USA > Iowa > Marion County > The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C. > Part 83
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THOMASSEN, G. G .-- Dealer in groceries and provisions. Was born in Gelderland, December 23, 1840, and came to this country with his par- ents with the first Holland colony in 1847. They settled in Pella and G. G. spent his youth here, and was educated. At the age of sixteen years he commenced buying and selling stock for his brother, and made that his vocation until he commenced his present business. In 1874 he started a meat market and still continues to run it. In 1877 he opened his grocery store. He commenced without means, and has gained what he now has by hard work and economy. He has been twice married; first to Miss Maggie van Wyngarden in March, 1864. She was born June 25, 1844. She died leaving five children: Dina, Janie, Minnie, Johanas and John. Lost two. He married the second time Miss Elizabeth Dan Bargen in 1876. She was born on the nineteenth of April, 1957. By this union they have two child.
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dren: Maggie and Josanna. Himself and wife are members of the Presby- terian Church.
THOMPSON, WM .- Coal operator, Sec. 33, P. O. Pella. Was born in England in 1833, and was raised there in the mining business. He came to this country in 1856, and settled first in Pennsylvania, thence to Ohio, and after returning to Pennsylvania he came to this county, in 1873. He owns ninety acres of land, on which he has a valuable coal bank, with a vein four and a half feet thick, of superior quality. The shaft is sixty feet deep, and has been opened five years and his product finds a ready sale. He married Miss Harriet Podmore of England, in September, 1851. Their family consists of eleven children: Anna, James, Melinda, Flora B., Lydia, Ellen, Harriet, William, Albert, Mary and David.
TICE, THEOPHILUS D .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 1, P. O. Pella. Was born July 27, 1855, in Mahaska county, Iowa. He spent his boyhood days on a farm, and was educated in the common schools. In 1878 he com- menced farming on his own account, and now owns 114 acres of land. He married Miss Harriet A. Goddey, on the 3d of July, 1878. She was born on the 12th of December. 1855. By this union they have two children: Lester C. and William M. Mrs. Tice is a member of the Christian Church.
TOOM, JOHN A .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 20, P. O. Pella. Was born in South Holland, May 28, 1820, and passed his youth on the farm with his father. He attended school there and in 1847 came to this county with the first Holland colony. Started a brick-yard near where his dwell- ing now stands, and followed that business for twenty-six years. A good share of the brick buildinge in Pella, Knoxville and other parts of the county, are of his manufacture. Was also engaged in burning lime for a number of years .. In 1876 he quit the brick-making business, and since that time has given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He owns 250 acres in this township and 140 acres in Polk township. The farm on which he resides contains 150 acres of well improved land; his buildings are good and comfortable. He came here in a very early day and has done his share toward improving the county. He married Miss Jane Rietveld, on the 2d of October, 1853. She is a native of South Holland, and was born in Oc- tober, 1833. By this union they have seven children: Gan, Dirkie, Betty, Johnnie, Cornelius, Henry and Mary. Lost five. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church of Pella.
TOWNE, N. C .- Real estate and insurance agent. Was born in Guern- sey county. Ohio, August 18, 1849. In 1851 his father moved to Iowa and settled in Van Buren county, and in 1853 came to this county, and was numbered among its prominent and respected citizens. In 1862 he engaged in the real estate business, and in 1868 N. C. became interested in the busi- ness. After his father's death, in 1874, he succeeded to the business, and there are few men who are as well known throughout the county as Mr. Towne, or who have succeeded in building a more prosperous business. His sterling integrity and honorable business dealing and successful career have given him a prominent place among the business men of the county, and in everything that promises a public benefit he is prompt to act, ef- ficient to work and he possesses, in an unusual degree, the confidence of the community. He married Miss Ida Markel, a daughter of one of Marion county's most substantial citizens, May 14, 1874. They have one child, Irma.
TYSSELING, WILLIAM-Miller. Was born on the 24th of April,
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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
1852, and is a native of the Netherlands. He resided there until about nine years of age, when he emigrated to this county with his parents, in the spring of 1861. They first settled in Mahaska county, this State, and made that place their home until 1877, when Mr. Tysseling came to Pella The greater part of his sojourn here he has been engaged in milling. He is evidently a self-made man, as he came here poor and has made what he now has by labor, economy, etc. Mr. Tysseling was married in 1877 to Miss Harmina Overbergen, also a native of the Netherlands. They have two children: Herman R. and J. G. Mr. and Mrs. Tysseling attended the Reformed Church of Pella.
