The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 456 ABRAM VERSTRATE. For twenty-one years Abram Verstrate has been a resident of Yakima county and since 1900 has lived upon his present farm on the Moxee. He was born in Holland, August 25, 1862, and is a son of John and Katherine Verstrate, who came to the United States in 1880. Making their way to Michigan, the father there took up the occupation of farming and he and his wife continued residents of that state until called to their final rest. Abram Verstrate, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, pursued his education in the schools of his native country and was a lad of eighteen when he accompanied his father and mother to the new world. He afterward worked upon farms in Michigan until 1897, when thinking that he would have better business opportunities in the northwest, he made his way to Washington and has since resided within the borders of this state. He took up his abode in Yakima county and for two years he cultivated rented land on the Ahtanum. On the expiration of that period he secured a homestead claim on Black Rock but did not prove up on the property. He was afterward employed by others for a short time and then made investment in twenty acres of wild land on the Moxee, securing this place in 1900. He has since resided thereon and his labors have made it a very productive and valuable property. He has proven, as many others have done, that this is an excellent fruit producing district and he now has five acres planted to apples and pears. The remainder of his land is devoted to the raising of hay and to various crops well adapted to soil and climatic conditions here, and he also conducts a fine dairy, keeping high-grade cattle for this purpose. All branches of his business are proving a gratifying source of income, for he is practical in anything that he undertakes and his progressiveness has also led to the acquirement of desired results. In 1886 Mr. Verstrate was united in marriage to Miss Nellie De Kraker, of Mfichigan, who is a native of the Netherlands. To them have been born eight children, namely: John, who is a member of the United States army; Kate. who is the wife of George Currey, of Yakima; Joseph, who is also in the United States army; and Herman, James, Kathryn, Chris and Jeannette, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Verstrate are members of the First Reformed church and are people of genuine worth who enjoy the warm regard of those with whom they have been brought in contact, while the hospitality of the best homes of the neighborhood is freely accorded them. Mr. Verstrate's persistency of purpose and unflagging industry have been the salient features in the attainment of his success. ******************************** Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in December 2007 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.