CLAUS KEMME Claus Kemme, the only German farmer in the section of county where he lives, was born in Hanover, Germany, May 23, 1837, and no one is better known for earnest industry and devotion to duty than he. Integrity, intelligence and system are the characteristics which will advance the interests of any man and will tend to the prosperity to which all aspire As these are some of the traits of our subject, it is not to be wondered at that he has become prominent in his calling and that he is universally respected. He came to America in 1868, when thirty-one years of age, and settled in Ottawa County, Mich., where he has made his home since. Previous to coming to this country, he was married to Miss Metta Brugman, a native also of Germany, and one child was born there. Upon reaching this State Mr. Kemme had about $14 in money and he first engaged as a day laborer, continuing this for four or five years. By industry and economy on the part of himself and his worthy wife, he accumulated sufficient means to purchase forty acres of land in Olive Township, and on this he made his home and many improvements for six years. He then sold out and moved on his present farm of two hundred and ten acres. He has this fine tract of land all under cultivation and raises everything in the way of farm products. As a farmer, Mr. Kemme has attained an enviable reputation, for in conducting his operations he has brought his good sense and his practical views to bear, and as a result has accumulated a fair share of the worlds goods. He extends a helping hand to all public enterprises that tend the development and growth of the country, and is very social, friendly and accommodating. Mr. Kemme’s success has been mostly the result of his own exertions, but he received from his old home $1,000. His parents, Claus and RebeccaUumland) Kemme, were wealthy and influential people of their native country, Germany, and there passed their entire lives. They were the parents of five children: Margaret, wife of John Brewer, who resides in Wisconsin; Claus, our subject; Frederick, Rebecca and Catherine deceased. The later was the wife of Henry Elson, of Germany. The father of these children served in the war, with Denmark. He was in the army eight months and participated in a number of battles, the most prominent being Holstein. The marriage of our subject resulted in the birth of eight children, who are named in the order of their birth as follows: Catherine, Peter, Mary, Augusta, John, Claus, Fred and John (the first of that name) , the three last being deceased. While residing in the Old Country Mr. and Mrs. Kemme were members the Lutheran Church. Mr. Kemme enjoys to an unusual degree the confidence of the community and is well known for the his honesty and sterling integrity. His fine farm is a standing monument to his industry and good management.

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