The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C., Part 82

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Company
Number of Pages: 915

USA > Iowa > Marion County > The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C. > Part 82

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RIETVELD, W .- Retired farmer, and one of Marion county's most suc- cessful agriculturists, is a native of the Netherlands and was born on the wenty-first day of February, 1829. He was raised in his native country intil eighteen years of age on a farm. His father, John Rietveld, was one of the leaders of the Holland colony, and a man who contributed his fall bare in establishing the reputation for which it is so widely known. The

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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

subject of our sketch emigrated with his parents to the United States in 1847, and the same year settled in Marion county, since which time he has been prominently identified with its history and growth. He 'owns 900 acres of land and for years has been one of the largest stock-raisers and feeders in this part of the county, and is known as a man of sterling in- tegrity and large practical experience. He married Miss Annie Grundman, on the first day of July, 1858. She was born in the Netherlands and came to the county in 1849. Have one son, Herman, aged sixteen years. Lost three: Johnnie, Conrad J. and Diedrick.

RIETVELD, DIRK-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17, P. O. Pella. Was born October 18, 1846, in Netherlands, and was brought to this country by his parents in 1847. They came with the first Holland colony. Dirk spent his boyhood days on a farm and attended the common schools of this county. In 1867 he commenced farming on his own account, and owns a farm of 117 acres in Clay township. He lives at present on his brother's farm, consisting of 150 acres. He came here when the country was new and has had his share of the hardships to endure. He commenced here poor and what he enjoys is the fruit of honest toil. He married Mis Elizabeth van Lint in 1865. She was born in this county on the twelfth of Jannary, 1849. They have six children: John, Cornelius, Altje, Dirk, Dirkie and Adriannas N .; lost two.

S CHOLTE, HENRY PETER-Founder of the Holland colony,was born on the twenty-fifth of September, 1805, at Amsterdam, kingdom of the Netherlands. Here he was educated, passing a literary examination in the University of Leyden in 1824; studied theology in the same institu- tion, and was licensed to preach in 1832; entered upon the active duties of the ministry in 1833, in the National Reform Church, Synod of Holland, where he officiated until the division in 1835. Owing to religious persecu- tion he came to this country in 1846, for the purpose of finding a place for the founding of a colony. Various States were mentioned but finally Iow was selected, and the land in Marion county chosen for their abode. Prep- arations were at once commenced for the reception of the emigrante, and in 1847 they came, Mr. Scholte meeting them at Baltimore. He erected a meeting-house in 1856, at his own expense, and it was occupied by him at the time of his death. The organization was not connected with any particular denomination, though in sympathy with all that were evan- gelical in their tendencies. A sketch of Mr. Scholte's life appears in con- nection with the history of Lake Prairie township. He was twice married; first, to S. M. Brandt, at Amsterdam, Holland, December 20, 1832. There were born to them: Sara J. S. (November 9, 1833, at Doveren, now the wife of Dr. B. F. Keables), Maria (May 3, 1836, died July 3, 1836, at Am- sterdam), S. M. (December, 1837, died February 19, 1838, at Utrecht), S. M. (June 6, 1879, died January 14, 1876, at Pella; first wife of P. H. Bons- quet) and S. J. S. (June 3. 1842, at Utrecht, now the wife of John Nollen). Mrs. Scholte died January 23, 1844, at Utrecht. His second marriage was to M. H. E. Krantz, at Utrecht, June 16, 1845. She was born at Maestrecht, in the Duchy of Luxemburg, March 26, 1821. By her he had nine chil- dren: Six died in infancy; one, T. M. J., died in her twelfth year; and two, Henry P. and J. W. David, are still living. Mr. Scholte died at Pella, August 25, 1868, aged sixty-two years and eleven months. By his death the county lost one of its true and noble-spirited citizens. He had done much for the county and for the city of Pella, and his loss was keenly felt

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LAKE PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

