Marion County >> 1915 Index

The History of Marion County, Iowa
John W. Wright and W. A. Young, supervising eds. 2 vols. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1915.

V

John van der Ploeg - page 311

The natives of Holland who have settled in this county have given a good account of themselves and have manifested the strength of character and persistency of purpose characteristic of their ancestry. They are numbered among the good citizens of the locality and have also prospered financially. John van der Ploeg, the owner of a bakery and grocery business in Pella, was born in Friesland, The Netherlands, November 8, 1863, a son of P. and Elizabeth (Schuring) van der Ploeg. The father was a tailor in his native land and followed that trade in Pella after removing here with his family in 1881. Both he and his wife are deceased. They had four children, Mr. van der Ploeg of this view having two brothers and one sister.

John van der Ploeg acquired a common-school education in his native land and after emigrating with the other members of the family to this country was employed by G. Van Vliet & Company for four years in a bakery. He was then for two years in the post office and at the end of that time purchased an interest in the bakery in which he had learned his trade. Three years later, in association with J. S. Rhynsburger, he bought out Mr. Van Vliet and eight years later purchased the interest of Mr. Rhynsburger, becoming the sole owner of the business. In the years that have intervened since that time he has given proof of his sound judgment and ability to manage business affairs in the successful conduct of the bakery, which is one of the best known in the city. He also carries a line of groceries and both branches of his undertaking are proving profitable. He caters to the home trade only and his patronage comes from the representative people of the city, many of whom have given him their custom for years.

Mr. van der Ploeg was married on the 1st of May, 1889, to Miss Dora Laverman, a daughter of Nicholas Laverman, who is engaged in farming near Pella. The children of this union are: Peter, who married Miss Julia Van Dusen and is with his father in the bakery; and Jennie, Nicholas, Dirk and Bert, all at home. The family belong to the First Christian Reformed church, in which Mr. van der Ploeg has been a deacon for twenty-three years. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is now serving as alderman. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of the city in which he has made his home for almost a third of a century and is well known and sincerely respected by his fellow citizens.

William G. Vander Ploeg is a member of the Knoxville bar and in the practice of his profession has won a degree of success that many an older attorney might well envy. Marion county claims him as a native son, his birth having here occurred on the 27th of December, 1881, his parents being Ruard and Pietje (Terpstra) Vander Ploeg, the former a native of Holland and the latter of New York. The paternal grandfather, Dirk Vander Ploeg, brought the family to the new world in 1854 and the following year the father of our subject arrived in Marion county, where he followed the occupation of farming for many years but is now living retired, making his home in Pella.

William G. Vander Ploeg is one of a family of ten children, of whom eight are yet living. He was reared in the Holland settlement near Pella and acquired a public-school education, after which he continued his studies in the Central College at Pella. Having determined upon the practice of law as a life work, he became a student in the State University and was graduated from the law department with the class of 1903. He then located for practice at Pella, where he remained until January, 1911, when he removed to Knoxville and opened an office. He continues in the general practice of law and is a strong and able member of the bar, preparing his cases with thoroughness, presenting his cause with clearness and exactness and when necessary citing precedent and principle with accuracy.

On the 21st of September, 1911, Mr. Vander Ploeg was united in marriage to Miss Carrie L. Cox, of Pella, her parents being J. M. and Luella Cox. Mr. Vander Ploeg holds membership in Pella Lodge, No. 55, A. F. & A. M., in Tadmor Chapter, R. A. M., of Knoxville, and Melita Commandery, K. T., exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. His political allegiance is given the republican party and he keeps well versed on the questions and issues of the day. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church. He is a young man of genuine personal worth, his life being guided by high and honorable principles in both professional and social relations.

