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HISTORY
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MICHIGAN
BY
CHARLES MOORE
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME III
CHICAGO
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
1915
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History of Michigan
Stephen Olin Johnson. Detroit has produced and attracted from
other parts of the country many industrial leaders, men of preeminent
executive and organizing abihty, and the industrial prosperity of the city
largely represents the practical ideals and character of such men, promi-
nent among whom for nearly thirty years has been Stephen Olin Johnson,
president of the Penberthy Injector Company. From a small plant, hardly
more than a shop on a by-street, the Penberthy Injector Company has
developed until it is recognized as one of the largest individual industrial
plants of Detroit, and in the manufacture of injectors it is the largest in
the world.
While the record of this enterprise is in itself sufficient to make Mr.
Johnson known as one of the able business men of a great industrial
center, he has also played a prominent part in the wider fields of business
in that city. Most persons acquainted with the recent industrial history
of Detroit will recall the important part taken by the Employers' Associa-
tion in making Detroit an "open shop" manufacturing center and a brief
recital of facts should be stated in this article. Up to 1902 Detroit was,
industrially, in the complete grip of the unions, and strikes were called
by delegates on the slightest pretext. In that year the Brass Manufac-
turers' Association, of which Mr. Johnson was president, and the Metal
Manufacturers' Association were amalgamated under the name of Detroit
Employers' Association, of which organization Mr. Johnson became the
first vice president. With five other prominent manufacturers, com-
posing the executive officers of the organization, they worked at different
periods for five years with later organizations in settling labor disputes,
until finally, on the amalgamation of the two associations, they came out
boklly and declared that 13etroit was henceforth to be an open shop town.
The details of the subsequent struggle cannot be told here, but it is a fact
that through the efforts of Mr. Johnson and his associates open shop con-
ditions were established, and have since been maintained by the Employ-
ers' Association. The value of this work had the broadest application to
Detroit's remarkable prosperity in the past decade. It should be remem-
bered that about the time the Employers' Association was organized the
automobile industry was in its infancy, and there has been no one fact of
greater importance in Detroit's growing prestige as a center of automobile
manufacture than in the maintenance of the open shop principles in labor
circles. i\nd what was done by this comparatively small group of men
working together in Detroit was not without its beneficial effect on industry
throughout the state, and extended to many manufacturing cities in the
immediate vicinitv of Detroit.
Stephen Olin Johnson is a native of Massachusetts, born at Westfield,
lime 15, 1847, and descended from notable American ancestors. His
1215
1216 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
great-grandfather, Samuel Johnson, was born in Massachusetts, in which
state he remained until his death, and served in the war of the American
Revolution. Grandfather William Johnson, a native of Massachusetts,
married Parmelia Dudley, a descendant of Sir Thomas Dudley, who was
the second colonial governor of Massachusetts. In 1630 he emigrated
from England to Alassachusetts as deputy governor under Winthrop.
He served thirteen years as deputy governor and was four times governor
of the colonies, in 1634-40-45-50. The father of the Detroit manufac-
turer was Philo Johnson, who was born in Massachusetts and who married
Eliza English. Both died in Brooklyn, New York', where Philo Johnson
for many years had been prosperously engaged in merchandising.
Mr. Johnson's education was acquired in the public schools of New
York, and his business career began in 1865, at the age of eighteen. He
was employed in the counting room of a large New York tobacco manu-
factory until 1871, and that experience was followed by his connection
with a large toy manufacturing concern in New York. In 1873 he was
given an interest in the latter business and continued with the house until
1877. Failing health terminated his career as a toy manufacturer in New
York city, otherwise he might probably have continued in business in the
eastern metropolis throughout his active years. For recuperation he went
to Denver, Colorado, where he lived several years. In 1879 he began
manufacturing and handling toys and kindred lines of goods in Denver,
where his enterprise continued on a modest scale until 1884. In that
year he located in Detroit, which has since been his permanent home.
In Detroit Mr. Johnson became manager of the Detroit Knitting and
Corset Works, and directed the business management of that concern
until 1887. In the meantime, in 1S86, Mr. Johnson had become associated
with Homer Pennock and William Penberthy, three men who organized
and incorporated the Penberthy Injector Company for the purpose of
manufacturing an improved form of steam injector invented by Mr. Pen-
berthy. Of the new company Mr. Johnson became secretary and treas-
urer. The Penberthy injector was by all odds superior to anything at the
time in use, but the three associates had only moderate capital, and they
proceeded cautiously with investment in plant and machinery, but exploited
the sale and distribution of the product most vigorously. In a few
years the Penberthy Injector had an established reputation as a mechanical
appliance, and the factory at Detroit grew in proportion. Since that time
it has become the largest concern of its kind in the world, and supplies
all markets with the Penberthy Injector and other steam appliances. Its
plant at Detroit occupies several acres of ground, with a large branch
situated at Windsor, Canada. For fifteen years Mr. Johnson was presi-
dent and general manager of the plant and company, and to his manage-
ment during that period has been due much of the success of the enter-
prise. His son, Homer S. Johnson, who succeeded him as manager, has
continued in that position ever since with wonderful success.
Besides his influential leadership and work with the Detroit Employ-
ers' Association, as already related, Mr. Johnson is a member of the Detroit
Board of Commerce, the Detroit Club, the Country Club, the Detroit
Athletic Club, the Old Club, the Au Sable Fishing Club, and in Masonry
has taken thirty-two degrees in Scottish Rite and belongs to the Mystic
Shrine.
In New York City on June 5, 1873, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Johnson to Miss Lilla Louise, daughter of George and Sarah (Bissell)
Sturtevant of New York City. Mrs. Johnson is a niece of George H.
Bissell, the discoverer of petroleum in America, and who donated to Dart-
mouth College the gymnasium which bears his name on the cam[nis of that
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1217
institution. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are: Homer S. John-
son, Alice G. Johnson, Claire Olin Johnson, and Charles B. Johnson.
MoTT Emmons Sherwood. The railway service has always drawn
into its ranks many of the keenest and ablest men, and though the in-
dustry is one requiring the closest discipline and the aggregate em-
ployes number thousands, advancement is quite sure to come to the
deserving, and in that business more than in any other promotion means
efficiency and proved and tested worth. Of the better known men in the
service of the Michigan Central lines through Michigan, perhaps none
has had more rapid advancement than Mr. Sherwood, now master me-
chanic in the Michigan Central Shops at Jackson Junction.
Mott Emmons Sherwood was born at Mount Vernon, New York,
November 26, 1868, a son of George F. and Katherine (Emmons)
Sherwood, who now live at Jackson. The father is a cabinet maker by
trade and for a number of years was an engineer on steamships plying
across the Atlantic Ocean.
When Mr. Sherwood was seven years old in 1875, the family located
in Jackson, and in that city he grew up and attended the local schools
until he was sixteen, when he quit to enter the shops of the Michigan
Central Railway at Jackson Junction. During the three years in the
shops at that time he was employed chiefly as an engine wiper and
"caller." After that for some vears he was out of the railway service,
and for a time was engineer for the Jackson Electric Light & Power
Company. On re-entering the Michigan Central employ twenty-three
years ago he began as a machinist and his record since that time is one
of special interest and is given in full as follows : Beginning as a
machinist October i, 1890, at one dollar and seventy-five cents per day,
promoted to g3.ng boss at three dollars and a half a day on May i, 1903 ;
promoted assistant general foreman at ninety-five dollars a month, Feb-
ruary I, 1905; wages raised to one hundred and five dollars a month,
January i, 1906; again increased to one hundred and tv^-enty dollars a
month, December i, 1906: promoted to general foreman at one hundred
and fifty-five dollars a month on September i, 1907; wages increased to
one hundred and seventy-five dollars a month j\Iay i, 1909, and to two
hundred dollars a month July i, 1909. Promoted from general fore-
man at two hundred dollars a month to master mechanic at two hundred
and fifty dollars a month August i, 1910; and his salary raised to two
hundred and seventy-five dollars on June i. 1912.
On December 2, 1889, Mr. Sherwood married ■Miss Inez Eva Isbell,
of Jackson. They have one son, William Franklin Sherwood, born
March 4, 1891. Mr. Sherwood is affiliated with the Elks and is a member
of the blaster Mechanics Association.
William H. Presser. At the time of his death on September 12,
1912, the late William H. Presser was one of the foremost manufacturers
and citizens of Saginaw. For thirty years he had followed an independ-
ent career as a manufacturer in that city, and had been a resident there
since 1876. Due to his initiative and exceptional ability in the manage-
ment of complicated affairs, Saginaw is now the seat of the important
industry known as the Michigan Saw Company.
William H. Presser was born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and at the
time of his death was seventy years of age. On the paternal side his
grandparents were of German stock, and came to America and settled in
Pennsylvania, many years ago. The mother's people were Pennsylvania
Dutch and Irish, and well known in the early history of Pennsylvania.
1218 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
After leaving school, William H. Presser learned the trade of saw-maker,
and in 1S62 began his regular work at the trade in Pittsburgh, then went
west and located at St. Louis, and after several years of varied experience
came to Saginaw in 1876. He was employed with the Michigan Saw
Works until that industry was destroyed by fire, and in 1882 he started
the W. H. Presser Saw Works as his individual enterprise. This rapidly
grew to a large proportion and in 1893 was adopted the name of Michigan
Saw Company and Mr. Presser continued as sole owner until his death.
'The company has a large output with a standard reputation, and the
plant employs about ten expert workmen the year around.
During his career in Saginaw, Mr. Presser served as school inspector
of the city, was an active Republican in politics, belonged to the various
Masonic bodies, and is especially well remembered for the quiet industry
and effective citizenship, which marked his career here throughout nearly
forty years. He served three years in the Union army as private during
the Civil war.
At Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1864, William H. Presser married
Miss Amelia B. Aiken. Mrs. Presser died April 14, 1914. Three sons
and two daughters were born to their union. Mrs. Gertrude Davies,
who was born at Pittsburgh, resides in Detroit, and has two sons, George
and Frank. Charles H. Presser, who was born in Pittsburgh in 1869,
became an expert workman under the direction of his father, took part
in the management of the concern, and is now one of the proprietors
of the ^Michigan Saw Company; he is married but has no children. Wil-
liam R. Presser, who is also connected with the saw factory, was born
at Pitt.sburgh in 1870, and is married. Frank Presser, who was born
in 1873, resides in Montreal, Canada, and is unmarried. ]Mrs. L. W.
Pease, born at Pittsburgh in 1881, resides in Chicago.
Gf.orge a. Vandercook. Sixteen years of conscientious public serv-
ice have made the name of Mr. Vandercook familiar to the people of
Jackson, and in his present office as city treasurer he has proved himself
fully qualified to handle its affairs, and has brought to his work the busi-
ness sagacity so necessary in an office of this responsibility.
The city of Jackson has been his home all his life, and he was born
there December 3, 1875, a son of Alfred E. and Catherine (Alundy)
\'andcrcook, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. Vandercook had the
advantages of a liberal education, and from the Jackson public schools
entered the Notre Dame University at South Bend, Indiana. One of his
experiences in early manhood was as an employe in the circulation de-
partment of several large city newspapers. For the past sixteen years
he has been in the service of the city. Thirteen years of this time has
been spent in the city treasurer's office as clerk for six years, then as
deputy four years, and for the past three he has held the regular elective
office, having been twice honored with this position by the people of his
home community. In politics he is a Democrat, and in the spring of .1913
was returned to his present office by twice as many votes as were given
his progressive opponent.
Mr. \"andcrcook is a Knight Templar Mason and .Shrincr, and also
belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In 1905 he
married Miss Nellie Schultz, of Jackson.
T'-DWAKD J. Ryeusox. l!(jrn in New \'ork City, July 15, 18(11, Edward
J. Ryerson comes from an old family of original Dutch stock, among
the first settlers in what was then New Amsterdam and vicinity. The
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1219
Ryerson family was founded in the United States by Martin Ryerson,
who came from Holland in 1646 to New Amsterdam. He married Ann
Rappelja, who had the distinction of being the first white child born
on Long Island. Her parents, who were of French Huguenot stock,
emigrated from France to America in 1623. Mr. Ryerson is vice presi-
dent of the Standard Manufacturing Company.
On October 15, 1891, Mr. Ryerson married Julia E. Webb, daughter
of the late Charles E. Webb, of Jackson. They have one son : Creighter
Webb Ryerson.
Benjamin Fr.\nklin Loder. The first hardware business to pros-
per in the village of Lapeer was conducted under the Loder name, and
as merchants, financiers, land owners, and in important civic relations,
the Loder brothers have been prominent since almost the beginning of
commercial things in this part of the state. Benjamin F. Loder was
for twenty years at the head of the hardware establishment founded by
his brother, and for the past ten years has been best known in the com-
munity as a banker and president of the Lapeer Savings Bank.
The Lapeer Savings Bank was organized in 1902, and the number
of its state charter is 271. It occupies a handsome building known as
the Lapeer Savings Bank building. The Lapeer Savings Bank erected
the first story of the bank building, also the Lockwood store. Mr. Lock-
wood is a tenant of the bank and rents the first floor space except that
used by the Lapeer Savings Bank. The second story of the building
was purchased by the Masons and erected by them. The building itself
is distinctly creditable to the city and a monument to the enterprise of
its builder. The Lapeer Savings Bank was established primarily as a
savings institution, though it offers to the public general banking facili-
ties, and its assets and the names of its responsible officers and directors
are a splendid guarantee of its strength and also of the conservative yet
progressive administration of its affairs. The bank began with a capital
of twenty-five thousand dollars, but this was subsequently increased to
fifty thousand dollars capital, all paid in, while the additional liability
of the stockholders is also fifty thousand dollars, and the surplus fund
is ten thousand dollars. Few banking institutions anywhere have main-
tained ratio between its capital, stockholders liability and surplus and its
volume of deposits. The Lapeer Savings Bank had more than four
hundred thousand dollars deposited in August, 1913, and the record of
the deposits is an excellent illustration of its growth. In February, 1903,
the bank had about thirty-six thousand dollars, increased to nearly one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars in March, 1905, and every successive
two years since then has seen a steady increase in the aggregate of money
deposited for safe keeping with this institution. The officers and direc-
tors of the Lapeer Savings Bank are: B. F. Loder, who has been active
head and president from the beginning; Matthias Caley, vice-president;
George R. Buck, cashier; Robert L. Baldwin, assistant cashier; and
directors: Stephen Slater, S. D. Brown, John H. Dodds, J. Herbert Cole,
Henian P. Kelley and J. E. Buck.
Benjamin Franklin Loder was born January 6, 1845, in Northampton
county, Pennsylvania, a son of Louis L. and Mary (Gardner) Loder.
His parents were born in Warren county, New Jersey, and his father was
a blacksmith by trade, but later in life turned his attention to farming
and became prosperous, at the same time taking a part in local politics
and serving in the office of justice of the peace. Politically he waS a
Democrat. His death occurred in 1876. and both he and his wife now
rest in Mount Bethel cemetery in Northampton county, Pennsylvania.
1220 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Of their five children three are deceased, and the other survivor is Cath-
erine, wife of John McDonald, of Stone Church, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Loder acquired an education in the public schools of Northamp-
ton, and at the age of fifteen began to work on a farm in New Jersey.
Two years later, in 1868, he came west and at Lapeer entered the employ
of liis brother, William J. Loder, who was the pioneer hardware merchant
and tinner of that community. Under his brother's direction he learned
the trade of tinner, and continued for six years in his employ. William
J. Loder then formed the partnership of Loder & Sutton, which was one
of the successful firms in business at Lapeer until 1881. B. F. Loder
throughout this time remained with the firm, and then bought out the
business, and was himself one of the foremost merchants of Lapeer
from 1881 until 1901, when he sold out. The following two years were
spent in a well-earned rest, but he returned to business as the organizer
and active head of the Lapeer Savings Bank, and is still closely identified
with the larger phases of business in this part of the state.
At the same time he has acquired large interests as a farmer and
land owner, and has had an active part in the developing of Lapeer as
a business center and is a hard worker for civic improvements along all
lines. Mr. Loder has taken the Knight Templar degree in Masonry and
belongs to the Flint Commandery. He is a trustee and elder in the Presby-
terian church, and has been officially identified with that society many
years. On February 24, 1870, occurred his marriage to Miss Laurentia
Clark, daughter of Major Clark. Mr. Loder is a Democrat, and has
held the offices of alderman and city tax collector at Lapeer.
Harmon Eugene Morehou.sk. In June, 191 1, the thriving manu-
facturing interests of Jackson, Michigan, were given impetus by the
addition of a new and energetic concern, the Watts-Morehouse Com-
pany, manufacturers of corn shellers and dealers in dairy and builders'
supplies, buggies, carriages and agricultural implements. Although in
the field for only three years, this industry has steadily grown and
developed, and today is one of the leading enterprises of the city. Much
of the success of this concern must be accredited to the progressive and
persevering efl^orts of its young treasurer and general manager, Harmon
Eugene Morehouse, whose rise in the business world has come through
steady application rather than through any happy chance or adventitious
circumstances. Mr. Morehouse is a native son of Jackson county, Michi-
gan, having been born in a log house on a farm in Leoni township,
November 4, 1880, a son of the Rev. Frank Eugene and Ida A. (Watts)
Morehouse, and a grandson of Ezra Morehouse, who came to Michigan
from the state of New York at an early day.
Rev. Frank Eugene Morehouse was born in Hillsdale county, Michi-
gan, August 24, 1854, and after completing the curriculum of the public
schools became a student of Albion College, following his graduation
from which he embarked in agricultural pursuits. Later he entered the
ministry of the Methodist church, and for many years was a zealous
])reacher of the gospel, holding charges in various parts of Michigan.
He died at Jackson, January 16, 1908. Fie married Ida A. Watts, a
sister of William Watts, the president of the Watts-Morehouse Com-
pany. She was born in 1857, iii the same log house in Leoni township
in which the birth of her son, Harmon E., took place. Five children
were born to Rev. Frank E. and Ida A. Morehouse, namely : Jessie,
who is the wife of Ernest Showerman, of Jackson ; Maud, who is the
wife of DeForest Sanford, of Jackson; Edna, who is the wife of Arthur
A. Nagler, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, a student in Harvard College;
Harmon Eugene; and Paul, who lives with his brother at Jackson.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1221
Harmon E. Morehouse spent his boyhood on the farm on which he
was born, and after the age of ten years his youth was passed in the
villages of Waterloo and Napoleon, in Jackson county. He first attended
a public school in the country, and later the village schools of Waterloo
and Napoleon, finally entering the Northern Indiana Normal School, of
\'alparaiso, Indiana, now known as Valparaiso University. There he
completed a business course which included bookkeeping and stenog-
raphy, and his first position was that of a stenographer for the Jackson
Fire Clay Company, of Jackson, now known as the American Sewer
Pipe Company. He continued as its stenographer for four years, and
then became a traveling representative for the company, remaining as
such two years, succeeding which he spent five years with the firm of
J. E. Bartlett & Company, a concern dealing extensively in masons'
supplies and builders' supplies, both wholesale and retail. Beginning
as an accountant, Mr. Morehouse's faithful and efficient services were
recognized by steady advancement until he became secretary of the
company, a position which he held during the last two years of his
connection with the concern.
In June, 191 1, Mr. Morehouse and his uncle, William Watts, formed
a partnership and organized and incorporated the present Watts-More-
house Company, which purchased the entire retail business of the Bart-
lett concern in whose employ Mr. Morehouse had been for five years.
The new concern now does an extensive business in dairy and builders'
supplies, as well as in carriages, wagons, agricultural implements, etc.,
and under the name of the Watts Manufacturing Company, Messrs.
Watts and Morehouse also manufacture the famous Watts sheller, an
invention of Mr. Watts, the president of the concern, Mr. Morehouse
being secretary and general manager. The Watts corn shellers are now
in use in practically every state in the Union, as well as in many foreign
countries. They are entirely power shellers, and the company manu-
factures them from the smallest power sheller made up to the largest,
with a capacity of 500 bushels an hour. The Watts Manufacturing
Company also makes a machine which not only shells the corn, but
husks it as well, first removing the husk and then shelling the grain, the
husks, cobs and shelled grain all coming separately from the machine.
This is another of Mr. Watts' inventions. These shellers are all handled
by the Rumely Products Company, of Laporte, Indiana, sole distributors
of these products. Mr. Morehouse is a business man of energetic
and progressive spirit and his management has done much to place the
firm's goods before the world. Pie is a member of the Jackson Chamber
of Commerce and the Jackson City Club.
On February 16, 1909, Mr. Morehouse was married to Miss Nellie
Eleanor Livermore, of Jackson, and they have two daughters, namely :
Frances Edna, born December 25, 1909; and Dorothea Ida, born Jan-
uary 12, 1912.
Ray Lyman Hewlett. The business record of Mr. Hewlett at
Jackson includes two terms of efficient service as city treasurer, and he
is now engaged in a prosperous real estate and insurance business with
offices in the Dwight Building. Mr. Hewlett is a fine example of the
self-made man. He came in from a farm to the city of Jackson when
he was about sixteen years of age, and in order to improve his oppor-
tunities and secure a better education he worked night and mornings in a
cigar store, attending school during the day. Later he .saw the need of
a knowledge of bookkeeping, and learned that by night stiidy. Thus
in every portion of his career he has been dependent upon himself, and
by self -application or by earning the money needed has advanced to
the goal desired.
1222 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Ray Lyman Hewlett was born at the corner of Steward Avenue and
Ganson street, in Jackson on May 14, 1879, and is still a young man,
with a promise of many years of usefulness and success ahead of him.
Frank Hewlett, his father, died when thirty-one years of age and when
Ray was four years old. The date of his death was November 21, 1S84.
He had been a lawyer by profession and died while in his second term
as prosecuting attorney of Jackson county. Mrs. Frank Hewlett before
her marriage was ]\Iary Ann Tobin, who is still living, her home being
in Detroit. On the death of her husband she took her two sons, Francis
Warren, now in the Catholic priesthood at Detroit, and Ray Lyman to
live with her parents, Timothy and Ellen Tobin on their farm in Black-
man township. Timothy Tobin and wife are now both deceased. It
was on that farm that Ray Hewlett passed his years until he was sixteen,
and in the meantime acquired the rudiments of an education in the dis-
trict school. Coming to Jackson at the age sixteen, he stood behind the
counter of a cigar store in the morning hours and at night, and attended
the sessions of the high school during the middle of the day, and thus
improved his education with one year in that school. He continued a
clerk in the cigar store for seven years, and then was employed by the
Christy Saddle Works. In the meantime, by evening study, he had
learned bookkeeping and equipped with new qualifications he served one
year as bookkeeper for E. J. Tobin & Company, the head of the firm
being his uncle. Mr. Hewlett in October, 1902, entered the city treasur-
er's office, as a clerk, under the then city treasurer J. George Keebler.
After six months under Mr. Keebler he was for four years deputy under
city treasurer Louis A. Worch. Following his service as deputy he was
elected chief of the ofiice. and remained in the office of city treasurer
four )'ears or two terms, the election both times being on the Demo-
cratic ticket. He was twenty-seven years of age when he was first
elected, a fact which indicates the general confidence reposed in his ability
and his popularity among the citizens of Jackson. On Mav t, 19TI, Mr.
Hewlett retired from the office of city treasurer, and during the fol-
lowing year and a half was on the road selling stocks and bonds. On
May I, 1913, he opened an office in the Dwight Building, and attends to
a growing real estate and insurance business.
He has affiliations with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Flics,
and the Km'ghts of Columbus, and is a member of St. Mary's Catholic
Church. On November 14. 1907, Mr. Hewlett married Miss Alma
Rcgina Howard of Jackson. Their two daughters are as follows : Mary
Fliznbcth, born August 7, 1908; and Frances Janet, born October 9.
T909.
Benjamin Fr.xnkt.in Cotharin. That Flint is a city of so many
and varied resources, both commercially and industrially, has been due
not so much to its geographical location and natural advantages as
to the presence in its citizenship of men who possessed an ambition to
improve and make a better and larger city, who were willing to sacrifice
their personal advantage and give time and labor to the promotion of
movements and enterprises which would bring wealth and advancement
in all lines. In that little group of men who did so much to lead the
city out of its village condition and make of it one of the flourishing
centers of the state, the late Benjamin Franklin Cotharin had a very
prominent place, and there are many reasons why he should long be
held in grateful memory at Flint, and his career was as a character which
justifies its records in a history of the state.
Benjamin Franklin Cotharin was born in .Sj)ringficld. Michigan.
March 10, 1850, and died in the city of Flint, January 23, 1905, at tlie
/:???
TH! KiW TOW
PBiLlCIU^RARY
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1223
comparatively early age of fifty-five years. He was one of a family
of seven children born to Benjamin and Eliza (Carter) Cotharin. His
father was born in 1812, at the foot of the Catskill Mountams, was
reared and educated in the same locality, and came to Michigan and
settled in Oakland county in 1857. His occupation was farming, but in
his later life he became prominently identified with business affairs. He
conducted a store a number of years at Flushing, and later came to Flint,
where he was a merchant, banker, and prominent citizen up to the time
of his death in 1898. Eliza Carter was a native of the same vicinity
in which her husband was born, and her life span ran from 1822 until
March, 1888. She and her husband were married in New York State,
and from that section of the east came west and settled in Michigan.
The late Mr. Cotharin spent his boyhood at several different locali-
ties. He began his education in the schools of Flushing, and his equip-
ment in training for business life was completed at the Detroit Business
College. Returning to Flint, at the age of twenty-two, he became actively
identified with the mercantile interests which absorbed his energies the
greater part of his career. He was engaged in the furniture business
with William Charles, and after a few years bought out his partner and
then expanded the business into a large general store. That was one
of the central institutions in the shopping, disf rrc|, and was conducted
by Mr. Cotharin until he sold out, No\;*eftjlD.er'3b, 'I1Q04, only a few weeks
before his death. His father had 'been "^e of me organizers of the
National Bank of Flint, and was one of its directors until the time of
his death, and the son likewise became interested as a director, and his
name remained on the directorate u«til ti* fc-lose"of his life.
Perhaps the work for which Mf. ®cfthafin"deserves most credit was
the exploitation and development of what is known as Oak Park. His
associates in platting this suburban property were Mr. Dort of the
Durand-Dort Carriage Works, and Mr. Crawford. Oak Park has since
grown to be the industrial center of Flint. Its grounds are practically
covered w-ith industries w'hich have a national reputation, including the
immense automobile works of the Weston-Mott, the Buick-Cheverlot,
the Walker-\Veiss Axle Company, the Flint Varnish Works, The Stewart
Carriage Works, and others. These industries in themselves employ
enough labor to constitute a good-sized city.
The late Mr. Cotharin was a Knight Templar Mason and also had
attained thirty-two degrees in the Scottish Rite. He was afliliated with
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and took a^ great deal of
interest in and spent much time in the organization of the Knights of
the Loyal Guard, of which he was treasurer at the time of his death.
In politics he was an Independent Democrat, and at one time was candi-
date of his party for the office of mayor.
On October 12, 1874, the late Mr. Cotharin married Miss Elnora A.
Behee, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Behee. Mrs. Cotharin's
parents were both born at Waterloo, New York, were early settlers in
Flint, Michigan, where her father w-as known for many years as a suc-
cessful mason and contractor. He built one of the first stone houses in
Flint, and it was in that home that Mrs. Cotharin was born and married.
Her father died in September, 1888, at the age of sixty-six years. Her
mother is living, aged eighty-one. Mrs. Cotharin was the oldest of
three children. She grew ifp in Flint, received her education in the
local schools, and both before and after her marriage has been one of
the active members of local society and in recent years has given much
attention to public philanthropic movements. Mrs. Cotharin is treasurer
of the hospital board, and organized the Women's Auxiliary of the
Board. She is one of the organizers of the Young Women's Christian
1224 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Association, being a member of its board and the Children's Hospital
and other institutions have greatly benefited by her counsel and assist-
ance. Mr. and Mrs. Cotharin were the parents of two children, one
of whom died in infancy. Margaret Elizabeth, born in Flint in 1885
IS now the wife of B. F. Miller, Jr., and they have two sons: Benjamin
Franklin Cotharin Miller, born at Flint, April 20, 1909; and Fritz Dunt-
ley Miller, born at Flint, February 3, i<;i2.
George D. Gray. It is one of the lessons taught by history that the
growth of a community, a state or a country, is directly due to the pro-
gressive ideas and determined actions of a few who have the courage
of their convictions and the willingness and abilitv to carry to a successful
conclusion the movements to which their faith' is pinned. These men
may be soldiers of fortune who go ahead to blaze the trail for civilization ;
they may be officials of the newly established government, or they may
be men into whose hands are placed the management of large business
interests. It matters little by wdiat name thev are known, or in which
field of endeavor they labor. Accomplishments are the things that count
the^ results of their labors which develop and enlarge. Jackson is a city
which owes much to its men of this class who have exerted themselves
for its betterment; who, laboring in their own interests have been the
means of forwarding their city's growth and development, and in this
class is found George D. Gray, of the firm of Lepard & Gray, who own
and operate a planing mill at No. 240 Michigan avenue.
Mr. Gray was born on a farm in County Oxford, Ontario, Canada,
January 24, 1864, being the youngest of nine children, four sons and five'
daughters, born to Rev. William and Marv Lavina (Moore) Gray. His
grandfather, Dr. Michael Gray, was born in England, there studied medi-
cine and was admitted to practice, and finally emigrated to Canada, where
for years he was a noted physician and surgeon of Toronto, and later
of Ingersoll, Ontario. Rev. William Gray was born in Toronto, Decem-
ber 25, 1822, and for a period of sixty-fi've years was a minister of the
Methodist Church. The last thirty-five years of his life was spent in
Michigan, where he served Methodist churches at Jackson, Lansing,
Three_ Rivers, Leslie. Hillsdale and various other points. He died in
Ontario while on a visit to his son, December 5, 1909, when almost eighty-
seven years of age. He was married December 25. 1842, to Miss Mary
Lavina Moore, who was born at Port Hope, Ontario, May 23, 1820, the
daughter of Thomas Moore, a Scotch-Irish Presbyterian who came to
America from Ireland and settled in Canada. ]\Irs. Gray died November
5, 1912, at Leslie, Michigan, in her ninety-second year. Rev. and Mrfe.
Gray lived together as husband and wife for about sixty-eight years,
and their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary had been passed before there
was a single death in their family, while their golden wedding anniversary
was celebrated at Leslie, Michigan, December 25, 1892, in the presence
of their children and grandchildren. Their children were: Martha A.;
Michael II.: E. Soi)hronia, who is now Mrs. Alfred Leach: William A.;
Phoebe Ann, who is now Mrs. Russell Godfrey; James E. ; Catherine,
who is now Mrs. Edward Norton, a widow; Emily Lavina, who is now
Mrs. Dr. Charles R. P.rown : and George D. Martha A. and James E.,
are_ deceased, the former having been twice married, first to "james A.
Elliott, who died, and then to Lafayette Jones, who survived her for
several years, his death occurring January 29, 1914; Michael H. lives at
Ingersoll, Ontario; William A. is a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana;
Mrs. Alfred Leach makes her home at Leslie, IMichigan, as do Mrs. Rus-
sell Godfrey, Mrs. Edwin Norton and Mrs. Emily Brown ; Mrs. Martha
Jones died at Leslie, in April, 1907; and James A., died at Ingersoll,
Ontario, in September, 19 13.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1225
George D. Gray was eight years of age when he accompanied his par-
ents to Jackson, Michigan, in 1872, and two years later was taken to
Leslie, where his youth was spent, his education being secured in the
public schools of that place. Upon his graduation from the Leslie High
school, at the age of eighteen years, he came to Jackson, in 1882, and his
residence has continued to be maintained here ever since. On his arrival
in this city, Mr. Gray solicited and secured employment in the sash, door
and blind factory of S. Heyser & Sons, a firm with which he was con-
nected for a period of nearly twenty years. His ability, faithfulness and
integrity won him repeated advancement, and he learned thoroughly every
detail of the business, so that when he was ready to embark upon a ven-
ture of his own he was familiar with its every department. In 1901, with
William J. Lepard, who had also been an employe of S. Heyser & Sons
for many years, he founded the firm of Lepard & Gray, which still con-
tinues in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, the plant of the con-
cern at 240-244 Michigan avenue being the largest of its kind in Jackson,
with an immense planing mill. The business has grown steadily during
its thirteen years of existence, and under the capable management of the
partners has been able to compete with the competition which increased
capital and trade have brought to Jackson. Mr. Gray has other business
interests, Ijeing president of the E.xcelsior Building and Loan Association
and a member of the board of directors of the Jackson Savings and Loan
Association. He is a valued member of the Jackson Chamber of Com-
merce, belongs to the Jackson City Club, holds membership in the Knights
of Pythias and is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, a Knight
Templar and a Shriner. With his family he is an attendant of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Essentially a business man, with large and
varied interests, he has not found time for the activities of the political
arena, but has shown a commendable willingness to bear his full share
of the responsibilities of citizenship, and has efficiently served one term
as a member of the city council from the Si.xth Ward. He has always
been a supporter of Republican policies and candidates.
On October 26, 1882, Mr. Gray was married at the age of eighteen
years to Miss Inez M. Powell. They have no living children.
Albert O. Reece. Since his admission to the bar in 1901 l\Ir. Reece
has found his time employed in handling not only an increasing private
practice, Ijut a large mass of public interests invested in his charge in
various public offices. Mr. Reece is city attorney of Jackson at the present
time, is a former prosecuting attorney of the county, and has a very high
place in the local bar.
Born in the city of Jackson which has been his life long home on
May I, 1879, Albert O. Reece is the youngest of four sons born to John
Reece, and Elizabeth (Andrews) Reece. His parents were both born in
England, and the oldest son was born in that country. They came to
America in 1872, and the father lived at Jackson, from that time until
his death in 1894. He was a tailor by trade. The mother still lives in
Jackson, and all her four sons are in the same city. Albert is the only
lawver of the familv, and his three brothers are Fred C, Henry A., and
Wifliam T. ■ ■
Albert O. Reece grew up in his native city, is a graduate of the Jack-
son high school, and before he had reached his majority he volunteered
his services during the Spanish American war of 1898. Returning to
Jackson he entered upon his studies for a profession in the offices of
John W. Miner, and Grove H. Wolcott. He was admitted to the bar in
1901, and has since practiced law as his official duties would permit.
Mr. Reece served as city attorney in 1903-04, and on May i, 1913,
1226 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
was again elected to the same ofifice, receiving a large popular vote in
approval of his candidacy. He held the office of circuit court commis-
sioner in 1903-04, was as'sistant prosecuting attorney for Jackson county
from igo5 to 1909, and in 1908 was elected prosecuting attorney, his term
running from 1909 to 191 1. In politics Mr. Reece is a Republican.
His fraternal affiliations are with the jMasonic Order, in which he has
taken the Royal Arch degree, and with the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. On June 27, 1905, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Reece with Miss Ethel Howard. Their two children are Donald H.
and David L.
GiiORGE Moore. The history of the building trades in Detroit would
have frequent occasion to mention the old established and well known
combination of Putman & Moore which for more than twenty years has
been engaged in the business of mason contracting. Recently the busi-
ness was incorporated under the title Putman, Moore & Brown, with of-
fices in the Builders & Traders Exchange headquarters. George Moore,
vice president of this concern, has been identified with mason contracting
in Detroit for more than thirty years, and is one of the leading men in
that line.
A native of Canada, he was born in the city of Toronto, Ontario, Jan-
uary 22, 1857. His parents were Samuel and Ann (Gibson) Moore, both
of Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland. In that country they were married, and
the oldest of their fourteen children was also born in the old country. In
the early '40s they emigrated to America, locating first in Toronto and
later in London, Ontario. The trade which George Moore follows is in
the nature of a family profession, since there has been brick masons and
contractors in the immediate family for three successive generations. His
maternal grandparents were William and Fanny Gibson, the former a
native of Kings and the latter of Queens county, Ireland. William
Gibson was a contractor, and his father was also a contractor, so that if
there is anything in inheritance Mr. Moore must credit some of his suc-
cess to his antecedents. Samuel Moore, his father, was a slater in both
Toronto and London, and in the latter city also did contracting. His
death occurred in London in 1889, and his widow died in Detroit in 191 1.
George Moore spent his boyhood days in London, Ontario, attended
the public schools there and learned the brick mason's trade under his
uncle, George Gibson, who subsequently took the young man in as a
partner. Mr. Moore came to Detroit in 1882, and for some years worked
under dififerent firms, most of the time as a foreman. On January i, 1893,
began the partnership of Putman & Moore with John F. Putman as senior
partner. That relationship, continued under the present corporate title,
is today one of the oldest firms of mason contractors in the city. The
business was incorporated in January, 1914. with Mr. Putman as presi-
dent, Mr. Moore as vice president and William Brown as secretary and
treasurer of the Putman, Moore & Brown Company. _
During its long and successful experience of twenty-one years in De-
troit the firm of Putman & Moore erected many of the city's best known
examples of architecture. Among the larger contracts executed by the
firm have been the following : The Spelts & Worch and the St. Telmo
ci<'ar factories- Timpkins Axle Works; Detroit Shear Company's fac-
tory • the addition to the E. M. F. Automoljile factory ; addition to the
Peninsula Stove Works, besides many apartment houses and costly resi-
dences and the Butzel Library building. . , ^ ■ t. mj
Mr Moore is one of the oldest members m the Detroit Builders &
Traders Exchange, of which important body he is a director, and in
Decemlicr 1913, was chosen treasurer of the Exchange and still holds
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1227
that office. He is vice president of the Jol-in H. Busby Electrical Com-
pany of Detroit. His fraternal affiliations are with the Ashlar Lodge,
the Peninsular Chapter, Damascus Commandery and Moslem Temple of
the_ Masonic Order. He is an ex-president of the Masters Association of
Builders, and also belongs to the Star Council of the Royal Arcanum.
He is president of the London, Ontario, Old Boys' Association of Detroit.
His wife before her marriage was Mary Davidson, born in County
Down, Ireland, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Webster) Davidson.
Her paternal grandfather was Thomas Davidson and her maternal grand-
father Samuel Webster. The Davidson family crossed the ocean and
located in London, Optario, in 1870. The children of Mr. and Mrs.
Moore are as follows: Sarah Ann, who was born in London, Ontario,
and is the wife of John H. Busby of Detroit, and their children are Eva-
line Gertrude, Lillian, Ruth and George Henry; Blanche, who married
William Brown of Detroit, has one daughter, Marion Gertrude; Mary
Gertrude, who died November 29, 1890, at the age of one year and nine
months; and Alary Beatrice, who lives at home.
WiNTHROP WiTHiNGTON, youngest son of General William H. With-
ington, was born November 30, 1S78, at Jackson, Michigan. He was
educated at Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, at Chateau de
Lancy, Geneva, Switzerland, and at the University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan.
He is manager of the Withington Works of the American Fork & Hoe
,Co. vice president of the Sparks- Withington Co., and ex-president of the
Jackson Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson City Club and the Meadow
Heights Country Club.
He was married January 14, 1903, to Miss Marie G. Bennett, daugh-
ter of Arthur A. Bennett, of Jackson. He has one son, William H. With-
ington, born January 28, 1908.
Frank Holmes Goddard. In other articles appearing in this work,
frequent mention has been made of the continuous and remarkable growth
Detroit has undergone during the past decade, and of tlie many new and
handsome structures that have been erected during this time. Many of
the contracts that have been let for these have been placed with the city's
home contractors, and some of the largest and handsomest edifices that
have been built in recent years are the creation of Frank Holmes God-
dard, president of the general contracting firm of F. H. Goddard Com-
pany (Inc.), and a citizen who has become a conspicuous figure in the
business world.
Mr. Goddard is a native of the old Nutmeg state, having been born
at New London, Connecticut, Decemljer 23, 1866, a son of James and
Elizabeth (Holmes) Goddard. He received his early education in the
public graded schools of his native state, and completed his schooldays
as a student at Seabury Institute, Saybrook, Connecticut. In 1882, when
a lad of sixteen years, he came to Detroit, and in this city learned the
trade of bricklayer, under his uncle, Allen F. Holmes, who was a mason
contractor. Members of this family have been prominently known in
contracting circles of this city for many years, and Mr. Goddard's great-
uncle, Elisha Forsythe, was a pioneer contractor of Detroit, and the
Ijuilder of the first five-story building in Alichigan, as well as of the orig-
inal building of the Detroit House of Correction. Both Allen F. Holmes
and Elisha Forsythe were natives of Connecticut, where both the God-
dards and Holmeses were among the old and prominent families.
Frank H. Goddard worked at this trade with his uncle, Allen F.
Holmes, for some years, and displayed such ability and fidelity that
1228 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
finally, in 1891, he was admitted to partnership. In the following year
Mr. Holmes retired from active business affairs, and Mr. Goddard suc-
ceeded to the business, which he conducted alone for a time. He then
became one of the founders and original members of the mason contract-
ing firm of Chandler & Goddard, and after the dissolution of that part-
nership Mr. Goddard continued in contracting alone until 1909, when he
organized and incorporated what has since become known as one of the
foremost concerns of its kind in the city, the F. H. Goddard Company
(Inc.), general contractors. In the capacity of president of this enter-
prise, Mr. Goddard has shown himself a man of energy and foresight,
while the high grade and cjuality of the work dona by the company form
a monument to his skill and integrity as a contractor. He is widely known
in contracting circles, and has been honored by his fellow-members of
the Detroit Builders' Exchange by election to the position of president of
the mason branch of that body. He is an active member of the Detroit
Board of Commerce, and one of his community's best citizens, a worthy
representative of the stable, prosperous men that go to compose a stable
and prosperous city. His offices are maintained at No. 516 Franklin
street. In fraternal circles, Mr. Goddard is connected with the Masonic
order, in which he has attained to^he thirty-second Scottish Rite degree,
being a Knight Templar and a Shriner.
On December 27, 1900, Mr. Goddard was married at Detroit, to Miss
Elizabeth Burk. daughter of John Burk. Mr. Burk was born in Ireland,
was graduated from Dublin University, and came to the United States
in young manhood, here taking up the vocation of educator. After some
years sj^ent in teaching school in the southern states, he retired from his
profession and came to Detroit, where he passed away.
Peter Schulte. For more than half a century Peter Schulte, one
of Detroit's oldest and most highly respected citizens, has been identified
with the growth and development of the city and its institutions. A
native of the Fatherland, he has been a resident of Detroit since the age
of seventeen years, and his career has been one of tireless industry
characterized with well-known business success. Mr. Schulte was born
in the village of Bremschied. province of Westphalia. Germany. Novem-
ber 22, 1833, and is a son of John and Christina (Berens) Schulte.
The Schulte family was founded in Detroit in 1850, although one of
Mr. Schulte's sisters had resided here for five years previous to that
time. He had secured an ordinary education in the public schools of
his native land, and after coming to Detroit attended the public schools
here in order to perfect himself in the English language. Here he also
learned carjjentering. a trade which he followed for several years,
and gradually drifted into the business of contracting. While thus en-
gagefl he also entered the retail grocery business, and is at this time
vice-])resi(lent of the Michigan Wholesale Grocery Company, a large
and flourishing industry which has been built up to large proportions
under his able direction. His contracting and building operations re-
sulted in his establishing a factory for the manufacture of sash, doors
and lumber, which he later converted into a bo.x factory, one of the
two first to manufacture boxes in Detroit. In those early days Mr.
Sciiulte was also extensively interested in banking, and became one of
the organizers and an officer of the American Savings Association. He
also held interests in the old Ward line of steamships in the Lake
Su])erior ore-carrying trade, and for two years was engaged in an agri-
cultural venture on his fine farm in .Springville township. Farming,
however, did not prove a congenial occupation, and eventually he re-
turned to the cily. where he Iiecanie n half owner in the Schulte Soap
'j^LLU-o:
TH! N£W TCM:
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1229
Manufacturing Company, with his brother-in-law, Casper Schulte. He
continued in the soap business for about five years, and then re-entered
the grocery business and resumed building operations, being thus en-
gaged for a long period on his own account. In 1879 he became
associated with Mr. Anthony F. Grosfield, another of 'Detroit's old and
highly esteemed citizens, and they entered into the real estate business
on a large scale, buying, platting and building and selling in diil^erent
parts of the city. Among other large tracts they handled was the land
known as the "Retreat" tract, the first site of the retreat for the insane,
now located at Dearborn. This tract, running from Michigan avenue
to the Michigan Central Railroad, was purchased by Messrs. Schulte
& Grosfield, platted, improved and placed on the market, and became
one of the finest residence districts in the city. They donated to the
city the right-of-way for West Grand Boulevard, a donation which
rei-iresented a net loss of $60,000. Eventually Messrs. Schulte & Gros-
field added fire insurance, and for a number of years this firm was con-
sidered one of the leading insurance and real estate firms in the city.
These two partners and friends mutually dissolved the partnership some
years ago, but their friendship remains as cordial' as ever, and they still
have business interests in common to some' extefit.
Mr. Schulte is a devout member of tIieRorrfe!i 'Catholic church. He
was one of the trustees of St. Boniface church and a member of the
building committee when the present church was erected, and is also
a member of St. Joseph's Society, which is one of the oldest church
organizations in Detroit. Mr. Schulte's life ha's been a long and eventful
one, filled with constant endeavor, and the success which comes to the
deserving is his. He has done his full share toward the building up of
his beautiful adopted city, and has contributed liberally to the institu-
tions of the community, and now, in his eighty-first year, in the full
enjoyment of health and faculties, he is reaping the reward of a well
spent and useful life.
Mr. Schulte has been twice married. His first wife was Catherine
Ternes, daughter of Christian Ternes, who was an early German set-
tler in the vicinity of Detroit. She was born in Germany, May 17, 1839,
and died November 26, 1892. The nine living children of this marriage
are as follows : Mary, Christina, Katherine, Peter W., Anthony P.,
Elizabeth, Joseph N., Cecelia and Caroline. Mr. Schulte's second wife
was Mary Karschna, who was also born in Germany, the daughter of
.\nthony Karschna, an old German citizen of Detroit. Two children
have been born to this marriage, Irmengarde M. and Margaret. Mr.
Schulte has never sought nor cared for political office.
WiLLi.xM H. M.\LONEY. For forty years Mr. Maloney has been iden-
tified with the mercantile affairs of Jackson. His has been a career of
hard but worthily won success. Left an orphan at an early age, though
he had a good home and excellent training among friends, he began life
without patrimony, and through his own efl^orts has overcome the diffi-
culties, which had hedged his path to success and has gained a prominent
place in Jackson business life.
Born on a farm in Allegany county. New York, May 3, 1853, William
H. Maloney is a son of James and Fanny (Crowley) ATaloney. His
parents were natives of Ireland, where they were married, and before
they came to America their two oldest children were born. These chil-
dren were both sons, named Thomas and James D. Thomas Maloney
now lives in Jackson, Michigan, at the age of seventy-one, and is an
honored veteran of the Civil war. James D. Maloney, who also saw
service in the Civil war as a drummer boy, afterwards located at Troy,
Vol. rn— 2
1230 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
New York, and spent the rest of the days in and about the city, dying
November i6, 1905. His name has a place in the annals of American
sport. He was one of the pioneer baseball players and managers in the
state of New York. At one time he owned and managed the Troy team
in the state league, and his team won the state pennant. He was also a
successful business man, and for many years conducted a hotel in Water-
vliet, a suburb of Troy, and was one of the substantial and influential
men of the city. After James and Fanny Maloney came to the United
States, three other children were born, as follows : Mrs. Ella Guerin, of
Detroit, widow of Thomas Guerin ; William H. ; and Sarah, now Mrs.
Owen Hankerd, of Henrietta township, in Jackson county. After com-
ing to America James ^laloney and wife lived in Allegany county. New
York, for a short time, but in the spring of 1854, when William was a
year old, they moved to Jackson county, Michigan, locating on a farm just
south of the county seat. The mother died in 1859. The fntiier then
gave up farming and brought his children into Jackson. Not long after-
wards the Civil war began, and James Maloney was one of the volunteers
from Jackson county, enlisting in Company K, of the Eighth Michigan
Infantry. When he went to tlie front he left his five motherless children
with friends in Jackson. While in the service he was stricken with a
severe case of chronic diarrhea, and on that account was honorably dis-
charged in the spring of 1863. During the following months he appar-
ently recovered, and early in 1864 once more went to the front, but the
same old trouble soon returned and he died of that disease near Mobile,
Alabama, in December, 1864. His body now rests in the National ceme-
tery at Mobile. His services in the army was as a musician, a fifer in a
drum corps.
By the death of their father the five Maloney children were orphaned,
and were thrown on the mercy of friends and practically all of them grew
up among strangers.
In 1865 William H. Maloney, who was then eleven years of age, went
to live with the family of Patrick and Owen Hankerd, well known and
substantial farmers of Henrietta township in Jackson county. Mr. Han-
kerd later became very prominent in Michigan politics and besides six-
teen years of service as supervisor in his county, was three times a mem-
ber of the state legislature and at one time a candidate for Congress against
Hon. James O'Donnell. Owen Hankerd, the other brother, subsequently
married Mr. Maloney 's sister, Sarah. With the Hankerd family William
H. Maloney had a good home from the time he was eleven years of age
until he reached his majority. He could not have received better care
and more comforts in a home of his own, and he has a high regard for
the man who stood for him in the capacity of father and brother. For
three months each year he was allowed to attend the district schools near
the Hankerd home, and continued his education until he was twenty-one.
His last teacher was Patrick Hankerd. Since 1874, Mr. Maloney has had
his home in Jackson. Until 1892, a period of eighteen years, he was
identified with the William M. Bennett & Sons, dry goods and carpet
merchants. At that time that business was the leading dry goods and
carpet house in Jackson. It occupied the same business block now oc-
cupied by the L. H. Field establishment. For several years Mr. Maloney
had a minor part in the business, sold goods and performed all the other
duties required of him, and by close attention to his work, by the exercise
of good judgment, and with increasing familiarity with his trade, ad^
vanced to larger responsibilities and finally became department manager
in the company. In 1892, having acquired some capital of his own, and
having gained the confidence of business men and the public generally in
Jackson, Mr. Maloney engaged in business for himself on South Mechanic
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1231
street. That street has been the scene of all his independent enterprise
as a merchant, and at the present time he is the oldest merchant on the
street. At the beginning he dealt entirely in carpets, draperies, linoleums
and similar goods. In 1897, on removing to his present business room at
No. 127 South Mechanic street, he extended his enterprise by installing
a large stock of furniture, and now has one of the best patronized estab-
lishments of its kind in the city.
Mr. IMaloney is a member of St. Mary's Catholic church, of which
he is trustee, affiliates with the Knights of Columbus, with the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, and both in business and social sections is
one of the best known men in Jackson. Besides his mercantile enterprise,
Mr. Maloney is president of the Advance Grease and Chemical Company,
now one of the important manufacturing concerns of Jackson. He was
one of the organizers of the business in 1909, and has been its presi-
dent since the factory was opened. He is also a stockholder and director
of the Citizens Telephone Company of Jackson, of which he is one of the
organizers.
On October 12, 1880, Mr. Maloney married :\Iiss Mamie Harrison,
of Jackson. They have five children, namely: William Francis, called
Frank ; David Ray ; Mary T. ; Gertrude I. ; and Agnes L. The son Frank
is active assistant to his father in the furniture business. David Ray is
connected with the Citizens Telephone Company, in the position known
as "wire chief." The second son, Harry, died in childhood.
Martin Nicholas Burkiieiser. It is with the general building trades
that Martin N. Burkheiser has his most prominent relationship with the
city of Detroit, and for a number of years he has stood in the front rank
of mason and concrete contractors, a position which is proved not only
by the record of his actual work but also by the honors paid him by the
organized bodies of the building trades in the city. His name is also
suggestive of an old and honored family of Detroit, one which has been
identified with the building lines since almost the pioneer days, and in
the brief sketch which follows are mentioned a number of well known
former and present Detroit citizens who properly are considered under
this title.
IMartin Nicholas Burkheiser was born in Detroit, August 4, 1874, a
son of Adam and Barbara (Kehl) Burkheiser. The Burkheiser family
was founded in Detroit by John Burkheiser, who stood in the relationship
of great-uncle to Martin N. Burkheiser. He was one of Detroit's pioneer
German citizens and early builders, and came from Bavaria and located
in Detroit during the early forties. As a member of the firm of Walker-
man & Burkheiser he first became identified with the city, but subse-
quently carried on contracting under his own name for many years. Due
to his influence his nephew Carl Burkheiser left the old country and in
Detroit learned the brick mason's trade, and after Carl had become well
established he sent for his brother, Adam, who came to Detroit in 1866.
Adam Burkheiser was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 20. 1849,
was seventeen years of age when he emigrated to America, and after
learning the I)rick mason's trade engaged in business with his brother,
Carl, under the firm name of Burkheiser & Brother. Their record as con-
tractors continued for a number of years until the appointment of Carl
as city sewer inspector dissolved the partnership. Adam Bvn'kheiser
then continued in business under his "own name until about 1900, when
the firm of A. Burkheiser & Son was established and continued in active
existence until 1903. In that year Adam Burkheiser lost his life in an
elevator accident in the Chamber of Commerce building, and thus De-
troit lost one of its most esteemed and capable citizens and business men.
1232 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Barbara Kehl, who married Adam Burkheiser, introduces another
family lineage which has furnished a number of well known citizens to
Detroit. She was born in Tiffin, Ohio, January 28, 1849, a daughter of
Martin Kehl, who was born in Germany in one of the Rhine Provinces,
and the son of a Frenchman. Martin Kehl came to America in 1847,
settling at Tiffin, Ohio, and when his daughter, Mrs. Burkheiser, was an
infant moved the family to Detroit. Mrs. Burkheiser is still living.
Martin Kehl was for many years engaged in teaming, excavating, and in
the ice business. In the early days one feature of his business was the
transportation of goods by wagon from Detroit to Saginaw, Bay City
and other Michigan towns which were as yet unconnected by railway with
Detroit. As an excavating contractor he helped construct the earlier
city, having excavated for the old city hall, the Moffett building, the
Campau building, and many others of the old-time structures which are
still landmarks in the commercial district of Detroit. Alartin Kehl was
a man of no small originality and enterprise. He is said to have intro-
duced the saw into the ice harvesting industry, and thus increased to a
large degree the capacity of his organization, and for a number of years
had the contract for filling most of the ice houses in the city. From his
enterprise in that direction he gained the title of "ice-man Kehl." Mar-
tin Kehl was a large man physically, standing six feet four inches,
weighed three hundred and twenty-five pounds, and had a vigor cor-
responding to his physical proportions, since he was a hundred and one
years of age at the time of his death in 1910. Martin Kehl married
Catherine Bensfield. Their son, Anthony Kehl, served in a Michigan
regiment during the Civil war, while Mrs. Kehl's brother, Nicholas Bens-
field, was also in the war and a body guard to General Phil Sheridan, and
passed away at the age of eighty-one years.
The children of Adam Burkheiser and wife are as follows: Karl,
who died in infancy : ]\Iartin N. ; Casper, who is a lieutenant in the De-
troit fire department; Frank, who died in infancy; Conrad C, superin-
tendent for the A. A. Albrecht & Company ; Elizabeth, who died in in-
fancy ; Frank, in the building business with his brother, Martin ; Joseph,
a member of the Detroit police department; William, also associated with
his brother, Martin, in the building trade; Nicholas, a member of the
Burkheiser firm as a building contractor; and Albert, who died in in-
fancy.
As a boy Martin N. Burkheiser attended St. Mary's parish parochial
school and in his efi^orts to gain an education to fit him for a successful
career he attended for some time a night school conducted in what is
known as the old "Capitol Schoolhouse." From boyhood his assistance
was given to his father, and his expert knowledge of brick-laying and of
cement work dates back to years before he reached his majority. Gradu-
ally the greater part of responsibilities of office management for his father
devolved upon him, since the elder Burkheiser preferred the outside
work. In 1900 Martin Burkheiser became his father's partner, and with
the death of the latter in 1903 Martin assumed the business management
of the old firm, which was continued under the name of A. Burkheiser
& Son until 1907. In that year the present name M. N. Burkheiser was
adopted as tlie business title.
A large part of his time and facilities in recent years have been em-
ployed in building factories for the Aluminum Castings Company of
America, for which company he has put up all their many buildings ex-
cept the original plant. Other examples of his work includes the plant
for the Michigan Smelting and Refining Company, for the Detroit Auto
Specialty Company, the warehouse for the People's Outfitting Company.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 123:i
the power plant of the Detroit Ship Building Company, besides a great
number of residences, apartment houses and stores.
In the organized bodies of the building trades Mr. Burkheiser has a
place of unusual precedence. He has been practically since its organiza-
tion one of the most active members of the Detroit Builders and Traders
Exchange, was its treasurer in 191 1, a director in the same year, and is a
member of the Exchange's Ex-Directors Club. Mr. Burkheiser is a
third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, affiliates with
Detroit Lodge of Elks, No. 34, with Diamond Council of the Royal Ar-
canum, with Banner Council of the National Union, and his church home
is the Lady of Sorrows Catholic church. He enlisted in 1898 in A Troop
of the First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry Regiment and served during the
Spanish-American war. Mrs. Burkheiser, before her marriage, was
Agnes Murphy, who was born in Detroit, daughter of James Murphy.
James Murphy was born in Detroit in 1842 on the site of the old Detroit
postoffice at the corner of Griswold and Earned streets, and is still living,
one of the oldest native sons of the city. Grandfather James Murphy was
one of the pioneer Irish citizens of Detroit. Mrs. Burkheiser's mother was
Nellie Walsh, who was born in Ireland and who died in 1899 at the age
of forty-four. To the marriage of Mr. Burkheiser and wife three sons
have been born, as follows: Leo Adam, born in October, 1902; Norval
William, born in June, 1904 ; and Earl Francis, born in 1906.
Is--\AC Rall Wilson. Now retired after a successful business career,
Mr. Wilson gives most of his time and attention to his puljlic duties as
alderman of the Seventh Ward of Jackson. No better evidence of his
standing and integrity as a citizen could be adduced from the fact that
Mr. Wilson is a staunch Republican while his ward, long known as the
"Bloody Seventh," has been as regularly Democratic as the sun shines.
However, notwithstanding the political comple.xion of his constituencv,
and that his colleague in the council is one of the Democratic leaders of
the city, Mr. Wilson has for three successive terms won the honor of
representing his ward, and has |)rovcd a useful, diligent and ])ublic spir-
ited official.
Mr. Wilson is second cousin to President Woodrow Wilson. He was
born on a farm near Elizabeth, New Jersey, October 27,, 1852. His fatlier.
John W'ilson was a carriage manufacturer. The maiden name of ihe
mother was Catherine Rail, whose father, Isaac Rail for whom Mr. Wil-
son was named, was a sea captain. Both parents are now deceasecl. the
father having died when Isaac was four and a half years of age. The
mother attained to the venerable age of ninety-two. She was married
three times, and John Wilson was her second husband.
Isaac Rail Wilson has had a varied business career. As a boy after
leaving school he served an apprenticeship of four years at the trade
of brick layer and plasterer. That was in his native city of Elizabeth,
New Jersey, but he did not pursue his trade after coming to Michigan in
1871. Since 1874 his home has been in the city of Jackson. For eighteen
years, Mr. Wilson was one of the well known railroad men, running out
of Jackson, over the lines of the Michigan Central, beginning as brake-
man, he won advancement to the position of conductor, and was one of
the most efficient men in the service. After leaving railroading he was
for six years in the hardware business, and finally went into the grocery
trade, conducting for eleven years, a high-class establishment at 423
East Main Street. Four years ago he retired from the grocery trade.
having acquired a competence, and all his prosperity has been won
by hard work and unwavering honesty in all his dealings.
On June 19, 1883, Mr. Wilson married IMary C. Eader. They are
1234 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
the parents of one son and one daughter: Catherine, now Airs. Joseph
J. Johnson; and John Bader Wilson, who lives at home with his parents.
Frank M. Pauli. Occupying a foremost position among the lead-
ing carpenter contractors of Detroit is found Frank M. Pauli, who since
his entrance in the business in 1909 has erected a number of large and
valuable structures in the city. A man of energy and progressive ideas,
his contributions to the city's welfare have been of a distinctly helpful
character, and in business circles he occupies a position firmly established
in the confidence of his associates. Mr. Pauli was born at Bedford, Cuy-
ahoga county, Ohio, March 25, 1867, and is a son of Frank G. and Bertha
(Koehler) Pauli.
The parents of Mr. Pauli were both born in Germany, in which coun-
try they were married, and soon thereafter, in 1865, came to the United
States and settled at Bedford, Ohio, where the father established himself
in the undertaking business. He soon removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where
he remained a short time, and in 1869 came to Detroit, where he carried
on the retail grocery business until his death in 1876. Mrs. Pauli sur-
vived him until 1887. The early education of Frank M. Pauli was
secured in the parochial schools of Detroit, where he showed himself an
alert and studious scholar, and when he laid aside his books he took up
the carpenter's trade, to which he applied himself asiduously, learning
every detail of the business. For a number of years he followed the
trade and then took up contracting on his own account, both in building
and jobbing. His early efiforts were of a modest nature, but as the ex-
cellence of his work and his absolute reliability have become recognized
and appreciated, he has enjoyed a steadily increasing patronage, and at
this time is accounted one of the leading men in his line in a city which
does not lack for able and substantial contracting firms. Since 1909 he
has contracted for some of the large and important structures erected in
Detroit, among them being a block of fourteen terraces on Woodward
and Monterey avenues, a block of ten terraces on St. Clair and Jefferson
avenues, a block of nine store buildings on Woodward avenue near Willis
avenue, a factory building for the Van Dyke Motor Car Company, and
numerous buildings for the Timken-Detroit Axle works, the Scripps
Power building on Congress street, and various other structures, both
business and residential. Mr. Pauli's complete plant and large lumber
yard are located at Nos. 30 to 40 Shepherd street. He is widely and
favorably known in his line, and is a member of the Detroit Builders' and
Traders' Exchange, of the Chamber of Commerce, and is secretary of
the Carpenter Contractors' Division of the Employers Association of De-
troit. Pie also holds membership in the C. M. B. A. and the Ohio Society
of Detroit. .
Mr. Pauli married Anna M. Haase, who was born m Sagmaw, Michi-
gan, daughter of J. Haase, a veteran of the Civil War. To Air. and Mrs.
Pauli there have been born the following children: Frank G., born in
1889, who is engaged in business with his father; William M., who was
also 'in business with his father until his death, January 20, 1914, at the
ao-e of twenty-two years; Clarence AL, born in 1901, who is attending
school; Grace, born in 1903, who is also a student. With supreme faith
in the future greatness of his adopted city, with the ability to profit by
ijrcscnt conditions, and possessing a desire to aid others to do so, Mr
Pauli has made a place for himself among Detroit's progressive and
public-spirited citizens, and at all times displays a commendable willing-
ness to contribute of his time, his efforts and his means to the advance-
ment of those movements which promise to be of benefit to the city whose
irrowth he has fostered and with whose prosperity he has prospered.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1235
George E. Lewis, who for twenty-five years was in active business
as a grocer, and who now represents the Fourth Ward in the City Coun-
cil, has spent all his life in Jackson county, and his family is one of the
oldest and most hardy in this part of the state.
George Edwin Lewis was born on a farm in Columbia township of
Jackson county, May 30, i860. Long life and prosperity have been
cardinal characteristics of the Lewis family. His father, Thomas Lewis,
is now a veteran in years, having reached the age of eighty-two and lives
in the comforts of a well spent life at the home of his son, George E.,
in Jackson. He was born near Rochester, New York, January 14, 1832,
and in spite of his age is still strong and hearty, and would easily be
taken for a man of sixty. When he was three years of age, in 1835,
he was brought to Michigan, which was then a territory, and practically
the entire area of southern Michigan was still an unbroken wilderness.
The pioneer founder of the family in this state was Grandfather
Thomas Jefferson Lewis, who in his earlier years had seen service in
the War of 181 2 on the American side. Grandfather Lewis married
Dolly Derby, who died when her son, Thomas, was nine years of age.
Grandfather died in 1862, and both passed away in Jackson county where
they were among the pioneer settlers. The longevity which has char-
acterized the family of Lewis is well illustrated by the fact that five sons
of Grandfather Lewis are still living, namely : Edwin George, Thomas,
Isaac Ives, James and Alonzo. All five of these brothers have reached
the psalmist's age of threescore and ten, Alonzo being seventy, while
Edwin George, the oldest, is eighty-six.
Thomas Lewis, the father, spent all his active years as a farmer and
stock raiser, and dealt extensively in live stock, those activities afford-
ing him the basis of a substantial competence. On July 4, 1855, he mar-
ried Mary Priscilla Carey. They became the parents of eight children
of whom only two sons are now living, George Edwin and Stephen Eu-
gene, both of Jackson. Mary Priscilla Lewis died December 15, 1905.
George Edwin Lewis was reared on his father's farm in Columbia
township, had his training in the country schools, and the daily duties of
his boyhood and youth prepared him for a life of a practical farmer and
stock raiser. He was on the home place until he reached the age of
twenty-three, and from that time up to 1913, he was actively engaged in
the grocery business. In 1887 Mr. Lewis came to Jackson, and from
that year until 1913, he conducted a prosperous grocery on South Mil-
waukee street. Thus he was for a full quarter of a century one of the
well known merchants of the city. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Retail
Grocers and General Merchants Association of Michigan, an organization
which he formerly served in the capacity of treasurer. He has for the
past fifteen years been secretary of the Lalioring Men's Building iS: Loan
Association.
Mr. Lewis is now a member of the Board of Aldermen from the
Fourth Ward, having been elected as a Democrat, though the ward has
a normal Republican majority of about two hundred. His election by a
margin of sixty-nine votes is in itself a high tribute to his personal pop-
ularity and his standing as a citizen. Some years ago he lived in the
Fifth Ward and represented that constituency for two terms in the coun-
cil. Air. Lewis was at one time a member of the Public Library Board,
and his fraternal affiliations are with the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks. On October 31, 1882, he married Frankie Rizpah Lewis, who,
though of the same name, was not related to him prior to their marriage.
They have one daughter, Miss Neva Fern Lewis, who graduated from
the Jackson High School and later was a student in the LTniversity of
Michisran.
1236 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Robert W. Standart, chainiKin of the Standart Brothers Company
(Ltd.), of Detroit, one of Michigan's largest wholesale hardware concerns,
whose intense and well directed activity has resulted in the upbuilding of
one of the largest commercial enterprises of the city, has made a record
in the business world such as any man might' be proud to possess, and one
wilich excites the admiration of his fellow townsmen and the respect of
those who have in any way been connected with him in business transac-
tions. Never incurring obligations he has'not met, nor making engage-
ments that he has not tilled, he has won the unciualified trust of the busi-
ness public and his name has become a synonym for commercial integrity
and enterprise.
Mr. Standart is a native of the Empire State, having been born at
Auburn, New York, June 12, 1846, a son of the late Henry W. and Ann
(Gardner) Standart. His father and brothers, George and Joseph G.
Standart, came from Auburn, New York, to Detroit, Michigan, in June,
1863, for the purpose of establishing themselves in business, and founded
here the hardware firm of Standart Brothers, now grown into the whole-
sale line and still being carried on under the original name. Robert W.
Standart attended the public schools of Auburn, New York, and was
seventeen years of age when he came to Detroit to join his father and
brothers. Entering the store as a clerk, he worked his way steadily upward
in the growing business until, ten years after his advent therein, he was
admitted to a partnership with the older members. Upon the incorpora-
tion of the company, in 1900, he became treasurer, a capacity in which he
acted until iqi2, anfl then became chairman, a position which he has since
filled. Standart Brothers Company (Ltd.) from a small beginning has
grown into one of the largest enterprises in its line in the state of Michi-
gan, and is known to the trade all over the United States. The men who
have been at the head of this enterprise have wrought along modern busi-
ness lines, keeping in advance of the trade sufficiently to make the object
of patronage a desirable one to the retailers, while the house, wherever
known, is honored for its unassailable business methods and straight-
forward dealing. From the beginning of his connection with the house
Robert W. Standart has worked earnestly and persistently, has formed his
plans readily and has been determined in their execution. Endowed by
nature with sound judgment and an accurate, discriminating mind, he has
not feared that laborious attention to the details of business so necessary
to achieve success, and this essential quality has ever been guided by a
sense of moral right which tolerates the employment only of those means
that will bear the most rigid examination by a fairness of intention that
neither seeks nor requires disguise. A man of philanthropic views, for
many years he has been active in his assistance of the Detroit Newsboys'
Association, and for a number of years served as its treasurer. It is but
just and merited praise to say that Mr. Standart as a business man ranks
with the ablest, as a citizen is honorable, prompt and true to every engage-
ment, and as a man liolds the esteem of all classes of the people.
At Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1876, Mr. Standart was married to
Miss Harriet C. Hyde, and they have two sons : William F. and Robert
\V., both of whom are connected with the firm of Standart Brothers.
Richard Frederick Kurntz. A specialist in the line of plastering
contracting, Mr. Kurntz, who has been in business on his own account in
Detroit since 1908, has perfected an organization for performing first-class
service, and has a fine and growing business. His home is at 617 Con-
cord street.
A native of Detroit, born at the corner of Scott and Chene streets, on
the East side, February 8, 1886, Richard Frederick Kurntz is a son of
public
HISTORY OF AIICHIGAN 1237
John and Ida (Verschupsky) Kurntz. His father was born in Detroit in
1864, and his mother in Germany, and both father and mother are now
living, the former engaged in the manufacture of cement blocks. Detroit
and its environs have encompassed practically the entire lifetime of Air.
R. F. Kurntz, and his education was acquired in the public schools, but
at the age of fourteen he decided to learn the trade of plasterer and served
an apprenticeship of four years. With proficiency in his trade he worked
as a journeyman for si.x years, and in igo8 started to contract under his
own name. His work is along the line of general plastering, and his busi-
ness has been successful from the start. Mr. Kurntz is a member of the
Detroit Builders and Traders Exchange, and of the Detroit Master Plas-
terers Association. He belongs to the Amaranths, the North American
Union, his church home is St. Mark's Lutheran, and his political affilia-
tion is with the Republican party.
Mr. Kurntz married Ethel May, who was born in Detroit, daughter
of Henry and Matilda (Mass) May. Both her parents were natives of
Detroit, but Frederick Mass, Mr. Kurntz' maternal grandfather, was a
German by birth and a soldier in the Prussian army, being attached to the
Cavalry body guard of King William of Prussia, who was afterwards
Emperor William the First of Germany. This old soldier came to the
United States and settled in Detroit near the close of our Civil war, and
was for a number of years engaged in the lumber business. To the mar-
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Kurntz has been born, one daughter, Ruby Ida
May Kurntz, in 1910.
TiiOM,\s B. T.'WLOR. Under the proprietorship of Thomas B. Taylor
the City Mills of Jackson have been making useful products for the past
thirty years, and they are one of the best known and most valuable local
industries. Mr. Taylor, who represents a pioneer family of Michigan,
has had a successful business career, beginning as a boy on a farm, and
gradually working his way from one stage of progress to the next higher,
and now for many years has enjoyed an influential position in local af-
fairs at Jackson.
Thomas B. Taylor was born on a farm in Livingston county, Mich-
i<Tan, August 29. 1849. Both parents were natives of England, and the
paternal grandparents followed their son to America and died in Liv-
ingston county, but the maternal grandparents never left the old coun-
try. Richard Taylor, father of the Jackson business man. came to Mich-
igan about 1835, and was one of the pioneers of Livingston county. He
was one of the substantial and hard-working farmer citizens of that time,
and did his share toward subduing the wilderness of Livingston county
and making it a landscape of farms and comfortable homes. He con-
tinued farming in the county the rest of his days, and died in 1880 at the
age of sixtv-three. He married Mary Ann Lumb. Their acquaintance
w'^as begun in England, but they were not married until after they came
to America and reached Livingston county. ?ilrs. Richard Taylor, who
died at the age of fifty-three, was the mother of eight children. Two of
them. George and Emma, are deceased, the former at the age of sixty-
three and the latter at the age of twelve. The six still living are : Alfred
Taylor ; Miss Nannie Taylor ; Thomas B. ; Nancy and Sarah, twins, the
former' now Mrs. John Rubbins, and the latter Mrs. Thomas Dill; and
Christopher Taylor. . .
Thomas B. Taylor spent his boyhood on his father's farm m Livuig-
ston county. His training was largely of a practical nature, though he
attended the country schools and laid a substantial basis for a useful
career. When he was twentv years old he attended Bryant & Stratton's
Business College in Detroit, 'but then returned to his father's farm and
1238 HISTORY OF AIICHIGAN
awaited a good opportunity to get into commercial life. The work which
started him on his career to success was selling farm implements, and to
individual buyers over a large section of country he sold threshing ma-
chines, buggies, wagons, plows and practically every kind of tool, im-
plement and machinery used on farms. Finally, as a result of a trade,
i\Ir. Taylor found himself owner of a farm in Waterloo township of Jack-
son county. He did not give his personal supervision to this land, and
in 1884 succeeded in trading it for the City !Mills of Jackson. Thus, in
a roundabout way, this valuable property came into his hands, and has
proved the basis for all his subsequent business career. In thirty years
he has made the mills quite an institution in Jackson and has given a
splendid reputation to their product.
Since coming to Jackson Mr. Taylor has made many friends, and he
enjoys a secure position in the regard of the entire community. He was
one of the organizers of the Central State Bank of Jackson and has been
one of its board of directors ever since. Fraternally he is a Chapter and
Council Mason, a member of the Order of Elks, and the Jackson Cham-
ber of Commerce. He has never married. His accomplishments as a
business man well measure his conduct and character as a citizen and
man, and his fellow citizens admire him for his honest dealings, his
sobriety, his uprightness and close attention to business.
Herman Marti x Batts. Though little more than thirty years of
age, Herman Martin Batts has already won a secure position in the build-
ing trades of Detroit, and as senior member of the firm of Batts & Van
Houw, carpenters and general contractors, is at the head of an already
successful business and one whose scope and reputation are constantly ex-
panding.
Of the substantial Holland stock that has been so important a factor
in the development of Michigan, Herman Batts was born in the city of
Grand Rapids, Michigan, on August i, 1883, a son of Martin and Petro-
nella (Visser) Batts. Both parents were natives of the Netherlands, and
came when single with their respective parents to the United States in
the same year, 1881, all locating in Grand Rapids. It was in Grand Rap-
ids that the father and mother were married and still live there, the
father being a retail grocery merchant. Both are members of the Chris-
tian Reformed church.
It was in Grand Rapids that Herman M. Batts grew up, acquired an
education through the common schools and in a business college, and in
1900, at the age of seventeen, found an apprentice place with a well
known carpenter of Grand Rapids and in two or three years had devel-
oped much expertness in his trade and was one of the most responsiDie
workmen m the employ of that contractor. He continued with one man
seven years, working as a journeyman in Grand Rapids until 1906, then
spent one year in Los Angeles, California, and after one year as an inde-
pendent contractor in Grand Rapids came to Detroit in 1910. In that
city he formed his partnership with Mr. Van Houw, and for the past
four years they have transacted a large business as general and carpenter
contractors. From the start they have never had a reverse, and the suc-
cessful manner in which they handle their business is a matter of com-
ment among their business associates. Among various buildings put up
by tliem are several large apartment houses in difTerent parts of the city,
some thirty residences, stores and other structures, and their record of
building during 1912 aggregated twenty-three Inuldings.
