Early Pioneers of Zeeland

Early Zeeland Village Pioneers

The picture was taken at Isaac Ver Lee Photo Gallery, 31 August 1887 - the Fortieth Anniversary Celebration of the settling of Zeeland.  These are members of the Committee of Arrangements for the anniversary celebration. Zeeland was settled in the year 1847. Rev. Cornelius Van Der Meulen, Jannes Van De Luyster and Jan Steketee were the leaders who with a colony left the Netherlands, Europe in April, 1847.  Jannes Van De Luyster and Jan Steketee left Antwerp on two sailing vessels, each in charge of a group of immigrants.  Rev. Cornelius Van Der Meulen and family sailed from Rotterdam.  Jannes Van De Luyster arrived first. Arriving in Michigan, he bought from the U. S. Government, Sections 17 and 19, and, also, 400 acres in Section 9, Township 5 North, Range 14 West, now Zeeland Township, in all 1,680 acres.  This grant was signed by President James R. Polk.

Created: 8 Sep 2007