Biography of George P. Hummer

The development - of furniture manufacture in the United States possesses the utmost interest for students of industrial history. The large furniture factory has long since superseded the cabinet-maker, and a prominent concern of the kind is that of the West Michigan Furniture Company, of Holland, of which George P. HUMMER is the efficient General Manager. At the same time he discharges the responsible duties of Mayor of the city. He was born at Belvidere, N. J., December 25, 1856, and is a son of Peter SNYDER, of that State. "When he was six months old, he was adopted into the family of George HUMMER, and when quite young he went to live near Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the public schools of which he received his education, finishing in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind., from which he was graduated. In 1882 Mr. HUMMER accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools at Holland, Michigan, and during the seven years in which he served in that capacity he greatly improved the schools in various ways, his rule being wise and firm, yet always reasonable and kind. At the end of the above-mentioned time he resigned, to organize the West Michigan Furniture Company, of which he was at once elected Secretary and Manager, and this position he has filled with eminent ability ever since, showing in its management the same intelligence that marked his career as an educator. The West Michigan Furniture Company was organized with a capital stock of $100,000, and the business has had an immense growth for they now do $500,000 worth of business annually, and give constant employment to about three hundred and fifty men. Like many other furniture manufactories, they make a specialty of a certain kind of furniture, theirs being chamber sets, and it must be acknowledged that they turn out some extremely handsome and substantial articles. Fred J. METZ is the President of the company, and, like Mr. HUMMER, is a practical man of affairs, and an influential citizen. The business done has been highly satisfactory to these gentlemen, and is a credit and a great benefit to the town. Their goods sell at the most reasonable figures, and have become widely known throughout the country. The officers of the company are gentlemen of high character, and are very prominent in the business circles of Holland. The business has established a reputation, not only for manufacturing and carrying first-class goods, but also for fair dealing in all things. The advantages enjoyed in manufacturing enable the house to offer goods at prices greatly advantageous to buyers, and the success of the concern has been largely brought about by the unbounded energy and push of Mr. HUMMER. In 1885 Mr. HUMMER was united in marriage with Miss Marguerite, daughter of Albert PLUGGER, a native of Holland, and an early emigrant to Ottawa County, Michigan. He was a prosperous citizen, and the owner of a large flouring-mill in this county, which he operated for a number of years, and, being enterprising and industrious, he became wealthy. To George P. HUMMER and his wife three children have been born: Hilda, Marguerite and Kate. Politically, Mr. HUMMER has always supported the Democratic party, and on several occasions has been a member of the Democratic State Central Committee, and usually goes as a delegate to the State Conventions. He has always been active in the affairs of the county, and especially of Holland. He is one of the stockholders of the First State Bank and is also a stockholder and a Director of the Chicago & Holland Transportation Company.

Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company Pg. 271

Created: 12 August 2002
URL: http://ottawa.migenweb.net/biographies/1893/hummer.html