Marion County

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

Z

G. P. H. Zahn – page 143

All the older residents of Pella will remember Mr. Zahn as a quiet, unassuming man, yet possessed of a cultured mind and a high character. For many years he was a Notary and engaged in the insurance business. He had his office on the west side, on the north part of the lot now occupied by the Public Library. During the years he lived in Pella he made his home with the P. C. Lankelma family.

J. T. Van Zante – page 192

Since J. T. moved to Pella from a farm near Monroe some years ago, he has become known as one of our most popular and successful auctioneers and dealers in real estate. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Baptist Church. A few years ago he built a beautiful home south of the East Market Square, and it is the hope of his large host of friends that he and his estimable family will remain as permanent citizens of Pella.

Mrs. Engeltje van Zee – page 157

Was born in the Netherlands on July 4, 1837. She came to America with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Koenraad van Zee, in the fall of 1847. She was united in marriage to Peter De Kock, who came from the Netherlands, in 1854. In 1868 they purchased a farm southeast of Pella, where they lived until the death of the husband February 15, 1893. To this union there were born seven children: Antonia, Mattie, John P., Conrad, Elizabeth, Engeline, and Ira P. Antonia died in 1892. The other children, with their mother, are living in this vicinity.

Engle van Zee – page 158

Born in Heerwynen, Providence of Gelderland, Netherlands, in 1775. Died in 1868 at the age of ninety-three years. He was of noble birth. His grandfather, Frederick van Zee, was born in 1695 and was a member of a prominent Dutch family who used a coat of arms consisting of a double eagle with a background of gold. He was united in marriage to Miss Maria Roose, a member of a Spanish family whose members were driven from Spain for a religious cause in 1522. Engle van Zee’s descendants, Koenraad, wife and three children, and Stephen, wife and two sons, Gerrit and Engel, arrived in America in 1847. Gerrit still remains in this community. Engle, the brother, died in 1849. Five years later Mrs. H. ver Ploeg and five children arrived in Pella to make their future home. The above mentioned were members of that courageous band who came from the Netherlands under the leadership of Rev. H. P. Scholte and were among the first settlers to colonize the territory surrounding the city of Pella. Just before the band left the Netherlands in 1847, Mr. van Zee wrote a chronology of the Zee families, extending from 1695. There are now eight generations, numbering about four hundred and seventy-five. Many of these descendants live in Pella and vicinity and have aided in the development of the great farm industry which has made this territory what it is today.

Gerrit S. Van Zee – page 161

Was born at Herwijnen, Netherlands, the third day of April, 1842, and came to Pella with his parents in 1847. The family settled on the farm and Mr. Van Zee worked there until his majority. March 1, 1865, he was married to Dirkje Van Zante, who was born in Holland, January 5, 1843. She died the 20th day of April, 1904. There were seven children in the family, four of whom are still living. Mr. Van Zee lived on the farm until he retired on account of advancing age, when he became a citizen of Pella. He was so successful that he amassed a considerable fortune. He is a member of the Third Reformed Church of Pella, and takes a prominent part in the work of that Congregation.

Koenrad Van Zee – page 173

Koenrad Van Zee and wife came to America with the first Hollanders in 1847. He purchased a farm in 1850 where he remained until his death. He was united in marriage to Miss Mattie de Kock in 1837. He followed farm life and was considered one of the most successful farmers in this vicinity. He held many offices of trust and honor in the community during his life and he had a great part in the making of it.

Steven van Zee – page 160

Was born in Heerewench, Netherlands, on February 12, 1817. Died January 21, 1905. Mrs. Judith van Zee, his wife, was born November 30, 1820; died June 23, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Van Zee were among the first arrivals of the Hollanders in America and settled in Pella. He worked as a farmhand for several years, when he became the possessor of a farm about two miles south of Pella, where he and his helpmeet fought the pioneer life, growing with the community as it prospered. In 1900 he retired and moved to Pella, where they resided up the time of their death. There were thirteen children born to this union, seven of whom are living, Gerrit S. van Zee of this place being the oldest, and is now eighty years of age. The advancement of the farming community in this township is due largely to such as the subjects of this sketch.

S. Van der Zyl – page 181

Was born in the Netherlands August 24, 1851, and came to this country with his parents in 1866. He may be said to have been literally raised in the butcher business. In 1872 he was united in marriage to Miss Lena Homer who was born in Ohio. In the early lives of Mr. Van der Zyl and his brother, G. G. Van der Zyl, they took over the butcher business of their father and from time to time added the grain and livestock business. They erected a fine elevator just a short time before their death which remains standing today and the sons of S. Van der Zyl, Paul and Simon, conducted the business until 1921 when they disposed of it to the Farmers’ Cooperative Society. G. G. Van der Zyl, the senior member of the firm of Van der Zyl Bros., was born in the Netherlands April 10, 1843. When he came to this country he was raised a farmer until he engaged in the above mentioned business. Both men enjoyed every confidence of the community and S. Van der Zyl was at one time Mayor of the city and held the office of councilman for two or three terms. He was also School treasurer for many years and kept his trusts with the people inviolate.