USA > Iowa > Marion County > Pella > Souvenir history of Pella, Iowa : contains a concise story of the founding and life of Pella, Iowa > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
78
SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
countrymen, should be cherished in the heart of every citizen, to the latest gener- ation. For his paternal counsels would seem to he not merely offspring of wis- dom and foresight, but the voice of prophecy, foretelling events, and warning us of the evils to come." And again, "It is impossible to look on the consequences that would inevitahly follow the destruction of this government, and not feel indignant when we hear cold calculations about the value of the Union."
Let us visit Ashland, and converse with the prince of western sages and ora- tors-he who "would rather be right than president"-and receive from his own eloquent lips the declaration that "a warning voice hath come up from the grave of Washington, advising congress to beware, to pause, to reflect, before they lend themselves to any purposes which shall destroy that union which was cemented by his exertion and example. Go, my countrymen, to Marshfield, and hear the great expounder of the constitution declare, 'I range myself under the banners of that party whose principles and practice are most calculated to uphold the constitution, and perpetuate our glorious Union.' "
Friends, Americans, countrymen, I plead this day the cause of humanity, the cause of untrammeled religious liberty, the cause of constitutional freedom. Let us ever remember the great truths and principles on which our system of govern- ment rests; and especially let us teach them to those who shall shortly take our places upon the great theater of human action.
And to you, young ladies, who are the accredited representatives of the thirty- one states of the Union on this interesting occasion, permit me to say, that the several states you have the distinguished honor of representing, are, we trust, and of right ought to be, firmly bound together by all the considerations of a sisterhood cemented hy a common ancestry, a common blood, a common language, a common aim and a common destiny; and your influence is invoked for the preservation of this Union. Frown then from the social circle in which you move all who may treasonably suggest its dissolution. And when your hearts are wooed and your hands solicited, contract alliances with none who may have the germ of disloyalty to this Union rankling in their hreast, for be assured that he who would disregard the claims of his country, for any cause, would disregard yours; he who would betray his country would betray you; he who would neglect his country's interests, would neglect yours; he who would abandon this Union, would abandon you. May your patriotism as exhibited by your attachment to the Union, be equaled only by the elevated tone of your piety and virtue, and the spotless purity of your reputation.
Fellow citizens, let us celebrate this anniversary of American independence as hest becomes the descendants of so noble an ancestry, using it for refreshing our memories relative to its cost, for rekindling the fires of freedom (which burned so brilliantly in days of yore) in our hearts, in order that thereby we may be fully prepared to appreciate the sentiment that "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." And with the recurrence of every anniversary, may our political union be more firmly cemented, and the hearts of the people of this great republic more thoroughly united.
SPEECH OF REV. H. P. SCHOLTE DELIVERED JULY 4, 1857
Fellow Citizens :- Though born upon foreign soil 1 do not hesitate in com- memorating the birthday of American independence, upon an equal footing with native citizens. I am justified by the fact that one-eighth of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Europeans by birth, but Americans in spirit. No, I feel not only justified, but I consider it as a duty of the native of Holland,
79
THE DEVELOPMENT OF JOURNALISM IN PELLA
whose forefathers, in times long gone by, sustained a struggle of eighty years against Spain-the greatest power of the time-for religious and political liberty, to participate with the native of America in celebrating the grand achievements of the fathers of the revolution, who baffled the giant power of England, and astonished the world by establishing institutions which, while they placed this Union on the same line with Holland and Switzerland, as an independent repub- lic, made it far outstrip either of its illustrious predecessors in the application of genuine popular sovereignty.
It is meet that, on this occasion, we should call to our minds the principles which guided the founders of the magnificent political fabric, which is display- ing on this continent its giant dimensions with unprecedented rapidity, and the causes which thus far favored its successful completion. The past is the great storehouse of human actions and ideas, of which history is the inventory, kept for the accommodation of subsequent generations, that they may select for repro- duction such facts as have successfully withstood the action of the crucible of time, and leave untouched those which experience has proved to be prejudicious or worthless. A close scrutiny of the past, therefore, is the nearest and safest way to form a proper program for the future.
At the time of the American revolution, there was an agitative power work- ing both in the old and new world, which convulsed nations, shook thrones, and resulted in the destruction of dynasties that had for centuries wielded a despotic power over millions, whom they considered as inferior beings, born to obey. In Europe liberal sentiments in relation to political institutions were generally con- nected with the atheistical, or, at least, deistical ideas, that characterize French and German philosophy. The weeds were profusely sown with the wheat, and while attempts were made to build up more rational forms of government, vigorous blows were aimed, at the same time, at the very foundation of Christianism; biblical revelation, traditional religion, and what was termed "Priestcraft." Some of the prominent men of this continent, in consequence with the philosophers of the old world, had been infected with the spirit of infidelity. Thomas Jeffer- son, though one of our best citizens and patriots at that time, whose intimacy with the famous author of "The Age of Reason"-Thomas Payne-is generally known, affords an instance in support of our assertion.
