2.) Bernardus Ledeboer (1812-1879)
Terms: 1868-1870, 1871-1872
Bernardus Ledeboer was born in the parsonage of Oud
Beijerland, South Holland, Netherlands on February 21, 1812. After completing his medical
education he immigrated to New York City in 1834. He moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan in
1857. In order to fill a vacancy of doctors, the city of Holland set up a special
committee, which invited Dr. Ledeboer to move to Holland and guaranteed him two years'
salary. Thus he came to reside with his family in Holland, Michigan in 1859. He soon set
up and ran an extensive and bustling practice as a physician. He became an important
figure in the early medical, political, religious, and educational spheres of public life
in Holland's early history.
The first charge, which was devolved upon him, was that of
trustee of the district school comprised within the village of Holland. In this capacity
he served with assiduity for term after term. At the time of his death he was the
experienced president of the Board of Education of Holland City.
When the Holland Academy grew to the rank of an
incorporated college, Dr. Ledeboer was appointed as a member of its Council and Executive
Committee (board of trustees). He was influential in developing and encouraging higher
instruction for women. He was also elected School Inspector and was involved in secondary
education administration roles.
Because of his familiarity with the English language he was
able to identify himself with the American character, distinct from the Dutch character,
of the Reformed Church. In 1862, he became one of the first elders of Hope Church where he
played an integral part in securing a suitable structure for worship.
From 1861 to 1866 he was the supervisor of the township of
Holland. At intervals, he was also health-officer and a member of the harbor board. He was
elected mayor in 1868, 1869 without opposition, and once again in 1871. He was also a
director of Allegan and Holland Railroad, which later became the M.L.S.R.R.
The 1871 fire ravaged Holland and 400 structures were swept
out of existence. Mayor Ledeboer labored in vain to fight the fire while others had gone
on to protect their homes. Shortly afterward, Mayor Ledeboer was appointed, and was
chairman of, a large local relief committee.
Always engaged in political and religious scenes, Dr.
Ledeboer received no salary pertaining to any of the offices which he held, except perhaps
a meager amount from his supervisorship. At one critical period in the history of Hope
Church, he delayed in for a very long time the purchase of carpets needed for his
household, that he might have the means of giving a hundred dollars to the church.
Upon his death in 1879 no less than twelve other area
physicians united in a public expression of their esteem for him as a citizen and fellow
physician.
-Much information written by Phillip Phelps (1st President
of Hope College)
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