William Frederick Hake, M. D., the well known physician and surgeon of No. 47 East Bridge street, Grand Rapids, is a native of this city, was born July 29, 1861, and is a son of William and Mary (Schittler) Hake, natives of Germany, who came to America prior to their marriage, have been residents of Grand Rapids half a century and have had born to them a family of sixteen children, twelve of whom are still living. Of this large family, Dr. William F., is the second son and third born child.

The doctor received his early education in the public schools of the Valley city and then for three years attended Notre Dame university, St. Joseph county, Indiana. His first entry into business life was as a prescription clerk for William Thum, a well known druggist of Grand Rapids, with whom he remained two years, then became a student in the office of Dr. Charles Shepard for one year. He afterwards entered the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from medical department of which he graduated, after a three years’ course, in 1882, being the youngest member of his class. In fact, he would have been graduated earlier, but he was retained until he had quite attained his majority. He at once began practice in his native city, with Dr. Charles Shepard, remaining there until 1890. He then selected for his office a room in the oldest building in the city, and one of its landmarks, and here he has been actively engaged ever since, standing now in the foremost rank of his professional brethren.

Dr. Hake was an original member of the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, which was organized by him and Dr. Kirkland. He is also a member of the Michigan State Medical society and the American Medical association. He was identified with Michigan militia as surgeon in the Second regiment for eleven years, and is a member of the Military Surgeon’s associations, the doctor is a member of the Maccabees order, of the M. W. of A., of the Germania society, of the Heerman’s Sons, the C. M. B. A., an honorary member of the Turner’s society, and of other local organizations. He was reared in the faith of the Catholic church, and is faithful in the performance of his duties thereto, and in his polities he is a liberal democrat.

Dr. Hake was united in the bonds of matrimony in Grand Rapids, in 1893, with Miss Clara Voigt, a daughter of a prominent merchant and mill owner. This lady is quite accomplished, and is a graduate of Grand Rapids Business college. The doctor has met with abundant success in his professional career, and few persons are more highly esteemed by the general public, or in the professional or social circles of his native city