My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE R. HERKIMER, M. D., a practicing physician and surgeon of Dowagiac, was born in Niles, this State, on the 17th of July, 1866. He is a lineal descendant of the famous Gen. Herkimer, whose services in the War of the Revolution have immortalized his name in the history of our country. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Jacob Herkimer, was born and reared in Herkimer County, N. Y., and after his marriage engaged in farming there. As early as 1830 he came to Michigan, and thenceforth his life was closely connected with the development of Berrien County, where he made settlement. Upon land entered from the Government in Bertrand Township he remained until his death.

A native of Herkimer County, N. Y., Michael Herkimer, father of our subject, was a child of four years when he was brought to Michigan by his father. In Bertrand Township, Berrien County, he passed his youthful days and aided his father in clearing the home farm. Early in life he became familiar with agricultural pursuits, and while his educational advantages were limited, he became a well-informed man, possessing intelligent opinions upon the public issues of the time. For his wife he chose Miss Jane, daughter of Abraham Hoag, one of the earliest settlers of Michigan, who came here from Syracuse County, N. Y., in 1835. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Herkimer settled on the Herkimer homestead, and there remained until severed by death. The husband and father passed away in 1880, and eleven years after his demise the widow came to Dowagiac, where she makes her home with George R.

Of the four children comprising the family three grew to maturity, as follows: Julia, who makes her home with our subject; John, who cultivates the old home place; and our subject. Walter is deceased. The father of this family was prominent in public affairs and influential in the ranks of the Democratic party. He held the office of Collector of the county, and served as Supervisor and Clerk of his township a number of terms. In religious matters he was interested and zealous and was an active member of and liberal contributor to the support of the Methodist Episcopal Church. George R. was reared on the old home place in Bertrand Township and was the recipient of excellent educational advantages. After completing the course of study in the home schools, he went to Niles and from there to Albion (Mich.) College, where he conducted his literary studies for a period of three years.

Our subject commenced his medical studies under the preceptorship of Dr. M.N. Avery, of Niles, and somewhat later entered the medical department of the State University of Ann Arbor, where he remained for two years. He was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago in 1890 and immediately afterward came to Dowagiac, where he has since conducted a general practice. Fraternally, he is a prominent member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the National Union, the Order of the Maccabees and the Knights of Pythias. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat. His office is located in the Lee Block, where he has a pleasant suite of rooms, well equipped with surgical instruments and the apparatus necessary for professional use. He established a home of his own in 1891, at which time he married Miss Carrie, daughter of W. N. Frost, a retired farmer residing in Dowagiac.