U LRICH, JOHN-Butcher and manufacturer of bologna sausage Among the rising young men of Marion county may be mentioned the subject of this sketch. He was born in Wirtemburg, Germany ou the 8th day of August, 1847, and raised there. In 1867 he emigrated to the United States and settled first in New York, and in 1869 came to this county and engaged in his present business, and has built up an enviable reputation for the qualities of his manufacture which find a ready sale nos only in this place, but adjoining towns, and the demand is far greater than the supply. He has been twice married; first, to Miss Bertha Vander- zyl in 1870. She was born in Holland, and died in Pella in September, 1875, leaving two children: Katie and Wilhelm Frederick. His second marriage occurred in July, 1876, to Miss Mary Rhynsburger, a native of Holland. By this union they have two children: Lena and Sophia.
AN BAALE, JACOB-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17, P. O. Pella
V Was born April 15, 1830, in Netherlands, and worked there ass farmer. He came to the United States in 1855, and settled in this county, engaging in farming. He cultivates 200 acres of land, Holds the office of road supervisor, and is quite an extensive stock-raiser. He married Miss Angeline Van Vaark in 1857. She was born in Netherlands, April 16, 1837. They have nine children: Martha M., Johanna, William, John, Jacob, Johnnie, Minnie, Engel and Kryn. Five are deceased. Mrs. Van Baale died in 1876. and the daughters are Mr. Van Baale's housekeepers.
VAN DER BAARD, JOHN-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 12, P. O. Pella. Was born on the 15th of Angust, 1821, in Netherlands, and was raised a farmer. He came to the United States in 1848, stopped four months in St. Louis, then came to this county and engaged in farming. He owns 200 acres of land. He married Miss Altje Laagstraat in 1847. She was born on the 29th of September, 1827. They have five children living: Cornelius, Gertrude, Peter, Ella, and Nellie. They lost five.
VAN DER BAARD, CORNELIUS-Farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 12, P. O. Pella. Is the oldest son of John Van Der Baard, and was born on the 1st of July, 1849, in this county. He spent his boyhood days on . farm, and in the fall of 1875 he commenced farming for himself. He cal- tivates ninety-five acres. He married Miss Maggie Van Bantam on the 11th of November, 1875. She was born on the 15th of June. 1853, in Nether- lands. By this union they have three children living: Ella, Sarah, and sa infant unnamed. They lost one.
VAN DE VEN, H .- Druggist. Was born in the Netherlands, October 7, 1836. He enjoyed excellent educational advantages in his youth, and served four years as a colporteur. In 1858 he came to the United States, and since that period has been a resident of Marion county. He engaged in his present business in 1863, and at the present time is the pioneer is
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his line in the city; he carries a full line of drugs, medicines, oils, eto. Mr. Van de Ven has been twice married. First, in 1859, to Miss A. M. Vanlooenen. She was born in the Netherlands. They had three children: Henry J., Frank G., and Anna M. Mrs. Van de Ven died in August, 1874. In June, 1877, he was again married, to Miss Alma Rhodes, a native of Rhode Island. She was born in Angust, 1843. They have two children: Robert and Maria.
VAN DER WILT, G .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 21, P. O. Pella. Was born December 19, 1818, in Netherlands, where he worked as a farmer. He came to the United States in 1863, and settled in this county and engaged in farming. Owns 145 acres of fine farm land, well improved. He married Miss J. Stam, April .7, 1853. She is a native of Netherlands, and was born February 13, 1833. They have eleven children: Gerret, Sophia, Henry, second Gerret, Nellie, Sarah, Katie, Willie, Antonia, Jennie. and Dirk; lost one. They attend the Bethel Church.
VANDERZYL BROTHERS-Provision dealers, meat market and live-stock dealers. Among the business firms of Pella is the name that heads this sketch. The firm is composed of G. G. and Simon Vander- zyl. In addition to this business of a regular butchery business they are larger dealers in live-stock, and as such have a prominent place among the business interest of the city. They are good representatives of a typical class of self-made men for which Iowa is noted, and whatever success they have attained has been by industry and close application to business com- bined with good judgment and practical experience. Their aim in life has been to retain the custom they receive by straightforward honest dealing and have richly earned and throughly merit the esteem in which they are held. G. G. VANDERZYL, the senior member, was born in the Nether: lands, April 10, 1843, and lived there until 1866 and then emigrated to the United States, and settled in Pella. He was raised a farmer, but after coming to this county commenced his present business and in which he has been very successful. He married .Miss Christine Streng, in 1868. She was born in Iowa, in 1849. They have five children: Maggie, Ella, Mary, Minnie and Gerke. S. VANDERYLZ was born in the Nether- lands, August 24, 1851, and came with his parents to this county in 1866. He may be said to have been literally raised to the butchering business. He married Miss Lena Homer, in 1872. She was born in Ohio. They have three children: Fannie, Georgie and Mamie.