But happily for our country, the people of the colonies had escaped the in- fection. The seed planted by the Pilgrims and Huguenots had taken deep root and, therefore, in the colonies, the practical idea of civil and religious liberty was not connected, as in Europe, with enmity against revealed truth and religion. Our Declaration of Independence has, in that respect, a memorial and marked feature. The preparation of that document was entrusted to a committee of five, to-wit, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson being chairman, his colleagues assigned to him the task of preparing a draft of the declaration, to be presented to Congress. That ever memorable from the pen of the illustrious Jefferson, though it makes mention of a Creator, a God of nature, and of a Judge of the universe, did not contain a single word alluding to Divine Providence. In the conviction of hav- ing right, justice and common sense on his side, the philosophical patriot stood in his own strength in facing the risks of the anticipated revolution. A single and short addition to the original draft gives evidence that the great majority at least of the Continental Congress, notwithstanding they were, as well as Jefferson, deeply convinced of the righteousness of their cause against Britain, felt the ne- cessity of the interposition of a Higher Power. In their hearts their revolt against the King of England was not connected with a feeling of independence from the King of Heaven and Earth. At the close of the declaration, Congress
80
SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
inserted these few words, "With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence." A few years afterward France opened the series of European revo- lutions with the popular decree, "There is no God, the state is atheist." Divine Providence has protected the American people; but what resulted from the reign of the Godless reason in France and elsewhere? It is true, in Europe they suc- ceeded in dethroning, banishing or murdering their kings, princes and priests, but instead of liberty, the revolution brought the "Reign of Terror," with all its horrors and miseries. Divine Providence made us a free and independent na- tion, and provided for us a national system of government, consolidating the inde- pendent and sovereign states in a democratic commonwealth and making us a people of sovereigns, while that same Providence suffered the nations of the old world to exhaust themselves in fruitless attempts to establish a republic. They scarcely were preparing themselves to bask in the sunshine of liberty, when Napoleon again covered their political sky with the dark cloud of despotism. The retribution for abused power brought the conqueror and lawgiver of modern Europe upon the barren rocks of St. Helena, but did not restore liberty and inde- pendence to the nations of Europe. My native country, the once mighty republic of the United Netherlands, threw off the iron yoke of the French autocrat, but it could not recover its former republican government. While such was the fate of Europe, our North American republic gained its independence from and main- tained it against proud Britain in two bloody wars. It has twice paid off the national debt, and yet our treasury is full to overflowing. It has bought an im- mense territory including our own state from France and Spain, extended its boundaries by the annexation of Texas and acquired a vast domain from con- quered Mexico, so that at present it occupies one-fourth part of the whole Amer- ican continent, and it is washed by two oceans. Our internal improvements have been developed with unprecedented rapidity; our merchant ships cover the seas in every portion of the globe. Our navy is feared and respected in all parts of the world; and as a nation we rank among the great powers of the world. Thus, firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence was crowned with evidence of our gratitude, and what is the impression that our present course gives to the nations of the old world, and to their despotic rulers, whose jealous eye eagerly watches our ever growing republic?
