speech
Catalog Number
1937.1Description
Speeches by Stephen A. Douglas in the senate, March 15, 25, and 26, 1861. 23 pages.History
This item was a part of the collection of Gerrit Van Schelven. Gerrit Van Schelven was born in the Netherlands on Nov. 16, 1842., and was a very prominent member of Holland's community. He served in the 25th Michigan Infantry Co. I from Aug 14 1862- Jun 23 1865, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He helped to organize and lead the local G.A.R. Post. Van Schelven also served as a postmaster until the end of Woodrow Wilson's presidency, and was the editor of several local newspapers, including "De Hollander" and "De Grondwet". He was regarded as one of the most prominent journalists in the city, as well as one of the most knowledgeable historians. He was a member of the Park and Harbor Boards, served as Treasurer of Hope Church, and lastly superintendent of Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Gerrit Van Schelven passed on Apr. 4, 1927.Stephen A. Douglas is best known as Lincoln's rival in the 1860 election. He was a highly skilled orator.