Mr. Batts is a member ot the Builders and Traders Exchange of
Detroit, the Master Carpenters Association, and, like his parents, affiliates
with the Christian Reformed church. On May 4, 191 1, occurred his mar-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1239
riage to Gertrude Dykstra, who was born in the Netherlands, a daughter
of Ate and Anna (Feenstra) Dykstra. The family emigrated to the
United States in 1891, establishing a home in Grand Rapids, where Mr.
and ^Irs. Batts became acquainted. They now have one son, Martin
Arthur, who is two years old.
Stephen H. Carroll. A prominent public-spirited citizen uf Jack-
son, Stephen H. Carroll, now president and general manager of the Con-
sumers Ice and Fuel Company, was for upwards of a quarter of a century,
identified with the municipal government as a member of the board of
aldermen, and an important factor in advancing the city's growth and
prosperity. A son of Peter Carroll, he was born, September 2, 1852, in
Burlington, Vermont, where his mother, whose home was then in Wel-
lington county, Canada, was born and reared, and where she was visiting
her people at the time of his birth.
Peter Carroll was born in Ireland, but came to America with his par-
ents when he was a mere lad. The family first settled at Burlington,
Vermont, where he grew to manhood and was married. Some years later
he removed with his wife and parents to Wellington county, Ontario,
Canada, where his parents spent the later years of their long and useful
lives, his father attaining the remarkable age of one hundred and three
years, while his mother lived to be one hundred and one years old. In
1876 he came with his family to Michigan, locating in Traverse county,
where he spent his last days, passing away at the age of eighty-three years,
lie was twice married, by his two unions becoming the father of thirteen
sons and two daughters.
Peter Carroll married first, in Burlington, Vermont, Dorothy .Stevens,
a native of that city, and died on the home farm, in Wellington county,
Canada, in 1858. Of the ten sons and one daughter born of their union,
the daughter and four sons are now living, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of
William H. Buchan, of Traverse county, Michigan; Joseph R., of Brad-
ford county, Pennsylvania; Stephen H., the special subject of this brief
review ; Patrick, of Jackson, Michigan ; and Matthew L., of Hoquiam,
Washington. About two years after the death of his first wife Peter
Carroll married for his second wife, Mary Courtnon, who bore him four
children, three sons and a daughter, and of these three are now living,
namely: Michael, of Chicago, Illinois; Charles, of Traverse county, Mich-
igan; and Jennie, wife of Judd Hall, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The
mother of these children died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hall,
January 26, 1914.
After the death of his mother, when he was but six years of age,
Stephen H. Carroll went to live with his uncle, James Carroll, in Welling-
ton county, Canada, on a farm, remaining with him four years. The
ensuing five years he worked on other farms in that locality, and then, in
1S67 came to Michigan, and spent a year on a farm in Traverse county.
Going to Titusville, Pennsylvania, in 1868, he was employed in or near
there" for two years, but not contented with his surroundings, he returned
to Michigan in 1870, and has since been an honored resident of Jackson,
a period of forty-four years.
For ten years after locating in Jackson, Mr. Carroll was actively en-
gaged in tlie trucking business, and the following twenty years carried on
a substantial bottling business as proprietor of the Mineral Springs Bot-
tling Works. From i8g6 until 1910 Mr. Carroll was one of the partners
in the Eberle Brewing Company, of Jackson, during which time he was
vice president and treasurer of the concern. Since coming to Jackson he
has also had other interests, at one time having been identified with the
coal mines of Jackson county, and having had an interest in a buggy body
124U HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
factory. For twelve years Mr. Carroll was a director in the Jackson Land
and Improvement Company, and in that capacity was instrumental in
having located here several of the city's most important factories, among
which are the Lewis Spring and Axle Company, the Aspinwall Manu-
facturing Company, and others. At the present time, in 1914, Mr. Carroll
is the principal owner, president and general manager of the Consumers
Ice and Fuel Company, which is capitalized at $40,000, and is one of
Jackson's important industries.
For twenty-six years Mr. Carroll represented the fifth ward on the
Jackson Board of v\ldermen, serving continuously from 1884 until 1910,
when, having grown weary of the service, he resigned the office, which
otherwise he would doubtless have held as long as he lived. For three
years he was president of the Council, and during the entire period "of his
service was one of the foremost members of the board, and the author
of a large part of the city's legislation, while as president of the board he
was frequently called upon to serve as acting mayor of the city.
Mr. Carroll has been twice married. He married first, July 4, 1872,
Miss Lena Vogt, who passed to the life beyond in 1906, leaving two
daughters, namely; Ella May, wife of Joseph F. Tobin, of Jackson; and
Lena, wife of Burt Ferine, of Idaho. On June 9, 1907, Mr. Carroll mar-
ried for his second wife Miss Margaret DeLancey, of Hamilton, Ontario.
Fraternally Mr. Carroll is a charter member of Jackson Lodge No. 113,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; and religiously he belongs to
Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Politically he is stanch Democrat.
For many years Mr. Carroll was a power in civic affairs in Jackson and
his name and deeds are indelibly written in the municipal history of the
city.
Hrrman Frank Yatzek. When his business associates chose Mr.
Yatzek in 1914 as president of the Master Carpenters Association of
Detroit, a well deserved honor was conferred upon one of the leading
general carpenter contractors of Detroit, and one that indicates his
standing in the general building trades of that city.
Though a resident of Detroit nearly all his life, Flerman Frank
Yatzek is a native of Germany, born in Deutsch Eilau in West Prussia
on February 24, 1873. His parents, Herman Charles and Johanna (Kona-
patzke) Yatzek, brought their little family to the L'nited States in 1887,
establishing a home in Detroit. In Germany the father had learned and
followed the carriage building trade, but after coming to the United
States was employed in the more general lines of carpentry. He is
still living, but the mother died on March 6, 1910.
As he was fourteen years old when the family came to the United
States, Herman F. Yatzek had practically completed his school training
in the old country. His early experiences in Detroit were those of a
young foreigner who had to spend considerable time in mastering a new
language, and who worked at different lines to earn a living. When
twenty years of age he took up work asi a cari)enter, and followed the
trade as a journeyman until 1903. Since that year his name has been
among the inde])endent contractors, and he was liead of the firm of
Yatzek & Grunwald until it was dissolved in 1912. Since that year Mr.
Yatzek has been engaged in contracting under the firm name of Yatzek
& Company. To mention only a few of the many contracts which he
has successfully handled, his work is exemplified in Dr. McDonald's
eight-apartment house: Mr. Beecher's forty-apartment house; Mr. Kauf-
man's six-apartment terrace ; Mrs. Frazer's eight-apartment flats ; Mr.
Cawey's six-apartment house ; and many other apartments, flats, resi-
dences, store buildings, etc.
■^i si^- lOU
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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1241
Mr. Yatzek completed his own handsome brick modern residence in
igii at 955 Field avenue. Besides his membership and presidency for.
the year 1914 of the Master Carpenters Association Mr. Yatzek is a
member of the Detroit Builders & Traders E.xchange. He and his fam-
ily are members of the German Lutheran Evangelical church. He mar-
ried Lena Stoetzner, who was born in Saxony, Germany, daughter of
Charles Stoetzner, who came to this country when Mrs. Yatzek was an
infant. To Mr. and Mrs. Yatzek has been born one daughter, Florence
Elsa, aged thirteen years.
Jkre C. Hutchins. The president of the Detroit United Railway has
been a railroad man since the minor beginnings of his very successful
career. Before assuming the heavy responsibilities of his present execu-
tive office, Jere C. Hutchins, as a railway engineer, was identified with
the construction and improvement of various lines in different parts of
the state, and at one time mingled with his profession several years of
active newspaper work, and that experience has probably not been with-
out its practical value in connection with railway management. For
twenty years Mr. Hutchins has been identified with the street and inter-
urban railway interests of Detroit and vicinity and has been at the head
of the Detroit United Railway almost from the time the various com-
panies were consolidated under that management.
Jere C. Hutchins is a native of the south, born in Carroll parish,
Louisiana, October 13, 1853. His parents were Anthony W. and Mary
B. (Chamberlin) Hutchins, the former a native of Mississippi and the
latter of Pennsylvania. Anthony W. Hutchins for many years was a
successful planter in Louisiana, but soon after the birth of Jere C. moved
to Missouri, and both he and his wife spent the rest of their lives in that
state.
Prepared for his career in the public schools of Lexington, Missouri,
and by study under private tutor, Jere C. Hutchins at the age of seventeen
took up the study of civil engineering under Major JMorris, one of the
leaders of his profession at that time in Missouri. His early experience
as a civil engineer identified him with construction work on the Missouri
division of the Gulf and Lexington Railroad, with engineering depart-
ments of the Kansas Pacific, the Kansas and Te.xas, and the Texas I'acific
railroads, and he was a construction engineer with each of the last three
mentioned. It was while in Te.xas that he was drawn temporarily away
from his profession into the newspaper field. In 1876 he found work as
reporter on the Waco Examiner at Waco, Texas, and subsequently be-
came editor of that journal. He was also Texas political correspondent
for New York and New Orleans papers. After five years of newspaper
work, Mr. Hutchins in 1881 resumed his profession as engineer, and
the following thirteen years were spent successively in the engineering
department of the New Orleans and Pacific, the Missouri, Kansas and
Texas, and the Illinois Central railroads.
Having already established a reputation as an engineer, Mr. Hutchins
in 1894 moved to Detroit, where he became vice president of the Citizens
Street Railway Company, and one of the large stockholders in that enttr-
prise. About the same time he was made president of the Detroit, Fort
Wayne and Belle Isle Railway Company and vice-president of the De-
troit Electric Railway Company. Those were the three corporations that
at that time controlled nearly all the street railway transportation in and
about Detroit and the responsibilities of their successful management de-
volved upon Mr. Hutchins more than upon any other one official. While
known among his associates as a duly conservative business man, Mr.
Hutchins pursued a liberal policy in increasing the facilities and good
1242 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
service of the different lines, and tinally was one of those most instru-
mental in bringing about the organization of the Detroit United Railway
Company in 1901, and the consolidaion of the various street railways of
Detroit. His position as vice president of the new corporation was va-
cated in January, 1902, when the directors elected him president, and his
technical and administrative ability has been employed for twelve years
in the improvement and extension of the great system of urban lines
now controlled by the United Railway. It is conceded that Detroit now
has one of the best systems of urban transportation among all the cities
of America, and those who are in a position to know ascribe this achieve-
ment to Jere C. Hutchins, the president. While he has been loyal as
representing immense financial interests invested in the property, Mr.
Hutchins has likewise been guided by a due sense of responsibility to
the public, and has afforded the best service and facilities consistent
with the rules of business economy and stability. Mr. Hutchins has a
number of other business interests in Detroit, and among them he is a
director in the People's State Bank of this city.
Essentially a business man, he has had no ambition for pulilic office,
but takes an active interest in civic and professional organizations. He
belongs to the Detroit Board of Commerce and various city clubs and
social organizations, is a member of the American Society of Civil Engi-
neers, affiliates with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, having
reached the Knight Templar degree in the York Rite and has taken
thirty-two degrees of the Scottish Rite.
Mr. Hutchins in April, 1881, married Miss Anna M. Brooks of Waco,
Texas. Her death occurred in July, 1900. In June, 1903, ]\Tr. Hutchins
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah PL Russel, daughter of the late
Dr. George B. Russel, the Detroit pioneer, physician and Inisiness builder
whose career is sketched elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Hutchins is one
of the prominent social leaders in the city.
John Fr.xncis Maher. A well-known and popular resident of the
city of Jackson, and one of the leading representatives of the prosperous
merchants of that city, John Francis Alaher is joint projirietor, with his
brother, Thomas J. Maher, of the music store, and of Music block, in
which it is located, at No. 120 East Main street. The eldest son of James
Maher, he was born October 2G, 1866, in Saginaw, Michigan, where he
was reared and educated.
James Maher was born in Canada, of Irish parentage. On February
8, 1864, he was united in marriage with l\Iiss Rose Bowles, who was
also born in Canada, of Irish parents, their marriage having been rele-
brated at Saint Catherines, province of Quebec. Soon after that event
he migrated with his bride to Michigan, locating in Saginaw, where for
many years he carried on a thriving business as a retail dealer in meat
and groceries. Subsequently moving with his family to Jackson, he con-
tinued in the same line of business until 191 1, when he retired from
active pursuits. On February 8, 1914, he and his good wife celebrated
the golden anniversary of their wedding, the occasion having been one
of great pleasure to them and to their children, relatives, and many
friends. Of the twelve children born of their union, eight are now liv-
ing, as follows: Mary, wife of Albert Crosier; John F.. the special sub-
ject of this brief sketch: Catherine, wife of W. C. Hallock : Thomas J.,
of the firm of Maher Brothers; Mabel, wife of Roy D. Bates: Sister
Mary Clara, of Saint James' Convent, Bav City, ^Michigan : De W'ht J. ;
and Gladys C.
Brought up and educated in Saginaw, John F. IMaher entered public
life at the age of twenty-one years, from 1887 until 1890, serving as city
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1243
clerk and as deputy controller of that city. When, in the latter year, the
cities of East Saginaw and West Saginaw were consolidated he was ap-
pointed secretary and superintendent of the Saginaw Water Works, a
position that he filled most creditably for four years. Coming from there
to Jackson in 1S94, Mr. Maher and his brother, Thomas J. Maher, im-
mediately founded the music business which they have since success-
fully conducted under the firm name of Maher Brothers. Fortune smiled
on the efforts of this enterprising firm, which in 1906 purchased the block-
located at No. 120 East ]\Iain street, and at once assumed its possession.
Since buying this block, now known as the Maher Brothers Music Block,
the Messrs. Maher have spent about $20,000 in remodeling and adding
to it. It is a large building, containing four stories and a basement, and
is 20 feet by 150, extending from Main street on the front to Michigan
avenue in its rear. This firm carries a large stock of musical instruments
of all kinds, in the interests of their extensive business occupying the
whole of the first and second floors of Music Block and the entire base-
ment, which is finished off as carefully as any part of the building. The
stock is complete in every respect, being equal in quality and quantity to
that of any similar store in the state with the possible exception of some
of the larger stores of Detroit and Grand Rapids. In the stock are more
than one hundred pianos, ranging in price and quality from the cheapest
grades to the finest instruments made. The firm endeavors to keep con-
stantly on hand a sufficient stock of goods to accommodate immediately
the buyer of large means, who demands the finest pianos and piano-play-
ers that can be purchased, or the buyer that desires a piano at the mini-
mum cost. Quite as fine musical instruments can be found in the estab-
lishment of Maher Brothers as can be procured in New York or Chi-
cago, instruments in fact whose value cannot be expressed in less than
four figures. Every class and grade of musical instruments is carried
by the firm, as well as the musical apparatus and equipment necessary in
stich an establishment.
The music firm of ]\Iaher Brothers has become a permanent fixture
in Jackson, and has won a deservedly high reputation not only in Jack-
son and vicinity, but throughout Jackson county and the larger portion of
Southern Michigan.
Mr. Maher is a director, and president, of the Jackson City Hospital,
a position which he has held for five years ; and is a director, and treas-
urer, of the Meadow Heights Country Club. He is also a member, and
a director, of the Jackson Citv Clul) ; and belongs to the Jackson Cham-
ber of Commerce. Fraternally he is a member of the IBenevolent and
Protective Order of Elks; and religiously he is a member of Saint Mary's
Roman Catholic Church, and one of its liberal svipporters.
On December 25, 1899, Mr. Maher was united in marriage with Miss
Bertha Nordman, of Jackson.
J.\ME.s F.ARNAM Hartnes.s. Ill the Detroit building trades the name
James F. Hartness requires no commentary, since its associations with
substantial success is already safe and secure. Mr. Hartness is a young
man, alert and enterprising, and with expert knowledge of his business
has united an aggressive temper which has made his success inevitable.
Born in Detroit j\Iarch 21, 18S0, James Farnum Hartness is a son of
the late James and Rose Etta (Wilkinson) Hartness. His father, who
was born in Schenectady, New York, in 1846, died in Detroit March 19,
1909, and was married in that city to Miss Wilkinson, who was born in
Brooklyn, New York, in 1848, and still survives. The late James Hart-
ness came to Detroit a yotmg man, and was for a number of years en-
gaged in the rtianufacture of soap, and subsequently became a successful
1244 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
contractor in the laying of sidewalks. He was a member of the Presby-
terian church.
The Detroit public schools gave James F. Hartness his early training,
and he was hardly more than a boy when he began earning his way and
preparing for a permanent career. His first work was clerk in a hotel.
Next he became an employe in his father's office, and subsequently
learned the cabinet maker's trade. That was a valuable experience and
furnished him means of a living for a time, but subsequently he began
an apiirenticeship at the brick mason's trade under John Sigman. As
a journeyman brick mason Mr. Hartness worked on many contracts
and in diflferent parts of Detroit and vicinity until iQog. Since then his
name has been in the directory of general mason contractors. His first
business was in association with Joseph Blenman, under the firm name
of Hartness & Blenman. Three years later that partnership was dis-
solved, and since then Mr. Hartness has contracted under his own name.
There are many examples of his work that might be cited, but it will
suffice to call attention to the branch house of the American State Bank
at the corner of Holcomb and Kercheval streets, also the addition to
the main banking building of the same institution at Hilger and Jeffer-
son avenue ; the residence of Charles B. Tuttle at the corner of East
Grand boulevard and Waterloo street ; the Edwin Denby terraces ; the
Fournier stores on Woodward avenue and Buena Vista street in High-
land Park; the Valpy residence, besides many others. In 191 1 Mr.
Hartness completed his own handsome residence at the corner of Fisher
avenue and Waterloo street.
Mr. Hartness is one of the popular members of the Detroit Builders
and Traders Exchange and the Master Masons Association, and his
interest in music and general fraternal matters is indicated by his mem-
bership in the Mendelssohn Society and the City of the Straits Lodge of
the Masonic order. Mr. Hartness married Lottie F. Riester, who was
born in Detroit, (laughter of John and Freda fCarber) Riester of De-
troit.
Licwis F. Secord. Benjamin Orr. The senior member of the firm
of Secord & Orr, builders of gasoline engines, at Jackson, Michigan,
Lewis F. Secord was horn on a farm in Ingham county, Michigan, April
5, 1881, a son of William E. and Celia (Chorchan) Secord, who are now
residing in Lansing, Michigan. On his father's side of the house he is of
French ancestry, and on his mother's side is of Irish descent, his maternal
grandparents having emigrated from Ireland to the L-nited States. Hav-
ing obtained a practical education in the public schools, Lewis F. Secord
learned the machinist's trade in Lansing. In tqo6 he located in Jackson,
and a few years later engaged in the manufacture of gasoline engines with
his present partner, Benjamin Orr.
Benjamin Orr was born in Jackson, Michigan, June 17, 1882, a son
of William Robert and Elizabeth (Cox) Orr, neither of whom are now
living, and is of English ancestry on both the paternal and maternal sides.
He, too, learned the trade of a machinist when young, serving an appren-
ticeship in his native city. He subsequently followed his trade for a few
years, gaining knowledge and experience, and dcvelojjing his native inven-
tive talent.
In iqOQ the firm of Secord & Orr was formed for the purpose of
manufacturing gasoline engines, its plant at first being located on Water
street. Its business increasing with surprising rapidity, more commodious
(|uarlers were needed, and in 1913 this firm erected, at Nos. 115-121
Hamburg street, a handsome building, 60 feet by lOO feet, at a cost of
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1245
about $7,cxx), and at once installed in its new building the most modern
and up-to-date machinery used in the manufacture of gasoline engines.
Messrs. Secord and Orr have both great inventive genius, and deserve
much credit for the several excellent patents they have secured on their
engines. In the fall of iyi2, this firm, which had previously oljtained
some very valuable patents on a gasoline engine which it had built, sold
not only their patent to a St. Louis firm at a handsome figure, but the
entire equipment of its plant, which was shipped to the Missouri city.
The firm of Secord & Orr did not then dissolve, however, but its mem-
bers at once secured new and other patents on another gasoline engine,
which they believe is far superior to the one thev sold, although that
was an excellent engine. The new ]3atents secured, the firm of Secord
& Orr erected its present building, and equipped it with machinery neces-
sary for the manufacture of the new engine, which will doubtless be one
of the very best on the market when completed.
Mr. Secord married, June 25, 1902, Miss Lucia Elliott, and to them
five children have been born, namely: Eugene; Ruth; Lewis P., Jr.;
Mary ; and Frances. Religiously Mr. Secord is a member of Saint Mary's
Roman Catholic Church ; and socially he belongs to the Knights of
Columbus.
Mr. Orr married, July 28, 1909, Miss Mary TJarbour, of Bay City,
Michigan, and they are the parents of three children, namely : Willben,
Lyman, and Elizabeth.
M.'\RK McLe.'^n. The Mark McLean Company, architects and gen-
eral contractors, with offices at 1048 Mt. Elliott avenue, is a firm with a
practical record of accomplishment, and a hundred cases might be
readily found to illustrate the competency and reliability of the company.
Mark McLean, the senior member of the firm, has been identified with
Detroit building construction since 1906, and previously for many years
was one of the prominent builders at Port Huron.
A native son of Michigan, born on a farm in Sanilac county May 4,
[851, Mark McLean is a .son of James and Electa (Locke) McLean.
His father was born near Ottawa, Canada, of an old Canadian family
of Scotch descent, and the mother was likewise a native Canadian. About
1844 the McLeans moved across the boundary and settler in Sanilac
county, Michigan. James McLean had become a builder while in Can-
ada, and after moving to Michigan was the pioneer in his line of busi-
ness in Sanilac county, and for a number of years was practically the
only building contractor who was proficient and had the skill and organ-
zation necessary for carrying out any important enterprise. Some of the
first mills in that section of the state were erected by him. When the
war came on James McLean enlisted for service in the Twenty-second
Regiment of Michigan Infantry, and after a short service died at Chat-
tanooga, Tennessee, about 1863. His widow survived many years and
passed away at Bad Axe, Michigan, in her eighty-second year.
The boyhood and early youth of Mark McLean was passed in Sani-
lac countv, whose district schools afforded him his early education, and
as a youth he began learning the carpenter's trade at Port Huron. Af-
ter some years of practical experience as a journeyman, Mr. McLean in
1892 began contracting at Port Huron, and remained an active business
man of that city until 1906, when his enterprise was transferred to De-
troit. His place as a general contractor has long been assured. Beside
his work for others as a contractor, Mr. McLean has done a large amount
of independent building, and has furnished money for others to build
on, and his operations are of a very extensive and important character.
The Mark McLean Company was established in 191 2. the members of
1246 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
which are Mr. McLean and his son Mark, Jr. Since the establishment
of the company the annual average of construction is about thirty build-
ings of different types, while in 191 3 they put up more than forty build-
ings, including residences, stores and factories.
Mr. McLean is a member of the Detroit Citizens League, of the
Northeastern Improvement Society, and his church home is the Helen
avenue Baptist church, of which he is an official. Mr. McLean married
Sarah Carter, who was a native of Canada. Their children are: Electa,
who is the wife of Charles McKenzie of St. Clair county, and has two
children, Russell and Clarence; Mark, Jr.; and Allan A., at home.
Mark McLean, Jr., who is now one of the enterprising younger men
in the Detroit building circles, was born at Bad A.xe in Huron county,
Michigan, October 25, 1884. His public school training was acquired in
Port Huron, and under his father he learned the carpenter's trade and
worked as a journeyman for eleven years. In the meantime he acquired
a technical knowledge of architecture, and has since been associated with
his father and his profession is chiefly along the line of architecture.
Mark McLean, Jr., married Mary Pethke, who was born in Port
Huron, iMichigan. Their three children are: Arthur Werthen, Char-
lotte Marie and Eunice Esther.
C.\SPER H.\EHNLE. A man of much ability, great intelligence, and sound
judgment, Casper Haehnle is actively identified with the industrial inter-
ests of Jackson as general manager of the Haehnle Brewing Company,
of which he is a stockholder, is president of the Haehnle Bottling Com-
pany, which he founded and as vice-president of the Alloy Steel Spring
Co., of Jackson. He was born, November 12, 1876, in Jackson, Michigan,
where his entire life has been spent, being a son of the late Casper Haehnle,
whose death occurred in 1893, and of whom a brief sketch appears else-
where in this volume.
Growing to manhood in the city of Jackson, Casper Haehnle attended
the public schools during the days of his boyhood, completing the studies
of the different grades up to the ninth, and in 1894 was graduated from
Devlin's Business College. Going to Chicago in 1895, he entered the
Wahl-Henin's Institute of Fermentology, where he took a full course of
study in chemistry, microscopy and fermentation with the idea of gaining
a technical knowledge of the brewing business, and was there graduated
in April, 1896. Returning home after receiving his diploma, Mr. Haehnle
became assistant manager of the Haehnle Brewery, established by his
father, and filled the position so ably and efticiently that in 1901 he was
made general manager of the business. In this capacity Mr. Haehnle
has been eminently successful, the plant under his supervision maintaining
the excellent reputation established by his father for its clean, ]nire prod-
ucts. At the present time, in 1914, the Haehnle Brewing Company manu-
factures and sells 20,000 barrels of beer, and 6,000 tons of ice, annually.
In 191 1 Mr. Haehnle founded and established what is known as the
Haehnle Bottling Company, which is an entirely separate corporation,
although in reality it is a subsidiary corporation of the Haehnle Brewing
Company, and is its largest stockholder, and its president. The Haehnle
Brewing' Company is capitalized at $75,000, wdiile the Haehnle Bottling
Company has a capital of $15,000.
Mr. Haehnle married. May g, 1901, Miss Nellie Meyfarth, of Jackson,
and they have one child, Phyllis Averill Haehnle, born April 11, 1906.
Fraternally Mr. Haehnle is a member of Jackson Lodge No. 17, Ancient
Free and Accepted Order of Masons ; of Jackson Chapter No. 3, Royal
Arch Masons; of Jackson Commandery No. 9, Knights Templar; and of
Jackson Lodge No. 113, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He
also belongs to the Michigan Center Country Club.
m Km nm.
C f^C- t
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1247
Frank E. Palmer has a place today among the foremost citizens of
Jackson. As president of the Peninsular Portland Cement Company, vice
president of the Central State Bank of Jackson and for thirty-six years
prominently identified with the McCormick Harvesting Machine Com-
pany and its successor, the International Harvester Company of America,
he has a wide acquaintance and a representative following in business
circles of the city and state, so that he is in every way entitled to the posi-
tion he occupies in the ranks of Jackson's leading citizens.
Mr. Palmer was born on a Lenawee county farm, this state, on No-
vember i8, 1853, and he is a son of Marvin E. Palmer. This farm the
elder Palmer had entered from the government as early as 1831, he being
one of the pioneers of Lenawee county. He came to the state in 1831
from Ira, Cayuga county, New York, where he was born in 181 1. His
father, Jarius Palmer, had been in his day a pioneer of Cayuga county,
and he was a veteran of the War of 1812.
The Lenawee county farm which Marvin E. Palmer entered from the
government in 1831 lay six miles west of Adrian. In 1857 Marion Palmer
removed from Lenawee county to St. Johns, in Clinton county, Michigan,
and there for something like a half dozen years he continued to be identi-
fied with mercantile pursuits. He also became the first president of St.
Johns village, and while residing there held other offices in the community.
In 1863 he returned to his Lenawee county farm, which, though he had
sold it in 1857 when he moved to Clinton county, he was obliged to take
back owing to the inability of the purchaser to pay for it. In the fall of
1863 Mr. Palmer disposed of his farm on more satisfactory terms, [uir-
chasing another place that was more to his liking in Liberty township,
Jackson county. On this place he continued to live for a good many years,
but in 1882 the desire for change impelled him to sell the place, and he
removed to Jackson, where he died on October 12, 1899, at the ripe age
of eighty-seven years.
In about 1849 Marvin E. Palmer married Phoebe Beals, in Dover
township, Lenawee county. She was born at North Adams, Massachu-
setts, and she died in Jackson when she had reached the exact age at which
her husband passed out, her death occurring on May 18, 1909.
Since 1878 Frank E. Palmer has made this city his home and the center
of his business activities. He came here after completing his studies in
the Michigan Agricultural College at Lansing, and it should be mentioned
here that while he pursued his studies there, he alternated his duties as a
student with periods of work as a teacher. It was thus that he earned the
money that made possible his college education, four terms of pedagogic
work representing his activities in that field. When he had finished his
junior year at the Agricultural College, Mr. Palmer came to Jackson, and
straightway entered the employ of C. H. and L. J. McCormick, who later
became known to the world as the McCormick Harvesting Machine Com-
pany. In 1902 it was merged in the enormous concern known as the In-
ternational Harvester Company, with headquarters in Chicago. He en-
tered the employ of the company in a subordinate capacity, advancing from
the post of book-keeper to that of state collection agent, and for more
than twenty-five years he was thus connected, until the forming of the
International Harvester Company, in 1902, since which time he has con-
tinued in the same capacity. His combined service with the McCormick
Harvester Company and its successor, the International Harvester Com-
pany, has extended over a period of thirty-six years, and the past i|uarter
century has been spent in his present position of state collection agent, a
post he has filled with the utmost efficiency.
In addition to his service with this great concern, Mr. Palmer has long
been a prominent man of affairs in Jackson, and is officially identified with
1248 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
numerous important concerns here. He is president of the Peninsular
Portland Cement Company, and vice president of the Central State Bank,
as well as having the interest of a stockholder in various other important
enterprises of the city. In the way of public service, Mr. Palmer has held
a number of offices of considerable import, and his activities along these
lines have been of a worthy nature, entirely in keeping with the general
character of the man.
Before coming to Jackson, and while yet a resident of Liberty town-
ship, Mr. Palmer served as township superintendent of schools and he
was also a member of the county board of supervisors. After his removal
to Jackson he held the offices of alderman and president of the city council,
and he also served one term in the ofike of mayor of Jackson. He was
never an office seeker, nor did he wish to precipitate himself into public
affairs in the city and county, but he was a man whose fitness to serve was
so obvious as to make it impossible for him to avoid being chosen to fill
those offices, and he further manifested the character and quality of his
citizenship in accepting the duties placed upon him at the will of the public
without resistance, rendering the best possible service on every occasion.
Mr. Palmer is a member of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and
the Jackson City Club, and he is a prominent Mason as well, with Knight
Templar and Shriner degrees. He is an Elk, and is prominent and popular
in all his fraternal relations.
On May 20, 1874. Mr. Palmer was married to Sarah E. Palmer, a na-
tive daughter of Liberty township, but not of blood kin to her husband.
No children came to Mr. and Mrs. Palmer. They have a pleasant and
commodious home at No. 422 West Wilkins street, in Jackson.
Harry M.mno. The energetic, wide-awake young business men of
Jackson, Michigan, have no more worthy representative than Harry
Maine, proprietor of the Maino Machine Works, which are located at
numbers 109-111-113 Hamburg street. He was born June 22, 1881, in
Bavaria, Germany, and when less than a year old was brought to the
United States by his parents, Carl and Catherine Maino, who settled in
Jackson, Michigan, where the death of the father occurred a few years
ago. The mother and her nine children, six of whom are sons, still
reside in this city, and are all well-to-do. A further account of the parents
may be found elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketches of
George T. Maino and Christopher K. Maino, brothers of Mr. Maino.
Harry Maino was educated in Jackson, attending the parochial schools
and Saint John's Parochial school. Leaving school, he worked in a res-
taurant for a year, and at the age of seventeen entered the employ of
the Walcott-Wood Manufacturing Company, where he served an ap]:)ren-
ticcship of two years at the machinist's trade. Becoming proficient at
his work, he next spent a year and a half with the (jeorge A. McKeel
Company, now the Sparks-Withington Comjjany, of Jackson, after which
he was in the employ of the Holton-Weathcrwax Company for a few
months. The ensuing three years Mr. Maino was employed as a mechanic
at the Michigan Central Railroad shops, and the following year was
foreman at the Novelty Manufacturing Company's plant. Leaving that
position, he worked for a time at the Lewis Spring and Axle Company's
jjlant, and also for the Cutting Motor Car Company.
In 1911, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Peter P.reitmayer,
Mr. Maino inirchased a machine shop on Liberty street, Jackson, and
began business for himself as senior member of the firm of Maino &
I'.reitmayer. The new firm thus established met with flattering success
from the very start, and in the fall of 1912 lunight the site of its present
plant on Irlamburg street, and erected its present splendid l)nildin,L;, which
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1249
is 44 feet by 72 feet, and made of cement blocks. In December, 1913,
Mr. Maino purchased the interest of Mr. Breitmayer in the business and
has since managed it himself. The Maino Machine Works manufactures
certain essential automobile parts, and in addition does general machine
shop work, its business being large and lucrative.
Mr. Maino is a stockholder in the Jackson Printing Press Company,
a prosperous organization. Religiously he is a member of Saint John's
Roman Catholic Church.
George T. Maino. Prominent among the leading manufacturers of
Southern Michigan is George T. Maino, of the firm of McLoughlin &
Maino, which owns and conducts the extensive boiler works and plumbing
establishment located at No. 501 North Jackson street, in the city of
Jackson. Since the death of Dr. McLoughlin, formerly senior member
of the firm, Mr. Maino has had sole charge of the concern, and in its
management has displayed excellent judgment and rare business and
executive ability. A native of Germany, he was born in Bavaria, Febru-
ary 5, 1873, and as a small boy came to this country with his parents,
Carl and Catherine Maino.
Carl Maino immigrated to the United States with his family in 1882,
coming directly to Jackson, Michigan, where he continued a resident until
his death, which occurred in 1908. To him and his wife, who still resides
in Jackson, nine children were born, and all are living in Jackson, as
follows: Elizabeth, wife of Peter Breitmayer; Catherine, widow of the
late Frank Ritz ; Charles; George T., the special subject of this brief
sketch ; Christopher K. ; Emma, wife of Peter Ottney ; Jacob ; Harry ; and
Frederick.
A boy of nine years when he came to Jackson, George T. Maino here
completed his early education, attending the public schools and Saint
John's Academy. Leaving school at the age of thirteen years, he learned
the machinist's trade, which he followed for several years in Jackson,
during the time being in the emi)loy of several of the larger and more
prominent firms of the city, among them having been the Holton- Weather-
wax foundry, the Sparks-Withington Company, then known as the George
A. McKiel Company; and the Central City Soap Company. Embarking
in business on his own account in 1905, Mr. Maino, in partnership with
John Crowley, established the boiler works on North Jackson street,
becoming junior memljer of the firm of Crowley & Maino. In 1007
Mr. Maino's father-in-law, the late Dr. Miar McLoughlin, jnirchased Mr.
Crowley's interest in the business, and the firm name was changed to
McLoughlin & Maino. The Doctor died in 1908, but the estate still owns
his interest, and as Mr. Maino is a son-in-law of the Doctor the business
is now all in the family. In addition to operating the boiler works, this
enterprising firm carries on a general plumbing business, including the
installing of steam and hot water fixtures, and does an extensive con-
tracting business in the way of building and erecting steel self-su]i]iorting
smoke stacks, the firm's business in this branch of its industry extending
over the whole of Southern Michigan, Northern Indiana and Northern
Ohio, having erected smoke stacks for large plants in various cities of the
three states.
In addition to being a memljer of the firm of McLoughlin & Maino,
Mr. Maino is really at the head of the concern, and the general manager
of its entire business, which is in a most flourishing condition. Lie is
likewise a stockholder of the Sparks-Withington Company, of the Hall-
Holmes Manufacturing Company, of the Haehnle Bottling Co., of the
Frost (]ear and Machine Co., also the Lewis Spring and Axle Co., all
well-known firms of Jackson.
1250 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
On November 25, 1903, Thanksgiving day, Mr. Maino was united in
marriage with Miss Mabel C. McLoughlin, and into their home two chil-
dren have been born, namely: Emily Mabel, born in 1904; and George
Croman, born in 1913. Mr. Maino is well educated, and speaks both
German and English fluently. Socially he is a member of the Benevolent
and Protective (Jrder of Elks ; and religiously he belongs to the Roman
Catholic Church.
Louis Leverexz. The F. H. Leverenz & Company, general and
carpenter contractors and manufacturers, of which Louis Leverenz is
secretary and treasurer, has only a brief history as an incorporated con-
cern under the present title, but its impregnable position and reputation
among Detroifs building interests are the result of years of experience
and practical success on the part of its constituent members.
Louis Leverenz is a native of Detroit, born December 19. 1885,
while himself a very young man but none the less expert in his line, it
was his father, Frederick H. Leverenz, who established the association
of the name with the building trades of Detroit. Frederick H. Leverenz,
who was one of Detroit's oldest and best known carpenter contractors,
and now retired, was born in Germany in 1857, came to the L'nited
States when young, and after learning the carpenter's trade in Detroit
worked as a journeyman for a number of years, finally entered the con-
tracting field, and his success was a matter of steady and substantial
growth, and examples of his work might be pointed out in practically
every part of the city, in buildings of every type, size and cost. In 1907
Frederick H. Leverenz organized the firm of F. H. Leverenz & Com-
pany, taking his sons Louis and Henry as partners. In 1913 he retired
from active affairs, and on the basis of his enterprise the F. H. Leverenz
& Company was incorporated to continue the business with which he had
so long been identified. F. H. Leverenz married Tena Boettcher. who
was also born in (Germany. Both are members of the Lutheran church.
Louis Leverenz as a boy attended the Lutheran parochial school* and
also the public schools of Detroit, and in 1900, at the age of fifteen,
became a student in the ^Michigan Agricultural College at Lansing and
spent two years with that institution. From the time he was old enough
to handle a hammer he has worked at carpentry, and under his father
served a regular apprenticeship and continued employment as a journey-
man until the organization of the firm of F. H. Leverenz & Company in
1907, when his position as a partner began. On the retirement of his
father in 1913 he was one of the organizers of the new firm of F. H.
Leverenz & Company, incorporated, the date of its charter being March
19, 1913. The first president was Theodore Betzolat, with Henry Lev-
erenz as vice-president, and Louis Leverenz as secretary and treasurer.
On January 1. 1914, Mr. Betzolat was succeeded as president by Ernst
Sylvester, and otherwise the company officials remain the same. This is
one of the largest general carpenter contracting firms of the city, and
their capabilities for extensive service are the greater because they own
and operate their own factory for the manufacture of luml)er and iniild-
ing supplies. Their record includes the erection of many fine buildings,
among them two public school houses, a factory, the English Lutheran
church on Mt. Elliott avenue, a fourteen-familv apartment, and numer-
ous flats and residences. The firm has membership in the Detroit Piuild-
ers and Traders Exchange.
Mr. Leverenz is a member of Piethania Lutheran church. He mar-
ried Flora Degener, of Detroit, daughter of August and Caroline Deg-
ener. Her father is a cigar manufacturer. To ]\Ir. and Mrs. Leverenz
was born in 1912 a daughter, Charlotte.
HISTORY OF AIICHIGAN 1251
Charles C. Carter. Coming an entire stranger to Detroit twenty-
seven years ago, Charles C. Carter has since made an enviable business
record. His business as a contracting carpenter, which has been under
his own name for ten years, has been developed along some special lines
to offer the most expert service of its kind in the city.
With an inheritance of mechanical talent from his father, Charles C.
Carter was born in England July 12, 1865. His parents were John and
Amelia (Weaver) Carter, both natives of England, and the mother died
in 1869 four years after the birth of her son Charles. John Carter, the
father, was born in the same year that gave birth to Queen Victoria
of England, in 1819. He was a natural mechanic, could do anything in
the line of constructing, repairing or operating, and was for a number
of years a carpenter at Eastborne si.xty-five miles south of London.
Later in life he gave his time to the building of pipe organs and that
work took him to different parts of England, and Charles C. being the
youngest child accompanied him. His death occurred in England in
1889. There were six children altogether, four of whom grew to maturity
and are still living as follows: Harry, born in 1853 is a school teacher
in the city of London, England ; Frank, born in 1857, is a contractor
at Eastborne, Sussex county, England, and an alderman of that city ;
Florence, born in 1862, married George Stirrup and they live at Rams-
gate, County Kent, England ; and Charles C.
His education in the public schools of England was practically ter-
minated when he was ten years of age. A year and a half later found
him at work learning the carpenter's trade under his father. At the age
of seventeen he went from his father's supervision as a journeyman and
was employed in various ])laces in the south of England for a year, and
in 1884 went across the channel to Paris, in which city during a year's
residence his services were employed on the erection of the American
Episcopal church building, and was the youngest carpenter among all
the force of workmen. After his return to England from Paris Mr.
Carter spent one year in his native country and in May, 1887, came to
the L'uited States and direct to Detroit. There was not a person in the
entire city who could give him greeting as an old friend, but he had
little difficulty in finding work in his trade. With the firm of Wynn &
Marantette he worked as journeyman carpenter three years, and his
next employment was with the Hanrahan Refrigerator Company of
Detroit and Chicago. In 1892 Mr. Carter became a member of the firm
of Jenner & Carter, which relationship continued four years. For six
and a half years Mr. Carter was foreman for the late U. Armstrong &
Company. In April, 1903, his independent business enterprise began
under his own name and in the following September he bought the busi-
ness of Seifert & Buhr at 155 Wayne street. Mr. Carter's present office
and factory are located at 112 Madison avenue, and his enterprise has
grown rapidly during the last ten years.
While Mr. Carter does more or less building and has erected among
others the Odd Fellows Temple on Park \'iew avenue in 191 3, the
amusement pavilion and log cabin on I'.ablo Island, his most profitable
and almost exclusive line is carpentering and jobbing, at which he offers
expert services in Detroit, and does more repairing by contract on the
best residences in Detroit and Grosse Pointe than any other firm in the
city. Mr. Carter also makes a specialty of appraising fire-damaged
property, and does an immense amount of work in that line in the city
and vicinity, his services being in such demand that annually his fire ap-
praisements run between one hundred and seventy-five and two hun-
dred cases.
Mr. Carter is a member of the Detroit Builders and Traders Ex-
1252 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
change, affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ala-
sonic Order and the Woodmen of the World. On May 30, 1891, the" an-
niversary of the day he arrived in Detroit, Mr. Carter married Mary
Kreuger. who was born in Detroit, the daughter of Henry Kreuger, a
merchant. Their three children are: Agnes, Clement Alfred and^To'hn
Henry.
Charles R. Dur.\nd. In tiie annals of early settlement in and about
the city of Jackson, some of the first names and 'activities worthy of men-
tion are connected with the family of which the venerable citizen, Charles
R. Durand. is a representative. Mr. Durand is himself one of the oldest
natives of the city, and has had a large part in shaping the fortunes of
that community, especially through his extensive improvements of local
real estate and a general interest in business and civic afifairs. Mr.
Durand's mother was a Blackman, and while she was the first regular
teacher in Jackson county, the Blackman familv is distinguished in many
other ways in the pioneer records of this vicinity. Mr. Durand's father
was for many years one of the most influential' factors in business and
civic afi'airs in Jackson and the county. For more than eighty years these
two names have had a place in the history of Jackson, and thev have always
been associated with solid work and witli those activities and that quali'ty
of citizenship which maintains the highest standard of community living.
On a farm in Blackman township, in the immediate vicinity of fackson-
burgh. a village which when grown to the proportions of a city "changed
its name to Jackson, Charles R. Durand was born December 5, i'842. John
Thomas Durand, his father, born near Batavia, New York, came" into
southern Michigan in 1830, six years before the territory became a state,
and was one of the vigorous and public spirited pioneers of Jackson county.'
In his private business he was active in accumulating real estate in both
the county and city, and platted the Durand Addition to the city of Jack-
son. He was one of the first to hold the oflice of county surveyor", and
was also one of the early supervisors of Blackman township. Many acts
of his career were such as to advance the prosperity and material prog-
ress of his locality. His integrity of character w'as as notable as his
business success, and he commanded both the respect and admiration
of his fellowmen. First Whig and later a Republican in politics, he was
for years quite active in local afi'airs, and he and his wife were members
of the Congregational church. His death occurred at the age of seventy-
five years.
the marriage of John T. Durand and .Silence Blackman was the first
marriage ceremony performed in what is now tlie city of Jackson. This
happy event occurred in 1833, and was performed bv Judge William R.
DeLand. Silence Blackman was born near Ithaca, New York, and her
father, Lemuel Blackman, was the original settler of Jacksonlnirgh, a
name which w^as retained until about 1836. In 1831 Silence Blackman
taught a small class of pupils in the home of her "father, and the ne.xt
summer used a room in the house of E. B. Chapman. Her first labors as
a teacher were of a private and independent nature, and she received
payment for her services by sub.scription. In the fall of 1832 .she became
teacher of what might he called the first public school of Jackson, though
still maintained by subscription. It was taught in an old store building
on Main street, and at the close of the third term had about twentv pupils.
Silence (Blackman) Durand died in 18S9 at the venerable age of eighty-
three years, and was one of the most notable pioneer women of Jackson
county. She was the mother of two children. The daughter^ Marv,
married A. W. Green, and lives in Los Angeles, California.
Charles R. Durand grew uj) in Jackson when it was little more than a
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1253
village, received his education at the schools that were maintained in the
village some fifteen years after his mother had taught the pioneer school,
and the first fifteen years of his life were spent on the home farm near the
county seat. The parents then moved to Jackson which contained about
two thousand population. His father was county surveyor and town-
ship supervisor at that time, and the son received his preparatory business
training in his office. Later he engaged in the business of contracting, and
was one of the firm which performed the contract for the construction
of the east wing of the state prison. In 1884 he took a contract for the
construction of twenty miles of the line of the Northern Pacific railroad,
between Superior and Ashland, Wisconsin. The firm which did the work
was known as Dobey, Richards & Company, but Mr. Durand and Archi-
bald Richards supplied the money. It was a profitable contract, but Mr.
Durand contril)uted his energy so unreservedly to its success that at its
conclusion he was stricken with nervous prostration and suft'ered the
effects for several years. Since then most of his attention has been given
to farming and to the care and management of his real estate in Jackson.
He owns valuable property both in the county and in the city and has
contributed several important improvements during the last thirty or forty
years. He formerly owned and conducted the Hotel T'lackman, which
until a few years ago was the only first-class place of public entertainment
in the city. The lilackman and Durand families have had a notable part
in the construction and maintenance of hotels at Jackson. The building
in which the Hotel Blackman was kept was built by John Thomas Durand
in 1859-60, and was later remodeled by Charles R. Durand at a cost of
twelve thousand dollars. The name of the hotel was singularly appropri-
ate. Russell Blackman, son of Lemuel Blackman, son of the pioneer,
built in 1831 the first hotel at Jacksonburgh, and it was known as Black-
man's Tavern. Since that early date the name of Blackman was identi-
fied with hotel enterprise in the city until recent date. The first building
was one of logs, and when destroyed by fire was replaced by another of
more pretentious character on the same site. However, its name was the
Marion house. During his long and active career in Jackson Mr. Durand
has in every relation retained the confidence and good will of those who
have been his fellow citizens and business associates. In politics he has
voted with the Republican party almost since its organization, supporting
the candidacy of Abraham Lincoln in i860, and all the succeeding candi-
dates of that party. Personally he has had no ambition for public office
and has been content to do his duty to the conmnmity through a public
spirited business career and by giving liis aid and influence to the estab-
lishment of various important industries and lending his help wherever
possible to the improvement of the communitv. For several years Mr.
Durand was president of the Jackson Driving Club, which was the virtual
successor of the Jackson County Fair Association. The grounds occu-
pied by the club and association were among the best in the state, and the
land in part was originally owned by John T. Durand and sold by him to
the association many years ago.
On Decemljcr 23, 1889, Mr. Durand married Miss Frances Porter.
She was born in Jackson, a daughter of Benjamin Porter, one of the
pioneers of the county. Mrs. Durand, who died August 21, 1903, was
during her long residence in the city one of its active leaders in social and
benevolent work. A talented musician, before her marriage she had
taught music, and many in the city still have a grateful appreciation of her
efforts as an individual instructor and her zeal in promoting musical cul-
ture in the community. She was a member of the Tuesday and Friday
clubs, literary and musical organizations, and her support was deemed
almost invaluable to any movement connected with the cultural life of
1254 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
the city. The home occupied by Mr. Durand, at 203 Lansing avenue, is
one of the residence landmarks of the city. It was built by his father in
1872, is a three-story mansion, of brick and stone, and when built was
one of the handsomest private residences in Jackson. It is yet one of the
splendid homes, is apparently in as good condition now as when built, and
its original cost was twenty thousand dollars, but the building could not
be duplicated at the present day for twice that amount.
Joseph Walsh. Although no longer considering himself in the active
ranks, Joseph Walsh, among Michigan's prominent lumbermen, has an
enviable position, gained by many years of activity in every department
of the industry. In the early days he followed the lumber camps in the
woods, was a skillful driver on the river, and was regarded as one of the
best all-around workers in the business. His success has many sources.
Singular ability and skill in the rough and arduous business of the wood-
man, a faculty for the control and direction of others, a resourcefulness
of both body and mind, and a splendid integrity of character — all these
and much more are the explanations offered by his associates and friends
for his rise to commercial prestige and power. Mr. Walsh has been as-
sociated with many important developments in the Michigan lumber in-
dustry, and his experiences would make an epitome of Michigan lumbering
from the close of the Civil war until the end of the century. Though now-
living retired at Flint, Joseph Walsh has still large business interests and
investments both in tliat city and elsewhere.
■ County West Meath, Ireland, where Joseph Walsh was born, had been
the home of his family for many generations. When he was three years
old, in 1848, the family, consisting of his parents, Michael and Elizabeth
(Fox) Walsh, and other children, arrived in Detroit. His father was an
expert boiler maker, and possessed special skill in the rebuilding of boilers.
He followed his trade in Detroit and elsewhere until 1861, and then
moved to Lapeer county, and made settlement in Burnside township on
a tract of wild government land, the only improvement on which was a
log cabin with not an acre of ground in cultivation. Besides farming
Michael Walsh continued to work at his trade, and did a great deal of
opportune and valued service for the millers in that vicinity. The old
homestead in Lapeer county, now comprising two hundred and eighty
acres of land, is still occupied by the youngest of the family, Louis Walsh,
who has owned the place since the mother's death. From Lapeer county
the family moved to Flint, where Michael Walsh died in 1894 at the age
of eighty-two. His wife died February i, 1900, and her last years were
spent in the home of lier daughter, Ellen, in Detroit. The daughter, Ellen,
died in 1902.
Michael Walsh, the father, was born in October, 1814, and the place
of his birth was known as Killgar Parish, Killallon Barony of Castletown
Delevin, in County West Meath. He had two brothers, William and
Patrick, and two sisters, Mary and Ann. Mary was married in Detroit
to Thomas Sullivan, and Ann married James Mackin and died in Ireland
in 1847. Michael Walsh married Elizabeth Fox, who was born in Kil-
patrick. Parish of Collinstown, County West Meath, in 1814, a daughter
of Peter and Elizabeth (McGram) Fox. Her one brother, Louis Fox,
married Elizabeth Shirden, and had a son, Peter Fox; and her one sister,
Margaret, married liryan Sutton. Michael Walsh with his wife and four
children sailed from Dublin, Ireland, June 6, 1848, on the ship Juno,
bound for New York. The record of the children of the family is briefly
as follows: Mary, born August 16, 1838; Bridget, born in 1839,
who died when three years old : Elizabeth, born June 3, 1841 ; Wil-
liam, the first of the name, who was born August 14, 1843, and died
i^*^'lu>!S "'*
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1255
when nine months old; Ambrose, born June 2, 1847; William, second of
the name, born October 16, 1849, in Detroit; Margaret, born December
15, 1851 ; Louis, born July 6, 1855; and Ellen, born August 13, 1857.
It will also be appropriate to mention some further details concerning
the earlier generations of the family. Michael Walsh was a son of
Ambrose and Bridget ( Guillick ) Walsh, the latter a native of Stonefield
Parish of liallin Lough in County Meath. Ambrose Walsh, in turn, was
a son of William and Ellen (Ward) Walsh, and a grandson of Ambrose
and Ann (Russell) Walsh. All the various members of this family lived
and died in Killgar, and are buried in Archstown churchyard, and on the
stones which mark the family plot are the names of many of the family.
It is evident that Joseph Walsh began life with one distinct advantage,
the possession of a good family heritage. His education was acquired
chiefly in the Christian Brothers school in Detroit, until he was fifteen
years old, and also by night school in that city, under the direction of
Martin O'Brien, one of tlie early educators of Detroit. When the family
moved to Lapeer county and settlefl on the tract of wild land, his services
were at once brought into requisition in assisting to clear the timber and
bring the land under the plow. For a niWnJjer of years he- contributed his
earnings to the support of the family-, and", ivorlced'iij. the harvest fields,
and for several seasons was em])loyed by Jerome E^^B'utler of Burnside
township, and while still a boy got liis active training in the lumber camps.
Few men have had better natural c|uaUfications for the varied branches of
logging and lumbering than Joseph Walsli._ "An expert in all its branches
at an early age, his capabilities were sucli fhaTKe''was paid the highest
wages in his special line. His skill in "file" handling of tools was of great
advantage to him and his employers, and he was often assigned to tasks
in which his skill had a free scope. His leisure time was also employed
in carving out ox yokes, ax handles and other useful articles. For many
years Mr. Walsh was employed by Silas S. Lee in the lumber business.
Many exciting experiences were his lot in those days, while in the depths
of the woods in the winter, or on the river drive during the spring
freshet.'!. As a capable and reliable man he was often kept in Flint to
assist in clearing up the shipments. His early experience was so broad
that he was well prepared to meet all contingencies when it became his
time to become a lumber operator.
A short sketch cannot possibly enumerate his many ventures and enter-
prises as a lumberman, and only some of the more important facts in his
career can be briefly set down. His reputation as a logger and lumber-
man had a wide vogue among the lumber kings of Michigan thirty or
forty years ago, and he was frequently offered double the salary for work
as a scaler and buyer of logs. For some time the Crapo Lumber Com-
pany had his services, and later he became associated with various lum-
bering interests over the state, and to a large extent his operations were
conducted in the heavy timber tracts near the Great Lakes. In some of
these enterprises different companies sent him out as an expert investi-
gator, entrusting him with the duty of making personal examination of
the timber, and the estimates which he submitted to his superiors were
in every case accepted without question as to their reliability. Mr. Walsh
had few equals in authoritative knowledge of timber conditions, and his
judgment was as nearly infallible as is possible in human aft'airs. In a
numijcr of enterprises he often took a personal interest as an mvestor,
and at an early date became a part owner in milling and logging enter-
prises which represented investments as high as one hundred thousand
dollars in a single venture. In 1880 Mr. Walsh represented the Delta
Lumber Company in locating and laying out the site of the present thriv-
ing and prosperous village of Thompson in Schoolcraft county. In 1881
he laid out the first logging railroad in the upper peninsula, and that is a
1256 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
distinction whicli ought to make his name memorable in the history of the
Michigan lumber industry for all time. Though showing ability in every
branch of the business which he undertook, Mr. Walsh was especially
successful in supervising lumber camps and in handling large companies
of men in the woods, along the rivers, and at the mills. These items of
his career indicate that he is and has been a leader of men, and among
old-time lumbermen in Michigan and elsewhere the name of Joseph Walsh
stands for authority and inspiring leadership.
Finally, on account of failing health, Mr. Walsh was compelled to
abandon the active work in the timber regions and moved to a farm near
Flint. This land, purchased from C. A. Mason and located two and a
half miles from the city, containing one hundred and six acres, for many
years had been the prize farm, so designated by official award at the
County Fair Association through eighteen years. After it came into the
possession of Mr. Walsh it was made one of the finest country estates in
Genesee county, and it remained his home for a number of years. For
the past ten years Mr. Walsh has been living in a beautiful residence in
the city of Flint at 627 Begole street. The farm, though still a part of
his business assets, and maintained at a high standard of cultivation and
equipment, has been under a lessee for several years.
In 1904 Mr. Walsh secured an option on a tract of timberland in the
state of Oregon, and after his investigations made the purchase. His
associate in the ownership of that property being R. J. Whaley of Flint.
The Oregon lands, whicii contain sixteen hundred and eighty acres, and
are said to have merchantable lumber aggregating one hundred million
feet, are being held by Mr. Walsh and Mr. Whaley for future develop-
ment. Mr. Walsh also has extensive mining interests in the northern
part of Ontario, and is identified with a number of local enterprises at
Flint. He is a stock holder in the National and Citizens Commercial Bank
of Flint; member of the executive committee of the Board of Commerce;
stockholder in the Industrial Savings Bank and the Federal Bank of De-
troit; stockholder in the Imperial Wheel Works at Flint. Mr. Walsh
also owns what is known as Moon Island in the Flint River.
A successful business man, he has not neglected his obligations to the
community. While his home was on the farm in Mint township he served
as supervisor several terms, and since moving to the city has had mem-
bership in the city council and always has manifested a public-spirited
activity in local affairs. As to politics he is what might be calletl an inde-
pendent Democrat. Mr. Walsh takes much interest in the affairs of the
St. Michael's Catholic church, is a member of the Knights of Columbus,
at one time was president of the local Ijranch of the Catholic Mutual
Benefit Association, belongs to the Loyal Guards and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. Among his valuable property interests should
also he mentioned the Walsh Block, an oflice building on North Saginaw
street.
On May 20, 1870, Joseph Walsh was married at Flint to Miss Ellen
Donovan, who was bom at Landsdowne, Ontario, and later came to Flint.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Walsh contain the following children : Joseph
L., of Flint; S. Francis, of Detroit ; Ernest V., of Flint ; Agnes at"home;
and Edmund. iMlmund married Lena A. Mallen, a native of Kingston,
Ontario, and tlieir three children are: Marian, a daughter; Malloii, a
son; and infant born November 5, 1913, named Agnes Ellen. The son,
Joseph L., married Sarah O'Hare, daughter of the late Frank O'Hare,
a former prominent lumberman at Mount Morris in Genesee county. S.
Francis lives in Detroit, and by his marriage to Louisa Snyder, had the
following children: Joseph; Ruth; Elizabeth, who died in July, 1912;
and Ellen.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1257
The career of Joseph Walsh has been a long and successful one, and
in this article it has been possible to sketch it onl}' in outline. A volume
might easily be filled up with the accounts of the varied experiences and
enterprises of such a man, and it is noteworthy that his success has been
such as to benefit the community and others as well as himself.
Almon C. Varney. One of the oldest in point of experience, as
well as one of the best known and most successful architects of Detroit,
is A. C. \'arney, head of the firm of A. C. \'arney & Winter, with offices
in the Dime Bank lUiilding. During his preparatory years, Mr. Varney
was associated with some of the men then and afterwards eminent in
their profession, and has for more than thirty years, been both a student
and a practical worker in his vocation. During this time 'Mr. Varney
has drawn the plans and supervised the construction of some of the most
imposing buildings in Detroit, and in many ways has taken the lead
among his associates in this profession.
Almon Clother Varney was born at Luzerne, New York, March 28,
1849, a son of Abner M. and Marian (Clother) Varney. He grew up
in an atmosphere of hard work and high ideals and had a public school
education only in New York school, after which he entered the office of
Darius Norcross at Glens Falls, New York, in 1876, and began the
study of architecture. He was also a student under E. M. Boyden, one
of the foremost architectures of Worcester, Massachusetts. In 1881
Mr. Varney came to Detroit and opened his office and has practiced his
profession in that city ever since. For many years he was associated
with his l)rother, under the name of A. C. Varney & Company. Since
1910 he has been senior member of the firm of A. C. Varney & Winter.
Mr. Varney drew the plans, supervised the construction, and fur-
nished the capital for the erection of the first flats or apartment build-
ing in Detroit, this pioneer structure oeing known as the Varney Apart-
ments. He still owns this building. The firm of Varney & Company
were architects for a large number of business houses and flats in De-
troit, including the Butler Building on Griswold Street, the Standart
Brothers store and warehouse, the Oriental Hotel, the four Boydel
Brothers factories and offices, the Homer Mc(jraw and Howard Anthony
residences, also a considerable part of the earlier buildings of Parke-
Davis & Company. The firm of A. C. Varney & Winter have built
among others the three large plants of the Briggs Manufacturing Com-
pany, the Metzger Motor Works, the Store and Warehouse of the Brus-
haber Furniture Company, and the McRae and Roberts Brass Works.
Mr. \'arney has long been prominent in Detroit citizenship, and
from 1895 to 1900 served as poor commissioner of Detroit. He belongs
to the Detroit Board of Commerce, and is a thirty-second degree Mason
and Shriner. At Saratoga, New York, September i, 1872, he married
Lizzie C. Skidmore. They are the parents of one son and one daughter,
namely : A. Chester Varney, who is now with the Detroit Engine Works,
and Eva J. Varney, at home with her parents.
George B. Galluf. The Gallup and Lewis store, wholesale and retail
dealers in house furnishing goods, is the largest establishment of its kind
in Jackson, and is an enterprise which is a most creditable monument to
the business sagacity and integrity of its proprietors. Mr. Gallup, the
senior member, has been engaged in the furniture and house furnishing
business at Jackson for more than a quarter of a century, having entered
upon that pursuit about the time he reached his majority, and by concen-
tration of effort has succeeded beyond his most sanguine dreams of earlier
days. The motto of the Gallup and Lewis concern, known all over Jack-
1258 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
son county, is: "We furnish a house complete." Their stock comprises
turniture, stoves, carpets, draperies, and every and all articles that enter
Hito the complete equipment of the home. The partners in this monu-
mental mercantile house are George B. Gallup and David B Lewis
George B. Gallup was born in Jackson, Michigan, July lo, iSsq His
father, Milo Gallup, was for twenty-one years employed as a keeper in
the Jackson State prison, and subsequently lived on a farm in the southern
part of Ingham county for about twenty years. His death occurred in
Jackson December 26, 1909. He was born in Erie county. New York
March 9, 1833. He was twice married, the Jackson merchant being the
son of his first wife. Her maiden name was Eleanor Ealing, who died
when her son George was twelve years old.
The latter has spent all his years in Jackson, was educated in the local
schools, and had hardly attained his manhood when he began the business
career which has been leading him steadily towards larger and larger suc-
cess. The firm of Gallup and Lewis was formed on April 20, i888. No
other mercantile house in its line can bear comparison with this in Jackson
county, and it is one -of the largest in southern Michigan. The "store is
by all odds the largest in the city, and has more square feet of floor space
than any other local concern. The main building is 66x132 feet, five floors,
four stories and basement, at the corner of South Mechanic and Cortland
streets. Nearby fronting on Cortland street, is an annex, 66x132 feet,
four floors, three stories and basement. On Pearl street is a warehouse,'
44x132 feet, comprising three floors. The firm does not only an immense
retail business, but distributes its goods wholesale to a large numlaer of
dealers in southern Michigan.
Air. Gallup is a member of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, and
affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. On November 5, 1896, he married Miss
Emma Copsey, who was born in England. Their' three living children are
Doris, Clifford and Marion. One daughter, Eleanor, died at the age of
five years.
Mark Burnii.\m Stevens. Now in the fiftieth year of his active
connection with the well known shoe house of R. N. Eyfe & Company
at Detroit, Mr. Stevens is .still an active business man, and is one of the
highly honored veterans in business circles of that city. He has wit-
nessed the growth of Detroit from a comparatively small western town
into one of the largest business centers in America, and his part as an
individual has always been directed in the line of progress for the com-
munity as a whole, and his success has not been without benefit to the
city in which he has had his home all his life.
Mark Burnham Stevens was born at Detroit October 23, 1840, the
son of John and Mary Baker (Covert) Stevens. The Stevens family
has been identified with Detroit for a great many years, and John Stev-
ens was one of the city's early merchants. Mr. 'M. 1]. Stevens acquired
his education in the Detroit public .schools, and on EeJjruary 4, 1865,
before he was sixteen years of age, entered the firm of R. N. Eyfe &
Company in the capacity of cashier. In 1869 he was taken into the
firm as a partner, and when the business was incorporated he was
elected secretary and treasurer. In this office he has had an active part
in building up and extending the scope of the trade, and has gained
large success as a merchant.
Mr. Stevens is a meinher of the Detroit Board of Commerce, was a
charter memlier of the Detroit Club, a member of the Fine ;\rts Church
Club, the Society of the Colonial Wars, the Sons of the American Revo-
lution, and a niember Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of Epis-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1259
copal church. On September lO, 1874, he married Annie Adams, who
died July 13, 1901. On Xovember 23, 1904, he married Emily Gilmore.
By his last marriage there are two children. Mark Chancellor and Emily
Gilmore.
George M. Carter, vice president and treasurer of the Standard Car
Manufacturing Company, of Jackson. Michigan, was born in Jackson,
June 3, 1884, and is the youngec of the two sons of George W. Carter,
who is one of Jackson's leading citizens, and of whom a lengthy sketch
will be found on other pages of this work. Both George M. Carter and
his only brother. Philander L., are among the most prominent of Jack-
son's younger men of affairs. Both are engaged in the manufacturing
business — Philander L. as president of the Jackson Fence Company,
while George M. Carter is associated with the Standard Car Manufactur-
ing Company.
George M. Carter was reared in Jackson, and after finishing the gram-
mar grades in the Jackson public schools, he took a four years' course in
the Michigan Military Academy at Orchard Lake, from which institution
he was graduated in 1903 at the age of nineteen. He then spent four
years in the University of Michigan, and in 1907 was graduated from its
mechanical engineering department. The four years following his grad-
uation from the University were spent in the Northwest, mainly in the
states of Washington and Idaho and in British Columbia. He put in the
time in prospecting, giving some attention to the lumber business and. in
addition, to learning much of the geography of that section. Fie also
made some judicious investments. Returning to his old home in Jackson
in 191 1, he has since applied himself to the business of building electric
automobiles in connection with the Standard Car Manufacturing Com-
pany, and is now vice president and treasurer of that concern.
Mr. Carter is a member of the Jackson City Club and a member and
director of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of both
of the country clubs and in further reference to his business connections,
it should be said that he is a director of the Jackson Fence Company, of
which his brother is president.
Charles Richard Ammerman. It is as a consulting engineer that
Charles R. Ammerman has his most important relations with the com-
munity of Detroit, and the engineering firm of Ammerman, McColl &
Anderson has a reputation for successful and reliable performance which
gives it first rank among mechanical and electrical engineers in the state.
Born at Marshall, 'Michigan, March 8, 1880, Charles Richard Am-
merman was reared on a farm in Calhoun county, attended the district
schools, and after graduating in 1900 from the business department of
Albion College, was put face to face with the serious responsibilities of
life, and moving to Detroit began with characteristic energy to make
a place for himself in the world of affairs. W^hile earning his living in
clerical work, he studied in the night courses at the Detroit Technical
Institute, and was also a student of engineering with the American Cor-
respondence School. During 1900-03 I\Ir. Ammerman was employed as
a stenographer for the Burnham, Stoepel & Company wholesale dry
goods house, and from 1903 to 1905 was stenographer for Donaldson &
Meier, architects. After getting fairly launched in the line of his pro-
fession, his advancement to success was rapid. In 1905 he became
draftsman in the office of Brush, Allen & Anderson, mechanical en-
gineers, and in 1908 was made a member of the firm of Brush, Anderson
& Ammerman. The next change in his professional relations was in
1910, when he became senior member of the engineering firm of Am-
1260 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
merman, McColl & Anderson, who enjoyed a large practice as consult-
ing engineers in the general mechanical field and in electrical work. This
partnership continued until January i, 1914, when the firm became Am-
nierman & McColl. Mr. Ammerman is also serving as consulting en-
gineer to the Detroit Board of Education.
The family lineage and record of Mr. .Ammerman is one of particu-
lar interest, and in himself are united four old .A.merican lines. His
father, .'\nson L. Ammerman, who was born 1841J in New York state
married Ida Maria Bryan, who was born in Michigan. Through the
father and mother the family relations will be briefly traced. The orig-
inal American emigrant of the Ammerman family was Derric Jahns
Ammerman, who came over from Holland in 1650, settling at Flat Bush
on Long Island. The great-grandfather of the Detroit engineer was
Richard Ammerman. who saw service as a soldier in the war of 1812.
The grandfather married Submitta Chapin. Her father was Samuel
Chapin, whose ancestry went back to Deacon .Samuel Chapin, who
came over from England in 1640, locating at Springfield, Massachusetts.
The Chapin family furnished ])ioneers to Michigan, since Samuel Chapin.
great-grandfather of Mr. Ammerman, came to this state some time be-
tween 1830 and 1840, settling in Washtenaw county, but later moving
to Calhoun county. In the maternal line the grandfather of Mr. Ammer-
man was Ezra T. Bryan, who was born near Syracuse, New "S'ork, son
of Ezra Bryan, son of .Samuel Bryan, who was a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary war, entering the Continental army when a man of sixty years,
and faithfully performing his duties in the struggle for independence
until its triumphant conclusion. This veteran patriot died at the ex-
treme age of ninety-nine years. The Bryan family was founded in
America by Ale.xander Bryan, who crossed the ocean from England
about 1634, locating in Connecticut. As a shipping merchant he gained
large wealth for those days, and bought from the Indians a large pro-
portion of the lands used by the colony of which he was a member.
From Connecticut the Bryans moved into New York state. Ezra T.
Bryan, already mentioned as the maternal grandfather, married Harriet
Mann. She was born in Connecticut, daughter of Enoch Mann, who
was in turn the son of Elijah Mann. The founder of the Mann family
was Richard Mann, who came from England, and settled in Massachu-
setts between 1630 and 1640, later settling at Hebron, Connecticut. Har-
riet Mann came to Michigan as a member of the elder Ezra Bryan's fam-
ily, and subsequently married his son Ezra T. Bryan.
Anson L. Ammerman, father of Charles R., was brought to Michi-
gan in 185 1, when only two years of age. The Ammerman family set-
tled in Marengo township in Calhoun county, where he was reared on
the family homestead. His vocation was that of an industrious and
fairly prosperous farmer up to 1906, when he moved to the city of De-
troit and engaged in commercial lines.
Charles R. .\mmerman was married in 1904 to Mabel Adams, daugh-
ter of Armour and Anna Adams. They have one daughter, Helen Eliza-
beth Ammerman.
HiR.\M W.\LKER. The late Hiram Walker was one of the notable
[jioneers of Detroit and was the founder of Walkerville, located across
the river from this city, in Canada, a town named in his honor. He was
a native of Massachusetts and was descended from some of the oldest
and most honored families of New England. His earliest American an-
cestor was Thomas Walker, who lived in Boston in 1661 and who moved
to Sudbury, Massachusetts, in 1684, where he taught school for a time
and where he died in 1699. Another ancestor was a soldier and was
/^^^.^ MiuJc^^
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1261
wounded in the Narragansett fight during King Philip's War in 1675.
The Walkers were all of English stock, and the only ancestor of Mr.
Walker of any other nationality was Pierre Chamois, a French-Huguenot
who as Peter Shumway came to Oxford, Massachusetts, in about 1650.
The parents of Hiram Walker .were Willis and Ruth (Buffum) Walker,
natives of Massachusetts. Hiram was born in the town of Douglas, that
state, July 4, 1816, and there attended the public schools. Upon the com-
pletion of his education he was employed for a time in a dry goods store
in Boston, but in 1838 decided to cast his fortunes with the growing
West and accordingly came to Detroit. Here he soon established him-
self in the grocery business, and this was later followed by a tannery and
leather business, but the plant of the latter was destroyed by fire just
when its success seemed assured. Mr. Walker then returned to the
grocery business, but the money panic of 1857 spelled disaster for him
and he decided to cross the line and engage in business in Canada. Ac-
cordingly, in 1857, he purchased a tract of land forming the present site
of the flourishing city of Walkerville, and there built a steam flouring
mill and distillery, and from 1858, when the plant went into operation
Mr. Walker's great success began, to be continued the balance of his life.
The flour mill branch of the business \y,a&, continued for about twenty
years, when the increasing demands for the prodn?:t of the distillery
caused Mr. Walker to close out the flour mill'and d^^TDte his energies to
the distilling of what is now a world-wide-known product, and which
business, largely expanded, is still in operation under the corporate name
of Hiram Walker & Sons Limited. . "^ '■ ;-' ■ ■' ,. ;
In 1859 Mr. Walker removed his family "to 'Walkerville, but returned
to Detroit in 1864, where he resided during the balance of his life. He
was always the leading man of Walkerville, even though a resident of
Detroit, and was the guiding spirit in the making of that little city a
model one in improvements and an industrial center of great importance.
St. Mary's Church, built in Walkerville in 1904 to the memory of his
wife and himself by their sons is regarded as one of Canada's finest
church edifices. Mr. Walker was one of the trustees of the original
school board. He invested largely in farm lands and was also closely
connected with numerous Canadian enterprises, whose success was largely
the result of his efforts and wise guidance. Mr. Walker's Detroit in-
terests were also numerous and of great importance. As an evidence of
the class of corporations with which Mr. Walker was connected, the fol-
lowing partial list is given : Detroit Car Works, Detroit Transit Railway,
Detroit and Bay City Railway, Detroit National Bank, Hamtramck Iron
Works, Detroit College of Medicine, Detroit Chamber of Commerce
and Wayne County Agricultural and Industrial Society. He was also a
shareholder and member of the Detroit Club, the Crosse Point Club, the
North Channel Club and the Detroit Driving Club.
Mr. Walker's charities were large and varied and he ever was a
generous contributor to any worthy enterprise. In 1896 he built the
Detroit Children's Free Hospital, in memory of his daughter. Jennie
Melissa, who died in 1870. He not only gave the land and building for
this notable institution, but liberally endowed it. Thus was evidenced
his love for and sympathy with children, a prominent characteristic of
his nature. He also endowed a room and bed in Harper Hospital, and
gave generously to that institution, giving likewise his support to the
training school for nurses connected therewith. He gave liberally to the
old St. Paul's Episcopal church, where for many years he served as a
vestryman.
Mr. Walker decided to retire from active business Hfe in 1895 and
turn his business interests into the hands of his three surviving sons.
1262 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
To this end he executed deeds of sale to them of the greater part of
his real estate, including all situated in Detroit and the bulk of his
Canadian holdings and also transferred to them his shares in the differ-
ent corporations in which he was interested, his daughter also partici-
pating in the distribution of his Detroit property. Among various con-
ditions attached to these deeds and transfers was one which provided
that within three years of his death his sons should pay $20,000, to
Harper Hospital, which payment was made in 1902. Air. Walker died
at his Detroit, home January 12, 1899. Uy will he bequeathed to the
Children's Free Hospital seven-eighths, and to Harper Hospital one-
eighth, of all the property of which he might be possessed at the time of
his death.
On October 5, 1846. Mr. Walker was married to Aliss Mary Abigail
Williams, daughter of Ephraim Smith and Hannah Melissa (Gotee) Wil-
liams, of Silver Lake, Alichigan. Mrs. Walker, born in 1826, was the
first white child born in the Saginaw A'alley, where her father was
serving as paymaster for the Indians. She was descended from Robert
Williams, of \\'elsh lineage, who sailed from Norwich. England, in 1638,
and settled at Roxbury, Massachusetts. On the maternal side she was
a descendant of James Harrington Gotee, who served as a soldier in the
Continental line for seven years during the Revolutionary War. Mrs.
