Henry Van Ham Page 318 - Henry Van Ham is proprietor of the up-to-date vulcanizing company at 138 Ellsworth street. He is a native of Grand Rapids, born on October 28, 1892. His parents, Harm and Susie (Timmer) Van Ham, were both natives of the Netherlands, were married there and came to Grand Rapids in 1883. Here the father died in 1924 at the age of seventy-three years and the mother is still living at sixty-seven years of age. That worthy couple had seven children, six of whom are now living. The father was a general contractor. He and his wife were members of the Franklin Street Christian Reformed Church. Henry Van Ham, the subject of this narrative, was educated in the parochial schools of Grand Rapids. In launching upon his business career he first learned the carpenter trade and followed that for eight years. In 1914 he established his present business, but this he interrupted to enter the service of his country in the World war. He was away at Camp Custer for three months and overseas for eight months. His brother Peter, who engaged in business with him in 1914, died at the age of twenty-nine years, on December 10, 1918 while Henry was overseas. After his return to civil life Mr. Van Ham resumed his business responsibilities. His religious affiliation is with the Franklin Street Christian Reformed Church. He was joined in matrimony on October 27, 1921 with Miss Ann Vandenberg of Grand Rapids, and they have one son, Harvey, born on October 5, 1923.

Transcriber: Nancy Myers
Created: 12 March 2003