Hubert Pelgrim – This prominent citizen was born in Troy, N. Y., January 9, 1852, to the union of Hendrick and Tryntje (VanWoudenberg) Pelgrim – natives of Holland (Netherlands). The parents were married in their native country, and about 1847 braved Neptune’s tender mercies and came to America. The father was a weaver and followed his trade at Troy, N. Y., until about 1854, when he came to Zeeland, Ottawa County, Mich. Settling on wild land, he began making improvements and soon had a fine place. On this farm he remained until about 1881, after which he lived a retired life until his death, which occurred about 1887. Nine children were born to his much-esteemed couple, seven of whom are still living. Mr. Pelgrim’s father was in the War of the Netherlands. He and wife were members of the Reformed Church, and both took a deep interest in religious matters. She died in 1863. Mr. Pelgrim was a Republican in politics.

The original of this notice was about two years of age when he came with his parents to Zeeland, Ottawa County, Mich., and in addition to a fair education received in the common schools he attended Hope College, at Holland, Mich., from 1866 to 1869. After leaving college he clerked in a store at Vriesland, and was also in a store at Grand Rapids, clerking in all about three and a-half years. After that he engaged in teaching in Missaukee County, this state, and followed this profession with gratifying success for six years. During that time he was engaged in other occupations as well, and after leaving the schoolroom he came to Olive Township, Ottawa County, and located on section 21, where he bought railroad land. This was not much improved, but he began working on it and remained there until 1883, when he moved to Cadillac, where he made his home for nine or ten months. He then returned to section 21, and tilled the soil on his farm until 1886, when he sold out and moved to the place where he now lives.

His first wife was Miss Jane Copier, a native of Holland, by whom he had five children, only two of whom are living, Henry A., and Adrain H., both at home. Mrs. Pelgrim died in 1883, and in January, 1888, Mr. Pelgrim was married to Miss Dirkje VerHoef, who was the daughter of Bert VerHoef, a native of Holland. Two children were born to the last union, John and Bert, both interesting little children. Mr. Pelgrim is the owner of forty acres, and he has it well improved and is a high state of cultivation. He grows corn, wheat, oats, potatoes, etc., but raises very little stock, devoting all his time to his farm. In his political preference e is a Republican, and he is now serving his first term as Supervisor of the township, discharging the duties incumbent upon that position in a very able manner. He served as Township Clerk for two years, and has settled the petty difficulties of the township as Justice of the Peace for the past eight years. Mr. Pelgrim is also interested in educational matters, and is Director of his school district. He is a member of the Reformed Church in his religious views. Last year he was Secretary of the Township Republican Central Committee. He is public-spirited and enterprising, and is an enthusiastic supporter of all public enterprises.