MAIN  PAGE

Belgians in the Civil War

Emigrants arrival

links

Sources

BELGIANS IN AMERICA:    Biographies of Belgian settlers  

HENRY ROOIAKERS. Although the farm of which this gentleman is the owner and proprietor is not so large as many estates in Bay County, he cultivates it so carefully that every acre is made to produce the greatest possible results. Close attention to the fertilizing of the soil, the proper rotation of crops, the study of the cereals best adapted to the soil, and other points of importance in carrying on a farm, have all received his close study, and the result of this combined with industry and energy, has been the possession of one of the best-improved farms in the community. The fifty-six acres are divided
and subdivided into fields of convenient size, while modern machinery and good buildings are to be found on the place. The residence is a neat and comfortable abode, while the members of the family are numbered among the worthiest citizens of Hampton Township.

Holland has sent many men and women to the United States, and these foreign-born citizens have often become closely identified with our form of Government and adopted American ideas and opinions. The subject of our sketch belongs to this class of enterprising and successful citizens who have sought homes in the New World. He was born May 3, 1830, in Holland, and there grew to mature years. He attended the schools of his native land and served five years to the army. In 1855 he came to America and at once located in
Bay City, this State, where for two years he engaged in different pursuits and followed any honest occupation for a livelihood. By careful economy he was able, fn 1857, to purchase his present farm and here the remaining years lace been passed in close attention to the details of farm work. His life here been marked by no unusual events, but he has followed the peaceful tenor of his way, retaining his simplicity of character tar and geniality of disposition.

In all his enterprises Mr. Rooiakers has received the cheerful assistance of his wife, who, prior to her marriage to him in 1856, was known as Miss Theresa Rescoseare. She was born in Belgium and when quite young accompanied her mother to America, settling in Bay City. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs Rooiakers, but only one survives-Julia, the wife of O. Van Poplin, of Hampton Township. So far as is within the knowledge of Mr. Rooiakers, he is the only member of his family who resides in the United States. He is a consistent member of the Roman Catholic Church, and in his political belief is in thorough sympathy with the principles of the Republican party.

Source : (collective work) : Portrait and biographical record of Saginaw and Bay Counties, Michigan : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States.; Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1892, 1047 pgs.