Holland City News, October 14. 1904

In the death of J. O. Doesburg, Holland loses one of its pioneer businessmen and Ottawa County loses their oldest druggist.

Mr. Doesburg’s death occurred Thursday evening, October 6, at the Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids where he was receiving treatment for a tumor of the stomach. His son, Charles, was at his bedside.

Mr. Doesburg was born in Hitzert, the Netherlands, 66 years ago, and came to this country with his parents and the Schaap family at the age of 11 years. The entire trip was made by boat to Western Michigan, and it was 1849 when the landing was made near what is now Holland Harbor. Soon after his arrival, Mr. Doesburg started to learn the printers’ trade in the office of Hanks and Bassett, who had come here from Allegan and founded "De Hollander," the first Ottawa county paper. He was the first from the ranks of the colonists to learn the printers’ trade, and was also the first to start in the drug business. After serving a short apprentice in the printer’s trade, he went to Grand Haven and worked at the "Grand Haven Times." Returning to this city, he and his father and brothers founded the "Ottawa County Register," which was published by Doesburg and Sons until the sixties. Then came the call for soldiers, and Mr. Doesburg responded. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. I, 25^th Michigan, and was given the office of second lieutenant, which he held until 1863, when he was compelled to resign his commission on account of physical disabilities. On his return he embarked in the drug business and conducted his store here successfully for 40 years. He was one of the sufferers from the fire of 1871, but immediately resumed business.

He is survived by three sons, Harry R., Charles A. and Francis R. The other surviving relatives are a sister and three brothers, Mrs. J. M. Oggel of Orange City, Iowa, Otto J. of Chicago, Gerrit S. of Holland and Cornelius H. Doesburg of Kalamazoo. The funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Ninth St. Christian Reformed Church, Rev. A. Keizer and Dr. J. T. Bergen officiating. The Pallbearers were John Kramer, John Louis, John Van Lente, H. Ter Sleght, P. De Feyter and P. De Vries, all members of Company I, 25^th Michigan Infantry.

(Mr. Jacob O. Doesburg is buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.)