S. VAN DER ZYL

Was born in the Netherlands August 24, 1851, and came to this country with his
parents in 1866. He may be said to have been literally raised in the butcher
business. In 1872 he was united in marriage to Miss Lena Homer who was born in
Ohio. In the early lives of Mr. Van der Zyl and his brother, G. G. Van der Zyl,
they took over the butcher business of their father and from time to time added
the grain and livestock business. They erected a fine elevator just a short time
before their death which remains standing today and the sons of S. Van der Zyl,
Paul and Simon, conducted the business until 1921 when they disposed of it to
the Farmers' Cooperative Society. G. G. Van der Zyl, the senior member of the
firm of Van der Zyl Bros., was born in the Netherlands April 10, 1843. When he
came to this country he was raised a farmer until he engaged in the above
mentioned business. Both men enjoyed every confidence of the community and S.
Van der Zyl was at one time Mayor of the city and held the office of councilman
for two or three terms. He was also School treasurer for many years and kept his
trusts with the people inviolate.

S. VAN DER ZYL 

R. R. BEARD

Was born in Detroit, Michigan, October 4, 1846. He came to Pella as a young man
in 1870, and from the beginning became prominently identified with every
movement having for its purpose the betterment of the community. He was a
director and later the president of the Pella National Bank, and his
conservative attitude and judgment in financial affairs had much to do with
maintaining the reputation of that institution as one of the safest banks in
Iowa. Mr. Beard took a deep interest in educational matters and was a firm and
valued friend of Central University, and for years filled the important position
of Chairman of the Executive Committee and of the Board of Trustees. But Mr.
Beard will be best remembered for his zeal in religious work. By precept and
example he lived the life of a true christian, and a day seldom passed that he
did not speak with someone in regard to his religious obligations and duties. He
was a gifted and eloquent speaker, a thorough Bible student, and took an active
part in the religious work of the community. His death occurred at the Mercy
Hospital, in Des Moines, October 31, 1920.

R. R. BEARD