Watson H. Vanderploeg - page 421

Watson H. Vanderploeg is a native of this county and one of the most prominent younger business men in Pella. He is cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank and is also an attorney. He was born on the 24th of December, 1888, a son of R. and Pietje (Terpetra) Vanderploeg, natives of Holland and New York, respectively. The paternal grandfather was Dirk Vanderploeg, who brought his family to the United States, arriving at Pella, Iowa, on the 4th of July, 1857. He was a farmer by occupation and located upon land in Lake Prairie township but later removed to Summit township. His son, the father of the subject of this review, is president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank, which was organized in 1905, and is an important figure in the financial life of the city. His wife is a daughter of Watson Terpetra, a native of Holland, who in early manhood went to New York. Subsequently he came west with his family and arrived at Pella about 1857. He was a farmer by occupation. To Mr. and Mrs. R. Vanderploeg have been born eight children: Mary C., the wife of Arie Vander Waal, a resident of Des Moines, Iowa; Delia, who became the wife of Simon De Haan; Anna, at home; Charles, a farmer living near Monroe, Iowa; Linnie, the wife of James Cochrane, a resident of Monroe; Margaret, at home; W. G., living in Knoxville; and Watson H., of this review.

The last named completed the course in the public schools of Pella and then entered the Central University of Iowa, located there, and was graduated from that institution. He subsequently read law with a brother and in 1912 was admitted to the bar and has since practiced his profession here. However, part of the time has been taken up by other duties, as he is cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of this place. He has already accomplished much and his keen intellect and splendid training presage yet greater achievement.

Mr. Vanderploeg is a member of the Baptist church and is an active worker in those movements which seek the betterment of his community. Politically he is a republican and fraternally he belongs to Pella Lodge, No. 55, F. & A. M.; and to the Knights of Pythias. Among his marked characteristics are initiative, sound judgment and energy that constantly impels to action and achievement, and these traits, together with a high sense of right and justice, have gained him the respect which is accorded him in business circles of Pella. His personal friends are many and hold him in the warmest regard.

Peter H. Van Gorp is the secretary and treasurer of the Garden City Feeder Company of Pella and is one of the native sons of Marion county, his birth having occurred upon a farm near Pella on the 26th of April, 1860, his parents being Henry and Jennie (Kempkes) Van Gorp, both of whom were natives of The Netherlands. The father came to America with a colony of Holland emigrants in the year 1847 and engaged in the business of teaming. He also became the owner of a farm near Pella and it was upon that place that Peter H. Van Gorp was born and reared. His time was divided between the acquirement of a public-school education and the work of the fields and he remained upon the home farm until 1882. He was afterward employed upon a dairy farm for six years and subsequently he owned and operated a threshing outfit for several years. On the expiration of that period he embarked in the shoe business at Pella and conducted his store with growing success for ten years. In 1898 he became a partner of A. C. Van Honweling in organizing the Pella Stacker Company, of which he was manager. This business was conducted successfully for several years and in 1912 was reorganized under the name of the Garden City Feeder Company, in which Mr. Van Gorp holds the position of secretary, treasurer and manager. He is an enterprising, progressive business man, working along modern lines, and his prosperity is well merited.

On the 15th of November, 1883, Mr. Van Gorp was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Pos, a daughter of Derk Pos, a farmer. They have two sons: Harvey P., who married Nina Sadler and is now with the Star Auto Company; and Dick, who is employed by the Garden City Feeder Company. In addition to his other business interests Mr. Van Gorp is a stockholder in the Star Automobile Company. In politics he is a democrat and has filled the office of alderman for one term, making a creditable record in the position. He has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, however, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which, carefully and intelligently directed, have brought to him a gratifying measure of prosperity.

John Van Hemert, who is the owner of a garage and agent for a number of well known makes of automobiles at Pella, was born in Jasper county, this state, on the 23d of July, 1871, his parents being Marcellus and Lizzie (Simmons) Van Hemert, who have both passed away. The father was a farmer of Jasper county and proved successful in that occupation. They had fourteen children, all of whom survive.

John Van Hemert acquired a common-school education and after his marriage followed for five years the calling to which he was reared, engaging in farming for that length of time. He then purchased a meat market, which he ran for three years but at the end of that period bought thirty-two acres of land situated within the limits of Pella, which property he still owns. In February, 1914, he entered the garage business, in which he is still engaged, and as he understands automobiles well he has proved very successful in his present undertaking. He sells tires, automobile accessories of all kinds and does a great deal of repair work and is also agent for the White, Studebaker and Buick cars. The volume of his business has steadily increased and he is classed among the successful men of Pella.

Mr. Van Hemert married Miss Tryntjy Boot, a daughter of Jacob Boot, a farmer of Marion county, and to their union have born two sons, Harry M. and Jacob B., both of whom are high-school students. The parents belong to the Third Reformed church, but now attend the Second Reformed on account of their sons, as that is English speaking. Mr. Van Hemert is a democrat and takes a keen interest in public affairs, studying intelligently the problems of government that press for solution. His probity is unquestioned and the sterling worth of his character has made him highly respected in his community.

