Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

JOHN NIES

John Nies was a prominent citizen and hardware merchant in Saugatuck for many years. He was the son of Derk and Ikien Nies, natives of The Netherlands, and was born in Groningen, Feb. 29, 1836, he being one who has a birthday only every four years.

His parents came to America in 1852 when he was sixteen years of age, and located in Filmore, Allegan County, on a farm where John lived until the breaking out of the Civil War, when in September, 1863. he enlisted in Company D, Second Michigan Cavalry and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland under Gen. Sheridan. This regiment took part in one hundred engagements and Mr. Nies made a record in that he was never absent from duty in three years and forty days of service, though he told that he had many narrow escapes as at Marietta, Ga. his horse was shot from under him.

He was discharged Oct.2, 1864, and returned to Michigan, opening the hardware business which he conducted until 1894 when he moved to Holland and entered the hardware business there with his sons.

While in Saugatuck he served the community in various offices, Supervisor, School Director and member of Village board for years. He was married in 1864 to Miss Johanna Kruisenga, a daughter of Eerhardus Kruisenga, native of The Netherlands, and thirteen children were born to this union, Ida, who became Mrs. Fred Wade, deceased: Kate, Eva, John, Ray, Harry, Levane and Edwy, four of the children dying in infancy.