31 October 2010

Obituary--Kornelius Mulder

And one more of our "born in the Netherlands" series.  Mr Mulder came earlier than the others seem to have, and instead of being a farmer, as were our previous people, he was a lumber man, working in mills and later owning his own business.
From the 18 March 1915 Fremont TimesIndicator:


K. MULDER DIED IN COOPERSVILLE


Former Business Man of Fremont Passed Away at Home of His Niece Last Thursday. 
The death of Kornelius Mulder, a former resident of Fremont, occurred at the home of his niece in Coopersville last Thursday morning.  The body was brought here Saturday and interment took place in Maple Grove cemetery Monday morning.
Mr. Mulder was born in the Netherlands July 30, 1926 and came to America at the age of 21 years in company with an elder brother.  They went immediately to Grand Haven Mich., and spent the first winter at Perrysburg. (Editor's note, probably Ferrysburg--village across river from Grand Haven.)  For several years he lived at Mill Point, now known as Spring Lake where he was employed in a saw mill.
In 1856 he went to Muskegon and helped to build L. G. Mason's first saw mill.  He remained in Muskegon until 1873 and was engaged in the mercantile business there from 1862 until 1872.
In 1873 he moved his family to Fremont where he had prviously erected a saw mill.  This he operated until 1881 when the mill was destroyed by fire.  He at once rebuilt the mill and resumed operations.  He was also engaged in the grocery business here. 
Mr. Mulder was first married in Muskegon to Fannie C. Langley who died in 1871.  To them one child was born.  This child died in infancy, a few days after the death of hits mother.  In 1873 Mr. Mulder was married to Jane SImpson, a native of Indiana, who died about 5 1/2 years ago.
Since the death of his wife Mr. Mulder has made his home with relatives in Coopersville.
Those attending the funeral here Monday were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mulder, of Muskegon, Luther Mulder of Coopersville; Mrs. Otto Powers of Traverse City and Wm. Hardy and daughter Mrs. Bochs, of Holland.

Again, the Holland connection among the mourners.  I searched out business index for his name, but apparently his business was thriving before we have papers available on microfilm.  I did find a Jake Mulder, possibly a nephew, who about five years after this, was opening a new general store.  

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