. SCHERMERHORN. B. S. & Co .- Dealers in eggs and butter. Among the business interests of Marion county special attention should be given to the business of this firm, who themselves are deserving of more than a pass- ing notice. The firm is composed of B. S. Schermerhorn, J. J. Bousquet and H. Rhynsburger. But few houses in Iowa are doing as large a bnsi- ness in their line and still fewer have the good reputation for their sterling business integrity and their standard business qualifications, and they are contributing their full share in sustaining the business reputation for which the city of Pella is noted. A prominent feature of their business in the future will be their creamery, for the accommodation of which they have just completed a large building to be conducted on the most approved sys- tem, and with all the improvements, calculated to raise the standard of the products. In this, as in other enterprises, this firm are entitled to the gratitude of the community and the city to this important factor of future prosperity, and they have earned and richly merit the success which is sure to crown their enterprise. Mr. B. S. Schermerhorn, the senior member of the house, is a native of New York, and was born on the thirty-first day of March, 1837. His early life was spent on a farin. He learned the milling business and followed it in New York and New Jersey for twelve years. In 1878 he came to this county, and soon took a prominent place among its business men. He is peculiarly clear and transparent in all his business transactions and inspires confidence in all with whom he has busi- ness relations. He married Miss Margaret A. Van Allen in 1861; she was born in New York. Their family consists of two children; Charlie and Louie.

SCHAKEL, ARIE-Sec. 16, P. O. Pella. Was born in South Holland, June 6, 1821, and was there reared. In 1857 he came to this county and for fifteen years was engaged in farming. He has now retired from the active duties of life. He is a member of the Reformed Church of Pella. Has been a hard working, industrious citizen, and as he commenced life without means, what he now has is the result of his own labor.

SCHUBRING, E. H .- Owner and proprietor of Schubring's Hotel. Ie a native of Prussia and was born in the city Broemberg, May 7, 1828. Was raised in that village, and received the benefits of an education. A1 the age of fourteen he apprenticed himself to learn the blacksmith trade, and followed it while there. In 1854 he crossed the ocean and landed at New York, and worked about two months in that city. Then went to Michigan, worked about six months in Detroit, thence to Iona county, the same State, where he resided some six years, following his trade. Mise Margaret Farley, a native of England, became his wife on the second of March, 1856. She was born on the twentieth of December, 1830. In the spring of 1859 he sold his shop and started for Colorado. He spent one year and eight months among the mines and working at his trade, and in the fall of 1860 returned to Michigan. From there he came to Iowa in the spring of 1861. Arrived at Pella in July of that year, bought a blacksmith shop and commenced to work at his trade. In 1864 he started the Pella City Brewry in partnership with two others, and after three years sold hie interest and bought the lots upon which his hotel now stands. There was a blacksmith shop and a dwelling house on it at that time, and he worked in this shop until 1875, excepting one year and eight months. In 1877 he built the hotel he now owns. His family consists of three children: Ida Lilly and William. Lost one, Surepta. He commenced life without muc'

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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

capital and has been the architect of his own fortune, and by his honesty and industry has won the respect and esteem of a large number of friends. His hotel will compare favorably with any in the county.

SELL, MARTIN-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 30, P. O. Pella. Wa born on the thirtieth of August, 1832, in Preble county, Ohio, and was raised there until 1840, when he emigrated with his parents to Elkhart county, Indiana. He spent his boyhood days there on a farm and received an education in the cominon schools .. In 1850 he came to Iowa and settled in Pella and acted as sawyer in Joseph Porter's mill, remaining eleven year In 1861 he took up agricultural pursuits and has made that his business since. In his youth he learned the carpenter's trade, and he has followed it some through life. He has a farm of fifty acres, well improved. He married Miss Henrietta Hiemstra on the third of July, 1856. She is a na- tive of Friestland, and was born October 20, 1835. They have raised one young man, William T. Woodward, and have another adopted child, Olevis B. Reynolds. For eleven years he has been president of the school board Himself and wife belong to the Baptist denomination.

SHEESLEY, .GEO. P .- Editor of the Weekly Visitor. Was born in Columbus, Ohio, on the second day of October, 1853, and in 1854 wus brought by his parents to Mahaska county. He was educated at. the Cen- tral University of Iowa, and graduated in 1878. After teaching for nearly ten years he embarked in his present business, and is well worthy the success which has attended his career. A. H. BETZER-Of the firm of Sheesley & Betzer, editors and publishers of the Weekly Visitor, and one of the most practical printers of Marion county. Was born in Ross county, Ohio, in March, 1850. When six years of age he removed with his parents to Illi- nois, and lived there twelve years. His youth, until eighteen years of age, was spent on a farm. In 1868 he came to this county and learned the trade of printer. He married Miss Lucretia Dearinger in 1876. She was born in Iowa. Their family consists of two children: Irvin and an infant daughter.

