(Zeeland Sentinel - March, 1918)

Daniel Van Sytzama, our title citizen, met with a tragical end at his own hand last Saturday morning, 30 March 1918, in an upper room of his home on Central Avenue at the age of fifty-nine years. Mrs. Van Sytzama had for many years suffered a great deal from severe headaches which gradually became worse and for which he found no relief or remedy. It was during one of these attacks that he became despondent and committed the rash act.

Daniel Van Sytzama was of noble birth, born in the province of Vriesland, Netherlands. Later the family moved to Gelderland, whey they resided in the city of Zutphen, having a country home at Schauenberg. Mr. Van Sytzama received his education at the University at Utrecht. He was the best educated man in the city, being able to speak and write many foreign languages.

He came to this county during the year of 1851??, traveling thru different parts of the United States, later coming to Jamestown, where he met Miss Hermina Essing, who later became his wife in the year ??. After having lived in Grand Rapids for a short time they came to this city where he became prominent in many business enterprises. He was engaged with the late Harry DeKruif in the implement business, later with H. H. Karsten in the hay and produce business. At the time of his death he was president of the State Commercial and Savings Bank and president of the Wolverine Furniture company.

In the year 1907, Mr. Van Sytzama visited the Netherlands. He returned the following spring accompanied by an expert architect from that country who planned and erected their palatial residence which is admired by people from far and near. It is one of the most beautiful homes in this part of the state.

The deceased was an honorable, respectable citizen, successful in business and always striving to nobler and higher ??. He is survived by his wife, two sons and one daughter: Johann serving his country in the ordnance department at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, and Fred and Gertrude at home; besides a brother and sister in the Netherlands.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the home. Revs. B. J. Hoffman and P. P. C??? officiated; the former as pastor and the latter as personal friend. Interment was made in the Zeeland Cemetery.