photograph
Catalog Number
2021.14.459
Description
This photograph is of the exterior of Nies Hardware store. There are many people gathered outside of the store. A banner hanging on the store front says, "Universal Stove Sale". No date is given. The store was located at 45-47 E 8th Street according to the 1897 and 1916 city directories.
History
Jan (John) Nies was born February 29, 1836 in Groningen, the Netherlands. His father, Derk Nies, and Mother, Ikien Nieuwenhuis, along with their children immigrated to Michigan in 1852. The 1860 US Census shows him living in Fillmore, Allegan, Michigan. John was the eldest son and as such felt it was his duty to represent the family in the Civil War. He enlisted in the 2nd Michigan Calvary Regiment in September 1861. He served for 3 years and 2 months. He was discharged in 1864. He married Johanna Quintina Kruizenga. The 1870 US Census shows John living in Saugatuck, MI. The 1900 US Census shows him living in Holland, MI. John and Johanna had 13 children. At his wife’s insistence, John Nies quit farming after the war and opened up a hardware business in Saugatuck. In 1896 they moved to Holland and opened a large Hardware store under the name “John Nies Sons and Co.”. According the directories of 1897 & 1916 the store was at 45-47 E. 8th Street. John died May 22, 1920, he is buried at Riverside Cemetery, Saugatuck, MI.