SIMPKINS, WILLIAM N .-- Carpenter, contractor_and builder. Was born in. Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1830, and was raised there. When fourteen years of age he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade. In 1853 he moved to Ohio and came to lowa, settling in Van Buren county in 1854. Worked at his trade ten years and came to this county in the spring of. 1864. Engaged in the lumber business and kept s hotel one year, and then took up his present business. He held the posi- tion of foreman of the building of the first large court-house at Winterset; also two school buildings at Knoxville. In 1879 he took a trip to Kansas and spent eighteen months. He married Miss Naomi Jolley, in March, 1853. She was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the twenty- second of September, 1833, in the same house in which her father was born. They have nine children living: Jennie, Milton, Emma, Alexan- der, Adelia, Kate, William, Earl and Clyde. Lost one, Bell. Mrs. Simp- kins is a member of the Baptist Church.

SLOT, JOHN-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 7, P. O. Pella. Is a native of Friestland and was born on the twenty-fifth of December, 1825. He resided with his father on the farm and attended the common schools. In 1847 came to this country with his parents, being in the Holland colony. His father died at St. Louis. John settled on the land which he now oc- cupies, engaged in farming, and has made that his business since. He owns

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154 acres of improved land, with comfortable buildings. Also owns twenty acres of timber. He commenced life a poor boy and has made what he has by hard work. He is honest, industrions and energetic, and a first-class fariner. He married Miss Maggie Millner in 1857. She is a native of Friestland and was born in 1832. They have four children: Jacob, Mag- gie, Jane and Peter. Lost six. Himself and wife are members of the First Reformed Church of Pella.

SNOW & HUBER-Dealers in grain and produce, Pella. No business firm in Marion county are more widely known than Snow & Huber, and none have contributed more to its good name. They have always been foremost and taken an active part in every public improvement and con- tributed liberally to every enterprise. They have always acted on the prin- ciple that in every good bargain both parties are benefited. In the pur- chase of grain the have confined themselves to a legitimate business, and this has secured the unlimited confidence of the community. Their ship- ments are the largest on the line of K' & D. M. V. R. R., and it is an ac- knowledged fact that no firm has contributed as great a benefit to the city or greater advantage to the agricultural interests. C. E. SNOW, of the above firm, was born in Jefferson county, New York, August 31, 1828, and was raised with a mercantile experience. In 1856 he emigrated to Iowa and settled in Keokuk. During the building of the K. & D. M. V. R. R. he had charge of the west end of the road in putting the stations in good running order, until the road reached Eddyville, and there engaged in the grain trade, and at one time he was interested in four houses on the line of the road, but being unable to give them as much attention as was necessary, the firm concentrated all their interest at this place in 1868. His life has been one of ceaseless activity and is remarkable for energy of body and mind. In business he attends to its minutest details -- has let no threads run loose and nothing needlessly run to waste. He is no political aspirant, preferring the peace and quiet of his legitimate business to the strife and turmoil of public life. He has been twice married; first to Miss Sarah Norris, who died leaving one son, Frank A. His second marriage occurred in 1859 to Miss Sarah Matthews, a native of Ohio. By this union they have five children: Jennie. Carrie, Bessie, Eddie and Allie. D. S. HUBER, of the above firm, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born on the nineteenth day of February, 1838, and lived there until 1851, and then moved to Winchester, Van Buren county. In 1852 he went overland to California and remain there two years and was engaged in mining and farming. He then returned to Pennsylvania, where he had a mercantile experience of four years and then came to Iowa, and thence to Missouri, where he remained one year, and then engaged in his present business and in which he has been very successful. He married Miss S. A. Goodall in 1863. She was born in Van Buren county, Iowa. They have two children, Lucy W. and an infant.

SNYDERS, H. J .- Merchant tailor. Was born in the Netherlands, Octo- ber 10. 1819, and was raised there until seven years of age. Then went to Germany to learn the trade of tailor, and worked at it for fourteen years. Then returned to Holland and settled in Amsterdam where he lived for six years. pursuing his chosen avocation. Removed to Utrecht, worked four years, and from there to Elsts, where he remained eleven years. He emi- grated to the United States, and settled in Pella. He started the shop he is now in and has been engaged in the business since, and is well and favor-

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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

ably known throughout the county. He was left an orphan at seven years of age, and has worked his own way through the world. He has been twice married; first to Miss G. Hebek, in 1845. She died in 1854, leaving three children: Bert, Amanda and Gertie. Lost four. He was married again to Miss Neltje de Booy, in 1854. She died October 8, 1880. He is a member of the Baptist Church of Pella.

