Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record - Published 1894 by Excelsior Publishing Co., Chicago" Pages 565 - 566

John Van der Jagt, a veteran of the late war, residing on section 35, in the town of Holland, is numbered among the old pioneer settlers of Sheboygan County. He is a native of the village of Burg, province of Schouwen, Holland, born June 5, 1837, and is a son of Cornelius and Martha (Bunefeltt) Van der Jagt, being one of four surviving children. The others are: Leonard, who is a farmer of Holland Township; Minnie, who became the wife of John De Master, a business man of Cedar Grove; and Peter, who is a farmer of Baldwin, St. Croix County, Wis.

Our subject was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents, who, with six children, sailed for the United States. During the passage a baby sister was taken sick and died and was buried at sea. Mr. Van der Jagt remembers one very severe storm encountered, which lasted twenty-four hours and brought terror to the hearts of all on board, but the good ship weathered the storm, landing all in safety in New York. The family came direct to Sheboygan County, where the parents passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. Van der Jagt attended school in the old log schoolhouse, situated on section 26, in the town of Holland, which was presided over by William Higby, the pioneer schoolmaster in this township. However, his educational advantages were limited to three months during the winter season. He early learned to assist in the work on his father's farm, and in a new country, where all was in a state of wildness, there was much work for everyone that could aid in any way. His father, in connection with another, improved and cultivated a farm of one hundred and ten acres.

On the 4th day of March, 1862, Mr. Van der Jagt was united in marriage with Miss Jozena De Master, daughter of Peter and Johanna (Blanker) De Master, pioneers in the town of Holland, both long since deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Van der Jagt became the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are living, as follows: Cornelius, born February 10, 1865, and now a resident of Indian Territory; Jennie, born October 5, 1867, who became the wife of J. Sheehan, of Milwaukee; Martha, born December 22, 1870; Peter, born October 26, 1871; Minnie, born January 13, 1874, also in Milwaukee; Sarah, born March 17, 1876; Josephine, born February 22, 1880; and John, born February 12, 1883.

Mr. and Mrs. Van der Jagt began their domestic life in a log cabin, which was built on his present farm. About 1880 a modern dwelling was erected, but in the new home only a few years were spent. Mrs. Van der Jagt was called from this life March 14, 1888, and three days later, on the birthday of her daughter Sarah, she was laid to rest. She was a good Christian wife and mother, esteemed and beloved for her many excellencies of character by all who knew her.

When President Lincoln called for volunteers to put down the rebellion, Mr. Van der Jagt was among the number who made response and entered the service of his adopted country, where he served as a soldier with honor to himself and the Union.

In his political views, Mr. Van der Jagt is a Republican, and supports the principles advocated by that party. He and his family attend the First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Grove, in which they take an active part. Their home is a pleasant one, and the love of the children for their father, who has ever made their lives happy, sharing alike in their joys and sorrows, is unbounded. Mr. Van der Jagt is a popular and respected citizen, and is well known throughout this portion of the county.

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