Albert B. Van Houweling - page 50

Albert B. Van Houweling, connected with the financial affairs of Pella as vice president of the Security Bank, in which capacity he has served since 1912, was born in the county, on the 8th day of June, 1885, a son of Albert and Annie (Klein) Van Houweling, both natives of Holland. The former was a son of Gysbert Van Houweling, who in 1847 brought his family to this country and settled at Pella. He was a farmer by occupation and was a man of strict integrity of character. The father of the subject of this review was also an agriculturist and was very successful in that occupation. He died in October, 1892. His wife, who also came to Pella in 1847, accompanying her parents, survives at the age of seventy years. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Van Houweling were members of the Dutch Reformed church. To them were born eleven children, four of whom have passed away.

Albert B. Van Houweling was given the advantage of a public-school education and subsequently took a business course in Central College at Pella. He desired a more liberal general education, however, and for two years was a student at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. Upon leaving school he entered the banking business and since 1912 has been vice president of the Security Bank, which is one of the reliable financial institutions of Pella. Although quite a young man, he has demonstrated his fitness for responsibility and his friends predict a successful career for him.

Mr. Van Houweling was married on the 7th of August, 1912, to Miss Nettie Van Zante, of Portland, Oregon, and has a daughter, Anna Elva May. Mr. Van Houweling is a member of the Dutch Reformed church and in politics casts an independent ballot, preferring to judge for himself as to the candidate most capable of filling the office in question without reference to party affiliation. He and his wife are popular among the young people of the city and often entertain their friends at their hospitable home.

B. H. Van Spanckeren is the present efficient cashier of the Citizens National Bank of Pella and is recognized as one of the prominent business men of the city. He was born in Pella on the 2d of September, 1860, a son of B. H. and Dirkie (Ver Steeg) Van Spanckeren, both natives of Holland. In 1847 they emigrated to the United States and came to Pella, where their marriage occurred soon afterward. The father owned the first bakery in Pella, conducting the same until about 1871, and after that he was a proprietor of a dry-goods store until 1892. In the last mentioned year he retired and is still living at the age of eighty-eight years, having survived his wife for many years, her demise occurring in 1890. He is a member of the Baptist church, as was also his wife. Of the fourteen children born to them ten died in infancy. Those who grew to maturity are: B. H., of this review; Mrs. L. Recrink, the wife of a farmer living near Pella; Mrs. Dora Welle, a resident of Sully, Iowa; and J. H. H., a farmer.

B. H. Van Spanckeren was reared in Pella and attended the public schools in the acquirement of his education. For twenty-eight years he was engaged in the dry-goods business, having entered his father's store when but a youth. From 1882 to 1892 he was a partner of his father but in 1892 he became sole owner of the establishment and managed it successfully until 1908, maintaining the high standard set by his father and keeping apace with the later developments in retail trade. In 1908 he sold the store and has since devoted his entire time to the banking business. He entered the Citizens National Bank in 1906 and his knowledge of business conditions and methods led to his rapid advancement and he is now cashier of that institution, which ranks among the best banks of the county. He requires excellent security before loaning money, but if once convinced that the funds of the depositors will not be endangered, he is liberal in the extension of credit and in this way has made the bank of great service to the business men of the community.

In 1882 Mr. Van Spanckeren was married to Miss Katherine Van Spanckeren, a daughter of L. H. and Harriett (Sleyster) Van Spanckeren. They settled in Pella in 1847 and the father for a number of years conducted a general store but is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Van Spanckeren were born five children: Bern H., a farmer living in Mesa, Arizona; Mrs. A. W. Leland, a resident of Dixon, Illinois; L. H., a resident of Mesa, Arizona, and the teller in the Mesa City Bank; Warner J., who is employed in the Citizens National Bank of Pella; and Katherine Bessie, at home. The wife and mother was called to her reward on the 4th of October, 1914, at the age of fifty-five years. Funeral services were conducted on the 7th of October by President J. W. Bailey, of Central University. She was highly esteemed and as a mark of respect the business houses of the city were closed during the funeral.

