CHARACTER OF EMIGRANTS OF THE FIFTIES

The years 1853-54 and '55 brought not less than 600 emigrants to this
colony from the Netherlands. Probably seventy-five per cent of these
were agriculturalists who later developed into some of our leading
farmers and land owners. Of the others there were a number of men who
had been engaged in mercantile pursuits in their native land, and these
did much to help develop the business of the community.

But that which especially marked the emigration of this period was the
large number of men who had the advantage of higher education. We do not
exaggerate in stating that few if any localities in this country had a
larger percentage of men of advanced learning in those early days, than
this community. The results of this are still manifest today in the deep
interest taken by our people in all that pertains to education.

In the list of emigrants of 1854 we find the names of Eysink and Nollen.
Both of these were men of advanced learning, and experienced
instructors. John Nollen, the oldest son of the family, was a graduate
of Leyden University, one of the highest rank of the educational
institutions of Europe. Before coming to America Dr. Nollen was
professor of philosophy in a leading university. His brother, G. H.
Nollen, was a talented artist who did much to develop the artistic
character of the community. Henry Nollen, the third son, was also an
experienced instructor. Herman, the youngest son of the family, had not
yet chosen his calling, but became one of our leading farmers.

In 1855 two more men who had followed the profession of teaching in
Holland, Bastiaan Vermeulen and Pelmulder, came to Pella. Vandermeulen
taught a private school in Pella for many years. Pelmulder taught for a
short time north of town and then took up farming.

H. Neyenesch was another educator of experience who as teacher in
Central University and later in the public schools did much for the
early education of our young pioneers. Mention of J . Hospers, James
Muntingh, A. C . Kuyper and others has already been made. When we
consider that added to this large number of men of education, Pella
early in its history secured the location of Central University, it
becomes evident that we were unusually equipped to develop the minds of
our youth. May the day never come when the citizens of Pella will take a
backward step in supporting all that makes for a high standard of
education.