Van Raalte Papers: 1840-1849

Elton J. Bruins, long-time professor in the Department of Religion at Hope College, spent years collecting documents by and about Albertus C. Van Raalte, founder of Holland, Michigan and early patron of Hope College. Documents were gathered from dozens of public and private collections, making a nearly exhaustive collection of Van Raalte's writings and reflections. It is these documents that make up the "Van Raalte Papers."

Digitizing the Van Raalte papers was supported by the Dutch Culture USA program by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York. The project was done in partnership with Heritage Hall at Calvin University, which also digitized its Van Raalte collections.

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Essay "Aanmerking Betrekk Betreklckelijk [sic] De Landverhuizing Naar Noord-Amerika [Observations Relating to the Emigration to North America]"

Hendrik P. Scholte and Henry ten Hoor

An essay by the Rev. Hendrik P. Scholte entitled, "Aanmerking betrekk betreklckelijk [sic] de Landverhuizing Naar Noord-Amerika [Observations relating to the Emigration to North America]," published in De Reformatie, Tijdschrift ter Bevordering van Gods Koningrijk in Nederland, 3de Serie, IIde Deel, Amsterdam: Hoogkamer & Compe, 1846, pp. 119-123. Scholte discusses more ideas which relate to emigrating. He has a special concern for the poor in the Netherlands.
Essay "Aanmerkingenbetrekkkelijk [sic] De Landverhuizing Naar Noord-Amerika [Observations Concerning Emigration to North America]"

Hendrik P. Scholte and Henry ten Hoor

An essay by the Rev. Hendrik P. Scholte, entitled, "Aanmerkingen betrekkkelijk [sic] delandverhuizing naar Noord-Amerika [Observations concerning Emigration to North America," published in De Reformatie, Tijdschrift ter Bevordering van Gods Koningrijk in Nederland, 3de Serie, IIde Deel, Amsterdam: Hoogkame r & Compe, 1846, pp. 355-359. Scholte keeps reflecting on emigration to America and discusses more details involved in such an emigration.
Essay Entitled, "Aanmerkingen Betrelckkelijk [sic] De Landverhuizing Naar Noord-Amerika [Observations Concerning the Emigration to North America]"

Hendrik P. Scholte and Henry ten Hoor

An essay by the Rev. Hendrik P. Scholte, entitled,"Aanmerkingenbetrelckkelijk [sic] de landverhuizing naar Noord-Amerika [Observations concerning the Emigration to America]," published in De Reformatie, Tijdschrift ter Bevordering van Gods Koningrijk in Nederland, 3deSerie, IIIde Deel,Amsterdam: Hoogkamer & Compe, 1846, pp. 182-188. Scholte mentioned that the Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte was leaving with his family for America, p. 184. A.C.V.R. is referred to as"onze broeder" twice. Scholte seems to be the person masterminding the emigrtion of Separatist families to the US.
Essay "Opmerking in Betrekking Tot De Landverhuizing Naar Noor-Amerika [Comments in Relation to the Emigration to North America]"

Hendrik P. Scholte and Henry ten Hoor

An essay, "Opmerking in Betrekking tot de Landverhuizing naar Noor-amerika [Comments in Relation to the Emigration to North America], published in De Reformatie, Tijdchrift ter Bevordering van Gods Koningrijk in Nederland, 3de Serie, IIde Deel, Amsterdam: Hoogkamer & Compe, 1846, pp. 296-299. The Rev. Hendrik P. Scholte is the author. He writes about financial aspects to consider if persons plan to emigrate to America and gives some ideas about the establishment of Christian colonies in America.
Letter from Hendrik P. Scholte to G. Groen van Prinsterer

Hendrik P. Scholte and Henry ten Hoor

A letter of Hendrik P. Scholte to G. Groen van Prinsterer stating his views on emigration. He attacks Heldring's views and states that the government does nothing.
Letter from Roelof Sleijster to Rev. Antonie Brummelkamp

Roelof Sleijster and Henry ten Hoor

A letter to the Rev. Antonio Bnmunelkamp from Roelof Sleijster which was published with other letters to Brummelkamp including two from Albertus C. Van Raalte and published in Stemmen uit Noord-Amerika, met begeleidend woord van A. Brununelkanap, Bedienaar des Goddelijken [sic] Woords. Tweede Druk, te Amsterdam, bij Hoogkamer & Compa. 1847. Sleijster was a former student of Van Raalte who migrated to Wisconsin and settled in Alto, Wisconsin. He was a member of the Wisconsin legislature in 1870.
Report from George N. Smith to William A. Richard

George N. Smith

In a report to William A. Richmond, Acting Superintendent [of] Indian Affairs at Detroit, Michigan, Rev. George N. Smith said that his family had gone to Vermont last summer for their health's sake. The death of the chief, Joseph Wakazoo, had been a blow. "... He should be regarded as a benefactor of his race." Peter Wakazoo, his brother, now served as acting chief. White men who give liquor to the Indians are a "curse." The Catholic priest who visited was an intrusion.
Letter from Wm. (?) Van Der Haar to a "Dear Brother"

Wm. van der Haar and Henry ten Hoor

A letter of Wm. [?] van der Haar to a "dear Brother" mentions that Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte plans to leave for America in September.
Essay "Verneder U Dan Onder De Krachtige Hand Gods: Opwekking Tot Het Houden Van Eenen Algemeenen Dank-, Vast-, En Biddag, Op, Woensdag Den 25 Februarij 1846."

