Gerrit
Van Schelven was
born in Holland on 16th November, 1842.
He emigrated to the United States on the ship South
Carolina on 26th June, 1855. He settled in New Holland,
Michigan, a community created by Albert Van
Raalte in 1846. Soon afterwards he became involved in the publication
of the Dutch-language newspaper, De Hollander.
Van Schelven was an opponent of slavery
and joined the 25th Michigan Infantry regiment on the outbreak of
the Civil War.
After the war Van Schelven returned to journalism and edited two weekly
newspapers, Holland City News
and De Hope. He also served as
postmaster of New Holland (1899-1916) and was acknowledged as the
community's historian. Gerrit Van Schelven died on 6th April, 1927.
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