Profile
Catalog Number
2020.9.499Title
De Kraker, Louis Sr.Description
Image of Holland MI resident Louis De Kraker Sr.'s record of service in the "Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers in the Civil War, Vol. 16" and obituary in the June 3rd, 1909 edition of Holland City News, page 5.History
Louis De Kraker Sr. was born on November 2nd, 1821 in the Netherlands. He came to America in 1856 and settled in Holland, Michigan. On February 21st, 1865, he enlisted in the 16th Michigan Infantry, Co. K as a substitute for Peter Vandebosh of Holland, who was drafted. Louis served until July 8th, 1865. On May 31st, 1909, Louis passed after a bad fall in Holland, MI. He is interred in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.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