This is not a day or occasion to wound the feelings of any citizen, and I have no desire now to tread the path of political controversy. I am not animated by party spirit; but if the remembrance of the Declaration of Independence, and our present celebration of the birthday of our independence, shall be no mere form or social mockery-if it is really our wish, our hope and our prayer to per- petuate for our posterity our national independence and happiness, we must know our danger and remember our duty. We have grown in numbers, in terri- tory, in wealth, in power and influence; have we grown in piety and reliance upon Divine Providence, and in good will towards men, embracing the depressed and oppressed of foreign nations? Thus acted the signers of the Declaration of Independence. We have already demonstrated the first, and we have evidence from the same source of the second. One of the principal and first mentioned griefs against the King of Britain was: "He has endeavored to prevent the popu- lation of these states, for the purpose of obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither." Fel- low citizens, the independent United States removed these obstructions, and we are here, in the far West, native and naturalized citizens, but in law and in rights, members of one great prosperous American democratic republic. Our danger is that forgetting the real history of the Declaration of Independence, we should
81
THE DEVELOPMENT OF JOURNALISM IN PELLA
lose the spirit which animated its framers. Has not the history of the last years given, at least, occasion to the presumption that in these United States, American- ism, republieanism and democracy are three different elements, inimieal and destruetive to each other? No disinterested observer can come to a different eonelusion. This is wrong and we should endeavor to propagate the faith in the unity and indissolubility of that political trio. We cannot separate these ele- ments without demolishing the superstructure of which they are the foundation. The hallowed names of Americanism, republicanism and demoeraey, should never have been applied to hostile purposes. Their use as labels as political parties is disgusting to others and ruinous to ourselves. Nay, it is a eriminal denial of the fathers who suffered and bled for the Declaration of Independence, and whose solemn voice speaks through history, and admonishes us to preserve as a sacred patrimony that which Divine Providenee allowed them to bequeath to us. We have before us a long and glorious future, provided we perform our duty, and keep saered the memory of the birthday of our national independence. Monu- ments and statues can preserve the memory of the acts of the illustrious founders of our republie; but if their spirit is not ours, we are hypocrites. Every eitizen ought to bear their image, and be a living monument to them. That is our duty.
Fellow citizens, we have again heard the pledge made upon the birthday of our national existence by the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Let us, who reap the benefits of the fulfillment of that pledge, in the solemn presence of the Ruler of the Universe, follow in their footsteps, and for the continuance and maintenance of their work, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Provi- denee, mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor, and transfer to our posterity an unsullied faith. United we stand, divided we fall. United now and forever.
Mothers and maidens, we eall on you on this important day. The spirit which animated our revolutionary heroes was mainly due, next to Divine Provi- denee, to the patriotie conduet and instructions of wives and mothers. I know by the experience gathered in early youth how, in the darkest hours of national oppression, a liberty loving mother ean implant and foster in the breast of her offspring the spirit of national independence, and prepare them for the moment when an outraged people will rise to throw off the yoke of bondage. Mothers and maidens of America, you have an example of Mary and Martha Washington, and of so many other illustrious wives and mothers. Follow in their footsteps and let the remembrance of this day ereate in you the determination to sustain your husbands in the maintenance of our Union, liberty and independence, and teach your children from their earliest days to look up to Divine Providence for the preservation of our glorious national inheritance.
I would particularly, on this memorable day, invite the young and growing generation under my hearing never to forget that next to Divine Providence they are the hope of the good and brave men of the land. It is your privilege now peacefully to enjoy the results of the revolution, sealed and cemented in your ancestors' blood. But the time may come when your arm will be needed in the defense of your inheritance, and you ought to be prepared for such an emer- geney. And if, during your lifetime, our nation may escape the terrors of war, you still have duties to perform to your country and your God. At the time of your majority you will take your place as aetive peers of the republic. The highest station in our government is not out of reach of anyone among you. Look to Divine Providenee in discharging your sacred duties towards your country. Prepare yourselves, under His fostering eare, for the highest offiee, and yet strive to be content with the humblest station. Behave yourselves as American free-
C
82
SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
men; try to govern yourselves so that no act of yours may prove you unworthy of the name of American citizens. Let the pride of young America consist in becoming worthy of those illustrious men who shone with never dying brilliancy, at the time of the American revolution. You have the well wishes and prayers of your friend, and may you experience the benediction of a kind and gracious Divine Providence.
And should I forget you, fair young ladies, who showed today your willing- ness to share in the celebration of our national independence? No man, how- ever advanced in age, becomes indifferent to fairness and beauty. No care or toil can make us forget that you will be companions for life of our successors; the mothers and nurses of a new generation. Remember that upon you rests a great responsibility in regard to our future national independence, greatness and happiness. You will be wooed and won, but nevertheless you will exert a power- ful influence and control over your victors. Let me entreat you to use your at- tractions for a higher aim than to be praised or flattered for that which fades away with growing age. The blossom of maiden youth and beauty often capti- vated and bewilders the sense of men; but only goodness of heart, kindness of disposition, industry and economy secure to you the continuance of affection. A good and kind Providence causes the luxurious blossoms to fall off, but he takes care of the ripening fruit. May Providence grant you lovely and beloved blossoms of our nation, to cheer our hearts, and if need be, to strengthen our arms in defense of our country.
