Van Raalte (March 1, 1844 – February 10, 1910) was a Union soldier during the American Civil War and served as a member of the Michigan State Legislature for three different terms.
[1] Van Raalte was an active member in the community of Holland, Michigan, as a local businessman.
[2] He was named after a business partner of his father Albertus, who founded Holland, Michigan, and Hope College.
While riding his horse through the woods, trying to deliver a message, Van Raalte was ambushed by Confederate soldiers and was shot in the forearm and shoulder after attempting to escape on horseback.
His family received the news of his injury through a letter written home on August 30, 1864, composed by Van Raalte himself, with help from his brother Benjamin.
One fellow member is quoted as saying "Van Raalte is no mean opponent in scathing debate, and the representatives who can better him in sarcasm and ironical oratory may be counted upon the fingers of a single hand.