Versteeg, Aart 1800-1870

VAN ASCH

Posted By: J. Smith (email)
Date: 12/28/2014 at 16:29:44

A second, more detailed, obit for Aart Versteeg:

It is our sad duty to report in this issue of the death of two esteemed Pella citizens who were two of the first settlers of our colony.

Mr. Willem Van Asch who was for several years an elder of the First Reformed Church and in that regard the loss of his diligence will be greatly felt by that denomination.

The second snatched from our midst this past week was the highly esteemed Aart Versteeg. He was a simple and quiet citizen, but in The Netherlands during the years 1835, 36, and 37 his name became unforgettable. Indeed, many still here in Pella, remember how the deceased spent 6 months in prison at Tiel because he believed being obedient to the Lord more important than to man, and how he was thrown into prison because he gathered with more than 19 people in his home to serve the stirrings of his conscience with his Lord. Yet, after his death, future generations will read the Christian letters he wrote from prison, and they shall be rescued from oblivion, for they are in print.

And so readers, tread slowly on the stage of life, which the first Dutch settlers, those pillars of our society, those old, gray-haired men in church matters, only after they have left us will their influence and their want for justice be realized.

Let those of us who are still remaining, hold them in great value and high esteem, learn from them what we can, for verily, who amongst us is qualified to take their place?

Pella's Weekblaad, dated Feb 12, 1870, p. 2, col 2. [Translated by J. Smith]