Biography of George P. Hummer The development - of furniture manufacture in the United States possesses theutmost interest for students of industrial history. The large furniture factoryhas long since superseded the cabinet-maker, and a prominent concern of the kindis that of the West Michigan Furniture Company, of Holland, of which George P.HUMMER is the efficient General Manager. At the same time he discharges theresponsible duties of Mayor of the city. He was born at Belvidere, N. J.,December 25, 1856, and is a son of Peter SNYDER, of that State. "When hewas six months old, he was adopted into the family of George HUMMER, and whenquite young he went to live near Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the public schoolsof which he received his education, finishing in the Northern Indiana NormalSchool at Valparaiso, Ind., from which he was graduated. In 1882 Mr. HUMMERaccepted the position of Superintendent of Schools at Holland, Michigan, andduring the seven years in which he served in that capacity he greatly improvedthe schools in various ways, his rule being wise and firm, yet always reasonableand kind. At the end of the above-mentioned time he resigned, to organize theWest Michigan Furniture Company, of which he was at once elected Secretary andManager, and this position he has filled with eminent ability ever since,showing in its management the same intelligence that marked his career as aneducator. The West Michigan Furniture Company was organized with a capital stockof $100,000, and the business has had an immense growth for they now do $500,000worth of business annually, and give constant employment to about three hundredand fifty men. Like many other furniture manufactories, they make a specialty ofa certain kind of furniture, theirs being chamber sets, and it must beacknowledged that they turn out some extremely handsome and substantialarticles. Fred J. METZ is the President of the company, and, like Mr. HUMMER, isa practical man of affairs, and an influential citizen. The business done hasbeen highly satisfactory to these gentlemen, and is a credit and a great benefitto the town. Their goods sell at the most reasonable figures, and have becomewidely known throughout the country. The officers of the company are gentlemenof high character, and are very prominent in the business circles of Holland.The business has established a reputation, not only for manufacturing andcarrying first-class goods, but also for fair dealing in all things. Theadvantages enjoyed in manufacturing enable the house to offer goods at pricesgreatly advantageous to buyers, and the success of the concern has been largelybrought about by the unbounded energy and push of Mr. HUMMER. In 1885 Mr. HUMMERwas united in marriage with Miss Marguerite, daughter of Albert PLUGGER, anative of Holland, and an early emigrant to Ottawa County, Michigan. He was aprosperous citizen, and the owner of a large flouring-mill in this county, whichhe operated for a number of years, and, being enterprising and industrious, hebecame wealthy. To George P. HUMMER and his wife three children have been born:Hilda, Marguerite and Kate. Politically, Mr. HUMMER has always supported the Democratic party, and on several occasions has been a member of the DemocraticState Central Committee, and usually goes as a delegate to the StateConventions. He has always been active in the affairs of the county, andespecially of Holland. He is one of the stockholders of the First State Bank andis also a stockholder and a Director of the Chicago & Holland Transportation Company.
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Created: 12 August 2002
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