Walker died in 1872. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker were born five sons
and two daughters, as follows : Julia Elizabeth is the widow of the late
Theodore D. Buhl, one of Detroit's most prominent and highly hon-
ored citizens. Willis Ephraim, who died in 1886, was a solicitor and
notary in Detroit. E. Chandler, born in Detroit in 185 1. married Miss
Mary E, Griffin, daughter of the late Thomas Griffin of Detroit. He is
president of Hiram Walker &: Sons, Limited, and resides at Walker-
ville, Canada, and is a director of the Detroit Museum of Art, in which
institution he has long been deeply interested and to which he has lent
substantial financial aid. Franklin H., born in Detroit in 1853, grad-
uated from the L^niversity of Michigan with the class of 1873. and is
vice president and managing director of Hiram Walker & Sons, Limited,
and a resident of Detroit. He married Miss Mav Holbrook, daughter
of the late DeWitt C. Holbrook of Detroit, and their only child, Ella,
married Count Matuschka, of Bechau. Silesia. Jennv Melissa died in
1870, at an early age. J. Harrington, born at Walkerville, Canada, in
1859, is a resident of Detroit and an official of the firm of Hiram Walker
& Sons, Limited, a member of the board of trustees of the Detroit Col-
lege of Medicine and a member of the Detroit Club and popular in other
social organizations.. He was married in 1883 to Miss Florence A. Hol-
comb, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, who died in 1887, leaving two sons,
Harrington and Hiram, and married second in 1889, Margaret Caldwell,
daughter of the late William S. Tallman, of Detroit, and has by this
union one son and two daughters.
Ch.^rles Henry Christopher. Excepting a brief interim of three
years, the city water works of Jackson have been under the superin-
tendence of Charlie Christopher for thirty-eight years, since 1876. This
is a record probably not paralleled in the state, and no other man has
served the municipality so long. Length of service has been accompanied
by a fidelity and efficiency that tend to increase one's faith in the zeal
and devotion of public workers.
Charles Henry Christopher was born at Troy, New York, April 13,
1847, a son of Joseph, and a grandson of James Christopher, the latter
came to the Lhiited -States from England, and Joseph Christopher grew
up in the east and followed the trade of millwright, and also that of car-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1263
penter. Joseph married Sarah Ann Perry, who was born in Saratoga
county, New York, a daughter of Johnson Perry, who had moved from
Connecticut to New York State, the Perrys being of old New England and
Revohitionary stock.
Charles Henry Christopher grew up in New York, and in addition
to a common school education served a full apprenticeship at the machin-
ist's trade. When eighteen years of age, or in 1865, he came to the
city of Jackson, and that city has been his home ever since. There were
then about ten thousand people living within the corporation limits,
while it is now a city of forty-five thousand. The parents followed him
to Jackson, and both died in this city, the father at the age of sixty-
seven and the mother at the age of seventy-four. Mr. Christopher has
been identified with the Jackson city government in one capacity or
another since 1869, with the exception of three years. From 1869 to
1876 he was connected with the fire department in various relations.
Since 1876 he has been chief engineer of the City Water Works con-
tinuously until i8go when he became manager of a gas plant but went
back to his old position under the municipal government in 1893. As
chief engineer it may be said that he is practically the father of the
city water plant, which is one of the finest in the state, and is a source
of pride to every Jackson citizen, and of admiration to every visitor to
the city. The source of water is artesian, and the plant now has fifteen
wells. Mr. Christopher has developed the plant from one supplying
half a million gallons a day to a capacity of twenty million gallons every
twenty-four hours.
Such has been the efficiency of Mr. Christopher in this position that
he has never been troubled by political changes. He has continued as
city water works engineer under all sorts of political administrations —
Democratic. Republican and Greenbacker. No matter what the political
administration may be Charles Christopher is never disturbed, and re-
curring elections never have any terror for him. Mr. Christopher is a
member of the Masonic Order.
On July 2, 1869, he married Miss Jennie Elizabeth Snow, who was
then sixteen years of age, and who was born in Jackson, January i, 1853.
They have lived together as husband and wife for forty-four years.
Their one living son is Frank Christopher, of Jackson, who is married
and has three children, namely: Hazel, Edith and Jessie. Hazel has for
practically all her life lived with her grandparents. She is now eighteen
years old, and a member of the senior class in the Jackson high school.
Her grandparents have accepted her as their own daughter, and have
bestowed upon her every mark of affection, and she in turn has been
the joy of the old home.
Mr. Christopher owes his success in life to the fact that he is
strictly "on the square" in all his relations with his fellow men, and to
the conscientious discharge of duty at all times. He is of the type of
manhood that does things, and is destined to get to the front. Had he
ever been a soldier, he would undoubtedly have been in command of his
company, and his sterling worth and high character are much appreciated
in his home locality.
WiT.LiAjr FIexry Holden. A graduate in pharmacy, and with a
successful and practical experience behind him, Mr. Holden came to De-
troit in 1S81, and took the position of assistant foreman in the finish-
ing department for the Parke, Davis & Company. In 1882 he was ad-
vanced and was put in charge of the finishing department, later had the
supervision of the stock department, and in 1883 was made chief of the
.shipping and stock department. In 1S99 Mr. Holden was promoted to
the position of general superintendent.
1264 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
William Henry Holden is the ninth generation from Richard Holden,
who founded the Holden family in America. Richard Holden emi-
grated from Ipswich, England, to America in 1634, making the voyage
on the ship Francis. He first located at Watertown, Massachusetts, af-
terwards moving to Groton, in the same colony, and in that portion
which IS now known as Shirley. From Richard Holden the line of
descent is traced through Stephen, John, Caleb (i), Caleb (2), Jonathan,
Charles, John Henry, and William Henry. Caleb Holden (2). left six
sons, one of whom, James was adopted by the Rev. Stephen Call, clergy-
man of Eallston, New York, and whose daughter Esther, he eventually
married. They later moved to Canada, and their daughter Esther mar-
ried Merrick Sawyer. Alary Esther, daughter of Merrick and Esther
Sawyer married John Henry Holden, and they were the parents of Will-
iam Henry Holden of Detroit. Charles Holden, son of Jonathan and
the grandfather of William H., went to Canada when a young man, and
was there successfully known as a carriage builder. He furnished a
part of the equipment used in the construction of the Rideau Canal,
with the building of which he was prominently identified. He was dur-
ing his active career a leading man in the Rideau Valley of Ontario, there
he spent the remainder of his years. The Holden family was long promi-
nent in connection with banking and professional interests in Prescott
and Belleville, Ontario. When James Holden left IMassachusetts, he
located at Augusta, Grenville county, Ontario, where his death occurred
late in life.
William Henry Holden of Detroit, was adopted by his maternal
grandfather, Merrick Sawyer, who was at that time engaged in the drug
business at Belleville, Ontario. Merrick Sawyer was a man of education
and ability. In early life he taught school in' Rochester, New York, and
later taught at Port Hope and Cobourg, Ontario. Finally he established
at_ Cobourg the private school for boys, which was the foundation for
Victoria University, of which he was first business manager, th.is insti-
tution was subsequently moved to Toronto. William H. Holden was
reared in Belleville, where he acquired his education in the public schools.
While a student at high school he assisted his grandfather in the drug
store, and that experience gave him the bent for his successful vocation
in lite. Entering the Ontario School of Pharmacy in Toronto, he was
graduated there in 1879, and on leaving college his first important po-
sition was with a large drug house at Montreal. Later he became fore-
man of the manufacturing department of a manufacturing drug house
in Montreal, and it was with this varied experience in his line of busi-
ness that he came to Detroit in 1881, and began his long and successful
connection of over thirty years with the Parke, Davis & Company. He
is also the president of the City Concrete & Coal Company, and presi-
dent of the Universal Sand & Gravel Company.
On June 9, 1887, Mr. Holden married Miss Ella Bancroft Tones,
daughter of Nathan Jones of Belleville, Ontario. Mrs. Holden is"a de-
scendant of the well known Bancroft family which has supplied to our
American life two distinguished historians. Mrs. Holden for a number
of years has been prominent among Detroit women in club and social
affairs. She served as president of the Detroit Federation of Women's
Clubs, and is a member of the Twentieth Century Club, the Detroit
Shakespeare Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution and other
well known local organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Holden have two children :
Howard Bancroft Ilolden, and Alma Clement Holden. The family are
memltcrs f)f the ]'"irst Congregational church, while Mr. Holden has mem-
ber.shii) in the Detroit Athletic Club, the Detroit Boat Club, and the
Yachtsman's Club. The summer home of the family is on Hickory
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1265
Island, at the mouth of the Detroit River, half of which Island is owned
by Mr. Holden.
Forrest Clyde Badgley. Twenty-four years of continuous and ac-
tive practice at the bar of Jackson county have brought Mr. Badgley
many of the best rewards and distinctions of professional life. He has
long ranked as one of the ablest attorneys of southern Michigan and to
him in the course of the years have come many opportunities for par-
ticipation in politics, although he has consistently refused these offers,
and although a man of prominence in the Democratic party, he is first and
last a lawyer.
Forrest Clyde Badgley was born on a farm in Jackson county, Michi-
gan, April II, 1866. His parents, Dennis and Sarah (Christopher)
Badgley, were old settlers in Jackson county and the father spent his
declining years in the city of Jackson, where his death occurred in IQ06.
The mother still lives there. On his father's side, Mr. Badgley is of
Scotch descent, while the maternal ancestry is German.
It was on his father's farm in Jackson county that Mr. Badgley grew
up, attending the district schools during the winter sessions, and while
following the plow he conceived his tirst definite ambition for a legal
career, and thereafter shaped all his efforts to enable him to succeed in
his desire. He made steady progress in the study of law and in 1889 was
admitted to the bar. Since then his efforts have all been directed to his
private practice, in the city of Jackson. Outside of his work as coun-
sellor, and in all the courts, he has a record of public service in one office,
that of prosecuting attorney for four years. Mr. Badgley belongs to the
Jackson County and the Michigan State Bar Associations, and for a
number of years has been chairman of the Democratic County Commit-
tee of Jackson county. Fraternally his associations are with the F.enevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Knights of Pythias.
On June 12, 1895, Mr. Badgley married Miss Annie V. Beers, a
native of Iowa. They are the parents of one son and one daughter, Max
Forrest Badgley, born December 9, 1898; and Phyllis Norine, born Oc-
tober 12, 1900.
Dennis Badgley. One of Jackson county's old and honored pio-
neers was the late Dennis Badgley, who lived in the county, from 1845
until his death, December 30, 1906. His career was one of quiet un-
eventfulness, but characterized by the performance of his duty to fam-
ily and the community, and he well represented the substantial citi-
zenship of his county.
Dennis Badgley was born in Seneca county, New York, October 20,
1837. His father, John D. Badgley of Scotch extraction was born in the
same county of New York in 1801, and married Charlotte Miller, who
was of German family and was born in 1806 in Plainfield, New Jersey.
It was in the year 1845 'hat the parents came west and settled in Grass
Lake township, Jackson county. Dennis Badgley, wdio was then eight
years of age, grew up in a somewhat pioneer community, had a common
school education, and early in life learned the trade of carpenter. Later
he substituted farming for his trade, and followed that vocation until
he retired and moved to the city of Jackson in 1892.
On December 8, 1864, Dennis Badgley married Sarah Christopher,
who was born in Liberty township, Jackson county, November irt, 1S41,
and belonged to one of the earliest families. Se^'en children survive in
the family of Dennis Badgley and wife, as follows : Forrest C. ; Ernest
C. ; Grace M., now Mrs. A. C. Tawse ; Verne W. ; Laura, now Mrs. C.
1266 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
D. Munro; Hester, now Mrs. R. G. England; and Elizabeth Irene, now
Mrs. A. G. Trail,
Fk.\nk W. Hutchin'gs. Coming to Detroit in July, 1902, Frank W.
riutchings has been identified with various extensive business industries,
all of which have added to the city's prestige, and at the present time is
treasiirer of the Lake Superior Iron and Chemical Company, where his
energies have been concentrated upon the rebuilding of the charcoal pig
iron market. A man of energetic nature and progressive spirit, possessed
of much executive ability and organizing power, his career from youth
has been one of constant and rapid advancement, and the position that he
occupies today in the business world has been gained solely through the
medium of his own efforts.
Mr. Hutchings was born at Belle Plaine, Benton county, Iowa, July
27. 1873. a son of Gideon and Mary Augusta (Dresser) Hutchings. He
received his preliminary educational training in the public schools of his
native community, and after some preparation entered Columbian Uni-
versity. On leaving the latter he became a student at Georgetown
University, where he received the degrees of Bachelor of Laws and
Master of Laws, and upon his graduation from that institution accepted
the position of private secretary to the Hon. Richard C. McCormick, of
New York. Subsequently he was- associated with the official stenogra-
phers of the National House of Representatives, and was next connected
with the Congressional Library Building and Grounds in the capacity of
chief clerk. On leaving that position in 1902, he came to Detroit and be-
came secretary of the National Founders' Association, and continued as
such until January, 1912, at which time he accepted the position which he
now occupies. The headquarters of the Lake Superior Iron and Chem-
ical Company are located in the Union Trust Building. He is widely
known in business circles, being one of the working members of the De-
troit Board of Commerce. His social connection is with the Detroit Club,
in which he has numerous friends.
Horatio N. Hovey. Not only by reason of his individual achieve-
ment and his personal prominence as a representative citizen and busi-
ness man but also on account of his being a scion of one of the honored
pioneer families of Michigan does Mr. Hovey merit specific recognition
in this history of his native state, the family name having been linked
with the annals of Michigan since the territorial epoch in its history.
Mr. Hovey has marked the passing years with large and worthy accom-
plishment and has proved himself one of those valiant souls to whom
success comes as a natural prerogative. He is known as one of the sub-
stantial, capitalists and representative business men of his native state,
and his gaining of this status has been the direct result of his own abil-
ity and efforts. He has been long and prominently identified with the
lumber industry, in connecton with which his interests are now principally
in the south and west and in which his operations in Michigan were
formerly of broad scope and importance. He has also lent his admirable
executive and administrative powers to the furtherance of other lines of
business enterprise, and he is today one of the influential citizens of De-
troit, where he has entered fully and loyally into the progressive spirit
that has conserved the upbuilding of the "Greater Detroit." .\ man of
broad mental ken and of sterling integrity, he has a secure place in the
esteem of all who know him, and he has made his life count for good in
its every relation.
Horatio N, Hovey was born in O.xford township, Oakand county,
Michigan, on the 20th of February, 1853, and is the youngest of the
d^fXM
TMI NIW tOKK
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1267
twelve children born to Horace and Hannah (Scribner) Hovey, the
former of whom was born at Albany, New York, and the latter in the
state of Maine, both being representatives of families that were founded
in America in the colonial era of our national history. Horace Hovey
was reared to adult age in the old Empire state, and in 1828, when a
young man, he immigrated to the wilds of southern Michigan, his trip
to the new home having been partially made on the vessel "William
Penn," which was the fifth steamboat to be placed in commission on the
Great Lakes. He disembarked in Detroit, which was then little more
than a frontier village, and soon afterward he made his way into Oak-
land county, where he obtained a tract of heavily timbered land, in Ox-
ford township, and turned his attention to reclaiming a farm from the
wilderness. Thus establishing his home in Oakland county nearly a
decade prior to the admission of Michigan to the Union, ^Ir. Hovey
became one of the honored and influential pioneers of that part of the
territory, and there he long continued to be actively identified with agri-
cultural pursuits, in connection with which his independence and pros-
perity represented years of arduous toil and endeavor. He passed the
closing period of his life in western Michigan, where he died in the
spring of 1884. In politics he was originally' a AVhig and later a Demo-
crat, and he served in various local offices of pliblic trust, the while he
ever commanded the high regard of his fellow men. His cherished anfl
devoted wife, who was a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, was summoned to the life -eterisil in 1870, at Muskegon, and
of the twelve children three sons^'ai^d'ohe daughter are now living.
To the public schools of his native county Horatio N. Hovey is in-
debted for his early educational training, which was later supplemented
by an effective course in the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie,
New York. In the meantime, at the age of fourteen years, the alert and
ambitious youth obtained employment in a grocery store at Muskegon.
Michigan, and one year later he became a clerical assistant in the post-
office at that place. He thus served until 1870, when he was appointed
deputy postmaster, and of this position he continued the incumbent sev-
eral years. In 1875 Mr. Hovey engaged in the retail hardware business
at Muskegon, as junior member of the firm of Merrill & Hovey, in
which his associate was his father-in-law, Ehas W. Merrill, In 1881
Mr. Hovey became identified with the lumber industry in that section
of the state, as a member of the firm of McCracken, Hovey & Company,
manufacturers of lumber. Two years later the title of the firm became
Hovey & McCracken, and this concern long controlled a large and pros-
perous enterprise in the manufacturing of lumber, dealing in timber
lands, etc. Mr. Hovey retired from the lumber manufacturing business
in Michigan in 1899, after the available supply resources had Jjeen prac-
tically exhausted, and since that time he has given the major part of
his time and attention to the management of his extensive timber prop-
erties in the south and west, where his exploitations along this line of
industry have been widely extended and eminently successful.
Mr. Hovey continued to maintain his home in the city of Muskegon
until IQ03, and he had been for many years one of the influential and
public-spirited citizens of that section of the state. In the year last
mentioned he removed with his family to Detroit, where his business and
social interests have since been centered, though he still has large capital-
istic interests at Muskegon and in other parts of the state, as well as
in the south and west. He is president of the Muskegon .Savings Bank
and was for several years vice president of the National Lumberman's
Bank of Muskegon, where he also served three years as president of the
Muskegon Chamber of Commerce. There he is still a director of the
1268 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Shaw-Walker Company, engaged in the manufacture of office filing de-
vices, etc., and he is a member of the board of directors of the Grand
Rapids Muskegon Power Company, a most important corporation, with
valuable properties, concessions and franchises. While a resident of
Muskegon he served ten years as treasurer of the city board of educa-
tion. He has been since 1908 a director of the Dime Savings Bank of
Detroit. He has shown rare initiative and constructive ability in the
course of his long and signally successful business career and he stands
exemplar of the best type of citizenship — loyal to all civic duties and
responsibilities and zealous and versatile in the domain of business ac-
tivities. In politics, though never a seeker of public office, Mr. Hovey
has been unswerving in his allegiance to the Republican party, and he
is identified with various fraternal and social organizations of repre-
sentative order.
On the 1st of June, 1874, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Hovey
to Miss Nellie Merrill, who w-as born and reared at Muskegon and who
is a daughter of Elias W. and Sarah A. (Titcomb) Merrill. Her father
was born and reared in the state of Maine and thence came to Michigan
in 1837, the year which marked the admission of the state to the Union.
Mr. Merrill first located at Grand Rapids, whence he removed to Muske-
gon in 1844. He was a pioneer in the lumbering operations of Michi-
gan and became a citizen of prominence and influence. He represented
Aluskegon county in the state legislature for several terms and was for
many years postmaster at Muskegon, where he died at the patriarchal
age of ninety years, his wife having preceded him to eternal rest by a
number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Hovey have four children, concerning
whom the following brief data are given in conclusion of this sketch :
Annie Merrill is the wife of Charles F. Patterson, of Detroit ; Eleanor
Merrill is the wife of Dr. John E. Gleason, of the same city ; Sila Mer-
rill is the wife of Dr. Herbert W. Hewitt, of Detroit ; and Willard Merrill
Hovey, the only son, is associated with his father in Inisiness activities.
Captain Julian G. Dickinson. Of Michigan's distinguished vet-
erans of the Civil war still surviving, perhaps none is better known for
his achievements as a soldier and also for his long and honorable record
as a lawyer, than Captain Julian G. Dickinson of Detroit. Captain Dick-
inson has been a member of the Detroit bar forty-five years, and has also
been a factor in banking and manufacturing. His record as a soldier and
officer was made during his very early manhood, and to his later profes-
sion and civic career he brought the same qualities of trained efficiency,
broad and keen intelligence, and extreme fidelity, which chararterized his
activities in the army of the Cumberland.
Julian G. Dickinson is a native of New York state, born at Hamburg,
on November 20, 1843. His parents were the late William and Lois
(Sturtevant) Dickinson. The parents came to Michigan from New York
state in 1852, settling at Jonesville, in that year, but five years later moved
to Jackson. The early education of Captain Dickinson was received at
Collins Center in Erie county. New York, at Jonesville and Jackson,
Michigan, and after the war spent one year in the University of Michi-
gan. On July 10, 1862, at the age of eighteen. Captain Dickinson en-
listed as a private in Company I of the Fourth Regiment of Michigan
Volunteer Cavalry. The record of that splendid regiment from that time
until the end of the war is largely the military history of Captain Dickin-
son, since he was identified with his command in all its campaigns. The
regiment was attached to the army of the Cumberland near Louisville, in
October, 1862. Captain Dickinson's first promotion was as sergeant,
was detailed as ordnance officer of the regiment on September 25, 1863;
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1269
he became sergeant major on March 31, 1864; first heutenant and ad-
jutant of the regiment on July 15, 1864: and was brevetted captain of
United States Volunteers on May 10, 1865, and commissioned captain of
Company I of the Second Michigan Cavalry on July 10, 1865. Captain
Dickinson's record in the war comprises participation in eighty battles
and he was in ten thousand miles of marching and active campaigning.
He was in General James H. Wilson's command from Chickasaw, Ala-
bama, to Macon, Georgia, and during that campaign was commended by
his superiors for "bravery and efficiency." An exploit with which his
name will always be linked was the capture of President Davis of the
Confederacy at Irwinville, Georgia, soon after the surrender of Lee. At
that time he was on the staff of General B. D. Pritchard, who led the
troops which finally discovered the fugitive president, and Captain Dick-
inson, himself, had the distinction of arresting the Confederate leader
while seeking to escape from his camp in the guise of a female. For this
service Captain Dickinson was mentioned to the secretary of war by
General Pritchard and General J. H. Wilson. At the close of the war he
was mustered out of the service, and returned to Michigan to enter the
University of Michigan and spend one year in study. In 1866, Captain
Dickinson moved to Detroit and continued his law studies in the office of
Moore & Griffin.
In 1866 he was admitted to the bar before the supreme court of Michi-
gan, and during 1868-69 was a member of the law firm of Dickinson &
Burt. From 1869 to 1874 he was associated with Hon. Don W. Dickin-
son, the firm being known as Dickinson & Dickinson, after which he was
in practice alone until 1913, when his son, Philip Sheridan Dickinson, be-
came his partner, in the law firm of Dickinson & Dickinson with offices
in the Ford building. Captain Dickinson was for some years interested
in banking in connection with the E. K. Roberts & Company banking
house of Detroit, from which he finally retired in 1877. He was the
attorney for the Preston National Bank for fifteen years, and attorney for
David Preston and the Preston Bank of Detroit from its organization to
the time it was incorporated as Preston National Bank. Captain Dick-
inson has long been prominent in army circles, and is a member and now
commander of the Commandery of the State of Michigan for the mili-
tary order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and a member of
Detroit Post No. 384, G. A. R. His other fraternity is the Masonic Order.
At Detroit on June 25, 1878, Captain Dickinson was united in marri-
age with Clara M. Johnson. Their surviving children are : Alfred, Juli-
an, Philip S., Stanley R. and Clara J.
Hon. Charles H. Bailey. In 1913 when the citizens of Jackson
chose a mayor they turned and gave their support to a man who had
for more than twenty years been honored for his integrity and business
ability in the community, and who is one of the well known railway
officials of Jackson. Charles H. Bailey has had much other experience
in municipal affairs, having served several terms as alderman before he
went into the office of mayor. His administration of the city has been
notable for its efficiency and for the amount of work accomplished that
is directly related to the welfare of the community as a whole, and the
benefit of individual citizens.
Charles H. Bailey was born in Adrian, Michigan, April 24, 1870,
but his home has been in Jackson since he was two years old. At the
age of nineteen in 1889 he graduated from the Jackson high school.
Since that time his entire business career has been taken up with the
railroad service. His first job was as a time keeper in the Michigan
Central Shops, beginning with 1890. Later he qualified as a locomotive
1270 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
fireman, then became an engineer, and finally was made chief engine
dispatcher at Jackson Junction.
His politics is Democratic, and he has long been found in the councils
of his party, and an effective worker. He served four terms, eight
years, as alderman from the Fifth Ward, and in that time got behind
him a large following of citizens who came to feel that his services were
of the highest value to the community in the office of mayor. On April
7, 1913, his election as mayor of Jackson on the Democratic ticket was
brought about by a handsome majority over both the Republican and
Progressive opponents. Air. Bailey stands high in Masonic circles, is a
Knight Templar and Shriner, belonging to Jackson Commandery Xo. 9,
and is a member of Division No. 2 of the Brotherhood of Locomotive
Engineers.
In 1894 Mr. Bailey married Miss Alberta Nixon, a graduate of the
Jackson high school, in the class of 1890. They have one daughter,
Frances Marion Bailey, aged fourteen years.
Bradford Smith, who died at his home in Detroit September 8, 1906,
exercised a larger influence on the life of that city than .some men of
wider newspaper reputation. He never acquired wealth, built no great
enterprise of an industrial or mercantile nature, but devoted many long
and useful years to the education and training of the young men and
women of Detroit. He believed and acted on the principle that it is more
important to educate than to govern, and as an educator and philanthro-
pist his name and career should have a lasting place in the history of
Detroit.
Bradford Smith was born at Moira, Franklin county, New York, in
1820, and reached the venerable age of eighty-six years. In several lines
his ancestry is traced back to Pilgrims, Puritans, Huguenots and other
early settlers of New England. His great-grandfather, Eleazer Smith,
fought with the Continental forces during the war of the Revolution and
was wounded at the battle of Bunker Hill. His father, Captain Bradford
Smith, was an officer during the war of 1812, though only a boy at the
time. The late Bradford Smith began teaching before he reached man-
hood. His schooling was acquired partly in his native village, partly in
Pottsdam Academy, and subsequently he won the degrees of Bachelor of
Arts and Master of Arts from Oberlin College, Ohio. He taught school
before going to college, and most of his expenses were paid from the pro-
ceeds of his school work.
Bradford Smith was a resident of Detroit from 1851. For eight years
he was principal of the old Eighth ward school, now known as the Hough-
ton school. Many pupils of that institution who have since become
prominent in various walks of life remember him with affection and
counted him as their guide, counselor and friend. The practical work of
organizing the graded-school system of Detroit was accomplished by
Bradford Smith, and that alone is a distinction which will always give him
a place in the history of Detroit education. In many ways he was a pro-
gressive leader in his profession. What he did and what he stood for in
Detroit education is well commemorated by the Bradford Smith school,
named in his honor.
The late Mr. Smith was even better known perhaps for his work
among the street waifs and newsboys of Detroit than as an educational
executive. He had a ready sympathy with the boys of the street, luider-
stood their environment and their needs, and was an early advocate of
systematic supervision of boys who either from inclination or from family
circumstance, or from economic necessity, had to spend most of their time
on the streets. In 1875 he was appointed commissioner of charities for
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1271
Wayne county, and held that office several years. Many wise and effec-
tive provisions were inaugurated by him for the care and guidance of the
street boys, including the establishment of an ungraded or truant school
and a police supervision which eventually was organized as the present
truant squad. Not only of his time and energy was he prodigal in philan-
thropic work, but from his private income many needy boys were sup-
plied with clothing, and for a number of years he is said to have spent
more in this direction than he did for the maintenance of his own family.
Bradford Smith was one of the early members of the Fort Street
Presbyterian church, held the post of deacon for many years, but later
transferred his membership to the Calvary church, nearer his home, and
for thirty years or more he was an elder in that society and was also
superintendent of the Sunday school. After retiring from his active ca-
reer as an educator, he took up the real estate business, and platted a
number of pieces of land which are now thickly settled and built over.
At the beginning of the Civil war, Bradford Smith organized a company
and started for the front, but an injury in one of his knees incapacitated
him so that he was obliged to return home, but he paid for and maintained
a substitute throughout the war.
In 1851 Bradford Smith married Miss Lucia Weston of New York
city. She died in 1865, and the three living children of their marriage
are: Frederick B., Joseph W. and Lucia Weed Smith, all residents of
Detroit. In 1869 Mr. Smith married Miss Julia Spencer, who died in
i88g. Her two surviving sons are: A. Weston Smith of New York city
and Henry S. Smith of Chicago.
As a tribute to the long and useful career of Bradford Smith the fol-
lowing quotation from an editorial in the Detroit Free Press is a well
deserved estimate: "Bradford Smith was one of Detroit's foremost
educators and philanthropists. It is more often that we have citizens to
honor who have achieved commercial success. Here was a man who gave
to the city more than he received. He cut off from himself all hopes of
worldly advancement. He demonstrated how a citizen may be a philan-
thropist without wealth. The methods which he initiated years ago in
the treatment of wayward boys and neglected waifs outlined the policies
of the juvenile courts of today. There was something of the Froebel
about him. Long before modern teaching methods had been fixed, or even
recognized, he put them to use. Our schools were first graded by him.
His pupils at the old Houghton school give ample testimony in their fre-
quent remembrances of his lovable character. It is much to have lived
this life of pre-eminent usefulness in the community and to have died
greatly respected at the ripe age of eighty-six years. The eighty-six years
of Bradford Smith's strong, courageous, cheerful hfe attest that the. re-
turn in pleasure has been greater than the decimal system can account."
Frederick B. Smith. Now president and general manager of the
Wolverine Manufacturing Company at Detroit, Frederick B. Smith is
one of the enterprising manufacturers of that city, and with his associates
has built up an industry whose products are distributed over many states
of the Union. The Wolverine :\Ianufacturing Company was organized
a little more than twentv-five years ago when Mr. Smitli was a young
man. It began in a sma'U way' with little capital, but the organizer had
the courage, ability and determination requisite for success. The goods
manufactured are of practical value and have a place in thousands of
homes in America, and it was a matter of pride and painstaking efforts
to Mr. Smith to improve and maintain a high standard for his products.
That has been the cause of the steady prosperity of this company, which
is now recognized as one of the important assets in Detroit industries.
1272 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Frederick B. Smith was Ijorn in Detroit Decenilier 13, 1863. a son
of Bradford and Lucia (Weston) Smith. His father was one of the
pioneer educational leaders in Detroit, and a sketch of his career is given
in following paragraphs. After his education in the public schools of
Detroit, finishing with the high school, Frederick B. Smith found his
first regular work in the accounting department of the Michigan Central
Railroad. Soon after reaching his majority, he spent a j-ear with a local
furniture comiiany, and that gave the permanent direction to his energy.
In 1887, when twenty-four years of age, Mr. Smith brought about the
organization of the Wolverine Manufacturing Company. It was incor-
porated with a capital of ten thousand dollars, and Mr. Smith has been
its active head from the beginning. This is now the largest manufactur-
ing concern of its kind in the United States, and its products are parlor
and library tables of fine quality, besides several lines of furniture spe-
cialties. In its special machinery and general equipment for the manu-
facture of this class of furniture, the factory is tlie largest of its kind
in the world. The tables made by the Wolverine Company are sold
in every part of the United States. A capital stock of six hundred thou-
sand dollars is now employed in the business, there are about six hun-
dred persons at work in the factory and offices, and some of the most
skilled workmen in this field are employed. The average annual output
is valued at a million dollars. How greatly the business has grown from
its modest inception is shown by the fact that only twelve workmen were
employed at the beginning, and the value of the first year's output was
thirty thousand dollars.
In politics Mr. .Smith is a Republican, and one of Detroit's most lib-
eral and public sj^irited citizens. From 1894 to i8g8 he was a member
of the Detroit board of estimates, and in 1903 was made chairman of the
Michigan Commission of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis.
The last president of the old Chamber of Commerce was Mr. Smith, and
when that organization and other business and civic bodies were consoli-
dated into the ])resent Detroit Board of Commerce he became one of the
charter members and one of the first directors of the new board. His
services while president of the old Chamber of Commerce were of great
importance to the city. It was largely due to his persistent advocacy and
determined leadership that the elimination of railway grade crossings
was brought about within the limits of Detroit. On May 2, 1903, at a
conference held in the office of the Michigan Central Railroad at De-
troit, the principal conferees present were Mr. Smith as president of the
Detroit Chamber of Commerce, George Hargreaves, vice-president of
the American Car and I'oundry Company, Jerome and Atkinson, repre-
senting the city cotmcil, and Henry B. Ledyard, for the Michigan Cen-
tral Railroad Company. It was in that conference that plans and meth-
ods were finallv concluded which were gradually worked out in the im-
provement of grade crossings.
Mr. Smith has numerous social relationships, including membership
in the Mayflower Society and other colonial organizations ; in the vari-
ous Masonic orders, including Detroit Commandery No. i, Knights
Temjilar, the Detroit Club, the Lake St. Claire Fishing and Shooting
Clul) (the Old Club) ; and belongs to the famous Lambs Club of New
York City. His church is the Presbyterian.
On November ii, 18S6, Mr. Smith married Miss Nanette Sackrider,
daughter of Dr. Charles L. Sackrider of Mason, Michigan. The three
children of their union are mentioned as follows: Charles S., who died
at the age of twenty-two years; Frederick B., Jr., a member of the class
of 7917 in the University of Michigan; and Robert W. of the class of
11J17 at the Central high school of Detroit.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1273
Edward Irving Isbell. S. M. Isbell & Company of Jackson is
known all over the United States and in some foreign countries as deal-
ers in beans, seeds, grain and wool, etc. The firm has behind it thirty-
five years of unwavering stability, and a record to be proud of, not only
for extensive operations, but for s(|uare dealings with every client. About
twenty-five years ago, Edward I. Isbell was employed at a dollar a day
about the elevators and warehouses of the concern. He is now president
of the corporation, and through his energy and business acumen, may
be credited the later prosperity and prestige of the enterprise.
Edward Irving Isbell was born on a farm in Lodi township in Wash-
tenaw county, Michigan, January 14, 1862. His father was Nathan
Isbell, born in the state of New York, who came to Michigan with his
parents when nine years of age, was a substantial farmer, and died in
1897 when seventy-three years old. His wife's maiden name was Mary
Sheldon, wlio was born in Washtenaw county, a daughter of Newton
and Susanna Sheldon. When Edward I. was three years old, his par-
ents moved to the village of Saline, in Washtenaw county, where for
several years his father followed the vocation of contractor and builder.
Then the family again located on a farm, and it was in the country
that Edward I. Isbell spent his years from the age of thirteen, until
ready to start out in life on his own account.
His early education was chiefly in the country schools, and after-
wards he attended the Saline high school. From boyhood up he had
plenty of work on the farm, but his real career may be said to have
begun at the age of twenty-one as a school teacher. His work in the
school room continued during three winter terms, and for two years
he was on the road as traveling representative for the Deering Harvester
Company, with headquarters in Jackson. In February, 1886, Mr. Isbell
entered tlie employ of S. M. Isbell & Company, having no particular
status in the concern, above that of a mere laborer as his wages of one
dollar a day would indicate. The S. M. Isbell & Company began busi-
ness at Jackson as dealers in beans, seeds, grain, wool, and other com-
modities in 1878. S. M. Isbell is an uncle of the man now president of
the concern. The latter by the exercise of intelligent industry and a
close study of all the details of the trade gradually worked his way to
an executive place in the business. When the concern was incorporated
in 189S, Edward Isbell became a stockholder and a director, and a few
years later was made vice president, and since June, 1908, has been
president. At that time he bought the interest of his uncle who then
retired, after a long and successful career. This is one of the largest
concerns in the state engaged in wholesaling of the staple crops already
enumerated. For a trade-mark to be used on letterheads, in catalogues,
and in other ways, the firm adopted many years ago, a design repre-
senting a large bell, with the two letters "I S" engraved on its front,
and this is a device now known to practically every large grower of grain,
wool and other produce in southern Michigan.
The success of Mr. Isbell in business has not been acquired at the
expense of neglecting civic duties. A Republican in politics, he is now
serving his third term in the city council from the Fourth Ward, and
is one of the most influential and public-spirited members of that body.
One year he served as president of the Chamber of Commerce of Jack-
son, and was one of the organizers of the business men in that form, and
served as a director of the chamber for four years. Very fond of
fishing and outdoor sport, Mr. Isbell takes his recreation through those
channels and is also a member of the Jackson City Club. He has a fine
private library, and at home can usually be found enjoying its resources.
Mr. Isbell lielongs to the United Commercial Travelers and is a prominent
Knight Templar Mason.
Ut hiW yr-*j,
fail k; I i/.iu.RY
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1275
Detroit Athletic Club; and a member in the Detroit Country Club, the
Detroit Boat Club and the Detroit Fine. Arts Society. He is a trustee of
the Detroit Museum of Arts and of the Detroit School of Design. For
about twenty years he has served on the board of trustees of the Unitarian
Church in Detroit, the only organization of that denomination in the city,
and including among its members many representative families.
In Detroit on November 20, 1890, Mr. Holt married Miss Lillian Silk.
Mrs. Holt is a leader in club and social welfare and charitable work in
Detroit, is a member of the Woman's Club and the Twentieth Century
Club, is president of the Woman's Hospital of Detroit, and is a worker in
I)ractically every one of the larger and broader benevolent movements.
Mr. Holt and wife have two children : Dorothy Elizabeth and Frederick
Farrington. The daughter is a graduate of the Liggett School of Detroit
and a member of the class of 1915 in Vassar College. The son is now a
student at Hackley School, Tarrytown, New York.
Oscar J. R. Hanna, M. D. Whether from choice or circumstances,
some men lead lives of credit and usefulness in one restricted sphere of
activity and location, while others know men and cities and are known
in various parts of the world and while concentrating their chief atten-
tion to one Ijusiness or profession they, play varied roles with success.
In the latter class belongs Dr. Hanna of Jackson. . His life started out
eventfully when he became a boy soldier, ji\ the Uiijion army. Though
sixty-six years old he still has the bearing and app'e^rance of one who
has barely passed the half century milestone. Forty years of his life
have been given to the medical profession, but he has also: been a banker,
filled a federal position in the west, .a^fld' .is ^o'fgrly described as a man
of affairs. ' ' •■'•"'■ '■■■■■^■■"
Born in Guernsey county, Ohio,' April 15. 1847, Oscar J. R. Hanna
was reared in his native village of Winchester. At the same time he
attended the local schools. At the age of si.xteen he was one of the
youths from his neighborhood who responded to the call to arms, and
from 1863 to 1865 he was in the union service as a member of the United
States Signal Corps. Soon after returning from the army he took up
medical study, afid was a student in Jefferson Medical College at Phila-
delphia, during 1871 and 1872. For sixteen years, Dr. Hanna was con-
nected as a physician with the National Medical and Surgical Institute
at Indianapolis, of which institution he was secretary and treasurer.
During tv\'o years of his residence in Indianapolis, he was president of
the Indiana Banking and Investment Company. While President Arthur
was in the White House Dr. Hanna received appointment as receiver of
of the United States Land Office at Walla Walla, Washington. On
returning from the west. Dr. Hanna in 1885 chose the city of Jackson
as his permanent home, and has since enjoyed special prominence in his
profession and as a citizen. For many years he has given most of his
attention to the treatment of nervous diseases, and of all diseases of a
chronic character. In politics, and as a Republican, Dr. Hanna has long
had a prominent part. In i8cj6 he was a presidential elector from Michi-
gan, and cast his vote for McKinley and Hobart. A great many citizens
recall him for his term as postmaster at Jackson from 1902 to 1906.
He is an ex-president of the Jackson City Club, the leading social
organization of the city, is prominent in the order of Elks, and is fre-
quently called upon to deliver speeches and lectures, being a man of fine
address and an excellent public speaker. At public functions Dr. Hanna
is usually the man who presides and acts as toastmaster. He is also
affiliated with the Masonic Order.
In 1872 Dr. Hanna married Miss Elizabeth Braden of Indianapolis,
1276 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
a daughter of William Braden who was one of the prominent men in
that city. The doctor and wife have three children, two sons and one
daughter, all of whom live in the city of Chicago. They are Annie R.,
now Mrs. William E. Clark ; William B. Hanna, and Richard C. Hanna.
William B. Hanna, his older son was for ten years in the Philippine
service, first as a lieutenant and adjutant in the First Montana Volunteer
Regiment, and later as a captain in the Thirty-Seventh United States
Volunteer Infantry. He made a splendid record while in the Island
service, and for a part of the time was commander of the port of Iloilo
on the Island of Panay. Dr. Hanna's mother, Mrs. Rebecca A. Hanna,
is still living and has made her home with him practically all her life.
She has been a widow since 1862, and is now eighty-eight years of age.
She was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, July 16, 1826, her maiden
name having been Rebecca A. Theaker. She is in fine health, and in
spite of her age, in full possession of her mental faculties.
H.\RRy Jerome Darling. A prominent architect of Detroit, Harry
Jerome Darling had a thorough training and preparation for his pro-
fession, and his services have been employed on many important build-
ings.
Harry Jerome Darling is a native of Michigan, and belongs to the
pioneer stock of the state. Joseph Darling, his great-great-grandfather,
and the first member of the family to settle in this state, served as a
soldier in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war. There
are comparatively few Michigan families who have the honor of a Revo-
hitionary soldier as their pioneer representative in Michigan. Joseph
Darling was born in Middleboro, Massachusetts, September 22, 1764,
and entered the Revolutionary service when sixteen years of age. (Ref.
Mass. State Records, \'ol. 17, p. 86.) Joseph Darling was the son of
Lieutenant r,enjamin Darling, a "Minute Man"" who responded to the
alarm of Paul Revere, April 19, 1775, a great-great-grandson of George
Soule, who as a youth came to America on the Mayflower with the fam-
ily of Governor Edward Winslow (Ref.: Mayflower Descendant, Vol.
I, p. 246), and a great-grandson of George Darling who came to America
and settled in Salem, Massachusetts, before 1640. Geoi-ge Darling, the
first of the family in America, was associated with Joseph Jenks and otli-
ers in the first American foundry at Lynn and Rraintree, Massachusetts.
George Darling married Katherine Gridley, a daughter of Captain Rich-
ard Gridley of Boston, Massachusetts. Upon the death of his father,
Joseph Darling inherited land at Woodstock, Vermont. He married
Huldah Darling, daughter of Joseph and Huldah (Thomas) Darling of
Woodstock, Vermont, and all of their children, with but one exception,
were bom at this place. Later he moved to Niagara county. New York
state, and in May, 1832, he settled in Jackson, Michigan.
Joseph Darling"s son Columbus Darling built the first frame house
and first mill in Jackson, Michigan, and the History of Jackson, ])age
161, says "he did more to jiromote the early growth of Jackson than any
other man." Columbus Darling moved to Lansing in 1847 and became
one of the ]3rominent early citizens of that place. Fie built a magnifi-
cent home for his daughter, Mrs. Rollin C. Dart, across from the south-
west comer of the State Capitol grounds, and died there May 20, 1880.
Columbus Darling was a member of the State Pioneer Society, and his
name is often mentioned in the records of the society. Joseph Darling
and his wife Huldah both died in Jackson and are buried in the old
East Main Street cemetery.
Pascal P. Darling, son of Joseph and great-grandfather of Harry
Jerome Darling, engaged in contract work upon the Erie canal in New
^■Y"^^^^^^^
fit imr tuwt
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1277
York state, married Nabby F. Maynard, daughter of Colonel julin and
Sarah (Putney) Maynard at Orangeport, New York, and moved to Jack-
son, Michigan, in 1834. She was a descendant of John Maynard, who
settled in Sudbury, Massachusetts, in 1639, and of the ancient and
wealthy Putney family of Putney, England. Pascal P. Darling and his
brother Columbus erected mills in Eaton Rapids, Alichigan, and here
Pascal P. Darling died and is buried. Pascal's son, Ira O. Darling,
grandfather of Harry Jerome Darling, settled in Mason, Ingham county,
Michigan, and engaged in the manufacture of wagons. He traveled west
for his health in company with Doctor Phelps of Mason, returned to
Ypsilanti, Michigan, for medical treatment, died there Se])tember 24,
1861, aged 36 years, and was buried at Mason, Michigan. He was
first lieutenant of the company of militia at ]Mason, and. had he not
died at the outbreak of the Civil War, he would undoubtedly have of-
fered his services to the Union cause. His brother, Benjamin Darling,
was the second male child born in Jackson, Michigan, and built the tirst
summer cottage at Bay View, Michigan, now a famous summer resort.
The wife of Ira O. Darling was Cordelia Case, daughter of Lewis and
Melissa Case, and a descendant of the colonial Connecticut Case family.
Her mother Melissa was a sister of Gen. William H. Rexford of the
United States army, and of Captain James P. Rexford, one of the found-
ers of the Freedman's College at Nashville, Tennessee, The sword of
Captain James Rexford, presented to him by fn'embers of the Detroit
bar, is now in the possession of Harry Jerome DarliriglV
The only son of Ira O. Darling and the father of Harry Jerome Darl-
ing, was Frank Ira Darling born at Mason, Michigan, December 26,
1853. He was married to Clara Virginia Haight at Mason, Michigan.
P'ebruary 2, 1876, an only child of Henry Jerome and Mary E. (Steven-
son) Haight. Clara V. Darling's father was Register of Deeds for
Ingham county, and was engaged in mercantile and farming pursuits at
Mason, and her grandfather Salmon L. Haight was a member of the
first legislature to sit at Lansing, Michigan, the state capitol. The
Haight family is of old colonial origin. Frank Ira Darling, father of
Harry Jerome Darling, was admitted to the bar to practice law on June
29, 1875. He practiced law, was editor of the "Soldier's Bulletin" at
Chicago, Illinois, and served a great many years in the employ of the
United States government. In an article regarding the H. Bowen
Moore fraud case at Buffalo, New York, the Washington Post, Novem-
ber, 1893, in referring to him sayS: "The special examiner who was sent
from Washington last night to Buffalo is regarded as one of the keen-
est men in the service and is an able lawyer." He was also an artist of
remarkable ability. Besides Harry Jerome Darling, they had two chil-
dren. Ralph Emerson Darling, an older brother, was born at Mason,
Michigan, December 12, 1876, was married to Bessie Lansing Webb,
September 18, 1902, and has two sons: Egbert Webb Darling born at
Mason. Michigan, April 20, 1905, and Robert Orris Darling born in De-
troit, Michigan, December i, 1907. Grace Eva Darling, the sister of
H. J. Darling was born at Mason, Michigan, July 10, 1886, and now re-
sides in Detroit.
Harry Jerome Darling was born at Mason, Michigan, July 25, 1878,
and during the early years of his life he lived with his parents at Mason,
Michigan, Cleveland, Ohio, Chicago, Illinois, Washington, D. C, Grand
Rapids and Ann Arbor, Michigan. After being employed for about
three years at Ann Arbor, he came to Detroit, and entered the employ
of Spier & Rohns, architects, and later became associated with Joseph E.
Mills, a prominent Detroit architect. In j\Tay, 1909, he opened an office
in the Majestic building for the practice of architecture on his own ac-
1278 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
count. Later he moved to the Chamber of Commerce building and now
has his offices located at 928-929 of that building. An article published
in the Detroit Ne'MS Tribune, June 2, 1912, dealing with the growth and
development of the apartment building in Detroit, mentions an apart-
ment building of which Air. Darling was the architect, as being one of
the best examples of its kind, and shows a picture of the building with
six others. Mr. Darling's practice has been largely with the erection of
apartment buildings, store buildings, residences and factories.
He was married to Orra Jeanette Howe at Detroit on November 6,
1906. She was a daughter of Hon. Almeron R. Howe, deceased, of
Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and his wife Orra Jeanette (Hamlin) Howe
is now a resident of Detroit. Her father's family is descended from old
colonial stock, and her mother is descended from James and Anne Ham-
lin who settled in Barnstable, [Massachusetts, in 1639. Mrs. Darling is
an accomplished musician and vocalist. They have two daughters, both
bom in Detroit, Michigan: Orra Jeanette Darling born November 20,
1907, and Virginia Hamlin Darling born April 6, 1909.
George Arthur Seybold, M. D. The medical profession at Jackson
has always had men whose ability classed them among the best repre-
sentatives of the profession in the state. Of the younger physicians and
surgeons, one whose career throughout has been marked by expert
qualifications and successful work, is George Arthur Seybold, who has
successfully practiced medicine in this city for nearly ten years.
He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, December 26, 1881, and
through both his father and mother is of German ancestry. His grand-
father, George J. Seybold, was born in Germany, and followed farming
all his career, his last years being spent on a farm near Ann Arbor.
George W. Seybold, father of the doctor, is secretary and treasurer of
the Star IMotor Car Company at Ann Arbor this company having a large
reputation in the manufacture of automobile trucks. George W. Seybold
married Sarah Ann AUmendinger, who was born near Ann Arbor, also
of German stock.
Dr. Seybold spent his boyhood and youth in Ann Arbor, attended
the public schools there, graduating from the high school, and soon
afterwards entered upon a four years' course of preparation in the
State University. He was graduated M. D. from the medical department
June 23, 1904. A few months were spent in practice in his native city,
in association with Dr. M. L. Belser, but in November, 1904, he located
in Jackson, and has since been attending to the needs of a growing and
valuable practice. He is secretary of the Jackson County Medical Society,
and has various other fraternal and social relations. He belongs to the
Michigan Medical Society, and the American Aledical Association, has
meml;ership in the Jackson City Club, the Michigan Center Country Club,
and worships in the First Baptist Church. His secret fraternities are
the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias, and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. Politically he supports the Republican cause.
On October 25, 1906, Dr. Seybold married Miss Gertrude Wliet of
Detroit. Their two children are: Margaret Elizabeth, born December
25, 1909; and George Roberts, born March 6, 1912.
Hubert Mikoniuk. In the field of architecture and engineering,
few men in Detroit are belter or more favorably known than is Hubert
Mironiuk, who, although still a young man, and a recent arrival in this
city, has already attained a commanding position in his profession. Mr.
Mironiuk is a native of Austria-Poland where his birth occurred in the
city of Lemberg, Galicia, October 29, 1883, and has been a resident of the
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1279
United States since the year igo6. He secured his early educational
training in the grammar schools of his native city, and completed his
elementary schooling at the high school of the old historic city of Kra-
kow. He had always displayed talent and a predilection for the profes-
sions of architect and engineer, and so, after passing through the public
schools and completing the curriculum of the high school, he entered the
celebrated Krakow Technical College, where he studied both architecture
and engineering, taking the full course in these departments and receiv-
ing his degree.
Mr. jMironiuk worked as a draughtsman in his native land until 1906,
in which year he decided to try his fortunes in the land across the water.
Accordingly, in that year, he came to the United States alone and landed
at New York, a perfect stranger. For some time he cast about in search
of a suitable location, but the East did not provide just what he was
looking for, and after a short stay in the metropolis he left for the West,
with the city of Chicago as his destination. In that city, being a skilled
workman in his profession, he had but little trouble in securing employ-
ment, and for three years was engaged in various architects' offices in
the Windy City, employed in various capacities, while he was gaining
experience and accumulating the means wherewith to emljark in practice
on his own account. Eventually, he opened offices of his own in Chi-
cago, and for three years carried on a fairly successful business, but at
the end of that period made removal to Evansville, Indiana, where for
two years he was associated with the well-known architect, Frank J.
Schlotter, of that city, a connection that proved mutually profita!)le. Mr.
Mironiuk, however, was dissatisfied, feeling that he had so far failed in
finding the best field for the display of his talents and ability, and finally,
in 1013, was attracted to Detroit, which city has since been the scene of
his labors and successes. Here he engaged in the dual profession of
architect and engineer, and from the first his efforts met with apprecia-
tion and reward. Being Ijoth architect and engineer, he is able to both
prepare the plans of the building and superintend the erection as well. He
carries on general architectural and engineering work, but makes a spe-
cialty of steel and steel-trussed concrete work, and is able to plan and
build structures from one to twenty stories, and even higher. He is now
in the enioyment of an extensive and representative business, and main-
tains well-appointed offices at No. 227 Broadway Market building.
Mr. Mironiuk is a Roman Catholic in his religious belief, and is a
popular member of numerous social organizations.
C. W. KiRTr,.'\ND, M. D. Since the degree of M. D. was given him
at the University of Michigan, Dr. Kirtland has practiced much in an
ascending scale of success and ability. For the past six years established
in Jackson, he now enjoys by right of merit a rank among the best in
the local fraternity of doctors.
At Rochester, Indiana, on March 4, 1S67, Charles William Kirtland
was born to Elias and Elizabeth Martha (Ferguson) Kirtland. The Kirt-
land family was first established in America at Saybrook, Connecticut, in
colonial days. Grandfather William Kirtland died in Cass county, Indiana,
in 1863. Elias Kirtland, who followed merchandising during his active
career, was born in Shelby county, Ohio, August 3, 1S35, went to Logans-
port, Indiana, in 1855, in 1865 located in Rochester, in the same state,
lived at Ann Arbor, Michigan, from 1888 to 1894, then returned to
Ohio, and was a resident of Monroeville until 1902, when he again
established his home in Logansport, in which city he died April 20, 1903.
His wife who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, February 12, 1836, now
lives at the age of seventy-eight in Marion, Indiana. Her father, Wil-
1280 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Ham Ferguson, was a farmer, and died in Cass county, Indiana, in 1863.
Dr. Kirtland spent his early life in Rochester, Indiana, was gradu-
ated from the Rochester high school in 1885, later spent one year in the
Indiana State University, and in 1891 was graduated from the Homeo-
pathic department of the University of Michigan. The first two years
were spent in practice at Pinckney, Michigan, and for fourteen years he
enjoyed a large patronage as a physician at Napoleon, in this state. In
1907 he established his office at Jackson.
Dr. Kirtland is a Royal Arch Mason. On June 25, 1895, he married
Miss Mary Inez Mann, of Pinckney, Michigan. To their union have
been born two daughters and one son, as follows : Dorothy M., born
September 2, 1896; Frances Mary, born May 9, 1900, and Walter Elias,
born May 24, 1903.
Waldo A. Avery. Seldom has the passing of an individual severed
more business ties and more extensive associations with men and affairs
than the recent death of Waldo A. Avery, who died at his home at
Grosse Point Farms, May 9, 1914. He was regarded as one of Detroit's
millionaires, and the chief source of his wealth had been the lumber
interests of Michigan, but for many years his name was also closely
identified with banking, manufacturing, real estate ownership and the
social life of his home city.
For a period of sixty years the name Avery has been prominently
associated with the lumber interests of Michigan, and it was the activi-
ties of the late Mr. Avery that made it so well known in the varied busi-
ness and financial ai¥airs of Detroit and other sections of the state. In
1852 the firm of Eddy & Avery moved out from the state of Maine and
began the purchase of Michigan pine timber. Another well-known Michi-
gan lumberman, the late Simon J. Murphy, became an associate of the
senior Avery about 1865, after the death of Mr. Eddy. As Avery &
Murphy the firm was among the largest operators in the pine regions and
continued an uninterrupted prosperity until the death of Mr. Avery about
1877. Among old-time lumliermen, few names are held in higher esteem
than the heads of the firm just mentioned.
The pioneer Michigan lumber oijerator above mentioned was the
father of Waldo A. Avery, of Detroit. The latter was born in the state
of Maine at Bradley, Penobscot county. May 14, 1850. lacking at the
time of his death only five days of the age of sixty-four. His parents
were Sewell and Eliza H. (Eddy) Avery. The family in both the
paternal and maternal lines had been established in New England during
the colonial epoch. Sewell Avery in 1854 moved his family from the
Pine Tree State to Michigan, establishing his home at Port Huron,
which was then a small village. It was at Port Huron that Waldo A.
Avery lived until fourteen, and his education came from the schools of
Port Huron and Saginaw. His best preparation for life, however, was
through the practical school of experience, in association with men and
aflfairs, and particularly in dififerent branches of the great lumber indus-
try. As a !)oy in Port Huron he had worked about the mills and in the
offices, and when the family moved to Saginaw in 1865 he soon became
a worker in the woods, on the river, and in practically every department
of oi^erations from the felling of the trees in the forest to the making
of the finished product and its distribution in the mills and lumber
yards. It was in that way he laid the foundation for his own career of
success and usefulness. In a few years he was engaged in lumbering on
his own responsibility and his success is largely due to the fact of his
close familiarity by practical experience with nearly every detail of the
business.
-«»^
mt ¥£iv- >^>:*
mOM * M*»( rtil«|
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1281
111 1876, at the age of twenty-six, Mr. Avery became interested in
the ownership and operation of a number of tugs aiul lumber vessels
engaged in the handling of logs and lumber on the Saginaw river. These
interests he retained and managed until 1883. The business was then
extended and several large lake vessels were added to the fleet, and the
entire establishment was operated under the name of Hawgood & Avery
Transit Company, with headc|uarters in the city of Cleveland. This
company is still in existence and has a large fleet of vessels in commis-
sion in general freight transportation on the Great Lakes.
After 1906 Mr. Avery had retired from practical lumlicring, but
remained in the timber land business, and was a member of the hrni of
Ivichardson & Avery of Duluth, Minnesota, dealers in pine lands and
large manufacturers of lumber. Formerly Mr. Avery was president
of the Alabaster Company of Detroit, Chicago and Alabaster, Alichigan.
When the interests of the company were merged into the United .States
Gypsum Company, he continued as a stockholder in the latter corporation
and was also a director. His oldest son is president of the United States
Gypsum Company. The gypsum mines of the„.original company are
located at Alabaster, Iosco county, Klichigan, anxl-.jt was this company
which furnished the plaster for the staff utilized in the construction
of the buildings of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
In 1887 Mr. Avery removed his home and business headquarters to
Detroit, and lived in a residence dit. Woodward a'tenue until 1902. In
that year he occupied a beautiful suburban home at Grosse Pointe Farm,
where his death occurred. Durirrg his residence in 'Detroit Mr. Avery
manifested notable public spirit in helping along many measures designed
for the welfare and progress of the city. His accumulated interests made
him prominent in banking, real estate and constructive enterprise. From
1899 h^ was president of the American Exchange National Bank of
Detroit until its merger with the old Detroit National Bank. Other best
business interests were directorships in the United Limited Bank and
the .Second National Bank of Saginaw. Of his holdings in Detroit the
most noteworthy is the Majestic building on the Campus Martins, one
of the most modern and imposing business blocks in the entire country.
Mr. Avery owned that building jointly with E. H. Doyle.
The source of his general success in life may be ascribed almost
entirely to his own ability and efforts. As a business man of integrity
and high principle he stood second to none in the great commercial
center of Detroit. Mr. Avery was a traveler as well as a business man,
and especially in later years never denied himself an opportunity for
culture and enjoyment which comes through a broad knowledge of the
world and its people. In outdoor sport he was especially enthusiastic,
and it is said that his last illness was caused by over exertion at his
favorite game of golf while in Florida. At Detroit he held membership
in the Detroit, the Country and Old Clubs. In politics his sujiport was
always given to the Republican interests, though never allowing his name
to be used in connection with the candidacy for any public office.
Mr. Avery is survived by his widow and sons: Scwell L., president
of the United States Gypsum Company, with head(|uarters in Chicago:
and Waldo A.. Jr.. whose home is in Portland. Oregon, and who is
prominently identified with the timber land business on the Pacific
coast.
WiLLi.\M Henry Chivers, M. D. One of the older members of the
medical fraternity of Jackson, Dr. William Henry Chivers, has prac-
ticed his profession for thirty-six years, and half of that time has been
1282 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
spent in Jackson, where he has a large and unusually representative
clientage.
William Henry Chivers was born in London, England, February 2,
185 1. When he was ten years of age he accompanied his parents to
America. They were Henry and Ann (Nowell) Chivers. The home
was established in Michigan, early in the Civil war, and Dr. Chivers grew
up on a farm near Hudson. After getting his literary education in
the Hudson high school, he entered upon medical studies, and in 1877 was
graduated M. D. from the Detroit Medical College. On starting prac-
tice he first went to Colen in this state, but for the past eighteen years
his home has been in Jackson.
In 1875 Dr. Chivers married Lois Downer. Their only son is Dr.
Roy W. Chivers, of Jackson. The elder doctor is affiliated with the
Knights of Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Roy W. Chivers, M. D. The special distinction of Dr. Roy W.
Chivers in his profession has been his skill in surgery. He is regarded
as one of the most capable surgeons in Jackson county, and at the same
time enjoys a large general practice as a physician.
The only son and child of Dr. William Henry Chivers of Jackson,
he was born at Prattsville, Michigan, July 18, 1878. With a liberal
training in school, and with the example of his father before him, he
early decided upon medicine as his vocation, and his plans were all
arranged and his work concentrated, in such a way that he was prepared
for his work soon after reaching manhood. Dr. Chivers graduated from
the medical department of the University of Michigan in 1900, and has
had his home in Jackson and practiced there with marked success ever
since. The doctor has memberhsip in the Jackson County Medical
Society and the Michigan State Medical Society, and the American
Medical Association. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic Order
and the Knights of Pythias.
On July 12, 1905, Dr. Roy W. Chivers married ]Miss Ella Ducher.
They have two children, Ruth and Esther, the former aged seven and
the latter four years.
WiLiiAM A. Hagen, M. D. Located at Raveniia since June 20,
1905, Dr. Ilagen has a large practice, is especially well known for his
abilitv in surgery and in the treatment of stomach and intestinal diseases.
Born in the historic city of Trenton, New Jersey, September 28, 1876,
William A. Hagen was brought to Muskegon, Michigan, in 1877, was
educated in local schools, graduated from the New Jersey College of
Pharmacy at Newark, later spent one year at Baltimore Medical College,
and in 1902 took his degree of medicine at the Grand Rapids Medical
College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His practice began at Muskegon
in 1902, l)ut after fourteen months a serious illness interrupted his pro-
fessional work and kept him in retirement for practically two years. In
1903, Dr. riagen having recovered his health, located in Ravenna in
Muskegon county, and has since enjoyed a very fine practice. Though he
had little or no capital when he located in Ravenna he has since jiros-
|>ered steadily and at the same time has given a fine service to the com-
munilv. The people of that locality especially commend him as a
siJCciaiist in surgery and in the treatment of sloniach and intestinal
diseases.
Dr. Ilagen on February 17, 1910, ni.arried Miss Jennie Crotty, a
(lauf^hter of .Sarchfield Crotty. They are llie |)arents of three children,
F.erlha I".., P.eatrice E. and William A., Jr. The doctor has afiiliation
with the Muskegon Lodge No. 274, B. P. O. F., with the Masonic Lodge
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1283
at Ravenna, the Royal Arch Chapter at Sparta, and the Knight Temp-
lar Commandery in Muskegon. In politics he is a Progressive Repub-
lican, has served for a number of years as health officer at Ravenna, and
is a hard, conscientious worker in everything he undertakes.
Harris E. Galpix. It is most gratifying to note that an appreciable
percentage of the able and representative members of the Michigan bar
claim the fine Wolverine state as the place of their nativity, and such
an one is ]\Ir. Galpin, who is one of the able and successful younger mem-
bers of the bar of Muskegon county and whose technical skill and personal
popularity are fully attested by his incumbency of the important office
of prosecuting attorney of the county.
Mr. Galpin was born in the city of Ann Arbor, judicial center of
Washtenaw county and seat of the great University of Michigan, and
the date of his nativity was March 24, 1889. He is a son of Rev. Will-
iam and Helena (Grisson) Galpin, both of whom are likewise natives
of Washtenaw county, where the respective families were founded in
the pioneer epoch of JMichigan history. Rev. William Galpin was born
in the year 1859 and is a son of Freeman and Anna Galpin, both of whom
likewise were born in Washtenaw county, a fact indicating beyond per-
adventure that their parents there established their residence in a very
early day. Freeman Galpin became a large landholder and influential
citizen of Washtenaw county, and his landed estate at the time of his
death comprised fully seven hundred acres. He contributed much to
the civic and industrial development of his native county and was a
noble representative of a family whose name has been prominently and
wortliily linked with the annals of Michigan history. Mrs. Helena
(Grisson) Galpin was born in the year 1865 and is a daughter of the
late Samuel B. Grisson, who was born in Germany, and who came to
America when a young man. He was a younger son in one of the prom-
inent families of the German noJjility and on coming to the United States
he established his home in Washtenaw county, Michigan, and there made
for himself a secure place as an influential citizen of sterling character
and high intellectual attainments, as he had been graduated in historic
old Heidell)erg University prior to his immigration to America. His
loyalty to the land of his adoption was signalized by his valiant service
in the Civil war. He served with a Michigan regiment, in the capacity
of surgeon, as he had received excellent training in medicine and surgery
before leaving his fatherland, and during the closing period of the war
he held the office of paymaster general.
Rev. William Galpin was graduated in the academic, or literary, de-
partment of the University of ^Michigan as a member of the class of 1882,
and thereafter he devoted some time to successful work in the pedagogic
profession. In this connection he was superintendent of the public
schools at St. Clair, this state, for several years. He then prepared him-
self thoroughly for the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal church, his
ecclesiastical and philosophical course having been taken in connection
with his school work. After his ordination to the priesthood he served
in turn as rector of parishes at Ishpeming and Ann Arbor, Michigan, and
Elkhart, Indiana, and since 1893 '^c lias been rector of the thri\-ing and
representative parish of St. P'aul's church in Muskegon. He is one of
the representative clergymen of the Episcopal diocese of Western Michi-
gan and has labored with all of consecrated zeal and devotion in the work
of his chosen and exalted calling. A man of fine intellectual attainments,
of marked ability as a pulpit orator, and boundless zeal in tlie aiding and
uplifting of his fellowmen, he is loved and revered in his present home
city and is one of the liberal and loyal citizens of Muskegon. Of the
12S4 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
four children of Rev. William and Helena (Grisson) Galpin the eldest
is George, who is a mechanical engineer by profession and who is en-
gaged in buisness in the city of Detroit ; William Freeman was graduated
in the Northwestern University, at Evanston, Illinois, in 1913, and is now
attending Yale University ; Rachel is a student in the public schools of
Aluslcegon; and Harris E., of this review, was the second in order of
birth. Rev. William Galpin is specially prominent in his affiliation with
the Masonic fraternity. He is now affiliated with the various Masonic
bodies in Muskegon, including the commandery of Knights Templars.
Harris E. Galpin, the present prosecuting attorney of Muskegon
county, was about thirteen years of age at the time the family home was
established in the city of Muskegon. Here he completed the curriculum
of the public schools and was graduated in the high school as a member
of the class of 1906. Thereafter he was identified with practical news-
paper work for some time, first in Grand Rapids and later in the city of
Detroit. His service was largely along the line of reportorial work and
in this field he gained no slight prestige and prominence. In igoQ he
served as chief committee clerk of the upper house of the Micliigan leg-
islature, and in the meanwhile he had prosecuted the study of law under
effective preceptorship, with the result that in igio he proved himself
eligible for and was admitted to the bar of his native state. He forthwith
engaged in the practice of his profession in Muskegon, and his energy,
close application and admirable abihty made his novitiate one of specially
brief duration, as is shown by the fact that in November, 1912, he was
elected prosecuting jl'ftbrney of the county, the position of which he is
now the incumbent and in the administration of which he has fully justi-
fied the e.xpectations of the constituency that gave to him the preferment.
He is recognized as a resourceful and \'ersatile trial lawyer and as a
public prosecutor he is adding much to his professional reputation. In
the private work of his profession he is associated with Christian A.
r.roek, under the firm name of Galpin & Broek, but the major part of his
time and attention is given to his official duties as prosecuting attorney.
Mr. Galpin is recognized as one of the leading spirits in the vounger
ranks of the Republican party in Michigan and has served the Repub-
lican state central committee in several capacities. He is an eft'ective
campaign speaker and as such he did effective ser\'ice in all parts of
Michigan in connection with the national campaign of 1912. He is
affiliated in his home city with the organizations of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Modern Maccabees, the Masonic
fraternity, and the Loyal Order of Moose, in which last he has passed
the official chairs in the local lodge and is now first dictator of the state
organization. Mr. Galpin is most popular in the professional, business
and social circles of his home city and county, and is recognized as hav-
ing the largest personal acquaintance in his section of the state.
On .September 3, 1913, Mr. Galpin was united in marriage with Miss
Louie M. Waters, of Muskegon, and his home is located in the newer
residence district of Muskegon near Jeff'erson Street.
Jnni-: TT.xrrington. In the staff of officials who at tlic present time
administer the municipal affairs of Jackson, there is no one more popular,
nor one more tested for his sound honesty and capability in public life
that Jode Harrington, city recorder. Mr. Harrington has conducted his
office and his own relations in the city during his active residence here
for many years, and they have been such as to make him staunch friends
and admirers in all classes.
THE NE^' ^'r^u
K8
HISTORY OF xMICHIGAN 12S5
Jode Harrington was born in Des Moines, Iowa, December 7, 1873,
a sou of Timothy Harrington. His father moved to Jackson, Michigan,
in 1884, when Jode was eleven years old and since that time" of early
boyhood he has been a loyal friend of Jackson and all his associations are
with this city. In 1893 he graduated from the Jackson high school and
was thereafter vigorously identified with the business of life and the
earning of a livelihood. In 1905 came his appointment to the office of
city recorder to fill a vacancy and his service has since been continuous
by regular re-election and with practically no opposition to his candidacy.
Mr. Harrington is a sterling Democrat, is affiliated with the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of Columlnis, and belongs
to the Catholic church.
On April 23, 1908, he married Miss Grace V. PrumbuU of Jackson.
They have one daughter, Beatrice Marie, born May 23, 1912.
WiLLi.vM C. M.-vxcHESTEK. One of the younger members of the De-
troit bar, where his practice has been continuous since the close of his
university career, Mr. Manchester has enjoyed the rewards of professional
success and also the distinctions of public life, having for a number of
years been an influential factor in the Repul^lican party of Michigan, and
having served in the last constitutional convention of the state.
William C. Manchester was born at Canfield, Mahoning county, Ohio,
on Christmas day of 1873. His parents, Hugh A. and Susan Rosannah
(Squire) Manchester, still live at Canfield. The father, who began his
career many years ago as a public school teacher, later became successfully
identifiefl with farming and banking, is now retired from active affairs
and lives in comfort and plenty during his declining years. Of seven
children of the family, four sons and two daughters are living.
The public schools of Canfield gave William C. Manchester his early
training, which was followed by the regular course of the Northeastern
Ohio Normal College, where he graduated in 1894 Bachelor of Arts. His
law studies were pursued in the University of Michigan, which graduated
him Bachelor of Laws in 1896. After an extended tour of the west his
active practice began at Detroit, where he has continued in the general
practice of his profession. He is now the senior member of the firm of
Manchester & Freud.
His part in Republican politics and in public affairs is one of the
features of his career. During 1907-08 he sat as a delegate in the state
constitutional convention, and as a member of the judiciary committee
e.xerted much influence in formulating that constitutional provision pro-
viding for a juvenile court as a regular branch of Michigan judiciary, not
to mention other valuable services in the convention. In 1908 Mr. Man-
chester was a delegate to the Republican National convention, and in 1910
was given a place on the Repuljlican state central committee, where his
services have been directed to the welfare of the party in this state up to
the present time. His Masonic affiliations are with Corinthian Lodge,
A. F. & A. M. ; King Cyrus Chapter, R. A. M. ; Detroit Commandery
No. I, K. T. ; Michigan Sovereign Consistory, and Moslem Temple, A. A.
O. N. M. S., of Detroit. Mr. Manchester is a Kappa Sigma in college
fraternity circles, belongs to the Detroit Board of Commerce, and with
his wife is a member of the Fort Street Presbyterian church. While his
time is taken up with his profession and with his varied public interests,
Mr. Manchester is a great lover and student of literature, and nuich of
his leisure time is spent in his library.
At Bay City, Michigan, December 27, 1899, Mr. Manchester married
Miss Margaret MacGregor, wdio was born and reared in Bay City, a
daughter of Duncan and Martha (MacDonald) MacGregor. Mrs. Man-
1286 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Chester, who graduated from the University of Michigan in 1S96 with
the degree Bachelor of Philosophy, is the mother of six children, namely:
Hugh A.-, second, who was named in honor of his paternal grandfather;
Mary Katherine ; William C, Jr. ; Helen Margaret ; Susan Rosannah ;
and Francis.
Natii.-vn Cook Lowe. One of the pioneer and estimable citizens of
Jackson is Nathan Cook Lowe, who has maintained a residence in this
city for the past fifty years. He was born on a farm in Madison town-
ship, Lenawee county, Michigan, on October 4, 1837, and is a son of
William Cornelius and Lydia (Cook) Lowe, who came to Michigan
from Chemung county. New York, in about 1830.
When Nathan Cook Lowe was three years old his parents moved
their f^rm home in Madison township to a farm in Medina township.
Lenawee county, and there he was reared to manhood. He attended
the district school to the age of thirteen years, and then became a student
at Oak Grove Academy, in the village of Medina, continuing there
through one term. He then became a school teacher, and for ten years
thereafter, or until he was twenty-six years old, ]\Ir. Lowe taught coun-
try schools in the winter season and spent his summers on the farm.
Mr. Lowe was eight years old before he learned the alphabet, as there
was no school in their vicinity that he might attend younger than that,
and the fact that l)y the time he was sixteen he was qualified to instruct
in the district schools would indicate that he had put forth some effort
when he began his studies.
In 1865. when he was twenty-eight years old, Mr. Lowe went to
Waterloo, Indiana, and there for three years he was a partner in a mer-
cantile business, enjoying a fair degree of success in the venture, un-
familiar though it was. In 1868 he came to Jackson, and this city has
represented his home ever since. In the years that have passed, Mr.
Lowe has been found actively identified with various and sundry enter-
prises in the city. For a year he was engaged in the grocery business.
He then became associated with the firm of Bostwick & Gould, attorneys,
with real estate and insurance connections, and as bookkeeper for the
concern he continued for another year, also acting as manager of the
insurance department the while. During the next two years he held a
similar position with the firm of Hall & Gould, they having succeeded
Bostwick & Gould, and in 1873 he became the partner of Mr. Hall.
For twelve years thereafter the firm of Hall & Lowe carried on a suc-
cessful real estate and insurance business in Jackson.
In 1885 ]\Ir. Lowe was made district inspector of the Southern
Michigan Underwriters' Union, the main offices of which concern were
then located at Adrian. For a year Mr. Lowe remained in Adrian in
discharge of his official duties, but since 1886 his home and headquarters
have been at Jackson, since which date he has had charge of what is
known as the Second District of the Michigan Inspection Bureau, with
offices in the Carter building. Mr. Lowe's district, over which he has
presided as inspector for nearly thirty years, comprises nine counties and
more than one hundred cities and villages. In his jurisdiction abotit
nine hundred fire insurance agents are located, and these agents look
to the Michigan Inspection Bureau for all their rate information, for
w'hich service they pay the bureau a regular fee.
Mr. Lowe is a member of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. He
is also a member of the Michigan Pond of what is known as the National
Blue Goose Association, a social organization to which only insurance
men of the rank of heads of departments and inspection agents are
eligible.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1287
Mr. Lowe is a Republican and in his young manhood he served in
Lenawee county as a justice of the peace, also as school inspector for
six years. Since coming to Jackson he has seen five years of service on
the board of aldermen.
