develop- ment and upbuilding of Pella, and it is the hope of their many friends that he and his estimable wife will be spared for many years.
NICK BOLAND
J. H. STUBENRAUCH
NICK BOLAND
Son of Gerrit Boland, was born in Pella, August 5, 1867. He was united in marriage to Miss Gertie Schakel in 1893. To this union were born two sons, Gerrit Edward and John Edward, the former having died at the age of three years and six months, the latter now living with his mother in this city. Mr. Boland had engaged in farming until 1906 when he moved to this city to engage in the auctioneering and real estate business which he followed until the time of his death which oc- curred November 8, 1921, aged 55 years.
ALBERTUS SYNHORST
The honor of being the first child born in the colony belongs to the subject of this sketch. Al- bertus, or as he was better known in later life, Bart Synhorst, the son of Jan Synhorst, was born on the 26th day of August, 1847. The place of his birth was the farm one mile west of Pella, known as the Reinier Dieleman farm. We have been un- able to obtain the data of his life, but hundreds of the present residents of Pella and vicinity will best recall him as the efficient Marshal of the city, in which capacity he served for a long time. Later he removed to Sioux County, where he became a prosperous farmer. He died in Sioux County, but we have not been able to get the date when his death occurred.
A. SYNHORST
13
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
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DIRK VER STEEG
DIRK VER STEEG
Born in the Netherlands November 17, 1839. He came to America among the early settlers with his parents and located in Pella. During the Civil war he moved to Portland, Oregon, where he remained for a time, afterwards returning to Pella, where he made his home up to the time of his death, May 12, 1919. He was united in marriage to Miss Martha Henckler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Henck- ler, in 1864. Mr. Ver Steeg was a consistent mem- ber of the Second Reformed church and followed the monument business in the later part of his life. Mrs. Ver Steeg is living at the old homestead in this city and enjoys very good health.
B. H. VAN SPANCKEREN, JR.
Was born in Pella on the 2nd day of September, 1860, a son of B. H. and Dirkie (Ver Steeg) Van Spanckeren, both natives of Holland. His father owned the first bakery in Pella, which he conducted until about 1871, when he became the proprietor of one of Pella's leading dry-goods stores until 1892, when the subject of our sketch became the sole owner and managed it so success- fully that it was known as one of the leading mer- cantile establishments of the city until he sold it in 1908. From that date he devoted all his energies to the banking business. As cashier of the Citizens National Bank, he met with the same success that had marked his career as a merchant, and under his able management this institution was built up until it was one of the leading bank- ing institutions of Marion county. Mr. Van Spanckeren always took great interest in the de- velopment of Pella, and being a man of unusual force of character and possessed of executive ability of a very high order, he was always in the forefront of those movements that made for the upbuilding of the community. He was a member of the Baptist Church and did much for the sup- port of that institution. His death, which occurred B. H. VAN SPANCKEREN, JR on the 24th day of May, 1918, deprived Pella of one of her most able and progressive citizens.
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BIOGRAPHIES
N. J. GESMAN, JR.
N. J. GESMAN, JR.
Was born in Pella the first day of November, 1865. He received a common school education and after leaving school, clerked in Pella stores for a number of years. In 1888 he removed to Beatrice, Nebraska, where he clerked for several years and then moved to Des Moines, where he clerked in a clothing store for about four years and later had charge of the Smith Premier Type- writer business. He came back to Pella in 1900 and made a home for his mother, who was a widow, and entered the real estate business, which he has followed up to the present time. In 1909 he was elected mayor of Pella, and was re-elected in 1911. It was during that period that the water, light and sewer plants were installed and the pre- liminary steps taken to pave the streets. N. J. is the candidate for representative of Marion coun- ty, on the democratic ticket, for the election to be held in November, 1922.