Fellow citizens, old and young, native and naturalized, we must finish our exercises, and we will partake in genuine American, republican, democratic sim- plicity, of a frugal repast, prepared by the fair hands of our promising youth. May the partaking of the same food, at the same table, put us in remembrance of our national Union, and when our band strikes the national anthem, let us rejoice and feel happy. Music is a heavenly exercise, joy is a heavenly passion, happiness is a heavenly sentiment; let our exercises, passions and sentiment be sanctified by gratitude to Divine Providence for His bountiful blessings. May our American republican, democratic government overcome every internal or ex- ternal foe, and stand as a testimony of providential favor, till the day comes when a nation of independent and united sovereigns shall hail the ushering in of a new dispensation, and sing anthems of praise at the revelation of a kingdom which will not fade away. May Providence grant that our national independence, cele- brated this day, may be preserved until our national existence will be blended the glorious millennium!
CHOLERA
In the summer of 1854, which was one of the hottest seasons ever experienced in our history, an epidemic of cholera prevailed in Pella and vicinity, and sixteen people in this community died of that dread sickness. Many others were stricken, but fortunately recovered. One of the most impressive funeral ceremonies ever held in Pella, was that of September 1st, when two adult children of Jacob Van Vliet, both cholera victims, were consigned to the grave. Dr. A. J. Betten de- livered a sermon on the occasion that made a deep impression on all those present.
In most of the fatal cases death came very suddenly, often on the same day that the patient was stricken. This was the case with Dr. H. D. Rubertus, who was stricken while driving along the street, on his return from calling on some of his patients. He lived only a few hours after reaching his home. This was a serious loss to the community, as Dr. Rubertus had proved himself as an able physician, and his services were in constant demand.
Arrivals from Holland 1853-1855
The years 1853-54-55 brought many additions to the population. There was a strong emigration from Holland during those years and much building and other development in Pella and vicinity. Below we give the names of the arrivals in those years:
Bennink, Henrietta
Myer, Jacob
Boot, Arie Sr.
Boot, Arie Mrs.
Myer, Christianus
Boot, Trintje
Boot, Jacob
Schippers, Klaas
Boot, Franz
Schippers, Arie
Boot, Jan
Boot, Jannigje
Stegeman, G. F.
Bruin, de Jan
Stegeman, G. F. Mrs.
Geelhoed, Marinus
Schrijvers, Mrs.
Schrijvers, Jacobus
Gilst, van Aaltje
Schrijvers, Susanna
Schrijvers, Hilletje
Helden, van Arie
Helden, van Arie Mrs.
Versteeg, Jacob
Versteeg, Jacob Mrs.
Helden, van Katalina
Helden, van Jaapje
Helden, van Cornelis
Versteeg, Arie
Versteeg, Gysbert
Versteeg, Jannigje
Versteeg, Cornelis
Versteeg, C. Mrs.
Versteeg, Klaas
Versteeg, K. Mrs.
Horsen, van Pieter Mrs.
Horsen, van Gerrit
Horsen, van Arike
Versteeg, Cornelis
Horsen, van Arike
Horsen, van Daniel
Versteeg, Neeltje
Versteeg, Arie
Kornegoor, Antonia
Linden, van der Lukas Mrs.
Verploegh, H. Mrs.
Linden, van der Gysbert
Verploegh, Jacobus
Linden, van der G. Mrs.
Verploegh, Cornelis
Linden, van der Jansje
Verploegh, Koenraad
Linden, van der Antje
Verploegh, Govert
Verploegh, Hendrik
Verploegh, Jaantje
Linden, van der Lukas
Linden, van der Klaas
Linden, van der Aantje
Linden, van der Gysbert Jr.
Walraven, Arie Mrs. Walraven, Jan
[ 83 ]
Verploegh, Hendrik
Linden, van der Sientje Linden, van der Susanna
Walraven, Arie
Pr
Helden, van Arie Jr.
Versteeg, Jantje
Versteeg, Klaas
Heemstra, Fijke S.
Hoogenakker, Mina
Horsen, van Pieter
Versteeg, Krijn
Versteeg, Klaas
Myer, Jacob Mrs.
Myer, Nancy
Stavast, Hendrik
84
SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
Walraven, Jan Mrs.
Windhorst, H. Mrs.
Walraven, Joosje
Walraven, Klaas
Zante, van A. B.
Zante, van A. B. Mrs.
Zante, van Dieles
Walraven, Maaike
Walraven, Maarten
Zante, van Dirkje
Wolters, Gerrit
Zante, van Maaike
Windhorst, Hendrik
Zee, van Engle
NAMES OF THE ARRIVALS FROM HOLLAND IN 1854
Bakker, Jan
Eersel, van Gerrit Eersel, van G. Mrs.
Ballegooyen, van Jan
Ballegooyen, van Jan Mrs.
