Jacob Baar. It is impossible to place too light an estimate on the importance of the real-estate business in comparison with the various other elements of commercial and financial value; certainly none other rests upon a more conservative and highly honorable basis as regards methods and transactions. There are numerous persons who pursue the occupation of real-estate agents with credit and success, and earn a well-merited reputation for the conscientious and efficient manner with which they conduct affairs intrusted to their charge. Among those of this class may be mentioned Jacob Baar, who is well known in Grand Haven, for he has resided here many years and has ever been identified with the improvement and upbuilding of the city. He is now engaged in the real-estate and loan business, and by his straight forward manner of conducting affairs commands the respect of all. Mr. Baar was born in the village of Grand Haven, May 16, 1859, to the union of Simon and Helena (Yonker) Baar, both natives of the Netherlands. In 1854 the parents emigrated to the United States with the hope of making a home for themselves in "the land of the free and the home of the brave". They first settled in Chicago, but moved from there to Kalamazoo, and in ??1857?? came to Grand Haven, Mich., where they have since resided. Our subject, the third in order of birth of four children, reached mature years in Grand Haven and secured a good practical education in the schools of the same. He began clerking in the hardware store of G. W. Miller, and continued in that gentleman’s employ for five years, accumulating considerable means in the mean time. After that he was in the employ of George E. Hubbard, hardware dealer, until 1880, when he was elected to the office of Registrar of Deeds of Ottawa County, filling that positions in a capable and efficient manner for two years. So satisfactorily did he discharge the duties of that office that in 1882 he was re-elected, and filled that position for two years longer. After leaving the office he embarked in the real-estate business, to which up to the present he has devoted most of his time and attention. In commercial circles he enjoys the highest confidence and is recognized as an honorable, reliable business man, and as a liberal and public-spirited citizen commands the respect of all. In the month of September, 1878, our subject was married to Miss Hattie Slaghuis, of Grand Haven, Mich., daughter of Abram Slaghuis, who fought for the Old Flag during the Rebellion. To Mr. and Mrs. Baar have been born four children, three daughters and a son. He and his wife hold membership in the Reformed Church, and for three terms he was Director in his school district. He has a very pleasant home in Grand Haven, a neat, tasty residence and a large lawn ornamented with huge maple trees and choice shrubbery. Mr. Baar is a descendant of an old and prominent family and is an honor to his name. He is active in his support of matters of public importance, and takes a deep interest in the success of the Democratic party, with which he has long been identified.