DERK VYN Derk Vyn. No better class of citizens has come to Ottawa County, Mich., than those who emigrated from Holland, and none have contributed more to the growth and development of this county than those of that nativity, for they brought as their inheritance the traits of character and life which have ever distinguished them. The Vyn family is of Dutch origin, and the first branch of the family to take root upon American soil was the original of this notice. Nearly fifty years of his life have been passed on this side of the Atlantic, and nearly all that time has been passed in Grand Haven, Mich., where he is one of the prominent capitalists, as well as one of the most worthy and upright citizens. Mr. Vyn was born on the 15th of January, 1831, and his parents, Nicholas and Frankie (Spiker) Vyn, were natives also of the Netherlands. Three of the children born to this worthy couple grew to mature years, and our subject is second in order of birth. The latter received a fair education in his native country, but when only sixteen years of age decided to come to America. He took passage on a vessel and reached Baltimore, Md., on the 12th of June, 1847. From there he came direct to Kalamazoo, Mich., and, as his money was getting low, he worked at odd jobs for a year. He then went to Grand Haven, where he worked at whatever honorable employment he could find, and as he saved every dollar, he had soon accumulated sufficient means to invest in the sawmill business. This he continued for about eight years, and then began teaming. Later he embarked in the transfer business, and this he has continued steadily up to the present time, with the help of his sons. Twenty horses are used in this business, and in connection Mr. Vyn also keeps s brick and wood yard, the brick being the noted Zeeland manufacture. The wood he handles by the thousand-cord lots. Mr. Vyn believes the way to succeed in life is to engage in some honorable business and then to stick to it. Sooner or later, with good management, the best results will be obtained. As his business increased, he made judicious investments and has accumulated a handsome fortune. He still gives his personal attention to much of his business, for he is well preserved in body and mind. In the year 1852 Mr. Vyn was wedded to Miss Clara Troost, a native of Grand Haven and the daughter of Lambert Troost. Six children have been born to this union, five sons and one daughter. The sons are: Nicholas, in business with his father; Albert, Martin and John. Mr. Vyn has been connected with some of the most flourishing institutions of Grand Haven, and was president of the Grand Haven Leather Company for six years. He is still Vice-President of the same. In politics he is a staunch Republican. Our subject commenced his career in this country with a capital of $3.50, and all he has accumulated is the result of industry, economy and good management on his part. He is now one of the wealthiest men of the city, is public spirited and enterprising and is well posted on all the current topics of the day. His high reputation and material prosperity came as the reward of unusual abilities, industriously applied, and he is esteemed by all.

Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company

Transcriber: Charles Armstrong
Created: 6 May 2003
URL: Biographies