New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1849-01-20
The Holland Settlements in Michigan.
Correspondence Of The Tribune
HoLLANn. OrrAwA Co Mlch Dee . l.is.

HoLLASD, OTTAWA Co Mich. Dec ., lsis.
Ia the Weekly Tribune Of Dec. O. ! notice an
article headed Holanders in Michigan made up
principally Of an extract from the Grand Rapids Eagle
which i. nesger IN is details and Ia psrtieu
lsrs incorrect that beg leave 10 give you description
Of the Holland Colony as il ia.
The different Settlements composing 7 e Colony
extend through the Southern Range Of Townships in
Ottawa County, ssd part Of the Northern Range in
Aegsn County within the limits Of tie Black River
Country region Of excellent timber ed and having
generally deep losmy coil and surface sufficiently
uudulalng for good drainage. Under the influence Of
Holland Industry aud perseverance, II Ia capable Of be.
coming Of the richest agricultural districts Miohi-
gan. T; Il well wstered BY the Black River and Black
Lake, which outlets into Lake Michigan between the
Grand and Kalamazoo rvers. The Oldest settlement IL
at the head Of Black Lake Here Il the City Of Holland
which from lie position the only Lske Port Of the
Colony must become lie commercial center. The town
s finely laid out and covers about mile square Of fine
table land from 70 20 feet higher than the Lake At
some seasons Of the year vessels Of light drsit can
the bar at the outlet Of the Lake and up
the town. sand bar ~ the mouth is the only obsts
Gle for vessels Of 10 feet draft This removed and
II could be- for less money than half our Lake HarbOrs
have cost and Black Lake would be magnificent
harbOr. Il il about seven miles long snd from half
mile 70 three miles wide and has from 10 to 10 feet Of
water.
Al the CITY tney nave llst competed VINO
mill designed for three gangs Of from II 10 20 saws
each. steam saw mill is in progress and steam
-four mill vii. probably be erected next summer. The
imports Of this place during the past season including
those landed a, the city and outside the bar at the
mouth, have been estimated At 900 bbs. bulk. The
exports some 800 to COO cords hemlock bark,
shipped 10 Chicago Rev. Mr. Van Rsalte one Of the
founders Of the Colony, resides here.
Six miles northeast is the village Ieeuwsdorp. This
is a fourshng town for one young. and has 3 me
farming country around IT, The village plat covers 50
acres beautifully situated on elevated grsvely
plain. lts inhabitants have just completed commod
ous Church whose steepe is grsced By the first bell
erected ia the Colony. The people here have shown
much public spirit in this enterprise aud In supporting
public schools Rev Van der Meulen Is Pastor OF the
Church here.
The States Land" Settlement 1t IL usually call
ed is about miles directly east from Holland.
Rev NJ Ypms Is the Pastor at this place Here are the
finest lands 10 the Colony excepting perhaps OyerJsel,
AS II IL called Vhich 10 directly south IN AAegan county,
some i've elk miles Rev Mr. BOiks Is al OverJ.el,
which the newest of the settlements. IL 10 hardly
ak months siS the first cut here There
Ia st another settlement directly south from Holland
mile. All prospering. All are sensibe oi the
Importance OF clearing and improving their lands aud
there hundreds Of in progress Of clearing.
The Ottawa Indians connected with the Old Wing Mis-
sion were. until the Holland emigrsBts landed here,
the only occupants of this beautiful region. Since the
settlements commenced they have decided 20 leave,
and viii remove 10 the coming Spring 10 Grand Ira.
Bay. Their removal throws large quantity Of
beautiful farming lands which they owned into the
market a large accession to the Colony is expected
as soon ss navigation opens In the Spring. HD.P.