MARINUS KAMHOUT Marinus Kamhout is a dealer and importer of fine wine and liquors in Grand Haven. He has the honor of being a native of this city, his birth having occurred on the 31st of October, 1862. As his name indicates, however, he comes from a family of Holland origin. His father, Marinus Kamhout, Sr. was a native of Holland, and in that land was reared and educated. He learned the machinist’s trade, which he followed during the greatest greater part of his life as a means of livelihood. On coming to America he made his way to Ottawa County, Mich., and is numbered among the early settlers of Grand Haven. He was united in marriage with Catherine Nemier, also a native of Holland. The days of boyhood and youth were quietly passed by our subject, who was reared to manhood under his parental roof, and in the public schools of his native city gained his education. As he arrived at years when it became necessary for him to make his own livelihood, he began learning the trade manufacturing shingles with the firm of Boyden, Akeley & Co. and after thoroughly mastering the business he became manager of one of their mills., a position which he filled for seven years to the entire satisfaction of his employers. He then severed the connection with that company in order to engage in business in his own interest, and on the 1st of June, 1885, he began dealing in fine wines and liquors. He carries everything found in a first-class establishment of this kind, and for the past eight years has successfully conducted the business, which has proved a profitable one to him. He is also interested in real estate, having some valuable town property. Mr. Kamhout exercised his right of franchise in support of the Democracy, and has been honored with public offices. In April, 1890, he was elected Alderman of the first ward of Grand Haven on the Democratic ticket, and in 1893 he was reelected to the same position, which he is now acceptably filling with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He takes quite an active interest in educational affairs. being a warm friend to the public schools. He holds membership with some civic societies, belonging to Highland Tent No. 203, K.O.T.M., and Ottawa Lodge No. 46, I.O.O.F. A marriage ceremony performed in Grand Haven in 1883 united the destines of Mr. Kamhout and Miss Jennie Tourville, a native of New York. The union of this worthy couple has been blessed by a family of three children, two sons and a daughter, namely: Louis, Mamie and Marinus, Jr. The family has a pleasant home in the city where our subject has spent his entire life and where he has a wide acquaintance.

Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company

Transcriber: Charles Armstrong
Created: 6 May 2003
URL: Return to Bios Index