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Catalog Number
2020.9.479Title
Bongarts, RoelofDescription
Image of Holland MI resident Roelof Bongart's record of service in the "Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers in the Civil War, Vol. 16" and obituary inHistory
Roelof Bongarts (Also spelled Bongaerts or Bongers) was born in 1837. On February 20th, 1865, he enlisted in the 16th Michigan Infantry, Co. K as a substitute for Peter Pfanstahl, who was drafted from Holland, MI. Roelof served until July 8th, 1865. After the war, he settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, living there in 1870, where he died on September 4th, 1906. He is interred in Elmwood Cemetery in Cedar Springs, MI.The 16th Michigan Infantry was organized on September 8th, 1861. Only 5 Hollanders served with the 16th, four of whom joined in February 1865 as reinforcements after the regiment lost 10 killed and 42 wounded at the battle of Little Round Top. From February 1865 onwards, the regiment was in the vicinity of Petersburg during its siege. It followed the Confederate Army after it retreated from Richmond, and came in contact with the enemy frequently until the surrender at Appomattox. The regiment was disbanded on July 25th, 1865. ;Read More