Samuel Dykema, late of Grand Rapids, Mich., and noted in his day as one of the most expert furniture finishers of the Valley City, was born in Holland June 26, 1844.

William Dykema, father of subject, about 1858 brought his family from Holland to America, but on the voyage across the Atlantic ocean Mrs. Dykema was taken ill and died soon after landing at Castle Garden, New York City. William Dykema at once came to Grand Rapids, and at the very beginning of the war of the Rebellion enlisted in the volunteer army of the Union and proved himself to be a brave and gallant soldier. He died at the soldier’s home about the year 1893.

Samuel Dykema, the deceased subject of this notice, was about fourteen years of age when he came with his father to Grand Rapids, and at the age of nineteen, or in 1863, succeeded in enlisting in the Union volunteer service. He had several times made an effort to accomplish this commendable act, but was as often rejected on account of his youth and short stature, but finally, by standing on tiptoe, reached the regulation height and was accepted, and really attained, while in the service, the proper perpendicular dimensions.

On his return from the war, Mr. Dykema found work in the Phoenix Furniture factory as a finisher, and later with the Berky & Gay Furniture company, for which he chiefly worked in the same capacity. He was always of a pleasant disposition, and was quite a favorite with his fellow workmen, as well as with the general public, and was best liked where best known. In politics he affiliated with the democratic party, and although not an office seeker took an active and interested part in local party affairs. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in all respects an honest man and good citizen. His lamented decease took place January 19, 1896, when he left behind his sorrowing widow and two children, who, with many true and warm hearted friends, sincerely mourn his untimely death.

Mr. Dykema married, July 18, 1873, Miss Mary Laudwick, who has borne two children, William and Samuel, of whom the latter is still at home with his mother, at No. 290 North Lafayette street. This property Mr. Dykema purchased with his own earnings, greatly improved, and, in fact, remodeled the original dwelling, and made it one of the most pleasant and comfortable homes of the neighborhood. Mrs. Dykema, a most kind and pleasant lady, has the pleasure of having made many friends, who admire and esteem her for her many ladylike personal attributes, among which her affable disposition is not the least.