Cornelis Dekker, M. D., of No. 87 Palinfield avenue, Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in the city of Oudeland, province of Zeeland, kingdom of Holland, September 8, 1873, a son of Dirk Hendrick and Leuntje (DeKorne) Dekker, who came to America in July, 1875, some years after marriage, and located in Grand Rapids, whence, a year later, they moved to Zeeland, Mich., where the father became very successful as a general merchant. This worthy couple had born to them a family of twelve children in the following order: Cornelis, Anthonia, Jennie (deceased), Jennie, Nellie, Mattie, Maria, Leunis, Annie H., Dirk H., Marian, and a baby, deceased, all of whom are living, with exception of Jennie and the baby. Dr. Cornelis Dekker attended the public schools at Zeeland, Mich., until nearly fifteen years of age, when he entered Hope College at Holland, Mich., and for four years studied the classical course, and in 1891 entered the medical department of the Pennsylvania university at Philadelphia, in which he studied continuously until his graduation in 1896. He next attended the Louisville (Ky.) Medical college, in order to round out his professional education-especially in hospital experience. In April, 1897, he opened his office in Grand Rapids, at the address above given, and has already secured a lucrative line of practice, more particularly among people of his own nationality.

Dr. Dekker was united in marriage, September 28, 1894, in Grand Rapids, with Miss Dena Kosten, a native of this city and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marinus Kosten, and this genial union has been blessed with one son Dirk Hendrick, born June 6, 1897.

The doctor is a member of the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, is professor of pathology and toxicology in the Grand Rapids Medical college, and for so young a physician has reached an unusually eminent station in the profession. In politics he is a stanch republican, and he and wife are regarded with great favor in the better society circles of the city.