SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Herman H. Wevers, Page 497

HERMAN H. WEVERS is one of the early settlers of Sheboygan County, which, during his residence here, he has seen converted from a wilderness into a splendid agricultural section.  His native place is Aalton, Guelderland, Holland, where his birth occurred April 14, 1833.  His parents, Derk and Hannah Wevers, were natives of the same village, where they spent their entire lives, the father dying at the age of fifty-five, and the mother at the advanced age of eighty-four.  Farming was the occupation pursued for a livelihood by this worthy couple.  Of their five children, two sons and three daughters, but two survive:  Johanna G., who became the wife of A. Clandermans, of Sheboygan; and the gentleman whose name heads this biography.

    Herman H. Wevers spent his time at work on the farm and in securing an education until sixteen years of age.  In April, 1849, he took shipping at Rotterdam, and sixty-four days later landed at New York Harbor.  He came on the same vessel as did Henry Walvoord, deceased, by whom he was employed.  The trip to Sheboygan was made by way of Buffalo, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Chicago.  Upon arriving in this county, Mr. Walvoord located in Holland Township, and for three years our subject remained in his employ, working on the farm and attending school alternately.  For thirteen years Mr. Wevers made his home, during the winter, with that venerable pioneer.  Having accumulated sufficient means, he then purchased a yoke of oxen, and followed teaming for several years, among other things carting wood to the Old Pier, at Amsterdam, for shipment.

    In 1854, Mr. Wevers bought forty acres of land, on which he has lived and labored ever since.  Of this land, about nineteen acres were covered with stumps and stones, the remainder being heavily timbered.  Through the untiring efforts of this sturdy old farmer, not only this, but additional land, in all seventy acres, has been converted into a productive farm.

    December 27, 1856, Mr. Wevers was united in marriage with Miss B. D. Te Sla, who was born in Guelderland, Holland, October 18, 1833.  Of this union there were eight children, four sons and four daughters, four of whom survive:  Herman M., born March 12, 1867, and a resident of Sheboygan; Herman J., born September 15, 1869; Alyda W., born November 28, 1871; and Henry W., born February 28, 1875.  The last three named are yet under the parental roof.

    In his political views, Mr. Wevers is a Republican.  He has served his township as Supervisor, performing the duties devolving upon him in a faithful manner.  He came to this county a poor boy, but by energy and industry has accumulated a good property, and may justly take pride in his achievements.  He is one of the oldest pioneers, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him; his old friends and neighbors speak kindly of him, and his name is one that is well known to the old settlers of Holland Township, where so much of his life has been passed.  Mr. Wevers, with his family, belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church of Cedar Grove.