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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"Census of the Colony January 18, 1849"

A. C. Van Raalte

A document in A.C.V.R.'s handwriting [7], entitled, "Census of the Colony January 18, 1849, Taken in connection with the circulation of the harbor petition. On that date, there were 464 houses, 1744 acres cleared, 2 churches, 2 mills, and 2,185 "souls." He added, "Persons at Grand & Kalamazoo rivers and other places at work who belong here would prombably swell the population to 2500. Add Indian lands cleared and there would be not less than 2000 acres." Holland village and neighborhood contained 131 houses.
Letter from A. C. Van Raalte to John Garretson

A. C. Van Raalte

A letter of the Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte, responding to the letter of the Rev. John Garretson, dated August 10, in which A.C.V.R. expresses his joy for the gift to the Classis. Since the Board of Domestic Missions will defray the cost of hiring a pastor and teacher to visit neighboring places, V.R. suggests that the Rev. Huibert Jacobus Budding be called to this position, "being talented, having a disposition for, and having been frequently highly blessed therein. As he has been staying with us for some time, we have acquainted him with the state of affairs, and invited him to take charge of this field, which he has accepted, having already for some time been voluntarily engaged in this work." (p. 514)
Marriage Record Between Jan Pauels and Maaike Schaap

A. C. Van Raalte

A marriage record: "This is to certify, that Jan Pauels of Holland Ottawa Michigan aged 28 years, and Maaike Schaap of Fillemore [sic] Allegan Michigan aged 24 years, were joined in matrimonij bij me at mij house in [the] Presence of Otto Schaap of Fillmore Allegan and Cornelis van Herwijnen of Holland on the 16 Julij 1849. Holland Ottawa Michigan 16 Julij 1849 A. C. Van Raalte Minister of the gospel"[.]
The Document of the Incorporation for the First Reformed Church of Holland

A. C. Van Raalte

The document of the incorporation fo the First Reformed Church of Holland. The name of Albertus C. Van Raalte heads the list of those who signed the doucment. Those who witnessed the signatures were Henry D. Post, James Westveer, and Hoyt G. Post. Henry D. Post registered document January 1, 1851, in the County of Ottawa, Michigan. The men who signed the document as consistory members were: H. Broek, J. A. Verhorst, Jetse Browersma, Gerrit Jan Hekuis, J. Labots, J. A. Wilterdink, W. V. Apeldoorn, A. de Weerd, G. W. Wilterdink, A. Pluggers, and P. Van den Berg.
The Tax Bills of A. C. V. R. for 1848

A. C. Van Raalte

The tax bills of A.C.V.R. for 1848. One list is of 1,152 acres plus city lots for which he paid $26.26 in state and county taxes and $4.10 for school taxes. Another list is for 503 acres for which he paid $7.72 in state and county taxes and $0.77 for school taxes. The third list for 480 acres is called "A. C. Van Raalte's personal Estate," for which he paid $15.25 in state and county taxes and $2.39 in school taxes. All of the above properties are in "Ottawa" township.
Wedding Certificate of Martinus Van Tubbergen and Tiena Haverkate

A. C. Van Raalte

The wedding certificate of Martinus van Tubbergen, 27, and Tiena Haverkate, 26. The marriage was performed by the Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte in his home on May 12, 1849.
The Formal Petition of the Holland Colony to the Senate and House of Representatives for Funds for "The Construction of a Secure Harbor."

A. C. Van Raalte, T. Schrader, Vander Sling, B. Geotenhuis, A. Ver Horst, and J. Binnekant

The formal petition of the Holland Colony to the Senate and House of Representatives for funds for "the construction of a secure harbor." The committee making the petition is composed of A.C.V.R. and the five men who are the "proprietors" of the village, Vander Sling, Ver Horst, Schrader, Grotenhuis and Binnekant. The document gives a good description of the Colony: There are now within our limits, two water Saw Mills, one steam Saw Mill, and one wind Saw Mill; three custom grinding mills, one ashery and soap and candle manufactory, one tannery, one brick yard, and one boat yard. We have eight places of worship, and eight schools, for of them taught by American teachers. The document also claims that "Not less than 5,000 souls have landed on the shores of Michigan, and most of them are now comfortably settled in their new homes."
Pamphlet: The Condition of the Holland Colonization in the State of Michigan, North America in the Beginning of the Year 1849 Mentioned in Three Letters of the Honorable A. C. Van Raalte, C. Van Der Meulen and S. Bolks to C. G. de Moen. With Two Charts After Which a Letter of the Honorable G. Baay of Alto, Wisconsin.