VAN EERSEL, CORNELIUS-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 23, P. O. Pella. Was born June 8, 1856, in Pella, and here was raised and educated. For three years he taught school and in 1877 commenced farming and now owns 80 acres of well improved land, with a good brick residence and comfort- able buildings for stock. He was married September 27, 1877, to Miss Dirkje Blom, a native of Netherlands, born March 19, 1859. The father of our subject, Gerret Van Eersel, is living with his son. He was born. April 13, 1815, in Netherlands, and came to the United States in 1854, settling in Pella. He opened a shoe-shop and continued to run it some twelve years. He married Miss Barbara Kramer, May 5, 1849. She was born September 29, 1818, and died February 27, 1864. They had four children and lost three. Mr. V. took a trip to his native country in 1869, and was gone eight months. In 1870 he went to Sioux county, remaining eight years.
VAN HOUTEN, E .- Dealer in grain, produce and agricultural imple- ments, and one of Marion county's prominent and energetic business men.
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Was born in the kingdom of the Netherlands, on the fourteenth day of March, 1839, and lived there until ten years of age. and in 1849 emigrated with his parents to the United States, and settled first in New Jersey where they lived three years, and in 1852 came to Iowa. His carly life was spent in agricultural pursuits. He commenced his mercantile experience in 1865, and in 1868 engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. In 1870 he re moved his machinery to Knoxville and engaged in milling and manufactur- ing woolen goods, and remained there until 1872 and then returned to Pella and engaged in his present business, and in which he has secured a large trade. As a business man he is prompt and energetic. He is a man of quick preception, clear judgment and a high sense of honor, and as s citizens has always shown a worthy public spiritedness and has sympathized with all the local improvements and enterprises. He married Miss Jose- phine Smith, in 1870. She is a native of Summerset county, New Jersey. Their family consists of two children: Henry W. and Eilko P.
VAN REES, LEONARD - Deceased. Was born in 1821, in the Netherlands, and was employed as a watchman on the dykes. He came to the United States in 1855 and settled in this county. On the eighth of February, 1880, he was called to his rest. At the time of his death he owned 640 acres of land. He was twice married; first, to Miss Sygje Veda By this union have two children: Lawrence and Johanna. Lost eleven. He married, the second time. Altje De Vries, By this union has three children living: Basteaan, Agnes and Lena.
VAN REES, LAWRENCE-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 18, P. O. Pella. Was born on the sixteenth of December, 1856, in Marion county. He spent his boyhood days on a farm and received the benefit of a common school education. In the spring of 1880 he commenced farming for him- self, and cultivates 140 acres. Has held the office of school treasurer. He married Miss Sarah De Vries, in the spring of 1880. She was born in May, 1861, in the Netherlands: They have one son, Leonard.
VAN ROCKEL, HENRY-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 18, P. O. Pella. Was born February 14, 1835, in the Netherlands and carne to the United States in 1859, settling in Marion county. In 1863 he commenced farming on his own account, and in 1867 moved upon the place he now oc- copies. Owns 180) acres on which is a good house and barn. He married Miss Hendreka Klein, in 1863. She is also a native of the Netherlands. and was born on the fifteenth of December, 1845. By this union they have six children: Berand, Jane, Minnie, Gertie. Mertie and Tony. Lost one. Himself and wife are members of the Bethel Church.
VAN SPANCKEREN, B. H .- Dealer in general merchandise. Was born in Amsterdam, Holland, October 5, 1826, and was raised and educated in that city. When fifteen years of age he commenced to learn the baker's trade, at which he worked for five years. In 1846 he came to America, and landed at Baltimore where he remained one year, working at his trade. He emigrated to St. Louis, spent one year there working at his trade, and came to Pella in 1848. He there commenced his trade and worked at it until 1873, when he commenced the business in which he is now engaged first with a partner, until he became familiar with the business, and since then on his own account. In his manners he is kind and genial and hehas won the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends, and may be numbered among the leading citizens of the county. He married Miss Dirkje Ver- steeg in 1851. She is also a native of Holland and was born on the eighth of
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: July, 1832. By this union they have four children: B. H., Carrie, Dora, and John. Lost ten. His wife is a member of the First Reformed Church of Pella.