The family belong to the Baptist church and guide their lives by its teachings. Mr. Van Spanckeren is a supporter of the republican party and belongs to the Masonic order. His life has been one of service to the community, as he has contributed to the business and financial growth of Pella, first as merchant and later as cashier of one of the leading banks of the city. He has spent his entire life here and has thoroughly identified himself with the progress of the community and has won the unqualified respect of his fellow citizens.

E. C. Varenkamp occupies a position of leadership among the residents of Iowa of Dutch birth or descent as editor of Pella's Weekblad, one of the most important papers in this state printed in the Dutch language. Mr. Varenkamp has had editorial charge of the paper since 1904 and has proved himself a journalist of no mean ability. He was born at The Hague, Holland, on the 25th of September, 1844, a son of Johan Hendrick and Teutje (Van Maurik) Varenkamp. The father was engaged in the grocery business in that city.

Mr. Varenkamp of this review attended the public schools in the capital city of Holland and received a thorough education. He is the only one of the family to come to this country and immediately upon landing made his way to Pella, Iowa, where he arrived in May, 1867. He engaged in farming until 1884 and then went to St. Louis, where he remained for a year. He subsequently returned to Pella and for three and a half years was the owner of a notion store here. At the end of that time he again sought his fortune elsewhere, going to Nebraska, where he remained for three years, and subsequently to South Dakota, where he farmed for two and a half years. In 1890 he returned to Pella and engaged in various lines of work until 1904. In that year he became the editor of the Weekblad and has held that position ever since. In the ten years that he has been connected with the publication he has maintained a high standard of excellence, not only on the editorial page, but in all departments of the paper, and it has the respect of the press of the state. Mr. Varenkamp is a man of wide knowledge and broad learning and is constantly increasing his store of information through varied and well chosen reading.

Mr. Varenkamp was married in 1871 to Miss Geertje Boot, of Pella, a daughter of Marinus and Hendrika (Versteeg) Boot, early settlers of Pella. Mr. and Mrs. Varenkamp have become the parents of ten children, two of whom have passed away. John M. is a resident of Sully, Iowa; Hattie is the wife of Joe C. Lowder, a resident of Broken Bow, Nebraska; Anna married Charles Roten, a farmer residing near Sully; Lydia is now Mrs. Earl Reno, of Grinnell, Iowa; Mary is the widow of Jess Wise and lives at Pella; Emma married Harry Stratton and is a resident of Newton, this state; Nellie is now Mrs. H. O. Cowles and lives in Louisville, Kentucky; Fred resides in Citrus Grove, Texas; Blanche died when thirteen years of age; and Emma died at the age of four years.

Mr. and Mrs. Varenkamp are members of the Reformed church. He is a democrat and loyally supports the candidates of that party at the polls. He is well known in Pella and highly esteemed because of his industry, perseverance and integrity.

Mathys Verros, a worthy native son and prosperous agriculturist of Marion county, has devoted his attention to farming throughout his entire business career and is now the owner of six hundred and eighty-seven acres of valuable land on section 6, Clay township. His birth occurred on the 22d day of October, 1857, his parents being Teunis and Nettie (Vanclotwick) Verros, both of whom were natives of Holland. They emigrated to the United States in 1848 and made their way direct to Marion county, Iowa, here spending the remainder of their lives. They became the parents of eleven children, six of whom survive.

Mathys Verros acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. He cultivated a rented farm for six years and on the expiration of that period purchased a tract of land in Mahaska county, Iowa, there carrying on agricultural pursuits continuously and successfully until 1907. In that year he disposed of the property and bought a farm of six hundred and eighty-seven acres on section 6, Clay township, Marion county, which he has cultivated with excellent results to the present time. In connection with the production of cereals he also makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, both branches of his business yielding him a gratifying annual income.

In 1881 Mr. Verros was united in marriage to Miss Datje Vanbeck, a native of Holland and a daughter of Cornelius and Henrietta Vanbeck. They came to the United States in 1868, settling in Marion county, Iowa, where both passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Verros have been born fifteen children, as follows: Elizabeth, Henrietta, Tunies, Cornelius, William, Nettie, Garret, Gertrude, Bert, Cornelia, David, Leham, and three who died in infancy.