Three times has Mr. Lowe ventured into matrimony. He was mar-
ried first on November 13, 1858, to Lucy Angeline Cooper, of Hills-
dale, Michigan, and she died on November 17, 1879. On October 26,
1880, he married Mrs. Elizabeth J. Keeler, nee Shipman, who died on
February 6, 1901, and on November 9, 1902, he married Mrs. Ella Felt,
nee Calley. Of his first marriage Mr. Lowe has two living daughters,
and he has one daughter by his second marriage. They are Clara Marie,
the wife of Prof. Charles A. Barry, of Spokane, Washington ; Sarah
Gertrude, the wife of Hon. Fred L. Woodworth, of Huron county,
Michigan, he being a member of the state legislature; and L. Ruth, who
married George W. Woods, of Ann Arbor.
Mr. Lowe is a member of the First Congregational Church of Jack-
son and is now chairman of its board of trustees. Fie has been a member
for the past half century.
John Norvell. As long as time endures shall Michigan and its
metropolis owe a debt of honor and appreciation to this distinguished
pioneer, Hon. John Norvell, who established his home in Detroit about
six years prior to the admission of the state to the Union. He came to
to assume the office of postmaster, to which he had been appointed by
President Andrew Jackson. He thus Iiecame the second postmaster of
Detroit after it had come under American rule, and no citizen entered
more fully and worthily into the civic and material activities of the
pioneer community. He was one of the framers of the first state con-
stitution of Michigan and was one of the two citizens who first repre-
sented the new state in the United States senate. He was one of the
most prominent and influential citizens of Michigan during its formative
period, a distinguished member of the bar, and a man of exalted char-
acter and large and public-spirited service.
Near Lexington, Kentucky, then a part of Virginia, John Norvell
was born on the 21st of December, 1789. His father, Lipscomb Nor-
vell, a \ irginian, served as a patriot soldief in the war of the Revolution,
and received from the United States government a generous i^ension
until his death, at the age of more than ninety years. He represented an
old and patrician family of Virginia and was a personal friend of
Thomas Jefferson. John Norvell was reared in Kentucky. When four-
teen years of age, and already laying plans for the future, he received
from his father's friend, President Thomas Jefferson, a letter in which
he was advised to learn a trade and then to "take up a profession. This
admonition young Norvell followed in a most literal way. Leaving
home, he went to Baltimore, Maryland, learned the printer's trade, a
discijjline that has been pronounced equivalent to a liberal education,
and during the period of his apprenticeship devoted his sjxire time to
the study of law, and in due time was admitted to the bar. He develoj^ed
talent as a writer and his literary productions as well as his activities
in politics early gave him much prestige.
For a period he was editor of a paper at ITagerstown, Maryland, and
as such he effectively championed the policies of President Madison dur-
ing the period of the war of 1812. Feeling it but consistent to follow out
the policies which he thus advocated in his editorial utterances, lie
enlisted for service in that second war with Great Britain, in which he
participated in the battle of Blandensburg, in 1814. In 1S16 Mr. Norvell
removed to Philadelphia, and became editor of the leading Democratic
1288 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
newspaper of that city. In May, 1831, while a resident of Philadelpliia,
he received from President Jackson appointment to the office of post-
master of Detroit, Michigan, and he and his family soon left for the
west.
Upon his arrival in Detroit Mr. Norvell immediately paid his respects
to James Abbott, who was serving as postmaster and who had been
appointed to this office in 1806. Courteously raising his hat, Mr. Norvell
said to Mr. Abbott, "I am John Norvell; do you know that I am your
successor?" The reply of Mr. Abbott was: '"Yes, I have heard of you,
d — n you, and I wish you were on Grampian Hills, feeding your father's
flocks !'' Mr. Norvell's first work as postmaster was to remove the post-
office to a small brick building on the south side of Jefferson avenue,
just west of Wayne street. In the following September he removed the
office to the northeast corner of Jefferson avenue and Shelby street, and
in 1834 removed it to the south side of Jefferson avenue, near Cass
street.
Mr. Norvell was a man of active temperament, and at once identi-
fied himself with the interests and politics of the territory. He took a
prominent part in the complications incidental to the so-called "Patriot
war," and in the Michigan statehood movement. He was a delegate to
the constitutional convention of 1833, 'i^ld at Ann Arbor, and in this
convention was chairman of the committee on elective franchises, the
committee on the Ohio controversy, the committee on the prohibition
of slavery, and five other committees, besides which he was a memlier
of several other committees. He was a dominating and valued member
of this important convention, which ordered the election of governor and
a legislature, and he was largely instrumental in bringing about the elec-
tion of Stevens T.' Mason as the first governor of the new state. The
first legislative assembly elected Mr. Norvell and Lucius Lyons as the
first representatives of the commonwealth in the L^nited States senate,
Mr. Norvell being given the long term. When congress objected to
Michigan's claim that Toledo should be included within its borders and
jurisdiction, and for this reason delayed the admission of the territory
to statehood, the two Michigan senators succeeded in effecting a settle-
ment of the border controversy with Ohio and in saving to Michigan its
upijer peninsula, including the! Lake Superior region, with its wealth of
minerals. This addition to the state was granted in compensation for
the loss of the small portion of Ohio that was in dispute. In 1837
Michigan was admitted to the Union.
The most imijortant questions touching Michigan that came up
during Mr. Norvell's service in the L^nited States senate were those inci-
dental to the panic of 1S37 and the Canadian rebellion of 1837-8. In the
former Mr. Norvell was totally opposed to the doctrine that was
advanced and that, many years later, was adopted by the Greenliack
party. He believed that paper was paper and not coin or value, and that
promises to pay were only promises. The Canadian insurrection known
as the Patriot war met w-ith Mr. Norvell's warm sympathy, but while he
would have liked to see Canada freed from the yoke of the "family
compact," he did not believe that the United States should be made a
base of military oiierations while the nation was at peace with England.
In 1841, ui)on the e.xpiration of his term in the United States senate,
Mr. Norvell engaged in the active practice of law in Detroit, and was
soon afterward elected a representative of Wayne county in the state
legislature, Detroit being still the capital of the state. In 1845 he was
appointed United States district attorney for Michigan, and served until
1840. He supported the administration of President Polk in the prose-
cution of the war with Mexico, and three of his sons were gallant
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1289
soldiers in that conflict. In 1849 he was reappointed United States dis-
trict attorney by President Zachary Taylor, but before the expiration
of his term he passed away at his fine old homestead on Jefferson ave-
nue, Detroit, on the 24th of April, 1850. The city and the entire state
manifested a sense of loss and bereavement when this noble and hon-
ored citizen passed away, in his sixty-first year. Mr. Norvell's old home,
which is still standing and in excellent preservation, is situated at 814
Jefferson avenue, between Chene street and Joseph Campau avenue, and
was erected by him in 1836, when that "part of the city belonged
to Hamtramck township.
While a resident of Philadelphia Mr. Norvell was twice married.
The maiden name of his first wife was Cone, and she was survived by
three sons: Spencer, who was graduated in the United States Military
Academy, at West Point, and who served as Captain in the Mexican
war, died at Saratoga Springs, New York, on the 12th of August 1850,
about three months after the death of his honored father; Algernon died
in childhood ; and Joseph, who was graduated in the United States Naval
Academy, at Annapolis, died in Detroit, on the 15th of April. 1840. In
1823 Mr. Norvell married Miss Isabella Hodgkiss, of Philadelphia. She
died on the 30th of March, 1873, at the old homestead on Jefl'erson
avenue. During the time that her husband was in attendance at the
constitutional convention of Michigan Mrs. Norvell served as his sub-
stitute in the office of postmaster of Detroit. She was a woman of
gracious personality and a leader in the social activities of Detroit. Con-
cerning the children of the second marriage of Senator Norvell brief
record is here entered, four of the children mentioned having been born
in Philadelphia and the remaining six in Detroit: Isabella Gibson (died
on the 28th of March, 1889) ; Dallas, who was a gentleman farmer on
beautiful Grosse Isle in the Detroit river, served as supervisor of iiis town-
ship, was in service in the United States commissary department during
the closing years of the Civil war, and died March 5, 1888. r'reenian,
who served as a lieutenant in the Mexican war and as colonel of a Mich-
igan regiment in the Civil war, was president of the Detroit board of
education from 1870 to 1879, and afterward its secretary, died on the
13th of May, 1881. Barry Norvell, the next in order of birth, was a
civil engineer by profession and died from an attack of yellow fever, at
Mount Vernon, Indiana, August 20, 1858. John Mason Norvell served
on the staff" of General Richardson in the Civil war, was later promoted
brigadier general and his death occurred in 1892. Stevens Tliompson
Norvell, who served during the Civil war, was promoted colonel in the
United States army died in August, 191 1. Emily Virginia Norvell resides
in Detroit and is the widow of Hon. Henry Nelson Walker. Alfred
Cuthbert Norvell died July 22, 1883. Edwin Forrest Norvell served as
first lieutenant on the staff of General Broadhead in the Civil war and
his death occurred July 28, 1876. James Knox Polk Norvell died in
Detroit April i, 1905.
In the sixteenth of the interesting historical papers puljlislied under
the title of "The Memories of Winder" appears the following descrij)-
tion of Senator Norvell: "Mr. Norvell was a handsome man, short,
stout, with light complexion, regular features and blue eyes. In manners
he was a gentleman of the old school, — polite, courteous and dignified, —
and in society he was a fine conversationalist, quick of repartee and
fond of poetry. He was invariably dressed in black broadcloth,* w-ith
silk hat and ruffled shirt, and always dipped his beaver to every woman
whom he met on the street, whether she were rich or poor, old or
young, white, black or red."
129U HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Walter G. Norvell. Now traffic manager and assistant superin-
tendent of Parke, Davis & Compain', Walter G. Norvell entered the em-
ploy of that great drug manufacturing house when nineteen vears old as
clerk in the order department. His forte has been traffic management,
and there is probably no citizen of Detroit who possesses a more techni-
cal and detailed knowledge of this general subject than Mr. Norvell.
The Norvell family is one of the oldest and most prominent of De-
troit, and his grandfather w'as one of the first United States senators
from Michigan and one of the first postmasters at Detroit. Walter
Gregory Norvell was born November i8, 1872, at the old Middle House,
on Jeflerson avenue, long one of the leading hotels of Detroit. His
father, the late James K. P. Norvell, who was born on Grosse Isle, W^iyne
county, Michigan, August 27, 1845, and who died at Detroit April i,
1905, had a varied and active career in business. When a boy he went
to Eufialo, New York, later to New York city, was engaged in business
for a time at St. Louis, Missouri, and finally returned to Michigan and
took the management of a general store at L'Anse in Baraga county for
the company which was constructing the first railroad line on the upper
peninsula of Michigan. After returning to Detroit in 1872 he was
for many years engaged in the brokerage business. His was one of the
well-known names in Detroit business affairs for thirtv vears, and out-
side of business he was perhaps best known for his skill and ardor as
a hunter and fisherman. James K. P. Norvell married Lillie Coe, who
was born at Winstead, Connecticut, was reared in New York city, and
died at Detroit in 1893. There were two children, and the daughter is
Miss Florence of Detroit.
At the age of fifteen Walter G. Norvell left his studies in the Detroit
high school and on December 10. 1887, found a place at regular wages
with the old Peninsular Car Company, and was employed in that indus-
try for four years. Then in 1891 began his connection with the Parke,
Davis & Company as clerk in the order department. His subsequent
record has been one not only of advancement to positions which give
him a more independent place in business affairs, but he has also realized
to the highest degree the possibilities for valuable and skillful service to a
company whose trade is international in scope, and one of the largest
and perhaps the best known drug manufacturing concern in America.
Mr. Norvell has made a careful study of all the problems involved in
the handling and routing of goods, and of the larger phases of commer-
cial transportation. He was the sixth to hold the office of President of the
Detroit Transportation Club, and the only man selected for such an honor
who had not an active career as a railway or steamship official. It
was his expert qualifications in his line that led to his selection as chair-
man of the Transportation Committee of the Detroit Board of Com-
merce, as which he served from April, 1912, to April, 1914. During
same period he was also a Director. Commencing in April, 1914, he
was elected Vice President. Mr. Norvell is a member of the Fellow-
craft Club, and in the Masonic order is affiliated with Corinthian Lodge,
A. F. & A. M., King Cyrus Chapter, R. A. M.. and Moslem Temple of
the Mystic Shrine.
On August 10, 1905, occurred his marriage with Miss Janetta Mar-
della Wardell, a daughter of Charles Wardell, of Detroit, Their two
children are: Janette Frances, Ijorn May 16, 1907; and Catherine,
born December 13. 1912.
Henry N. Walker. By reason of his noble character and eminent
and professional services, the late Henry N. Walker was one of the most
distinguished figures in the early history of Michigan and one of the most
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HISTORY OF MICHIGA.N 1291
honored citizens of Detroit. He gained admission to the bar at Detroit
while Michigan was still a territory, and his death occurred in that city
February 24, 1886, at the age of seventy-four.
Henry Nelson Walker was born at Fredonia, Chautauqua county, New
York, November 30, 1811, a son of John and Nancy (Hines) Walker.
The ancestral history goes back to Scotch origin and it has been deter-
mined that the founder of the family in America was a Colonel Walker,
an officer in Cromwell's army in England, and who, after the restoration
of King Charles 11, in 1660, came from the north of England to America
and became an early settler in Rhode Island. The descent through the
subsequent four generations is briefly noted as follows : Hezekiah
Walker, one of the descendants of the Colonel Walker just mentioned,
was the father of William Walker. The latter was born at Foster, Rhode
Island, in 1750 and married there Polly Rounds. John Walker, son of
William and Polly, was born at Scituate, Providence county, Rhode Isl-
and, on October 19, 1770, and in the same locality was married to Miss
Nancy Hines. Of their several children Henry N. Walker was one.
Mr. Walker received an unfortunate handicap in his boyhood days.
While running races with other boys, being then only nine years of age,
he strained his knee, and a serious trouble ensued which confined him to
his bed for seven years and left him permanently' lamed. However, he
himself said that his illness was a blessing in disguise, as during the long
years of inaction he was continuing his studies and when finally able to
return to school had determined to make the study of law his life work.
After completing a course in the Fredonia Academy in his native town,
he began the study of law under James MuUett, an able lawyer of that
section of New York state. In 1834, at the age of twenty-three, Mr.
Walker came to the Territory of Michigan, finished his law studies in the
office of Farnsworth & Bates, the members of which were Elon Farns-
vvorth and Asher B. Bates, both foremost representatives of their pro-
fession in the territorial and early statehood bar. In 1835 Mr. Walker
was admitted to practice law in [Michigan Territory, and in the following
year joined Farnsworth & Bates in practice. Mr. Farnsworth in 1836
became chancellor of the chancery court of Michigan territory. Subse-
quently Samuel T. Douglass was admitted to the firm, which thus became
Bates, Walker & Douglass. With the retirement of Mr. Bates, the firm
of Walker & Douglass existed for several years, and by the admission of
James V. Campbell became Walker. Douglass & Campbell, admittedly
one of the strongest aggregations of legal talent in the entire state during
its existence. Both Judge Douglass and Judge Campbell served terms on
the Michigan supreme bench.
In 1837, soon after Michigan became a state, ^Ir. Walker took up
his duties as Master in Chancery. From 1842 to 1845 'le was attorney
general of Michigan, and in 1843 h^^l also taken the position of city his-
toriographer of Detroit, which he held several years. In 1844 Mr. Walker
was representative in the state legislature, and the same year was ap-
pointed court reporter, succeeding to and finishing the work of Mr. Har-
rington, the first court reporter of this state. Mr. Walker published only
one volume of reports under his own name before giving up the position.
During 1859-60 he served as postmaster of Detroit, and in 1883-84 held
the post of state commissioner of immigration under appointment from
Governor Begole.
During the '40s while at Washington. Mr. Walker was admitted to
the United States supreme court upon motion of Daniel_ Webster. In
legal circles Mr. Walker had the reputation of being one of the best equity
lawyers in Michigan, and by his varied attainments, through servicesin
behalf of large corporate affairs, he was during the time of his active
strength of usefulness hardly second to any lawyer in the middle west.
l-'!'2 HISTORY (3F MICHIGAN
His public services in otificial position usually came through his alli-
ance with the Democratic party. He was a lifelong supporter of Demo-
cratic policies and principles, and in 1835 was secretary of the Democratic
territorial central committee of Michigan, later became chairman, and
held that office after the admission of Michigan to the Union. In i8(5g
he received the complimentary vote of the Democratic members of the
legislature for the office of United States senator.
His most distinctive achievements as a lawyer and in public affairs
came froni his important relations with early railway organization and
construction in Michigan. In 1845, ^Ir. Walker, at that time attorney
general of Michigan, was directed to proceed to Albany, New York, and
neg:otiate a sale of the Michigan Central Railroad, the construction of
which had been undertaken by the state, but had proved a greater burden
than the state could successfully carry. His important part in this matter
has been described as follows : "Attorney General Henry N. Walker was
deputized to go to New York and effect a sale of the property. One of
the first steps taken by Mr. Walker was to see Erastus Corning'of Albany,
who held a large amount of the bonds of the state of Michigan, which he
had purchased for about thirty cents on the dollar. J. W. Brooks, who
was then superintending a line between Rochester and Syracuse, New
York, was called into the conference. The draft of a charter for a new
company was made. It was agreed that Mr. Walker should endeavor to
have this charter passed by the legislature. The terms of the deal were
ten per cent above the cost of the road to be paid in cash and the remainder
of the purchase price to be paid in bonds and other outstanding obliga-
tions of the state. On March 28, 1846, an act was passed iiroviding for
the incorporation of the Michigan Central Railroad Company and for the
sale by the state to the new corporation of the Michigan Central property
for two million dollars. At the request of Governor Barry and other
leading men of the state, Mr. Walker and George F. Porter went to New
York and Boston, organized a company under the terms of the new char-
ter, and on September 23, 1846, the road finally passed out of the posses-
sion of the state and became the property of private interests."
Through his successful work in this deal of the Michigan Central,
Mr. Walker gained the reputation of a specially able railroad lawyer and
man of affairs. In 1848 eastern cajjitalists solicited him to procure an
extension of the Detroit & Pontiac Railroad westward to Lake Michigan.
He secured the charter under the title of the Oakland & Ottawa rail-
road, and effected the organization of a company in which Erastus Corn-
ing, Dean Richmond and others interested in the New York Central
Railroad became leading spirits. On the first issue of bonds for the new
road two hundred thousand dollars were raised. Mr. Walker ser\'ed as
president of the company until 1S55, in which year the road was consoli-
dated with that of the Detroit & Pontiac Railroad, and the new company
assumed the title of the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railroad
Company. Of this company he continued as president until 1858. While
president of the railway. Air. Walker twice visited Europe and raised
three and a half million dollars with which to complete the construction
of his company's line.
Mr. Walker also had an important part in the bringing to Detroit of
the Great Western Railroad. In company with James F. Joy and Elon
Farnsworth he visited Toronto and Niagara Falls to make preliminary
arrangements for the proposed extension, and at the request of J. W.
Brooks of the Michigan Central Railroad prepared a series of articles for
Detroit papers Illustrating and advocating the advantages of this new rail-
way connection. Mr. Walker secured subscriptions to the amount of one
hundred and eighty thousand dollars for that ].nirpose, and in 1854 the
road was opened to Detroit, which thus gained its first direct communica-
tion with New York and the Atlantic seaboard.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1293
His ability in the preparation of the railroad articles was no doubt
one of the influences which led Mr. Walker to purchase, on January 5,
1861, from Wilbur F. Story the Detroit Free Press, of which he was
until 1872 editor and sole proprietor. Under his administration the old
Free Press maintained the splendid prestige of its earlier days, and Mr.
Walker proved a forcible and able editor, combining admirable literary
style and taste with a mature judgment and broad grasp of economic,
political and social affairs. Mr. Walker sold the Free Press in 1872
largely as a result of his antagonism to the nomination of Horace Greeley
for president. He refused to consider Greeley as a representative of the
true principles of the Democratic party, and the withdrawal of his sup-
port was one of many other factors which contributed to the overwhelm-
ing defeat of the New York editor in his campaign.
Mr. Walker was a man of decided convictions, and there was no mis-
understanding of his position with regard to any public question of im-
portance. While acting as postmaster of Detroit the Lecompton consti-
tution of Kansas was being debated in congress, and was finally made one
of the principal planks in Buchanan's administration policy. Mr. Walker
opposed the constitution since it permitted slave-holders to take their
slaves into Kansas and hold them as slave property. At heart Mr. Walker
was a Free-soil Democrat, and while willing that slavery should exist in
the South, where it was an old established institution, was utterly opposed
to its extension to the free soil of the North and West. For his attitude
in this controversy President Buchanan deposed him from the office of
postmaster.
The late Mr. Walker was also prominent as a Detroit banker. In
1849, under an act of the legislature, the Detroit Savings Fund Institu-
tion was organized, and Mr. Walker was its first vice-president. This
office he held for twenty-five years, and was a director of the bank when
it was reorganized as the Detroit Savings Bank, continuing a director of
the latter until his death. He had varied other business relations, only
one or two of which can be mentioned within the scope of this brief ar-
ticle. During the early fifties he purchased about three thousand acres of
wild land in Clinton county, on the surveyed line of the Oakland & Ottawa
Railroad, and on which the village of St. Johns, now the county seat, was
subsequently located. Had he been able to retain his possession of that
property, the land alone would have made him a wealthy man. While pro-
prietor of the Detroit Free Press in 1870, Mr. Walker bought and under-
took the development of what was known as the Spurr Alountain Iron
Mine in Baraga county, Michigan. The venture proved unprofitable and
resulted in a personal loss of upwards of a quarter million dollars. _ XVhen
Dr. Tappan, after becoming president of the University of Michigan,
sought contributions from the wealthy and cultured men of Detroit for
funds sufficient to establish an astronomical observatory, Mr. Walker was
one of the most liberal in co-operating with the president of the university,
and subsequently paid the entire cost of a meridian circle for the observa-
tory, purchased bv Dr. Tappan in Germany.
October 31, 1861, Mr. Walker married Miss Emily \'irginia Norvell,
daughter of Hon. John Norvell, the distingitished Detroit citizen and one
of the first senators from Michigan, whose career is sketched on other
pages of this work. i\Irs. Walker was born in the old Norvell homestead
at 814 Jefferson avenue in Detroit. May 7, 1837. In 1871 Mr. Walker
bought "this fine old homestead, and thus gave his wife the privilege of
retul-ning to the old home in which she was reared and which was en-
deared to her bv manv hallowed associations. Mr. and -Mrs. Walker had
three children, 'as fol'lows : John Norvell Walker, born September 11,
1862, and died May i, 1913; Henry Lyster Walker, a sketch of whose
Vol. Ill— 6
1294 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
career is given in following paragraphs : and Miss Elizabeth Gray
Walker, who still resides w-ith her mother in the city of Detroit. John
Norvell Walker was a mining engineer and metallurgist by profession,
and was engaged in his work in the far west for a period of about twenty
years. By his marriage to Miss Luise Boynton of Everett, W'ashington,
there are two children : Carol \'irginia Walker and Donald Boynton
Walker.
Henry L. Walker. A grandson of Hon. John Xorvell. the second
postmaster of Detroit and one of the first two United States senators from
Michigan, and a son of the late Hon. Henry X. \\'alker, one of Detroit's
foremost lawyers and business men, Henry L. Walker by his own career
has done sometiiing to increase the prestige of a family name which is
thus one of the best known in Detroit and Michigan.
Henry Lyster Walker was born September 8, 1867, at Grosse Isle,
Wayne county, Michigan. He was educated in the public schools of
Detroit; in 1884 he started his business career in the house of James E.
Davis & Company, wholesale druggists. Later the Hon. Henry P. Bald-
win, one of ^lichigan's foremost citizens and at that time president of
the Detroit National Bank, gave ]Mr. Walker a position as messenger,
and when he left in 1894 he had been advanced to the position of teller
in that representative banking house, which is now the Old Detroit Na-
tional Bank. Air. Walker left banking to engage in the electrical busi-
ness, the possibilities and scope of which had hardly been dreamed of
twenty years ago, and he was thus also a pioneer in that line in Michigan.
On January 24, 1902, Mr. Walker incorporated his business under the
title of Henry L. Walker Company, of which he is president and treas-
urer. It is one of the leading electrical houses in Michigan. In 1902
Mr. Walker established the P R ^Manufacturing Company, which was
incorporated in 1904 and of which he is vice-president and treasurer.
This company is almost exclusively engaged in the manufacture of elec-
trical bells, and has the largest factory for that product in the world. Its
output is distributed not only all over the United States, but to all civil-
ized countries of the globe, and the factory is one that adds to the indus-
trial and commercial prestige of Detroit as a manufacturing center.
As a progressive and representative business man of Detroit, Mr.
Walker has membership in the Detroit Board of Commerce, the Detroit
Club, the Detroit Boat Club, the Country Club, the Automobile Club, the
Detroit Athletic Club, and the Old Club at St. Clair Flats, Michigan.
I\Ir. Walker and his wife, who likewise is a native of Detroit and belongs
to one of the old and honored families of the city, are popular factors in
the social activities of that city. In 1902 Tvlr. Walker married Miss Alice
Hammond Ives. She is a daughter of Butler Ives and granddaughter of
the late Albert Ives, the honored pioneer financier who founded the old-
time Detroit banking house of A. Ives & Sons.
John W. Shove. In 1890 John \\'. Shove came to Jackson, Michi-
gan, as the representative of the International Harvester Company, or
the McCormick Harvester Company as it was then known, and he con-
tinued with that concern until 1899 when he became interested
in the Peninsular Portland Cement Company. From 1903 to 1913
he was assistant manager of the concern, as well as secretary , and
since the death of William F. Cowham in the year last named,
he has been manager and secretary. The concern is one of the thriving
ones of the city, and owes much of its prosperity to the good work of Mr.
Shove as assistant manager and manager.
lohn W. Shove was born in Connecticut, on December 2, 1 851, a son
HIST(3RY OF MICHIGAN 1295
of Henry Shove, a farmer who spent his Hfe in that state, and of Fannie
(Lane) Shove, also a Hfe long resident of the state. The family is one
that has been long established in America and Mr. Shove has a long line
of New England ancestors behind him. Reared on his father's farm,
John W. Shove became a school teacher at the age of twenty, and he
taught school in Michigan as well as in his native state. His early educa-
tion included a course of study in the Eastman Business College at
Poughkeepsie, New York, from which he was graduated in 1873, and in
the next year he came to Michigan.
Mr. Shove, after locating in this state, first spent several years in
Wayne county, where he taught school for about three years, and he was
married there in 1877 to Miss Carrie R. Hooper. He took his bride to
New York state soon after their marriage, spending a year, after which
he returned to Wayne county, Michigan, and located at Flat Rock, where
he was for a good many years engaged in the hardware business.
In 1890 Mr. Shove came to Jackson, and this city has since been his
home. For ten years he was in the employ of the McCormick Harvester
Company in the Jackson offices as assistant manager, having charge of the
salesmen, and in 1899 he became interested in the Peninsular Portland
Cement Company, at this writing serving as manager and secretary of
the concern. This company is one of the well known Portland cement
companies in the west. Its plant is located at Cement City, Michigan.
Mr. Shove is also president of the American Oil Company of Jackson,
and has identified himself with other business enterprises of the city.
A member of the First Methodist Church of Jackson, Mr. Shove is
a member of the Board of Stewards, and his wife also is active in the
work of the church.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shove, — two daugh-
ters and a son. They are Bertha May, now wife of John Lautenslager,
of Jackson, Michigan ; Miss Frances Elizabeth, living at home, and Plarry
L. Shove, who is in the employ of the Peninsula Portland Cement Com-
pany. He has a responsible position with the concern, and is destined to
make his way to the front in business circles.
Gle.v R. MuKsjr.Aw. Among the high officials of Michigan who
through their efficient and helpful services have gained recognition and
reputation all over the state is numbered Glen R. Munshaw. deputy
Commissioner of Immigration, and Supervisor of The Field Division
of the Public Domain Commission. Mr. Munshaw is a product of the
farm and is still a young man, having been born on his father's home-
stead in Paris township. Kent county, Michigan, August 14, 1883, a
son of Simcoe E. and Emma A. (Robinson) Munshaw.
Simcoe E. Mvmshaw was bom in Canada, near the city of Toronto,
and belongs to an old Canadian family, his father, Lambert Munshaw.
having also been born in the Dominion. The mother was born in Paris
township, Kent county, Michigan, the daughter of John Robinson, a
native of New Y^ork state, who was a pioneer of Kent county and
drove an ox-cart from his home in the Empire State to Michigan.
Simcoe E. Munshaw came from Canada to Kent county with his par-
ents as a lad of about fourteen years, grew to manhood in Kent county,
where he was married, and followed farming until April, 19T3, when
he removed to Lansing.
Glen R. T^Iunshaw was reared on the home farm in Kent county,
where he attended the district schools, and remained under the parental
roof until reaching the age of seventeen years, when he prepared him-
self by special courses for a career as an educator, passing the exami-
nation and receiving a third grade teacher's certificate. .After spending
1296 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
some time as a teacher, he entered a business college at Grand Raj^ids.
through which he worked his own way. Following this, he attended the
Grand Rapids high school and later a summer normal school, follow-
ing which he spent two years more in educational work. His uncle
in the meantime having been elected sheriff of Kent county. Mr. ^lun-
shaw was offered a position in the sheriff's office, which he accepted,
and in which capacity he served four years, and when Mr. Russell was
elected commissioner of the State land ofifice, Mr. Munshaw was ap-
pointed Supervisor of Trespass. Two and one-half years in that office
were followed by his appointment as deputy commissioner of the state
land office, by Mr. Russell, a position to which he was reappointed by
Mr. Russell's successor, Commissioner Carton, January i, 1913. Vlr
Munshaw resigned that position, however, in September, 1913. to ac-
cept the office which he now holds, and in which he has made an enviable
record.
Mr. Munshaw is a Republican and stands high in the councils of his
party, both in Grand Rapids and in Lansing. In the latter city he has
been identified with civic aft'airs, having been president of the East Side
Improvement Association. Fraternally Mr. Alunshaw is a member of
the Masons, Valley City; Lodge, No! 86,- F. & A. M., the Eastern Star,
the Knights of the Maccabees, the Modern Woodmen, and the Loyal
Americans. His religious affiliation is with the Congregational church.
Mr. Munshaw married Jyliss Ethelyn L. Spoon, August 2t,, 1906, a
daughter of John SpdOii, (^ ("-rand Ivapids, and they have one son,
Howard Russell Munshaw.
William T. Dodce, M. D. While Dr. Dodge has been located in the
practice of medicine at Big Rapids since 1890, he graduated from the
University of ]\Iichigan in medicine ten years previously and for a long
time his ability as a surgeon has been recognized as the equal of that
possessed by any other practitioner in western Michigan. Dr. Dodge has
had a really prominent career in the fields of medicine and surgery, and
has also been prominent as a citizen in Big Rapids.
Born in Barry county, Michigan, April 2, 1860, Dr. Dodge was a son
of Winchester and Ann (Craig) Dodge, his mother a native of Scot-
land and his father born in Canada. Dr. Dodge in 1880 was graduated
M. D. from the LTniversity of Michigan, and after a varied experience in
different localities located at Big Rapids in 1890. During the twenty-
three years of his residence in the city he has built up a large practice
and is known throughout the state for his skill in surgery. Some of the
best distinctions have come to him in this connection. In 1902 he was
elected a councillor of the Eleventh District Michigan State Medical So-
ciety, and has ever since held that honor, and since 1909 has been chair-
man of the council. Locally his most im|)ortant service has been done in
connection with the Mercy Hospital of which he is head physician and
the service of that institution and its present standing among thoroughly
equipped hospitals are in no small degree due to the efficiency of Dr.
Dodge.
Dr. Dodge was mayor of Big Rapids in 1907, and for several years
has served on the board of public works, and so far as liis professional
work would ]UTmit has interested himself in every movement and cause
to advance his city and its commercial prosperity. In 1.S99, Dr. Dodge
was commissioned surgeon in the Michigan National Guards, and has
for several years been chief surgeon of the state organization. Fra-
ternally he takes a prominent part in Ma.sonry. and in other .social aft'airs.
He was wor.shipful master of Big Rapids i.odge, in 1897-98, and was
high priest of the Big Rapids Chapter in 1909- n.
■•SIT J.
i.x
^-tt/^TL-V
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1297
Charles Lewis. It has been truly said that the Lewis Spring &
Axle Company is the monument of the late Charles Lewis, as well as
being Jackson's largest single industry, and in writing of those men
who have contributed in small or greater measure to the fortunes of the
city, it would be wholly out of keeping with the spirit and ])urpose of
this work to omit mention of him whose name initiates this sketch, and
whose destinies were coincident with the destinies of Jackson for a
score of years. It would scarcely be possible, in the brief space that
is available here to touch more than lightly upon the salient points in the
career and activities of Mr. Lewis, but an etfort will be made to outline
in some degree his life and works, so as to present a concise and coni-
[irehensive record of his achievements, with some facts as to his early
life.
Charles Lewis was a native of Winscombe, a town in the steel manu-
facturing district of England near Leeds. He was born on April lo,
1853, and he came to America as a boy of fourteen years. For some
years he lived in Auburn, New York, and later he went to Amsterdam,
New York, where he became the superintendent of a spring manufac-
turing plant.
In the early nineties the late Samuel D. Collins, of Jackson, Michigan,
was engaged in the manufacture of vehicles, under the firm name of the
Collins Manufacturing Company. Mr. Collins visited the Amsterdam
factory, and there he met Charles Lewis.
Mr. Collins was at that time associated with certain other progressive
Jackson men in the promotion of the Jackson Land and Improvement
Company. It was planned to buy some extensive tracts of outlying-
land, sell lots to members of the company at a profit, and use the gains
in building factories, the stockholders to be reimbursed by the increase
in value of the lots, due to the establishments of the factories. In pur-
suance of that plan, Mr. Collins, of the Jackson Land and Improvement
Company, entered into an arrangement with Mr. Lewis whereby the
Aspinwall Manufacturing Company of Three Rivers and a bridge manu-
facturing company were to establish themselves in Jackson, on condition
that the land company furnish a site and build factories. The Aspinwall
company and -the bridge company were established south of the city,
and the spring factory was established on the site of the present location
of the Lewis Spring and Axle Company, at the eastern city limits.
Some $5,000 were expended in the building of the spring factory,
it is recalled, and Charles Lewis, the practical mechanic in charge of
the .A.msterdam plant, came to the city and began the manufacture of
carriage springs, under the firm name of Lewis & Allen, the second
member being an accountant who came from the eastern plant with Mr.
Lewis, and who had charge of the office end of the business of the new
and struggling concern.
It would be a failure in veracity to say that the firm was prosperous
from the start. It had its full measure of lean years, for the cash ca]Mtal
which the partners brought into the newly organized business did not
exceed $3,000. That fact spelled hard sledding for the affairs of the
business. After two or three years Mr. Lewis purchased his partner's
interest. He was a far-sighted business man, and he knew how to make
a good steel spring. The result was that after a season of ujjs and downs,
the business began to grow. The year 1893 saw it planted firmly on a sub-
stantial basis, after the plant had been shut down because of a lack of
cash capital to meet the running expenses, and from then to the present
time the plant has made a yearly increase in its business.
In 1897 they added an axle department, and in 1808 .Mr. Lewis
allowed himself to become interested in the automobile iiusiness, the
1298 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
upshot of it ijeing that he organized the Jackson Automobile Company
in that same year. In that venture they experienced a pleasing measure
of success, and for ten years or more he continued in the business,
though he finally decided to withdraw and devote all his time to the
spring and axle end of his enterprise. In the autumn of 191 1 he con-
solidated his several factories for the making of automobile axles in
one splendid new factory on Horton street, and at the time of his death
he was planning the construction of another factory which would have
exceeded in size any of the former plants.
At the time of his death the Lewis Spring & Axle Company, engaged
in tlie manufacture of automobile springs, front and rear axles, brake
lever assemblies, transmissions and forgings, in its factory, occupied a
(ioor space of 320,000 square feet. It employed, and still does, a force
of seven hundred men, and it is a safe statement that "Lewis Quality"'
in trade is a term that stands for excellence in workmanship and con-
struction wherever automobiles are made and sold.
Mr. Lewis was always active in city affairs, and his activity took
the form of promoting the best interest of the community at all times.
As a member of the board of public works he gave much valuable time
to the matter of improving the county roads and the public utilities of
the city. He expended generous sums in providing equipment for the
better building of roads, and was a pioneer in Jackson in that phase of
its education. It was his aim and ambition to get the city to that place
where it would employ business methods and progressive ideas in its
administration, and he gave of his time and of his money to that end.
It is safe to say that none ever realized, unless it might have been other
members of the board of public works, the full value of the services
he contributed to the city as a member of that body.
J\Ir. Lewis also served as a member of the Fire Commission for some
time, and as a member of the State Board of Corrections and Charities,
he gave much time to the improvement of conditions in the prisons and
other correctional institutions of the state. Any institution for the relief
and maintenance of the indigent old people of the community found a
stanch supporter in him. The Odd Fellows' Home, in Cooley Park,
made a strong appeal to his benevolent instincts, and he did all in his
power to aid in securing the grounds for that purpose. It is a further
tribute to his business acumen that he succeeded, despite the fact that
the grounds were wanted by an opposing faction for a public park. .He
was also a liberal contributor to the Jackson Friendly Home, an insti-
tution for aged women exclusively, and he personally solicited a good
share of the funds which tnade the home a possibility.
Mr. Lewis, though a man temperate in all things, was not in favor
of local option. He favored regulation of the saloon business, but he
did not believe that the saloon should be abolished. The local optionists.
however, won their fight, and the saloons went out of Jacksn. One
season was suflicient to convince the man that his position had been
wrong, and he came out openly in favor of the temperance faction.
Only a few weeks prior to his passing his name was found heading a
subscription list for the carrying forward of anti-saloon work. Thus
he was ever found to be. Did he cherish a conviction, he held it firmly.
But he was always ready to be shown that he was in error in his opinion
if facts could be produced to support the refutation of his ideas. It has
been said that "A wise man changes his mind; but. a fool, never."
And Charles Lewis was one who knew how to change his mind when
he found himself basing his arguments on a wrong idea.
Mr. Lewis was long a member of the Haven Methodist Fpiscopal
church and served on its board of trustees for some vears. He was a
HISTORY OF xMICHIGAN 1299
Mason, with Knight Templar affihations, and also was a Shrincr and
was a member of the Jackson lodge of Elks.
Mr. Lewis was married in Auburn, New York, on December 31,
1874, to Elizabeth A. Hollier, who survives her husband and has her
residence in a fine old colonial home at 1609 East Main street, built
by Mr. Lewis not more than five years prior to his death, which occurred
on February 24, 1912.
Mrs. Lewis was born at Skaneateles, near Auburn, New York, on Jan-
uary 12, 1853, being a daughter of William J. Hollier and his wife,
Mary Ann (Lewis) Hollier. Both were natives of England, where
they were married in 1845. The Hollier family had its origin in Wales.
The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are: Minnie Belle, now the
wife of E. F. Lyon, of Detroit; Fred H., now managing head of the
large manufacturing plants in Jackson founded by his father, and a
prominent citizen of this city ; Jessie May, who married Fred Bowman,
of Bufifalo, New York; Alary Frances, the wife of George Tygh, of
Jackson, and Miss Alice Winifred Lewis, who is now a senior in the
Jackson high school.
Among the many articles that have been published in local journals
with reference to the life and work of Mr. Lewis, one is quoted here,
from the pages of The Jacksonian, a journal published by the Chamber
of Commerce of Jackson. It follows : "Charles Lewis was an admirer
of young men and he always believed in giving the young man a chance.
He felt that the future greatness of Jackson depended upon the younger
generation ; and he helped them with his money, with his advice and
with valuable vi'ords of encouragement. His optimistic spirit was one
of his greatest assets. His absolute and fearless honesty was another.
There was no side of his great nature that did not breathe wholesouled
geniality and inspire absolute confidence and trust. A growing com-
munity cannot be blessed with too many men of Charles Lewis' type.
We wish there were more of them in Jackson.
"Charles Lewis was one of the incorporators of the Chamber of
Commerce. From the date of its organization he served on its impor-
tant committees and as one of the trustees of the Guaranty Association.
The high regard in which he was held by every member is perhaps best
attestea oy tne following resolution adopted by the directors and later
ratified by the entire membership at the annual banquet, by a rising
vote taken in silence : 'But yesterday the Jackson Chamber of Commerce
was proud to claim among its active working members a man of whom
today, in the midst of his labors, has laid down the working tools of life.
" 'We as an organization and to a man, individually, shall deeply
and sincerely mourn the loss of Charles Lewis. We shall long feel
the want of his enthusiasm, his ready moral and financial support and
his wise council in all that pertained to the general welfare.
" 'But while we shall miss the cheery smile, the happy greeting and
the frank and friendly converse with him, we must still realize that all
these were but the mere outward attributes of a life so lived among
us as to long leave their firm impress for good upon this community.
" 'Be it resolved, therefore, that this slight tribute to his memory be
made a part of the records, and together with our heartfelt sympathy,
be communicated to his family.' "
The mayor of the city, on the day following the death of 'S\v. Lewis,
issued the following proclamation : "A sudden death has taken from us
the Flon. Charles Lewis. In his vigorous personality was embodied the
highest type of our citizenship. A life like his is an example, and Jack-
son had no nobler son. His wide sphere of beneficent activity is adorned
at every point by the grateful remembrance of all our people of the
2;^G2li^
1300 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
good he did. In the husiness life of the city he was a sturdy pillar that
stood square to every storm. In private life he was a devoted husband
and father, and a faithful friend. In public life his zealous, disinter-
ested and untiring service accompanied at all times by personal kindness,
endeared him to all and inspired the confidence and affection of his asso-
ciates. It is the lot of few men to be loved as he was.
"As a mark of respect to his memory, it is ordered that on Tuesday
afternoon the public offices in this city be closed so that the city officers
may attend the funeral in a body. All city officials will meet at one
o'clock P. M. at the recorder's officer for that purpose.
"D. C. Sauer, Mayor of Jackson."
The Union Bank of Jackson, of which Mr. Lewis was long a director,
also closed during the hour of the funeral, and other local establish-
ments showed similar courtesy to the family and respect to the memory
of a man who was much beloved in his own communitv.
James J. Keelev. For his public spirit in securing to the city of
Jackson the beautiful Keeley Park, Jackson citizens will always have
cause to remember gratefully this enterprising and far-sighted business
man, whose home has been in Jackson for the past twenty-four years. In
business affairs, Mr. Keeley is proprietor of the James J. Keeley Plumb-
ing Company, and Boiler Works, an establishment which is a product
entirely of a skill in a mechanical trade, and his ablity as a business
btiilder. Mr. Keeley is one of Jackson's foremost citizens.
A son of Irish parents, he was born at Columbus, Ohio, March 15,
1856. Jeremiah Keeley, his father, was born in County Waterford, Ire-
land, August 18, 1823, and in early life became a machinist. After coming
to the United States in 1848 he located in Columbus, Ohio, and died at
Newark, in that state, in 1891 when sixty-eight years old. In 1854, at
Columbus, he married Mary Kelly, who was born in County Tipperary,
Ireland, about 1825, and came to this country with her father and a
brother, her mother having died in Ireland, when she was eighteen years
old. Her father, Richard Kelly, first lived in Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs.
Keeley survived her husband about ten years, and was seventy-five when
she passed away. Both are buried at Calvary Cemetery in Newark, Ohio.
The Jackson business man was the second in their large family of six
sons and five daughters, two daughters and three sons being now alive,
the others named as follows : Michael T. Keeley of Newark ; Ann, widow
of \\'illiam Gorman, of Newark : Jeremiah D. Keeley of Newark ; and
Mary, now Mrs. James Stankard of Newark.
James J. Keeley, the only representative of his family in Michigan,
spent his boyhood in the Ohio cities of Columbus, Zanesville, and New-
ark. With only a common school education, at the age of fifteen, on April
1, 1871, he started upon a long apprenticeship to learn the trade of boiler
work at Zanesville. His apprenticeship continued five years and five
months, and at the end of that time he was pronounced and was in fact a
master workman. Several years following were spent as a journeyman
at various localities, in Ohio, and in Indiana. It was in 1889 that Mr.
Keeley came to Jackson, and in this city first became an independent busi-
ness iiian. On a modest scale, compared with its present jiroportions, he
established the James J. Keeley Boiler Works, and has made this an in-
dustry with a large payroll, furnishing employment to a number of hands,
and with an output that is supplied much beyond the limits of his home
locality. Five years ago, Mr. Keeley added a plumbing business and the
two lines have since been carried on with marked success.
As already stated, it will be for his public services to the city of Jack-
son that Mr. Keeley will be longest remembered. For sixteen years he has
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN i;501
represented the First Ward on the Board of Aldermen, and durin.t^ that
time has been honored with the presidency of the conncil six different
times. In not one single instance has it ever been possible to question the
disinterested motive of Mr. Keeley in his civic attitude toward all mu-
nicipal matters. For the past sixteen years his support has been thrown
to many movements having a vital relation with the general welfare of the
citizens, and the permanent improvement of the city. Naturally a leader
and a man of great force of character, and with an established business
reputation, Mr. Keeley has taken the initiative in several important meas-
ures. Most noteworthy of these was the establishment of the beautiful
Keeley Park, where Jackson citizens find their recreation and which for
its varied facilities of amusement is distinctly a credit to this large in-
dustrial center, with its thousands of workmen who need just such a place
to spend their leisure hours. This park was named in honor of Mr. Keeley
because of his long and persistent fight as a member of the Board of Al-
demien to secure its transfer from county ownership to the city. The
grounds were for many years the old Jackson county fair grounds, and
comprised a beautiful wooded tract of thirty-eight acres, situated entirely
within the corporation limits. One of the features which have been pre-
served from its former use is the half-mile race track, one of the best in
the country, and also a large grandstand. This track has made it possible
to use the park for all kinds of racing, horse races, automobile and motor-
cycle contests. A portion of the grounds are also reserved for a baseball
and football area, and in addition to the facilities afforded for wholesome
outdoor sports, it also presents the quieter features of a city park, with
trees, flowers, and well-kept walks and lawns. It is a source of pride to
every Jackson citizen, and every one using it has reason to be grateful
to the man who year after year carried out a systematic campaign, in the
face of a great deal of strenuous opposition in order to preserve this
ground against the encroachments of private enterprise in behalf of the
general welfare of all. On April 6, 1914, Mr. Keeley was elected a mem-
ber of the Jackson City Council for the ninth time from the First Ward,
winning a victory over his opponents after a most spirited political con-
test. With nine victories to his credit, and with but one defeat in ten
campaigns, his almost unbroken record is, perhaps, without a parallel in
Jackson's municipal politics. Mr. Keeley is a Democrat in politics, is a
member of St. John's Roman Catholic church, and is affiliated with the
Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Fraternal
Order of Eagles, and the Knights of the Maccabees.
On September 25, 1889, he married Miss Katherine Sullivan, who has
been his devoted wife for the past twenty-four years. She was born near
Newark, Oliio. They have no children.
John Jay Carton. This prominent banker and lawyer of Flint has
had so many distinctions outside his profession and his private business
that his nan'ie is well known in all jjarts of the state. In Genesee county
he got into politics soon after reaching manhood and held a number of
offices at the gift of his fellow citizens. Perhaps his greatest public life
and the one which has made him familiar to Michigan people was his
election as president of the last constitutional convention of Michigan.
No man in the state has attained to higher honors in the Masonic Order
than Mr. Carton. -,,•,■
John J. Carton was born in Clayton townshi]5, Genesee county, Michi-
gan, November 8, 1856. His father, John Carton, was a native of Ire-
land, who came to America in 1830 and to Michigan in 1842, was one of
the earlv settlers, and all his active career followed farming. His death
occurred in November, 1892, at Flint, when eighty -five years of age. John
1302 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Carton married Ann Alagiiire, also born in Ireland and coming to America
in 1840. They were married at Flint in 1851. The mother died in 1895
when seventy-three years old. There were thirteen children, eight of
whom are still living, and the Flint banker and lawyer is the second among
those still alive.
The boyhood of Mr. Carton began without special incident, and he
certainly had none of the special advantages or gifts of fortune which
might have preluded his successful career. Until he was thirteen years
old he went with a number of other boys and girls to an old red school
house in district Xo. 8 of Clayton township. Arriving at the age of thir-
teen he was henceforth on his own responsibilities, and both education
and his subsequent accomplishments are to be credited entirely to his own
initiative and ability. He began work at his first paying occupation, on
February i, 1871, in a drug store at Flushing, and was promised fifteen
dollars a year and his board. After one year he quit and found a job,
promising a higher salary. In the meantime he had also realized the need
of a better education than had been given him in the public schools, and
thereafter wdienever possible he was a student either in school or at home.
In 1873 he commenced teaching school in the winter time, and attended
school himself during spring and fall and in spare times worked at what-
ever he could get to do. He was employed as a farm hand, also worked
about a saw mill, and did a term as delivery boy for a groceryman. The
spring of 1877 he entered the employ of Brunson Turner as clerk in his
drug store at Flushing, where he remained until August of the same
year. For that work he got twelve dollars and a half per month and
board. He w'as then offered a position as bookkeeper with the firm of
Niles & Cotcher, general merchants at Flushing, with whom he remained
until the fall of 1880.
In the meantime he had become interested in politics, and was known
as a young man of exceptional enterprise and with an independence of
character which gained the goodwill and admiration of many outside
of the strict party line. In the fall of 1880 he was elected to the office of
county clerk of Genesee county, and began his official duties on the first
of January in the following year. By re-election, he served until the close
of December in 1884. In the meantime opportunity had been afforded to
take up the study of law, and on August 21, 1884, before the expiration
of his second term as county clerk, he was admitted to practice, and at
once formed a partnership with George H. Durand, under the firm name
of Durand & Carton. Mr. Durand at that time ranked as one of the
foremost attorneys of central Michigan, and subsequently his ability
brought his elevation to the supreme bench of the state. Their partner-
ship continued until 1903, at the death of Judge Durand. In the fall of
this year Air. Carton formed a partnership with Everett L. Bray, under
the name of Carton & Bray, a relationship which still continues, though
the firm is now Carton, Bray & Stewart, William C. Stewart having been
admitted in 1912.
Mr. Carton is known as a man of many substantial accomplishment?
in the field of law. and he has not been less successful in business. He has
been president of the National Bank of Flint since its organization in
1905, and from February i, 1899, was president of the First National
Bank of Flint, the predecessor of the National Bank of Flint, its name
being changed and the reorganization effected on the expiration of the
original charter. Mr. Carton was also one of the organizers of the Flint
National Bank, of which he is a director, and is a director in the Michi-
gan Light Companv and the Flint Electric Company. He was a member
of the Board of Directors, and vice president of the Weston-Mott Com-
pany, manufacturers of automobile parts.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1303
His first vote for a presidential candidate was cast in iS8o, he began
voting at local elections in 1878, and since then has been consistently
within the ranks of the Republican party. His first public ofKce was as
county clerk, but he subsequently served two years as city attorney of
Flint, and in the fall of 1898 was elected to the legislature, serving during
the sessions of 1899, 1901 and 1903, and was speaker of the house dur-
ing the sessions of 1901 and 1903. Elected a delegate to the constitu-
tional convention of 1907-08, he was chosen by that body as its president,
and presided over the deliberations of the convention until its close. For
a number of years he has stood high as one of the potential and active
political leaders of Michigan. During Roosevelt's administration, he was
oflfered a place on the board of general appraisers for the Port of New
York, an honor which he declined.
In Masonry Mr. Carton has reached the final degree of the Scottish
Rite. He became a member of Genesee Lodge No. 174, F. & A. M. in
1882, and still retains his membership in that lodge. He also belongs to
Washington Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and to Genesee Valley Com-
mandery. No. 15, Knights Templar. He belongs to Michigan Sovereign
Consistory. Scottish Rite, and is one of the active members of the supreme
council, thirty-third degree, A. A. S. R., Northern Masonic Jurisdiction
of the United States, and is the deputy for that body for the State of
Michigan. He was Worshipful Master of Genesee Lodge in 1890-91,
and was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State in 1896. His
other fraternal affiliations are with the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, and the Knights of the Modern Maccabees. Mr. Carton belongs
to the Flint Country Club, the Detroit Club and the Olympic Club of
Flint. He has been a member of the executive committee, and is now vice
president of the State Bar Association, belongs to the Genesee County
Bar Association, which he served one year as president, and also to the
American Bar Association. The church at which he and his family wor-
ship is the Presbyterian.
At Ukiah, Mendocino county, California, November 22, 1898, Mr.
Carton married Mrs. Addie C. Pierson, a daughter of Charles Wager.
She was born in Ontario county, New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Carton
have no children. Their home is at 513 Garland Street and his law offices
are in The Dryden. Outside of his business and professional duties, Mr.
Carton finds recreation in the wholesome outdoor sports, and golf is per-
haps his favorite of these different diversions.
Ch.xrles Girdell Rowley. The vice president, manager and largest
individual stockholder in the Aspinwall Manufacturing Company at
Jackson, is one of the group of enterprising men who have chosen this
Michigan city as their home, and who through their leadership, executive
ability, and splendid capacity for business organization, have created and
maintained the city as one of the most important industrial centers of the
state.
The individual record of l\Ir. Rowley as a business man and manu-
facturer has been one of progress from boyhood, and few men have
attained a more substantial degree of prosperity and prominence than he
has.
Charles Girdell Rowley was born at Friendship in Allegany county.
New Y'ork, November 23, 1876. Mr. Rowley is of old and somewhat
distinguished ancestry and, as the following genealogical record would
prove, he is eligible to membership in the Sons of the Revolution. His
great-grandfather, known in the war records as Seth Rowley 2nd, was
born in the state of Connecticut February 19, 1760, and died January 19,
1 85 1. At the age of sixteen he enlisted in the Revolutionary Army, served
llJO-t HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
two years and eight months, was engaged in several battles, but never
received a wound. Old Fort Stanwix, one of the frontier outposts and
famous as the place at which several important treaties were negotiated
with the Indian tribes, and now the site of the city of Rome, New York,
was his post of duty for some time. Seth Rowley, 2nd, served as an
orderly sergeant from April, 1779, to May, 1782, and as orderly sergeant
and sergeant major from May, 1782, to January, 1784. While in the army
he served under the following captains : Couch, Alexander Baldwin,
Henry Tiebout, Simeon Smith, Joseph Harrison, and Abraham Fonda.
The maiden name of the mother of Sergeant Rowley was Hamilton. Ser-
geant Rowley was married December 14, 1786, to Innocent Salsbury,
who was born January 10, 1770, and died October 20, 1856. She was a
daughter of a well known officer of Washington's army. Captain Salsbury.
Both Sergeant Rowley and his wife were buried in Unadilla Centre, New
York, burying ground. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Rowley was
Seth G. Rowley, who lived to be ninety-five years of age, having been born
on May 31, 1799, and dying October 15, 1894. Joel Warren Rowley,
father of the Jackson business man and who was a banker during his
earlier career in New York state and subsequently engaged in the coal
business at Springfield, Ohio, was born in New York state July 31, 1829,
and died at Springfield, Ohio, September 25, 1872. He, had been cashier
of a national bank at Cuba in Allegany county, New York, and from there
moved to Ohio. On December zj, 1855, he married in I'riendship, Alle-
gany county, N. Y., Rebecca Taylor. Of their two children, the younger,
Frank H., was born December 23, 1862, and died July i, 1874. I'he
mother, who was born in Alleghany county. New York, August 28, 1830,
died at Jackson, Michigan, June 24, 1901.
Charles G. Rowley, who is the only surviving representative of the
family, spent his boyhood days at Cuba, New York, and was about nine
years of age when the family moved to Springfield, Ohio. He had a
good home and grew up in fairly prosperous circumstances, and at the
time of his father's death was a student in Whittenberg College in .Spring-
field. The fact that his mother was left a widow with two young sons,
caused him to give up his college career and go to work. He left school
permanently at his father's death and two years later his younger brother
died. When he was sixteen he entered the employ of the Champion Ma-
chine Comjiany of Springfield, Ohio, at that time one of the city's largest
industrial institutions. A few years ago the name Champion was familiar
to practically all users of agricultural machinery, and Champion mowers,
reapers, and still later the Champion binders, had a well deserved reputa-
tion over manv states. Mr. Rowley was with that concern for fourteen
years, beginning as timekeeper, and subsequently became private secretary
to Amos Whitely, the president and the moving spirit of the company.
It was at the suggestion of his friend Mr. Whitely, that young Rowley
left his work in the factory temporarily and took a course in stenogra])hy
and typewriting at Cincinnati, and thus equipped returned to become
private secretary to the president of the company. He remained in that
capacity ten years, and the experience was valuable to him in many ways.
After fourteen years of service with the Champion Machine Company,
Mr. Rowley became secretary of the Springfield Manufacturing Company.
A. W. Ikitt was the sole proprietor of that business, which manufactured
spring-tooth cultivators, feed mills, and other argricultural machinery.
At the end of three years the concern went out of business, and Mr.
Rowley, in i88(), became one of the founders of the Springfield Seed
Company, engaging in the wholesale and retail trade in seeds. He was
president of the company for two years.
In 1891 Mr. Rowley's connection began with the Aspinwall Manufac-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1305
taring Company, which at that time was located at Three Rivers, Mich-
igan. Tlie products of the Aspinwall Company comprise a special line of
farm machinery, chiefly implements and machines used in the planting,
cultivation, harvesting of potatoes. For thirteen years Mr. Rowley has
continued with this same company, and his record is one of which he may
be proud. When he entered the company's employ at Three Rivers in
1891, he was put in charge of the office. In 1892 he became a stockholder
in the business, was made secretary of the company on March 3.1, 1894,
and continued in that capacity until November i, 1902, when to his other
duties were added those of treasurer and manager. On September 23,
1905, he resigned as secretary, and continued as treasurer and manager
until August, 1909. Since the latter date he has had the office of vice
president and manager. He and Mr. L. A. Aspinwall, the president of
the company, are the largest stockholders, the capital stock being one hun-
dred and thirty thousand dollars. In 1892, the year in which he first
secured stock in the concern, the plant was moved from Three Rivers to
Jackson, and lias since been one of the staple and important industries of
the latter city. Its present plant is at the corner of Woodbridge and Saljin
streets, and its output of potato planters, diggers, and similar implements,
are shipped all over the United States and abroad. Mr. L. A. Aspinwall,
the president, is the inventor and patentee of all the machines manu-
factured by the company. He is now a man past seventy years of age,
and practically all his active career has been devoted to the invention, im-
provement, and manufacture of potato machinery at various times and
for all manner of purposes. Mr. Aspinwall invented and secured a patent
upon the first potato planter ever built. He was a young man at the time,
and began his career as a manufacturer on a very modest scale in the state
of New Jersey, and later came west and located at Three Rivers. The
potato planter which he invented many years ago, and of course with
many improvements and modifications, is still built and sold by the Aspin-
wall company.
Mr. Rowley as one of Jackson's leading citizens is a member of the
Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson City Club, and of both the Country
clubs. For six years he was a member of the Jackson board of public
works, but aside from that service has steadily declined any official honors,
although he is an active Republican. In Masonic circles he stands high,
and has taken thirty-two degrees of the Scottish Rite, is a Knight Templar
in the York Rite, a member of the Mystic Shrine, and also affiliates with
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On November 23, 1882, he married Miss Fanny Bacon, at Springfield,
Ohio. Their only living son is Charles Bacon Rowley, who was born
April 2, 1890, graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
at Boston, in the mechanical engineering department, and is now em-
ployed by the Johns-AIanville Company, of Boston, as an engineer in its
insulation department. Two sons of Air. Rowley and wife are deceased,
namely: Frank Bacon, born January 30, 1885, and died .August 6, 1886;
and Richard Bacon, born December 20, 1886, and died October 2, 1887.
Harey J. Branch. A few years ago Mr. Branch gave up a position
as a teacher at $50.00 a month in order to accept a place as clerk in a
hardware store at four dollars a week. This change was not made with-
out considerable premeditation. It was his ambition to acquaint himself
with all the details of his chosen line of mercantile eft'ort, and in order to
do this he started in at the bottom and took every duty as it came. At the
present time Mr. Branch is one of the leading merchants in Flint, and is
the head of a large furniture and hardware business, occupying an ex-
tensive establishment at 216-222 E. First Street. His success shows
1306 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
the value of concentration in any line of endeavor, and he is now regarded
as one of the most prosperous men of Flint.
He was born September 9, 1871, on a farm at Otisville, in Genesee
county. His father was Andrew J. Branch, a native of New York State,
who came to Michigan during the decade of the forties, and was an early
.settler and substantial farmer in Genesee county. He is now retired, en-
joying the fruits of a long and active career. A man of quiet disposition,
he has never sought any honors in political life, but has enjoyed a place
of esteem as an upright and successful man. The maiden name of the
mother was Julia Haywood, who was born in Canada, and whose father
was an early settler in Michigan. He died in 191 3. There were nine
children, of whom the Flint merchant was second in order of birth.
His education was acquired both in the country and the village schools.
At the age of eighteen he qualified as a teacher, and continued in the
school room during the winter term from 1888 to 1904. His vacations
were spent chiefly in farming, and when he felt that he had exhausted
the possibilities of that line of work he turned his attention to merchan-
dising, in the manner described above. He was first a clerk with the firm
of Foote & Church, hardware dealers, and remained with them three
years. After that he established his present business as a hardware and
furniture dealer, and began in a small way a second hand trade. Today
his is the largest firm of its kind in the city, and is conducted under the
firm name of Branch ,& Rumfold. They employ ten salespeople, and
their annual volume of business would compare favorably with any con-
cern in Genesee county. Their stock of goods and storerooms occupy the
greater part of seven stores, and they supply everything wanted by the
trade, and are very progressive in all their methods of merchandising,
always adhering, however, to the strictest principles of the square deal.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Branch is now serving as sujiervisor
from the Second Ward. He is a member of the Board of Commerce,
affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and among the
churches his preference is for the Methodist.
At Mt. Morris, }ilichigan, on January i, 1902, Mr. Ei ranch married
Miss Alta Stevens, who was born in Lansing, a daughter of Fidelia
Stevens. Mr. and Mrs. Branch, who have no children, live in their at-
tractive residence at 703 East Street, and he owns a good deal of other
real estate and improved property in the city. Outside of his special
business, Mr. Branch finds his most pleasing diversion in the raising of
blooded horses, both pacing and trotting stock, and also enjoys an oc-
casional fishing and hunting trip.
Christopher K. M.mN'O. The Maino shoe store at 226 East Main
street, in the city of Jackson represents one of the oldest commercial
landmarks of that city. It is in fact the oldest shoe business, and has
been in continuous operation for nearly half a century, although not un-
der its present proprietorship. Its founder was the pioneer merchant.
Tames l-'alihee, whose name and whose merchandise was familiarly asso-
ciated in the minds of the ])eople of Jackson through nearly two genera-
tions, and in 1902 Mr. Falihee sold out the establishment to Christopher
K. Maino, who is one of the younger generation of business men and
represents a family which has been identified with Jackson for more
than thirty years.
Christopher K. Maino was born in southern Germany, in the province
of Bavaria, on July 9, 1875. In his German lineage is mixed some
French stock, and the name itself has a French origin. His Bavarian
parents were Carl and Catharine ( Carr ) Maino. who brought their
familv across the ocean to America in 1881, and in the same vear located
&^'
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN i:i07
m Jackson, Michigan. His father, who was a wagon maimer l)y trade,
continued to live in that city until his death on June i6, 1908. The
widowed mother still lives in the city. The son, Christopher, has also
been a resident of Jackson since he was six years of age, and has been
reared and trained in an American environment, and is in every sense of
the word except by birth an American. 06 the large family of twelve
children, three died in infancy, and S\\ the other nine are now living in
Jackson, mentioned as follows: Elizabeth, Mrs. Peter Breitmayer ; Mrs.
Catharine Ritz ; Carl ; George ; Christopher K. ; Emma, wife of I'eter
Ottney ; Jacob ; Harry ; and Fred. The youngest of the family is Fred,
aged twenty-seven. Carl Maine, their father, was a strong man phys-
ically, and the fact that he reared his large family in comfort is proof
that he was a hard worker and a good provider. He stood six feet one
and a half inches in height, and weighed one hundred and ninety pounds,
being well proportioned and possessing both strength and agility. Sin-
gularly enough, the son Christopher is exactly of the same height and the
same weight, and athletic proportions and activity are characteristics of
the family generally. Carl Maino^ served a full term of seven years in
the German army when a young man. At that time, and perhaps the
custom still endures, when a new recruit entered the army it was re-
quired of him that he should be pitted against the Imlly of the regiment in
athletic test and wrestling. Young Maino proved too much for the bully,
throwing him with ease, and thereafter the object of much admiration
among his comrades. Mrs. Carl Maino is still in good health at the age
of seventy-four, and is held in high veneration by her children.
In St. John's Academy at Jackson, Christopher K. Maino received
his principal education, and began as a boy to earn his own way, being
emploved for twelve years by the Central City Soap Company at Jack-
son. Starting in at sixteen as a shipping clerk, he was gradually ad-
vanced until he became manager of the coffee roasting department. With
a capital at his command and a well established business credit, he bought
in 1902 the Falihee shoe store at Jackson from Air. Falihee, and lias
since broadened and built up a flourishing trade on the basis established
by this pioneer merchant.
Mr. Maino affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Carder of
Elks, with the Knights of Columbus, and he is a trustee of St. Mary's
Catholic church. He also belongs to the Arbeiter Society of Jackson.
On September 14, 1904, he married Miss Jessie E. McQuillan of that
city. Of their three children, a daughter, Janice, died at the age of
fourteen months. The two living children are Hubert A. and Linus J.
Lawrence Price, of Lansing, has been a citizen of Michigan for
nearly half a century, and for the major portion of that long period
has been closely identified with the commercial, industrial and public
affairs of Lansing and the state. As a soldier, public official, citizen,
business man and manufacturer he has won success and honor, and has
done his full share toward contributing to the community's growth
and that of its institutions.
Mr. Price is a son of Erin's Isle, born May 27, 1842, at Templemore,
County Tipperary, the son of Martin and Ann (Egan) Price, both of
whom were natives of County Tipperary. Martin Price, the father,
farmed in Ireland until 1849, in which year he brought his family to
America, landing at Quebec. Canada, and going from that city to Lewis-
ton, Niagara county. New York, where they made their first settlement.
In 1867 Martin Price came to Michigan and settled in Ingham county.
buying a farm in Lansing township, where he passed the last years of
1308 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
his life, dying March 20, 1895, while the mother survived him until
May 2, 1901.
Lawrence Price received his education in the common schools and
at the Lewiston (New York) Academy. He was nineteen years of age
when, in August, 1862, he enlisted in Battery M, First New York Light
Artillery, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. Subse-
quently, with this organization, he participated in the battles of Antie-
tam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, in the last of which he was
wounded by the explosion of a shell. He was also at Gettysburg, where
he was again wounded, but was with his regiment in the pursuit of the
Confederates into V'irginia as far south as Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan
River. From that point his battery was ordered to Washington City
and was then sent to Tennessee to reinforce General Rosecrans at Chat-
tanooga. The battery saw active service at Wahatchie and Missionary
Ridge, wintered at Bridgeport, Alal^ama, and the ne.xt spring joined the
forces of General Sherman in Georgia and went with him on his famous
"March to tlie Sea,'' taking part in the engagements at Resaca, Dallas,
Ringgold, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Gulp's Farm and Kenesaw Mountain.
Mr. Price was among the first troops to enter the city of Atlanta, and
with the army entered Savannah soon afterwards. On the way north
the battery was in the engagements in North Carolina at Averysboro and
Bentonville, and at the latter point Mr. Price was again slightly wounded
and was captured and sent to Libby Prison, at Richmond. The fall of
Richmond occurred soon thereafter, however, and Mr. Price was re-
leased with the other Union prisoners and sent into a parole camp in
the state of Maryland, where he was given a furlough of thirty days,
but, desiring to be near his command when the end came, did not make
use of his furlough and six days later was again with his regiment,
taking part in the Grand Review in Washington City. He was mus-
tered out at Rochester, New York, June 29, 1865.
Returning from the war with an enviable record as a brave and faith-
ful soldier, Mr. Price spent a short time at his old home at Lewiston,
and then went to the oil fields of Pennsylvania, where he remained until
the following spring, then coming to Michigan and reaching Lansing
April 26, 1866. His first employment in this state was on a farm which
was really within the city limits. Later he purchased 160 acres of
unimproved land in Bath township, Clinton county, which he reclaimed
and put under cultivation, continuing as an agriculturist with much
success until 1880. Li that year he turned his attention to mercantile
pursuits, entering the grocery business at Flint as a retailer. Three
years later, however, he came to Lansing and located permanently. En-
gaging in the buying and shipping of stock, Mr. Price subse(|uently
became interested in the lumber business and later secured large interests
therein, being one of the organizers of the Capitol Lumber Company,
of which he was vice-president and manager, and is still an important
factor in this business, being president of the Rikerd Lumber Company,
of Lansing. For a time Mr. Price was engaged in the hardware busi-
ness as a member of the firm of Price & Smith, and later entered the
dry goods trade as a member of the firm of Ro.rk & Price, a combination
which is still in business after a period of twenty-five years. .Among
other enterprises, he is identified with the Lansing Auto Body Works,
one of the city's largest industries, of which he has been president since
its ince])tion ; the Acme Motor Company, of which he is president, and
the City National Bank of Lansing, of which he is a director. He still
owns his old farm, to which he has added 160 acres, now owning 320
acres, all joining. He has one of the best improved farms in the state,
and the residence is equipped with Ijoth water and gas.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN i;j09
Mr. Price has been prominent in Democratic politics for many years.
He has been a delegate to many city, county and state conventions; in
1890 was appointed chief of poHce and marshal of the city of Lansing;
has been superintendent of public works of the city, a member of the
city council for four years from the Fourth Ward, and was the lirst
chairman of the Ingham county board of supervisors elected from the
city of Lansing. Air. I'rice is a member of Charles T. Foster Post, No.
42, Grand Army of the Republic. He is a leading member of St. Mary's
Roman Catholic Church, and was chairman of the building committee
when that magnificent edifice was erected.
In 1867 Mr. Price married Mary Ann Ryan, of New York state, who
died in 1883. His second union occurred in 1888, when he was married
to Miss Julia Bradford. She was born in Pontiac, the daughter of
John Bradford, who came to Lansing as an attache of the state auditor
general's office when the capitol was located in this city. The family
home in Lansing is at No. 1003 Washington avenue.
Eldon E. Baker. A recent educator has said that "the true business
college aims to fit men to live, and to make a living too." That might be
described as both the object and the accomplishment of the Baker Busi-
ness University at Flint, which is known as "The School of Modern
Methods." Baker University has already made a fine record in the busi-
ness education of Michigan young men and women, and the quality of its
work is well indicated by the following brief quotation from its guaran-
tee to its students : "We guarantee to give more perfect satisfaction to
every student in providing him with the facilities, more efficient instruc-
tion, more practical and uptodate courses of study, and graduate him in
a shorter time with a better training, at less cost on his part for tuition
and supplies, and place him in a better position in less time after gradua-
tion on a higher salary, than can or does any other school in Central
Michigan." The Baker Business University offers a complete course of
study in commercial arts, stenography and typewriting, and in addition
to general academic studies offers work which will prepare students for
the civil service.
Eldon E. Baker, president and manager of Baker Business University,
is an educator of high qualifications and of a quarter century's experi-
ence. He was born at Winterset, Iowa, August 20, 1869. His father,
Daniel Baker, was born in Ohio, moved to Iowa in 1843, before the ad-
mission of the territory to the union and was one of the pioneer farmers
in JMadison county, where he died in 1876 at the age of fifty years.
Daniel Baker married Fannie Moore, daughter of Samuel Moore, whose
name belongs on the list of pioneer settlers in Des Moines county, Iowa.
She died in Winterset, Iowa, November 10, 1911, at the age of eighty
years. She became the mother of fifteen children, eight sons and seven
daughters, of whom Mr. Baker was the twelfth child and the eighth son.
While a boy, spending his time on a farm in Madison county, Iowa,
he attended the local schools, and his course was early directed toward
educational work. Two years were spent in the regular college work at
Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and he is a graduate of Simpson
School of Business. In 1891 Mr. Baker graduated from the Dexter-
Normal in Iowa, and subsequently took a course in post-graduate work
in Highland Park College and Drake University in Des Moines. Previ-
ous to his college graduation, he had taught his first term of school, and
altogether his work in the school room in different capacities has covered
twenty-five years. For seven years, he was principal of some of the lead-
ing high schools of Iowa. In 1906 Mr. Baker moved to Winfield, Kansas,
where he was principal of the Commercial Department of the Southwest-
voi. in— I
1310 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
ern Methodist College for five years. From Winfield he came to Flint, and
here bought the Flint business University, which has since been known
as Baker Business University. The school was organized in 1909, and
under the management of Mr. Baker has reached its acme of success,
having now an enrollment of more than two hundred pupils, and offering
facilities equal to those afforded by those of any other school of its kind
in the state.
During his residence in Winfield, Kansas, Mr. Baker served four
years as a member of the city council. He has always taken an active
part in Republican party politics. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic
Lodge in East Peru, Iowa, to the Odd Fellows Lodge at Winfield, Kansas,
and in Flint has membership in the Board of Commerce, and has long
been identified as a worshiper in an official capacity with the JMethodist
church.
At East Peru, Iowa, on June 5, 1895, Mr. Baker married Miss Anna
F. Wright, who was born in Madison county, Iowa, a daughter of Hiram
C. Wright. To this union have been born three children, as follows:
Lois N. Baker, born in East Peru, Iowa, July 16, 1899; Harold W. Baker,
born August 8, 1901, at East Peru; and Basil F. Baker, born August 12,
1905, in Iowa. The family residence is at 710 Avon Street, and the busi-
ness college occupies quarters at 813 to 817 S. Saginaw Street. Mr.
Baker, aside from the ordinary advantages supplied by the local schools,
and his home training, is indebted entirely to his own efforts for his
higher education, and his advancement in life. He has lived a remark-
ably clean life, having been a total abstainer from tobacco, liquors, and
profanity, and outside of his chosen vocation is devoted to the pleasures
of home and family, preferring it to any other society.
George A. Nicholls, proprietor of a paint and wall paper store at
No. 126 Cortland street, Jackson, Michigan, is one of the most success-
ful contracting decorators that the city has ever known. He has
been in the business all his life, and though well qualified to carry
on an indejaendent business at any time in his career after he had fin-
ished his thorough apprenticeships, he refrained from so doing until
within very recent years. Mr. Nicholls was born in Toronto, Canada,
on February 8, 1878, and is a son of Harry C. Nicholls, who was for a
quarter of a century a well known contracting painter and decorator, of
Jackson. He died on April 8, 1909, and it was not until then that his son
engaged in an independent business enterprise.
