obituary
Catalog Number
2024.11.2Description
Obituary for James Brouwer, the pioneer merchant.History
James Brouwer was born in Holland, MI on 2-20-1854 to Willem and Gertruda Brouwer. His parents arrived in Holland in 1848. The family settled at Main Street and Cedar (now College and 8th).The Brouwer family home was destroyed in the fire of 1871. For a time, they lived with the Sakkers family. Mr. Sakkers was a cabinet maker and taught James the trade.
James was known for his electric automobiles. He purchased his first in 1912. In 1934 he bought his sixth electric auto.
He served on the Board of Education from 1894 to 1933. He attended Central Avenue CRC for 30 years, before switching to Fourteenth Street Church.
In 1881 James married Sena Noordhouse (1859-1933) in Grand Haven, MI. They had five children: William J. Brouwer; Gertrude Stuart; Lucy Oom; Jennie Meeter; and, Herman Brouwer.
Known as a pioneer merchant, James was connected with the retail furniture business in Holland for more than 59 years. He operated Brouwer Furniture on the northwest corner of 9th and River.
James passed away in Holland, MI on 12-16-1950 at the age of 96.