Mr. Verros is a democrat in his political views and now serves in the office of school director, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Reformed church. Where he is known he is honored and respected, for he is a man of many sterling traits of character, reliable in business, progressive in citizenship and at all times upright and trustworthy.

James B. Vriezelaar - page 42

James B. Vriezelaar is prominent in various lines of activity in Otley, being a merchant, a stockholder in a number of companies and also one of the leaders in public affairs. He was born in Pella on the 4th of January, 1859, a son of Gradus and Mary (Brain) Vriezelaar. The former was born in Lakement, Gelderland, Holland, in 1831. When a young man he came to America and settled at Paterson, New Jersey, as there was quite an extensive Dutch settlement there. About four years after his marriage to Mary Brain, which occurred about 1854, in Paterson, they came to Pella. Mr. Vriezelaar worked at a number of occupations after arriving in this county, being employed by the day at first and subsequently operating a rented farm a half mile east of Otley. In 1863 he had four yoke of cattle. He later purchased land, becoming the owner of about one hundred and sixty acres, but before his death he had increased his holdings to two hundred and forty acres. At his demise his sons took charge of the land and assumed the debt of four thousand dollars against the property. They eventually paid that off and the land is still in the possession of the family. Mr. Vriezelaar was killed in 1877 by a bull. His wife was born on the 4th of February, 1825, in Holland and was married there to William Laauwe, who died upon the ocean while they were emigrating to the United States. By this marriage she had one son, William Laauwe. She arrived in this county in 1848 and, as before stated, married Mr. Vriezelaar in Paterson, New Jersey. To their union were born the following children: Arie, James B., Cornelia, Henry, Gradus and Nellie.

James B. Vriezelaar received his education in the country schools and was reared under the parental roof. In 1886 he began his independent business career by starting a general store in Otley. He commenced on a small scale but has enlarged his business as his circumstances have permitted and now has one of the leading mercantile establishments of the town. He owns the property in which his store is located and altogether owns about three business blocks. He also holds title to his comfortable residence which he erected and which is well designed, being both conveniently arranged and attractive in appearance. He is a stockholder in the Otley Telephone Company, in which he was also a director, and he owns considerable farm land, including one hundred and seventy-four acres in Summit township adjoining Otley, a quarter section of land on section 1 and a fifth interest in a one hundred and twenty acre tract. At the time of his mother's death there were eleven hundred and twenty acres to be divided and Mr. Vriezelaar assisted in settling up the estate to the satisfaction of all the heirs. Although he has been very active in mercantile lines and has devoted considerable time to the supervision of his other interests, he has also taken a prominent part in local governmental affairs. Since old enough to vote he has held office continuously. He has been elected to all the township offices on the republican ticket and for two years was county supervisor. He has always given the best of his thought and energy to the duties devolving upon him as an official and his record of continuous service in office is proof of the confidence that his fellow citizens repose in him. He has always been faithful to every trust and has safeguarded the interests committed to his care. Although he is one of the well-to-do and substantial citizens of Otley, he has met at times with financial reverses, having been through two bank failures.

Mr. Vriezelaar was married in 1884 to Miss Mattie De Reus, a daughter of Arie De Reus, a resident of Pella. Her birth occurred in this county in 1860 and she was educated in the country schools. To her parents were born fifteen children, ten of who survive. Mr. and Mrs. Vriezelaar have eight children living and have lost two. Gradus J. married Miss Artie Heullaman and they have three children. Ira G. married Miss Sarah Klein, by whom he has two children. William A. married Miss Carrie Van Bentom and they have one child. Maggie is the wife of John Van Der Bard, a farmer, and is the mother of two children. Mamie and Henry, twins, are both at home, as are also Jimmie and Martha, the last named being now sixteen years old. Henry, the first of that name, died August 23, 1890, at the age of ten months and twenty-three days, while another child named Mamie died November 18, 1892, at the age of five years.

The family attend the Baptist church and can be depended upon to further in any way possible the moral advancement of the community. Mr. Vriezelaar has other interests in addition to those already mentioned, as he has been secretary and treasurer of the Pella Pipe & Tank Company from its organization. The concern is capitalized for twenty thousand dollars and is well managed, paying good dividends. He also owns a coal mine near Otley and supplies a big local trade. Whether in private or public life, he has invariably guided his conduct by high standards of ethics and the greater number of his acquaintances are also his loyal friends.