STEENBERGEN, LEONARD VAN-Coal operator, Sec. 22, P. O. Pella. Was born September 30, 1842, in the Netherlands, and was there raised until eleven years of age, on a farm, receiving an education in the schools of that land. He came to this country with his parents in 1854, and in 1865 took a trip to Oregon. Resided there a short time and re- turned to this county and commenced farming and coal operating. He owns 28 acres of coal land and the coal is of the finest quality in the county. He does a fair business, everything around the bank is in good repair, the veins are from two and a half to three feet. He has held the offices of school-director three years, and road supervisor one year. His father, C. van Steenbergen, resides on section twenty-two. He owns 42 acres of land. Is a native of Holland and was born November 17, 1806. He married Miss H. de Brown, February 19, 1830. She is also a native of Holland and was born October 30, 1816. They have seven children: Dir- kie, Nelle, Leonard, Wilhelmina, Mary, Jennie and Kryn. Lost four.

STEENHOEK ARIE-P. O. Pella. Was born July 4, 1829, in the Netherlands, and came to the United States in 1857. Landed in this county on the eighth of May of that year. He owns 164 acres of fine land and has comfortable buildings. He married Miss Petermella Steenhoek in the fall of 1856. She was born in September. 1833, in Netherlands. By this union they had four children: Adriana, Trankje, John and Cornelius. Lost three. Mrs. Steenhoek died on the twenty-ninth of July, 1865.

STEENHOEK, GYSBERT-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 30, P. O. Pella. Was born on the twenty-seventh of August, 1837, in Netherlands, and was there raised and received the benefits of an education. He spent his boyhood days in the city of Ond Beyerland. Emigrated to this county in the spring of 1857 and settled in Pella and engaged in farming. He enlisted in the Seventeenth Iowa infantry, company H, on- the first of Feb- ruary, 1862, and took part in the battles of Raymond, Jackson, Champion's Hill and Vicksburg. Was severely wounded at the latter battle and was in the hospitals at Memphis and Jefferson Barracks until May, 1864, when he was discharged. He owns a fine farm of 179 acres well-improved. He has held the office of road supervisor one term and school director some five years. He married Miss Henrietta Klyn, on the eightcenth of July, 1865. She is a native of the Netherlands, and was born on the eleventh of February, 1846. By this union they have nine children: Lena, Arie A., Gysbert S., Neiltje, Lyntje, Gerret, Jana, Foliewa and Simon. Lost one. Himself and wife attend the Third Reformed Church of Pella.

STUBENRAUCH, JNO. H .- Cashier of the First National Bank of Pella. Is one of Marion county's most respected citizens and stands prom- inent among the self-made men of Iowa. He was born in Netherlands, Oo- tober 8, 1842, and in 1846 was brought by his parents to the United States, settling first in Baltimore, thence to Albany, Buffalo and St. Louis, and in April, 1851, came to this city. His father and grandfather were by occu- pation tailors, and it was natural, according to the custom of the country, that the son should become proficient in the same trade. He worked with

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LAKE PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

his father until fifteen years of age. The business' being distasteful and trade dull, and at this period the free school system having gone in operation, he availed himself of this opportunity and made the best practical use of his time, and after supplementing his education thus received by a few months attendance at Central University, he engaged in teaching and from 1860 until 1876 was engaged in teaching in this independent district. For three years previous to resigning his school he was employed out of school hours as book-keeper for the First National Bank, and in 1876 devoted his entire time to the business, of which he was assistant cashier, and in Jann- ary, 1880, became the cashier, a position he is eminently qualified to fill. While it is true that some men inherit greatness, others have greatness thrust upon them, a large number are the architects of their own fortune. He has held various township offices, serving as clerk seven years, five years city assessor, member of the city council, and city clerk. In 1878 was ap- pointed by Gov. Gear one of the trustees of the institution for the deaf, and dumb, and in 1880 was elected to the same position by the State Legis- lature. He married Miss Catherine Dielman in 1868. She was born in Iowa, May 15, 1850. Their family circle consists of three children: Dirk, Peter and Frank. Lost one daughter, Everdiena.

