Jared D. Wetmore, M. D. – In the brief and imperfect outline we are able to give in this sketch of the history of one of the most prominent men of Holland, we can do little more than merely glance at the principal events with which he has been connected and identified as an eminent physician and surgeon and progressive citizen. The life and character of Dr. Wetmore, who has risen from an humble position by his own unaided efforts to a place of honor and distinction among men, proves a useful lesson to the youth of this county, and adds another striking illustration of the power of determined purpose and perseverance.

The homeopathic system of practice has an ardent advocate and supporter in Dr. Wetmore, who is a practitioner of this school of medicine. As a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, he has attained distinction throughout the State, and his extensive practice demands his constant attention. His office in Holland is equipped with a complete assortment of surgical instruments, and he keeps abreast with every advance made in the profession which his life and talents adorn.

Born in South Creek, Bradford County, Pa., April 8, 1858, our subject is the son of George Wetmore, an attorney-at-law in the Keystone State. He was reared in DeKalb, Ill., until the age of fourteen years, and then removed to Sand Lake, Kent County, Mich., where he engaged in milling for about five years. Under the preceptorship of Dr. Wills, of Sand Lake, he commenced the study of medicine, remaining with the gentleman for about four years, after which he took a course of lectures in the medical department of the State University, at Ann Arbor. He opened an office for the practice of his profession at Kalkaskia, in northern Michigan, and after remaining there for one year, returned to college and took another course of lectures, graduating in the spring of 1880.

After graduating the young doctor located at Rockford, Kent County, Mich., and remained in that city for one and a half years. From there he went to Chicago, and took a course in the new school of medicine at Hahnemann College, graduating in 1882. Upon the completion of his studies, he located in Malta, DeKalb County, Ill., where he conducted an extensive practice untio the spring of 1882. Removing from there to Storm Lake, Iowa, he bought he practice of a physician in that place, and continued there with great success for two years. He then returned to Michigan, and opened an office in Grand Rapids, remaining there until his removal to Holland, in October, 1886. At the time of locating here, he was the only homeopathic physician in the county, and he has built up an extensive practice in this and adjoining counties.

In 1877 the doctor was united in marriage with Miss Qanthia Willett, the daughter of Dr. George Willett, a practicing physician of Sand Lake, this State. They are the parents of two daughters: Regina and George, who is attending Vincent’s Academy, at Cincinnati. Dr. Wetmore has a natural talent for music and painting, and has no less than seventy-five large paintings, his own work, which prove his ability as an artist. At the age of sixteen he was leader of a string and concert band.

Thrown upon his own resources at the age of eleven, our subject is justly entitled to be called a self-made man. The money with which he paid his way through colleges was earned by hard work in the mill and on the farm. His practice extends over a territory eighteen miles south, ten miles north and six and one-half west. In his religious views he is very liberal. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has been an active worker in the ranks of the party. He has served as United States Examining Surgeon for the Northwestern portion of Iowa, and is now officiating in that capacity in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. By his industry and good management he has acquired considerable valuable property, some of which is in Holland, and some in Duluth. A pleasant and affable gentleman, his friends are as numerous as his acquaintances, and he enjoys the confidence of all with whom business or social relations bring him in contact.