Cornelius Vander Meulen and Henry ten Hoor

Opwekking tot het houden van eenen algemeenen Dank-, Vast-en Biddag, op Vioensdag den 25 Februarij 1846. Namens upzieners der Christelijk- Afgescheidene Gemeenten in de provincie Zeeland, uitgegeven door C. van der Meulen, Bedienaar des Geddelijken Woords te Goes, te Amsterdam, bij Hoogkamer & Compe. 1846.
Letter from A. C. Van Raalte to G. Groen van Prinsterer

A. C. Van Raalte

Letter of A. C. Van Raalte to G. Groen van Prinsterer.
Letter from A. C. Van Raalte to His Wife Christina Johanna de Moen

A. C. Van Raalte and Harry Boonstra

A letter of Albertus C. Van Raalte to his wife, Christina Johanna de Moen, to inform her of his travels thus far. He has learned from Judge Kellogg that there is land available at Ada and Ionia and six townships in Allegan are still for sale by the government. Van Raalte is very thankful that he has come into contact with M. I. Colt, Theodore Romeyn, Rev. Ova P. Hoyt and Judge Kellogg all of whom are God fearing men. "More and more I think that the state of Michigan is the place in which we shall make our home." p. 32. He also admonishes his children to be obedient to Mrs. Van Raalte. He signs the letter as "Your loving friend, brother, and husband."
Letter from Albertus C. Van Raalte to Antonie Brummelkamp

A. C. Van Raalte, Henry ten Hoor, and E. R. Post

A letter of Albertus C. Van Raalte, presumably to the Rev. Antonie Brummelkamp, in the Netherlands, reporting on the family's stay in Detroit. "I plan to stay here, especially for my wife's sake, and to arrange everything for our household." People he mentions in the letter are the Rev. George Duffield, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Thomson, a Congregationalist pastor, Eber B. Ward, who provided work for Van Raalte's followers, Mr. Theodore Romeyn, a lawyer out of an old eastern Dutch family, and a Mr. William Witherspoon. "The old Dutch Reformed Church is also greatly interested in us, and I have no doubts about their intention to cooperate with us here in America." "Next week, if the Lord wills, I will travel to search for a suitable place for our colony." He hopes to travel to Wisconsin and consult with "brother Sleijster" who settled in Alto, Wisconsin. Van Raalte mentions incidently that he received the book, Dowling's History of Romaism from none other than Mrs. Lewis Cass whose husband was now in the U. S. Senate.
Letter from Albertus C. Van Raalte to Antonie Brummelkamp

Albertus C. Van Raalte and Heritage Hall, Calvin College

A letter of Albertus C. Van Raalte to the Rev. Antonie Brummelkamp and "friends" in the Netherlands when the Van Raalte family is aboard ship ready to sail to Detroit. This is a very informative letter about the family's arrival in America and how well they were treated. There are references to Mrs. Christina Van Raalte, the Rev. Thomas De Witt of New York, and the Rev. Isaac N. Wyckoff. At this point, Van Raalte wrote: "When we arrive in Detroit, we will take stock of our situation. We must decide whether to stay in Detroit or go on to Milwaukee. I prefer Milwaukee, where I have many contacts, but my wife may pick Detroit."
Notice Written by Albertus C. Van Raalte

Albertus C. Van Raalte, Henry ten Hoor, and Gerrit W. Sheeres

A notice written by the Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte commending the Wolter van der Haar and Jan Visscher families as well as Jannes Vrieze to the Christian believers in the United States.
Van Raalte Commends Wolter Vander Haar, Jan Visscher and His Wife, et al.