A. C. Van Raalte, C. Vander Meulen, S. Bolks, Johannes W. Visscher, and De Toestand

Pamphlet: The Condition of the Holland Colonization in the State of Michigan, North America In the beginning of the year 1849 Mentioned in Three Letters of the Honorable A. C. Van Raalte, C. Van Der Meulen and S. Bolks to C. G. de Moen. With two charts after which a letter of the Honorable G. Baay of Alto, Wisconsin.
A Petition to the Senate and House of Representatives for the, "Improvement of the Outlet of North Black Lake," Near the Holland Colony.

A. C. Van Raalte, Vander Sling, A. VerHorse, T. Schrader, B. Grotenhuis, and J. Binnekant

A petition to the Senate and House of Representatives for the "improvement of the outlet of North Black Lake" near the Holland Colony. "Not less than 5,000 souls have landed on the shores of Michigan, and most of them are now comfortably settled in their homes....The past season, we have been blessed with abundant harvests, and our people have already begun to develop the rich resources of the land of our adoption....There are now within our limits, two water Saw Mills, one steam Saw MIll, and one wind Saw Mill; three custom grinding mills, one ashery and soap and candle manufactory, one tannery, one brick yard, and one boat yard. We have eight places of worship, and eight schools, four of them taught by American teachers....A charter for the proposed plank road has already been secured,..." The petitioners are A. C. Van Raalte, Vander Sling, A. Ver Horst, T. Schrader, B. Grotenhuis, and J. Binnekant.
Minutes of the Classis of Holland

A. C. Van Raalte and J. A. Verhorst

The minutes of the Classis of Holland, meeting at the home of Elder H. Broek. Representatives of the churches of Overisel and Grand Rapids are present for the first time, making a total of seven congregations. Albertus C. Van Raalte was elected president and J. A. Verhorst continued as clerk. Rev. Hendrik G. Klein's credentials were examined and he was admitted to membership in theClassis. A Rev. Verschuur was also admitted to membership. Rev. Vander Meulen announced that he received a request to organize the church in Milwaukee and install elders. Classis approved the organization.
Report of Isaac Wyckoff Following Visit to the Holland Colony

Isaac Wyckoff

The report of the Rev. Isaac Wyckoff, Albany, New York, following his visit to the Holland Colony and other Dutch immigrant settlements in the Middle West.
Document Written from Isaac N. Wyckoff to Albertus C. Van Raalte

Isaac N. Wyckoff

This date is arbitrarily given to this document written by Isaac N. Wyckoff to Rev. Albertus C.bVan Raate about a business matter. On the back of the document is written "Albany [r] voorde Colonie Store voor Dr Wyckoff betaald."This note is in Van Raalte's handwriting. Isaac visited the Holland Colony in 1849.
The Minutes of the Classis of Holland

M. A. Ypma and J. A. Verroest

The minutes of the Classis of Holland, held at the home of Elder H. Broek. The church of Drenthe is represented at this meeting for the first time. Rev. Ypma was elected president. J. A. Verhorst is clerk. Major items for discussion were: family visitation, admission to communion and the catechism. Most of the session was spent answering several question of "Brother Vande Luyster" about church matters such as the above.
A. C. Van Raalte Bought a House from Peter Wakazoo

A. C. Van Raalte Bought of Peter Wakazoo One House situated in the Indian Village on Black Lake & known as the Church, price ______ $26,00 Said building is to remain where it is this season & to be occupied by the Hollanders as they arrive _________ Received Payment Old Wing May 13, 1848 Peter Waukazoo."
A Report on the Holland Colony in the Grand River Eagle

A report on the Holland Colony in the Grand River Eagle, p. 2. The author reports on the flourishing colony, made up of people who suffered persecution and have come to the US for civil and religious liberty. The people are very industrious. The huge sawmill is in operation but may be converted to steam if the wind is unsteady. Twelve stores are doing business. Quoting from the New York Sun, the author says that the Rev. D. Budding has come with his party. They are going to Freedorp [sic] and Grand Haven. His people come from Dordrecht, 77 in number and carry over $100,000 "in specie". The Sun also reported that Budding was fined over 10,000 guilders for not following the law that only 19 people could assemble at one time. Some 25 Hollanders just arrived on the Madeline, bound for Grand Haven, with $10,000 on them.
A Report Originally in the New York Sun and Then Copied by the Grand River Eagle

A report in the New York Sun and copied by the Grand River Eagle, p. 2, on the arrival of 80 Dutch immigrants from the Province of Groningen on the ship, Emblem, from Rotterdam. The women wore large golden head dresses "and not one was worth less than one hundred and sixty dollars." The immigrants were "in good circumstances" and destined for the Holland Colony.
Land Sold to Van Raalte

