Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2014
Abstract
What happens to Dutch ethnic identity after several generations in America? William Vandever (1817-1893) illustrates at least one path of acculturation. He was a Congressman twice--first from Iowa, later from California. During the Civil War, he raised a Union regiment from Iowa and was a general by the time the war ended. In the 1870s he was a U.S. Indian Inspector. His Dutchness, though, persisted through his self-identification as a devout Presbyterian--in the greater Reformed tradition of his Dutch ancestors of the 17th century.
Recommended Citation
Douglas Firth Anderson, "William Vandever: Presbyterian, Congressman, General," in Dutch Americans and War: United States and Abroad, eds. Robert P. Swierenga, Nella Kennedy, and Lisa Zylstra (Holland, MI: Van Raalte Press, 2014): 53-66.
Included in
History of Religion Commons, Military History Commons, Political History Commons, United States History Commons
Comments
This article was originally published in Robert P. Swierenga, Nella Kennery, Lisa Zylstra, eds., Dutch Americans and War: United States and Abroad (Holland, MI: Van Raalte Press, 2014), 53-66.