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Beginning of Colonist Movement in Holland

NAMES OF THE MEN APPOINTED AS OVERSEERS FOR EACH SHIP

Before sailing from their native land, the colonists had elected eight men to act as leaders, two for each ship. Among them were representatives of almost every vocation.

The leaders on the ship "Maastroom" were, G. H. Overkamp and Isaac Overkamp. Both of these were men of ability and Christian character, and for many years they were leaders in the civil and religious life of Pella. G. H. Overkamp died on the 10th of August, 1894, and Isaac Overkamp on the 21st of October, 1895.

On the Pieter Floris those in charge were, J. F. Lecocq and Heerkes Ypes Viersen. Mr. Viersen died on the 3d day of August, 1864, and J. F. Lecocq on the 12th day of March, 1888, at the age of eighty-three.

Those in charge of the colonists on the Catharina Jackson, were J. Rietveld and J. Smeenk. These also have long since gone to their reward. J. Smeenk died March 13, 1854, and J. Rietveld, November 30, 1859.

The leaders in charge on the Nagasaki were, Dr. A. J. Betten and A. Wigny. When the "History of Pella," by K. Vanstigt, was published in 1897, Rev. Betten was still living. A. Wigny died December 22, 1873. We have not been able to learn the date when Mr. Betten died.

There are individuals in nearly every community who, by reason of pronounced ability and force of character, are natural leaders. Characterized by a spirit of perseverance, and inspired by an abiding faith in the God of their Fathers, two virtues that never fail to attain leadership, these men were of incalculable service to the colonists, and their memory is still cherished by those of the pioneers who survive.

"For such as these
There is no death; the stars go down
To rise upon some other shore;
And bright in heaven's jeweled crown
They shine forever more."

LIFE ON THE OCEAN

It was not necessary for our voyagers to await their arrival at Pella, to discover that they had left the comforts and conveniences of an orderly life behind them. This became evident almost as soon as they left the shores of their native land. One of the vexing problems was that of preparing their meals, which each family was expected to cook for themselves. As there were only two "Komhuisen" or crude stoves on each ship, this required the exercise of great patience and self-denial, and was one of the things that helped to classify the colonists into the two groups, that in a general way compose society everywhere. That is, it divided the unselfish sheep, who had a proper consideration for the comfort and rights of others, from the selfish goats who only considered their own wellbeing.

It has often and truly been said that there is no place like shipboard to learn to know others; and this certainly proved true on the long and tedious voyage

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