Van Raalte and Gerrit W. Sheeres

Written at Arnhem, Van Raalte commends Wolter vander Haar, Jan Vissche rand his wife, Evert Jans Visscher and his wife, Hein van der Haar, Elizabet van der Haar en James Vrieze, to the believers in the United States of America. Hyma refers to this document in his Van Raalte biography on page 57.
Letter from Isaac N. Wyckoff to Albertus C. Van Raalte

Isaac N. Wyckoff and Henry ten Hoor

A letter of Rev. Isaac N. Wyckoff to Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte, providing several items of news and advice for Van Raalte. V.R. had written he was unwell and Wyckoff expressed the hope that he was getting better. V.R. had sent the pamphlet, Appeal to the Faithful in North America, also. Wykcoff said that a society has been formed in Albany to assist the Dutch immigrants going west called The Protestant, Evangelical, Dutch Immigration Society. He agrees with V.R.'s proposal to make a settlement provided "your people have the necessary money for the project." Obviously the society was to serve Protestants only. "We have no intention of aiding Roman Catholics even if they are Hollanders. Our objective is to open the way for the oppressed members of the separatist church which is attached to the old faith of the Reformation."
Letter from G. Groen van Prinsterer to Rev. Hendrik P. Schotle

G. Groen van Prinsterer and Nella Kennedy

In a letter of G. Groen van Prinsterer to Rev. Hendrik P. Scholte, Groen wrote about some church matters.
Letter from George N. Smith to William A. Richmond

George N. Smith

In a letter to William A. Richmond, Acting Superintendent [of] Indian Affairs, Rev. George N. Smith reported this year that the Native Americans suffered much sickness. There were 42 scholars in his school of which five were white. Smith who had been at the mission now for five years seemed quite encouraged in the progress made the past year.
Portions of the Minutes of the Seceder Congregation in Arnhem

The Seceder Congregation in Arnhem, W. Otto

Portions of the minutes of the Seceder congregation in Arnhem, Province of Gelderland, pastored by Albertus C. Van Raalte and Antonie Brummelkamp. Other dates are July 11 and 23, 1847. A letter dated, Arnhem, August 12, 1947, written by H. Hafkamp gives considerable explanation of the minutes and are very helpful in understanding what the portions of the above minutes included.
A Message from Albertus C. Van Raalte and Anthony Brummelkamp to Mr. Smedes

Albertus C. Van Raalte and Henry ten Hoor

A message to Mr. Smedes in Assenfrom Albertus C. Van RaaIte and Anthony Brtunmelkamp, asking him to place a notice in the provincial newspaper, which declares a fast and prayer day on August 26. There are concerns for the anticipated potato crop failure due to sickness. Van Raalte wrote the letter.
Letter from Albertus C. Van Raalte to Mr. J. P. Oggel

Albertus C. Van Raalte and Ralph Vunderink

A letter of Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte to Mr. J. P. Oggel of Axel, Zeeland, whose son, Pieter J., is a student in the Arnhem school. Van Raalte is impressed with young Pieter. He reported to Pieter's father that he "spent his time faithfully and makes good progress. I trust that when the Lord spares his life he will become a very useful instrument for God's kingdom with further development!" Van Raalte also thanked Oggel for the generous offering for the school from the Axel congregation.
Letter from Anthony Brummelkamp to Albertus C. Van Raalte

Anthony Brummelkamp

A long letter of Rev. Anthony Brummelkamp to his brother-in-law, Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte, who has just sent him a letter. Van Raalte had several questions for him. Brummelkamp decries the impact of his pride on his life and work and discusses the state of his soul with V.R. His thoughts seem so typical of the piety of the Separatists of that time. Brummelkamp speaks about several persons: Flesch, Budding, Tolsma, Wigchink [?], Callenbach, Poelman, Drus, "H", Samuel Goudsmidt, Wildenbeert, Bikkel, Zwerdijk, and Tieleman. Brummelkamp hopes to go to Ommen soon so that the two men can discuss the "interests of the school" and how to get churches to take collections for it. In a postscript, A.B. mentions his wife's problems with depression.
Letter from Rev. Anthony Brummelkamp to Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte

Anthony Brummelkamp

A long letter of Rev. Anthony Brummelkamp to his brother-in-law, Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte, in Ommen on several matters. His wife, Christina Van Raalte's sister, has been having spiritual struggles but he has been strengthened in his faith. He and his wife send birthday greetings to Christina belatedly. Brummelkamp has been in correspondence with Rev.Hendrik Scholte who apparently suffered the loss of his wife. He is also in correspondence with Rev. Budding. Zeeland Province's churches are torn about the issue of proper dress of ministers. He mentions Van Raalte's opportunity to open a school in Ommen. The chit-chat in the letter indicates that the two men are close friends as well as brothers-in-law.
Letter from G. Groen van Prinsterer to a "Friend and Brother"

G. Groen van Prinsterer and Nella Kennedy

In a letter of G. Groen van Prinsterer to a "friend and brother," he asked several questions about Rev. Hendrik P. Scholte. Groen's handwriting is very difficult to read.
Letter from G. Groen van Prinsterer to a "Friend and Brother"

G. Groen van Prinsterer and Nella Kennedy

In a letter of G. Groen van Prinsterer to a "friend and brother," he made more inquiries about Rev. Hendrik P. Scholte who apparently just lost his wife.