George A. Nicholls has lived in Jackson since he was eight years
of age, and in this city he had his early education. He served a careful
apprenticeship of several years' duration under his father's watchful
eye, and then went to Chicago when he was about nineteen years old,
where he spent two years under a master decorator. He then was for
two years employed at his trade in Rochester, New York, and at the
same time he studied drawing and designing at the Mechanic's Institute
of that city, spending his evening in tha.t work, when his associates of
the day were making merry in ways most suited to their inclinations. It
was thus that Mr. Nicholls accjuired ex])ert knowledge of all the higher
phases of his trade, and he possesses a skill in the business of decorative
designing along his line that places him well at the head of the deco-
rators of this city. In recent years his knowledge has come into more
general use than formerly, and since he opened an establishment of his
own, with a shop and stock on hand, he has put to excellent use his early
training in decorative work.
It was in the year 1909, following the death of his father, that Mr.
Nicholls established his present enterprise, and this business house stands
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1311
today among the foremost ones in tlie city. In addition to the selHng
feature of his business Mr. Nicholls keeps up his contracting business
quite the saine as before, interior finishing and decorating being his spe-
cialty in the contract hne, and this particular branch of his business neces-
sitates the employment of a large force of trained artisans.
It is pleasing to remember that Mr. Nicholls was reared in this
city, and that he is undeniably "making good" in his business is a source
of much satisfaction to those people who have known him practically all
his life. He has carried on his business activities with due regard' for
the most exacting principles of business integrity, and his methods are of
a high order calculated to bring success to any man.
iVIr. Nicholls is a Mason, and he is an earnest member of the Cham-
ber of Commerce.
On October 12, 1904, Mr. Nicholls was married to Miss Amy Dolley,
of this city, and they have one daughter, Dorothy, born on July 30, 1906.
\\'iLLi.\ii C. WoLCOTT. No better illustration of the high awards to
be attained through a life of industry and earnest endeavor could be
found than that exemplified by the career of William C. Wolcott, presi-
dent of the Wolcott Packing Company and the directing head of the
leading meat business of Genesee county. Starting life as a poor boy,
without the advantages of financial standing or influential aid, he has
through his own efforts gained a position among the leading business
men of Flint, which city has been the scene of his activities for more
than thirty years. Mr. Wolcott was born October 20, 1857, at Bellevue,
Huron county, Ohio, and is a son of Thomas and Mary A. (Ford) Wol-
cott.
Thomas Wolcott was born in England, where he was reared to man-
hood, and during the early forties emigrated to the United States, set-
tling in Ohio. During his residence in Bellevue he followed the trade
of carpenter and builder, but upon coming to Flint, Michigan, in 1867,
established himself in the butchering business. This he continued
throughout the remainder of his life, dying at the age of seventy-three
years, a moderately successful man. He was married in Ohio to 'Sla.ry
A. Ford, also a native of England, who had come to this country in
young womanhood about the same time as her husband. She died in
1863, having been the mother of five sons, of whom William C. was the
first born.
William C. Wolcott commenced his education in the public schools
of his native place, and completed his studies in Flint to which city he
had come as a lad of ten years. When he was sixteen years of age he
began to learn the butchering business in the establishment of his father,
and continued with him until he was twenty-five. In 1882 he established
his first modest store, at the corner of Detroit and Second avenue, and
since that time he has continued to be engaged in the same line, being
today the oldest merchant in Flint in the meat business. He has devel-
oped his industry into the largest of its kind in Genesee county and in
this part of the state, and in addition to five retail establishments, is
president of the Wolcott Packing Company, an incorporated concern.
This company slaughters on an average of twenty-five cattle, sixty hogs
and fortv sheep, and a proportionate number of calves per week, de-
penfling upon the season. The plant of this firm is situated just outside
of the corporate limits of Flint, in Flint township, and the company
emplovs on an average of fifteen people, while the five retail stores have
from sixteen to twenty employes. Wilson E. Wolcott, a younger i)rother
of William C, is associated with him in the five retail markets. The
officers of the Wolcott Packing Company are : William C. Wolcott, presi-
1312 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
dent; Gustav Abraham, vice-president; and F. D. Crissman, secretary
and treasurer. Mr. W'olcott attributes his success to straight-forward
dealing, persevering effort and the grasping of opportunities. He has en-
deavored at all times to give his patrons the best of goods and service,
and his stores are models of neatness and cleanliness. As an executive
he has displayed sterling business ability, and his associates have had
every reason to place confidence in his judgment, foresight and acumen.
Politically independent, he has not cared for public office, having believed
that he could best serve his community in a private capacity. He is prom-
inent in fraternal circles, being a thirty-second degree Mason and a
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of
the Maccabees, and the Loyal Guards. He is a member of the Board
of Commerce and his religious connection is with the Methodist church.
As a lad he showed his patriotism as a member of the Flint Union Blues,
a boys' military organization.
On July 29, 1881, Mr. Wolcott was married at Grand Blanc. Gene-
see county, Michigan, to Miss Martha E. Wilber, who was born at Flint,
a daughter of Charles A. and Martha A. Wilber, members of an old
family of this city. Two sons have been born to this union : Frederick
C. and Thomas W., progressive and energetic young business men of
Flint, who are associated with their father in the meat industry. The
family home is located at No. 414 North Third avenue.
Watson R. Smith. One of the progressive business men of Jack-
son today is Watson R. Smith, secretary and general manager of the
Jackson Cushion Spring Company, one of the leading industrial and
manufacturing plants of the city, and one to which ^Mr. Smith has been
a potent factor in the matter of stimulating and pushing forward its
growth and position in the city. Mr. Smith is a native son of Michigan,
born in Ypsilanti, in the year 1868. He is a son of Caleb C. Smith, who
was born in New Jersey and wdio served in the Union Army, and who
is now living retired in Lansing.
Watson R. Smith spent his youth in the city of Lansing. He quit
school at the early age of thirteen, and applied himself to the task of
learning the bookbinder's trade in the state printing office in that city.
He was eighteen years old when he came to Jackson in 1S86, and for a
number of years he was occupied as bookkeeper and later as traveling
salesman for the American Sewer Pipe Company.
In 1900 the Jackson Cushion Spring Company was incorporated for
the purpose of manufacturing coil springs. The new concern had a cap-
ital stock of $25,000, and its first officers were as follows : E. C. Greene,
president ; Charles Rutson, vice president ; H. E. Edwards, treasurer ;
and Watson R. .Smith, secretary and general manager. The officers today
are the same with the exception of the presidency, B. M. Delamater now
presiding there.
Today the capital stock of the company is $165,000. The Jackson
Cushion Spring Company ships its product to practically every city in
the LTnited States, with regular shipments to Mexico, Canada, Australia
and South America.
Mr. Smith is an ex-president of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce,
is a member of the Jackson City Club and a Mason of the Thirty-second
degree, with Shriner affiliations as well. He was married in iSqi to ivliss
Alice Josslyii, of Jackson, and they have one daughter — Miss Alice Joss-
lyn .Smith.
CiiKiSToi'irER E. Br.vxdt. The Inisiness enterprise of the city of
Mint received one of its most substantial additions in 191 2 with the es-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1313
tablishment of the C. E. Brandt & Company, wholesale dealers in wiap-
ping papers, twines and notions, the first enterprise of its kind to be
located in Genesee county. It is now nearly two years since the busi-
ness was started, and it has already been developed as one of Flint's
most prosperous commercial concerns. The business occupies a two-
story building, eighty-five by twenty-five feet, at the corner of Kearsley
and Beech Streets. Five people are employed in the local establish
ment, and there are several traveling salesmen.
Christopher E. Brandt, who is at the head of this concern, made
a successful record as a commercial salesman and was on the road for
many 3'ears before he came to Flint and established his present business.
Mr. Brandt was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 27, 18(12. His
father, Christopher E. Brandt, Sr., was born in Berlin, Germany, came
as a child with his parents to America, and his business in life was that
of cigar and tobacco manufacturer. He died JMarch 20, 1887. His wife
was Crystal Erdman, also a native of Germany, and brought to America
in childhood. To their marriage were born three sons and two daughters
who are now living.
Christopher E. Brandt, Jr., the second of these children, was edu-
cated in the public schools of Milwaukee, and since he was sixteen years
of age has been dependent entirely upon his own resources. Mr. Brandt
now has as a cherished keepsake the first two dollars he ever earned
by regular work. This sum represented his first week's wages in the
store of Clarence Shepard & Company, wholesale hardware merchants
of Milwaukee. Flis mother took charge of his wages, and it was in this
way that he happens to have the two dollars which were first paid for
his productive labor. Being with the Shepard Company until 18S4, he
thoroughly mastered the hardware business in all its branches, and held a
responsible place with the house before he left it. His services were next
given to the Kieckhefer Brothers Company of Milwaukee, manufactur-
ers of tinware and sheet metal work. The Kieckhefer enterprise has
subsequently developed into national proportions and the Kieckhefers
are among the largest stock holders in the National Enameling and
tStamping Company. Mr. Brandt became a traveling salesman for
Kieckhefer concern, and represented that large firm on the road from
1884 for twenty-eight years until 191 2. Then in January of the latter
year he started his present business in Flint.
Mr. Brandt was well known in Flint for a number of years before
locating here permanently, having married his wife in that city. Flis
marriage occurred June 27, 1894, when Miss Eugenia I-. Cronk became
his wife. She was born in Flint, a daughter of Walter J. Cronk, one
of the early settlers of this vicinity. Mr. Cronk is now eighty-seven. His
death occurred December 26, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Brandt have one
daughter. Frances, born at Flint June 27, 1898.
In politics Mr. Brandt is independent, and has never sought any
political distinction. In the Masonic Order he has advanced along both
the York and Scottish Rites to thirty-two degrees of the latter and to
membership in the Royal Arch and Knights Templars branches of the
former. He is also affiliated with the Mystic Shrine. Fie has member-
ship in the Flint Board of Commerce and the Flint Country Club. l\Ir.
Brandt owns and lives in an attractive home at 216 E. Second Street.
William Au.stin Moore. Not too often or through the medium of
too many historical publications touching the state of Michigan can be
accorded to any citizen a greater meed of distinction and respect than is
due to the late William A. Moore, who long held prestige as one of the
leading members of the bar of the state and who was one of the hon-
1314 ' HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
ored and influential citizens of Detroit at the time of his death, which
here occurred on the 2Sth of September, 1906. He was engaged in the
active practice of his profession in Detroit for more than half a century,
and his labors in the chosen vocation which he dignified and honored by
his exalted character and eminent services came to an end only when
death set its seal upon his mortal lips, after he had passed the age of
four score years. Mr. Moore was a man of fine intellectual and profes-
sional attainments, of high ideals and of utmost loyalty in all of the
relations of life, and thus it is that his name merits a place of honor in
every publication that notes the personnel of the Michigan bar in the
past or has to do with the history of Detroit.
William Austin Moore was born on a farm near Clifton Springs, On-
tario county. New York, on the 17th of April, 1823, and was the seventh
son of the William and Lucy ( Rice) Moore, the former of whom was born
in the vicinity of Peterboro, Hillsboro county. New Hampshire, on the
9th of April, 1787, and the latter of whom was a native of Massachusetts,
both families having been founded in New England in the colonial era
of our national history. William Moore was reared and educated in his
native state and at the age of eighteen years he went to the state of
New York, where he because a prosperous and representative agricul-
turist of Ontario county. There his marriage was solemnized and there
he continued to reside until his immigration to the territory of Michigan.
He not only served in various public offices in Ontario county but was
also a valiant soldier of the New York troops in the War of 1812, in
which he was present at the burning of Buffalo by the British, besides
taking part in the engagement at Fort Erie.
In the summer of 1831 William Moore came with his family to Mich-
igan and numbered himself among the early settlers of Washtenaw
county, where, in the following year, he was appointed justice of the T)eace,
an office of which he continued in tenure until the admission of Mich-
igan to statehood, in 1837. He was not permitted to retire from this
local magistracy at that time, however, and by successive re-elections he
continued to serve as justice of the peace for the first twelve years in
the history of the new state. He became one of the most honored and
influential citizens of his coimty, was a member of the first constitutional
convention of the state, served as a member of the first state senate,
and in 1843 represented Washtenaw county in the lower house of the
legislature. He was a man of superior intellectual and business ability
and his character was the positive expression of a strong, noble and
loyal nature. Both he and his wife continued to reside in Washtenaw
county until their death and their names have place on the roll of the
honored pioneers of Michigan.
In tracing more remotely the history of the Moore family, it may be
stated that it is of sturdy Scotch-Irish extraction, and that the subject
of this memoir was of the fifth generation in line of descent from a
member of the historic Douglass clan which was virtually exterminated
at the massacre of Glencoe, Scotland, on the 13th of February, 1692.
The widow of this valorous ancestor fled with her children to Ireland,
where the family remained until 1 718, when a number of its representa-
tives came to America, where they were among the first settlers of
Londonderry, New Hampshire. The youngest son in this original .Amer-
ican family was John Moore, who married and became the father of
seven children. The third child. William, was reared to maturity in
New Hampshire, and in December, 1763, he wedded Miss Jane Holmes.
They finally removed from the Londonderrv district to Peterboro, Hils-
boro county, from which place William Moore went forth as a patriot
soldier in the War of the Revolution, records extant showing that he par-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1315
ticipated in the battle of Bennington, on the 19th of July, 1777. Of
the twelve children of William and Jane (Holmes) Moore the youngest
was William, who became the founder of the Michigan branch of the
family, as already noted in this context.
William A. Moore was eight years of age at the time of the fam-
ily immigration to the wilds of southern Michigan, where he was reared
to the sturdy discipline of the pioneer farm and where he availed him-
self of the advantages of the common schools. W'hen twenty years of
age he determined to prepare himself for the legal profession, and he
initiated his incidental studies at Ypsilanti. where he remained two
years. He then entered the literary department of the University of
Michigan, in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1850,
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, his having been the fifth class
to be graduated in that now famed institution of learning. After his
graduation Mr. Moore went to Salem, Mississippi, where he devoted
about eighteen months to teaching school. In April, 1852. in consonance
with his original plans for a future career, he began reading law, under
the preceptorship of the firm of Davidson & Holbrook, of Detroit, and
in January of the following year he was admitted to the Michigan bar.
He forthwith engaged in the practice of his profession in Detroit, and
here he continued his labors in this exacting vocation until the close of
his long and useful life. He eventually built up a large and representative
law business, in connection with which he was ever known for his close
application and his broad and exact knowledge of the science of juris-
prudence. In the early years of his practice Mr. Moore gave special at-
tention to admiralty law, which then constituted a most important phase
of legal business in Detroit, and he became a recognized leader and au-
thority in this field of practice, in which he figured in nearly all of the
important cases brought before the courts in Michigan, besides which
he was frequently called to Buffalo. Cleveland, Chicago and Milwaukee
in connection with important admiraltv issues. He became known as
an able trial lawyer, but his tastes and inclinations, coupled with his fine
technical knowledge and mature judgment, made him especially strong
as a counselor, in which department of practice his services were much
in demand at all stages of his professional career. Concerning Mr. Moore
these pertinent words have been written by one who knew him long and
well: "He united a judicial and independent character of mind, long
familiarity with the principles of law, excellent foresight, sound judg-
ment and, above all, unquestioned integrity — qualities which admirably
fitted him to act the part of conciliator and harmonizer of conflicting in-
terests. His convictions were not reached without careful investigation
and consideration, but a stand once taken was not abandoned for any
mere question of policy or expediency. All his interest was cast on the
side of morality, good government, obedience to law and the eleva-
tion of his fellows. No responsibility laid upon him was ever neglected
or betrayed. Many persons of far less worth have attracted a larger
share of public attention, but few have done more to conserve, in vari-
ous ways, the best interests of the city."
Mr. Moore was a well fortified and stalwart supporter of the cause
of the Democratic party, though he never sought political office. From
1864 to 1868 he was chairman of the Democratic state central committee,
and from the latter year until 1876 he represented Michigan as a mem-
ber of the Democratic national executive committee. From 185Q until
1865 he was a member of the Detroit board of education, and for three
and one-half years of this period he served as a president of the board.
He was for manv years attorney of the board of police commissioners
of Detroit : in 1881 he was appointed a member of the board of jiark
331G HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
commissioners, to which position he was re-appointed in 1884, and he
was twice elected president of the board, a position which he resigned
before the expiration of his second term.
Mr. iloore was one of the organizers of the Wayne County Savings
Bank and also of the Detroit Fire & Marine Insurance Company, of
each of which important corporations he served as director and attorney
for many years. He was ever appreciative of the spiritual verities of the
Christian faith and both he and his wife were zealous members of the
Baptist church.
On the 5th of December, 1854, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Moore to Miss Laura J. Van Husan, who was born at Saline, Washtenaw
county, on the 12th of March, 1837, and who was a daughter of the late
Caleb Van Husan, long a prominent and influential citizen of Detroit.
Mrs. More survived her husband by about five years and was sum-
moned to eternal rest on the 30th of July, 191 1, secure in the reverent
memory of all who had come within the sphere of her gentle and gracious
influence. \\'illiam V. Moore, the only child, is specifically mentioned in
the article immediately following this memoir.
William V. Moore. In the article immediately preceding this is
given a tribute to the memory of the late William A. Moore, father of
him whose name initiates the sketch at hand, and in the same connection
appear data that indicate how prominently and worthily has the name
of the Moore family been identified with the development, upbuilding
and generic history of Michigan. In the profession that was significantly
honored and dignified by the character, ability and services of his hon-
ored father, William V. Moore, himself has achieved definite preced-
ence, as has he also a citizen of influence and as a man of affairs.
No one in the least familiar with his career can but realize that he has
added further honors to the name which he bears and that he is entitled
to recognition as one of the representative men of his native city and
state. He is engaged in the active practice of law in Detroit, stands
exemplar of the most loyal and liberal citizenship and a brief review of
his career is consistently given in this work, especially in view of the
fact that he is now the only representative of the third generation of the
Moore family in Michigan, with whose history the name has been closely
linked since the territorial epoch. Concerning him the following well
merited statements may be made : "William V. Moore stands as one
of the leading members of the Detroit bar and is also identified with
various industrial and financial interests that have had marked influence
in furthering the generic precedence and prosperity of his native city,
which has been his home from the time of his birth and to which hi>
loyalty is of the most insistent order."
V/illiam Van Moore was born in the old family homestead on Con-
gress street, Detroit, on the 3d of December, 1856. After due preliminary
discipline in the public schools he was matriculated in the LTniversity of
Michigan, in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1878,
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In the same year he began the
study of law under the able preceptorship of his honored father, and
this training was supplemented by a course in the law department of
Boston University, in which he was graduated in 18S0 and from which
he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He then returned from
the Massachusetts metropolis to Detroit, where he was admitted to the
bar and initiated the active work of his profession, in which he was con-
tinuously associated with his father until the death of the latter, on the
25th of September, 1906. He was thus identified with the law firm of
Moore & Canfield, which was succeeded bv that of W. A. & W. \'. 3,Toore,
THI M'^' f'-'^-'f-
A^-itf '-£■•'' *::'*. 1
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1317
and later he continued as a member of the firm of JNIoore & Goflf until
1905, when the firm of Moore, Standart & Drake was formed. After
the death of his father, in the following year, he continued as senior mem-
ber of this firm until 1909, since which time his practice has been of in-
dependent order. He has devoted his attention principally to corporation
law and is legal representative of a number of banks and insurance com-
panies in Detroit, where he is recognized as a representative corporation
lawyer and controls a large and substantial practice.
Mr. Moore is a director and general counsel of the Wayne County
Savings Bank and is identified in a similar way with that old and im-
portant institution, the Detroit Fire & Marine Insurance Company. He
is vice president of the Northern Engineering Works and has other
capitalistic interests, many of which were promoted and fostered by
his father. With naught of desire for the honors or emoluments of
political office, Mr. Moore accords a staunch allegiance to the Demo-
cratic party. He served from 1885 to 1889 as a member of the Detroit
board of education, of which he was president during the last two
years of this period, and in this position he rendered most earnest and
effective service, even as had his father in the same office. He served
contiriuously as a member of the city board of fire- commissioners from
April I, 1905, until April i, 1913, when he retined artd apropos of his
zealous advocacy of the basic principles for wlijch theioSanocratic party
has ever stood sponsor it may be noted that he was a delegate to the
Democratic national convention of 1896, in the city of Chicago. He and
his wife are attendants and liberal suppar.ters .g^f ■the..Wppdvvard .Avenue
Baptist church and in the same he is ■ -S" -trftstes^ as .-siiecessor of his
father. _
On the 28th of June, 1883, Mr. Moore wedded Miss Jennie C.
Andrews, who was born and reared in Michigan and who is a daughter
of the late Harry S. Andrews, a resident of Fenton, Genesee county,
at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have two children — Wil-
liam Van Husan Moore and Mary. William Van Husan Moore mar-
ried Stephanie Moran, a daughter of John V. Moran, of this city, April
II, 191 2; Mary, the daughter, married Richard P. Joy, son of James F.
Joy, of this city, in 1908.
Frederick P. Neesley. From the year 1903 up to the present time
Frederick P. Neesley has been employed in the Michigan Central shops
in an important capacity, for the past three years being general foreman
of the shops in which he served his apprenticeship as a young man. He
has had a wide experience in his work, and has studied the methods and
equipment of various shops connected with the big railroad systems of
the country, so that he is well qualified to fill his present jjosition. He
is a native son of Jackson, born in this city on March 23, 1874. and
his parents are Peter J. and Regina "(Haag) Neesley, both native born
Germans, and both still resident in Jackson. The father is also a me-
chanic, and for more than thirty years he was employed in the Michigan
Central shops of which his son is now general foreman.
Peter J. Neesley was born in Germany, as has been stated, and there
learned his trade. He came to the United States iu i8fii and located in
this city, where he now lives retired at the age of seventy-eight, after a
life of worthy activity. The wife and mother is in her seventy-sixth year.
She was reared in Germany, and there formed the acquaintance of the
man who became her husband, though they were not married until they
had emigrated to this country and had settled in Jackson. Their mar-
riage occurred in the year 1862, one year after the senior Neesley located
in this city. Of their large family, seven children are now living — two
1318 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
sons and five daughters. They are here mentioned briefly as follows:
Mary, the wife of George Ottomer; Ida, who married George W. Fisher;
Peter G. Neesley, manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company
at Jackson; Katherine, the wife of George W. Fisher; Frederick P., of
this review ; Nettie, who married C. H. Diedrich ; and Daisy the wife of
E. B. Ferguson. Another son, Frank Neesley, who was the second born
in the family, became a locomotive engineer, following the predilection
of the Neesley family for mechanics, and while taking a passenger train
down a steep mountain grade in Utah, a broken rail caused a derailment
of his engine, resulting in his instant death. He was forty-four years
of age when the accident happened, in the year 1906. It should be men-
tioned that while two of the daughters married men of identical names,
the men are unrelated, this being one of the coincidences now and then
met with.
Frederick P. Neesley was reared in the city of Jackson and here had
his schooling. When in his late teens he entered the shops of the
Michigan Central, where his father had long been employed, and there
served a thorough apprenticeship under the careful supervision of his
father, who saw to it that his training was complete in all its details, and
lacked nothing that could make for efficient service in later years. He
began his apprenticeship at the age of seventeen, it should be said, and
he finished when he was twenty-one, four years being the prescribed time
for a thorough training. Thereafter he went west and spent five years
working at his trade, much of the time being spent at Ogden, Utah. In
1903 he returned to his Michigan home, and from then until the present
time he has been steadily employed in the shops of this city. In 1907
he became foreman of the shops, and in 1910 he was again promoted to
the post of general foreman, which i)osition he now occupies. The fact
that he has continued in the work without interruption and has ad-
vanced from post to post until he is now in charge of the shops, as one
might say, is sufficient commentary on the character of his work and of
his mechanical and executive ability, so that further words on that head
would be superfluous.
Mr. Neesley is one of the popular fraternalists of the city. He is a
Maccabee, an Elk and a member of the well known German society, the
Arbeiter A'erein, of which his father has been a member for forty-five
years. His church is that of the Baptist denomination, and socially he
has membership in the Michigan Central Country Club. It should not
be omitted that Mr. Xeesley is not only an enthusiast in base ball, but
that he has played professional ball in his earlier years, as a member of
the Utah-Idaho Interstate League, his position on his team being that of
catcher. He has maintained a lively interest in the great American Game,
even though he no longer plays it. and is found among the fans of the
city whenever a game is scheduled.
On February 19. 1901. Mr. Neesley was married to Miss Mary Hvmt
of Ogden. Utah. Four sons and a daughter have been born to them,
here named in the order of their birth : Alice B. ; Raymond : Frank ;
Frederick P., Jr., and Leroy Neesley.
The family are highly esteemed in the city, and have a wide circle of
genuine friends in Jackson, many of whom have known Mr. Neesley from
his birth.
George W. Cook. The Genesee county bar has one of its ablest
representatives in Mr. Cook, who started out as a teacher, earning his
way and investing all the surplus in additional training for a larger
career, and since beginning active practice has been associated with a firm
which is recognized as having a very generous share of the legal business
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1319
in this part of the state, and in that firm his own work has been a very
important contributing factor to the general success.
George W. Cook was born October 24, 1862, at Grand Blanc, Gen-
essee County, Michigan. The family is one identified with this section
of Michigan since pioneer days. Joseph P. Cook, his father, bom in
New York State, was eight years old, when brought by his parents to
Michigan in 1836, and he lived in the vicinity of Grand Blanc as a farmer
during the greater part of his life. His death occurred in 1903 at the
age of seventy-five. The mother's maiden name was Julia H. Slagt,
also a native of New York State, who came to Michigan in 1840, with
her parents. In 1853, she and Mr. Cook were married in the Genesee
county court house at Flint. Born in 1828, Mrs. Cook is still living
in her eighty-fifth year, her home being in the village of Grand Blanc.
The old homestead is still owned by members of the family. Of the
five sons and two daughters, four sons are still living as follows : John
G., who lives at Grand Blanc ; Edwin H., who is a farmer in Genesee
county near Grand Blanc ; George W. ; and Willis G., whose home is in
Fort Worth, Texas.
George W. Cook got his first training in the country schools of Gen-
esee county, and later was a student in the high school at Flint. Before
he arrived at his majority he was granted a certificate and did work
in the district schools for a time. Later for ten years he was a teacher
in the school for the deaf. At the same time his leisure was spent in the
reading of law, but official duties kept him from active practice for
some years. For four years, from the first of January, 1893, to De-
cember 31, 1896, he served as county clerk of Genesee county. In
June, 1897, came his admission to the bar, and since that date he has
been one of the leading attorneys at Flint. He practices as a member
of the firm of Brennan, Cook & Gundry. Their offices are in the P. F.
Smith Building.
In politics a Republican, it was on a ticket of that party that Mr.
Cook won his official preferments, and has always been one of the local
leaders. For the past fifteen years he has served as a member of the
board of education, and is now its president.
At Flint, on August i, 1888, occurred the marriage of George W.
Cook and Miss Emma Zimmerman. Michigan is her native state, and
her parents were Louis and Mary Zimmerman. Mr. and Airs. Cook
have three children: Lawrence L., George Leland and Wendell J. Their
home is at 218 East Fifth Street.
Fr.\nk Robert L.\mpm.\n. Among the prominent men of Jackson,
none is better established than is Frank Robert Lampman, manager of
the Bijou theater for the past six years. Though Mr. Lampman entered
the business as a novice at that time, success has not been a stranger to
him in that field, and he has made excellent progress in the work to
which he has been devoted for some years. Prior to his attention to his
present enterprise, Mr. Lampman was a newspaper man, who had, since
his college days, been active in practically all branches of the work, from
a practical printer up to the post of city editor. Coming to Jackson in
1906 as city editor of the Citizen Press, he continued as such for a year
and a half, when he turned his attention to his present business. Since
that time he has had no active newspaper interests.
Mr. Lampman was born in Hot Springs, .Arkansas, on July 9- 1870,
and is a son of Ward Lampman, a pioneer citizen of Montcalm county,
Michigan. The father was born in Cuyahoga county. New York, on
August 7, 1839, and came with his parents to the state of Michigan in
1852, locating at first in Eaton county. In 1864 the family removed to
1320 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
^Montcalm county, and that region has since known the family. The
father still lives, and has his home with Frank R. Lampman of this
review.
Frank R. Lampman was educated up to his high school graduation in
the schools of Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was reared. Following
his graduation in 1888 he learned the printer's trade, worked at it for
some time, and then entered the L^niversity of Arkansas from which he
was graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1894. For several years there-
after Mr. Lampman followed the life of a newspaper man. His calling
brought him into service in numerous capacities and in various cities.
He worked on occasions as a practical printer, and there was little in
the matter of the makeup of a live newspaper that he did not understand.
He was for si.x years a reporter on the St. Louis Globe Democrat, and
for ten years following he was a reporter and editorial writer on the
Kalamazoo (Mich.) Gazette. In 1906 he came to Jackson as city editor
of the Citizen Press, and as has been previously stated, he continued
there in that capacity for a year and a half, when he was attracted by the
possibilities of the theater business. His accomplishments as manager of
the Bijou theater are especially praiseworthy, and he has proven himself
a capable theater man.
Mr. Lampman is a Scottish Rite Mason as well as a Shriner and a
Knight Templar, and his other fraternal affiliations are with the Elks
of this city and the Knights of Pythias. Socially he is a member of
the Jackson City Club, and the Meadow Heights Country Club.
A Democrat, Mr. Lampman has been foremost in the politics of the
city, and he has taken a live interest in the civic welfare of Jackson. He
is now a member of the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public Library,
and is especially active on that board. Mr. Lampman is a wide reader,
and in his fine home at Orchard Place he has one of the best private librar-
ies in the city. All classes of standard literature may be found in pro-
fusion on its shelves, but his love of historical works is especially strongs
and the best in history has a prominent place in his library.
Mr. Lampman was married on February 10, 1906, to Miss Eliz-
abeth I. Sidmore, of Rochester, Indiana. They have no children.
John C. Benson, M. D. In the line of his calling. Dr. John C.
Benson has shown a commendable persistence, and his high professional
standing comes as much from his res[)ect of the unwritten ethics of his
vocation as from the high ability he has shown in its practice. Doctor
Benson was born in the village of Mount Morris, Genesee county,
Michigan, February 6, 1878, and is a son of the Hon. John R. and Mary
E. (Bresette) Benson.
Henry Benson, the paternal grandfather of John C. Benson, was
a pioneer settler of Genesee county. When he came to this place he
was forced to transport his clothing and such household effects as he
owned in a hand wheelbarrow from Pontiac. In later years he became
a merchant and transporter, carrying goods by wagon from Pontiac to
Bay City, and helped to build the first ])lank road from Flint to Saginaw.
He was a successful man and at the time of his death left a large for-
tune. He died in 1893, at the age of seventy-three years. Hon. John
R. Benson was born in 1837, and was a lad when brought to Mount Mor-
ris, Michigan, by his father. .-Xt the outbreak of the Civil War he went
to Pennsylvania to join a brother, who had enlisted in a Michigan regi-
ment. However, the regiment had already gone to the front and John
R. accordingly enlisted in a regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers. He
nev.er again saw his brother, but was advised of his death in Anderson-
ville Prison. Mr. Benson himself was never wounded .nor taken pris-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1321
oner, although he saw much active service. When his term was through
he received his honorable discharge and returned to his Michigan home,
once again taking up agricultural work. He had received some training
in the schools of Ypsilanti, but was largely self-educated and never en-
joyed collegiate or university advantages. However, he became well
known in the field of literature, his writings comprising poems and
prose, essays and short stories, and many of the products of his pen found
their way into the leading magazines of the day. Four volumes of his
works, entitled "Poems and Sketches," are now being prepared for pub-
lication, these having been printed by pen in actual representation of
press work, a labor that required a number of years. Mr. Benson was
successful in a material way, being the owner of several farms in the
vicinity of Mount Morris. A Democrat in politics, he took an active part
in the public affairs of his day and served in a number of township and
county offices, and in 1891 was elected to the state senate by the people's
party, serving in that body two years. He died July 15, 191 1, at Mount
Morris. Mr. Benson married Mary E. Bresette, daughter of Louis and
Louise (Chandonia) Bresette, the latter a member of the noted family
which settled in the heart of what is now Detroit more than two hundred
years ago and owned a tract of land, the possession of forty acres of
which has been recently threshed out in the courts after long and expen-
sive litigation, the court deciding against the heirs because of the long
passage of time. Mrs. Benson still survived and makes her home at
Mount Morris. She has been the mother of eight children : one who
died in infancy; E. H., who is located in the West; Elizabeth, the wife
of George C. Goodyear, of Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania ; W. A., who is
engaged in the mercantile business in Detroit ; Florence H., the wife of
Thomas P. Hughes, and chief adjuster for the Federal Casualty Com-
pany of Detroit; E. Louise, the wife of E. F. Costello of Mount Morris,
a farmer; Dr. John C. of this review; and Dr. Robert L., professor
of pathology at the University of Oregon, at Portland.
A lad of earnest and studious habits. Dr. John C. Benson received
his early training in the village graded and high schools of Mount Mor-
ris, and then adopted the vocation of teacher, having a school at Com-
merce, Oakland county, for one year, and in Genessee county for si.x
years. He assisted his father in the work of the home farm during the
summer months, and in the meantime prosecuted his scientific studies,
finally entering the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was
graduated with his medical degree with the class of 1907. At that time
he began practice at Flint, and since then has enjoyed a large and repre-
sentative general practice, maintaining offices at No. looi North Sag-
inaw street. His friends and acquaintances in professional and business
life are numetous, and among all his standing is equally high. In the
line of his calling. Doctor Benson is a member of the Genesee County
Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical Society and the American
Medical Association. He inclined toward the Republican party, but is
apt to act independently in selecting his choice for public office, believing
that the individual is greater than the party. He is a member of the
Flint Board of Commerce, and fraternally holds membership in the
Knights of Columbus, the Knights of Equity, the Knights of the Mac-
cabees, the Gleaners and the Equitable Fraternal Union. With his fam-
ily he belongs to the Roman Catholic church and is a member of St. Mat-
thews parish.
On June 25, 191 1, Doctor Benson was married to Miss Katharine E.
Brennan, of Detroit, daughter of John and Mary E. (Schamadon) Bren-
nan, early Detroit settlers. One child has come to this union: \'irginia
1322 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
IMary, born August 12, 1913. The pleasant family residence is situated
at No. 1403 South Saginaw street.
Georgk \V. Carter. \\'ell known and prominent in citizensliip in
the city of Jackson, Michigan, is George W. Carter, one of the builders
and owners of' the Carter lirothers lUiilding, recognized as one of the
finest and best among the office buildings of the city. Mr. Carter has
lived long and worthily in this community, and is a native son of Jack-
son county, born in Summit township on June i, 1843. His father,
Philander Lothrop Carter, was a native of Massachusetts, who removed
from that state to Genesee county. New York, and thence in 1836 to
Jackson county, Michigan, locating first in Spring Arbor township and
later moving to Summit township. Philander L. Carter spent all his re-
maining days in Jackson county, and he died on a farm in Leona town-
ship on Christmas day, in 1881, aged eighty-one years, his birth having
occurred on April 21, 1800. Mr. Carter had long been an extensive
dealer in country lands and farming properties, and in the course of his
busmess experience in Jackson county he amassed a comfortable fortune.
He was a pioneer of the county, and when he first came here the town
of Jackson, then known as Jacksonburg, boasted not more than two or
three stores. ■ '^v'r- .'■ . T"-,-
Back in Genesee ^cjUrify.NeV'Tcirk, Mr. Carter had married Charity
Russel, and she adcom'jyahiW 'hinT^v*hen.he first came to Michigan. She
died in 1898 in the; ninety-second year of her life, and she was the mother
of seven children-f-five daughters and Bwo sons. All are now deceased
with the single exception Q<f George. -W; Carter, whose name introduces
this review. His t>irlf*'Br6theF,' John' G; Carter, who died on August 6,
1899, was closely and. intimately associated with him in business mat-
ters and in all their relations throughout his life. In fact, the two Carter
brothers were thoroughly and genuinely devoted to each other, and
])ractically all their property interests were held in common. John G.
being fourteen years older than his brother, was thoroughly attached to
George VV., who depended greatly on him for advice in all his affairs.
In 1890 the two brothers erected the Carter Ikiilding. Ii was then
and is yet the best and most up-to-date office building in Jackson. It is
five stories in height, with a frontage on Main street of forty-four feet,
and the front is of a brown stone that was quarried in Ohio. Elevators
and all modern equipment are features of the building, and when it was
built, it was generally held to be far in advance of the city in up-to-date
and modern style and finish.
John G. Carter was married, but he had no children, and he made
George M. Carter, the youngest son of his brother, his sole heir when
he died. He had always been particularly fond of his nephew, and
gained the consent of his brother to do by him as he would with a son
of his own. The result was the young man came into the entire fortune
of his uncle when he died, and he is now a half owner in the Carter
Building with his father.
George W. Carter was married on June 11, 1873. to Marion Dania
Miller, a native of Rochester, New \'ork. She still survives, and is the
mother of two sons — Philander Lothrop Carter, named for his grand-
father, and George M. Carter. The former was born on December 29,
1876, and he is now president and general manager of the Jackson Fence
Company of Jackson, a large and growing concern that has for its pur-
pose the manufacturing of woven wire fence materials. The younger
son was born on June 3, 1884, and he is now vice president and general
manager of the Standard Car Manufacturing Company of Jackson, en-
gaged in the building of electric motor cars. Each of these young men
will be found mentioned elsewhere in this historical and biographical
T»! KIW TOf.K
y^
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1323
work, with more detailed facts regarding their business activities and
accomphshments, which are well worthy of them and of their father and
uncle.
George W. Carter is a Democrat and for several years he was a mem-
ber of the Jackson Board of Public Works, though he has never been a
seeker after official favors or distinction. He and his sons are members
of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, and he is treasurer of the Jack-
son Fence Company, mentioned above.
George Williams Bates. Forty years as an active member of the
Detroit bar is the record of George Williams Bates. His practice as a
lawyer has been in connection with a large volume of litigation in both
the state and federal courts, and for years he has been regarded as one
of the ablest counselors and attorneys of his home city. Mr. Bates is a
native of Detroit, and his ancestry includes many of the most notable
lines of family stock in old and modern New England history.
The Bates family in America was founded by three brothers, James,
Clement and Edward Bates, who were among the Puritan settlers in the
Massachusetts Bay colony, coming from England. A direct ancestor
of the Detroit lawyer was James Bates, who settled at Dorchester, Mas-
sachusetts, in 1634, while Clement resided at Hingham, and Edward at
Weymouth, and the descendants of these three brothers are now found
in all parts of the United States. Robert Bates, a son of James, followed
the leadership of the Rev. Thomas Plooker into Connecticut and became
one of the landed proprietors of Wethersfield, but moved from there in
1640 to the colony that founded Stamford, Connecticut. In the col-
lateral lines of the Bates ancestry are found many other notable char-
acters, including the following: William Cross, a soldier in the Pequod
Indian war and a participant in the fight of Narragansett Swamp, and
subsequently a representative of Wethersfield in the general court at
Hartford; Robert Chapman, one of the founders of Saybrook, Con-
necticut, a deputy to the general court, a commissioner, and one of the
largest landholders in Saybrook; also Gershom Lockwood, soldier, judge
and legislator of Greenwich, Connecticut; Jonathan Selleck, a brave In-
dian fighter, legislator and liberal churchman ; Richard Law, a dis-
tinguished Connecticut jurist in the early days; David Smith, one of
Washington's soldiers during the Revolution ; the family of Weeds
in Connecticut and New York. Through the Bucknam family Mr. Bates
claims relationship with Nicholas Stowers, Captain John Sprague and
Lieutenant Ralph Sprague, who were among the original settlers of New-
town or Charlestown, Massachusetts, in 1628, and Ralph Sprague was
one of the first selectmen of that village. On his mother's side, George
Williams Bates is descended from Roger Williams, a cousin to the
famous Roger, who was the founder of Rhode Island : this Roger Wil-
liams, whose home was in Connecticut, came to America in 1635, was
deputy representative of Windsor in the general court at Hartford,
served as selectman, and was a member of the famous organization, the
Ancient and Honorable Artillery of Boston.
George Williams Bates, who was born at Detroit November 4. 184S,
is a son of Samuel Gershom and Rebecca (Williams) Bates, who were
early settlers at Detroit, which remained their home during the rest of
their lives. Samuel G. Bates was a merchant and for many years a
f)uhlic-spirited citizen of Detroit. The Detroit public schools gave Mr.
Bates his early training; in 1870 he graduated A. B. from the University
of Michigan, and in recognition of his continued attainments the same
institution gave him the degree of Master of Arts in 1875. On leaving
1324 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
the university he was for about a year a representative in Detroit of the
pubUshing liouse of James R. Osgood & Company of Boston. His study
of law began in the fall of 1871 in the offices of Newberry, Pond &
Brown, and was continued with another well-known Detroit law firm
of that time, Meddaugh & Driggs.
Since his admission to the Michigan bar in 1874, Mr. Bates has had
a continuous practice at Detroit, and since the first few years has en-
joyed a business that has been both profitable and of more than repre-
sentative character. His hard-working ability, his conscientious devotion
to the interests of his clients, and his special skill in handling complicated
cases has long been recognized and has brought him many distinctive
and worthy honors in the profession.
Outside a period of service as estimator at large for Detroit, Mr.
Bates has never held public office. However, he has long been one of
the influential workers in the Republican party of the state, and has
served as a delegate to many state conventions. Before the convention
at Grand Rapids in 1894 his name was presented as candidate for attorney
general, but he subsequently withdrew in favor of another candidate.
Mr. Bates has membership in the Detroit and Michigan Bar Associations,
of the American Bar Association, has taken thirty-two degrees in Scot-
tish Rite Masonry and is a member of Michigan Sovereign Consistory,
and in the York Rite is affiliated with Oriental Lodge No. 240, A. F.
& A. M., King Cyrus Chapter No. 133, R. A. M., and Monroe Council
No. I, Royal and Select i\Iasons. Flis own distinguished ancestry has
caused Mr. Bates to take great interest in organizations of colonial and
early American character, and he has served as treasurer and registrar
of the Michigan Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, as
Historian General of the national organization and one of its vice presi-
dent-generals, and for many years has attended as a delegate the national
congresses of the Sons of the American Revolution. Mr. Bates is also a
member of the New England Society. His interest in American history
is indicated by his former service as president of the Detroit Archjeolog-
ical Society and as councilor of the American Institute of Archaeology
and of the American Historical xAssociation. xAmong other social and
civic organizations to which he belongs are the University Club of Detroit,
the Bloomfield Hills Country Club, the Alumni Association of the Univer-
sity of Michigan, and his church is the First Presbyterian.
On April 26, 1S87, Mr. Bates was married to Miss Jennie Marie
Fowler, daughter of the late Richard Essyltyne Fowler, of Clayton, New
York. Their two children are: Stanley Fowler Bates, a graduate of
Cornell University, class of 191 1; and \'irginia Williams Bates.
Fr.\nk H. M.xther. .Among those men of Jackson who have iden-
tified Ibemselves with the big interests of the city may be mentioned Frank
PI. Mather, secretary-treasurer and manager of the Central City Lumber
Companv, with which concern he has been affiliated since 191 1. Though
a young man in years, Mr. Mather has already had a wide business ex-
perience that has fitted him for his present position, and he is reckoned
among the foremost business men of the city of Jackson today.
Mr. Mather was born on a Calhoun county farm, twelve miles south
of Battle Creek, in Leroy township, on April 2. 1883. He. is a son of
David and Henriette (Miller) Mather. The father was a farmer much
of his life. He was born in Niagara county. New York, and crnne to
Michigan in young manhood, spending the rest of his life in Calhoun
countv. In his later years he devoted himself to the lumber and grain
business, in which he was quite successful, and he died on January 22,
igi.V The mother still lives, and is a resident of Mar.shall, Michigan.
They had one other son, Charles M. ^Mather, who is likewise engaged in
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN i:?25
lumber activities, and located at Plymouth, Michigan. He is the elder of
the two, being nine years the senior of Frank H. Mather.
Mr. Mather, of this review, had his education in the country schools
and the Battle Creek high school, the latter of which he attended for
three years. He then took a business course in the J. B. Krug Business
College of Battle Creek, and was graduated therefrom in 1901. His
education completed, the young man entered his father's business office
as bookkeeper, at Athens, Michigan, and for a year continued there. He
then entered the employ of the lumber firm of G. E. Lamb & Sons, of
Marshall, and as manager he continued with that concern for four years.
The years of 1906-7 he spent in Cadillac, and he devoted himself while
there to a careful and systematic study of the lumber business in all its
details, both as to outside and office management, so that he was prepared
to take a responsible place with the Central City Lumber Company when
he came to Jackson in I90(S. In that year he became one of the incor-
porators of this large and well known lumber concern, and he was made
its secretary and treasurer, j)ositions which he still holds, and since 191 1,
he has also been manager of the concern.
Mr. Mather is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and frater-
nally is a Mason and an Odd Fellow. He was married on April 12, 1905,
to Miss Beulah Bond, of Athens, Michigan.
Joseph Jellis, directing head of the firm of J. Jellis & Company, of
Flint, is one of the leading millers of his part of the state, and has a
business that is at once indicative of his superior qualifications, his
straightforward methods, his laudable ambition and his indefatigable
energy. .\ native son of Canada, he was born in the Province of Oueljec,
March 18, 1850, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Knox) Jellis.
His father, born in England, emigrated to Canada in young manhood, and
there for many years was engaged in milling, becoming the owner of a
large and thriving business. He is now deceased. Mrs. Jellis, who was
born in Canada, and died at Boston, Massachusetts, in the spring of 1912,
aged eighty-nine years, was the mother of ten children, of whom Joseph
was the third in order of birth.
Joseph Jellis secured his early education in the country schools, this
being supplemented by an academic training in his native place. At the
age of sixteen years he was apprenticed to learn the trade of miller in his
father's establishment, following which he was employed as a journey-
man until 1897. He was twenty-two years of age when he first came
to Michigan, his first location being in Bay City, from whence he came
to Flint, and here, in 1897 he formed a partnership with Charles Stone
and established his first business venture on Saginaw street, at No. 1002.
The enterprise was commenced in a modest manner, but Mr. Jellis' en-
ergy, progressive methods and untiring industry soon caused its expan-
sion, and as the trade increased larger quarters were found necessary.
The present mill, formerly known as the Central Flour and Feed Mill,
is located at No. 500 to 530 Ann Arbor, at the corner of Second street,
and has been entirely remodeled and equipped with the latest and most
highly improved machinery. Since the commencement of the business
the output of the mill has been doubled, the present capacity being sixty
barrels per day, this having a demand all over the state, while twelve
persons are employed by Mr. Jellis. In addition to this enterprise, he is
the proprietor of a large grain shipping business, and also deals ex-
tensively in beans. Mr. Jellis is essentially a self-made man. His meth-
ods are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and because
of his success are of interest to the commercial world. He has based his
business principles and actions upon the rules which govern unswerving
1326 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
integrity and unfaltering effort and in this lies the secret of his rise to
prosperity and promuience in commercial circles. Mr. Tellis' private
life has been one of strict probity, and at no time has he touched liquor
or tobacco. In political matters a Republican, he has never cared for
public office, although frequently urged bv his friends to become a candi-
date. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the Board of Com-
merce, and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He
owns his own modern home, located at No. 712 Ann Arbor street
Mr. Tellis was married at Flint, Michigan, October 5, 1880, to Miss
iiusan Gage, who was born in Michigan, a daughter of John L. Gage
and a member of a pioneer family that came to this state in 1830. To
this union has come one son, J. Leon Jellis, born in Flint, March 31
1882. He was educated in the public schools of this city and early entered
his father's mill, where he thoroughly learned every detail of the busi-
ness. _ He IS now his father's partner, and is known as one of the pro-
gressive and energetic young business men of Flint. Like his father, he
has abstained from tobacco and intoxicants of all kinds. J. Leon Jellis
was married to Miss Frances E. Boomer, a native of Flint, and daughter
of Horace B. Boomer, a pioneer settler of this state. One son has-been
born to this union: Joseph Horace, born February 2, 1909. Mr. and
Mrs. Jellis live in their pleasant home at No. 118 Grace street.
Ernest Chauncey Clark. Michigan as one of the leading states in
manufacturers has naturally attracted within her liorders men of fore-
mostinventive genius as well as executive ability. Within the past decade
the rising prominence of Michigan as a center for the automoijile industry
has produced some of the ablest workers in the mechanical held in the
entire country, and in this group perhaps none is better entitled to men-
tion than Mr. E. C. Clark, the inventor of the Clark motor, one of the
best types in its adaptability to automobile construction now in successful
use. Mr. Clark until recently was president of the E. C. Clark Motor
Company of Jackson, a large industry which still bears his name, and of
which he was one of the founders.
Ernest Chauncey Clark was born in Quebec, Canada, November 3,
1865. His father, Chauncey R. Clark, who was a blacksmith and wagon
and carriage maker, no doubt contributed by inheritance some of the
mechanical genius which characterize the career of his son. The elder
Clark died in Jackson, Michigan, in 1910, at the age of sixty-nine. The
maiden name of the mother was Elizabeth Miller, who died at Wayne,
Michigan, in 1909, aged sixty-eight. Mr. E. C. Clark has a brother, Oscar
L. Clark, of Northampton, Massachusetts, and a sister, Miss Amy Clark,
who is a graduate nurse and now located at Seattle, Washington. The
oldest of the children, Ernest C. Clark, was reared in Quebec^ where he
attended school, and during vacation time learned the trade of lilacksmith
and carriage maker in his father's shop. His mechanical genius was
demonstrated early in life. One time he constructed in his father's shop
an old style high-wheeled bicycle, and was constantly at work in designing
some new form of mechanical equipment or machinery. When he was
nineteen he left home and at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, found employment
for a few months in the blacksmith dej^artment of the Fairbanks Scale
Company, one of the largest industries of its kind in America. Following
this for six or seven months he worked as a brakcman on a Vermont rail-
road, and then returned to Quebec and for two years was in a machine
shop at Coaticooke. His preliminary experience was fortified by work in
various machine shops in Canada and in the eastern states.
The first accomplishment which took Mr. Clark out of the ranks as a
machinist and put him on the highway to success, came in 1891, during his
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1327
employment in a shop at Lancaster, New Hampshire. There he designed
and secured a patent upon a tablet compressing machine. It was per-
fected for the purpose of compressing medicine tablets, but dififered from
other machines then in use, in that it would not only mould and compress
the tablet, but at the same time would put a palatable coating around the
medicine. The big drug house of Parke, Davis and Company of Detroit
heard of this invention, and in 1892 induced Mr. Clark to come to Detroit
and organize their mechanical department. During the next seven years
he was master mechanic for that company.
It was in 1904 that Mr. Clark designed his first automobile motor.
Since then he has designed and improved six other motors, for use on
various styles of automobiles and automobile trucks. The first motor
designed by him attracted the attention of Messrs Charles Lewis and
George A. Mathews, the builders of the Jackson Automobile, at Jackson.
They persuaded Mr. Clark to move to their city, and the three men then
established the present E. C. Clark Motor Company, which is now one of
the largest local industrial concerns of the city, and in busy seasons employs
several hundred workmen. Each of the three had a third interest in the
plant, with Mr. Clark as president and manager. During the eight years
of his active service with this concern he succeeded in building up the
industry to its present extensive proportions, and his inventions have
proved a solid basis upon which the company has continued to grow and
prosper. The Clark motors are now used in the construction of the Jack-
son, the Imperial and the Auburn cars. While the Warren cars, at one
time built in Detroit, also used the Clark motive power. In August, 19 13,
Mr. Clark sold all his interests in the E. C. Clark Motor Company, and
since then has been enjoying tJie fruits of his work and success.
At Quebec, Canada, on November 3, 1892, Mr. Clark married Miss
Minnie May Bissell. They are the parents of four sons: Ralph R.,
Rollo A., Ernest Wilfred, and Forest Bissell. Fraternally Mr. Clark's
affiliations are with the Masonic Order, the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, while he is an active member of the Jackson Chamber of
Commerce. As a sportsman he has considerable renown, especially as a
crack shooter. For many years he has been one of the crack shots in
Michigan, has won a great many prizes at tournaments in the state, and
many men know him by his proficiency in this field who are not so famil-
iar with his success as an inventor and manufacturer. Mr. Clark is also
fond of hunting, and annually takes a trip to the northern peninsula during
the open season. His skill with a rifle seldom fails of its object, and he
usuallv bags one or two fine specimens of deer, and if it were not for the
limitations imposed by the law his annual total would be larger. However,
Mr. Clark is a strict adherer of the ethics and the legal limitations, and
when he has reached the legal limit the suort of deer shooting is over with
him until the next year. Naturally he enjoys motoring, and frequently
takes his family for long pleasure tours. The summer of 1913 was spent
on a trip of this kind, when he and his wife returned to the scenes of their
childhood in Quebec, visiting their birth places, and many relatives and
old friends in the province. The round trip made a total mileage of about
two thousand, and afforded pleasures and experiences immeasurably
greater than could have been secured through the usual railroad journey.
Frank G. Sutherl.\nd. In this utilitarian age, in which progress
and advancement come not by might and the sword as in days of old, but
by activity in industrial and commercial fields, the position which the
city of Flint occupies before the world is due alone to its prominence in
manufacture. One of the concerns of this city which has shown a pleas-
ing growth since its inception is the Stewart Carriage Company, manu-
1328 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
facturers of automobile and carriage bodies, the vice-president of which,
Frank G. Sutherland, has had an interesting career. Starting in at the
bottom of the ladder, thoroughly mastering the i)rinciples of the business,
and working his way upward step by step, he has at length reached a
position of prominence among the able business men of his city and is
thoroughly deserving of the high esteem and regard in which he' is held.
Mr. Sutherland is a native of Canada, born in the Province of Ontario,
June 9, i860. _ His parents, Frank G. and Elizabeth (Caddy) Suther-
land, were natives of Scotland, and reared and educated in that country.
Some time after their marriage they emigrated to Canada, and there Mr.
Sutherland engaged in agricultural pursuits and in railroad building. He
remained in Canada until 1893, when he retired from active pursuits and
came to Flint, in which city he made his home until his death, March 31,
1914, aged ninety-two years. The mother, who has also reached the age
of ninety-two years, is still active and alert in body and mind. They have
been the parents of eight children, of whom Frank G. is the seventh in
order of birth.
Frank G. Sutherland obtained his early education in the country
schools of Canada, and early started to work in the carriage manufac-
turing business at London, Canada. There he made the most of his
opportunities, thoroughly mastering the details of the business which he
had chosen for his life work, and in 1889 came to Flint, immediately se-
curing employment with the Stewart Carriage Company, the only concern
with which he has been connected since his arrival. He commenced his
identification with this enterprise in a very modest capacity, gradually
arose to the position of foreman, and held it at the time that the entire
force of the company consisted of si.xteen men, and has continued to
advance until today he is the vice-president of a company employing one
hundred and eighty-five men. The product of this factory consists of
bodies for automobiles and carriages, commands a widespread trade, and
caters only to the highest class of business. The factory is of modern
character and is thoroughly equipped with the best and most highly im-
proved machinery. Mr. Sutherland, in his management of the business,
has shown himself acute, shrewd and far-seeing, and his associates have
every reason to have the utmost confidence in his ability. Having at-
tained success himself, he is ever ready to assist others to prosperity, and
is known as one of his city's successful men. His popularity is general,
he having friends in all walks of life. Politically a Republican, Mr.
Sutherland has served in the capacity of police commissioner for eight
years, from 1904 to 1912. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias
and of the Blue Lodge and Chapter of Alasonry.
On October 21, 1903, Air. Sutherland was married at Flint, to Miss
Lena Dunbar, a daughter of James L. Dunbar, a member of an old
and prominent pioneer family. Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland have had no
children.
Mekritt O. Dewev. Three generations of the Dewey family have
been residents of Jackson thus far, and the fourth generation is now grow-
ing up within the city. Of this family, Merritt O. Dewey is a splendid
e.xample of the New England thrift and sturdy ambition that have marked
others of the family, and his record is one of which he may well be proud,
representing as it does achievements that have been wrested from the
grasp of Fortune.
Mr. Dewey was born in Jackson county, as was also his father before
him, and his j^aternal grandfather, Timothy Dewey, came to Jackson
county in 1836 from the state of New York, though he was a native of
the state of Vermont. He was a first cousin of the late .Admiral George
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1329
Dewey, whose family also were of the Green Mountain state, and he was
descended directly from Revolutionary stock.
The father of the suhject was George S. Dewey, now a resident of
Los Angeles, California. He was born in Jackson county, an.d here spent
his entire life up to the time of his removal to Los Angeles, which event
occurred but recently. He was born on February 24, 1846, and in early
manhood he married Miss Florence Amelia Smith, a native of New York
State, who came to Michigan when she was but twelve years of age. She
was a daughter of Jackson and Eliza (Todd) Smith, and a brother, Milo
Jackson Smith, served throughout the Civil war in the Union army.
George S. and Florence ( Smith ) Dewey became the parents of five
children. They are Merritt O. ; Claude C, who is registry clerk in the
Jackson post office ; Ada I., now the wife of William Bush of Los Angeles,
California; Glenn G. and Genevieve F., who is now the wife of Ernest
Carpenter, of Pasadena, California. Glenn G. Dewey is now a student in
the Oregon State Agricultural College. He was formerly a student for
two years at Purdue. Indiana, and for one year at the University of Wis-
consin, prior to entering the Oregon school. He is now in his twenty-sixth
year, and has made his own way through school entirely. He is a grad-
uate of the Jackson high school, and is a student of splendid ability. He
is an athlete of considerable ability, and is now a member of the foot ball
team of the Oregon college at which he is attending.
Merritt O. Dewey received the greater part of his education in the
Jackson public schools, but he has since then added a consideraljle to his
mental e(|uipment through correspondence courses that he has pursued at
odd moments. While attending high school he left off attendance in his
junior year, went to work in a store, and carried on his studies evenings.
Without once appearing in school, he took his examinations at the close of
the year and passed on to his senior year of work, an accomplishment that
few boys would have had the hardihood or ambition to attempt.' Later he
took a course of training in Railway Mail service through the National
Correspondence School of Washington, D. C, and still later an electrical
engineering course through the International Correspondence Schools of
Scranton, Pennsylvania. By such methods as these has he equipped him-
self for the business of life, and he has built up an excellent success upon
this foundation.
His first independent business venture was launched in 1897, when at
the age of nineteen years he bought a half interest in a small flour and feed
business in Jackson, agreeing to pay $50.00 for his share in the plant.
Young Dewey didn't have $50.00, but he agreed to pay over a dollar when
ever he happened to have one, and thus the deal was consummated and he
became an active participant in the flour and feed enterprise. Since that
time, with the exception of a single year, Mr. Dewey has been engaged in
business for himself, in some form or another. It was in the year of 1905
that he established the present firm of M. O. Dewey & Company, he becom-
ing treasurer and general manager of the concern. The firm is engaged
in the handling of coal, coke, lime, cement, plaster, sewer pipe, salt, wood
and charcoal, and the business is one of the most prosperous and extensive
of its kind in Jackson today. The offices of the firm are located at 200
N. Mechanic street and 208 Cooper street. H. E. Dewey, an uncle of
Merritt Dewey, is president of the firm; M. B. Dewey, a cousin, is vice
president; and a brother-in-law, E. A. Smith, is secretary.
Mr. Dewey is a member and trustee of the Greenwood avenue Meth-
odist Episcopal church, and his fraternal relations are with the Odd Fel-
lows. He is a charter member of Jackson Chamber of Connnerce, and
has long been active in the best interests of that body.
On October 3, 1906, Mr. Merritt was married to Miss Florence L.
1330 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Porter, of Jackson, and to them have been born two daughters : Florence
Eleanor and Venessa Ardale, aged six and four years, respectively. In
addition to the family residence in Jackson, Mr. Merritt has a summer
home at Round Lake, where the family sojourn during the summer months.
William HexVry Pocock. Nearly thirty-five years ago William H.
Pocock established himself in Detroit as a general contractor, and his
work, carried on continuously since that time with growing success and
demand, has included many valuable contracts, including a number of
the better known apartment buildings of the city.
William Henry Pocock was born in St. Catherines, Ontario, Can-
ada, December 4, 1851. His parents were Gabriel and Emily (Rhoda-
way) Pocock. Gabriel Pocock, who was born in the city of Bristol,
England, in 1833, was a general contractor in that city, and in 1858
crossed the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, and after a voyage of three months
arrived in Canada and settled in St. Catherines, Ontario. There his
contracting business was continued on a large scale for a number of
years, but about 1898 he moved to the city of Hamilton, Ontaria, where
his death occurred in 1900. His wife was born in Somersetshire, Eng-
land. They were married in Wales, and her death occurred just two
days before that of her husband, and both were buried on the same
day in the same grave.
St. Catherines was the home of Air. Pocock's early youth, and its
common schools gave him his preliminary education. Under his father's
direction he learned the trade of mason, and at the age of twenty was
taken in as a partner to the senior Pocock in the line of general con-
tracting. From Canada he came to Detroit in the fall of 1880, and
without attempting to describe in detail his long business record, it will
illustrate the character of his work to mention the following noteworthy
buildings erected by him : The Victoria flats, the Morris flats, the Pick-
wick flats, the Regina flats, besides many of the better residences of
the city.
Mr. Pocock is a member of Corinthian Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and
of Michigan Consistory, thirty-second degree Scottish Rite, and rhe
Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His wife was Zittella McClaren,
who was born in St. Catherines, Ontario, daughter of Robert and Mary
(Facer) McClaren. j\Irs. Pocock died January 17, 1913, leaving one
son, William S.
William S. Pocock, who like his father and grandfather followed
the building trade, is one of the prominent young contractors of Detroit.
He was born in this city June 9, 1S82, was educated in the Detroit
schools, learned the mason's trade, and in 1902, at the age of twenty,
began contracting on his own account and under his individual name.
Since then his services have been employed in the construction of the
Prince Albert flats, the Patona flats, the Espinosa flats, and at the present
time his staff of workmen are engaged in constructing an apartment for
forty families and another for thirty families, and also the building of
the knights of Pythias Temple at Grand River. Mr. William S. Pocock
was married to Regina Bessinger, who was born in Detroit, a daughter
of George Bessinger. They are the parents of three children : Bryant
Walker, William Stephen and George. Mr. Pocock is an active member
of the Detroit Traders' & Builders' Exchange, the Detroit Board of
Commerce and the Detroit Motor Boat Club.
James S. Austin. The residence and business activities of James S.
Austin have been identified with Flint for the past quarter of a century.
An Englishman by birth, and having .acquired the trade of painter in the
^^e:
^^e^d&9
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 13;:!1
old country, he came to America with very slender resources, was cm-
ployed as a journeyman for a number of years, by thrift and hard work-
got together the capital which enabled him to start in business for him-
self at Flint. As a painting contractor, he has long enjoyed a fine busi-
ness, and has filled many of the largest and most important contracts in
that line in this part of the state.
James S. Austin was born in Old Devonshire, England, September
IS. 1861. He was the eighth in a family of fourteen children, born to
William and Frances (Sanford) Austin. The father was a Devonshire
farrner, and died in England in 1883 at the age of sixty-six. The mother
is still living in Devonshire, and is now eighty-eight years of age.
Mr. Austin had his early training on a farm in Devonshire, was edu-
cated in the common schools, and beginning an apprenticeship worked
seven years in learning the trade of painter, 'in order to secure the better
opportunities which the new world offered he came to America and spent
several years as a journeyman in various states and cities. He finally
located in Detroit, where he became connected with the F. Binford
Paint Company. He remained with that concern for eight years, and
after one or two other changes moved to Flint in 1888. He here estab-
lished himself in the painting business, and has operated on a contract
basis during most of the time. Mr. .Austin owns the store at 120 East
Kearsley street, but his sons have active charge, of that branch of the
business.
In public affairs he has always been a Republican, and served as alder-
man for two years from 1906 to ^gpS. " In the Masonic Order he has
taken thirty-two degrees in the Scottish Rite.^and also afiiliates with the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Knights of the Maccabees, and the Loyal Guards.
At Detroit, in 1883, was celebrated his marriage with Miss Harriet
Zugar, whose parents are now deceased, and who at one time lived in
Crystal Falls, ^lichigan, and later in Detroit. The three children of Mr.
and Mrs. Austin are: William H. Austin, born at Detroit, in 1884, is
now married and lives in Flint, being associated with his father in busi-
ness; Lee James Austin, born at .Saginaw, in 1886, was married in Oc-
tober, 1913, to Miss Catherine Burke; Sylvester Austin, born at Flint, in
1894, is a graduate of the Flint high school. Mr. Austin in the course
of his business activities at Flint has acquired some valuable real estate.
He is the owner of what is known as Austin Place on North Saginaw
Street, a property very highly improved with modern residence buildings.
FIoN. Edward Wilmot Barber. Now eighty-six years of age, Mr.
Barber has attained, not only the distinction of long years, but of promi-
nent and useful activities that have crowded his lifetime from the decade
of the fifties down to the present, when he is still performing his func-
tions as editor of the Jackson Daily Patriot. Perhaps no citizen of Mich-
igan has more extended recollections of the old times than ^Ir. Barber.
He knew and was personally associated with many of the influential men
in the years before and during the Civil war. and for a number of years
after the war, was himself at Washington engaged in public service. Mr.
Barber has experienced much of life, and is a man whose venerable years
have been crowned with the fruit of a varied ability, and a kindly personal
character.
Edward Wilmot Barber was born at Benson, Vermont, July 3, 1828,
and his home has been in Michigan since 1839. His father was Edward
Hinman Barber, and the mother's maiden name was Rebecca Griswold.
The father who was a farmer by occupation, was born at Benson, Ver-
mont, in 1794, and died at Vermontville, ^Michigan. The Barber family
1332 HISTORY OF .MICHIGAN
goes back to the early years of New England's founding. Thomas Barber
was the Enghsh ancestor, who, under the patronage of Sir Richard Sal-
tonstall, left England in 1634, and on the ship Christian de Lo crossed
the Atlantic and in 1635 settled at or near Windsor, Connecticut. Thomas
Barber was twenty-one years of age at that time, was married at Windsor,
and it is one of the traditions of the family that his marriage was the
first in the Connecticut colony. The descendants of Thomas Barber have
ever since been prominent in New England both in peace and war. Wil-
liam C. Barber, one of the descendants, served on the staff of General
Washington, for a time during the Revolutionary war. In 1836, E. H.
Barber, father of Edward W., secured twelve hundred acres of rural land
in Eaton county, Michigan, and three years later, in 1839, brought his
family to a state, the greater part of whose territory was still in the wild-
erness. It was for the purpose of developing this large landed tract in
Eaton county, that tiie father moved to Michigan in 1839. They made the
journey from the East to Detroit, which was then a small city of nine
thousand people, and thence journeyed inland over the rough trails to
their destination.
Edward W. Barber, who was eleven years old on arriving in Michigan,
grew up with limited schooling, and at Marshall, Michigan, while a young
man, he began to learn the printers' trade. His three years' apprentice-
ship was spent on the Marshall Expounder, and was tinished in 1850. As
a journeyman he followed his trade in Detroit in a job office for several
years, later became an active newspaper man, and naturally took a hand in
politics as well as in journalism. He was the first city editor of the first
free-soil daily paper in Michigan, known as the Detroit Daily Democrat.
In 1857 and again in 1859, Mr. Barber was assistant clerk of the Michigan
House of Representatives, and in 1861 and 1863 he served as clerk of
that body. During the thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth, and the fortieth ses-
sions of the United States Congress, he was reading clerk in the House
of Representatives, at Washington.
His varied ability and services to his party brought him still further
promotions in public affairs. From 1869 to 1872, Mr. Barber held the
responsilile post of supervisor of internal revenue for the district, which
included the states of Micliigan and Wisconsin. In March, 1873, Presi-
dent Grant, after his second election, appointed Mr. Barber, third assist-
ant postmaster general and during the next four years he had his home in
Washington, and was busy with the duties of that office. During the
presidential campaign of 1876 Mr. Barber was on the executive com-
mittee of the Republican Congressional campaign committee in Washing-
ton. From the beginning of the Republican party his affiliation to it
existed until 1880, when on the tariff (|uestion he became, and has since
then been, an inde])cii(lent Democrat. In i8()0 he was secretary of the
State Republican Convention which met in Detroit, and which nominated
Austin Blair for governor of the state, and who became Michigan's war
governor.
Mr. Barber has had his home in Jackson since 1878, and since 1880,
he has been editor of the Jackson Daily Patriot. The Patriot is one of
the oldest newspapers in Southern Michigan, having been founded in
1844, by no less an eminent character in the newspaper field than Wilbur
1'. .Story, subsequcntlv of the Chicago Times. Mr. Barber has been twice
married, but both his wives arc deceased and there are no children.
At the age of eighty-six Mr. Barber still retains his vigor and would
pass for a man twenty years his junior. Besides the responsibilities of his
favorite post as editor of the Daily Patriot, he has a long record of suc-
cess in business affairs, and he is still active, keeping a firm hand on the
many interests which have come to him in his long career. He is presi-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN • 1333
dent of the Grand River Valley Railroad, has been on its board of direc-
tors smce 1863, and has the distinction of being the oldest living railroad
director in the state. He is a director of the People's National Bank of
Jackson, a director in the Barber State Bank of Vermontville, Michigan,
a director of the Imperial Automobile Company at Jackson, a director of
the Ruby Manufacturing Company, and also president of the Washington
Realty Company, the last two being also business concerns at Jackson.
Major Guy M. Wilson. In the course of an active career covering
less than twenty years, Major Wilson has gained some important distinc-
tions. He IS recognized as one of the leading men in the Flint bar, and
his practice as a lawyer connects him with much of the more important
and profitable business in the courts of Genesee county. Major Wilson
has gained his rank by active and efficient service in the Michigan Na-
tional Guards, and was commander of the Battalion at Flint comprising
a part of the Third Regiment of Michigan Infantry. Mr. Wilson was
one of the officers in command of the state troops at the recent labor
troubles in the northern mining district, and his service there gained many
commendations from the press and the public.
Major Wilson is a native of Genesee county, born at Thetford, No-
vember 29, 1875, the second of three children of Samuel J. and Elizabeth
(Perry) Wilson. The mother was born in Canada, but was reared and
educated in Genessee county, and died in 1880 at the age of thirty years.
The father is a native of this state, and for many years was engaged in
the manufacture of creameries, but now lives retired at Flint, at the age
of sixty-five. After the death of his first wife he was again married and
had two children by the second union.
Major Wilson grew up in his native county, had a public school edu-
cation, and entered the law department of the University of Michigan,
where he was graduated LL. B. in 1896. He was then twenty-one years
of age, and at once entered upon the active practice of the law at Flint.
He became associated with James H. McFarland, another of the well
known lawyers of Genesee county. Besides looking after his law prac- '
tice, Major Wilson is secretary and a director of the Flint Land Com-
pany.
His public service has been hardly less important than his professional
activities. He has served as secretary of the school board of Flint for
many years, and also as police commissioner. In 1900 he first enlisted
in the Michigan National Guards as a private. He subsequently became
sergeant, then captain and finally major, the rank which he still holds.
He is commander of the second Battalion of the Third Infantry, com-
prised of companies at Flint, Cheboygan, Alpena, and Pontiac. Major
Wilson had direct comrnand of the situation as quarantine guard at La-
peer during the outbreak of smallpox in that vicinity. During the sum-
mer of 1913 while the strike riots were occurring in the upper peninsula.
Major Wilson and his command were stationed in the Calumet and Wol-
verine district. It was in the latter district that the chief rioting and
trouble occurred with the dissatisfied miners. While Major Wilson and
his command were stationed there the utmost order and quiet prevailed,
and such was the efficiency of the discipline over the guard that not one
case of comi^laint was charged to the militia. The conduct of the bat-
talion during these disturbances earned for Major Wilson a reputation
among military men throughout the state and country. Major Wilson
is a Master Mason, and also affiliated with the Foresters, the Knights of
the Maccabees, and the Loyal Guard.
At Flint on February 13, 1901, occurred his marriage with Miss
Bertha Archer, a daughter of George H. and .A.ma Archer, a family of
1334 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
high standing at Flint. Mrs. Wilson is herself a highly educated and ac-
complished woman, and takes much part in Flint social atifairs. They
have no children. Major Wilson's offices are in the Patterson Block.
Dr. Osc.\r S.amuel Hartson has for more than twenty years been
engaged in the practice of his profession in Jackson, and for thirty-five
years, in round numbers, has devoted himself to his profession in this
and other fields. Success has been his good fortune, and through all the
years he has accomplished much in the way of alleviating human sufifer-
ing as the result of his labors. Dr. Hartson was born in Cleveland, Ohio,
on April 2.2, 1851, and he is a son of Joseph Hartson, a shoe manufac-
turer of that city, now deceased.
Dr. Oscar Samuel Hartson was two years old when he came to Mich-
igan with his parents, and he had his colle.ii'e training in Hillsdale College,
after which he devoted himself to pedagogic work for six years. He then
entered the medical 'department of the University of Michigan, and in
1879 he was graduated from the Homeopathic department. Since then
he has been engaged in continuous practice. His first professional labors
were carried on in Cheyenne, Wyoming. After three years there he
returned to Michigan and. continued at Cold Water for four years. He
then settled in P.arniajf Michfgah, and for six years was busily engaged
in practice. It was in 1892. that he came to Jackson, and this city has
since been the scene of his professional activities.
Dr. Hartson has prospered in his work, and has a large and lucrative
practice in Jackson, while his standing in professional circles is worthy
of his accomplishments in his field.
On September 8, 1876, Dr. Hartson was married to Miss Emma E.
Marritt, of Springport, Michigan. One daughter has been born to them,—
Myrta, now the wife of Dr. Myrton O. Blakeslee, of Jackson.
John Cornwall. Born at Bristol, England. John Cornwall came
to the United States as a youth of fifteen years, and his subset|uent
career has brought him to the forefront among Alichigan's energetic
business men. He is a son of William R. and Mary (Madge) Cornwall,
both natives of England, who brought their children to this country in
1870 and took up their residence in the Wolverine state, the father being
for thirty years one of Flint's prosperous merchants. He died in 1909,
at the age of eighty years. Mrs. Cornwall still survives, aged seventy-five
years, and lives with her son and daughter, the latter Miss Clara Louise
Cornwall.
John Cornwall was born November 11. 1855, and received good edu-
cational advantages in his native place, gratluating from the highest grade
of the schools there. Upon locating in Flint he embarked upon his career
as an employe of the Pere Marquette Railroad, in the ofiices of which line
he arose to the position of chief clerk. Subsequently he resigned to ac-
cept an ofl^er from the Durant-Dort Carriage Company, with which he
was connected for a number of years, and following this was associated
with the W. A. Patterson Carriage Company, of which he is now vice-
president. Mr. Cornwall's interests have been large and varied. He was
the organizer of the Flint Lumber Company, incorporated at $80,000,
and is its chief executive ; is secretary and general manager of the Flint
Specialty Company, in which he controls a large amount of stock ; is
secretary of the Imperial Wheel Company, one of the largest concerns
of its kind in the state, and has holdings in numerous minor companies.