G. A. VAN DER MEULEN
MRS. G. A. VAN DER MEULEN
G. A. VAN DER MEULEN
Was born in Bergom, Netherlands, April 15, 1845. He came to Pella with his parents in 1849 and received his education in the public schools. On the 13th day of May, 1874, he was married to Miss Petronella Kramer, who survives him and is living in California. In 1881 G. A. and his brother, Harry H., started the store that later developed into one of the largest retail concerns in this part of the state. G. A. was a man of keen business judgment and he possessed the courage to back it. In addition to the mercantile business he invested largely in land and other real estate, and a considerable part of the fortune he made was due to wise investments. In 1906 he retired from active participation in the mercantile business and removed to California, where he died December 12, 1916.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
FIRST GIRL BORN IN PELLA
This distinction belongs to Mrs. G. A. Vander Meulen (Nellie Kramer), daughter of Peter Kramer and Mrs. Peter Kramer (Wehoed Pos). Mrs. Van der Meulen was born in a log cabin on the LeCocq farm, adjoining the limits of Pella on the southwest, on the 7th day of February, 1848. She spent her girlhood days in Pella, and after her marriage to G. A. Vander Meulen May 13, 1874, she continued to live here until 1906, when the family took up their residence in Los Angeles, California. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Vander Meulen con- tinues to make her home in the land of sunshine. One of her sons, Henry, still resides in Pella and is a member of the firm of Vander Meulen & Co.
LOUIS WHEELER
Was one of the first men to drive a stage coach from Des Moines to Keokuk. He finally located in Pella and engaged in the livery business with David Welle, who looked after the express business of the firm. The firm of Wheeler & Welle remained in business for many years and the old barns that were once occupied by their business still remain on Franklin street. Mr. Welle died and the busi- ness of the express company was taken over by his son, Peter, who later passed away. After Mr. Wheeler's death, January 17, 1899, his sons, Ells- worth and Edward, took over his business and con- ducted it for several years afterward. Edward G. lives in Sibley, lowa; Bert lives in Los Angeles, California; the other three sons, Ellsworth, Henry and Lonnie, have gone to their reward.
LOUIS WHEELER
BIOGRAPHIES
197
A. WAECHTER
A. WAECHTER
Born in Pella, January 11, 1857, where he re- ceived his education and started to work for his father in the lumber business in the spring of 1871. After the retirement of his father he carried on the same business, later taking his son, G. H. Waechter, into the firm and has continued up to the present time. While Mr. Waechter has been eminently successful as a business man, he has found time to devote his ability in public affairs. He served on the school board for four terms and two years on the City Council, being elected in 1909 as Councilman from the First Ward, and re- elected in 1911. It was during this time that the Municipal Water and Light plants were installed, the Sewer system established, and the preliminary steps taken for the paving of the streets. Mr. Waechter's judgment and business experience were invaluable to the city in carrying out these impor- tant improvements. He has been a member of the First Reformed Church for many years and since 1887 has served that congregation as Deacon.
BARNEY BUERKENS
Wagon manufacturer, was born on the 24th day of July, 1842, in the Netherlands, and lived there until the age of twelve. In 1854 he came to Amer- ica with his parents, and settled on a farm near Burlington, Iowa. Here he lived for five years, when he commenced to learn the wagon-making trade, with Jedia Bennett, of Burlington. In the spring of 1865 he came to Pella and opened a shop. and soon afterward took in Abraham Wisse, as a partner. He was one of the organizers of the Pella Manufacturing Co., and took eighty-five shares of the stock. In August, 1880, he traded his stock for a farm of 120 acres in Mahaska county. The same year he started a wagon shop on East First street, which he run successfully until 1902 or 1903, when he purchased the plant of the Pella Manufacturing Co., which was then in the hands of a receiver. He was at the head of this factory until his death, which occurred March 7, 1922. The factory is BARNEY BUERKENS still running under the name of the Buerkens Manufacturing Company, with Mr. Buerkens' son-in-law, Art Ver Steeg, as manager.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
JAMES B. SEXTON
Was born in Virginia, August 3, 1838. When a boy he moved with his parents to Leesburg, Ohio, where he was raised until young manhood; he came to lowa in the early 50's and when the North called for men in the Civil War, he enlisted in Co. 1, 6th Iowa Volunteers, from Burlington, lowa, and served twenty-two months, when he was discharged on account of his health. In 1865 he came to Pella and became a member of the Bur- lington Manufacturing Company and acted as traveling salesman for the Company. While with this concern he invented a cultivator which met with ready sales. In 1876 the Pella Manufacturing Co. was organized and he became a member, travel- ing for this firm for a number of years. It was while he was connected with this Company that he perfected the Sexton Wagon Brake, one of the best brakes ever manufactured and is still being used on wagons. After the disposal of this plant in later years, Mr. Sexton accepted a position as traveling salesman for the Kelly, Moss & Co., wholesalers of heavy hardware, and held that po- sition for twenty-six years. At one time he was alderman of the First Ward in this city for several JAMES B. SEXTON years and was considered a progressive citizen. He died April 2, 1912. Three sons survive him, Walter, of this city; James O., dentist, of Washington, lowa, and Elisha, of Cali- fornia. Four preceded him to the Great Beyond: Charley, in 1907; F. M., in 1908; Mrs. Alice M. Hunt and Mrs. Mamie J. Baker, in 1909.
