HENRY VINCENT

Henry Vincent, an extensive and thoroughly practical horticulturist and manufacturer of wine, residing upon a highly productive farm near Grand Haven, Ottawa County, Mich., is a native of the Netherlands, and was born in Wyk-bei-Duurstedeon the 17^th of January, 1850. The father, John Vincent, was born in Germany, but spent most of his life in the Netherlands and never came to America. He was a fine musician and a man of learning and accomplishments. Our subject was the second of eleven children who clustered in the home, of whom nine yet survive. The living are in order of their birth: Anton, Henry, Mary, Louise, Jennette, Peter, Cato, Pauline and Tonia. At the age of eighteen years, Henry, an ambitious and enterprising youth, emigrated to America, and at once located in Zeeland, Mich. Our subject, liberally educated in the schools of the Fatherland, and self-reliant, was well fitted to make his way in life. After remaining about six months in Zeeland, Mr. Vincent removed to Holland, Mich., and resided there four and a half years, following his trade of printer. At the expiration of this time, animated by a strong desire to revisit his native land, he returned, in 1873, to the Netherlands.

Our subject passed the next two years and a-half in travel, finally spending a twelvemonth in London, England, and from that city departing for Grand Rapids, Mich., where he resided the next five years, devoting his attention to printing. From Grand Rapids, Mr. Vincent removed to his present home in Ottawa County, Mich., having inherited from the estate of Dr. John Mastenbroek the farm on which he now resides. Upon the seventy acres are raised all kinds of small fruits, as well as apples, peaches, pears and Grapes. The wine made by Mr. Vincent is a fine product and has an extended sale, its excellent flavor and its purity making it especially desirable for medicinal as well as table uses. In 1880, Henry Vincent and Miss Jennette Mastenbroek were united in marriage. The accomplished wife of our subject, born in Michigan in 1860, was the daughter of Dr. John Mastenbroek, a native of the Netherlands but a long time resident of Muskegon, Mich. Mrs. Vincent is the eldest of the three daughters who brightened the home of her parents.

Six children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent, but three only now survive: John, Willie and Mary. Mrs. Vincent is a valued member of the Congregational Church at Grand Haven, and, a lady of high character and fine attainments, occupies a position of useful influence, and socially commands the sincere esteem of a large circle of friends. Ever since his permanent residence in his present locality, our subject had been prominently associated with the advancement of the best interests of his neighborhood and vicinity. Politically, an Independent, he votes, irrespective of party, for the best man, and at the last Presidential election cast his vote for Cleveland. He is now and has been for two years School Director, and, an ardent friend to educational progress, has materially assisted in the upward growth of educational facilities. Elected Justice of the Peace, Mr. Vincent did not qualify for the office, and has, in fact, no aspirations for public position of political honors, , but, a true American citizen, takes a deep interest in both local and national affairs, and is ever ready to do his full share in all matters of public welfare.