His achievements have been gained entirely through his own efforts,
and his position among Michigan's substantial and helpful business men
is assured. He is an ardent Republican, hut has liad neither the time nor
TBI Hi^-'un
^Mi.lC LIBRARY
(gxl
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1335
the inclination for service in public office. With his family, he attends
the Episcopal church.
In 1893 Mr. Cornwall was married to :\Iiss Jennie M. Milner, of
Flint, a member of a well-known family of this city. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Cornwall have numerous friends, and are popular in social circles of the
city.
Thom.\s Woodfield. One of the largest and best known firms in the
city of Jackson today is the Hartwick-Woodfield Company, wholesale and
retail dealers in lumber, wood and coal, and operators of a modern and
complete planing mill where all kinds of interior finishing materials are
manufactured. Thomas Woodfield, whose name introduces this brief re-
view, is the president of this thriving concern and as one of the progressive
and prosperous business men of Jackson, he is especially deserving of men-
tion in these columns. Mr. Woodfield is especially fitted for the enterprise
to which he has in recent years devoted his time and attention, for he spent
twenty years in the lumber woods of Alichigan in the days when that was
the main industry of the state, so that he has no lack of understanding of
lumber and of the many details that enter into the successful conduct of
his business.
Thomas Woodfield is a native of England, born on October 19, 1858,
and he is a son of John and Mary (Chambers) Woodfield. Both are now
deceased. Neither of them ever left their native heath, but spent their
lives in England. Mr. Woodfield, their son, came to the United States
when he was twenty years old, and another of their sons, William, came
later. He is now a resident of Grayling, in Crawford county, Michigan,
a well known lumber town of the state. It was in the year 1878 that
Thomas Woodfield came to Michigan, and beginning then he spent more
than twenty years of continuous service in the lumber woods of Crawford
and Mackinaw counties. During all those years he identified himself with
the lumber business in its many phases, so that he gained a familiarity
with the enterprise that has brought him success and prosperity in his
present venture.
It was in the year igoi that Mr. Woodfield came to Jackson and here
identified himself with his present firm as one of the incorporators of the
Hartwick-W'oodfield Company, becoming vice president at the outset and
retaining that office up to 1906, when he succeeded to the presidency. The
first president of the firm was Nels Michelson, of Grayling, Michigan.
The first secretary and treasurer was Edward E. Hartwick, then of Jack-
son, but now of Detroit, and prominent in lumber circles of that city.
Harvey T. Woodfield, son of Mr. Woodfield, is the present secretary and
treasurer of the company, and the able assistant of his father in the
business.
Mr. Woodfield is a Mason of Knight Templar and Shriner affiliations,
and he is also a Scottish Rite Mason. H^e is a director of the Jackson
Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Jackson City Club. A Re-
publican, Mr. Woodfield has been more or less active in local politics, and
in his religious affiliations he is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal
church of Jackson.
On October i, 1881, Mr. Woodfield was married to Miss Marion Jo-
hanna IMickelson, and they are the parents of four children. Harvey
T., the eldest, is associated with his father in business, as has been stated
previously ; Elsie M. is the second, and Marion Ella and John R. are the
others. The eldest son was married on June 17, 1913, to Miss Louise
Gridley of Jackson. Mr. Harvey T. Woodfield, like his father, is promi-
nent in local circles, both business and social, and he is secretary and treas-
urer of the Hartwick-Woodfield Company. He is also thirty-second de-
gree Mason, a Knight Templar and a Shriner.
1336 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Clakk M. Johxson. One of the rising yonng attorneys of the Flint
bar is Clark M. Johnson, who came out of 'the University of Michigan
a few years ago and has since been winning recognition for ability and
energy in the law, and is one of the popular younger citizens of his' com-
munity.
His birth occurred in Genesee county on a farm, in January, 1885, and
he started out with the fortunate endowment of good ancestry, and the
wholesome environment of country life. His parents are James D. and
Georgina (Stevenson) Johnson. 'The paternal grandparents were early
Michigan pioneers, coming from New York state. The father was also
born in Genesee county, has been a farmer all his active career, and is
now fifty-six years of age. The mother was born in Detroit, but was
reared, educated and married in Genessee county, and is now forty-seven
years of age. There were four children, the Flint lawyer being the
oldest and the other three being: Ransom C. Johnson, Thomas L. John-
son, and Charlotte Johnson.
Clark M. Johnson attended the district schools of (ieneseo county,
later graduated from high school, and his collegiate work was taken in
the University of Michigan, where he graduated in the law department in
ic)07. He was then twenty-two years of age, and at once established
himself among the aspirants for professional success at Flint, and has
since done well. He is a member of the County and the State Bar As-
sociation. As to politics Mr. Johnson takes an independent attitude, and
fraternally his affiliations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Knights and Ladies of
Security. He is unmarried.
Dr. Charles B. Colwell. For fifty-three years the late Dr. Charles
B. Colwell was engaged in the drug business, and for thirty-two years of
this time his activities were carried on in the city of Jackson. A man of
sterling qualities of mind and heart, he won the unqualified respect and
esteem of the people of Jackson dtiring his long residence among them,
and when he died, November 30, 1904, he was mourned not alone as a
public-spirited and useful citizen, but as a friend of charity, progress and
education. Doctor Colwell was born at Hamilton, New York, June 12,
1823, a son of Joseph and Laura (Smith) Colwell. He was of English
descent, the ancestors of the family having emigrated from England to
America during the troubles between Cromwell's adherents and the king,
and as dissenters from the Church of England joined Roger Williams and
formed a part of his colony in Rhode Island. Joseph Colwell, the father
of Doctor Colwell, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, February 11,
1771, while the mother, Laura Smith, was born in Connecticut in 1781.
They were the parents of ten children, of whom Charles B. was the ninth
in order of birth.
Charles B. Colwell grew up at the place of his birth, and there received
his education. Upon reaching manhood, he became a clerk in the drug
store of an older brother, with whom he remained for several years, and
in 1851 embarked in business on his own account at Oswego, New York.
In 1855 he came West and established himself in the same line at Mad-
ison, Wisconsin, which was his field of activity for three years, next
removing to Janesville, in the same state, where he continued until 1871.
His next location was the town of Marshall, Michigan, and from that
place came to Jackson in 1873. For fifty-three years Doctor Colwell had
remained in the drug trade, and at the time of his death was in partner-
ship with his sons in an establishment at No. 241 East Main street. He
was an able man of business, and for a number of years was interested
in tlic manufacture of a line of ])roprietary medicines, in this connection
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1337
being originator and president of the ]\Iagic Egyptian Oil Company, of
Jackson, a concern whicli manufactured a well known remedy, which he
himself had invented. Evidence of his high standing in the ranks of his
chosen calling is found in the fact that he served for an extended period
as president of the Jackson County Pharmaceutical Association, and he
also held membership in the Michigan State Pharmaceutical Association.
His integrity and probity were a heritage from his ancestors, for by inter-
marriage he was a lineal descendant of Roger Williams, the first governor
and founder of Rhode Island, and through the same blood he comes from
Mr. Brown, the founder of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island,
and also from the Harris family, who were noted in the early history of
that state. Up to the night before his death, Doctor Colwell had been
feeling well, and the day before had been at his office, attending to his
usual duties. His illness, neuralgia of the heart, was brief, and he died
at 4:30 A. M. at his residence, No. 311 First street.
On March 30, 1847, Doctor Colwell was married at Oswego, New
York, to Miss A. E. Ruggles, who died September 10, 1861. Two chil-
dren were born to this union: Prof. Charles N., of Grand Rapids, Mich-
igan; and Frederick M., who was his father's partner and who is now
continuing the business which the elder man founded. Doctor Colwell
was married September 26, 1887, to Mrs. Mary E. Longsworth, of Jackson,
a native of Marshall, Michigan, born April 27, 1838. She was married to
William Longsworth, a hotel keeper, who died March 10, 1865, leaving
one daughter, Jennie, who is now Mrs. Jennie Henley, of Bluffton, Indiana.
Mrs. Colwell, who survives her husband, lives at Jackson, at 311 First
street.
Hugh A. Stewart, M. D. The high rewards attainable through a
career of earnest and continued effort are exemplified in the career of
Dr. Hugh A. Stewart, one of the leading medical practitioners of Flint.
Reared a farmer, he had higher ambitions than the cultivation of the soil,
and through his own labors secured the necessary training to follow the
vocation of his choice, in which his standing is now assured. Doctor
Stewart was born in Lapeer county, Michigan, August 4, 1882, and is
a son of James A. and Isabelle (Morrison) Stewart.
James A. Stewart was born in Canada, and in 1868 traveled over-
land to California, remaining in that state until 1880, when he came to
Michigan and settled in Lapeer county. He has been a lifelong agricul-
turist, and through energy and industry has made a success of his opera-
tions, and is now living retired at Fostoria, Michigan, aged sixty-five
years. Mrs. Stewart was also born in Canada, and came to Michigan in
1870, having since continued to be a resident of the Badger state, being
fifty-three years of age. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Stewart, of whom Hugh A. is the oldest.
Hugh A. Stewart early learned the meaning of hard work and the
value of a dollar, for while he was attending the country schools in his
boyhood, he spent the summer months in assisting his father. Follow-
ing the completion of his preliminary training, he began to study medi-
cine in his spare hours, and eventually went to work to earn the means
of attending college. After entering the Detroit College of Medicine he
continued to devote his out-of-school hours to assiduous labor, and thus
he worked his way through college. WHnen he was graduated, in i(p6,
he found himself $1800 in debt, but with the securing of a good practice
this was liquidated in a short time. Doctor Stewart began his profes-
sional labors at North Branch, where he remained for one year, then
going to Alba, which was the scene of his endeavors for one and one-
half years. In 1909, seeking a wider field, he came to Flint, where he
1338 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
has contimied in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative practice. He
maintains well-appointed offices at Nos. 201-2 Dryden Block. Although
Doctor Stewart graduated in 1906, he has never ceased to be a student,
and in 191 3 took a post-graduate course in London, England. He also
spent about one year in the United States Marine Hospital, and prac-
ticed in various parts of the service. Doctor Stewart is a valued mem-
ber of the Genesee County Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical
Society and the American Medical Association. A Republican in his
political beliefs, he was his party's candidate for alderman in 191 1, and
has served in that office since April of that year. Fraternally, Doctor
Stewart is a Mason of the thirty-second degree and a Shriner, and
belongs also to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the
L. O. M. Club, of which latter he is a past director.
On October 23, 1907, Doctor Stewart was married at North Branch,
^Michigan, to Miss Anna M. Vandecar, and to them there have been
born three children: one who died in infancy; Georgiana, born in 1908;
and \'an Hugh, born in 1910. Mrs. Stewart's parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Vandecar are still residents of North Branch.
Frederick Legr.axd Tupper, M. D. The present generation is very
far removed in more than years from the conditions that obtained when
Moliere could never mention the medicin without contempt, represent-
ing him as a mere bombastic quack ; and, allowing for the poet's creative
faculty which led him to make classes out of individuals, it may be said
that his contempt was only too often deserved. But today the doctor is
held in the highest esteem as a man of science, whose treatment is based
upon scientific principles, and whose knowledge gained is not mere care-
less study, to be lost as quickly as acquired, but knowledge that has been
secured through a long course of study, from experts in medical science,
and from actual work in institutions for the healing of the ill. Every-
thing that affects the health, not only of individuals but of communities
and even of nations, is, or has been, the subject of the doctor's investiga-
tions, and it is therefore that the profession is held in such high repute.
A man of thorough training, of natural and acquired ability, of devotion
to his chosen work and of broad sympathies. Dr. Frederick Legrand
Tupper is a worthy representative of the medical profession, and since
1901, when he arrived in Flint, he has gained a high place in the ranks
of his calling and an established position in public confidence. He is a
native son of Michigan, born at Clarkston, Oakland county, October 21,
1858, and is a son of Rev. Alexander K. and Mary (Gamble) Tupper.
Doctor Tupper comes of an old and honored American family,
founded in this country aliout the year 1630 by one Thomas Tupper, a
native of England. A number of the name have come to Michigan,
where they have distinguished themselves in various lines of endeavor.
Rev. Alexander K. Tupper, the father of the Doctor, was a noted mem-
ber of the Baptist ministry and a native of New York State, from
whence he came to Michigan with his father about the year 1828. He
was known also as a popular lecturer on various subjects of importance
during his day, and was a leading Mason of his locality, being the
founder of the first lodge of that order at Clarkston. His death occurred
at Toledo, Ohio, about the year 1864. Rev. Tupper married j\Iary
Gamble, a daughter of Rev. Gamble, a Baptist minister of Belleville,
Wayne county, Michigan, and she died in 1863 at Bridgeport, Saginaw
county, this state. There were three sons and five daughters in their
family, of whom all are now deceased except Frederick L. and Mrs. J.
F. Becker, the wife of J. F. Becker, a photographer of Flint.
The early education of Doctor Tupper was secured in the public
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1339
schools of Midland and Saginaw, Michigan, and as a youth he took up
the study, and sujjsequently the business, of pharmacy, at Bay City.
He thus became interested in the science of medicine, and determined to
become a physician, accordingly entering the ^lichigan College of Medi-
cine and Surgery, at Detroit, where he was graduated with the class of
1894 and the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He embarked in practice
immediately at IJay City, where he held the office of health officer from
1894 to 1900, and in 1901 came to Flint, where he has since carried on
an e.xcellent practice, maintaining offices at his residence. No. 1008
North Saginaw street. In addition to his general practice, a representa-
tive one, he is surgeon for the General Motors Company, represented at
Flint by the Buick Motor Company. Doctor Tupper takes a keen inter-
est in public affairs, and since its organization has been a member of the
Park Board of Flint. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in
which he has attained to the thirty-second degree, and belongs to Mich-
igan Sovereign Consistory, at Detroit. His religious connection is with
St. Paul's Episcopal church, and for over nine years he has held mem-
bership in the church choir. He has never ceased being a student of his
profession, constantly attends lectures and clinics, maintains member-
ship in the various societies of the calling.
On June 11, 1902, Dr. Tupper married Mrs. Jennie King, widow of
Edward T. King and daughter of James Reed. Mrs. Tupper conducted
art studios in Grand Rapids and Bay City, Michigan, several years before
her marriage to Dr. Tupper.
William W. Wright. The handicaps which oppose some men seem
only to emphasize the fine character of their success. Perhaps it is the
nature of some men to thrive on difficulty, and without the service of
frowning circumstances and opposition their lives might, have sunk down
to the commonplace level of human achievement. It is not always possible
to say whether any individual would have gone still further had he not
suffered so many reverses in his career, but it is any how distinctlv credit-
able that such men attain so high positions regardless of the circumstances
which impelled or retarded them in their course. When William W.
Wright of Jackson was nineteen years old he suffered an accident by
which his right hand was cut oft'. Up to that time he had practically no
education, and though now a man not only well educated but possessed
of broad culture, it is a fact that is noteworthy in his biography that he
obtained practically all his learning by private studies after the injury
to his hand. Another accomplishment which followed upon that disaster
was acquiring the skill to write with his left hand, and he now is a better
penman with that member than most men are with their right hand.
William W. Wright is one of the most successful real estate and insurance
men of southern Michigan, is a man of affairs in the best sense of the
word, is a member of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, a director in
the Central State Bank of Jackson, is president of the Jackson Brass
Foundry, and has many other relations with the community. He is a
director of the Interstate Fire Insurance Company of Detroit, Michigan,
and vice president of the local fire insurance agents' association of Michi-
gan. He is also president of the Jackson Real Estate Board and is presi-
dent of the Jackson Association of Local Fire Insurance Agents.
William W. Wright was born in Marshall, ^lichigan, March 22,
1871. He comes of a family of railroad men. and the record is somewhat
remarkable. His father was Joseph \'an Buren Wright, a locomotive
engineer on the Michigan Central, who was killed when he was thirty
years old. Grandfather Elijah Wright, was also an engineer on the
same railroad. Two brothers of Joseph \an Buren Wright, and uncles
1340 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
of William W. saw a long service with the Alichigaii Central as drivers
of locomotives, and Thomas P. Wright, a brother of William W., is still
an active engineer on that road. The two uncles who were engineers
were named William and George Wright. In American families it seldom
happens that one vocation is so steadily followed, and William W. Wright,
as wil'l be shown, was only prevented by an accident from the same career.
The mother of William W. Wright was Frances J. Prindle, who after
the death of her first husband was left a widow with five children, and
was then only twenty-five years of age. In i8S8 she married James B.
Watson, a man very favorably known and well thought of in the village
of Grass Lake, Michigan. Since his death in 1901, she has continued
to make her home at Grass Lake, Michigan.
William W. Wrtght was married March 30, 1898, to Miss Catherine
Mary Shearer of Jackson. She was born in Aurora, Illinois, but was
reared and educated at Jackson, and is a graduate of the Jackson high
school. They have one daughter, Miss Uva Catherine Wright, aged six
years. Mr. Wright has taken thirty-two degrees in Scottish Rite Masonry,
belongs to the Mystic Shrine, is also an Elk and a Knight of Pythias,
and an Odd Fellow. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad
Trainmen, by virtue of his former railroad experience. Mr. Wright's
maternal grandfather, William Prindle, came to Michigan from New
York State in the early days, driving an ox team and settled as a pioneer
in Calhoun county. His settlement there antedated the railroad a number
of years, and in that period he owned and operated a stage line running
out of Marshall.
While the preceding paragraphs cover in a general way the family
record and career of Mr. Wright, it is desired to supplement those facts
by a most entertaining biographical sketch, written with a full apprecia-
tion of humor and also of the fine qualities and eminent success of this
progressive Jackson business man and citizen. The author of the sketch
knew Mr. Wright intimately, and it is seldom the fortune of an indi-
vidual to have lived a career which furnishes material for such a charming
personal narrative as the following, which is taken practically without
change from its original setting: —
When William W. Wright opened the "door of opportunity," it
slammed shut,* and pinched ofif his right hand.
This is a mixed metaphor all right, — but just the same it's got to stand,
because it happens to be true.
Bill Wright made no particular stir when he arrived in Jackson in
July, 1871. One reason may have been that he was too young, having
only arrived in this universe of Marshall, Michigan, some four months
previously, on March 22, 1871. The first nine years of Bill's life were
rather uneventful. Then he began looking for a job. First he sold papers.
Thence he naturally gravitated into the Patriot composing room, occu-
pying the ancient and honorable position of "cub" or "devil," as some
people who never worked in a printshop insist on calling it. Cubs had a
snap in those days. All they had to do was to show up at noon, clean,
fill and wipe about forty kerosene oil lamps, sweep out (carefully placing
the floor-pi on the adjacent window-sill), prove the galleys, get five-cents
worth of Dark Hiawatha for slug three, prove more galleys, and do odd
jobs until four, begin again at six-thirty P. M., prove more galleys, help
ihc foreman, get some more Dark Hiawatha, run down to the telegraph
office nineteen times, chase the galleys from the chute to the compositor's
table and generally kee]) things going until 4:30 A. M., after which he
might assist in the circulation department for a few hours before going
to bed. Bill's present appearance indicates the blighting and stunting
effect of child labor — especially at night time — but possibly he got
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1341
tired of this job. Probably he considered the pursuit of the art pre-
servative of all arts not sufficiently strenuous.
Anyway, Bill sought and obtained other jobs. Several otlier jobs,
in fact. For a time he had real genteel work, tending the door at M. W.
Robinson's drygoods store. Then he serVed a term as bell-hop at the
old Hibbard house. Then he set up in business as a junk dealer, driv-
ing a decrepit wagon from door to door and negotiating contracts in old
iron, bottles and rags. But his father and most of his relatives were
railroad men and so Bill just naturally took to the steel-belted highway
by the way of call boy. This also was some job, as it was before tele-
phones were invented and the call-boy had to call on a daily long list of
trainmen every night in every part of the town and notify them that it
was up to them to get busy. For a time he was telegraph messenger of
the railroad telegraph office at the Junction.
None of these positions being especially lucrative, Bill "accepted"
the honorable, if hot and dirty job of shoveling clinkers from underneath
the engines. Then he "accepted" the job of wiping grease from the
engines. Then he "accepted" a position as fireman on a switch engine —
being mighty glad to get the job; and after a time he fired so well and
faithfully that he was promoted to a brakemanship.
You'll notice nothing is said about schooling in this recital of diversi-
fied industry. By the way, in checking over the list it seems as though
a few jobs were omitted — yes; Bill also held down a job in the Purifier
machine shop and in Gilbert's Furniture Factory before he took to the
road. Bill went to school a few months for a few summers — but that
didn't seem to hurt him any.
Some time since Bill remarked in the course of conversation with a
friend that he couldn't help believing in destiny. In the year 1900, one
fine morning, Brakeman Bill Wright was helping to navigate a freight
train into Owosso. He says when he started on his run that morning,
his right hand had a queer feeling. His sister ordinarily met the train at
Owosso, bringing some extra nice things to eat, and he told her his
hand seemed to be asleep and he couldn't understand it. He seriously
declared that all that fateful morning he felt as though some change was
coming into his life — and at 12:20 or thereabouts, the change came. Bill
was cutting out a car at Lansing; a careless engineer left the engine in
charge of the fireman who backed up when he shouldn't, and Bill's right
hand was neatly cut off at the wrist.
It seemed a serious situation. Bill was nineteen years old, and had
been working for nine years and his worldly wealth consisted of one
ticket admitting him to a sanitarium for which he had paid one dollar a
month. They picked him up at Lansing, and after a time shipped him
to the Detroit Sanitarium, where he had his meal ticket. At the sani-
tarium Bill carefully mapped out his future career. He wouldn't be
worth anything as a brakeman or conductor; he hadn't been any too
expert at writing with his right hand, and that was lying somewhere up
the Michigan Central's right-of-way. But his left hand would do to
wave a flag at some railroad crossing — and after all the fifty dollars
per which the job paid was not so bad. So Bill decided that he would
get a job as a crossing tender just as soon as the stump on his right arm
healed up.
One morning Bill was called to the office of the superintendent of the
sanitarium. He had been a little indiscreet the night before, breaking
rule nineteen by remaining out of his room until after midnight, and he
had a hunch that his summons meant that he was to be fired in disgrace.
Instead, the superintendent told him he had a job for him as soon as he
could leave. "What sort of a job?" asked Bill. "Selling accident insur-
1342 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
ance and sanitarium tickets," replied the superintendent. "What? Me?"
said Bill. "Not on your life. I think I see myself selling insurance."
The superintendent discreetly dropped the subject but a fortnight later
when Bill's stump was almost healed he got leave to visit friends in
Jackson, and the sanitarium boss handed him ten tickets. "I don't want
you to ask any one to buy them," he said, "but if any of your friends
want one, you make a dollar and a half out of every sale."
Bill came home and in two days he had sold the ten tickets, had
written the sanitarium for one hundred more — and has been doing busi-
ness with them ever since. He has also sold real estate, fire insurance,
loaned money, and just now is director of the Central State Bank, presi-
dent of the Jackson Brass Foundry Company, president of the Jackson
Real Estate Board, director of the Chamber of Commerce, and has
honestly made a very tidy pile.
That is how it came to pass that when Bill Wright opened the door
of opportunity it slammed shut and clipped off his right hand. If he
hadn't lost his hand he would have continued as a brakeinan and might
have ultimately become a conductor on a fast freight, liut he remains
just the same old Bill Wright that he was when he was shoveling clinkers
and wiping grease, except for clothes. His name is William but he is
called Bill. Without quotation marks. He's square, is Bill, and is a
good friend who has made his way without trade, schooling, or a dollar's
worth of assistance from anybody since he arrived at the mature age of
nine years. Fate forced him to labor with his head instead of with his
hands, and he has no quarrel with fate or with any mortal man.
Dr. WiLLAitD M. Burleson. While the professional career of Dr.
Burleson has been spent in the city of Grand Rapids, his family was
first identified with the northeastern section of the state, principally in
Saginaw county. The Burlesons were among the early settlers in Rhode
Island and Connecticut, and the descendants of the original emigrants
are now very numerous and found in most if not all the states of the
Union. Many have attained prominence in the professions, in business,
and in public affairs.
The lineage of Dr. Burleson back to the first American ancestor lacks
one link of complete authenticity, but from the best information avail-
able he is a descendant from John Buries, who came to America in
1632 in the ship Blessing. He settled in Rhode Island, and it is believed
that one of his sons, Edward, took the name of Burleson, instead of
Buries. Edward Burleson married Sarah, and one of their children was
John Burleson, born in 1677. John became the father of John, who
was born in 1701. In the next generation* is Edward Burleson, who was
born in 1737. Edward was the father of John Burleson, who was born
at West Greenwich, Rhode Island, June 8, 1776. He was the great-
grandfather of Dr. Burleson, and migrated west from New England and
became one of the early settlers in Chenango county. New York. Grand-
father Alfred Burleson, who was born at Greene in Chenango county,
New York, in 181 1, learned the trade of shoemaker at a time when all
shoes were made to order, and often by traveling cobblers, who went
through the country and stopped long enough at each house to make all
the boots and shoes needed by the family for the next six months.
Alfred Burleson set up a shop and did a considerable business as a
manufacturer of custom shoes. When a young man he started west,
lived a few years at Steuben county. New York, and in 1840 set out for
the new state of Michigan. After a brief residence at Pontiac, where
he followed his trade, he went on to the still newer country of Shiawas-
see county, where he bought land and settled down to the occupation of
HC'Ctf^t^'^^'*
**?!Si'y?%.^^M
HISTORY OF MICHlGAiN 1343
farming. During tlie winter months he continued to make boots and
shoes, and thus combined two very useful and prohtable employments.
He lived in Shiawassee county until his death, and his remains now rest
at Elsie, in Clinton county. Alfred Burleson married Lois Baker. Her
brother, Hiram Baker, was a farmer near Paw Paw, and her brother
Charles became a physician, and was in active practice in Decatur for
half a century. He died in 1914. Lois Baker Burleson survived her
husband a few years. They reared two sons and five daughters.
Charles Burleson, father of Dr. Burleson, was born at Howard, in
Steuben county. New York, October 12, 1832. He was about eight
years of age when the family moved to Michigan, and he made the best
of his limited opportunities to secure an education. When a young man
he went south and found employment as clerk and bookkeeper in the
Pulaski House, a well-known pioneer hotel of Savannah, Georgia. He
was there during the trying times that preceded the war between the
states, and, though a northern man, was called out to drill with the
local, militia. The last boat which left Savannah previous to the out-
break of the war carried him north, and soon after his return to Michigan
he was married and took up his residence in Saginaw. There he was
given charge of a flour mill belonging to his father-in-law, and was also
later clerk and bookkeeper at the Bancroft House. He was agent for
the Tittabawassee Boom Company, and managed the aifairs of that com-
pany at Saginaw for nine years. Finally he bofaght th* interest of the
other heirs in his father's farm, and spent ten years as a prgjctical farmer.
Then, returning to Saginaw, he entered the employ of C' Merrill and
Company, and was thus engaged until his death in 1894. The maiden
name of his wife was Elizabeth Spalding. She wjis born at Hornell,
New York, a daughter of Dr. Erastus aixl' 'Eliza (;Walker) Spalding.
Dr. Spalding came from New York state., to Michigan in 1841, making
the trip by way of the Erie canal as far as Buffalo, and from that city
driving all the way around the Great Lakes with horse and buggy,
passing through Cleveland and Toledo, which were then very small cities.
The wife of Charles Burleson died in 1902, and she reared seven chil-
dren, namely: George S., Frank A., Willard M., Jesse C, Mae E.,
Fred E., and John F.
Dr. Willard M. Burleson, who was born at Saginaw, Michigan. ]\Iarch
20, 1868, received his early education in the public schools of Shiawas-
.see coimty and at Saginaw. His career has been one of varied experi-
ence. When he was eighteen years old he enlisted in the United .States
regular army, and saw much service in the west before the close of
Indian hostilities. He was in campaigns in New Mexico and the Dakotas,
and during 1890-91 was engaged in the campaign which concluded with
the death of the famous old Indian chief, Sitting Bull. While in the
army he was promoted to the grade of Sergeant, and served five years
altogether, until he obtained his honorable discharge. Returning home,
he took a commercial course, and soon after took up the study of medi-
cine. In i8g6 he entered the .Saginaw Valley Medical College, and was
graduated M. D. from that institution in 1899. Dr. Burleson set up his
practice at Grand Rapids, and has since enjoyed a large and profitable
clientage. His brother, John F. Burleson, is associated with him in
practice, and they have a suite of offices in the Burleson Hotel building,
property which they own.
Dr. Burleson married Mary M. Comstock, who was born in Grand
Rapids, the only child of Tileston and Ellen Elmira (Turner) Comstock.
Dr. Burleson and wife have one daughter. Ellen Elizabeth. Dr. Burle-
son has taken thirty-two degrees in Scottish Rite Masonry, and is also
affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The family
attend worship at the Baptist church.
1344 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Aakon Beaman Turner. In the venerable and honored citizen who
died at his home in Grand Rapids in 1903, at the age of eighty-one, west-
ern Michigan possessed not only one of its pioneer residents, but a man
who represented in his long career the prominent social and civic ele-
ments which made this community distinctive from its growth out of the
wilderness to a modern city. He is best remembered as a journalist,
and for many years was an editor and the founder of the Grand Rapids
Eagle. He was one of the originators of the Republican party, and had
the distinction of serving as clerk of the first city council at Grand Rapids.
Aaron Beaman Turner was born in Plattsburg, New York, August
27, 1822. His father was Isaac Turner, born in Clinton county, New
York, where he was reared and married, and in 1836 came west to Mich-
igan accompanied by his family. He followed the Great Lakes as far
as Detroit, and there took his household goods and his wife and children
in a wagon and drove across the swamps and through the woods to Grand
Rapids. Grand Rapids was then only a village, antl a small collection of
pioneer homes was the only thing to distinguish it from the wilderness
which closed it in on all sides. Isaac Turner had learned the trade of
mill-wright in his younger days, and for a number of years after locating
in western Michigan he was employed in the building of many flour
mills and grist mills throughout the country around Grand Rapids, and
thus assisted in the erection of some of the first manufacturing institu-
tions in that part of the state. At Grand Rapids he had a ])rominent
place in affairs, and was a member of the first board of aldermen. His
home was on the west side, and there was no bridge across (jrand river
for some years, so that all citizens in ])assing from one to the other side
of the city had to use canoes. Isaac Turner died at the age of seventy-
eight years. He married Eunice BuUis, who was born at Plattsburg,
New York, and lived to be about eighty years of age. They were the
parents of four daughters and three sons: Aaron B., Alzina M., Lydia
H., Clara B., Theresa N., Willard D. and Chester. By a second mar-
riage he was the father of one son, Isaac.
The late Aaron B. Turner was seventeen years old when the fam-
ily came west to Grand Rapids. He made the best of his limited oppor-
tunities to acquire an education, and in 1837 began learning the printer's
trade in the office of the Grand River Times, which was the first news-
paper published in Grand Rapids, and one of the first in all western
Michigan. He acqtiired a thorough proficiency in the art of printing, and
was almost a natural newspaper man, so that he always occupied a con-
genial field in newspaper work. In 1844 he bought an old-fashioned hand
press, and sufficient type and other material to enable him to set up a
small print shop. From that little office in Grand Rapids on Christmas
day of 1844 was issued the first number of the Grand Rapids Pagle, and
no history of Grand Rapids journalism would be complete without some
account of this paper and of its veteran editor. In 1856 Mr. Turner
brought out the first daily paper published in Grand Rapids, at that
thiie the only means of illumination in the homes and in the offices of
Grand Rapids was by the tallow candle, and practically all the work on
the Daily Eagle, from typesetting to presswork, was performed by this
dim and wavering light. In 1864 the old office was destroyed by fire, but
Mr. Turner soon had it in running order again, and his |)nper was an
exception to the general rule of newspaper mortality in Michigan. Up
to 1852 his papers championed the Whig party, and at that date, the
old Whig organization having become decadent, he was one of the first
editors to make pulilic call for the formation of a new and vigorous party
which might upliold and ])Ut into operation the new principles of polit-
ical life which were already recognized and which only required organ-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1345
ization to be made effective in national affairs. When Mr. Turner came
out boldly on the platform of a new party, many of his subscribers
dropped his paper, but he continued to advocate the new princi])les until
the Republican party was formed. He was one of the organizers of that
new party, and met his associates under the oaks at Jackson in 1854. an
occasion and convention which gave the first formal existence to the
Republican party. He became prominent in public affairs, served as
secretary of the State Senate, and was a man of influence either through
his editorial writings or as a citizen. During the war he held the post
of sutler in the Fourth Michigan Infantry, and was through a number
of campaigns with his regiment.
The late Mr. Turner lived at Grand Rapids until his death at the
age of eighty-one years. He married Sally Sibley, who was born in
Clinton county, New York, December 7, 1824. Her father was Captain
Willard Sibley, a native of New York state who came out to Michigan
in 1834 and was one of the first pioneers to locate at Grand Rapids. He
was for some time engaged in boating up and down the Grand river,
and commanded the first steamboat that ever run the current of that
stream. He followed the river traffic many years, and lived in Grand
Rapids until his death. Captain Sibley married Elmyra Burt, who sur-
vived him, and for her second husband married Asa Pratt, another
Grand Rapids pioneer. The Sibley children were : Nathan, Willard
and .Sally C. Mrs. Sally Turner died in her sixty-ninth year. She
reared seven children, namely : Ellen E., Amelia, Geneva, Martha, Grace,
Aaron B. and Willard S.
Hon. Charles C. Comstock. The name of the late Hon. Charles
C. Comstock is one that deserves remembrance and memorial in the his-
tory of the state. He was for many years prominent in public affairs,
and one of the early manufacturers at Grand Rapids, a city which bene-
fited by his presence and activities in many ways.
Charles C. Comstock came to Grand Rapids from New Hampshire
in 1853. He at once identified himself with the manufacture of lumber,
a line of industry in which he had much previous experience, and built
up a large industry, and also established a plant for the manufacture of
furniture, and pails and tubs. Always a Democrat in politics and an ac-
tive worker in the organization, he was a nominee of the party for
various offices, including those of Governor and Congressman, in times
when the Democratic party was in the hopeless minority, and later when
the Democrats and Greenbackers fused their organization. He was hon-
ored by the united elements and elected for Congress from his district.
After serving a term in the National House of Representatives, he re-
fused all further political honor, and thereafter was retired until his
death, February 20, 1900, at the venerable age of eighty-two years.
Charles C. Comstock married Mary Winchester, who was born in
New England and was of old and honored revolutionary ancestry. She
died when quite a young woman, and Mr. Comstock married a second
time. The four children of his first marriage were Alzina, Tileston, Julia
and Mary Ella. The children of his second marriage were Clara and
Etta. Alzina, deceased, married Albert Stone ; Julia, married John
Goldsmith, and he is deceased: Mary Ella is the widow of Franklin
Konkle ; Clara is the wife of Huntley Russell ; and Etta married L.
Boltwood.
Ellex E. Wilson. One of the oldest residents of Grand Rapids is
this \enerablc woman, now seventy years of age, who was born in Grand
Rajjids when it was a village on the western frontier, .A.pril 29, 1844.
1346 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Ellen Elmira Wilson is a daughter of Aaron B. and Sally (Sibley)
Turner. Data concerning her father, one of the prominent pioneers of
Grand Rapids, will be found elsewhere in this work. She attended school
in the old stone building which in the early days stood on the top of the
hill and was used for various other purposes besides that of school.
When she was fifteen she entered the Michigan Female College at
Lansing, and was graduated there in 1863.
At the close of the Civil war, in 1865, the citizens of Kent county
tendered the returning soldiers a banquet. Food was solicited and con-
tributed in abundance by citizens all over the county, and it was served
to the honored guests in a dining hall which is unique in the history of
banquets. The place for the banquet was the covered bridge at the foot
of Pearl street. A table extended through the center of the bridge for
the entire length, and as all trafific was suspended for the time, a more
appropriate banquet hall could hardly have been devised. Mrs. Wilson
was one of the many Grand Rapids young ladies who waited on the
table and who served the veterans and assisted in welcoming them home
after their long service in the cause. She was for many years active in
the social affairs of the city, and at one time was a member of the
Ladies' Literai-y Club and one of the founders of the LTnion Benevolent
Hospital.
When she was twenty-one years of age she married Tileston A.
Comstock, a son of Hon. Charles C. and Mary (Winchester) Comstock.
Tileston A. Comstock was born in New Hampshire, came to Grand
Rapids with his parents when he was a boy, acquired a good education,
and took up the manufacture of furniture, which he followed until his
early death at the age of twenty-six years. He left one daughter, Hilary,
now the wife of l5r. Willard M. Burleson, of Grand Rapids. Mrs.
Comstock later married Robert Wilson. Robert Wilson was jjorn in
Dumfries, Scotland, and when ten years of age came to America with
his widowed mother. While still young he took service with Aaron B.
Turner, under whom he learned the printing trade and the publishing
business in all its details. Later he was associated with Mr. .Stevens in
publishing the Grand Rapids Democrat. At the outbreak of the war
he enlisted in Company B of the Twenty-first Regiment of ^Michigan
Infantry, and was promoted to Jhe rank of Captain. At Bentonville,
North Carolina, he was severely wounded and has never fully recovered
from his injuries. He died in 1878, leaving Mrs. Wilson a young
widow. She now lives with her daughter and husband. Dr. and Mrs.
Willard M. Burleson. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the Sophie DeMarsac
Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and her religious
connection is with the Fountain Street Baptist church.
Wn,Li.\M T. Walker. The vice president and, general manager of
the \\'alker-Weiss Axle Company at I'lint, is a graduate mechanical
engineer from the University of Michigan, and the ten years of his
practical experience has brought him in connection with several large
industrial corporations in Michigan and elsewhere. His technical equip-
ment and experience have -proved very valuable in his present position
as an independent manufacturer, and his training and talents have fitted
in nicely with the qualifications of his jiartner, Mr. Weiss, so that the
two have made a splendid combination in their ])resent association as
heads of the axle company.
William T. Walker was born in Toledo, Ohio, October 26, 1881. He
was the youngest of three children of William T. and Rose (Jennings)
Walker, his father a native of Ireland, and his mother of New York
state. The father came to America when a young man, settled at Ogden,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1347
New York, was for a number of years engaged in the lake transporta-
tion service, and died in Toledo in 1893 at the age of sixty-three years.
As a very young man he saw service as an American soldier in the
Mexican \Ya.r. The mother was educated and was married at Adrian,
Michigan, and is still living in Toledo at the age of seventy years.
A\ illiam T. Walker after finishing the grammar and liigh schools at
Toledo, entered the University of ]\Iichigan, and was graduated from
the engineering department in 1904. On leaving college he found
employment at Detroit in the Olds Motor Works for one year, and then
went with F. F. Van Tuyl of Detroit, later being sent to Toledo to take
charge of the office force in that city. After six months with the \'an
Tuyl concern, he spent two years in the Timkins Roller Bearing Works,
and then came to Flint. In Flint, Mr. Walker was first associated with
the ^^ eston Mott Company, and started in the engineering department,
and five years later on resigning, was assistant general manager of the
plant. Mr. Walker left the last named concern to engage in business on
his own account with Fred J- Weiss. They acquired the business which
they have since conducted as the Walker- Weiss Axle Company, of which
Mr. Walker is general manager and vice president.
Mr. Walker is popular in social and business circles, is a Master
Mason and a Republican in politics. He was married at Owosso, Mich-
igan, October 24, 1906, to Miss Maud Gale, a daughter of Charles W.
Gale, and of a well known family at Owosso. Mr. Walker as a college
man has affiliations with the Theta Delta Chi fraternity.
JosiAH Crosby Rich.ard.son. One of the leading business men of
Jackson, where he has had his home for forty years, actively identified
with municipal affairs, and the present postmaster, Mr. Richardson's
position in his home city takes on additional interest from the fact that
he is the owner of the historic "Under the Oaks," as his home. "Under
the Oaks" will always be regarded as a shrine of the Republican party,
and Mr. Richardson himself has long been one of the vigorous exponents
of that political faith in Michigan, and the old landmark is certain to
be preserved with tender regard as long as he keeps it in his owner-
ship.
Mr. Richardson was born in the town of Alstead, Cheshire county.
New Hampshire, a son of Edward P. and Eunice (Crosby) Richardson.
Four years old when his mother died, and he lost his father four years
later, so that he was deprived of many of those attentions and much of
the home training which ordinary boys receive. He lived with his step-
mother until he was eleven and from that time forward was compelled
to face the world alone. Among strangers, he proved his usefulness
even with his boyhood strength, and from the age of eleven until eighteen
worked on a farm in his native county. This not only gave him a thor-
ough knowledge of farming, but at the same time he was laying the basis
of a sound training and was getting some education by attendance at the
country school. At the age of eighteen he became a clerk at Keene in
Cheshire county and spent three years in one store. Such were his abili-
ties during that time that at the age of twenty-one he was made a partner
in the firm of Gerould, Son & Company. His experience as a New Hamp-
shire merchant continued for several years, and in 1873 he came west and
located in Jackson. ^Michigan, which has been his home for forty-one
years.
From 1873 until 1885. Mr. Richardson was engaged in the whole-
sale and retail millinery business, following which for two or three years
he managed the Jackson Corset Company. In 1889 he established the
Reliance Corset Company at Jackson, and that has since continued to be
1348 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
one of the important concerns in Jackson's commercial circle. Mr. Rich-
ardson has been president of the company since its organization, and
still owns one-half of the stock.
A successful business man, his public service has been on the same
plane with his commercial prominence. With honor to himself and value
to the community, he has served in many responsible capacities. During
1881-82 he was a member of the city council, was on the board of public
works for seven years, was president of the city council and mayor of
the city in 1896-97. Since April 6, 1906, he has been postmaster at Jack-
son, having gone into office under appointment from President Roose-
velt, and being now near the close of his second term. In whatever
capacity he has served the public, he always served it well, and has held
the confidence and esteem of the entire citizenship.
For the past ten years he has been president of the Jackson County
Humane Society, and for the past two years he has lieen president of the
Michigan State Humane Society ; for one year he held the position of
president of the Michigan State Postmasters .Association, and for several
years past he has been president of the Citizens Telephone Company of
Jackson, and he is still serving in that capacity.
When Mr. Richardson came to Jackson it was a small city of ten
thousand people, and he has not been without considerable participation
in the growth and development which now make it a metropolis of forty
thousand people.
As already mentioned, Mr. Richardson's home in Jackson, which
he has owned for the past four years, is distinguished as a place where
the Republican party was born. Under seven towering oaks which
stand in his yard, in the month of July, 1854, a meeting was held, the
result of which was the first formal movement in American politics as
the nucleus of what is now the Grand Old Party.
Mr. Richardson married Isabella J. Chamberlain, of Keene, New
Hampshire. They have two sons. Leon J. Richardson is a distinguished
scholar, and for the past twenty years has been professor of Greek and
Latin in the University of California. He received his later education
abroad in the city of Berlin, and is master of seven languages. The
younger son, Arthur Howard Richardson, has reached a successful posi-
tion in his profession of electrical and mechanical engineer, and is in the
employ of the General Electric Company at Schenectady, New York. Mr.
Richardson is well known in Masonic circles, being a Knight Templar
and Shriner, and past eminent commander of Jackson Commandery No.
9. He is also affiliated with the Elks and his church is the L'nitarian.
DwiGHT T. Stone, a native son of Flint, Michigan, where he has
spent his entire career, is today one of the prominent representatives of
realty interests in the city and in business affairs has been energetic,
prompt and notably reliable. He is today the directing head of a large
real estate and fire insurance business, which is operating extensively
throughout Genesee county ; nor have his efforts been confined alone to
one line but have reached out to various fields of activity where the
business development of the city has been promoted, while individual
success has also been accomi)lished thereby. Mr. .Stone was born June 6,
1863, in Flint, and is a son of Oren and Susan C. (Thompson) Stone,
the former of New York state and the latter of Grand Blanc, Michigan.
The family is an old one of New England, of English descent, and there
are a number bearing the name in this part of Michigan, notably an
uncle of Dwight T. Stone, D. Hulbert Stone, of Chase, Michigan, who
was a merchant, farmer, merino wool grower and stock expert, who is
at present living a retired life.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1349
Oren Stone came west in 1844 from his New York liome with his
parents, they having heard the reports of the great opportunities open to
men of ambition and energy in the rapidly growing community of Michi-
gan. First settHng in Oakland county, he established himself in Inisiness
as a merchant at Stony Run, and there was made postmaster before he
reached his majority. Later, seeking a wider field for his activities, he
came to Flint, and in this city carried on a general mercantile business
for several years, but finally turned his attention to the manufacturing
business. He became the founder of the Flint Woolen Mills, in 1867,
and with this enterprise continued to be successfully connected during
the remainder of his life. He died in 1897, while the mother passed
away in 1870, they being the parents of two children: Dwight T. and
Miss Helen M., who are both residents of Flint. Oren Stone was held
in high esteem in business circles and as a public-spirited citizen, and
for one term served his adopted city in the mayoralty office. He was
energetic in his operations, strictly reliable in all his transactions, and
is still remembered among the older generation for his many sterling
qualties.
Dwight T. Stone was given a thorough public school education, at-
tending the graded and high schools of Flint. After the elder man's
death'he continued in merchandising and manufacturing until igoo, that
year seeing his advent into the real estate and insurance lines, in this
connection he has become one of the foremost men in his sphere of busi-
ness activity, having developed his enterprise along modern, progressive
lines. He is a public-spirited citizen and has ever supported those inter-
ests which are calculated to uplift and benefit his community and its
people. For three years he was secretary of the Board of Commerce,
and at this time he is acting in the capacity of city assessor, a position
to which he was elected on the Republican ticket. His fraternal con-
nections are with the Alasonic order, in which he has attained to the
thirty-second degree, and he is also a member of the Flint Country Club,
With his family, he attends St. Paul's Episcopal church.
On November 21, 1889, Mr. Stone was married in Detroit, Michigan,
to Miss Carrie J. Brow, daughter of Andrew and Frances (Briscoe)
Brow. Mr. Brow, who was in business in Detroit for a number of years,
died in December, 1905, while the mother of Mrs. Stone passed away
about the year 1887. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Stone, namely: Donald D., born in 1891, a graduate of the engineering
department of the Michigan Agricultural College, and now connected
with the Buick Motor Company, at Flint; Oren F., born in 1892, who
attended the University of Michigan, and is also connected with the
Buick Motor Company; Miss Virginia, born in 1894, who is attending
the Beechwood School, an institution for young ladies at Philadelphia,
and Misses Helen J., born in 1898, and Caroline B., born in 1904, who are
attending the public schools of Flint. The family home is located at No.
510 East street.
Jorix E. Shekell. A member' of the Jackson county bar since
1891, Mr. Shekell has a position of prominence among the lawyers of
Jackson, and by reason of his faithful and diligent handling of the
interests of his clientage, has been entrusted with a large mass of busi-
ness increasing throughout the years of the professional career. Mr.
Shekell has devoted himself wholly to his profession, and has appeared
very little in public affairs, and has been only motlcralcly concerned
with politics.
lohn E. Shekell was Isorn on a farm in Washtenaw county, Mich-
igan, September 15. 1864. He was the only .son among five children.
1;J50 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
born to Aloiizo C. and Lydia ( Garden ) Shekell. Both parents were
born in the state of New York, and the father after spending his active
career in farming died in Jackson county, Michigan, in 1905, at the age
of seventy-nine. The mother died in 1900, aged seventy-five. The
paternal stock was of German descent, and through his mother Mr.
Shekell has Irish blood. The four daughters living are: Miss Anna E. ;
Mrs. Catherine Culver ; Mrs. Florence C. Townsend ; and Miss Inez.
The boyhood and youth of Mr. Shekell were passed on a farm, and
he retained a very complete recollection of farm life in this part of
Michigan as it was lived some twenty or thirty years ago. While grow-
ing up on the old homestead he was sent to district schools, especially
during the winter terms when no work could be found on the farm, and
later attended graded schools in the village of Brooklyn. Though his
ambition was early set upon a professional career, there were numerous
obstacles to be overcome before he succeeded in reaching his goal. His
education was further advanced by attendance during two years in the
Michigan State Normal School, and he spent two years as teacher of a
country school. In the offices of Thomas A. Wilson of Jackson, he did
most of his law reading, and on October 31, 1S91. was admitted to the
bar at Jackson. At the beginning of his professional career he Jocated
in his old home village of Brooklyn, and enjoyed a fair degree of pro-
fessional success there. Since January i, 1897, his home has been in
Jackson, and he has since enjoyed many of the better rewards of the
able lawyer. Mr. Shekell has membership in the Jackson county, and
the Michigan State Bar Association. Two years he served as assistant
prosecuting attorney, but aside from that his interests have been con-
centrated on private practice. On March 17, 1914, Mr. Shekell was
appointed iiostmaster of the city of Jackson by President Woodrow
Wilson. lie took charge of the office on April 16, 1914, and is now
serving in that capacity.
Mr. Shekell is a Democrat in politics. On November 9. 1899,
occurred his marriage to Miss Charlotte O. Stowe, their two children
are: Garden Stowe Shekell, born August 3, 1905: and Mary Elizabeth
Shekell born February 9, 1908.
John W. Newall. One of the old and reliable business enterprises
of Flint is that now conducted by John W. Newall, real estate and fire
insurance man of 809 Flint P. Smith Building, formerly conducted under
the firm style of George E. Newall & Son. A man of enterprise and
progressive spirit, while advancing his own interests he has contributed
much toward the development of his city, and in business, public
and social circles is widely known and highly respected. Mr. Newall
is a native son of Flint, and was born January 16, 1866, a son of George
E. and Sarah H. (Freeman) Newall, the former of English and the
latter of German descent. On his father's side of the family, his only
immediate relative is an aunt, Mrs. Thomas Chetham, of Flint, while
there are but few on the mother'^ side.
George E. Newall was born in Michigan, and here grew to manhood
and identified himself with the early manufacturing interests of Flint.
He became captain of a local militia company prior to the outbreak of
the Civil war, and when hostilities between the states began he became
captain of Company A, Eighth Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry,
with which he served during the greater part of the struggle. Upon
receiving his honorable discharge he again took up business activities,
and continued to be identified therewith until his retirement. At various
times he has held pulilic office, serving as register of deeds and for
several years as postmaster. He married Sarah H. Freeman, who was
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1351
born in Michigan, a daughter of Daniel S. Freeman, a blacksmith by
trade, who came to Flint at an early day and served as a missionary
among the Indians. His death occurred about 1872, while Mrs. Newall
passed away in 1897. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Newall,
a son and a daughter, but the daughter, Winifred, died in 1887.
John W. Newall received his education in the public schools of Flint,
and as a young man devoted his activities to farming operations in
Genesee county. Following this he took up the trade of plumber, being
associated with his uncle, George L. McOuigg, of Flint, and then em-
barked in the cigar business, in which he continued eleven years. In
1895 he entered the real estate and insurance business with his father,
as George E. Newall & Son, and in I'ebruary, 1913, when the father
retired, he took complete charge. Mr. Newall's business is largely con-
fined to Genesee county, and here his sound judgment and force have
been the impetus in its growth and success. While he keeps in touch with
modern methods he also manifests the same spirit of reliability which has
ever made the name of Newall an honored one in business circles of Flint.
A stalwart Republican in politics, he has worked faithfully in support
of the principles of his party and has done much to promote its success.
From 1900 to 1905 he served in the office of alderman, and from 1908
until 191 1 as a member of the school board. He has been popular and
prominent fraternally as a member of the Masons, the Loyal Guard, the
Royal Arcanum, the Modern Maccabees and the National Union. With
his family, he attends the Episcopal church.
Mr. Newall was married August i, 1896, at Saginaw, Michigan, to
Miss Nellie Elizabeth Reynard, a daughter of James and Louise (Black)
Reynard. They occupy a pleasant home at No. 711 North Saginaw
street.
Ch.\rles M. Begole. The president of the Chevrolet Motor Com-
pany is one of ^Michigan's most prominent manufacturers of automoljiles,
but for many years before becoming identified with this typical industry
of the state was engaged in lumbering, in stock farming, and as a buggy
and general vehicle manufacturer at Flint. He is a son of the late Gov-
ernor Begole.
Charles M. Begole was Ijorn in Genesee countv, Michigan, August
10. 1848, son of Governor Josiah W. and Harriett (Miles) Begole. Roth
parents were native of Genesee county. New York, and his father came
to Michigan about 1837, before he was married, settled in Genesee county,
took up wild land near Flint and endured the hardships of early pioneers.
After his marriage he extended his business interests as a farmer and as a
lumberman, and made a lasting reputation as one of the ablest political
leaders of his time. He was county treasurer elected in Genesee county,
held various township offices, was sent to the state legislature on the
Republican ticket, and in 1882 on the People's ticket was elected governor
of Michigan, taking office the first of January in 1883 and serving one
term, .\fter his term as governor he lived quietly in Genesee county
until his death in 1896 at the age of eighty-two years. There were four
children : William M. Begole, who was orderly-sergeant and lieutenant
in the Twenty-third Regiment of Michigan Infantry, was wounded at
the battle of Lookout Mountain, and his death occurred from his wounds
soon afterwards ; Frank C. Begole in early manhood became an invalid,
traveled throughout the west and south in search of health, and died at
the age of thirty-eight in Florida, his remains now resting in the Glen-
wood cemetery at Flint; ]\Iary, wife of W. C. Cummings of Flint.
Charles ^I. Begole was educated in the common and high schools of
Flint, and in the Michigan Agricultural College at Lansing. His college
1352 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
days were followed by practical experience in the lumber woods during
the winter and in the drixing of the logs during the spring and summer
and other work at his father's sawmill. Subsequently he and his brother
Frank engaged in the sawmill business at Forrest, Michigan, for several
years. On selling out his mill property, Mr. Begole bought four hundred
acres of land in Genesee county, and for twenty years or more was a
highly pros])erous farmer and stock raiser, specializing on blooded horses
and fancy sheep. In 1906 he moved to Flint, and managed his farm for
several years from the city until his manufacturing interests so absorbed
his energies that he was obliged to dispose of his county estate. At
Flint Mr. Begole began the manufacture of wagons and buggies in a
small shop, but the industry in a few years assumed much importance
and represented a large investment and an excellent organization of
skilled labor. Mr. Begole was also one of the organizers and directors
of the Gas and Water Works companies, the properties of \yhich were
subsequently sold to the city of Flint. In the meanwhile the Flint wagon
works, of which he was a director, grew to be one of the largest in the
state, and at the high tide of its prosperity employed from eight hundred
to one thousand workmen.
About the time the influence of the automobile made itself felt in a
general decline of the output of horse-drawn vehicles, Mr. Begole was
one of the far-sighted men to recognize the posibilities of the automobile,
and took steps to utilize the experience of his older organization and the
capital for the production of motor-driven cars. Mr. Begole with' others
in igoi organized the Buick Motor Company, of which he was president
until the Buick interests were absorbed by the General Motor Company,
in which organization he is a prominent stockholder. In 1908 he organized
the Little Motor Company, of which he became active head and president.
This company took for its factory the large and substantial brick build-
ing formerly used by the buggy and wagon plant, and that nucleus has
since been greatly enlarged until the present plant covers more than eight
acres, with the most of the buildings three or more stories in height, and
ideally located on West Kearsley street adjoining the Grand Trunk rail-
way tracks and the Flint river. It is a splendidly e(.|uipped modern
factory, and a credit to the state. The Little Motor Company was re-
organized in June, 1912, and has since been known as the Chevrolet Motor
Company, of which Mr. Begole is president. Although the Chevrolet
Company has been established only two years, the fund of experience
which has resulted in its present products of perfection traces back to
the earliest formative stages in automobile development. The cars are
built by men who are experts in all branches of the industry, and are
being introduced to the public by an organization which has made a
splendid record of sales. The daily output of the Flint factory is about
seventy cars, manufactured in three types, so that the purchaser has the
widest' selection of cars that represent the highest achievement of inven-
tive and constructive experience. The three classes of Chevrolet cars are,
the Royal ^lail Roadster, a popular priced model ; the Baby Grand Tour-
ing car ; and the Classic Six, a touring car built of the highest quality in
car and passenger accommodations. At the factory in Flint the company
emi)lovs from eight hundred to one thousand men, and the capitalization
of the comjjanv is two and one-half million dollars.
Mr. P.egole is also a director in the Xational Bank of Flint. Fraternally
he is a Knight Templar Mason, is a Democrat in politics, and his church
is the Presbvterian. In November, 1872, at Ypsilanti, he married Miss
Emma I5egole. who was born at Ypsilanti, a daughter of Evan Begole,
also of a prominent pioneer family of the state. They have one daughter,
Louisa Begole, and both she and her mother take an active part in
woman's club and charitable and church affairs in Flint. Mr. Begole
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1353
outside of business finds his recreation as a hunter, and every year for
the past eight has gone deer hunting, usually in the Upper Peninsula,
and has a number of fine mounted specimens of the chase. Fishing is
also a favorite sport in the season, and he owns a pleasant summer cot-
tage at Long Lake. Mr. Begole and family reside at 416 East Third
street in Flint.
John Gustave Rulison, M. D., one of Lansing's best known and
successful physicians, is a native son of Michigan, born at Flushing, Feb-
ruary 21, 1876, and is descended from an old American family who_se
members were distinguished pioneers of the state. The family has been
in this country since the year 1680, when Laurens Rulison (then si)elled
Rulf sen ) emigrated from Copenhagen, Denmark, and settled in New
York City. The progenitor married Elizabeth Burkhardt, a Holland-
Dutch woman. The family later removed to Orange, New Jersey, where
Laurens Rulison, great-great-grandson of the emigrant resided until his
migration to Schoharie county. New York, he being the great-great-grand-
father of Doctor Rulison of this review. His son, Harmon, remo\ed from
Schoharie county to what was then known as the Black River country of
Jefi^erson county, New York. His son, Charles, the grandfather of Doctqr
Rulison, married Margaret Swanberg, a Swede, and moved to Michigan
in 1849, locating at Flint, where he died in the following January, leaving
a widow, four sons and a daughter, all of whom are now deceased.
Cornelius Emory Rulison, son of the Michigan settler and father of
Doctor Rulison, was born at Evan's Mills, Jefferson county, New York,
May 20, 1835, and was a lad of fourteen years when he came with the
family to Michigan. His elder sister, Sallie Ann Rulison, became one of
Michigan's noted women. A native of Jefferson county. New York, she
received excellent educational advantages, a good part of her education
in the higher branches having been given her by her father, who was a
student and self-taught scholar. As early as 1850 she began teaching
school at Flint and a few years later completed the full course of the
Albion (Michigan) Female Seminary in one year's time, and by the time
she had reached the age of twenty years was a teacher of mathematics in
that institution. Later she taught in the schools of Flint, and succeeding
this became identified with the Rev. John Arnold, founder and publisher
of the Michigan Christian Advocate, a Methodist publication. She organ-
ized the Women's Foreign Missionary Society of Michigan and for many
years published monthly lesson leaves for use in Methodist Sunday
schools. Miss Rulison was president at the time of her death of the
Women's Missionary Society of the Northwest, and a Chinese high school
at Kukukin, China, was named in her honor. In 1885 she married Dr.
George W. Fish, one of Michigan's distinguished men, who served as
surgeon of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry during the Civil War, was after-
wards appointed United States Consul at Shanghai, China, and later
United States Consul at Tunis, Africa. He died in 1888 and his widow
survived him until 1003.
Dr. Cornelius Emory Rulison attended public schools in New York
and at Flint, Michigan, and as a youth learned the trade of cabinet maker,
a vocation at which he worked for several years or until his shop was
destroyed by fire, at which time he gave up that kind of work to devote
himself to school teaching, being thus engaged when the Civil War came
on. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Second Michigan \'olunteer In-
fantry, and participated with his regiment in twenty-five engagements,
being badly wounded at the battle of Knoxville, and subsequently dis-
charged in June, 1864, on account of disability. Doctor Rulison then went
1354 HISTORY OF AIICIIIGAN
to Cincinnati, Ohio, making his home for a time with his uncle, under
whose preceptorship he studied medicine, subsequently attending two
courses of medical lectures at the Ohio Eclectic Medical College. In the
spring of 1866 Doctor Kulison entered upon the practice of his profession
at Flushing, Michigan, and continued there until his death, December 22,
1890, attaining high rank in his calling and a large and lucrative profes-
sional business. Doctor Rulison married Antoinette Greenfield, who was
born at South Byron, Genesee county, New York, in 1844, a daughter of
Elijah Greenfield, a native of the Empire State, who was a builder by
vocation and built up a large part of Omaha, Nebraska. Mrs. Rulison is
still living at the home in Flushing, and has been the mother of three chil-
dren : Dr. John Gustave, of this review ; Rose, who married John Lees, of
Hancock, Michigan; and Pearl, who became the wife of Roy DuPuys, of
Detroit.
Dr. John Gustave Rulison was graduated from the Flushing high
school in the class of 1893, and from the medical department of the Uni-
versity of Michigan in 1903, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Fol-
lowing this he served as interne of the University Hospital, at Ann Arbor,
for one year and in January, 1904, entered the practice of his calling at
Lansing. The medical abilities of Doctor Rulison have met with decided
appreciation and he has been enabled to estal;lish a considerable general
practice, in addition to which he specializes in surgery, lie is L'nited
States Pension Examining Surgeon for Ingham county, belongs to the
Ingham County Medical Society and the Michigan State Medical .Society,
is a close student and a broad reader, and at all times keeps himself fully
abreast of the advancements being made in medical science. To his thor-
ough conversance with all new theories and discoveries connected with
his calling can be attributed in great extent the success he has achieved
in his chosen profession. Doctor Rulison's fraternal connection is with
the Masonic order.
Doctor Rulison was married to Miss Edith J. Pjenjamin, of Flushing,
Michigan, daughter of Montville Benjamin, a native of Cortlandt, New
'^'ork, who settled in Michigan in 1S30, and to this union there have come
two children: John G., Jr., Iiorn (Jctoljer 16, 1906; and Josephine, bom
November 24, 1909.
W.\LTER S. Rus.sEL is president of the Russel Wheel and Foundry
Company and identified with other Detroit industrial activities. He was
horn at Detroit, March 12, 1853, educated in the Detroit public schools,
in the Peterson School for Boys in Detroit, and in the University of
Michigan, where he was graduated as civil engineer in June, 1875. Wal-
ter S. Russel was assistant engineer in the United .States Lake Survey
during the last two years of his university course and for one year after
he iiad secured his degree.
With his brother, George H. Russel, he Iniilt and operated a cog-
wheel foundry in Detroit in 1877, which in 1880 was incorporated as
the Russel Wheel and Foundry Company, of which he was vice-president
and general manager from the time of its incorporation until 1904. Since
the latter year he has been president and general manager of the company.
Mr. Russel is also iiresident of the Detroit Steel Products Comjianv and
a director in the American Radiator Company of Chicago.
One of the incorporators of the Detroit Engineering .Societv was
Mr. Russel, who served as its first president. He has membership in the
American Society of Mechanical luigineers, of which he is a former
vice-president and manager ; and belongs to the American Institute of
Mining, the Detroit Athletic Club, the Detroit Club, the University Club,
the Country Club, the Wittcnagemote Club, the Delta Kappa Epsilon
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN lUoS
Fraternity and the Detroit Board of Commerce. April 24, 1880, lie mar-
ried Mary E. Rumney of Detroit.
Maj. Roy Clark Vandercook, of Lansing, adjutant-general of Michi-
gan, is a native of the state, having been bornat Mason, the county seat of
Ingham county, November 20, 1873, and is descended from two pioneer
Michigan families, the \'andercooks and Smiths. The paternal grand-
father of Major X'andercook was Isaac H. Vandercook, who was a native
of New York state and came to Michigan in 1848, locating first at Jack-
son and later moving to Mason, Ingham county. He was engaged in the
insurance many years, and was one of the best known men in that line in
this section.
Albert L. Vandercook, the father of the Major, was born at Glovers-
ville, New York, in 1849, ^"^1 was a child when brought to Michi-
gan by his parents. Reared and educated at Mason, he early
adopted merchandising as his life work, and for many years was the
proprietor of a business enterprise at Mason, where he is still located.
The mother of Major Vandercook bore the maiden name of Jennie A.
Smith, and was born in New York state, her father, Delevan C. Smith,
coming from the Empire State to Michigan in 1856 and becoming a pio-
neer of Ingham county, where he was for a long period of years ex-
tensively engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Maj. Roy C. Vandercook was reared at Alason and received his edu-
cation in the public and high schools of that place. Upon laying aside
his school books, he entered the office of the Ingham Coiintv Nczvs. at
Mason, and learned the printers' trade, working his way up in the office
until attaining a position on the staff, doing local and editorial work. In
1898 he was commissioned first lieutenant of Company F (Mason com-
pany), of the Thirty-first Michigan Regiment, and was with that organiza-
tion in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Following the war he
came to Lansing, and in 1900 took a position with the State Republican,
being engaged in newspaper work until his appointment, in February,
1912, by Governor Chase Osborn, to the office of adjutant-general of the
Michigan National Guard, with the rank of major. He organized Battery
A, Field Artillery of Lansing, and was its commander until he became
adjutant-general. Major Vandercook is a member of the Military Order
of Foreign Wars, of the Society of Spanish-American War Veterans, and
of the Masonic and Elk fraternities of Lansing. Major Vandercook's
popularity with the members of the National Guard has made him one of
the most valualjle officers in the service, and during his incumbency of the
office the troops have made an enviable record for discipline, drill, effi-
ciency and endurance. References by the newspapers to this well known
official have a certain manner and tone that betoken their esteem and
regard for him such as are earned by few men in the public eye.
Major Vandercook was married to Miss Maude C. Burton, of Union
City, Michigan, and they have one son and one daughter: Cornelius Bur-
ton and Dorothy R. The family home is at No. 325 North Pine street,
Lansing.
Josiaii Dalt.as Dort. It has been said that a city is great not as it
has a numerous population, but in the importance of its work, meaning
what it does for its own inhabitants and produces for the outside world.
The work done by Flint has long made it a center of middle west manu-
factures. However, it is to a comparatively small group of men that the
city's industrial prosperity has been due, and during the last thirty years
none has been more steadily influential in promoting development in the
city than Josiah D. Dort, who by common consent is now one of the most
dominant figures in the business life of Michigan. As a youth he entered
1356 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
•
upon his career with only the advantages of an ordinary education, started
life in a humble station, and followed up the opportunities that opened
before him with industry and intelligent energy. Now in the prime of
life, with powers ripened and matured, Mr. Dort is the possessor of an
enviable fortune, the directing head of several large industries, and a
vital force in both business and civic affairs of his community.
Josiah Dallas Dort was born at Inkster, Michigan, February 2, 1861,
a son of Josiah and Alarcy (Jones-Straight) Dort, natives respectively
of Vermont and New Hampshire, the father dying at Inkster in 1871
at the age of sixty-one, while the mother passed away at Flint in iSij".
Josiah Dart came with his parents overland from his New England home
to the state of Ohio, leaving the rest of the family there and continuing
his journey west until he arrived at the place known as Dearborn during
the late thirties. At Dearborn he and his brother Titus engaged in the
manufacture of brick, furnishing the material for the United States
arsenal at that point. Josiah Dort was appointed postmaster of that
place, and also acted in the capacity of agent for the Michigan Central
Railroad, which had just been completed. After several years he moved
to Moulin Rouge, now known as Inkster, and became identified with mer-
chandising. Mrs. Marcy (Jones) Straight, who became his wife, was an
educated woman who had taught school in New Hampshire and at West-
port, New York. Josiah Dort was a notable man in many ways, a
typical country squire, a prominent Mason, a lifelong member of the
Methodist church, active in politics as a Democrat and \N'hig, and among
the leaders of his parties in the state was on terms of intimacy and a
close associate of such men as Zach Chandler, who was his personal
friend. He acquired considerable property through his able management,
and at the time of his death was in comfortable circumstances.
The only child of his parents, Josiah Dallas Dort was ten years of
age when his father died. His education was acquired by attending the
district schools,, the Wayne high school, and the State Normal at Ypsi-
lanti. Leaving school, he helped his mother carry on the business, the
burden of which she had resolutely borne from the time of her husband's
death. She herself was a most capable business woman, but had her
double responsibilities for only a few years, since her son soon proved
himself more than ordinarily capable and assumed all the weighty re-
sponsibilities of business. The mother was a devout Baptist, had decided
puritanical princi]:)les, was a woman with a nature serene, cheerful, loving,
beautiful and tireless. She so ordered her household that although great
riches were never present, poverty was unheard of, and her son was
reared wisely and well, so as to adopt honesty and integrity and shun
anything like idleness, extravagance or dissipation.
After several years" experience in mercantile lines, Mr. Dort found
employment with a crockery firm in Ypsilanti, and three years later
transferred his services to a similar firm in Jackson, where he also re-
mained several years. About that time his "father's estate was settled,
and in 18.S2 he engaged as clerk at Flint for Whiting & Richardson,
hardware merchants. Two years later his services were required by the
firm of Hubbard and Wager, and for one year he was with Morley
Brothers at Saginaw. Having been thrifty and economical and saving
of his earnings, with a little help from the estate, he was then able to
return to Flint and engage in the harrlware business as a co-partner with
James Bussy. It was not until September, 18S6, that Mr. Dort entered the
"field in which his greatest success and accomplishment as a manufacturer
and business man has been won. At that time, with William C. Durant,
he started in a modest way the manufacture of road carts, employing
about twenty men. This subsequently grew into the largest business of
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1357
its kind in the state, and became the parent of the principal industries of
FHnt.
Mr. Dort is president and acting directing head of the Durant-Dort
Carriage Company and its allied institutions, and also one of the founders
of the Imperial Wheel Company, Flint Varnish Works, Flint Axle Works,
the Dominion Carriage Company, Limited, of Toronto, Canada, the
Blount Carriage & Buggy Company of Atlanta, Georgia, the Pine Blufif
Spoke Company of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Among other industries Mr.
Dort was largely instrumental in establishing, here should be mentioned
the Weston-Mott Axle Company, the McCormick Harness Company,
Copeman Electric Stove Company. Through the interests of the Durant-
Dort Carriage Company, Mr. Dort's is one of the largest interests in the
Buick Automobile Company and the General Motors Company. These
institutions thus named employ many thousands of workmen and during
the days before the advent of the automobile, the vehicle and accessory
plants had upward of two thousand men on their payroll.
For several years Mr. Dort carried on as a sideline a fine stock farm
which was devoted to the breeding of pvize-winning hackney horses, and
he is at this time a holder of a King George medal and other American
and Canadian trophies.
In these days of almost constant strife between labor and capital,
it is worthy to note that these troubles are totally unknown in the Durant-
Dort institutions. Such favorable conditions may be largely accredited
to Mr. Dort's honorable dealings with the men in his employ. He inaugu-
rated a policy of interesting employes in the stock of his companies and
a system of loyalty payments for long service.
Mr. Dort was instrumental in the organization of the Flint Factories
Mutual Benefit Association, a splendid Workmen's Club in connection
with the same, and of the Flint Associated Factories organization sustain-
ing a workmen's supplemental compensation department. He is a direc-
tor of the Michigan Workmen's Compensation Mutual Insurance
Company of Detroit, an association composed of Michigan manufacturers
for the purpose of making such payments as workmen are entitled to
under the Michigan Workmen's Compensation Act, and which is one of
the best institutions of its kind in the United States.
It may be said that Mr. Dort's idea in acquiring wealth is that it may
be used as a means for greater service, it being well understood that
his income is very largely utilized for the common good. He is active in
charitable work, and has donated liberally to hospitals, churches and
other public institutions, and seldom refuses aid to any worthy object.
Mr. Dort has long been identified with civic activities, and although
steadfastly refusing political office as well as honorary positions on
various state boards, has served his people in the line of public utility.
One of his best contributions to the beauty of Flint is the public park
system, which when completed will cover eight miles of parkway and
completely surround the city of Flint, the park and boulevard following
the banks of Flint river. For this notable improvement Mr. Dort had the
plans drawn at his own expense, and as the enterprise is now fairly
launched as a result of his earnest and untiring efforts, its success is prac-
tically assured at no distant date.
Mr. Dort is a director in the Genesee County Savings Bank of Flint,
and a member of the Board of Commerce. His guidance and leadership
in large business affairs are constantly sought, and he is an ex-president
of the Carriage Builders National Association, vice-president of the
Michigan Manufacturers Association, and in every way a business execu-
tive with a broad mind and a thorough understanding of modern condi-
tions and ideas. Mr. Dort was a delegate to the Conservation Congress
Vol. in— 10
1358 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
held in the White House at Washington in 1907. He was one of the
principal factors in drafting the law creating the Michigan Railroad
Commission.
First of all in its claim on his attention and energies come his impor-
tant and varied industrial interests. But when these claims are properly
satisfied, j\Ir. Dort never refuses his consideration and aid of those other
activities which are not the less important as features of a well balanced
life. Mr. Dort is a patron of art, a lover of literature, music and archi-
tecture, an upholder of the best ideals and standards in social life. Like
all virile, energetic men, he gives a part of his attention to outdoor sports
and is an enthusiastic golfer and automobilist. His club relations include
membership in the Flint, Country, Detroit Athletic, Detroit, Detroit Golf
Club, and he is also a thirty-second degree Mason and Knight Templar,
and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His
religious afhliations are with the Episcopal church, and he is now a
member of the board of vestrymen of St. Paul's church at Flint.
Mr. Dort has been twice married. His first union was with Miss
Nellie Mathilda Bates, who died at Phoenix, Arizona, in March, 1900,
and was laid to rest in Elmwood cemetery, Flint. Two children were
born to this union: Ralph, born November 11, 1891, at Flint, a graduate
of Princeton University, was married October 15, 191 3, to Miss Helen
Wilson, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is now engaged in newspaper
work for the Knickerbocker Press Association at Albany, New York,
where he resides; and Dorothy, born September 12, 1893, at Flint, a
graduate of Miss Chamberlain's school of Boston, Massachusetts. Mr.
Dort's second marriage occurred May 8, 1906, when he was united with
Miss Marcia Webb of Mackinac, Michigan, daughter of Major Charles
A. Webb, at one time commander at Fort Mackinac. Two children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dort: Dallas Webb, born February 17, 1907;
and Margery, born May 19, 191 1.
Thomas G. Finuc.\x, of Charlevoix, ^Michigan, has the distinction
of being the youngest second class postmaster who has held office in the
history of Michigan, having been appointed to that position in 1914 by
President Wilson. Mr. Finucan was born at Smith's Falls, Ontario,
Canada, October 30, 1888, and is a son of Commodore William and
Mary (White) Finucan. Commodore Finucan has been in the service
of the Northern Michigan Fleet for more than thirty years, beginning
his service with the old Ogdensburg & Chicago line fifty years a.go, and
for the past thirty years has sailed as captain of all the larger lake
vessels, among them the "City of Charlevoix," "Missouri" and "Illinois."
