Marion County

Souvenir History of Pella, Iowa [1847-1922]
Pella: Booster Press, [1922]

O

G. H. Overkamp – page 198

Was born in De Hague, Holland, February 15, 1808, and was taken from there by his parents to Leerdam when two years of age. There he received his education and later learned the painter’s trade and at the age of twenty-one he opened a shop and worked at his trade until 1847, when he came to Pella with the first Holland colony. He was the first Hollander to erect a house in Pella, where for some time the first religious services were held. In 1850 his second son, Isaac, started a furniture factory, continuing that business until 1857, when he died. Mr. Overkamp, in company with G. H. Wormhoudt, was his successor, and they conducted the business until 1880, when Mr. Overkamp retired. He married Miss Aafje Kruyt on the 2d day of January, 1830. She was born on the 6th day of September, 1804, in Holland. By this union there were five daughters: Aafje (Mrs. G. H. Dingeman), Hendrina (Mrs. Henry Hospers), Aartje (formerly Mrs. H. Wormhoudt), Antje (Mrs. H. Wormhoudt), and Marie (Mrs. J. Vos). Of these all have died except Mrs. H. Wormhoudt.

Mrs. G. H. Overkamp – page 163

Aaafje Kruyt was born in the Netherlands in the city of Heukelom, September 6, 1804, and was married to G. H. Overkamp, January 3, 1830, and emigrated to Pella, Iowa, with the first colonists in 1847. Seven children, five daughters and two sons, blessed this wedlock; the youngest son died in St. Louis, July 27, 1847.

She was an earnest, devoted Christian woman, well versed in church history and in the Scriptures. Up to her 98th birthday she enjoyed a clear mind and often entertained her relatives and friends with interesting accounts of days long past. When a girl she saw Napoleon Bonaparte ride through the streets of The Hague, in Holland.

At the end of 64 years of happy married life, her husband died on the 11th day of August, 1894, after which she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. H. Wormhoudt, her only surviving child. Here she lived in that peace and contentment which is the priceless possession of those who, looking back over a long life of faithful endeavor, also look forward in faith to a better life beyond. The call to join her loved ones came on the 20th day of April, 1903, at the ripe old age of 98 years, 7 months and 20 days.

Isaac Overkamp – page 150

If there is one character in the history of the past generation that stands preeminent for great service and leadership in all that was best in the spiritual and educational life of the community, that pre-eminence justly belongs to Mr. Overkamp. Equipped with exceptional educational advantages and a high standard of Christian character, his influence for good cannot be measured in words. He was appointed as the first schoolmaster by the Rev. H. P. Scholte, with Henry Hospers as reserve teacher. Instruction was given in both the English and Dutch languages. Mr. Overkamp taught the pupils those principles of the Christian faith and character that made his own life a beacon light for good in the community.

He was born in the Netherlands February 26, 1810. He received unusual educational advantages in his youth and chose the profession of teaching as his life work. From the beginning of the colonizing movement in Holland he was one of the chosen and trusted leaders, and after coming to Pella in 1847, up to his retirement from active work because of advanced age, he filled many positions of trust, both in civil and religious activities of the community. He held the position of city treasurer from the incorporation of Pella until his voluntary retirement, with the exception of two terms when he filled the position of mayor. He had charge of a parochial school opened in 1861, was elder of the First Reformed Church for many years, and was invaluable as a Bible teacher of the youth of the community. No man connected with the history of Pella is remembered with greater respect and if the title of “Grand old man of Pella” had ever been created, we know of no one more justly entitled to the honor.