Ballegooyen, van Hendrik
Engelsma, J. Mrs.
Ballegooyen, van Daniel
Engelsma, Aukje
Bezemer, Jacob
Berg, van den Johannes
Berg, van den J. Mrs.
Berg, van den Wilhelmina
Berg, van den Nicholaas
Berg, van den Maria
Berg, van den J. H.
Eysink, Hendrika
Eysink, H. W.
Brand, Nicholaas Brand, Jacob
Gorkom, van Isaac Sr.
Gorkom, van I. Mrs.
Gorkom, van Anna Christina
Gorkom, van Jacob
Gorkom, van Maria
Gorkom, van Theodora Sophia
Bomgaars, Arie
Hoogenakker, G. J. Hoogenakker, G. J. Mrs.
Bomgaars, Joris
Bomgaars, Willem
Hoogenakker, Johanna
Hoogenakker, Jacoba
Hoogenakker, Hein
Hoogenakker, Arie
Bruin, de Krijn Bruin, de Johanna
Hemert, van Marselus
Halen, van Albert Halen, van A. Mrs.
Doedyns, Geertruida
Doedyns, Arnoldus Doedyns, Christina
Droppers, Hendrik Jan Droppers, Gerrit Jan
Eysink, H.
Eysink, H. Mrs.
Eysink, Cornelia
Eysink, Johan
Eysink, Johanna
Eysink, Lubert A.
Breure, Leendert
Breure, L. Mrs.
Blom, Jan Blom, Ruth
Bomgaars, Marinus
Bomgaars, Adriana
Doedyns, Jannigje
Haaften, van Arie
Kock, de Peter Kock, de Dirk Kock, de Dirk Mrs.
Walraven, Hermanus
Walraven, Gysbert
Zante, van Antonie
Zante, van Geertje
Engelsma, Jitse
Engelsma, Maarten
85
ARRIVALS FROM HOLLAND 1853-1855
Kock, de Peter Kock, de Leendert
Koek, Stephanus Koek, S. Mrs. Koek, Anna
Kraan, van der Adrianus
Kempkes, Aaltje
Kranendonk, Hendrik
Kamp, Jacob Kamp, J. Mrs.
Linden, van der Daniel Linden, van der D. Mrs.
Linden, van der Jan
Linden, van der Leendert
Linden, van der L. Mrs.
Linden, van der Johannes
Linden, van der J. Mrs.
Linden, van der Jan
Linden, van der Jan Mrs.
Linden, van der Lukas
Linden, van der Arie
Linden, van der Klaas
Linden, van der Hannah
Ley, van der Jan Ley, van der Jan Mrs.
Luyendyk, Pieter Luyendyk, P. Mrs.
Luymes, H. J. Luymes, H. J. Mrs. Luymes, Robert Luymes, Dirk
Myden, van der Philippus Myden, van der P. Mrs.
Monster, Leendert Monster, L. Mrs. Monster, Grietje Monster, Jacob
Monster, Willem
Nollen, Hendricus Nollen, H. Mrs. Nollen, Jan Nollen, Gerrit H.
Nollen, Aleida Nollen, Henry Nollen, Gezina Nollen, Zwaantje Nollen, Herman
Pelt, van Albertus
Prins, Jan
Penning, de Jan
Penning, de Jan Mrs.
Penning, de Jannigje
Penning, de Grietje
Penning, de Adriaantje
Penning, de Wilhelmina
Penning, de Willem
Penning, de Leendert
Penning, de L. Mrs.
Penning, de Jacob
Penning, de Wouter
Penning, de Maria
Rees, van Leendert Rees, van L. Mrs.
Regt, Adriaantje Roorda, Isaac
Schelven, van Adrianus
Steenbergen, van Cornelis
Steenbergen, van C. Mrs.
Steenbergen, van Dirkje Steenbergen, van Neeltje Steenbergen, van Leendert
Steenbergen, van Wilhelmina
Steenbergen, van Krijn
Steenbergen, van Maria Steenbergen, van Trintje
Snyders, H. J. Snyders, H. J. Mrs. Snyders, Lubertus Snyders, Wilhelmina Snyders, Grada Elizabeth Snyders, Ida
Steenbergen, van Adriana
Steenhoek, Jan Steenhoek, Jan Mrs. Steenhoek, Teuntje Steenhoek, Adrianus
86
SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
Vos, de Isaac Vos, de I. Mrs.
Wel, van Hendrik
Zante, van Dieles Hkz.
Zante, van Dieles
Vark, van W. Mrs.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.