consists of sixty acres of cultivated land on which he has comfortable buildings. He has been twice married; first to Miss Orange Deregts in 1862. By this union they had three children: Gertie, Jane and Henrietta. In March, 1880, he married the second time Wootherge Albers. He is a member 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 commenced 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 a 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 born 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 good 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.

THOMASSEN, G. G.--Dealer in groceries and provisions. Was born in Gelderland, December 23, 1840, and came to this country with his parents 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 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, 1557. By this union they have two child

store.

dren: Maggie and Josanna. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian 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 commenced 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 dwelling now stands, and followed that business for twenty-six years. A good share of the brick buildings 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 October, 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 Guernsey 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 business. 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, efficient 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,

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.

ULRICH, 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 on 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 not 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 Vanderzyl 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

VAN
Was born April 15, 1830, in Netherlands, and worked there as a

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, Williani, 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. 0. Pella. Was born on the 15th of August, 1821, in Netherlands, and was raised a farmer. He came to the United States in 1848, stopped four mcnths 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.

VÄN 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 a farm, and in the fall of 1875 he commenced farming for himself. He cultivates 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 Netherlands. By this union they have three children living: Ella, Sarah, and an 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 in

his line in the city; he carries a full line of drugs, medicines, oils, etc. 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 August, 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 Vanderzyl. 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 combined 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 Netherlands, 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 Netherlands, 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 inproved land, with a good brick residence and comfortable 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 implements, and one of Marion county's prominent and energetic business men.

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 early 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 removed 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 a citizens has always shown a worthy public spiritedness and has sympathized with all the local improvements and enterprises. He married Miss Josephine 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. 0. 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 himself, 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. 0. Pella. Was born February 14, 1835, in the Netherlands and came 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 occupies. 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: Beraud, 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 he has 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 Versteeg in 1851. She is also a native of Holland and was born on the eighth of