At present he is master of the steamship "Manitou," the activity of
which is confined to a season of three months. During his long period
of service Commodore Finucan has never had a serious mishap with
any of his numerous vessels. He began his career as a wheelsman and
has steadily worked his way up by faithful service, fidelity to duty and
high ability. A man of many fine personal qualities, he is popular with
the public, and being of a jolly, optimistic disposition, has numerous
friends. Mrs. Finucan is a charming lady, widely known in social cir-
cles of Charlevoix, and the family home is frequently the scene of enter-
tainments of a social nature. Commodore and Mrs. Finucan came from
Canada to Manistee, Michigan, in 1890, but after one year came to
Charlevoix, where the Commodore owns a handsome residence and has
other interests. Nine children have composed the family: one who died
in infancy; ^^'i^iam, Jr., who is cashier for the great fish firm of Booth
iS: Com])anv; Marv. a teacher in the public schools of Charlevoix;
Thomas (]., of this re\iew ; Alildred Clare, a teacher in the schools of
THOMAS G. FINUCAN
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1359
Battle Creek, Michigan ; Irene, who resides with her parents ; James
Stanley, a graduate of the Charlevoix High school, living at home ; and
Richard and Eleanor, living at home and students in the public schools.
Thomas G. Finucan attended the graded schools of Charlevoix, and
after his graduation from the high school entered tlie pharmaceutical
department of the University of Michigan, there remaining one year.
His studies in his. chosen vocation were continued in the Ferris Insti-
tute, where he took a short course, and then returned to Charlevoix and
secured his first position as a drug clerk with B. A. Herman. After
two years in this position he received the appointment from President
Wilson as postmaster of Charlevoix and has continued to devote him-
self to the duties of his office to the present time. Mr. Finucan has
proved himself an able executive and has introduced a number of greatly
needed reforms into the service here. He is popular with the people,
who have recognized the fact that he is conscientiously trying to effi-
ciently look after their interests. A Democrat in politics, he has for
some time taken an active interest in the success of his party, and is
already accounted one of the influential factors in its activities. His
religious connection is with the Roman Catholic church, and fraternally
he belongs to the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Finucan was married October 14, 1913, at Charlevoix, to Miss
Winnifred Weaver, a native of this city, and a daughter of Capt. George
and Florence (Hyland) Weaver, her father havyig been a lake captain
for many years. ''<■ '•',>
M.-^RK S. Knapp, M. D. One of Flint's long established physicians
who has achieved an enviable reputation in his profession and who is held
in high personal regard by all who know hira, is^Df. Mark S. Knapp.
He is a native of Michigan, having been boWf -in 'thie town of Linden,
October 30, 1872, the son of Dr. Leonard E. aricl,, Melissa C. (Stevens)
Knapp, natives of this state. Myron E. Knapp, the grandfather of Doctor
Knapp, came to Michigan in 1840, as a pioneer farmer, and settled in
Washtenaw county, where he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits
up to the time of his death in 1895, at the age of seventy-seven years. He
was one of Michigan's remarkable old men, a type of the sturdy, reliable
men who through their continued and helpful activities made possible
the development of this section of the state. He married a Miss Hoising-
ton, who like himself, was a native of New York, and they traveled
together overland to this state. Mrs. Knapp experienced all the hardships
and privations of pioneer life with fortitude, assisting her husband mate-
rially in the achieving of his success and was much beloved by all who
knew her for her many sterling characteristics and admirable qualities
of mind and heart. She died at the age of fifty-four years, and both she
and her husband were laid to rest in the county of their adoption.
Dr. Leonard E. Knapp, father of Dr. Mark S. Knapp, was a self-made
man. He was born in 1842 in Washtenaw county, Michigan, received his
early education in the district schools, learned the trade of cooper, and
early left home for Poughkeepsie, New York, where he worked liis way
through Eastman's Business College. Fie then returned to Michigan
and received a normal training at Ypsilanti, where he met the lady who
later became his wife. He became a student in the University of Michi-
gan, at Ann Arbor, and later entered the Homeopathic Medical College,
of Cleveland, Ohio, from which he was graduated in i86g. In that same
year he was married and moved to Linden, Michigan, where he embarked
in practice as a physician and surgeon and continued until 1876. He
then moved to Fenton, where he continued to successfully prosecute his
professional activities until his death, in July, 191 1, when sixty-nine
1360 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
years of age. His wife passed away there in July, 1905, at the age of
sixty-three years. Doctor Knapp took several post-graduate courses in
New York City. He was a close and attentive student, a great reader
and the owner of a valuable library of both medical books and works of
other character, was prominent in educational affairs as a member of
various boards, and took a keen interest in anything that affected the
welfare of his community. At the time of his death the following article
appeared in a Fenton newspaper :
"After an illness of about three years, of paralysis. Dr. L. F. Knapp,
a prominent physician of Fenton, died Friday afternoon. Leonard E.
Knapp was born at Salem, Michigan, November 24, 1842, and was the son
of Air. and Mrs. Myron E. Knapp. When only three years of age his par-
ents removed to New York state, but later returned to Michigan and lived
on a farm near Ypsilanti. He attended the Ypsilanti seminary and
graduated from the Cleveland Medical College. Later he took up the
work of a specialist and had an extensive practice for many years. On
July 27, 1869, he was married to Miss Melissa Stevens, of Ypsilanti, who
died five years ago. The couple came to Linden for five years, thirty-
five years ago coming to Fenton. On July 22, 1906, he was married to
Miss Olga Hogan of Fenton, who still survives. He is also survived by
two sons. Dr. Mark S. and Dr. Don, of Flint, and one daughter, Eloise,
the wife of Dr. Walter Slack, of Saginaw. He belonged to a family of
physicians, the late Dr. Knapp, of Port Huron, being a brother, and Dr.
M. E. Knapp, of Detroit, another brother, died at Byron one year ago
while visiting relatives there; Delia, wife of Dr. F. S. Ruggles, of Byron,
and Alelissa, Mrs. Stephen Atchison, of Salem, are sisters of Dr. Knapp.
"Dr. Knapp was a man of the strictest integrity and the most decided
views in public affairs. He had served the village as its president of the
common council for several years and for several years was also president
of the board of education. He was always an advocate of the best edu-
cational advantages regardless of cost. He was public-spirited and be-
lieved in the future of Fenton, investing largely in real estate. As a
progressive and enterprising citizen and a physician of state renown,
he was a man who had a host of friends. Dr. Knapp was prominent in
Masonic circles and a past commander of Fenton Commandery, Knight
Templars. The funeral Monday afternoon was conducted by the Com-
mandery and the full Temjjlar service was used."
Eloise Knapp was married to Dr. Walter L. Slack, and is now a resi-
dent of Saginaw, Michigan. Dr. Don Knapp is a graduate of the medical
department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and since
1910 has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Flint, where
he has served in the capacity of health officer for several years.
In the class of 1891 Dr. Mark S. Knapp graduated from the Fenton
high school, in i8()5 received the degree of LJachelor of Sciences from the
University of Michigan, three years later was given his medical degree,
and in tcjoj took a post-graduate course in the Chicago Polyclinic Hospi-
tal, although he has never ceased being a student and devotes much time
to research and personal investigation. His first practice was in partner-
ship with his father at Fenton for six months, and in December, 1898,
he settled in Flint, where he has since continued in the enjoyment of an
excellent professional business. Devoted to his profession, with a high
ideal of its best ethics, a natural inclination for medical and surgical
work and a broad and enduring sympathy. Doctor Knapp may be said
to be one who has chosen well his life work. He is local surgeon for the
Detroit Ignited Railroad, a member of the American Medical Association
and the Michigan State Medical Society and vice-president of the Genesee
County Medical Society. His fraternal connection is with the Masonic
order.' With his family, he attends the Presbyterian church and is active
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1361
in its various movements. In politics a Democrat, Doctor Knapp served
as health officer of Flint during 1900. He is an ardent bird hunter and
each year takes regular hunting trips to Houghton Lake, where with
friends he has a fine house-boat. The modern Knapp home is located
at No. 613 Liberty street.
On December 6, 1899, Dr. Mark S. Knapp was united in marriage
with Miss Florence Anderson, daughter of Captain John and Sallie
(Losee) Anderson, both of whom are now deceased. Captain Anderson
received his title during the Civil war, in which he served bravely as the
captain of a company in a Michigan regiment of volunteers. Five chil-
dren have been born to Doctor and Mrs. Knapp : Neva, born December 9,
1900; Mary Louise, born July 23, 1903; Robert Anderson and Frances
Stevens, twins, born March 5, 1905 ; and Helen Marjory, born March
23, 1902, who died at the age of thirteen months.
William Judson Stark. When William Judson Stark first came to
Flint, in 1906, it was at a period when the town began to emerge from the
conditions of a hamlet and to reach out into the surrounding country
with those instrumentalities of commerce which have since made it one of
the principal centers of business activity in the state. Since that time he
has built up a business of considerable size and volume, and as president,
secretary and general manager of the Home Laundry occupies a position
of recognized prominence in the community. Mr. Stark was born January
21, 1867, in Genesee county, Michigan, and is a son of John H. and Laura
A. (Hooker) Stark.
John K. Stark, the grandfather of William J. Stark, was a native of
the Empire State, from whence he removed to Canada and settled on a
farm near Chatham. After carrying on agricultural pursuits there for
some five or six years, he came to Michigan and settled in Oakland
county, this being in 1844, when John H. Stark was a child of four
years. There he continued to be engaged in farming up to the time
of his death, being known as an honored and honorable pioneer, a good
business man and a public-spirited citizen. William J. Stark's father
grew up amid pioneer surroundings in Michigan, receiving his education
in the primitive country schools and in the fields of hard work and
experience. Following in his father's footsteps, he early adopted the
life of a farmer, and continued to till the soil throughout the remainder
of a long and honorable career. He died in 1906, at the age of sixty-six
years. Laura E. Hooker was born in New York and came to Michigan
as a child. She still survives her husband, and at this time makes her
home at Highland, Oakland county. Four children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Stark, namely: William Judson, of this review; Mary, who
became the wife of Clayton Deake, a farmer who is carrying on agri-
cultural pursuits in the vicinity of Ypsilanti, Michigan; and John Mack,
who is an architect and draughtsman with offices in Detroit. Ida died in
infancy.
The early education of William Judson Stark was procured in the
district schools in the vicinity of his father's farm in Oakland county,
following which he attended the Milford high school and graduated
therefrom in the class of 1886. Upon his return to his home he assisted
his father in the work of the farm until he was twenty-two years old,
at which time he left the parental roof and went to Northville, where
he secured employment in a factory and remained nine years. Dur-
ing this time, being of a thrifty and industrious nature, he carefully
saved his earnings with the ambition in view of one day being the head
of an established business of his own, an ambition which was realized in
1895, when he went to Macomb, Ohio, and engaged in the laundry busi-
ness. During the eight years that he remained in that city he built up an
1362 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
excellent trade and won a firm place in the confidence of the community,
but an opportunity to sell to advantage came and he quickly grasped it.
At that time, in 1903, he moved to Warsaw, Indiana, where he also
engaged in the sa'me line, but after one year sold out, and went to Hast-
ings, Michigan. There he purchased a laundry, which he conducted for
two years, and then, feeling that he was familiar with every angle and
detail of the business, sought a larger field for his activities and found
it in the city of Flint. Selling his Hastings business at a decided profit,
being able to do so because, as in his former business experiences, he
had built up a very desirable enterprise, in 1906 he came to Flint, a
progressive and rapidly-growing city. With his usual energy and fair
dealing, he has developed one of the largest ventures of its kind in the
state. In 1906, when he purchased the plant, it employed only two dozen
people, but he has practically rebuilt the buildings, doubled it and the
business in size, having now in use more than 15,000 square feet of floor
space, and equipped it with the latest modern appliances and improve-
ments, a decided improvement to any city. The building is three stories
with basement, a brick structure located in the iioo block, on North
Saginaw street, and here more than sixty people find steady employment.
In addition, Mr. Stark is the owner of a handsome and comfortable home
at No. 1 121 Church street. A self-made man, he has learned his business
from the bottom, is practical, alert, progressive and far-sighted, and is
eminently deserving of the confidence in which he is held and of the
success which has come to him. Fraternally he is connected with the
Knights of Pythias, in which he has passed through the chairs, the
Masons, the Elks and the Order of Ben Hur. He is a member of the
Presbyterian church, with which his wife and eldest daughter are con-
nected, they being active in church and charitable work, and members
of the Young Women's Christian Association and the King's Daughters.
In politics Mr. Stark is an independent Republican, and although he has
held no public office is greatly interested in the affairs which aflr'ect
his community, he being always a leader in movements making for
progress and advancement.
On November 27, 1890, at Commerce, Oakland county, Michigan,
Mr. Stark was married to Miss Ina Harding, a native of Oakland county
and a daughter of Bradford Harding, a pioneer settler and farmer, who
died as one of his comnumity's representative men. Two children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Stark : Florence and Irene.
John F. Kelly. When John F. Kelly established himself in busi-
ness in Grand Rapids in 1903 as the head of the Kelly Ice Cream Com-
pany, his capital was small, and it was all he was able to do for a time
to keep his head above the deep waters of financial difliculties. Today
the Kelly Ice Cream Company, of which he is president and general
manager^ is one of the thriftiest concerns of its kind in the cily, and Mr.
Kelly takes his place among the leading business men of the community.
His rise has been steady and sure and the firm of which he is head is
established on sound business principles.
Mr. Kelly was born in Kent county, Michigan, on February 10, 1874.
and he is a son of Patrick and Bridget (Clune) Kelly, both of them
natives of Ireland who came to America in 1849 and to Grand Rapids
in 1857. The father was born in 1843 <i"fl died in 1904, while the
mothcV, born in 1841, passed out in 1896. They were married in Grand
Rapids' in i860, and Mr. Kelly divided his time between mechanics and
farming, with a good bit of time devoted to political matters on the side,
for lie had the predilection of a true son of Erin for affairs that savored
even remotely of politics. Of the ten children born to them eight are
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1363
now living, and the subject of this review is the sixth in order of birth.
The parents were members of the CatlioHc church and reared their
children in the same faith. Mr. Patrick Kelly entered the army in 1862
as a private, and was promoted from the ranks to lieutenant and later
to the rank of captain, in Company G, Fourteenth Michigan Infantry.
He was wounded at Bentonville, in the last days of the war, serving full
four years in the army. After the war he bought a farm six miles east
of Grand Rapids and there he spent the remaining years of his life. He
held several offices in his day, and was for several years a keeper in
Ionia prison. He also held the post of state oil inspector for some
years. As a leader in politics in his community, his authority was not
gainsaid, and he was recognized as the political "boss" of the township.
Mr. Kelly was the son of Philip Kelly, a native Irishman, who came to
America in 1849 and settled in New York state. He later came to Mich-
igan and ended his days in the home of his son. Simon Clune, the
maternal grandfather of the subject, came to America in tlie same
year as did Philip Kelly, and settled in Oswego, New York. He was a
boatman on the Erie Canal for a good many years.
John F. Kelly attended the district school in his native community,
and later attended the Grand Rapids high school, from which he was
duly graduated in 1898. After his graduation he worked a year for
General Stone in Wayland and went from that service to the United
States Census Office at Washington, where he spent a year and a half,
after which he resigned from the service and turned his attention to the
wholesale ice cream business, beginning his activities in that line in
Jackson. In 1903 he came to Grand Rapids and established a factory
for the manufacture of that product, organizing the business under the
name of the Kelly Ice Cream Company, and he has been very successful
in building up a nice business, as has already been indicated in another
paragraph. Another enterprise in which he has met with prosperity and
success is that of the wholesale oyster business.
Mr. Kelly, like his father, has manifested a healthy interest in the
political activities of the city, and he was elected alderman from his
ward on the Republican ticket in 19 10. He served his second term in
that office.
In 1903 Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Jessie Yerkey of Wayland,
and to them have been born three children : Helen, Hazel and John F.
Jr., all of them attending school.
The family are members of the Roman Catholic church, and Mr.
Kelly is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Hibernians and the
Woodmen's order.
George N. Wagner. The families of Wagner and Follmer, of
which George N. Wagner is a worthy representative, was for several
generations identified mainly with the agricultural industry, enjoying
in the enterprise a measure of success that spoke highly of their indi-
vidual and collective talents as husbandmen, and it remained for the
subject to launch out into other fields, and there to win to himself special
laurels in his chosen activities. He has distinguished himself not alone
as an educator but as a business man, and for more than half a century
has led a busy and successful life in those enterprises to which he
has given his attention and his energies.
George N. Wagner was born in Pennsylvania, the native home of his
ancestors, on August 16, 1837, and he is a son of Daniel and Catherine
(Follmer) Wagner, both born within the borders of the old Keystone
state. The father was born in 1802 and died in 1849, while the mother,
who was born in 18 10, lived to the age of seventy, passing away in the
year 1880. They were the parents of twelve children, seven of whom
1364 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
arc yet living, and of tlie twelve, George X. was the fifth in order of
hirtli.
The eldest was William, who now lives in Winchester, X'irginia,
retired, at the age of eighty-three. Daniel F., who died in 1866, served
in the Civil war as a cavalryman. Elizabeth Lucinda married William
Hackenburg, and is now deceased. Susan C. died when she was twenty
years old. George N. was the next born. Charles A. lives in Watson-
town, Pennsylvania. Mary A. married James A. Caldwell, and he died
one year ago. She now lives in Titusville, Pennsylvania. Jacob H. lives
in Watsontown, Pennsylvania, and there is engaged in business as the
operator of a planing mill. Levi B. is a resident of Grand Rapids,
retired from active business. John died in infancy. James F. died at
the age of six years. Frank lives in Watsontown, Pennsylvania, and is
occuiiied in manufacturing interests.
The father of this family was a member of the Lutheran church all
his life, while his wife had membership in the German Reformed church.
He was a Democrat in early life, but later became a Whig. He was
widely known as a successful farmer, and was for years the owner of
two finely improved and highly valuable farms in Pennsylvania. A quiet
man in his ways, devoid of showy qualities, he yet gained and retained
the good will and genuine regard of discriminating people, and had a
most excellent reputation in his community and wherever he was known.
It should be said that he was a son of Michael XV'agner, also a native of
Pennsylvania, who died in that state at the advanced age of ninety-six
years.
The maternal grandfather of George N. Wagner was Daniel
Follnier, a farmer of Pennsylvania birth. He was a soldier in the War
of 1812, though his service in that conflict was but brief, and he served
as Colonel of his command. His father, Jacob Follmer, a native of
Germany, was standard bearer throughout the Revolutionary war. He
was a member of the state legislature of Pennsylvania in the early days
after the war, and was one of the prominent and influential men of the
state. As associate judge of his county for a number of years, he had
a high place in the public eye and mind, and lived a life of far reaching
usefulness in all those positions to which he was called in the interests
of the people.
George N. Wagner was educated in the public schools of his native
community in so far as the fundamentals of learning are concerned. He
was reared on the home farm, and when he quitted the country schools
he looked higher for educational training, his graduation from Franklin
& Marshall College coming in the year 1862. Thereafter he devoted
himself to teaching for some years. He first taught in a high school in
Muncy, Pennsylvania. Forty-five years ago he was a teacher in the
White Pigeon (Michigan) High School, and in Milton, Pennsylvania.
He established an academy at Princeton, Illinois, which continued suc-
cessfully for three years. In 1867 Mr. Wagner returned to his native
state, and there he engaged in the lumber business, turning his back
upon the teaching jjrofession. And, though he has since maintained a
lively interest in educational affairs and activities in whatever places he
has been found, he has had no part in active teaching, but has continued
in business life. In '74 Mr. Wagner went to Williamsport, Pennsyl-
vania, where he bought an interest in a planing mill, and he continued
in business there for a year or more, after which he turned his attention
to the oil business, which held forth considerable promise at that time.
After two years devoted to that enterprise he withdrew and came to
Michigan, settling in this city in the year 1881. Here he once more
engaged in the lumber business, establishing a white pine shingle manu-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1365
facturing plant. The business, established then in a small wa}', has
grown apace with the passing years, and Mr. Wagner shipped shingles
and lumber from Grand Rapids to practically every state in the Union.
As the white pine timber gave out in Michigan he launched into the red
cedar shingle and lumber business in the state of Washington. His
shingles are found in the most unexpected places, and his trade is con-
stantly spreading out, making necessary frequent extensions of his
facilities, so that the W'agner Shingle & Lumber Company is today one
of the most substantial and progressive enterprises of the city, adding
its full quota to the assets of Grand Rapids in respect to its activities.
Mr. Wagner was married in 1871 to Miss Jennie B. Hill, a daughter
of George Hill, who was a farmer in the vicinity of Williamsport, Penn-
sylvania, for years. To Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have been born four
children : George H. is living in Alaska. Katherine B. is at home with
the family. ^Martha C. married Hubbard Newton, who is engaged in the
cedar tie, post and pole business in this city, as a member of the well
known firm of Warner & Newton. Jessie L. is a stenographer and book-
keeper in her father's business office, and is a capable and efficient assist-
ant to him. She is also a member of the Wagner Lumber & Shingle
Company, and is secretary of the company. The wife and mother died
in 1891.
Air. W'agner is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has served
as an elder in the church for many years. He is a Republican in his
politics, and it should be said that he has served well and faithfully on
the local school board for ten years, — a post for which he was especially
well fitted by reason of his earlier educational activities and his life-long
interest and'enthusiasm in matters of educational import. Another item
of interest is that of his service in the Union army during the Civil
war. Though his service was but a brief one, he participated in several
skirmishes, and aided in driving Lee from the state of Pennsylvania.
With that accomplished his service ended.
]\Ir. Wagner is a typical business man and devotes himself closely
to his own atifairs. He has seen a varied and useful career, and his suc-
cess in his business has been earned in its every detail, so that his pros-
perity is in no way that of a favorite of fortune, except as fortune must
inevitably favor the man who has in his makeup those qualities of
perseverance, energy and every-day common-sense that are so powerful
as factors in the success of every enterprise that gains a leading place
in its community.
Fr.\xk W. \'ax Wickle. Now giving all his time to his duties as
judge of Probate Court of Oceana county, with residence at Hart, Mr.
Van Wickle has had a long an dsuccessful career both in teaching and in
farming in this section of the state. His family has been identified with
Oceana county, since pioneer times, and he is one of the men whose
services have been important factors in local life.
Frank W. \'an Wickle was born in Fairfield, Ohio, January 18,
1854, a son of Andrew A. and Sarah (Moorehouse) Van Wickle. Both
parents were natives of New York State, the father was born in 1824,
and died in 1901, and the mother in 1826 and died in 1856. Andrew
Van Wickle early in life learned the mechanical trade, but later gave
most of his attention to farming. In 1864, he came to Michigan, and on
August 7, 1866, began his residence in Oceana county, on a farm. At
that time he acquired possession of one hundred and ten acres, sixty
acres of which had already been cleared, and for a number of years
thereafter he steadily pushed back the domain of wilderness, and
reclaimed the entire tract. He was a man of unusual education for his
day, and prospered in his business afifairs. He belonged to the Methodist
1366 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
church, and as a Republican was one of the local leaders having held
several township offices, was justice of the peace for many years, and
for one year was president of the Horticulture Society of Oceana
county. I3y his first wife he had three children as follows : Etta, who
married Archie A. Wasson, who is an old soldier, and lives retired in
Indiana ; Frank W. and Frederick P., twins, the latter being a very suc-
cessful business man at York, Nebraska, where he owns and operates
elevators and grain mills, and has other important interests. After the
death of his first wife the father married Arminda Bishop, and she
became the mother of three children, as follows : William G., who is a
farmer at Shelby, Michigan; Charles, whose home is in Seattle, \Vash-
ington ; and Sarah, who married Jesse Chatman, and lives in Los
Angeles, California.
Judge \'an Wickle was ten years old when the family came to
INIichigan, had a common school education, as preparatory to his self-
supporting career, and spent one year in the Ypsilanti Normal. He
began educational work and was granted a state certificate. His total
period of service in that field covered fifteen terms of teaching. From
that vocation he engaged in the drug business at Shelby, and for
eighteen years was one of the prosperous merchants of that village.
While there he held all the township offices, was president of the village
for two terms, was township treasurer two terms, commissioner of
schools, and secretary of the examining board, of the county for six
years.
Judge Van Wickle in 1884 married Rhoda A. White, of Oceana
county, a daughter of O. K. White, who was one of the early settlers,
and prominent in Republican politics having held the office of sherili,
representative of the county. To the marriage of Judge Van Wickle
have been born five children : Ellis, now in the milling business ; Seth,
Amey, Ruth, and Elinor, all in school. Mrs. \'an Wickle is a member
of the Congregational church. For a number of years he has done much
work for the Republican party, and in 1900 the people of Oceana county
first assigned him the honor of the office of probate judge. Since then
his impartial and efficient administration of the duties coming under
his jurisdiction have met with constant approval, and he is now in the
fourth successive term. Mr. Van Wickle owns a farm near Hart, and
perhaps no citizen of Oceana county is better known than Judge Vzm
Wickle.
GusTAVus M.w. One of the old and honored residents of Oceana
county was chosen to the office of county treasurer in 1912, and since
entering upon his duties at the county seat, has well justified the pre-
dictions of his friends and supporters, and has proved one of the most
efficient and popular of Oceana county's public servants. Mr. May
fought for the llag of the Union during the Civil war, and has for more
than forty years lived in this part of the state. He was born in Chau-
tauqua county, New York, on Cliristmas Day of 1844. His parents
were Kingsbury and Flizabeth ( Kingsley ) May, the former born in New
'V'ork in 1806 and died in 1889, and the latter born in Massachusetts in
1809 and died in 1871. Both the May and the Kingsley families are of
English stock, and have long been represented in America. Both the
father and mother grew up and were educated in New York State, and
the latter was for a nunilier of years a popular teacher. The father
engaged in farming, and in 1864 moved west and bought a farm in
McIIcnry county, Illinois. While living there the mother died, and he
later moved to Michigan, and lived in the home of his son Gustavus.
until his death. There were eleven children in the family, Gustavus
being the fifth, and the other two still living are: T. W. May, who is a
HISTORY OK AIICIIIGAN 1367
resident of Grand Rapids; and Eva, wife of Fred Kern, whose liome
is at Caro, Illinois. The mother belongs to the Methodist Episcopal
church and the father was a Democrat in politics.
Giistavus May attended common schools, and was only seventeen
years old when the war broke out. Enlisting in Company G of the
Forty-ninth New York Infantry, he continued at the front, participat-
ing in many campaigns and undergoing many of the viccissitudes of
militarv life for four years, his time of discharge and return home being
some weeks after the close of the war. He was with the army of the
Potomac, and in a large number of its battles and campaigns. At
Fisher's Hill, he was captured and spent three months in the noisome
prisons of Libby and Belle Isle. His final muster out occurred on July
15, 1865, and after a brief time spent in New York he went west and
was for three years located on a farm in Illinois. In 1868, Mr. May
moved to Michigan, and for eight years farmed a rented place near
Grand Rapids. In 1876 he came to Oceana county, bought a farm of
comparatively new land, eighty acres in extent, and has been since
prosperously engaged in the growing of the general crops and fruits.
In 1871, he married Harriett Hilton. She died in 1885, and was a
member of the Baptist church. Of their four children only one is now
living, Florence, the wife of Bert Cole, living at Elbridge, Michigan. In
1888 ]\Ir. May married Lydia Barnard, and they have four children ;
Max, who lives on the old homestead in Oceana county; Maude, wife of
Fred Dillingham, an Oceana county farmer ; Byron, attending school at
Hart; and Nina, also in school.
Mr. May affiliates with the Masonic Order and the Royal Arch Chap-
ter, and maintains association with his old army comrades in the Grand
Army post. He has been a Republican since the war, and has been hon-
ored with several township offices, including supervisor. Since his elec-
tion to the office of county treasurer he has moved to Hart, and now
gives all his attention to the duties of that responsible place.
Frank A. Jensen. Now in the third year as superintendent of the
city schools of Hart, Mr. Jensen has performed a service which causes
his administration to be regarded as a new epoch in local education. He
is an exponent of progresssive and practical ideals in education, and
having been a teacher all his active life, he has always been a student, and
by his experience has worked out plans and methods which he has applied
in making the Hart schools vital institutions for the welfare of the
coming generation.
Frank A. Jensen was born in Oceana county, Michigan, February 16,
1879, a son of C. M. and Ella (Moran) Jensen. Grandfather Miller
Jensen, who died in Oceana township in 1903, was for many years a salt
water sailor, but after moving to Michigan settled on a farm. C. M.
Jensen was born in Denmark in 1857, and was brought to America by
his parents in i860. They settled in Oceana county where he has long
been a successful farmer. He is a Republican in politics, and a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife, who was born
in Canada in 1859, also came to America in i860, but her people settled
in Ohio. She came to ^Michigan alone, and until her marriage was em-
ployed as a cook in a lumber camp. She is a member of the Catholic
church. Of their four children, two are living: Mamie, who married
Jerome Dumont, a timekeeper in a factory at Hart ; and Frank .V.
Frank A. Jensen was educated at Pentwater, graduating from the
high school in 1898. Early in that year the outbreak of the Spanish-
American war, he enlisted in Company A, of the Thirty-Fifth Michigan
Volunteers, and went with his regiment to Georgia, remaining in the
1368 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
service nine months. He had the rank of quartermaster sergeant. Fol-
lowing the war he was for two years a student in country schools, and
then attended the Ypsilanti Normal College, and was graduated in 1902
with the degrees of B. I'd. and A. I',. During the following two vears
Air. Jensen taught mathematics in the Normal school, and then for five
years was superintendent of the city schools at Kalkaska, Michigan. His
record as an educator made him well known in different parts of the state,
and in 191 1, he accepted the position of superintendent of city schools
at Hart. He is now in his third year, and has done much to bring the
Hart schools up to a high standard of efficiency. The enrollment of
pupils at this time numbers five hundred and seventy, and they are looked
after by a staff of seventeen teachers. Mr. Jensen is a student as well
as a practical executive, and in the summer of 1913, as a result of post
graduate studies was awarded the degree Master of Arts at Columbia
College at New York City.
Mr. Jensen married Mabel Bloore, who was born in Oceana county.
She died in 1907, leaving two children, Clyde and Agnes, both of whom
are attending school. In 1910 Mr. Jensen married Ruth Bowerman, of
Kalkaska county. Mrs. Jensen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, while he affiliates with the Masonic Order up to and including
the Royal Arch degrees. In politics he is a Republican.
Edw.\ri) p. Mills. Organizer and cashier of the Farmers State
Bank of Montague, Mr. Mills is a third generation representative of a
family identified with western Michigan for upwards of seventy years.
His grandfather was a pioneer who helped clear away the wilderness, his
father has been remarkably successful as a merchant, and the son has
filled up his brief career with fifteen years active connection with banking
and business.
Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, August 25, 1879, Edward P. Mills, is a
son of Lucius W. and Laura ( Kinney ) Mills. The Mills family is of Eng-
lish descent, and the first of the name settled in Massachusetts, during the
colonial epoch. Grandfather Samuel Mills, a native of New York State,
came to Michigan in 1847, settled in Van Buren township, which at that
time was largely a wilderness and by his labors as an early settler, cleared
up a fine farm, reared a family of eight children, and died on the old home-
stead with the love and respect of his descendants, and the esteem of his
community. The mother of Air. Mills was a daughter of A. F. Kinney,
who was a Vermonter by birth, came to Ypsilanti in the early days, and
was one of the pioneer physicians of that section. Lucius W. Mills, who
was born in Genesee county. New York, August 16, 1837, is still living at
the age of seventy-seven. His wife was born at Ypsilanti, Michigan,
August I, 1845, and they were married in Ypsilanti. Lucius Alills was ten
years of age, when his family settled in Van Buren county, and as soon
as he was able he began to assist in those rugged duties of farm labor,
and clearing off the forest and the stumps from the field. He had a dis-
trict schooling, later moved to Ypsilanti, engaged in merchandising, and
finally qualified and became a very successful school teacher. He was
teaching at the time he met Miss Kinney, and served as superintendent of
schools in dift'erent towns and villages, and had just been elected superin-
tendent of schools at Lawrence when his son Edward was born. Early
in the sixties he enlisted in a Michigan Regiment of Cavalry, and saw a
good deal of hard service as a union soldier, participating among other
engagements at Shiloh. He was sergeant of his company. Though in the
hospital as a result of sickness, he was never wounded or captured. At
one time a buckle on his belt turned aside a bullet from a Rebel gun.
After teaching school a number of years, he engaged in merchandising
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1369
and established the Mills Dry Goods Company of Mason. His ha^ been a
very successful career in all its phases. He started his first dry goods
store at Webberville, branched out with growing success, and had two
stores one in !Mason, and one in Lansing. The Lansing store is conducted
by his sons. Lucius Mills has for many years taken an active part in local
political affairs, is a staunch Republican, and has held some offices, having
been honored with places of trust, during his residence at Mason, and
elsewhere. lie is a member of the Presbyterian church, affiliates with the
Maccabees, and is a man, whose career has been one of usefulness, not
only to himself but to his community. Of his five children four are liv-
ing, and the Montague banker was fourth in order of birth, as follows :
F. E. Mills, who is in charge of the dry goods business at Lansing; Wini-
fred, now deceased, was the wife of George Sheldon, a Presbyterian min-
ister of Hartford City, Indiana ; Lucius W. Jr., is in the dry goods busi-
ness at Lansing; the next is Edward; and Susan is the wife of P. W.
Bernard, who is secretary of the A. I. Union of Columbus, Ohio, and has
taken a very prominent part in Columbus politics, and for years was secre-
tary of the noted Columbus Republican Club.
Edward P. Mills spent his youth in dift'erent localities of Michigan,
was graduated in i(Sg7 from the Mason high school, took one year of study
in the Ypsilanti Normal, and about the time he became of age, entered
the Farmers Piank of Mason as bookkeeper. Leaving Mason in 1905,
with a thorough knowledge of banking, and a well tried ability and in-
tegrity, he organized the Farmers State Bank of Montague. However,
the Bank was first established as a private institution, under the name of
L. W. and E. P. Mills, bankers, and it was not until December, ipii, that
it was converted into a state bank. The Farmers State Bank is now a
flourishing and substantial institution, with a capital stock of twenty-
thousand dollars, surplus of two thousand dollars, and the average deposits
which in the highest degree reflect the confidence of the community in the
bank's management, amount to one hundred and thirty-five thousand dol-
lars. Mr. Mills became cashier at the organization of the bank, and his
father was the first president. At the present time, John V^anderwerp, of
Muskegon, is president.
In ig04 Mr. Mills married Mabel Langforfl, a daughter of Dr. G. W.
Langford, of Williamston, Michigan, where he has practiced medicine,
for a number of years. Their two children are Winifred and Margery,
both in school. The family worship at the Presbyterian church, and Mr.
Mills is affiliated with Alasonry, having been secretary of his lodge, and
was secretary of the Knights of Pythias, during his residence in Mason.
Mark B. Covell. President of the State Bank of White Hall, one
of the largest owners of real estate and general business holdings in the
city, Mark B. Covell began his career in Michigan forty years ago with
hardly a dollar to his name. He worked in lumber camps, showed his en-
terprise by eft'ecting employment, and by engaging in any line of endeavor
which would turn an honest dollar, and eventually was on the high-road
to success.
Mr. Covell has shown a sound sense of civic obligation, and while
acquiring individual wealth, has not neglected his responsibilities to the
community.
Mark B. Covell was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, June 26,
1849, a son of Calvin T. and Elizabeth (Coleman) Covell. Grandfather
James Covell was a member of the New York militia, served in the War
of 1812, and was a son of Jonathan Covell, who moved his home from
New York to Pennsylvania about 1816, when only one family had settled
in Bradford county. The Covell ancestry is German. On the maternal
1370 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
side Grandfather Coleman was born in New York State of Irish descent.
Calvin T. Covell was born in Washington county, New York, July 1809,
and died in 1879, while his wife was born in the same year, also in New
York State, and died in 1856. They were married in 1830. Calvin T.
Covell, spent all his active career as a Pennsylvania farmer. He was a
member of the Universalist church, is Republican in politics, and for a
number of years held the office of justice of the peace. He and his wife
were the parents of twelve children, six of whom are living and Mark B.
was the tenth in order of birth. The children still living are mentioned as
follows: Lyman T., living retired in White Hall; Rebecca, wife of Mr.
Staples, of White Hall; Augusta Lewis, a widow, living in White Hall;
Charles E., who is in business with his brother ^lark; Mark B., David
Wilmot, a farmer in Muskegon county.
Mark B. Covell had a common school education in his native county
of Bradford, his early experiences and environments were those of his
father's farm, and when twenty-one years of age, about 1870, he came
west and located in Michigan. His first employment here was in a lumber
camp. At his arrival in this state, his purse contained only two dollars
and a half. Two years in a lumber camp was followed by employment as
Ijookkeeper, after which he and a brother and Capt. P. D. Campbell
operated the boat line to Chicago, had a grocery store, and were active in
various lines, which paid them a sure but steady profit, and thus they laid
the foundation of success; Their -early fortune was acquired largely in
the lumber business, whichthey folltSRtd during the seventies and eighties.
In 1891, Charles E. Covell bought out the other brothers, and he and
Mark have since been partners in the lumber mill and real estate business
at White Hall. • _. _,_.. , , .
In igo2 Mark Cpvell^l^-tisjsted-iiv.th-e organization of the State Bank of
White Hall, with a .capital stock of twenty thousand dollars, and a sur-
plus at this time of ~si-x thousand dollars, andjias served as president of
that substantial institution ever since.
In 1875 ^^^- Covell married Miss Mary Myhra, who was born in Nor-
way and died in 1891 without children. In 1893 ^^ married Mary A.
Wilson, who was born in Scotland, a daughter of William Wilson, a
moulder by trade. They are the parent's of three children : Emeline W.,
who lives at home; Mary Elizabeth, who is a student in the Ypsilanti
Normal School; and Mark B. Jr., also in school. The family are mem-
bers of the Congregational church, Mr. Covell is affiliated with the
Masonic Order, and in politics is Independent. His public service includes
tenure of the offices of treasurer and president of the village and at this
time he is serving in the village council. His possessions include large
land in the vicinity of White Hall, city real estate, and varied connections
with I)usiness enterprise.
J(iiT.\ T. Cooper, M. D. A graduate in medicine in 1902. Dr. Cooper
has been in active practice at Muskegon since 1905. Muskegon is his old
home, having been his place of residence since 1868, at which time his
])arents located there. Dr. Cooper is a very capable physician and sur-
geon, and at the present lime is holding the office of county ])liysician.
|(ilni T. Coo])er is a native of the Netherlands, in which country the
name was siielled Kuiper. He was born there, Feljruary 7, 18(12, a son
of Thys and Maaitc (Wiersme) Cooper. The father was 1)orn in the
Netherlands in 1833, and died in 1885, and the mother was born in 1824,
and died in igio. They crossed the Atlantic, and settled at Muskegon in
1868. The father was a laborer on first arriving in Michigan, later took
U|) llic dairy business, and was on the rcjad In a gencvdus prosperity at
the time nf his death. There were three children, two of whom are yet
Til NIW TOP.K
PWLIC LIBRARY
^f^-r// // ' Q^^^^>^//^
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1371
living. Anna married Cornelius Dupner, who is in the retail meat busi-
ness at Muskegon. The parents were members of the Christian Reform
church, was one of the organizers of that church in Muskegon, it being
the second Dutch church in the city. In politics he was a Republican.
The name of the paternal grandfather was Renze Cooper.
Dr. John T. Cooper was six years of age when the family located at
Muskegon, and he attended the common schools and also the high
school of the city. When he started out he had only forty dollars to his
name, and entered upon his profession only after a long preliminary ex-
perience in business. With Detroit as his headquarters, he spent four-
teen years on the road as a traveling salesman for the Warner Crockery
House. In the meantime his ambition has become set upon a professional
career, and he entered the Michigan College of Medicine and Surgery,
finally becoming a student in the Grand Rapids Medical College, where
he was graduated M. D. in 1902. His first practice w-as at Grand Haven,
where he did well during the three years of his residence, and for two
years was city physician. In 1905 he came to Muskegon, and here has
built up a very satisfactory patronage. In 191 2 he was appointed county
physician, in which office he is giving capable service to the public. Dr.
Cooper is a memljer of the ^Muskegon county and the Michigan State
jMedical Societies, and the American Medical Association. All his time
and energies are devoted to his practice.
In 1886 Dr. Cooper married Jennie Tellman, a daughter of Henry
Tellman. Her father was a very well known citizen of ^Muskegon, served
as supervisor and city alderman, and for a long number of years was
connected with the lumber industry as a saw-filer. To the marriage of
Dr. Cooper and wife have been born six children, Mabel, who married
Dr. William Sigtenhort, who recently graduated from the Chicago Dental
College ; Henry, chief inspector of the Motor Specialty Company : Margie,
who married Robert Harvey and lives in Muskegon ; Theodore, a ma-
chinist in the Motor Specialty Company ; Edna, in high school ; and
Evelyn, in the grammar schools. The family attend church at the Houston
Avenue Reform Church. In politics he is a Republican, and for a num-
ber of years has taken much interest in politics and public life.
Newell Avery. In the great lumbering industry which long consti-
tuted the basis of civic and material prosperity in Michigan, a strong,
resolute and resourceful figure in the pioneer days was the late Newell
Avery. A loyal, liberal and influential citizen of the state, not only through
his operations in the field of lumbering, but as a man of afliairs and strong
personal character, he left a definite and worthy impress upon the history
of the state.
Newell Avery was born in Jefferson, Lincoln county, Maine, on the
12th of October, 1817, and passed the closing years of his life in the city
of Detroit, where his death occurred on the 13th of March, 1877. He was
a son of Enoch and Margaret (Shepherd) Avery, both of whom were
natives of Maine, but their parents were natives of Massachusetts and
representative of staunch old colonial families of that commonwealth,
whence they removed to the state of Maine before the war of the Revolu-
tion. The respective families settled in that part of ancient Pownal-
borough, now called Alna, in Lincoln county, Maine, and both became
worthily identified with the social and industrial development and progress
of that section of the old Pine Tree state. Newell Avery was a branch
of the staunchest of Puritan stock, a descendant of Edward Rossiter, one
of the assistants of Governor John Winthrop; of William Hilton, of the
Fortune, the second trip to Plymouth, in 1621 ; and of John Brown of
Pemat|uid, whose deed of land from the Indians is the first recorded deed
1372 HISTORY OF AIICHIGAX
ill Maine, if not the first such deed in New England. His training and
inlieritance therefore equipped Newell Avery for the vicissitudes and
responsibilities of pioneer life, a life that has always demanded self-
reliance, resourcefulness, and absolute integrity of purpose. The best
type of the New England spirit was manifest in and dominated the course
of Mr. Avery, and he proved himself master of circumstance and of the
opposing forces which would have baffled a man of less vigor, self-reliance
and determination. To such valiant spirit Michigan owes much of its
early development, and the state was fortunate in having his cooperation
in its affairs in the earlier period of its industrial advancement.
The father of Newell Avery had been actively identified with lumber-
ing in Maine, and thus the son early gained the practical experience with
the industry which was to become the medium of his own large and worthy
success. Eleven years of age at the time of his father's death, there thus
fell upon his shoulders when a boy the heavy responsibilities of family
support. His widowed mother was left with ten immature and dependent
children, and under such conditions Newell Avery accepted the heavy lot
of attempting to provide for the support of the household, and thus came
to share in hard and incessant labor and almost manifold privations. The
gold of his character was thus tried in the fire of adversity, and from the
sLorm and stress of those early years was developed his many admirable
powers, although his education so far as books were concerned was of
the most meager order. With a strong and engaging personality, keen
perception and an unusual memory, he was never at a disadvantage in his
intercourse among men, and his varied achievements were those that con-
stituted true success. At the age of fourteen years Newell Avery was
working in a sawmill in the Maine woods, and by hard and self-sacrificing
labors was showing his devotion to his mother and the younger members
of the family. One of the greatest regrets of his later years was that his
loved and unselfish mother was not permitted to live to witness and par-
ticipate in the results of the great success he eventually acquired, but she
had for several years been the pleased witness of his advance toward
larger success and had enjoyed every comfort which his care and means
could suggest.
Mr. Avery's independent business career began with the purchase of a
small tract of pine land, from which he cut the timber and sold it to some
of the larger contractors in the lumber trade. With the growth of his
limited capital and his extending reputation among the lumber, interests,
he found it ])ossible to rent sawmills and to engage as an individual manu-
facturer of lumber. His progress after his independent start was rapid,
and the success which met his practical ventures and the shrewd judgment
which characterized every undertaking soon gave him a prestige and every
assurance of final success.
In 1849 Mr. Avery became associated with his brother-in-law, Jonathan
Eddy, and Simon J. Murphy, two other ambitious young men who were
destined to become representative citizens of Maine, and one of them of
Michigan. They organized the firm of Eddy, Murphy & Company, Mr.
Avery being the silent partner of the firm. Soon after its organization
the firm began operations in the great pine forests of Michigan, and in
1853 Mr. Avery removed with his family to Port Huron, of which city
he was a prominent man and civic factor in the years preceding and during
the Civil war. He served as president of the village board at one time,
and in 1859 was one of the first mayors of the city. His lumber opera-
tions were at first confined to St. Clair county, but gradually extended
until they covered a very considerable part of the entire lower peninsula
of the state. Thousands of acres were bought by him, comprising some
of the finest pine lands in the Saginaw valley, and the firm extended its
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1373
activities until they could be estimated as immense even among the greatest
timber operators in the United States at that time. Mr. Avery gave evi-
dence of his mature judgment and his appreciation of the worth and value
of others by admitting to partnership in the firm certain of his trusted
employees, a system which brought forth effective co-operation and event-
ually the maximum of profit. At one time he was the executive head of
thirteen large lumbering concerns which were operating simultaneously in
different parts of Michigan. Mr. Eddy, the senior member of the original
firm, died in 1864, and the surviving partners purchased his interest in the
business. About that time all of the firm's operations in Maine were
brought to a close, and Messrs. Murphy & Avery established their home
in Detroit, where the firm of Avery & Murphy became one of great promi-
nence and influence. The firm bought large amounts of Detroit real estate
and held extensive properties in other parts of Michigan, and from the
lumbering business as well as from their dealings in real estate Mr. Avery
and Mr. Murphy acquired a place among the most substantial capitalists
of Michigan, and both were of a valued and useful influence in connection
with the civic and material prosperity of their home state.
Though he never manifested any inclination to enter into the arena of
practical politics, Mr. Avery was an active influence in the political life of
Michigan. He was a delegate to some of the national Republican conven-
tions, and had the distinction of being one of the organizers of his i)arty
as a member of the historic company which met "under the oaks" at Jack-
son in 1854. His political influence was important to the party both in
Maine and in Micliigan, and James G. Blaine of the former state and
Zachariah Chandler of the latter frequently consulted with him. While
he was constantly urged to let his name be presented for the highest honors
the state could confer, Mr. Avery was very self-depreciating, his business
cares were great, and he steadily refused to yield to all such solicitations.
Broad-minded and public-spirited, he had a clear comprehension of the
great questions of government and economic policies, and his convictions
were of a character where he could always give "a reason for the faith
that was in him." All that touched the general welfare was a matter of
moment to him, and none had a higher sense of personal stewardship. He
was distinctly anti-slavery in his convictions and had a great admiration
for President Lincoln. An earnest and liberal supporter of the cause of
popular education, Newell Avery did all in his power to further the
growth of the public school system of Michigan, and was a liberal con-
tributor to the Olivet College, maintained at C)livet under the auspices of
the Congregational church. The late Newell Avery was a man of positive
character, steadfast and true in all the relations of life, liberal in his
religious views and always tolerant and kind in his attitude to others. He
commanded respect because he deserved it, and gained confidence and
affection by virtue of his sterling attributes. His success, which was great
from whatever point of view it might be regarded, was the direct result
of his own well ordered efforts, and he wisely used the generous fruits of
his long years of earnest endeavor, giving to the world assurance of strong,
noble and useful manhood. Both he and his wife were valued members
of the Congregational church.
In the year 1S43 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Avery to Miss
Nancy Clapp Eddy, who was born in the state of Maine, a daughter of
Ware Eddy. She was born at Eddington. Penobscot county, a town named
in honor of her illustrious ancestor, Colonel Jonathan Eddy, who was a
gallant oflicer of the patriot forces in the war of the Revolution. The
ground on which the town is situated was granted to Colonel Eddy by the
government in recognition of his services during the struggle for national
independence. After the death of Newell Avery, in 1877, Mrs. Avery was
Vol. in— 11
1374 HISTORY OF .MICHIGAN
left with a large family, only two of whom were married. Her husband's
conlidence in her wisdom was amply justified in the years that followed,
as she was instinctively business-like and just, and always tolerant. The
divisions of many interests was made without recourse to law, to her great
satisfaction.
A much younger but devoted personal friend familiar with her life
history wrote of Mrs. Avery as follows: "Madam Avery was a woman of
strong and unique personality and filled a large place in the towns where
she lived. She had a wide acquaintance and nutch influence, and at the
time of the great fires of Michigan and of Chicago it was she who helped
to meet the appalling situation with a cjuick and practical decision and
with thorough arrangement of the work of relief in her own state. She
was generous and unstinted in her service to the poor, sick and sorrowing ;
to her friends, to her church and to the various organizations in which she
was actively interested. Her strong common sense, her executive aJjility,
her clear-cut honesty of spirit, her shrewd insight, her sense of justice,
were qualities which made her associates lean on her. Modest and abso-
lutely without pretence, she was fearless in the face of difficulty. A New
Englander, descended from many lines of early settlers in New England
(John and Priscilla Alden, the Adams family of Quincy, the Fairbanks
of Dedham, etc.), she was natiu-ally a notable housewife and keen thinker.
The flavor of her native state was in her colloqHialisms and sincere man-
ner, making her interesting to the last. Loyal to her friends, hosts of
friends were bound to her and sought to brighten her last wearisome years
of feebleness."
She lived to the great age of over eighty-six years, retaining to the last
a spirit of energy and helpfulness in spite of a weak body. Her brave
spirit was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her death occurred at the
family residence, 47 Eliot street, Detroit, April 19, 191 1.* Her loss was
especially mourned by a large circle of devoted relatives who had looked
upon her as the venerated head of their family for many years. The
children of Newell and Nancy (Eddy) Avery were as follows: Edward
Orlando, born October 23, 1844, and who married Flora T. Huntington;
Darius Newell, born January 10, 1846, and who married Elizabeth Hol-
brook Dole; Leonard Cooper, born October 18, 1847, ''"d who died
Novemljer 14, 1853, at Port LIuron, Michigan; Clara Arlette, born Janu-
ary 12, 1850, who was liberally educated in Detroit and New York and
became the compiler of a genealogy of her own family and its important
branches; Nancy Margaret, born May 16, 1852, who married Henry W.
Skinner; George Edwin, born April 18, 1854, married Fannie E. Tarbell;
John Herbert, born July 29, 1855, who married Ella Smith ; Horace
Waters, born April 12, 1857, married Luella West; Nellie Jane, born
April 29, i860, married Walter Wheaton Augur; a child born August 20,
1862, died unnamed ; Arthur Ware, born October 21. 1864, at I'ort Huron,
and died there September 16, 1865; Kittie Murphy, born September 13,
1866, and died August 27, 1867; and Harry Eugene, born December 13,
1867, at Detroit.
Lym.\n T. Covell. An old-time lumberman of White Hall, a busi-
ness man of long and successful experience, Lyman T. Covell began his
career without capital, having come to western Michigan when a young
man and starting out as a day laborer in the lumber camp. Since then
he has accumulated a substantial fortune, and while gaining these mate-
rial rewards for himself has also been an important factor in making
western Michigan a land of homes and (if permanent business and in-
dustry.
In' Bradford county, Pennsylvania, Lyiuan T. Covell was born Sep-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1375
tember 30, 1835, a son of Calvin T. and Elizabeth (Coleman) Covell.
His grandfather James Covell was a soldier in the War of 1812, belonged
to the New York State militia, and his great-grandfather Jonathan
Covell was of German parentage and was one of the first settlers in
Bradford county, Pennsylvania, moving thither from New York State in
1816. [ereniiah Coleman, the maternal grandfather, was born in New
York State of Irish stock. Calvin T. Covell was born in Washington
county, New York, July 1809, and died in 1879. He was married in
1830 to !Miss Coleman who was born in New York in 1809 and died in
1856. The father spent all his active career as a Pennsylvania farmer.
There were twelve children, six of whom are living, mentioned as fol-
lows: Lyman T., Rebecca, wife of ]\Ir. Staples, living in White Hall,
Augusta Lewis, a widow, whose home is in White Hall ; Charles V-. in
business with his brother Mark at White Hall ; :\Iark B., of White Hall :
and David Wilmot, a farmer in Muskegon county. The father and
mother were both members of the Universalist faith, he was in politics
a Republican, and for a number of years held the office of justice of
the peace in New York state.
Lyman T. Covell was the first of eight brothers, to come to Michigan
and identify themselves with the industrial and business activities of the
western portion of the state. His arrival in western Michigan and at
White Hall was in the year 1859. For some time he was paid daily wages
as a laborer in the lumber camps and mills. Any kind of work, provided
it was honorable, was acceptable to this vigorous and enterprising young
Pennsylvanian. He had grown up in pioneer times, and had only a lim-
ited education, but his native ability was such that he never suffered in
competition with other business men. In 1864, his experience and his
savings enabled him to procure a small saw mill, and in a modest way
Mr. Covell began cutting logs into lumber. The size and capacity of the
plant were gradually increased, and eventually he expended a large part
of his resources in investments in timber lands, and his prosperity owing
to his good judgment and energetic handling seldom had any reverses,
and none of any importance. In 1873 Mr. Covell engaged in the coal trade
as a side issue, and at the present time has developed this as a very large
enterprise, running both a coal and lumber yard. For a number of years
he has conducted a mil! for the manufacture of shingles, the shingle mill
being operated in conjunction with his luml)er mill. Mr. Covell is one
of the stock holders and directors of the State Bank of White Hall.
Among other interests he has a large farm in the county.
In 1867 Mr. Covell married Eunice C. Hobler, whose father Peter
Hobler was born in Germany, and came to ^^'hite Hall in young man-
hood, becoming a very successful lumberman. Mr. Covell's two chil-
dren are : George E., cashier of the State Bank of White Hall ; and
Frank H., associated with his father in the coal and lumber trade. The
family are members of the Congregational Church, his fraternity is the
Masonic, and in politics he is an active Republican. His public service
includes membership on the town board, and on the school board, and
he has always willingly lent his assistance and cooperation to every pub-
lic enterprise.
Joseph M. Frost, A. M., M. Pd. The present superintendent of the
Muskegon City schools has made education his life's work, and fully
thirty years of his career has been identified with this vocation. He has
held' responsible places in some of the best known academic institutions
of the country, and has been superintendent at Muskegon since 1963.
Mr. Frost is an educational executive of exceptional ability and ex])eri-
ence, possesses the spirit of the modern teacher, is constantly working for
i;376 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
progressive measures, and has done much to make the schools of Muske-
gon, a useful factor in the common life of the people of that city.
Joseph M. Frost was born at Montour Falls, Schuyler county, New
York, March 22, 1859, the oldest of five children four sons and one
daughter, born to LeGrand W. and Isabelle (Prince) Frost. The pater-
nal grandparents were Joseph and Sally (McCarty) Frost, natives of
Connecticut, who came to New York and bought a farm, but the grand-
father soon afterwards died of smallpox. The grandmother lived to be
seventy-eight years of age. Originally the P'rost family came to America
from Fngland, and had one of its members an American soldier in the
Revolutionary war. The maternal grandparents were James and Army
Prince, natives of England. Both LeGrand W. and Isabelle Frost were
natives of New York. The father, born in 1828, is still living. The
mother was born in 1838, and died in 1904. Until his retirement in 1903,
the father was a successful farmer at ^lontour Falls, where he now
resides. He was a very young man when he moved to Montour Falls,
and the death of his father from smallpox soon afterwards threw the
burden of family responsibility upon the young man, and he at once took
charge of aft'airs, paid for the farm and from that time forward pros-
pered, buying much other land and eventually becoming one of the sub-
stantial citizens of Schuyler county. All the family were active mem-
bers of the Episcopal church, and the father is a Republican in politics,
having given his allegiance to that party since its founding, back in the
decade of the fifties. He has taken much interest both in church affairs
and in public life. There are four children still living. Professor Frost
is a twin brother of James P. Frost, who is a resident of Montour Falls
in New York, is one of the state road inspectors, and has served in pub-
lic office for the past fifteen years. Charles L. is engaged in the insur-
ance business at Montour Falls ; Alexander G. is manager of the Sorosis
Shoe Company of Chicago.
Joseph M. Frost attended school in his native locality first in the
Cook Academy of Montour Falls, and later the Hobart College at Geneva.
Subsequently he was a student of the University of Chicago, where he
did post-graduate work. He received his degrees of A. B. and Phi Beta
Kappa at Hobart College in 1884, and was given his Master's degree at
the same institution in 1889. In 1910 he received the degree of M. Pd.
from the Michigan State Normal College. His career as, a teacher began
in 1884, when he became principal of the Hudson Academy at Hudson,
New York, where he remained seven years serving as Superintendent of
Schools during the last three years. He then went to Faribault, Minne-
sota, where he was instructor in English at the Shattuck Military school.
He spent seven years at Faribault, and later for four years was superin-
tendent of schools at Lacon, Illinois. This was followed by a period as
superintendent of schools at Hinsdale. Illinois, and in 1903 he was elefted
superintendent of schools at Muskegon.
Mr. Frost in 1885 married Miss Helen B. Hippie, a daughter of George
Hippie. Her father was a merchant at Geneva, New York. Mr. and
Mrs. Frost have one child, Arthur L., twenty-seven years of age, a grad-
uate of Cornell University in the class of 1909, and now in the employ
of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company at New Haven. Connecticut.
Mr. Frost and family worship in the Episcopal church. He has been
prominent both in the York and Scottish Rites of Masonry, has taken
thirty-two degrees in the latter, and is a Knight Templar. He served as
junior warden of the Blue Lodge at Hudson. New York. In politics he
is a Progressive Republican. He has been an active factor in the civic
and social life of Muskegon, has generously accepted all opportunities
for service both within and without the schools, and the city owes much
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1377
to him for the improvements of local education during the past ten years.
Mr Frost is now president of the Western Michigan Round Table, and
the Michigan Schoolmasters Club.
James Thomas Whitehead. In the iron and steel business at De-
troit one of the prominent figures for a number of years has been James
Thomas Whitehead, president of the Whitehead & Kales Iron Works.
His relations with the industry have been as an organizer, and manager
of large interests, and his presence has proved a stimulating influence
not only in this line of manufacturing but in connection with a number
of the industrial and financial enterprises of the city. For more than
half a century the Whitehead family has been identified with Detroit
and vicinity. James Thomas Whitehead is a native of Waynes
county, born at Wyandotte, Michigan, September 28, 1864, a son
of the late James and Mary (McEvoy) Whitehead. James Whitehead,
who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1831, came to the United States
in 1852. From Boston, Massachusetts, where he spent four years, he
came to Detroit in 1856, and for several years engaged in the mercantile
business in this city. Moving to Wyandotte, he became identified with
a similar business in that locality, and so continued tmtil his death in
1873. Mary (McEvoy) Whitehead was born in Halifax, Novia Scotia
in 1S31, her parents having been natives of the north of Ireland. After
her husband's death she brought her family to Detroit, and died in that
city in 1908.
At Wyandotte, James T. Whitehead li\cd until he was about ten
years of age, and since that time his home has been in Detroit. His
education proceeded partly from the public schools and partly from the
Detroit F)Usiness University. In 1879, at the age of fifteen Mr. White-
head began his business career by entering the employ of the firm of
Rathbone, Sard & Company of Detroit. Nine years with that firm laid
the foundation of experience for his own career. In 1888 Mr. White-
head began business on his own account at Detroit, and since that time
to the present has been identified with the various lines of the steel and
iron business. In 1899 Mr. William R. Kales became associated with
him under the firm name of Whitehead & Kales.
In 1905 the industry was incorporated under the title of Whitehead
& Kales Iron Works, of which corporation Mr. Whitehead became presi-
dent, the office wdiich he still holds. His interest extends to many other
local enterprises. He is a vice president of the Kales-Haskell Com])any
of Detroit, a director in the jMichigan Copper & Brass Rolling Mills, a
director in the Peninsular State Bank of Detroit, and vice-president and
director of the Highland Park State Bank.
The marriage of Mr. Whitehead on April 8, 1885, united him to
Miss Ida Marie Frazer, daughter of Abram Carley Frazer of Detroit.
Their familv of children are James Frazer Whitehead. Thomas Cram
Whitehead, Mary Elizabeth Whitehead, and Walter Kellogg Whitehead.
Well known in club life. Air. Whitehead belongs to the Detroit Athletic
(new), the Detroit Club, the Detroit Boat Club, and is a member and
in 1909-10 was a director of the Detroit Board of Commerce. A mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church for several years he has been a vestryman
of St. Paul's Cathedral.
Edward S. Lyman. Though one of the younger members of the
Muskegon bar, Edward S. Lyman has quickly taken rank as a leader
in his profession, enjoys a good practice, and possesses the confidence of
a large circle of ac(|uaintances in his county. Mr. Lyman had to work
1378 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
hard in order to fit himself for professional work, and is in the best sense
a self-made man.
Edward S. Lyman was born in Muskegon, September 20, 1881, a
son of M. W. and IMinnie (De\'oe) Lyman. His father was born in
Connecticut in 1852, a son of Frederick and Caroline (Whitten) Lyman,
who were also natives of Connecticut and descendants of an old fam-
ily originally founded in the colonies from England. The grandparents
moved from Connecticut out to Kansas, and the grandfather was a
farmer by occupation. The maternal grandfather, William Devoe, a
native of New York, moved from ^Michigan to New Jersey in 1838,
only two years after Michigan was admitted to the Union. I-Ie was a
farmer and later had a drug business in Kansas. He died in Michigan.
M. W. Lyman and wife were married in 1874 in Kansas. His education
was received partly in Connecticut, and partly in Kansas, and his voca-
tion throughout most of his career has been farming. He now lives re-
tired in the city of Muskegon. There are four children in the family:
William D., a physician at Grand Rapids; Helen, at home, and a gradu-
ate of the Muskegon high school ; E. S. Lyman ; and Fred W., who is
employed in the offices of the Brunswick-Balke-CoUender Company at
Muskegon. The family are active church members and the father is a
Republican in politics. ' \ ^ 'y'i!
Edward S. Lymap graduated-, from ;.the Muskegon high school in
igoi. He was then ;twenty ydats of age, and with an ambition to be-
come a lawyer he found employment at rqeager wages in a law office,
where he remained five years, and gained 'much practical equipment to
serve him later. He thefT entered the iavV school at Valparaiso, Indiana,
and was graduated LLl B". 1'n 1909. For the first year he tried a west-
ern field, spending some time at Livingston, Montana, but returned to
Muskegon in March, 1910, and established an oilice here. Since then
he has enjoyed a good general law practice, and has license to practice
in all the courts of the state. He is also circuit court commissioner.
On June 18, 1913, Mr. Lyman married Sarah Hart, formerly of Oska-
loosa, Iowa, and a daughter of William Hart, a real estate dealer. Mr.
Lyman has membership in the Episcopal church, and is affiliated with
Lovell Moore Lodge No. 182, A. F. & A. M., and with the Knights of
Pythias. In politics he is Republican.
Clark E. Higbee is undeniably one of the most successful of the
younger generation of the representatives of the legal profession, and his
career thus far has been one that is well worthy of mention. He is'now
Judge of Probate for Grand Rapids, an office to which he was appointed
early in 1912, and was some months later elected to the post. He is now
serving his first year in the office, and is proving his fitness for the posi- ,
tion with every passing day. Judge Higbee is a native son of Michigan,
born in Potterville, Eaton county, on April 28, 1883, and he is a son of
Lewis E. and Ella A. (Cranston) Higbee.
Lewis E. Higbee was born in Niagara county, New York, in the year
1846, and he died at the age of sixty-two in 1908. The mother, who is
a native of Michigan, born in Livingston county, in 1856, still lives. They
were married in 1881 in Barry county, Michigan, and the father practiced
medicine at Potterville, Michigan, for thirty-five years. He was regarded
as a successful country physician, and performed his full measure of good
and kindly deeds in his capacity as medical adviser for his fellows, so
that his life was filled to the uttermost. If he did not always get his re-
ward in coin of the realm, it mattered little t(j him. for he was of that
type of generous and kindly men who feel that the knowledge of a duty
well performed carries with it its own reward.
iiri nw TtiM
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1379
Dr. Higbee was a son of Clark Pligbee, who was born in Sullivan
county, New York, and who came to Michigan in about 1851. He settled
on a farm in Williamstown and passed his remaining days in devotion
to the care of his farm. He was a soldier in the Civil war and saw much
of active and strenuous service, contracting illness during the term of his
service that never left him and which eventually caused his death.
The maternal grandfather of the subject was one Thomas Cranston,
a native New Yorker, who came to Michigan and settled in Livingston
county. He is remembered as being the first man who successfully propa-
gated or attempted the propagation of hops in Michigan. The Cranston
family, it should be said, came to America from Scotland in 1648, set-
tling in Rhode Island. Two of the first governors of Rhode Island were
Cranstons of this family, and one of them married a datighter of Roger
Williams of historic fame. One of the Cranston men served throughout
the Revolutionary war and also in King Philip's war, and others of the
name have occupied positions of prominence in their various communi-
ties through many generations of right-living.
Three children were born to Lewis E. and Ella (Cranston) Higbee.
Clark E.. of this review, was the first born. Hal P., the second son, is
engaged in business in Grand Rapids ; and Ida R. is employed in the office
of her brother, Clark E.
Clark E. Higbee finished his common school education in Nashville,
Michigan, in 1901, after which he entered the University at Ann Ar-
bor. He was graduated from the law department in 1906, after which
he came to Grand Rapids with the intention of opening up an office. In
three days' time he had formed a partnership with Mr. S. W. Barker
and for one year they continued to be associated together, after which
Mr. Higbee withdrew and continued alone in practice. He was assistant
city attorney for three years, and had worked up an excellent practice
by the time he was appointed to the office of Probate Judge in 191 2. He
was nominated for the post later in the year and elected, beginning his
service as the duly elected incumbent in January, 1913. As Judge of
Probate he has in charge the alTairs of the Juvenile Court as well as those
of the Probate Court, and is one of the busiest men in the city. He has
always had an interest in the politics of his city and has been active in all
matters relative to the civic welfare of the community.
It is a fact worthy of mention that while Judge Higbee was awarded
his diploma at Ann Arbor in the last year in which President James
Burrell Angell officiated, his father. Dr. Higbee, received his diploma
at the hands of President Angell in the first year of his service in
that office.
In 1909 Judge Higbee was married to Miss Grace A. Baker of Nash-
ville, Michigan. Like him, she was a graduate of Ann Arbor, and she
is a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. I. Baker. Her parents are both prac-
ticing physicians of Nashville.
Two daughters have been born to Judge and Mrs. Higbee, — Ellen and
Doris. The family are members of the Congregational church, and the
Judge is a Mason with affiliations in the Royal Arch Masons, the Knights
Templar and the Shrine. It should also be stated that as a stanch Re-
publican, he is a member of the Young Men's Republican Club of Grand
Rapids, and served as president of the club one year.
George Morris West. A resident of Detroit since 1891, Mr. West
is identified with the business community as a broker in the handling
of high-grade securities, with office in the Union Trust building. In
local financial circles Mr. West has long been prominently known, and
in the past twenty years he has probably handled as great a volume of
1380 HISTORY OK MICHIGAN
investments in commercial ;ni(l industrial securities as an\' otlier broker-
age office in Detroit.
iSorn at Indianapolis, Indiana, April 7, 1869, a son of George H.
and Susan V. (Strilclior) West, Mr. West is descended from one of
the oldest New England families. The founder of the name on this side
of the Atlantic was Francis West, a native of Salisbury, Wiltshire, Eng-
land, where he was born in 1606. He came, in 1628, to Duxbury, A'las-
sachusetts, which colony remained his home until his death in 1692. He
married Margery Reeves and his son, Samuel West, was born at Dux-
bury in 1643, «i''"^I married Trytbosa Partridge, whose grandfather,
Stephen Tracy, related him to another prominent New England family.
Samuel West died at Duxbury in 1689 «i"d li's wife in 1701. Francis
West, son of Samuel and Trytbosa, was born at Duxburv in 1669, died
in May, 1739, and was known in bis community as Deacon Francis West.
His marriage to Mercy Minor connected him with an old Massachu-
setts family. Samuel, a son of Deacon Francis, was born at .Stonington,
Connecticut, in 1699, and died at Tolland in the same colony in February,
1779. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Delano, of the old
colonial family of DeLanoy, of French origin. To .Samuel and .Sarah
was born a son, Samuel, at Tolland in March, 1732, and who died at
his native town in November, 1792. His wife was Sarah Lathrop,
who was born at Tolland in 1740 and died at Pittsfield, Massachusetts,
in May, 1784. Their son Frederick was born at Tolland in April, 1767,
and died there in October, 1813. Frederick West was married at Pitts-
field, Massachusetts, to Anna Cadwell, who was born at Pittsfield in
March, 1776, a daughter of Major Daniel and Anna (Dwight) Cadwell,
her father having gained his title by service in the war of the Revolution.
Anna (Cadwell) West died at Pittsfield in 1S39. long after the death
of her husband.
Henry Franklin West, a son of Frederick and Anna, and grandfather
of the Detroit business man, was born at Pittsfield in March, 1796. and
died at Indianapolis, Indiana, in November, 1856. At the time of his
death he was mayor of Indianapolis. As one of the earlv settlers of
Indianapolis, he had long been an influential citizen, had established and
conducted the first book store there, under the name of H. F. West &
Co., and that business became the nucleus from which was evolved the
present extensive publishing house of P.obbs, Merrill iv Company. One
other fact of bis progressive citizenship at Indianapolis deserves men-
tion. It was be who introduced the teaching of elocution into the public
schools throughout Indiana, and in manv other ways his influence was
felt in that early tity. Henry F. West married Betsey Mitchell, who
was born at Southbury, Connecticut, in .April, 1795, and who died at
Davton, Ohio, in April, 1842. Her parents were fared and Sarah Ann
(King) Mitchell.
George Herman West, son of FTenry F. West, was born at Pulaski,
Oswego county, New York, November 22, 1830. In 1840 moved to
Dayton, Ohio, after leaving Rochester, New York, and in 1844 estab-
lished his home at Indianapolis. In the latter city he received the
greater part of bis education, and for many years was engaged in the
wholesale and retail queenswarc business, and subsequently became sec-
retary and treasurer of the Masonic Mutual Benefit Society, an insur-
ance organization at Indianapolis. Resigning that work in 1895, he
moved to Detroit, which city remained bis home until his death on
October 13, 1903. George IT. West married Susan Virginia Stritcbor,
who was born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, .August 29, 1834, a daugh-
ter of Joseph Innis and Alniir.a (Filler) Slritchor. Mrs. West died at
Detroit May 15, 1906. Their three children were: Frank, now de-
HISTORY 01< MICHIGAN 1381
ceased, who was for twenty-three years in the brokerage business at
Detroit in the firm of Baird & West; George Moi-ris ; and Miss Hessie
Mitchell West is historian of the Mayflower Society of Detroit.
The school days of George M. West were spent in Indianapolis, his
high school conrse having been followed by study in Sewell Military
Academy of that city. Since taking up his residence at Detroit, in iSqi,
he has been continuously in the brokerage and investment business, has
built up a fine clientage, and gives special attention to the handling of
high-class securities. Mr. West belongs to the Detroit Board of Com-
merce, the Detroit Club, the Detroit Boat Club, the Country Club, the
Automobile Club, and by reason of his New England ancestrv has mem-
bership in the Society of the Sons of the Revolution and in the' Mayflower
Society. *
John C. Nichols. With residence at Charlotte, John C. Nichols
is well known both as an attorney and farmer in Eaton county. With a
practice covering a quarter of a century, he now ranks among the lead-
ing lawyers in this part of the state, but is almost equally well known
through his enterprise as a farmer and stock man.
The Nichols family has lived in Eaton county since the early days,
and Mr. Nichols is a native son of the county in which his entire career
has been spent. He was born at Chester, Eaton county, July 21, i86s. the
oldest son of Robert and Ann Jane (Clements) Nichols^ His father,
who was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, in 1827, after spending his
youth and acquiring some education there, emigrated to America, was
engaged in farming in Eaton county for several years and finally moved
to Charlotte, where his death occurred in 1908. His wife was born in
1839 and died in 1913. Three of their five children are living, and one
son, Robert H. Nichols, Jr., is a graduate of the State University at Ann
Arbor and is now engaged in practice at Leslie, Michigan.
After graduating from the Charlotte High School in 1884, John C.
Nichols studied law while employed by Daniel P. .Sagendorph of Char-
lotte, later by the firm of Dean & McCall, and subsequently was a student
in the offices of Huggett & Smith, one of the prominent law firms of
Eaton county. .Xfter about four years of study and working his own
way he was admitted to the bar in 1888 by the Circuit Court. Since
opening his office as an attorney, his service as counsel has given Mr.
Nichols place among the successful few in the Eaton county bar. How-
ever, much of his time has been spent in looking after his farming inter-
ests. His place of about a thousand acres in Eaton county is conducted
as a stock farm, for the raising of high-grade cattle, hogs, sheep and
horses, and is regarded as one of the best improved and most valuable
estates in that section of Michigan.
On November 30, 1892, Mr. Nichols married Miss Bertha A. Dorman,
daughter of Julius H. and Jeannette (Barnes) Dorman. With no chil-
clren of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have reared in their home a
little daughter named Marie Nichols.
Mr. Nichols is active in Masonic circles, being affiliated with Char-
lotte Lodge No. 120, A. F. & A. M., with Charlotte Chapter No. 82, R.
A. M.. with Charlotte Commandery No. 37, Knights Templar, with Char-
lotte Council No. 36, R. & S. M.. and with Saladin Temple of the Mystic
Shrine at Grand Rapids. He also belongs to the subordinate and encamp-
ment degrees of Odd Fellowship. In politics a Republican, Mr. Nichols
has filled the offices of justice of the peace and circuit court commis-
sioner. His city home is at 723 N. Cochrane avenue. He is an enter-
prising business man, has a wide acquaintance over the county, and
occupies a position of independence and influence in the community.
1382 HISTORY OF AIICHIGAN
Frank E. Leonard. Since the time of early settlement in western
Michigan, Grand Rapids has known and been influenced by no one family
to a greater extent in its general business development than that of Leon-
ard. Two generations of the name have alike been distinguished for
remarkable business talents, enterprise and large public spirit, and two
of the foremost commercial establishments of the city at the present time
are the result of the Leonard family's executive abilities and enterprise.
The H. Leonard & Sons mercantile house has a continuous business his-
tory of sixty years, and was founded by the father of its present pro-
prietors. More important in the value of its output as one of the largest
manufacturing concerns of Grand Rapids is the Grand Rapids Refriger-
ator Company, the largest of its kind in the world, and with a payroll
amounting to about se^en thousand dollars every week. This company is
the product of the business originality and talent of the second generation
of the Leonard family, and Frank E. Leonard is vice-president, his asso-
ciate being Charles H. Leonard, and the entire stock of the company is
owned within their families.