Doninic Wendagawish, Margaret Okitcheguma, Mesquabar Okitcheguman, Peter Wakazoo, Waonozua Mutchesepee [and] Mosaqua to Albertus C. Van Raalte, Waranty Deed of NE '4 of S.E 1/4 of Section 5 Town 4 N R 15 W, Allegan County, sold for $208.00. There were several parcels of land. Rev. George N. Smith was one of the witnesses.
Letter from Albertus C. Van Raalte to Mr. Henry Griffin Where He Records the Marriages That He Performed

A letter of the Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte to Mr. Henry Griffin, Ottawa County Clerk, apologizing that he had not followed the laws to register the marriages he had performed. Van Raalte's communication with Griffin records the following marriages: Lambert Floris, 27, and Jantjen Meijerink, 28, July 25, 1847. Van Raalte adds that the wedding took place "in the great temple of Gods creation in the Woods of Michigan near the Village of Holland." Hendrik Grijpmoet Michmershuizen, 30, and Hendrika Johanna Rosendom, 28, August 8, 1847; Harmen Jan Slag, 26, and Fran Siena Wend, 27, August 22, 1847; Jannis van de Luijster, 29, and Cornelia Maaike van Malsen, 29, September 11, 1847; Hendrik Oldemeier, 38, and Hendrina Schutmaat, 22, October 31, 1847; Wilhelmus Johannes Notting, 35, and Jennigje Lasker, 41, October 31, 1847; Pieter Boven, 28, and Zwaantje Ensink, 25, February 13, 1848; Jan Strabbink, 40, and Jantje Hiddink, 33, March 19, 1848; Evert Haverkate, 41, and Widow Berendina van Goor, 33, April 2, 1848; Wolter van der Haar, 29, and Widow Hendrikje Scholmaker, 21, May 7, 1848; 25 Teunis Keppel, and Geertruida Bloemers, 17, May 7, 1848; Jan Berend Oonk, 37, and Martina Hoogersteeger, 35, May 14, 1848; Gerrit Jan Hekhuis, 41, and Widow Jantje Strabbink, 33, July 23, 1848; Aalt Kamper, 38, and Widow Grietje Bosch, 39, August 6, 1848; Hendrik Manting, 22, and Willemina Stegeman, 23, May 18, 1848
Letter from George N. Smith to W. A. Richmond

In letter to W. A. Richmond, Acting Superintendent of Indian Affairs, George N. Smith reported that he is still arranging sales of the Indian lands. Some 250 acres have been sold, one fourth of the total available. Because of the number of the Dutch now in the area, Smith thought that the Indians will spend the winter at another point for hunting purposes.
"Lines on the Holland Colony" Poem Copied from the Michigan Telegraph, and Published in the Grand River Eagle

A poem, entitled, "Lines on the Holland Colony," authored by "G. T.", copied from the Michigan Telegraph, and published in the Grand River Eagle, p. 1.: "Yes, Holland! thou wilt deeply rue the hour, Ye drove these noble hearts across the deep,...Welcome! ye lineal sons of Luther's [sic] line, To Freedom's earliest, latest cherished home,..."
Minutes of the Organization of the Holland District School

Organization of the Holland District School.
News Item in the Grand River Eagle

In a news item in the Grand River Eagle, p. 2, on the proceedings of the Legislature, reporting that on January 22, "Mr. Crouse [of the committee on internal improvements], reported back, without action, the petition of Rev. A. C. Van Raalte, and others, for an appropriation of lands, and asked to be discharged from its further consideration, which report was accepted and the committee discharged."
News Item in the Grand River Eagle "The Enterprising Citizens of Kalamazoo are Bestirring Themselves Vigorously in Favor of Putting a Plank Road Thru' from That Place to the Holland Settlement....Is Grand Rapids Asleep?"

A news item in the Grand River Eagle, p. 2, reporting that "The enterprising citizens of Kalamazoo are bestirring themselves vigorously in favor of putting a Plank Road thru' from that place to the Holland Settlement....Is Grand Rapids asleep?"
Note in the Grand River Eagle

A note by a writer of the Grand River Eagle, p. 2, expressing his view that if Governor Ransom had appointed Robert Hilton as Road Commissioner instead of Littlejohn, there would already be a road from Grand Rapids to Holland. Instead the Hollanders are trading with Chicago and Milwaukee instead of Grand Rapids which is their natural market.
Report in the Holland City News

A report in the Holland City News, July 25, 1874, p. 1, giving a summary of public education in Holland, Michigan, from local school records from the first meeting of the district in June, 1848 to 1860. Albertus C. Van Raalte's name is prominent in this record.