In reviewing the various branches of industrial and
commercial enterprises in the city of Muskegon, Mich., it is our desire to mention in this volume only
those houses which are thoroughly representative in the peculiar line of
business in which they are engaged. In
following out this intention we know of no house in the city more worthy of
special mention than that of Martin Waalkes, dealer in clothing and gents' furnishing goods, and
ex-Mayor of Muskegon. In clothing he carries a full assortment of the latest
styles and patterns, suited to every season, and the business is conducted in a
thoroughly first-class manner. He has made a complete success of his business,
but only by dint of selling the very
best articles at the very lowest prices.
Mr. Waalkes was born in the Netherlands, Holland, March 4, 1851,
to the union of John and Grietje (Wieringa)
Waalkes. The father was a carpenter by trade, and followed that
occupation in his native country until
1866, when he grew restive, bad adieu to friends and scenes long loved,
and pitched the household tent in Muskegon, Mich. In this city he followed,
his business as carpenter and he is well known and respected in the community.
This worthy couple became the parents of six
children, of whom our subject was the eldest. For the most part our
subject's school days were passed in his native country, but after coming to Muskegon he attended a three-months
school, where he acquired a fair knowledge of the English branches. After leaving the school room young Waalkes began clerking in the
grocery store of R. Kief, continued with that gentleman several years,
and then for two years was in a clothing-store. Later, he began clerking for Callan & Dratz,
clothiers, and following this was with H. S. Hensen for four years. During the time he was with the latter gentleman he was Alderman of the Third
Ward in the city of Muskegon. Later, he
was elected to the office of County
Treasurer one term, and filled the position in a most satisfactory
manner. He has held other important positions, among them that of Deputy
Treasurer for four years, and in every instance has discharged the duties in a
most exemplary manner. Few men have lived more quietly and unostentatiously than he, and yet few have
exerted a more salutary influence upon the immediate society in which they
move, or impressed a community with a
more profound reliance on their honor, ability and sterling worth. His life has
not been illustrious with startling or striking contrasts; but it has shown how a laudable ambition may be
gratified when accompanied by pure motives, perseverance, industry and steadfastness of purpose. In 1888 Mr. Waalkes started in
business on his own account, in partnership with Burt Stuit, under the
name of Waalkes & Stuit,
and has continued this until the present time. In 1889 he was elected Mayor of
the city of Muskegon on the Democratic
ticket, and served three terms by re-election, thus evincing his
popularity. For a time he was a stockholder and Director in the Muskegon Savings Bank. In the year 1872 he was
married to Miss Trienlje Dik, of Muskegon, and eight children have been
given them, six sons and two
daughters. Politically, he is a
Democrat, and, religiously, a member of
the Christian Reformed Church.
Portrait & Biographical
Record of Musekgon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan
1893, Chicago: Biographical
Publishing Company
Submitted by Doris Rake and
Bill Moore