G. H. OVERKAMP
Was born in De Hague, Holland, February 15, 1808, and was taken from there by his parents to Leerdam when two years of age. There he received his edu- cation and later learned the painter's trade and at the age of twenty-one he opened a shop and worked at his trade until 1847, when he came to Pella with the first Holland colony. He was the first Hollander to erect a house in Pella, where for some time the first religious services were held. In 1850 his second son, Isaac, started a furniture factory, continuing that business until 1857, when he died. Mr. Overkamp, in company with G. H. Wormhoudt, was his successor, and they conducted the business until 1880, when Mr. Overkamp retired. He married Miss Aafje Kruyt on the 2d day of January, 1830. She was born on the 6th day of September, 1804, in Holland. By this union there were five daughters: Aafje (Mrs. G. H. Dingeman), Hendrina (Mrs. Henry llospers) . Aartje (formerly Mrs. H. Wormhoudt), Antje (Mrs. G. H. OVERKAMP H. Wormhoudt), and Marie (Mrs. J. Vos). Of these all have died except Mrs. H. Wormhoudt.
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BIOGRAPHIES
PETER H. VAN GORP
To a remarkable degree the history of P. H. Van Gorp's phenomenal rise from an humble beginning to his present high place in the financial and in- dustrial affairs of Pella and of Iowa is a concrete exemplification of the fact that opportunity is not beyond the horizon, but right here at home.
He was born in Pella in 1860 and helped his father to earn a living for the family when still in his boyhood. At the age of twenty-one the best he could do, working with a team, was to make $1.50 per day. This meant starting out before day- light on cold winter mornings and working often until long after dark. At the age of twenty-four he was married to Miss Nellie Pos, the daughter of another of Pella's pioneer settlers. Until he was thirty-five, Mr. Van Gorp's experience was that of most young men of the time. He tried P. H. VAN GORP many things with but indifferent success, but he was learning, in the school of hard knocks, the lessons that later fitted him to build up and develop, from a small beginning, the chief industry of Pella, and one of the leading ones of the state.
Together with some others the idea was conceived of manufacturing an auto- matic straw stacker for threshing machines. A small company with a capital of $3,000 was organized and Mr. Van Gorp was chosen manager of the enterprise. This did not prove a great success, but the company continued the grim struggle for three years, often threatened with complete failure by lack of sufficient cap- ital. About that time Mr. A. C. Van Houweling, now president of the Garden City Feeder Company, invented and patented a self-feeder for threshing machines. The stacker was consequently discontinued, and the Garden City Feeder Com- pany, of which Mr. Van Gorp was the promoter and organizer, has concentrated on these feeders, and is today the largest independent feeder manufacturer in the world, with branch houses scattered over the grain-growing states of this country and Canada, and doing a business of over a million dollars annually.
Mr. Van Gorp is the secretary, treasurer and manager of the company, and with two sons owns more than half the stock, which paid a stock dividend of fifty per cent about eight years ago, and has paid from fifteen to twenty per cent cash dividends annually on its stock since. Even in 1921, when most companies took a heavy loss, this dividend was paid, and its surplus today equals twice its capitalization.
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