Emigrants from Aalten to the US
In the 19th century, thousands of Achterhoekers emigrated to the United States in search of land, freedom and new opportunities. Among them was Harmen Jan Wevers (1833–1905) from Barlo. He was one of the early Dutch pioneers who settled in the largely unexplored wilderness of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin.
Harmen Jan Wevers was born on April 20, 1833 on the Oonk farm in Barlo, as the son of Derk Wevers and Johanna Bloemers. He had a brother and three sisters.
Emigration and early years in America
In April 1849, at the age of sixteen, he left Rotterdam for the United States. The crossing took 64 days. After arriving in New York, he traveled via Buffalo, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Chicago to Sheboygan County in Wisconsin.
Harmen Jan came to America on the same ship as Henry Walvoord, with whom he then worked as a servant for three years. After arriving in the US, Walvoord settled in Holland Township. For thirteen winters, Harmen Jan stayed with this pioneer, while he worked or went to school in the summer.
After he had saved enough, he bought a team of oxen and earned a living as a carter, including transporting wood to the pier of Amsterdam (Wisconsin).
Own farm in Holland Township
In 1854, Harmen Jan bought a piece of land of forty acres (over 16 hectares), largely untouched forest. With great dedication he managed to reclaim this area and turned it into a thriving farm. He later expanded his holdings to seventy acres (almost 28.5 hectares).
On 27 December 1856 he married Berendina Gerharda in Slaa, born on 14 October 1834 on the farm De Heuvel in Lintelo. Together they had eight children, four of whom were still alive in 1894:
- Herman (born 12 March 1867)
- Henry John (b. 15 September 1869)
- Alyda (b. 28 November 1871)
- Henry William (b. 28 February 1875)
Harmen Jan saw how his new home region changed from a rugged wilderness to a fertile agricultural area. Through hard work, perseverance and dedication, he managed to build a thriving farm as a simple immigrant. He grew into a respected citizen and administrator in his community.
In 1894 two children of the family were still alive: Harmen Jan and his sister Johanna Geertruid (1828–1912), who was married to Albert Clanderman from Sheboygan.
Faith and Commitment to the End
Harmen Jan Wevers was an active and valued member of the Dutch Reformed Church in Cedar Grove. Politically, he was affiliated with the Republican Party. He held the position of Supervisor (municipal administrator) for many years.
From poor emigrant he managed to work his way up to become an independent farmer and respected citizen. Within Holland Township, he was known as one of the oldest and most reliable pioneers in the region.
Harmen Jan Wevers died on March 19, 1905, at the age of 71. He was buried at Walvoord Cemetery in Holland, Sheboygan County.
