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

ADRIAN C. ZWEMER

Adrian C. Zwemer came from the province of Zeeland from The Netherlands of Europe with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Zwemer, and an older brother, John, with the Van Raalte colony in 1847. The colony located at the head of Black lake, the present site of the progressive, modern city now called Holland.

This colony was a most desirable accession to Western Michigan for they stood for the best in religion, education, good government and citizenship They came in a sailing vessel and they were six weeks on the voyage.

In those days it was a struggle for young lads; they could not start out selling newspapers like the boy today but they must do hard work, clear the forests, hew the timber, haul logs, feed oxen, milk the cows, but Mr. Zwemer, being handy and ingenious was soon promoted to carpenter work.

Adrian found for his life mate Lamegji Knoll who came over with another load of emigrants a few years later. Both were very young but bravely started out taking up a tract of land in Laketown. In the winter they moved to Holland where Mr. Zwemer did carpenter work, and when in 1860, the Wallin tannery .was established, many small homes were built and the Zwemers moved to Wallinville where he opened a carpenter shop, and many a poor countryman was given a lift erecting his cabin or barn for Mr. Zwemer had a kind heart and was ever ready to help with his trade. There were ten children born to this worthy couple, four of whom survive, Henry of Rochester, N. Y.; Mary of Cleveland, Ohio; Lanus of Columbus, Ohio and Joseph of Saugatuck.

When the tannery business ceased the family moved to Saugatuck where Mr. Zwemer carried on a business for many years of moving and remodeling buildings. He also furthered the town's interests by building a dozen homes for rental. Mrs. Zwemer preceded him in death many years, he passing beyond in 1909 after a well-lived life in which he was an ardent worshipper in the Dutch Reformed and later the Congregational churches.

Life seemed all too short for these worthy pioneers but one cannot but feel that the world is a better place for their lives of service.