photograph
Catalog Number
1958.18.1b
Description
Black and white photograph of Gerrit J. Diekema.
History
Gerrit John Diekema was born in Holland, MI on 3-27-1859. He died 12-12-1930 in the Netherlands. He is buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. During his lifetime, Gerrit served as both US Congressman and US Diplomat. He was elected to represent Michigan's 5th District in the US House of Representatives, serving from 1908 to 1911. He also served as a Member of the Michigan State House of Representatives in 1885 and held the position of Michigan Republican State Chair from 1900 to 1907. In later life, Gerrit served as delegate to the Republican National Convention from Michigan in 1924, and was the United States Minister to the Netherlands from 1929 until his death.
Gift of
Butler, Wilford
