Cornelius Bos, who is extensively engaged in growing celery in Grand Haven, Ottawa County, claims Holland as the land of his nativity, his birth having occurred in the province of Jerome, February 3, 1811. His father, John Bos, died in Holland (Netherlands), and the mother, who bore the maiden anem of Knelska Deint Hanns, also spent her entire life in that country.

No event of special importance occurred during the childhood and youth of our subject, which were quietly passed in his native land midst play and work. His school privileges were such as were furnished free by the Government. He remained in Holland until twenty-four years of age, when, having heard excellent reports of America and the advantages and privileges it affords, he resolved to try his fortune in the New World. Crossing the briny deep, he landed in New York City, but did not tarry long in the East, coming at once to Ottawa County, Mich., where he began working in a sawmill on the Grand River. Two years later, in 1867, he came to Grand Haven and opened a meat-market, which he carried on for twenty years. He met with success in that undertaking. It was not long before he had built up a good trade, which constantly increased until he received a most liberal patronage, and in consequence reaped a good income. At length he sold out, desiring to give his attention to other pursuits.

In 1885 Mrs. Bos began raising celery and has since continued in that industry. Having bought a tract of twenty-two acres of land, he planted thirteen acres of this with a good grade of celery. He raises the "white plume" variety, which is of a very superior quality, and does an extensive celery business, making large shipments to Chicago by boat. He washes and markets from seven hundred to one thousand dozen stalks per day, and has a large trade in the home as well as the foreign market. He now gives his entire time and attention to this business, which is to him a profitable and paying one. He has made large investments in real estate and owns a number of residences and other town property.

On the 12^th of November, 1873, Mr. Bos was united in marriage with Miss Maria VanDoorne, of Grand Haven Township, and their union has been blessed with six children as follows: Cornelia, Maria, Jennie, Martha, Henrietta and Mortimer. The family circle yet remains unbroken and all are yet under the parental roof. The parents are members of the Christian Reformed Church. Their home is the abode of hospitality, and in the community where they live they have many friends. Mr. Bos is a Republican in politics, and was honored with an election to the office of Alderman of the Third Ward, which position he filled two years. He is a man of excellent business ability, and his success in life is due to his able management, perseverance and enterprise. His example in this direction is one well worthy of emulation.