SYDE, H. VAN DER-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17, P. O. Pella. Was born on the twentieth of January, 1828, in Netherlands, and worked there as a farmer. He came to the United States in 1855, and settled in Amster- dam, this county, and engaged in farming. Owns 254 acres of land with good buildings. Has held various township offices. He married Miss Nellie Rysdyk in 1853. She is also a native of Netherlands, and was born on the eighth of Deceinber, 1830 They have eight children: Jane, Eliza- beth, Harriet, Jacob, Bessiejanie, Cornelia, Cornelins and Nellie. Lost six. His wife died on the twenty-fourth of February, 1880. His danghters are his housekeepers. He and two of the danghters are members of Bethel Church.

ER BEEST, HENRY-Of the firm of Komagore & Co., owners and proprietors of Skunk River Steam Saw-mill. Was born in Netherlands, January 25, 1847, and in 1865 came to the United States. He remained three years in Wisconsin, and after traveling over the Northwest for a time, settled in this county. He married Miss Cornelia Visser in 1871. She is also a native of Netherlands, and was born in November, 1847. They have one child living, Peter. Lost four. Komagore & Co. started their mill in 1874, and are doing a very good business.

TER .LOUN, JOHN -- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 13, P. O. Pella. Was born in the Netherlands April 22, 1825, and was raised there a farmer. He emigrated to the United States in 1855, and settled in this county, and now owns a farin of 216 acres. He has served his township as school di- rector. Mr. Ter Loun was married in 1859 to Miss Stantje Korver, a native of the Netherlands, born March 12, 1843. They have seven children: John, Martje, Gerret J., Hendrek, Geritje J., Nekalas and Wansena. Have lost five. Mr. and Mrs. Ter Loun are members of the First Reformed Church of Pella.

TER LOUN, H .-- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 21, P. O. Pella. Was born February 17, 1824, in South Holland, and was there raised on a farm and attended the schools of that land. After becoming of age he worked as a laborer until 1855, when he came to Pella. He worked at odd jobs for some time and settled on the place where he now resides in 1862. His farm

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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

consists of sixty acres of cultivated land on which he has comfortable build- ings. He has been twice married; first to Miss Orange Deregts in 1869. By this union they had three children: Gertie, Jane and Henrietta. In March, 1880, he married the second time Wootherge Albers. He isa mem- ber of the First Reformed Church of Pella, and his wife belongs to the Third Reformed Church of Pella.

THOMASSEN, G .- Dealer in general merchandise. Was born in the Netherlands on the first of September, 1832, and lived there until sixteen years of age, and in 1847 emigrated with his parents to the United States settling in Marion county. His father was a merchant in Holland, and at this business the son was raised. His father brought a small stock of goods from Holland, and the greater part of which was sold the first year. For seven years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in 1854 com- menced his mercantile experience. He purchased his first stock in Keokuk. In 1866 he built and put in operation a woolen mill, and in 1870 built s flouring mill. During this time he was largely engaged in buying and shipping stock, doing an extensive business. During the past two years he has been putting up various kinds of domestic wine of superior quality and of unexcelled purity. He has held the office of city alderman for thirteen years. He has been twice married; first to Miss Nelly Rysdam in 1854. She was born in the Netherlands. She died in 1874, leaving five children: John, Garret, Denna, Leonard and George J. His second marriage occurred in 1876 to Miss Jane Koopman. She was also boru in the Netherlands. By this union they have two children: Dirkje and Henrietta H.

THOMASSEN & DE BRUIN-Dealers in jewelry and fancy goods. J. G. Thomassen was born on the twenty-second of December, 1855, in Pella He was raised and educated in this city. and in his younger days. learned the weaver's trade. At the age of sixteen he engaged as clerk in a dry goods and grocery store. On the first of October, 1880, he commenced the business in which he is now engaged in partnership with his brother-in-law. Joost De Bruin. Mr. Thomassen was formerly a member of the Pella Band. JOOST DE BRUIN, was born on the twenty-fifth of September, 1859, in Pella, and spent his boyhood days in this city, receiving the benefits of a guod education. He learned the trade of wagon painting in his youth. For a number of years he has been engaged in clerking in different stores. He is a member of Cox's Light Infantry Band of Pella. Miss G. G. Thomassen became his wife in April, 1879. She is a native of Pella, and was born on the fourteenth of November, 1859. They have one child, Junellie. Mrs. De Bruin is a member of the First Reformed Church of Pella.

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The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C., Part 82

Author: Union Historical Company Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Company Number of Pages: 915

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Company
Number of Pages: 915