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Catalog Number
2020.9.500Title
De Kruif, Johannes P.Description
Image of Holland MI resident Johannes P. De Kruif's record of service in the "Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers in the Civil War, Vol. 16"History
Johannes P. De Kruif was born in 1836. On December 14th, 1861, he enlisted in the First Michigan Sharpshooters, which was attached to the 16th Michigan Infantry during the war. He was the only Holland resident to serve in the 16th before 1865. Sadly, on June 29th, 1864, Johannes died in Alexandria, Virginia of wounds received in battle on May 10th, 1864, at the Potomac River VA. He is interred in the Alexandria National Cemetery under the name John P. De Kruif. Oddly, his name is not on the Soldiers Monument 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