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VAN STIGT, A .- Dealer in leather, findings, harness, saddlery, etc. Was born August 6, 1832, in the Netherlands, and passed his youth in Westmaas, in the province of South Holland. His schooling was obtained in that village. In 1847 he came to America with his parents, being with the first Holland colony. They arrived at Pella in the spring of 1848, and settled here, engaging in shoe-making. In 1855 he opened a shop on his own account, continuing in that business until 1865, when, in partnership with his brother, he started in his present business. In October, 1880, his
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. E brother retired and Adrianas took the business in his own name. He mar. ried Miss Teentje den Hartog, on the eighteenth of April, 1855. She is a native of the same province as her husband and was born on the nineteenth of October, 1836. They are raising an adopted child, Sygie Van der Wilt. Himself and wife are members of the First Reformed Church of Pella, in which he holds the position of elder. He has been a meinber of the school board here and has also held the office of township trustee for several years. He commenced life without much capital and has earned what he now has by the sweat of his brow.
VAN STIGT, K .- Dealer in boots and shoes. Was born on the eighth of August, 1837, in Westmaas, South Holland, and was raised there until ten years of age, attending school some five years. In 1847 he came to America with his parents in the first Holland colony. Resided in St. Louis nine months and then came to Pella. His father started a shoe shop and : Kommer attended school here. At twelve years of age he commenced to 9 learn the shoemaker's trade and worked at it ten years and then came in as a partner with his father. They dealt in boots and shoes, leather, findings,
: etc. This partnership lasted until January, 1865, when his father was called to his final rest, and Kommer ran the business in his own name until the twenty-seventh of June of the same year. His brother, A. Van Stigt, then purchased an interest. On the first of February, 1878, Kommer opened 1 a stock of boots and shoes in the store he now occupies, and in October, 1880, he retired from the partnership with his brother, and gave his entire atten- tion to his own store. He married Miss Johanna de Zeeuw, a native of Holland, born on the nineteenth of May, 1837. Their marriage occurred on the twenty-third of September, 1859. By this union they have five children: Cornelius, Anna. Jane, Christena and Sarah. Lost two. Him- self and wife are members of the First Reformed Church of Pella, in which he holds the office of deacon and superintendent of the Sunday-school. He has held the office of alderman of the Third ward of Pella. He owns a handsome dwelling-house on Washington Street.
VAN VLIET & CO., G .- Dealers in staple groceries and proprietors of bakery and restaurant. G. Van Vliet was born in South Holland, July 9, 1849, and was brought to Pella by his parents in 1854. In 1865 he com- menced to learn the baker's business, in the shop which he now owns. In 1872 he bought this shop, and, in partnership with his brother-in-law, con- tinned this business until 1876, when the latter retired and J. Rhynsburger purchased an interest. Mr. Van Vliet married Miss N. J. Tenhagen, July 4, 1870. She is a native of Iowa, born Angust 6, 1851. They have two children: Johnnie and Cornelius. Lost two. He has held the position of assistant postmaster in this city. J. RHYNSBURGER, the Co. of the
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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
firma, was born on the eleventh of June, 1859, in South Holland, and re- sided there until ten years of age, when he came to America with his pe- rents, in 1869. locating in Pella.
VAN VLIET, NICOLAS-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 10, P. O. Pella. Was born in this county, on the twenty-fifth of July, 1857, and spent his boyhood days on a farm. In the spring of 1876 he commenced farming on his own account. He owns eighty acres of well-improved land. He married Miss Maggie Van der Wilt, on the fourth of April, 1876. She was also born in Marion county, on the twenty-seventh of June, 1858. By this union they have two children: Mary and Jacob. They are members of the Presbyterian Church of Pella.
VAN VLIET, H .- Was born in the Netherlands, on the sixteenth day of September, 1840, and in 1847 caine, with his parents, to the United States, and spent their first year in St. Lonis, and in 1848 came to Iom and settled in Marion county. He married Miss W. Van Vark in 1862. She was born in the Netherlands. Their family consists of five children: Henry, Mattie M., Willie, Joseph and Minnie.
