Mayors of Holland - Biographies

Henry Geerlings was born in Holland, MI on February 29, 1868, son of an immigrant family that emigrated from the Netherlands in 1867, A Republican, he was member of the Michigan State House of Representatives of Ottawa County in 1945 and locally active in the Freemasons, Elks, and Rotary clubs.

Mr. Geerlings was an alderman from the 3rd ward and President of the Ottawa County Sunday School Association. Later he worked at Bush and Lane Piano Company, and was a watchman at DePree Company.

Henry Geerlings had an interesting career, serving one term as Holland's mayor from 1904-1906, then elected and reelected to serve from 1936-1944. Following his service as mayor, at the age of 76 he ran successfully for election to the Michigan State House of Representatives, where he served until he was 85. He quit to campaign, successfully, for his son Clyde who was elected to the Michigan State Senate in a special election in 1951 and served for six more terms.

Henry Geerlings died on January 20, 1953.

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