whistle and Key
Catalog Number
2008.49.5a-bDescription
Matal whistle and handcuff key.History
This whistle and key was used by Holland Police officer Cornelius Steketee. He was born in Holland, MI on 12-5-1876 to Cornelis and Laningje Steketee.On December 11, 1895 Cornelius married Grace Van Huis in Holland, MI. The family lived in Holland at 175 East 16th (1908, 1915 city directories) and 146 West 18th (1927 and 1934 city directories). Cornelius and Grace had 9 children.
Cornelius was a member of Holland’s first police force, organized in 1907. That first force consisted of 4 men. He served on the force from 1907 to 1928. From 1929 to 1933, Cornelius was Ottawa County’s sheriff.
He died 3-12-1959 in Holland, MI and was buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.