VAN ZEE, CONRAD-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec: 26, P. O. Pella Was born November 29, 1813, in Gelderland, and was raised on a farm, receiving an education in the schools there. In 1847 he came to America, with the first Holland colony. and in 1850 he settled on the place he now occupies. It consists of 226 acres of well improved land, on which is & neat brick house and comfortable buildings for his stock. He has held the office of school-director several years, and at the present time holds the office of trustee. He married Miss Mattie de Kock in 1837. She is s native of Gelderland, and was born November 29, 1815. By this union they have five children living: Angeline (now Mrs. de Kock), Peaderke (now Mrs. C. Verploegh), Engle, Mary A. (now Mrs. Grandy) and Jennie. Lost two. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church of Pella.
VAN ZEE, S .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 22, P. O. Pella. Was born, February 12, 1817, in Gelderland, and spent his boyhood days on a farm, receiving an education in the schools of that place. In 1847 be crossed the ocean with the Holland colony, and settled in Pella, and worked at various occupations for four years. Then settled on the farm on which he now resides, containing 170 acres, and ten acres of timber. His farm is well stocked, and contains good and comfortable buildings. He commenced life a poor and honest boy, and has been the architect of his own fortune. He has held the office of school-director six terms. He married Miss Judith Van Zee in the fall of 1842. She is also a native of Gilderland, and was born November 30, 1820. By this union there are ten children living: Gerret, Angeline (now Mrs. S. de Kock), Mary (now Mra. A. Signhardt), Nellie (now Mrs. K. de Young), Julia (now Mrs. A. Gras- dice), Govert, Katie and Ellen (twins), Jennie and Ira. Lost three. Him- Belf and wife are members of the Third Reformed Church of Pella.
VAN ZEE, PETER-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 22, P. O. Pella Was born August 4, 1820, in Gelderland, and spent his boyhood days on a farm, and received an education in the common schools. In 1854 he came to Marion county, and resided one year in Red Rock. He then moved on the place where he now resides, consisting of 360 acres of fine farm land; also fifteen acres of timber. His farm is well improved, and he has a good comfortable house and other suitable buildings for his stock. He has hold
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the offices of school director. some seven years, road supervisor four years, and school treasurer, seven years. He married Miss Nellie De Bruin in 1842. She is a native of Gelderland, and was born October 26, 1820. By this union they have nine children: Nellie (married), Gerret, Kryn, Cor- nelius N., Ira, Dirk, Johannas, Jan and Mary. Lost two. Himself and wife are members of the First Reformed Church.
VAN ZEE, ENGLE-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 36, P. O. Pella. Was born in Gelderland, October 9, 1841, and was brought to this country by his parents, who accompanied the first Holland colony, in 1847. They settled on a farm and Engle spent his youth tilling the soil, attending the common school. In 1859 he commenced life for himself and settled on the farm on which he now resides, containing sixty acres. His buildings are good and comfortable. He married Miss Affa Cloyn, in 1869. She was born in Iowa, on the 28th of November, 1852. They have five children: Lena, Conrad, Elizabeth, Ester and Bertha. Lost one. He and his wife are mem- bers of the First Reformed Church of Pella.
VERRIPS, A .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 28, P. O. Pella. Was born in Leersdam, Netherlands, October 2, 1831, and there was raised and educated. In 1847 he accompanied his parents, with the first Holland col- ony to America. He settled in this county and now owns 120 acres of fine land, well improved. His buildings are comfortable. Mr. V. has held the office of school director for four years. He has been twice married; first, to A. Va Van Arch, in 1855. She was a native of Holland, and was born in 1829. By this union there were two children: Antonio and Merenis. Mrs. V. died in 1859. In 1861 he married Gertie Willamse, a native of Holland, who was born in 1842. By this union there are nine children: Mary, Willempe, Dirkie, Cyntha, Rosa, Elias, Conrad, Simon and Aart. Lost two. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of Pella.
VERSTEEGH, GERRIT-Farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 25, P. O. Pella. Was born on the twenty-seventh of August, 1813, in Netherlands, where he learned the carpenter trade. He came to the United States in 1849, and worked soine two years at his trade in Pella; then worked four years in a shingle factory. He settled on the place where he now resides in 1857. He owns 160 acres of fine farm land and twenty-four acres of timber, and what he now enjoys is the fruit of his own labor. He married Miss Haentje den Boest, 1855. She was born in Netherlands, December 25, 1830. They have seven children: Jonas, Anna, Hubert, James, Katie, Gerret and Jane. They are members of the First Reformed Church of Pella.
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