HENRY KREMERS, MD Henry Kremers, MD. In the leaned professions Ottawa County has many noted representatives, and this is particularly so in the field of medical science. In review of this kind it will be readily understood that only the most conspicuous figures in a representative class can receive special mention. One of the leading members of the learned profession of medicine is Henry Kremers, who is a native of Zeeland Township, Ottawa County Mich., his birth having occurred on the 15th of July 1850. The father of our subject, William Kremers, was born in the Netherlands in 1820, and there received his education. In 1846 he emigrated to the "land of the free," and the following year took up his residence in Ottawa County, Mich., but it was not until 1848 that he entered land of his own and began tilling the soil. The land was at that time a wilderness, but with his utmost energy and perseverance he succeeded in laying the forest low, and otherwise improving it with good buildings. He was Married to Miss Annie, a daughter of Lucas Heins, who died in Holland. The widow came to the United States with the family in 1849. Dr. Henry Kremers was one of six children, the others being as follows: Harry, a minister of the Presbyterian Church; Lucas, a farmer in South Dakota; Alice; Jennie, and one that died in infancy. The father of this family lived a useful life, and in 1878 died on the farm where many of his years were spent. Our subject was reared on the farm place in Zeeland Township, Ottawa County, and like the great majority of farm boys at that time, his education was such as could be obtained in the common schools of that day. His time when not in school was spent in assisting his father on the farm, and he obtained a thorough knowledge of the details of agriculture. Later, he entered college, where he prosecuted his studies for four years. After teaching school for one year, he entered the medical department of the Michigan State University, at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated with the degree of M.D. in 1876. Very shortly afterwards he located in the neighborhood of his old home, where he followed his profession for six years. In 1882 he took up his residence in Holland, and here has pursued his practice with the best success. In 1877 the Doctor was united in marriage with Alice, a daughter of Ryder Van Zwalawenberg, who was born and reared in Holland, but eventually became a citizen of the United States. The doctor and his wife have five sons: William, Robert E., Edward S.D., Clarence II., and Ernest. Shortly after locating in Holland our subject formed a partnership with William Z. Bangs in the drug business, which connection continued for about three years. He then bought Mr. Bang’s interest, and has conducted the business alone since that time, John Roost being at the head of the drug department. He owns some valuable business property in the town, and has a handsome residence at the corner of Market and Twelfth Streets. A Democrat politically, he has held the office of Mayor of Holland and is a member of the Board of Education. He is a director in the First State Bank and is one of the stockholders in the Holland & Chicago Transportation Company. For some time he has been connected with Michigan State Medical Association, the American Medical Association and the Grand River Medical Society. He is one of the popular citizens of the place and is a physician of great skill and ability, as is attested by his large general practice.

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