Heman Leonard, a son of Jonathan Leonard and a grandson of Silas
Leonard, was born April 30, 1812, in Parma, New York, and was one of
the very early settlers in western Michigan and actively interested in all
that related to his community, where he was esteemed as a man of in-
tegrity and sound business judgment by all who knew him. He lived to
see Grand Rapids change from an Indian trading post to a modern city,
and while his business relations were of increasing importance he also
held several minor offices in the early days of the village and the later city.
At the age of twenty-one Heman Leonard went to Canada, spent two
years there employed in the carpenter's trade, in farming and in other
work, and became a resident of Michigan in 1836. After about a year
spent on a farm near Adrian, he moved to Sturgis, and in 1842 came to
Grand Rapids. In the early days of that village he was known as the
proprietor of the Eagle hotel for some time, but in 1844 engaged in the
grocery trade at 31 Monroe street. His stock of goods also included
crockery, and gradually all his attention was concentrated upon that
department, and the business was conducted from about 1863 as an ex-
clusive crockery house. Heman Leonard continued in business through-
out his life, and his sons, Charles H., Frank E. and Fred H. Leonard,
joined in the business as they grew into manhood.
Heman Leonard's first wife was Maria Goodrich, and they were mar-
ried May 7, 1841, and her death occurred June 26, 1842. On September
10, 1845, he married her sister, Jane A. Goodrich, who died December
25, 1862. His third wife was Maria P. Winslow, daughter of Dr. Wins-
low, a pioneer settler of Grand Rapids. They were married June 14,
1864, and she died about one year before her husband on June 15, 1883.
His death occurred February 21, 1884, at his residence on the corner of
Commerce and Fulton streets, on the site of the block yet owned by
Charles H. and Frank E. Leonard and occupied as a wholesale store in
continuation of the original establishment, started on a modest scale first
as a grocery and then as a crockery store by their father fifty years ago.
ITeman Leonard suffered a stroke of paralysis in 1872, and never fully
recovered his powers. His body now rests in the Fulton street cemetery.
Frank E. Leonard, who was born at Grand Rap'ids April 8, 1S55, a
son of ITcman and lane A. Goodrich Leonard, grew up in Grand Rapids,
finished the high scliool course in 1871 and was soon taken into the store
with his father and brother Charles, and has always been actively identi-
fied with the family business, which has prospered so many years in Grand
Rapids that it is regarded as an institution as well as a private business
house. The business was continued in the Monroe street store until 1900,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1383
when the retail department was closed, and the trade confined exclusively
to wholesale. The company now employs six men as traveling repre-
sentatives throughout the lower peninsula of Michigan, who carry the
goods and the reputation of the Leonard name among retail merchants
and dealers throughout this section.
While the business established by Heman Leonard seventy years ago
has always been considered the chief interests of the family, it has long
since been surpassed in value and importance by the manufacture of
refrigerators which is now the largest concern of its kind in the world
and which has been carried on from a modest beginning more than thirty
years ago by the brothers, Charles and Frank E. It was in 1882 that
these brothers made their first refrigerator, starting with a small shop
and with modest equipment. Under their united Energies has developed
a business second to none of its kind in the world, and the output, from
supplying a small local trade, goes in carload lots to all parts of the coun-
try. The brothers own all the stock, and the capital and surplus of the
company are seven hundred thousand dollars. Some idea of the splen-
did success of the business is shown by the figures indicating tlie sales
for the year 1913, which amounted to $1,100,000 for_ refrigerators alone,
while the company also manufacture several side lines of refrigerator
supplies and equipments. Mr. Frank Leonard has for fifteen years been
a director of the Grand Rapids Savings Bank.
On October 12, 1881, was celebrated his marriage to Sarah E. Pierce.
Her father, George R. Pierce, of Grand Rapids, is a machinist and engi-
neer. Two children have been born to their marriage: Evelyn, born
February 28, 1883; and Franklin E., born January i, 1889. The daugh-
ter, Evelyn, was married June 7, 1905, to Noyes L. Avery, who is con-
nected with the stock and "bond department of the Michigan Trust Com-
pany, and their two children are named Noyes L. Jr. and Elizabeth
Avery. The son, Franklin, graduated from Harvard University in 1912,
and is now on the road selling the goods of the Grand Rapids Refriger-
ator Company.
Mr. Leonard and family worship in the Fountain Street Baptist
church, of which he has been a trustee for twenty years, is a Repub-
lican in politics, is affiliated with York Lodge of Masons, and has mem-
bership in the Kent Country Club, the Peninsular Club and the Plainfield
Country Club.
Frank W. Wilson, M. D. Both professional success and influential
activity as a citizen have marked the career of Dr. Wilson during his resi-
dence in Michigan, and since 1900 he has been a physician and surgeon
at Muskegon. "Few physicians of that city have accomplished more or
gained higher recognition in their profession than Dr. Wilson.
Frank" W. Wilson was born in Ontario, Canada, February 0, 1854.
His father, Andrew Wilson, born in Kilkenney, Ireland, in 1810, died in
1898. Andrew Wilson came to America in 1835. and on the same boat
was Miss Maria Worthington, who was born at Kilkenney, Ireland, May
24, 1819 and died in 1897. These two Irish emigrants settled at 'i'olcdo.
Ohio, where in 1836 they were married. From there they moved to
Canada in 1837. The father was a Canadian farmer, was honored with
local offices, and was a man of substantial influence. There were nine
children in the family, five of whom are living, and the doctor was seveiUli
in order of birth. Robert Wilson, the oldest, was a minister in the Ei)is-
copal church for thirty-six years, and all of his service was near London.
Canada. The five liv'ing children are mentioned as follows: Henry, is
a retired fanuer in Ontario, Canada, and made a comfortable fortune;
Tohn, lives at Lake Linden, Michigan, where he is editor of the Native
1384 inSTORY OF ^IICHIGAN '
Copper Times; the tliird is Dr. Wilson ; Arthur is an attorney in Canada ;
and Mary, married R. G. liurgess, a Congregational minister living in
Illinois. The parents were members of the Episcopal failh, the father
was in politics a Conservative.
Frank W. Wilson as a boy attended the common schools of his native
province and had very primitive surroundings while growing up. He at-
tended one of the old-fashioned log school houses, without any floor ex-
cept the bare ground, and with logs and rough-hewn planks for benches
and seats. Later he made up for early deficiencies of training, and in
1876, entered the medical department of the State University of Mich-
igan, where he was graduated M. D. in 1879. His practice was begun
at Shelby, where he lived twenty-nine years, and had a practice second
to none among the physicians in that vicinity. Much of his work was in
the country, which involved long rides, and eventually his work became
too severe a strain upon his physical ability, and in consequence he left
Shelby and moved to Muskegon in 1909. Since that time he has con-
fined his attention to a city practice which in six months after locating
here became as extensive as his business formerly aggregated in Shelby.
In 1884, Dr. Wilson married Jessie R. Rankin, a daughter of Daniel
II. Rankin. Her father was a Michigan man and was long engaged in
the charcoal and iron business, being successful but dying at the prime
of life. To Dr. Wilson and wife have been born four children, two of
whom are deceased. Grace is now in the last year at Oliver College, and
Alice Kathleen is also a student at Olivette. Dr. Wilson is a meml)er of
the Episcopal church, has taken the Royal Arch degrees in Masonry, and
in politics is a Democrat. Most of his time is devoted to his professional
work, although he is a great lover of fine horses and is the owner of some
pacing and trotting horses, which he looks after during the track season"
William E. Grove. The life and career of Judge William E. Grove
has been one of the broadest usefulness in its character, and has ex-
tended over a long period of years. He is yet active and influential in
the city of Grand Rapids, where he has maintained a continuous resi-
flence for something more than fifty years, and has a leading place among
the legal men of the city and county. His service as Judge has included
the offices of Justice of the Peace and of Judge of the Circuit Court, to
the latter of which he had his first election in 1888, though he began to
serve after his appointment on September 15, 1888, to fill out an unex-
pired term, made vacant by the death of Judge Montgomery. Judge
Grove served for nearly twelve continuous years, and the high character
of his rulings on the bench won him a popularity in judicial circles and
with the general public that was most pleasing. The Judge was born in
Geneva, New York, and some mention of his parents and ancestry, though
it must of necessity be brief, will serve to establish him as the representa-
tive of an old American family.
William E. Grove was born on November 27, 1833, and is a son of
Martin and Ruth (Fulton) Grove. The father was born in the state of
Pennsylvania on September 27, 1797, and died in the year 1888. The
mother was a native New Yorker, born there on November 18. 1807, and
she passed away in June, 1893. They were married in New York on
March 18, 1828, and there spent a good many years of their life.
Martin Grove was a carpenter in the early days of his career, but he
later turned his attention to farming activities and continued thus for a
good many years. He retired from active affairs of that nature a few
years ])rio'r to his death and in 1880 he moved to Michigan, where he
passed away in 1888, as has already been stated. To him and his good
wife eight children were born, of whom mention will he made in a later
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1385
paragraph. 'Sir. Grove was a Mason, and a Democrat in politics. He was
all his life a member of the Presbyterian church, and when the United
Presbyterian church came out of the reorganization of the church he
joined forces with that denomination and ended his days as a member of
the Westminster Presbyterian church at Grand Rapids. He was a son
of Jacob Grove, a native Pennsylvanian, who passed his entire life in
that state, and was a son of Peter Groff, the name having been thus ren-
dered in the early days. Peter Groff, it should be said, was a refugee
from Holland, and after his location in Peimsylvania he married and
settled in York county, where he ended his days. He raised a fine family
of twelve children, many of whom perpetuated the family name, so that
the house of Groff, or Grove, as it has in later generations been rendered,
is widespread in the United States.
The maternal grandfather of Judge Grove was James Fulton. He
was born in Pennsylvania, but in early manhood settled in New York
state, where he ended his days late in life. He was a volunteer for service
in the War of 1812, and reached Buffalo just as peace was declared, so
that he saw no active service in that skirmish at arms.
William E. Grove was educated in the country schools of New York
state, and while yet in his teens he began .teaching, and for three years
was thus engaged. He later attended Union High school at Geneva and
was there prepared for college, also receiving some training in a prepara-
tory way at Swift's Academy. He then entered Hobart's College at Ge-
neva, and at the close of his junior year there he came to Grand Rapids,
here beginning the study of law under the tutelage of Holmes & Robin-
son, attorneys of the city at that time. He was admitted to the bar on
March 5, 1859, and began the practice of his profesion in that spring.
In that year was established in legal practice a man who has had a career
that is most pleasing to contemplate, both in its phases of usefulness and
beneficence, as well as in its aspects of personal advancement and success
along general lines.
Judge Grove was elected justice of the peace in i860 and he served
for four years in that office, and on September 15, 1888, he was appointed
to the circuit bench to fill out an unexpired term. In November he was
the candidate of the Republican party for the office, and the nearly
twelve years that followed he was the continuous occupant of the circuit
bench for his district. Though his first nomination came from the Re-
publicans, he was in later years the nominee of the Democrats, Repub-
licans and the People's parties.
In September, 1884, Judge Grove was married to Miss Jennie Cas-
well, who came to Grand Rapids with her mother in 1880 from Kingston,
New York. Three children have been born to them, one dying in infancy,
and the remaining two are: William Martin, of this city, and Caroline
Ruth, who lives at home.
Judge Grove and his family are members of tlie First M. E. church
and he is president of the Board of Trustees. He is a member of the
A. F. & A. M., the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the latter
order having passed through all chairs. The Judge has a leading position
among his fellow men in the city that has so long been his home, and he
is in every respect worthy of the high regard that is accorded to him.
Other members of the Grove family are here mentioned as follows :
John H. Grove, the oldest living member of the family of eight, of which
the subject was the second, is an engineer and machinist of this city, now
eighty-two years of age; and Mary G., who married Edwin F. Whiting,
and now lives in Los Angeles. The other five are deceased.
Cii.ARLES E. Moore. A Muskegon lumber dealer whose commercial
rating and esteem in the community arc of the highest, Mr. Moore knows
13S6 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
the vicissitudes of business, and has come to success througli the avenue
of difticulties and from beginning in very modest circumstances. Five
years ago when he started as a lumber dealer, his capital was only nine
hundred dollars, and it was his experience, his known ability and integ-
rity which were the most important factors in his successful progress.
Charles E. Moore was born in Ontario, Canada, May 5, 1859, and
is a son of Simon P. and Louisa (Keeler) ]\Ioore, the former of whom
was likewise a native of Ontario, and of staunch German lineage,' and
the latter a native of New York. Simon P. Moore was reared and edu-
cated in his native provinces, and acquired the trade of carpenter, and
on coming to Michigan he located near Spring Lake in Ottawa county,
and followed his trade both at Spring Lake and Grand Haven. He is one
of the leading contractors and builders of Ottawa county, was a man
of sterling character, he and his wife were devout members of the Bap-
tist church, in which he is an official and his politics was Republican and
he was devoted to the best ideals of citizenship. Simon Moore was a
son of Peter Moore, a native of Pennsylvania. The Moore family was
established in America by three brothers, who came from Germany, one
settling in Pennsylvania, one in Tennessee, and one in the state of New
York. Peter Moore later moved to the Province of Ontario, where he
was a farmer.
Charles E. Moore when eight years of age, in 1867, accompanied his
parents to Ottawa county, Michigan. He was trained in a country school,
worked on the home farm until he was nineteen, and 1878 identified liim-
self with Muskegon. Me became a lumber inspector, and followed that
vocation in its various branches until 1901. For nine years he served
as bookkeeper and lumber buyer for the Grand Rapids Desk Company
of Muskegon Heights. The failure of the company resulted in Mr.
Moore being put in charge of the bankrupt atTairs of the institution, and
when he had settled the business, he established a lumber yard for him-
self in 1910. Since then he has prospered steadily, and has made money
in the lumber trade. He owns a large and attractive residence,- situated
in the midst of beautiful grounds, near his place of business.
In 1900 Mr. Moore married Ada S. Lamb, who was born in Canada.
They are the parents of one child. Charles Edwin, Jr., now seven years
of age. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are communicants of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, in which he is a trustee, his fraternal affiliations are with
the Muskegon Lodge No. 140 A. F. & A. M., of which he was master in
1910, with the Royal Arch Chapter, and at the present time he is treas-
urer of Muskegon Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M., having long taken an
active part in Masonic circles. In politics, Mr. Moore is a Republican,
and upholds good government and efficiency and honesty in public af-
fairs, but has little time outside of his private business interests to devote
to politics.
Frederick Mortimer Cowles. Since the founding of Lansing as
the capital of Michigan the Cowles family have been one of the nost
prominent in that locality, and the name is still represented in that city
by Mrs. Nelson F. Jenison, Miss Lizzie B. Cowles and Miss Lucy D.
Cowles, daughters of the late Frederick M. Cowles.
Frederick M. Cowles was born at New Berlin, Chenango county.
New York, February 3, 1824, and died at Lansing, Michigan, January
16, 1910. He married Delia L. Ward, who was born at JMiddlebury, New
York, .A.ugust 13, 1835, and died at Lansing, July i, 1895.
In 1833 the Cowles family moved from New York to the Western
Reserve of Ohio, settling at Chardon. In 1842, with his brother, Joseph
P., Frederick M. Cowles came to Alaidon, Ingham county, Michigan,
<J? 7^ 0-(^z<y-^
nLB*.v ^e> . :■!•. 'iHr. N»
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1387
where the brothers erected a sawmill. This they conducted during the
summer months, while in the short winter terms Frederick taught school.
When the legislature, sitting in Detroit, voted to locate the capital at
what is now Lansing, in 1846-47, Mr. Cowles was teaching school at
Ionia, and living with the family of Alonzo Sessions. As soon as spring
opened he started on foot for the new capital, arriving April 10, 1847,
the same day on which the capital commissioners, who were to lay out
the grounds and buildings, also arrived. At that time there was but one
house, a log structure, occupied as the home of Mr. Page and his family.
In the rear of what is now the Franklin House was a barn, in which Mr.
Cowles slept for the first two weeks. At Lansing Mr. Cowles engaged
in building and contracting and taking advantage of the wonderful oppor-
tunities presented in that field and during the next several years, in
addition to his assistance in building the capitol, erected many of the first
structures of the city. Subsequently he turned his attention to the mer-
cantile business, and later became largely interested financially in the
early enterprises at Lansing. During his time there were but few ventures
with which he was not connected, and not a church was erected that did
not receive his generous financial and moral support. He was associated
in the building of the Lansing Opera House, aijd few men did more in
contributing to the growth, developm^ent and we]fa«e;of his adopted city.
Mr. Cowles served as alderman at Lansing for many years, and was
known as one of the active members of the board of aldermen, being the
leader in the fight for the restoration of the many city bridges that were
swept away in the floods of 1875-;' ;' He also ih^toduced and had passed
the city ordinance compelling people to plant shade trees, and where that
became a burden for people to meet-t4ie-expensiehefiirnished their tolls,
so that in the hundreds of stately shade trees along the streets in the
older section of Lansing, J\Ir. Cowles has an enduring monument.
Both Mr. Cowles and his wife, Delia Ward, were descended from
some of the oldest New England families, and the following paragraphs
are devoted to a brief sketch of the principal lines in his genealogy.
Eliot Cowles, father of Frederick M. Cowles, was born at Litchfield,
Connecticut, March 5, 1783, a son of Joseph Cowles, who was born in
Staffordshire, England, and came to America when about nineteen years
of age. On landing. Joseph at once enlisted in the Continental army for
service jn the Revolutionary War. He married Jerusha Frisbie, daughter
of Jabez Frisbie, a Revolutionary soldier.
The mother of Frerlerick M. Cowles was Sarah Salome Phelps, daugh-
ter of Oliver Plielps. who was born at Goshen, Connecticut, March 17,
1764, was a Revolutionary soldier, and died at St. Johnsbury, Vermont,
in 1843. Oliver Phelps was married February 5, 1783, at Norfolk,
Connecticut, to Sarah Miner. Oliver Phelps was an ensign in the
Revolutionary army. He was the son of Elkanah Phelps, who was
born in Goshen, Connecticut, February 3, 1742, and married Abigail
Phelps, who was born at Harwinton, Connecticut, November 10,
1741, and died at Winstead, Connecticut, June 11, 1813, she being
the daughter of Lieutenant Samuel and Ruth (Phelps) Phelps.
Elkanah Phelps, Revolutionary soldier, was the son of Captain Abel
and Mary Pinnack Phelps. Captain Abel was born at Windsor,
Connecticut, February 19, 1705, received his title during the French
and Indian war, and on July 6, 1737, married Mary Pinnack, of
Hebron, Connecticut. Captain Abel was the son of Joseph Phelps, who
was born at Windsor, Connecticut. September 27, ifi66, and on November
18, ifi86, married Sarah Hosford. Joseph was the son of Lieutenant
Timothy Phelps, who was born at Windsor, Connecticut, September i,
1637, and married Mary Griswold, daughter of Edward Griswold, of
1388 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Killingsworth, Connecticut. William Phelps, the emigrant of the family,
was born at Gloucestershire, England, August 19, 1599, came to America
in 1630, in the ship Mary and John, which was the first of the Winthrop
fleet to arrive, and first settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts. In the fall
of 1635, with others of the Dorchester colony, he came through the woods,
enduring many hardships, and founded "Old Windsor," the first town to
be founded on Connecticut soil. He was a member of the first court held'
in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1636, and was also one of the first magistrates
appointed. The first election held in the colony was in April, 1639, at
which time John Haynes was chosen governor, and Roger Ludlow, George
Wyllys, Edward Hopkins, Thomas Wells, John Webster and William
Phelps, Esquires, were chosen magistrates. Previous to this election he
was one of the six magistrates governing the -colony. William Phelps
in 1636 was married in Windsor, Connecticut, to his second wife, Mary
Dover.
The genealogy of the Ward family and its connections is as follows:
Delia L. Ward, wife of Frederick M. Cowles, was the daughter of .'Manson
and Olive (Perkins) Ward, of Warsaw, New York. Alanson Ward,
who came to Lansing in Alay, 1847, and was the first justice of the peace
in that town, was born at Pittsfield, Otsego county. New York, October
17, 1800, and died at Lansing, Michigan, February 19, 1870. He was the
son of Caleb Ward, a native of Buckland, Massachusetts, who married
Ann Rice. Caleb was a son of Josiah, who was born at Upton, Massa-
chusetts, January 20, 1748, and married Polly Wis wall, who was born
at Cpton, October 6, 1744. Josiah died a soldier during the Revolution-
ary war, September 25, 1780. He was a son of John and Molly (Torrey )
Ward, the former of whom was born at Newton, Massachusetts, .August
12, 1720, and died at P)Uckland, Massachusetts, in 1805. He was likewise
a Revolutionary soldier. His father, John Ward, whose wife's name was
Deborah, was born at Newton. Massachusetts, February 23, 1691, and
died May 24, 1747, at Grafton, Massachusetts, where he was a school-
master for many years. He was the son of William Ward, who was
born at Newton, November 19, 1664, and on December 31, 1689, mar-
ried Abigail Spring, who was born February 20, 1667, a daughter of
Lieutenant John Spring, of Watertown, Massachusetts. William Ward
was a son of John \Vard, who was born in England in 1625. was a pro-
prietor of Sudbury in 1651, and married Hamiah Jackson, whose father,
Edward Jackson, bought the old Simon liradstreet farm and gave it to
help found Harvard college. John Ward was the first selectman of
Newton when that town was set off from Cambridge in 1685. He was
also the first representative from Newton to the general court, and died
July 8, 1708, while his wife passed away April 24, 1704. His military
record included service in King Philip's war, and his house was used as
a garrison house during King l'hilii)"s war. It was taken down in
1S21, after having stood 170 years and having sheltered seven generations.
John Ward was the son of William Ward, who was born in England,
came to .Sudbury, Massachusetts, in 1639, was one of the incorporators
of Sudbury and Marlborough, Massachusetts, and represented Sudbury
in the general court in 1644, removing to Marlborough in ih6o, and
dying August 10, 1687. This last William was the founder of the Ward
family in America.
Alanson Ward was married January 13, 1823, to Olive Perkins, who
was born at Rutland, Vermont, April 24, 1807, and died at Lansing,
April I, 1801. She was a daughter of Philip Perkins, who was born at
Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in 1770, and died August 25, 1847, ^t
Owosso, Michigan. He was married at Boston, Massachusetts, Decem-
ber 3, 1790, to Sallie Gibson, who was born there in 1771. Philip was
HISTORY OF iMICIilGAN 1389
the son of Charles Perkins, who was born at Bridgewater in 1732, and
died at Middlebury, New York, in 1828, having been a soldier of the
Revolutionary war. He married Abigail Waterman, daughter of Perez
Waterman (see below). Charles Perkins was the son of Nathan Per-
kins, vvtio wa:s born at Bridgewater. Massachusetts, in 1710, and Nathan
was the son of Nathan Perkins, born at Bridgewater, September 13,
1685, and died in 1728. Nathan senior was married November g, 1709,
to Martha Leonard. Nathan was the son of David Perkins, who was
born at Hampton, New Hampshire, December 28, 1653, and established
the first ironworks at Bridgewater, was the first representative of the
town to the general court at Boston in 1692, serving also in 1694, 1696
and 1704, and died in 1736. He was a son of Abraham and Mary (Wise)
Perkins, the former born in England in 1613 and died in 1683. Abraham
was admitted a freeman of Hampton, New Hampshire, May 13, 1640,
and was marshal thereof in 1654.
Perez Waterman, mentioned in the last preceding paragraph, was
born October 8, 1713, at Plympton, Massachusetts, and died at Bridge-
water, Massachusetts, in 1793. His wife was Abigail Bryant. He was
a son of John Waterman, who was born September 23, 1685, at Marsh-
field, Massachusetts, was married December 29, 1709, to Lydia Cush-
man, thus introducing another lineage of especial interest. Lydia Cush-
man was a daughter of Eleazer Cushman who was born February 20,
1656, and married Elizabeth Coombs, January 12, 1687. Thomas Cush-
man, father of Eleazer Cushman, was born in England, and came with
his father, Robert Cushman, in the ship Fortune. Robert Cushman, who
was one of the proprietors of the Plymouth Company which sent out
the Mayflower and other ships, remained in America only a month,
and preached the first sermon ever delivered in New England, his text
being "Self Denial." When he returned to England he left his son
Thomas in the care of Governor Bradford, in the family of Elder
Brewster, and upon the death of the latter succeeded him as elder
and continued to serve as such until his death in 1689. Thomas Cushman
was married in 1635 to Mary Allerton, who was eleven years old when
she came over in the Mayflower in 1620. She died in 1699 and was
the last survivor of those who came on the Mayflower. She was the
daughter of Isaac Allerton, of London. Isaac Allerton was married
in Leyden, Holland, in 161 1. to Mary Norris, of Newbury, England.
Isaac Allerton was the fifth signer of the Mayflower compact, and when
William Bradford was chosen governor, after the death of Carver in 1621,
Allerton was made assistant or deputy governor. He was one of the
undertakers in 1627, subsequently made five voyages to England as
agent of the colonies, and died at New Haven, Connecticut, well advanced
in years.
Nelson Fletcher Jenison. The lousiness relations and the public
spirit manifested by Nelson Fletcher Jenison during a residence in Lansing
for thirty-six vears were such as to make him known as one of his adopted
city's most substantial and influential men. Mr. Jenison identified himself
with Lansing in 1871. and his death on Novenilier 3. 1907, was a distinct
loss to the community.
Nelson Fletcher Jenison was born at Eagle, Clinton county, Michi-
gan, December 16, 1855, of a pioneer family, and was the son of William
Fletcher and Janet (Berry) Jenison. The parents, who were married
at Portland, Michigan, January 3, 1841, were both natives of New York
state, the father born at Byron December 19, 1812, and the mother at
Geneva, Seneca county, April 15, 1819. The former died at Eagle,
Michigan, June 14, 1898, and the mother at the same place on November
30, 1906.
1390 HISTORY OF AIICHIGAN
The genealogy of the Jenison family reaches back to colonial days
in the history of this country, and is traced directly as follows: William
Fletcher Jenison was the son of Fletcher Jenison, who was born at Lan-
caster, New Hampshire, August 22, 1780, and died July 3, 1868, at Eagle,
Michigan. Flis first wife was Alma Alzina Root, who was the mother
of all his children, and his second wife bore the maiden name of Polly
Bolton. Fletcher Jenison was the son of Hopstill Jenison, who was born
at Barry, Massachusetts, September 2, 1751, and on December 16, 1773,
married Relief F'letcher, daughter of Captain I-'letcher, a Revolutionary
soldier from Massachusetts. Hopstill Jenison and wife had a son who
was born while the battle of Bunker Hill was being fought, and on
that account was named Victory. Hopstill Jenison likewise served as
a soldier of the Revolution as a sergeant in Captain Stearns company of
a Massachusetts regiment. He was a son of Nathaniel Jenison, born
April 5, 1709, at Watertown, Massachusetts, and married October 23,
1729, Abigail Mead of Weston, Massachusetts. Nathaniel Jenison, who
had the distinction of being the last man in Alassachusetts to hold slaves,
was also a Revolutionary soldier. He was the son of Samuel Jenison,
born at Watertown, Massachusetts, October 12, 1673, and died December
2, 1730. Samuel married Mary Stearns, who was born April 5, 1679,
at Watertown. Samuel was a son of Ensign Samuel Jenison, who was
born at Watertown, Massachusetts, in 1643, d'^cl October 15, 1701, and
on October 30, 1666, married Judith Macomber, who died March i,
1722. Samuel Jenison was a son of Robert and Grace Jenison, the latter
of whom died November 26, 1686. Robert Jenison was born in England
and died at Watertown, Massachusetts, July 4, 1690. The original
Jenison farm is now a part of Mount Auburn cemetery in Boston, Mas-
sachusetts.
Fletcher Jenison and his son, William Fletcher Jenison, came to
Michigan in 1838, and located the old Jenison homestead at what is now
F^agle, in Clinton county, where Fletcher Jenison and his wife passed
the remainder of their lives. At that time iMichigan was an unbroken
wilderness, and had been a state only one year. The log house was
built by Fletcher Jenison, and he was a soldier in the \Var of 1812.
The William Fletcher Jenison house was a very large frame house, a
tavern in fact, and one room was used as the postoffice. The Jenison
farm was cleared and a log house built, and there William Fletcher
Jenison continued to engage in agricultural pursuits during the remaining
years of his life, passing away on the old homestead June 14, 1898.
He was one of Clinton county's oldest pioneers, was one of the first
teachers in the schools of that county, filled various public positions
within the gift of the peojjle, and was one of the first postmasters of the
county, at Waverly, which became known as Eagle wdien the township
of that name was organized. He was elected sherifl' of the county for
two terms, was supervisor of his township, and was a member of the
Alichigan legislature during the session when the state appropriated so
much swamp land for the benefit of the highways. He was a director
of the Ionia & Lansing Railway, a prominent member of the Masonic
order, and in every way one of the leading men of his community during
his day. Mr. Jenison's home was one of the landmarks of Michigan
for many years. It was built in 1841, and until its destruction by fire
only a few years ago was for a long time kept as a hotel and was the
stopping place for hundreds of travelers during the days before that
section had a railroad. Mrs. Jenison, the wife of William Fletcher
Jenison, came to Michigan in 1833 with Mr. and Mrs. A. Newman, the
latter a sister, the family settling at Portland. During the early thirties
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1391
and forties ^Irs. Jenisoii taught in the country schools, and for sixty-
live years was a resident of the old Jenison homestead phrce.
Nelson Fletcher Jenison left the home farm in 187 1, at the age of
sixteen, and at Lansing entered the employ of B. F. Simons, an early
merchant of that city. Subsequently he found employment in the store
of Frederick M. Cowles, his future father-in-law, and continued with
him until entering business in partnership with Mr. Simons. Mr. Jeni-
.son gained sole control of this enterprise, and conducted it successfully
until 1896. In that year he retired from mercantile lines to concentrate
his attention upon his growing real estate and insurance interests. He
was the owner of much improved and unimproved city property, includ-
ing the well-known Jenison block. A man of fine business attainments,
he won well-merited success in each of the fields in which he labored,
and his associates at all times had every reason to place confidence in
him and to rely upon his leadership and counsel.
The late Mr. Jenison was married April 3, 1879, to Miss Alice Glen-
dora Cowles, daughter of the late Frederick :\I. Cowles, a prominent
Lansing pioneer whose sketch and interesting ancestry are found else-
where in this work. Mr. and ^Irs. Jenison had one son: Frederick
' Cowles Jenison, now a leading real estate and insurance man of Lansing.
James F. B.albirnie. One of the oldest business establishments of
the city of Muskegon has been conducted continuously under the name
of Balbirnie for upwards of half a century. James F. Balbirnie suc-
ceeded to the undertaking business established by his father, and has
developed it until he now has the largest business of its kind in the state
of Michigan. It has been his pride to give service of a distinctive char-
acter, and at the same time he has kept his equipment at a standard the
equal of, or the superior to any similar concern in the city or state. A
large building now houses his extensive stock of .goods, and in connection
with his undertaking parlors there is a large chapel. It is a solid busi-
ness enterprise with a history of its own, which illustrates both the prog-
ress of the town and the career of one of Muskegon's foremost families.
James F. Balbirnie was born at Ottawa, Canada, August 8, 1865.
His father, the late James Balbirnie, was born in the old Fort at Quebec,
April 28, 1838. Grandfather James Balbirnie, a native of Edinburgh,
Scotland, was leader of the regimental band that landed with the troops
in Quebec in 1838. At the expiration of his term as band leader in
the army, he moved to Ottawa, where he organized the band and also
was for many years a dancing master. James Balbirnie, the father, died
at Muskegon, June 29, 1899. He came to this city September 25, 1865,
only a few weeks after the birth of his son. A cabinet maker by trade,
he superintended several factories, and also did a large business in the
manufacturing of coffins and furniture. Fle was very successful both in
business and affairs. Though he suffered three fires, and each time had
to start life anew, he ended by being one of the most prosperous and in-
fluential men of the city. He and his family belong to the Episcopal
church, St. Paul's church of Muskegon, and he was well known in fra-
ternal circles, being a Knight Templar and thirty-second degree Mason,
also a member of the Shrine, was affiliated with the Knights of the Mac-
cabees, the Royal Arcanum, was a past noble grand of the Indejiendent
Order of Odd Fellows. In politics a Republican, he held a high position
in political affairs. For a number of years he was county coroner of
Muskegon county, was city supervisor, and in 1899 was elected mayor.
While serving in that office he was assassinated, and thus ended the
career of one of Muskegon's well remembered and highly honored citizens.
In 1861 at Ottawa, Canada, James Balbirnie married Miss Ellen
1392 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Watson, who was born at Ogdensburg, New York, in 1843, ^"'1 ''''^'l i"
April, I goo. Her father, WilHam Watson, was a native of Canada, moved
to Muskegon in 1865, and for many years was a saw filer in the lumber
mills. To the marriage of James and Ellen Balbirnie were born three
children: Missie. who died in 1883: James F. ; and Maud E., who mar-
ried R. E. Alberts, who is in the luml)er and brick business at Muskegon.
James F. Ijalbirnie has spent practically all his career in Muskegon.
.'\fter his education in the local schools, he went with his father in the
undertaking business. His father had opened undertaking parlors in
Muskegon, on his arrival in that city in 1865, and the business has been
continuously conducted under the family name since that date. Mr. Bal-
birnie has extended and developed the business along modern lines, now
carries the largest line of undertaking goods in the state, and has been
extremely successful as a business man.
On January i, 1891, Mr. Balbirnie married Adella Bergstrom, of
Muskegon. They are the parents of one son, Ralph James, now twenty-
one years of age, and associated with his father in business being thus a
representative of the third successive generation in this same line of en-
deavor. The son received his education in the Muskegon high school and
also studied at the Tolme school for Boys near Baltimore. Maryland,
and at the Casadella School at Ithaca, New York. The family worship
in the St. Paul's I-^piscopal church. Mr. Balbirnie, like his father, has
taken many of the degrees in the Masonic craft, being a Knight Templar
and a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, also a Shriner, has
affiliations with the Knights of Pythias, and is a charter member of the
Elks Lodge No. 274. He also belongs to the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Fraternal
Order of Eagles. In politics he is a Republican, and for the past four-
teen years has served as coroner of Muskegon county, having been
elected by the largest majority given to any man on the ticket in this
county. Outside of his public duties, he gives all his time and ;iUention
to his business.
H. Rov H.MiERKORN. In the midst of his activities as one of Detroit's
leading general contractors, death claimed as its toll from the living H.
Roy Haberkorn on ATarch 19, 1914. Though a comparatively young man,
he had gone far on the way to success, and his life and character deserve
memorial and remembrance in his home city. As a contractor his work
was represented in a number of the largest industrial plants and factories
in Detroit and vicinity. Mr. Haberkorn belonged to the Haberkorn
family which has been identified with Detroit citizenship for several gen-
erations and which has furnished notable names in business, manufac-
turing and other departments of activity.
H. Roy Haberkorn was born in Detroit April 7, 1876, son of the late
John H. A. Haberkorn and grandson of Henry Haberkorn, a native of
Germany and a pioneer citizen of Detroit, where he was for a number of
years identified with the building trades. John H. A. Haberkorn was
also a native of Detroit, born in 1855, followed the profession of his father
and was a carpenter contractor for many years. He died in June, 1911.
With an education in the Detroit public schools, the late H. Roy Hab-
erkorn at the age of thirteen was taken into his father's employ and
served a thorough apprenticeship to the carpenter trade. In a few years
his father placed upon him many important responsibilities, and he con-
tinued to be the elder Haberkorn's right-hand man antl during five years
had practical control of the business developed by his father, owing to
the hitter's ill health. In September, 1908, Mr. Haberkorn engaged in
general contracting on his own account, under his own name, and before
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1393
his death had become recognized as one of the most successful builders
of the city. His specialty lay in the construction of manufacturing plants
and factories, and a long list might be compiled of important examples
of his enterprise. He maintained his business offices in the Dime Bank
building.
The late Mr. Haberkorn was a member of the board of directors of
the Detroit Builders and Traders Exchange, an active member of the
Detroit Board of Commerce, a member of the Detroit Athletic Club, the
Fellowcraft Club, and in the Masonic Order had affiliations with Oriental
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., the Royal Arch Chapter, and Detroit Commandery
Xo. I, K. T., and Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Haberkorn
married Miss Mary Elizabeth Clark, daughter of T. W. Clark of De-
troit. Besides Mrs. Haberkorn he was survived by a sister and three
brothers.
G. 1. IIartman, M. D. Since 1904 Dr. Hartman has been in active
practice at Muskegon, and has proved himself one of the able and skillful
young physicians and surgeons of this city. He is a graduate of lialti-
more Medical College, and has lived in Aluskegon since two years after
leaving college. G. J. Hartman was born in Ohio, October 25, 1S73, a
son of Jacob M. and Hannah (Eberhard) Hartman. The grandparents
were Peter and Mary ( Harter ) Hartman, both natives of Pennsylvania,
who moved to Ohio and found a home in the wilderness about the time
of the War of 1812. Grandfather Hartman was a farmer, and was a
pioneer who did much clearing of land in his section of Ohio. The ma-
ternal grandparents were Jonathan and Margaret (Eberhard), also natives
of Pennsylvania, and early settlers in Medina county, Ohio. Grand-
father Eberhard was a soldier in the War of 1812, and followed farming
as his regular vocation. Jacob M. Hartman, the father, was born in
Ohio, in 1840, and his wife was born in the same state in 184 1. Their
marriage was solemnized in 1862. Mr. Hartman, who is now living re-
tired in Ohio, a prosperous citizen devoted most of his active career to
farming, but for twenty years was manager of the Singer Sewing Ma-
chine Company in his district. There were in the family twelve children,
eleven of whom are still living, and the doctor was seventh in order of
birth. The parents have membership in the Congregational church at
Medina, in which society Mr. Hartman has been an officer for many
years. In politics he is a Democrat, and has held some local offices.
Dr. Hartman grew up in Medina, where his training was that of the
common schools and the high school. After leaving school, and before
beginning active preparation for his career, he taught five years, and
with the means thus acquired, entered the Baltimore Medical College in
1S98. There his studies were pursued until his graduation as a doctor
of medicine in i()02. Two years were spent in practice at Baltimore, and
in IQ04 he moved to Muskegon. Dr. Hartman takes much interest in
medical afTairs, belongs to the Muskegon County Medical Society, and
both the State Medical Societies of Michigan and Maryland, and has
membership in the American Medical Association.
In 1904 Dr. Hartman married Frances House, a daughter of George
House of Medina, Ohio. Mrs. Hartman has membership in the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. Fraternally his affiliations are with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and with Lovell Moore Lodge of Masons
at Muskegon. In politics the doctor is a Republican. At the present
writing he is building a beautiful home in Muskegon.
Ch.\ri.es E. Pettit. Prominent among the substantial and pro-
gressive business men who have been primarily influential in the civic
1394 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
and material development and upbuilding of the attractive little city of
Harbor Beach, Huron county, stands Charles Eberle Pettit, who is here
engaged in the drug business, of which he may consistently be termed
the pioneer representative in the village, and he is also the owner and
manager of the Temple theater, a leading and well appointed amusement
place of Huron county. He has won independence and prosperity
through his own ability and efforts, and his integrity and genial nature
have given tc> him secure place in the confidence and esteem of all who
know him.
Mr. Pettit was born in the village of Morpeth, Kent county, prov-
ince of Ontario, Canada, and the date of his nativity was February 5,
1869. He is a son of John and Mary (Mundy) Pettit, both of whom
were born in fine old Devonshire, England. John Pettit was in his
earlier business career prominently concerned with lumbering operations
in the province of Ontario, Canada, and later he continued his successful
association with the same line of industry in Michigan and Wisconsin.
He is now living retired in the city of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Mrs. Mary
( Mundy j Pettit died in 1872, when her son Charles E., of this review,
was a cliild of but three years. She was the mother of eight children, and
after her death they were separated, being taken into different homes
after the family circle had been thus disrupted by the passing away of the
devoted mother. Concerning the children the following brief data are
available: Mary, who became the wife of Lorenzo Pulford, died in 1904,
in the city of Detroit; Elizabeth is the wife of Gilford liurse, of Detroit;
Caroline is the wife of Solon Burse, a brother of Gilford, and they re-
side at Caro, Tuscola county; Harriet is the wife of James Todd, of
Birmingham, Oakland county ; William resides at Waukesha, Wiscon-
sin ; Charles E., of this sketch, was the next in order of birth; Arthur,
after the death of his mother was legally adopted and assumed the name
of his foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chapman : he became a railroad man
and met his death in a railroad accident at Battle Creek, Michigan ;
James was taken into the home of his uncle and aunt at Morpeth, On-
tario, and when he was four years of age he was kidnapped, presumably
by two strangers who had been at the home of his uncle and who had
given their names as Mr. and Mrs. Fleming, the husband having been
much older than his wife and both having suddenly and surreptitiously
disappeared from Morpeth, the little James Pettit disappearing at the
same time and no trace of the three ever having been found thereafter,
save that they were seen at Windsor, Ontario : it has long been the hope
of Charles E. Pettit that at some time he might learn the rate of this
brother, and he has never lost faith that the latter is still living.
Charles E. Pettit was reared in the home of an uncle and aunt who
resided at Morpeth, Ontario, and his early educational training was
there received in the public schools, his vacations being advantageously
spent, as he became a youthful assistant in a drug store in his home vil-
lage, thus gaining his rudimentary knowledge of the business in which
he has achieved distinctive success. After leaving school he began a
regular apprenticeship as a pharmacist, and for three years he continued
to be employed in drug stores in his native town. At the age of 17 years
he came to Michigan and in the city of Detroit he found employment
in the drug .store of Dr. William J. Bolis, whose store was situated on
Dix road, now known as Dix avenue. At the expiration of eighteen
months' service Mr. Pettit resigned his position and went to the city
of lackson, where he was given entire charge of the drug store con-
ducted by his uncle. Dr. Myer McLaughlin. Upon the death of his
uncle, three years later, he removed to Bad Axe, Huron county, in 1890,
and there he assumed charge of the drug store of Dr. McDonald, with
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1395
whom he continued in this capacity for two years. In 1892 he removed
to Harbor Beach, a village originally known as Sand Beach, and here
he accepted the management of the drug business of Drs. Esler and
Carey. He did effective work in expanding the scope of the enter-
prise and in the meanwhile gained impregnable hold upon the esteem of
the community. At the expiration of three years he purchased the busi-
ness of his employers, and during the long intervening years he has
been successfully established in the drug business at Harbor Beach, save
for one year, during which impaired health compelled his temporary re-
tirement. Air. Pettit became a registered pharmacist at the age of
eighteen years and is known as a man specially skilled in his chosen pro-
fession, of which he has been a close student and in which his experi-
ence has been wide and varied. He has a well appointed drug establisli-
ment and the same controls a large and appreciative patronage, as its
service is ever maintained at the highest standard in all departments and
he himself is known and honored in the community that has represented
his home for nearly a cjuarter of a century. Success has attended his
efforts, both in a professional and material way, and he has been pro-
gressive and liberal as a citizen, doing all in his power to further the
best interests of his home town.
Mr. Pettit was a stalwart Republican and became a supporter of its
Progressive wing, so that in the election of 1912 he gave his allegiance
to the newly organized Progressive party, with Theodore Roosevelt as
its presidential candidate. He has illimitable faith in the future of the
new party and takes deep interest in its cause. He has served as town-
ship treasurer, but has had no special desire for public office of any de-
scription. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Alasonic fraternity, the Woodmen of the W'orld, the Knights of
Pythias, the Independent Order of Foresters and the Loyal Guard, being
a valued member of the local organization of each of these orders. He
was reared in the faith of the Protestant Episcopal church.
On the 26th of November, 1899, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Pettit to Miss Nellie Puddock, who was born and reared at Harbor
Beach '.nd who is a most popular and valued factor in the leading social
life or her native town. She is a daughter of John G. and Jane (Price)
Puddock, and her father was one of the most influential figures in the
upbuilding of Harbor Beach, where he established his home in the pio-
neer days of the village. Mr. and Mrs. Pettit have three children,
whose names, with respective dates of birth, are here noted: Alice Joyce,
May 30, 1900; John. November 17, 1904: and Jane Mason, June 12, 1909.
P. Fred Nelson. One of Muskegon's livest and best known citizens
is P. Fred Nelson, who for a number of years has been connected with
the official life of the county recently left the office of sheriff, and is
prominent in manufacturing circles. His father likewise bears an hon-
ored name in this part of the state, and also served at one time as sheriff",
P. Fred Nelson was born in Muskegon, April 19, 1877, a son of Nels
P. and Josephine Nelson. The father, born in Norway in 1847, came to
America when sixteen years of age, and after a few years spent in Chi-
cago, located in Aluskegon in 1867. He operated a lathe mill in the lum-
ber industry, and later got into the retail meat business and finally the
grocery trade. His business career in that line was interrupted by his
election to the office of sheriff' of Aluskegon county, in 1887, and he served
four years. His first wife, Josephine, died in 1880, when P. Fred Nelson
was three years old. The father later married Emma Holthe, a school
teacher of Muskegon. They still live at Muskegon, and are the parents
of one child, Carlton Lester, who is harbor inspector in the government
1396 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
service. The father has membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church,
and is affihated with the Woodmen of tlie World, the Masonic (Jrder
through the Royal Arch and Knight Templar degrees, with the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of the Maccabees. At the
present time the senior Nelson is in the government contracting business,
under the firm name of Burke, ."-^mith & Nelson. In jjolitics tlie father
has always been a staunch Republican, but during the 1912 campaign was
a Progressive.
P. F. Nelson grew up and received his education in the Muskegon
schools, finishing his junior year in high school. In 1894 he was grad-
uated from the business college, and found his first work as a stenographer
for R. J. McDonald, and afterwards in the law office of C. W. Sessions.
Moving to Walim, he kept books and conducted a store there for a while,
but soon returned to Muskegon and was employed in the country treas-
urer's office. For eight years following he served as deputy sheriff, and
then for two years engaged in government contracting. After that he
went back to the sheriff's office, and after two years was elected sheriff
in the fall of 1909. He gave capable and efficient service as sheriff for
four years, and left the office with the thorough respect of all citizens.
In the meantime he assisted in the establishment of a manufacturing plant
for the making of cocoa mats. This business has been brought to a
flourishing position, and has a capital of five thousand dollars. Mr.
Nelson is secretary and treasurer of the company.
On December 31, 1904, he married Miss Corinne M. Laurin, a daui^h-
ter of Jean B. Laurin, who was born in Canada, and is a resident of Mus-
kegon. Mrs. Nelson has membership in the Catholic church. Fraternally
Mr. Nelson is affiliated witii the Knights of the Maccabees, the Woodmen,
the Foresters and the Elks. He has prospered through his own eff'orts and
besides other interests has some real estate in the city. He was a private
in Company C, 34th M. V. I., during tlie Spanish-American War.
Ch.\ri.e.s B. Cross. The firm of Cross, \ 'anderwerp, Foote &■ Ross,
attorneys at law, at Muskegon, Michigan, have the largest practice en-
joved by anv firm in that city, and all its members are men of high
standing and first-grade ability in the law. The ])resent firm are success-
ors to two well known Muskegon legal partnerships, the first l^eing Nims,
Hoyt, Erwin, \'anderwerp & Foote and the second being Cross, Lovelace
and Ross. Mr. Charles B. Cross, who is now senior member of this
firm, has been in practice as a lawyer for twenty-five years, and in the
general branches of the law, and both as a counselor and advocate has
few superiors in this section of the state.
Charles B. Cross was born in Tuscola county. Michigan, December
4, 1861, a son of James A. and .Sarah A. (Tenny) Cross. The Cross
family were originally of Welsh stock, and has been identifieil with
American residence for a numljer of generations. Great-grandfather
Elihu Cross was born in \'ermont. but spent many years of his life in
New York, where he was Ijoih a farmer and hunter. Grandfather Lu-
man Cross, born in A'ermont, was a young man when he located in New
York, on a farm, and that was in the pioneer times in their section of
New York Stale, it was necessary to luiild six miles of road through
the woods, in order to reach the Cross home. James A. Cross, father of
the Muskegon lawyer, was born in Monroe county. New York, in 1835,
and in 1859 married Miss .Sarah A. Tenny, who was born in the same
county in 1834, and who died in January, 1895. James Cross, in early
manhood, came out to Michigan, where he took up land in the wilderness
of Tuscola county, after making some improvements returned to New
York State where he, was married, and then with his bride came back
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1397
and took up the life and labors of a pioneer. After a long and active
career, marked by prosperity in material things, and honorable dealings
vvitli his community, the father now lives retired at Spring Lake, Michi-
gan. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Masonic Order.
and his wife was active in the Baptist church. Of their four children
Charles B. Cross was the oldest the others lieing: Lewis L., who is a
farmer and is a bachelor; George H., an attorney at Traverse City: and
Ira, a Michigan farmer. The maternal grandfather was I'eter B. 'i'enny,
who spent his life in Xew York State as a farmer.
Charles B. Cross grew up in the country around Spring Lake, where
he attended the local schools, and at the age of sixteen was ([ualified and
taught his first term of school. School teaching was largelv the means
by which he was enabled to pay his way through college. In 1887 Mr.
Cross graduated from the N'alparaiso University Law School, and after
teaching one year began [practice in 1888. At first he was alone, then be-
came associated with Chamberlain iS: Cross, then in the firm of Cross &
Lovelace, and then as head of tlie firm of Cross, Lovelace & Ross, from
which the present partnership was formed.
In 1888, ^Ir. Cross married Miss Myrtle E. Hill, a daughter of
Charles }. Llill, a prominent farmer and an old settler in this state. To
that imion have been born four children: Claude L., who for two years
taught manual training, and is now taking a course in dentistry at the
State Cniversity in Ann Arbor; Arthur G., fourteen years of age; Clar-
ence R., aged eleven ; and Elinor. Mr. Cross has social relations with
the Masonic Order and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
and in ^lasonry he has been Master of his Lodge and is Past Eminent
Commander of the Knights Templar. For a number of years, Air.
Cross has taken a decided interest in political affairs, has gone on the
stump in a number of campaigns, and his stipport has been regularlv
given to the Reptiblican jiarty. His record of pul:)lic service inckides a
term as assistant prosecuting attorney and four years as prosecuting at-
torney.
JfiHN BoRN'M.AX. Born near Xeustadt, Germany, in 1835, coming
over to America while a mere youth, starting his business career as a
newsboy in Detroit, working nights for an education, apprentice in tht;
office of the old Detroit Advertiser. * * * Em|)loyed as compositor in
the printing house of O. S. Gulley, then foreman, partner, and finally
senior partner of one of the largest printing houses in the state of
Michigan. Such, m brief, is the life of John Bornman, veteran printer,
head of the firm of John Bornman & Son, Detroit, Michigan. If genius
is the capacity for hard work, of taking pains — then John Bornman is
indeed a genius. His life is an inspiration to all. It is the old, old
story of success achieved by keeping everlastingly, intelligently at it.
What this man has done, all can do. His is the life of an ordinary man
accomplishing the extraordinary, under conditions where luck, influence,
pull or fortune played no ])art. Therein lies the inspiration.
John Bornman was born August 7, 1835, near Xeustadt, Germany.
While a young l)oy he, with his parents, Dietrich and Elizal)eth ( Immel)
loornman, came to America, finally landing in Detroit, which city they
made their permanent home. It is not only a compliment to, but a char-
acteristic of, the race which gave him birth, when it is noted that the
first thought of young Bornman in his adopted city was to get an Amer-
ican education. His second thought was to get work. This was impera-
tive, inasmuch as at all times he had to be self-supporting.
His first job, like many another successful American, was that of
newsboy. It seems almost incredible to state — but it is a fact — neverthe-
1398 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
less, that within the memory of many people now living there was a
time when two newsboys supplied the whole of Detroit with papers. The
name of the boy who supplied the east side was John Bornman. So
industriously did he work at this humble employment that the manager
of the old Detroit Advertiser, noting his industry, and eagerness to serve,
offered him a position "on the staff," as errand boy. Thus John Born-
man got his first "regular salaried job." Then promotion followed pro-
motion in ciuick succession. In a few months he was galley boy, and
finally full tledged compositor. i\bout this time, i86j, he married ]\Iartha
A. Hollstein of Detroit.
In 1864 he left the Advertiser and entered the composing room of
one of Detroit's best print shops, known as the O. S. Gulley Printing
Company. Soon he became foreman of this plant and in 1875 partner
with Mr. Gulley. The name of the concern was then changed to the O.
S. Gulley & Company. In 1895 Mr. Bornman organized the independent
lirni of John Bornman & Son, and today this company is recognized
throughout the state as one of the most thoroughly equipped, up to date,
printing, engraving and book-binding plants.
Mr. Bornman has succeeded, but it is success that has been earned
by hard work, self denial, self reliance, honest method and strict atten-
tion to all the details of his business. In every sense, he is a thor-
ough master of his trade and is recognized as one of the successful
business men in the state of Michigan.
In igi2 the firm of John Bornman & Son moved into its new home
on Fort and Second Streets, Detroit. Mr. Bornman is very proud of
this building that houses his plant, and he has good reason for this pride,
for it is a monument to his own untiring industry. He has been ablv
assisted in his work l)y his son, Charles F. Bornman, who became a
partner in igo2.
John Bornman is a considerate and just employer and is esteemed
by all who know him as a man worthy of the fullest confidence. His
endeavor to give his customers at all times a little more quality than
seems necessary, has established his reputation securely, with this result
— that it is an axiom among the trade in Detroit "Oh, John Bornman &
Son — they're always busy."
While his life has always been intensely busy in a connuercial way,
there is no citizen of Detroit that has given comparatively more liber-
ally of his means and of his time to the development of the city and to
the assistance of every worthy cause promoted by its citizens. He is
a charter member of the following organizations : Detroit Board of Com-
merce, Michigan Council of National Union, St. Johns Benevolent So-
ciety, and the Protestant Home for Orphans and Old People. Of the
latter named organization he also holds the position of Treasurer. He
is also a member of the Detroit City Plan and Improvement Commission,
the Detroit Typothetae, Ben Franklin Association, and of the St. Johns
German Evangelical Church, and as one of the Trustees, he actively
assisted in the building of its present home.
It is a matter of congratulation that the qualities that in himself
made for success are found in his son, Charles F. Bornman. Like his
father, Charles F. Bornman thoroughly understands and is master of
every phase of the printing and publishing business. By an early and
rigorous training in sound commercial and manufacturing principles and
a gradual increase of responsibility, Charles F. Bornman ably assumes
the main administrative control, and the veteran printer, John Bornman,
ninst, and does, note with satisfaction that the great printing house which
Ijcars his name, will, under the guiding hand of his son, continue to
grow, dcvelo]!, serve ruid lead.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1399
Caesar Thomas, M. D. A Muskegon physician, who has been in
active practice in that city for upwards of thirty years, Caesar Thomas is
a native of Switzerland, his father an eminent physician and surgeon
before him. and his own training and early experience in the profession
were acquired in his native land. Aside from his unusual equipment in
the way of schooling and early training. Dr. Thomas possesses the talents
of the true physician, and his position in the profession since coming to
Michigan has been that of a leader.
Caesar Thomas was born at Bex, Switzerland, April 5, 1852. His
grandfather was a lumberman and farmer in that country. His parents
were Dr. Louis and Louise (Veillon) Thomas, both natives of Switzer-
land. The father, who was born in 1816, died January i, 1871. The
mother was born December 10, 1829, and died November 16, 1906. Their
marriage occurred on June 22, 1849. Dr. Louis Thomas was educated
in the schools and universities of Switzerland and Paris, graduating in
medicine in Lausanne in 1841. For all the active years of his life, he
engaged in practice at Bex, served his municipality and cantons in an
official capacity as physician, was surgeon in the Swiss army from 1841 to
1861, and for a quarter of a century was mayor of Bex. His success both
professionally and in business matters was such as to place him among the
influential and substantial men of his country. He belonged to the Na-
tional Church of Switzerland and belonged to the Masonic Order. There
were two children and the daughter, Alene, is now deceased.
Dr. Caesar Thomas was educated in the Swiss schools and also in sev-
eral of the leading German institutions of higher learning. At Lausanne,
Switzerland, he attained his preliminary training, was a student at Wuertz-
burg, Strassburg and Freiburg, (""Tcrmany. He graduated in medicine
at Basle, Switzerland, in 1878, and served as assistant physician of Basle
from April, 1877, to 1879. He was for six months official physician at
Neufchatel, Switzerland, and was at Geneva from 1879 to 1880. At
Geneva Dr. Thomas took post-graduate studies, and in 1880 came to
America. Until 1883, his practice was at Tonawanda, New York, where
he enjoyed a good practice. In 1883, he went to Africa, spending one year
there, and in 1885 returned to America and located at Muskegon. Since
then, his practice of a general nature, has brought him professional rela-
tions with many of the best families in the city, and he is also a member
of the staff of the Hackley hospital.
In 1888, Dr. Thomas married Theresa Gerst, a native of Germany.
They belong to the German Catholic church, fraternally the doctor is
affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights
of the Maccabees, has membership in the County Medical Society, and in
politics is a Democrat. All his time is devoted to his practice and he
enjoys the confidence and esteem of his medical associates in this section
of the state.
Col. Eugene Robinson. The late Col. Eugene Robinson was one
of the most widely known and highly honored citizens of Detroit, a
native of Binghampton, New York, in which city he was born May 25,
1837. and his death occurred in Detroit, October 28. 1897. He was a
member of a family that came to Michigan in 1838 and settled on a farm
at Orion. Oakland county, that same winter, the father, Asa Robinson,
also a native of New York, teaching school during the winter of 1838-9,
and in the latter vear removing his family to Detroit, where he took
charge of the old Clinton House, and died one year later.
Eugene Robinson received his education in the public schools of De-
troit, and in 1854, when in his seventeenth year, took up the study of
engineering in the office of James Monroe, an old-time Detroit ci\'il
1400 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
engineer, where he was located at the outbreak of the Civil \\'a.T. He
\-okinteered for service at President Lincoln's first call for troops, en-
listing April 17, 1861, as sergeant of the Detroit Light Guard, he being
the second man in Detroit to enlist in the first three-months regiment
from Michigan. He served the full term of his enlistment, and was
mustered out as sergeant-major of his regiment. He came out of the
first battle of Bull Run with the flag tied around his waist. Colonel
Robinson was offered a commission in the regular army, but family
influence prevailed and he returned home and engaged in civil engineer-
ing, and in 1864 was a])pointed city engineer of Detroit, serving in that
office four years, at the e.xpiration of which ])eriod he returned to his
profession. Later he entered the paving business as a contractor and
continued in that line of work until ill health compelled his retirement
from active business.
From the time of Colonel Robinson's enlistment in the army in 1861
he was one of the most active men in military affairs in Michigan. As
a tactician and drillmaster he had few equals in the Michigan National
Guard, and was regarded as the peer of any officer of the regular armv
along those lines. His promotion in the National (iuard was rapid.
He became second lieutenant in the Detroit Light Guard in 1862, and
was soon promoted to the first lieutenancy. When the old Third Regi-
ment, with which Colonel Robinson was identified, passed out of exist-
ence in 1 88 1, and the First Battalion was formed and organized under the
state laws, he was unanimously made lieutenant-colonel of the regiment.
The Fourth Regiment was formed from this battalion, and Colonel Rob-
inson was commissioned its colonel, which position he held until he re-
signed it, October i, i8go, to become brigadier-general of state troops
under appointment of Governor Luce. He was in command of the
state troops for a period of two years, during which time he thoroughly
demonstrated his admirable fitness for the important duties, and his
resignation, dated November I, 1892, was reluctantly accepted by Gov-
ernor .\lger and the news of his retirement was received with regret
by all.
In Masonic circles. Colonel Robinson was exceedingly active and
prominent. He became a member of I'nion Lodge of Strict Observance.
F. & A. M., December 5, 1864; of Peninsular Chapter No. 16, R. A. :\I.,
January 20. 1869, and of Detroit Commandery No. I, K. T.. May 21,
iSfiQ, and on March i, 1872, was elected captain-general of the com-
manderv. It was under (General Roliinson that Detroit Commandery
gained national fame and won laurel after laurel in competition drills
all over the country. He continued to hold command until 1892 and
was honorary captain-general at the time of his death. His splendid
work in Detroit Commandery led to his election as grand captain-gen-
eral of the Grand Commandery of the State of Michigan, a position he
held for a number of years. On March 10, 1880, he was made a mem-
ber of Alichigan Sovereign Consistory, S. R., and four years later joined
^Moslem Temple, Mystic Shrine. .•\t the ceremonies of the laying of
the corner-stone of the Detroit Masonic Temple, which occasion was
in charge of St. Bernard Commandery of Chicago, that commandery
elected General Robinson an honorary member of its drill corps. Gen-
eral Robinson was also a member of Detroit Post No. 384. Grand .'\rmy
of the Re])ublic.
The Detroit Free Press, of date of October 29, 1897. jniblished the
f<illiiwing editorial concerning General Robinson: "Fvery member of the
Michigan National Guard, and every Mason, Knight Templar and vet-
eran of the Ci\il War in IMichigan as well, will lie grieved to learn of
the death of that efficient military commander and chivalrous leader in
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1401
knightly virtues, General Eugene Robinson. Especially in Detroit, where
for thirty years General Robinson was identified with the military life
of the city, and where his splendid abilities as a disciplinarian were so
conspicuously displayed, will his demise be felt as a personal loss. The
Fourth Infantry gained its high standing under his zealous and effective
discipline, and the National Guard was never in better condition than
when he was brigade commander. The same happy results followed
his well-directed exertion for the advancement of Detroit Commandery
of whose fame for superiority of drill it would be superfluous to speak.
General Robinson's long and valuable career in the service of the state
troops and in Masonry and Templarhood naturally lead us to speak of
these prominent in his useful life. But he will be remembered in De-
troit for his many excellent qualities as a citizen, friend and neighlior,
as well as for his services in the two especial spheres of activity in which
he won more than a state reputation."
Colonel Robinson married Matilda Watson, who was born in De-
troit, the daughter of William Watson, who was an Englishman and
an early business man of Detroit, the owner of the property on the river
front where the Grand Trunk Station now stands, as well as a large
warehouse at the foot of Beaubien street. The children born to Colonel
Robinson and his wife were as follows : William W., now a resident of
Cleveland, Ohio; Anne Eugenia, who married Maj. Charles A. Vernon,
U. S. A., retired, of Ann Arbor, Michigan ; Jesse \'. S., who was super-
intendent of a large tobacco factory, and lost his life in a brave attempt
to start the pumps when the factory was destroyed by fire ; Eugene,
who is first lieutenant of the Sixteenth Regiment, United States Army ;
and Frank Seymour.
Frank Seymour Robinson, one of Detroit's large general contractors,
is a native son of this city, and was born December lo, 1870. He was
reared in Detroit and was educated in the public schools and Michigan
IMilitary Academy, where he was graduated in 1890. He became asso-
ciated with his father in the engineering and contracting business until
i8g2, in which year he entered the oflice of the city engineer of Detroit
as an assistant, and continued there until 1899, when he went to x'Vrizona
as an engineer for a large copper company. In iijoi be returned to De-
troit and engaged in contracting, and has since continued in that line
with much success, giving special attention to reinforced concrete work.
Mr. Robinson is a member of Corinthian Lodge, F. & A. M., the Detroit
Boat Club and The Indian \'illiage Club. He belongs also to the De-
troit Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Robinson w^as married to Miss Alary R. Mandell, of Detroit,
daughter of Addison Mandell, and sister of Judge Henry A. Alandell, of
the Wayne county circuit bench.
Jacob Oosting, M. D. Now one of the successful physicians and
surgeons of Muskegon, Dr. Oosting was a poor boy, who got his start by
working in a saw mill, and after five years of industrious labor and
economy started to study medicine under private practitioners and some
fifteen years ago graduated from college in Detroit. Since that time he
has gained a leading position among Muskegon's medical fraternity.
Jacob Oosting was born in the Netherlands, and is of that staunch
Holland Dutch stock that has been so prominent in the settlement and
development of western Mi.chigan. His birth occurred October 28, 1866,
and his parents were John and Annagien (Werkman) Oosting. His
mother was a daughter of Thomas Werkman. The father was born in
the Netherlands, in 1843, and died November 25, 1906. The mother was
born in 1841, and died October 9, 1903. In 1872, when Dr. Oosting was
1402 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
six years of age, tlie family moved to America, and located in Muskegon,
in the month of March in that year. The father was a hard working
laboring man, provided a home for his family, and did fairly well in life,
since at his death his estate was worth twenty-five hundred dollars. There
were nine children in the family, among whom the doctor was second in
order of birth, and the five now living are, besides the doctor : Thomas,
in the grocery business at Muskegon ; Minnie, the widow of John Bogema,
and now associated with her brother in the grocery trade ; Menne, who
is a cabinet maker at Muskegon; Mary, the wife of George Nienhous,
living on a farm near Holland, Michigan. The family are members of
the Dutch Christian Reformed church, and the father was in politics a
Republican. Dr. Oosting grew up in Muskegon, and family circum-
stances did not permit his getting a liberal education except through his
own work. After finishing the eighth grade in the public schools, he began
work in a sawmill, and for five years earned his living and saved some
money by hard manual work. He then took up the reading of medicine
under local doctors in Muskegon and Grand Rapids, and in 1897 was
graduated M. D., from the Detroit College of Medicine. When he re-
turned to Muskegon, in order to begin practice, his entire cash capital
amounted to five cents. Besides that he was in debt, six hundred dollars,
largely for the expenses of his education. Dr. Oosting quickly demon-
strated his ability as a physician, his genial and kindly services won him
patronage and standing, and his subsequent success is a matter of common
knowledge in the city. He has membership in the County and State
Medical Societies, and the American Medical Association, and besides his
private practice devotes much time to his work as a member of the staff
of the Hackley hospital.
In 1901 Dr. Oosting married Miss Louise Pepper, a daughter of Julius
Pepper of Muskegon, where he was one of the very early settlers. The
doctor and wife are members of the Second Reform church at Muskegon,
and his social relations are with the Knights of Pythias. A Republican
in politics, he voted the Progressive ticket in 1912. Besides his profes-
sional interests, he has stock and is otherwise interested in some financial
institutions. The doctor built and occupies a beautiful home at the corner
of Hartford and Pine Streets.
John Schrol:der. A Detroit citizen who long enjoyed the esteem
of that community, and whose life was an example of success well won,
and from difficult beginnings, was the late John Schroeder, whose career
had those attributes of accomplishment and individual character which
well merit a place in the history of the state. He was born in De-
troit, lived his entire life in that city, and to the growth and development
of its interests contributed his full share. Entering the paint business
as a boy of fourteen, he worked his way up until at the time of his
death he was at the head of the Schroeder Paint (Jt Glass Company,
which was the largest jobbing firm in that line in Detroit. He was also
president of the Michigan Smelting & Refining Company.
John .Schroeder was born in Detroit, July 26, i8to, the son of John
and Christina (Vogt) Schroeder. His early training was acquired
in the parochial schools, and later while working during the day lie
attended the Goldsmith Business College at night, and in that way gained
the commercial training necessary for his advancement. His first prac-
tical services were rendered as a clerk in the store of William Reid,
a dealer in paints, oils, glass, etc. His employment began in 1874, and
during the following years he conquered many difficulties, won the con-
fidence of his employers, and became a master of his particular line of
business. In 1897 Mr. .Schroeder and James H. O'Donncll formed a
</^
'i>Xj^' t^&Ay&^^i^
TIf Ntlf TOU
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1403
partnership and organized tlie Scliroeder Paint & Glass Company, wliole-
sale and retail, with Mr. Schroeder as president, an office he continued
to hold, directing and building up a splendid business, until the day of
his death.
Mr. Schroeder was a member of the Detroit Board of Commerce,
and very prominent in Detroit business circles. His genial disposition
and sterling character won him a wide circle of friends, and once his
friend always his friend. He was active and prominent in city affairs,
and served as a member of the city board of water commissioners from
1902 to 1907. In fraternal circles he had a varied relationship. He was
a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a charter mem-
ber of that organization in Detroit, was one of the oldest members of
the Harmonie Society, and also belonged to St. Joseph's Society, to
Westphalia Society, the Detroit Lodge of Elks, the Catholic Mutual
Benefit Association, the Detroit Athletic Club, and the Detroit Paint.
Oil & Varnish Club.
On June 3, 1884, Mr. Schroeder married Alary Antoinette Lebens,
who died July 3, 1908, leaving the following children: Antoinette A.,
who married Fred Schaemig. of Detroit; Edwin A., who married Amy
Diedrich, of Detroit ; William G. ; Marie F. ; Frances J. ; and Viola A.
Mr. Schroeder on September 27, 191 1, marrifed Mary M. Peters. Mrs.
Schroeder, a native of Detroit, is a daughter of.- Richard and Bridget
Peters. Her parents were born in Detroit, aiirl her grandfather was
Antoin Peters, a pioneer French settler in the Grosse '?5inte neighbor-
hood.
Alfred Brocke, M. D. A well known? pltysician and specialist of
Muskegon, where he has practiced since' 1904, Dr. Brock'^e is a product of
the German imiversitv and medical centers, having come to America after
his graduation in medicine, and after some years of practice in the city
of Chicago located in Muskegon. Here he enjoys a large practice, and
stands high among the local fraternity.
Alfred Brocke was born in Germany, July 9, 1869, a son of Karl and
Minna (Lerche) Brocke. The grandfather was Carl Broche, and the
maternal grandfather was John Lerche, the latter a large land owner, and
prosperous citizen of his section of Germany. Carl Broche, the father of
the doctor, was born in 1839, ^"^ died in the old country in 1904. His
wife was born in 1849 and died in 1904. The father spent nearly all his
active life as chief state forester in Germany. Of their three children the
doctor was the oldest and Max Brocke is now living in Germany, where
he is in the manufacturing business, and Marie is married and also lives
in Germany. The parents subscribed to no church and were really free-
thinkers. Fraternally the father was a Mason.
Dr. Alfred Brocke was educated in the local schools and Gymnasia of
the German fatherland, and his university career was at Jena, where he
was graduated in medicine in 1893. After several years of practice in his
native land, he moved to Chicago in 1898, and then in 1904 established his
practice in Muskegon. Dr. Brocke, while attenting to a large general
practice makes a study of stomach and intestinal diseases. Besides his
private practice he serves on the staff of the Hackley Hospital and also
the Mercy Hospital of Muskegon. His professional membership includes
the County and State Medical Societies, and the American Medical
Association.
In 1895 Dr. Brocke married Clara Sanger, in Germany. They are the
parents of one child, Lucile, now the wife of Erich Lissner of Chicago.
Fraternally the doctor is affiliated with the Masonic Order, the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, and has taken degrees in both branches of
1404 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Masonry, including the Knight Templars degree of the York Rite, and
the Consistory in the Scottish. He is also affiliated with the Mystic
Shrine. In politics he is a Democrat.
\\'n.i,i.\M C. WiLLi.\MS. Few Michigan business men have such a
notable record as William C. Williams of Detroit. His active career
began sixty years ago. His first associations were with the wholesale
drug house of Jacob S. Farrand. The name Farrand, Williams &
Company probably better known to the drug trade in Michigan and the
middle western states than any other two names. The Micliigan Drug
Company is an outgrowth of enterprise started bv Farrand, Wi'liams
& Company and associates. Mr. Williams until recently was an
active official in the Michigan Drug Company, a business which he has
seen developed and in which his own judgment and ability were chief
factors in making. All Detroit and hundreds of well known business
men outside of that city now esteem William C. Williams as one of the
prominent men in the Michigan metropolis.
William C. Williams was born at Anglesey, North Wales, a son of
William and Dorothy (Lewis) Williams. In 1850 he came to the L'nited
States with his parents, the family first settling in Waukesha, Wiscon-
sin, where the father soon afterwards died. In 1852 the widow and her
children came to Detroit where the rest of her life was spent. The edu-
cation of William C. Williams was completed in private and public
schools of ^^^^ukcsha and of Detroit. At an early age. he founrl em-
ployment in the wholesale drug house of Jacob S. Farrand, and two
years later became manager of the estalilishment. His rise to lousiness
prominence was rai)id and was established on most secure foundation.
In 1858 he became a member of the firm of Farrand, Sheley & Company.
Later in 1860 the firm liecame Farrand, Williams & Company. In 1892
Mr. Farrand withdrew, and a reorganization brought about the business
title of Williams, Sheley & Brooks. Later a number of other drug
houses were consolidated, and resulted in the incorporation under the
title of the Williams-Davis-Brooks & Hinchman Company. To the gen-
eral public the business is better known now under a new cor])orate
title of the Michigan Drug Company, crimprising several of the largest
drug firms in the middle west. Mr. Williams \yas active president of
this corporation until 1012. when failing health compelled him to retire,
though he still retains the principal holdings in the business, llis son,
Maurice O. Williams, is secretary of the company. Besides the large
house at Detroit, the company operates a wholesale drug house at Sag-
inaw, under the name of the Saginaw \'alley Drug Company.
Not only in the direct line of his business has Mr. Williams borne an
impurtant responsibility as a Detroit citizen, but his influence and active
cooperation has been beneficial to many other interests. lie was one of
the incorporators of the Detroit College of Medicine in 1879, and has
been a member of its lioard of trustees since its organization. In 191,^
he assisted in the reorganization of that institution, and still continues
a member of the board, being now the eldest in point of service on the
board of trustees. He w;is one of the organizers of the old Commercial
National Bank of Detroit, and a member of its board of directors until
the institution was consolidated with the First National Bank, and his
work as a director has continued to benefit the new institution.
Mr. Williams has membership in' the Country Club of Grosse Pointe
Farms, the Detroit Assembly, and his church is Christ church. Episcopal.
Mr. Williams was married at Niles, Michigan, to Maria L. Murray.
Their children are: Maurice O. Williams, who is secretary of the Michi-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1405
gan Drug Company, and who married Ethel Gregory of Detroit ; and
Clara, who married Ford Arthur Hinchman, Jr., of E)etroit.
Oscar Berg. Now serving his second term as register of deeds in
Muskegon county, Oscar Berg is one of the youngest men in the court
house ofifices, and one of the most deserving, having started in life a poor
boy, having always been a hard worker, and having won on his own merit
every advancement and every success.
Oscar Berg was born in Muskegon, May 30, 1882, a son of Anton and
Ida C. (Olson) Berg. His father was born in Norway, February 23,
1847, and died March 9, 1897. His parents remained in Norway on a
farm all their lives. The mother was born in Milwaukee, September 24,
1859, and now has her home with her son, Oscar, in Muskegon. She was
a daughter of Ole Olson, who was a lumber inspector at Muskegon, hav-
ing located there in 1866, and there spending the rest of his life. He reared
a large family of eleven children. Anton I'-erg came to America alone at
the age of twenty-one settling in Muskegon. He worked in the lumber
mills and followed that vocation most of his career. He was never a rich
man, but did his work quietly and lived a peaceful and honorable life.
There were just two children, Oscar and Genevieve, the latter being un-
married and a graduate of the Muskegon high school. The family have
been members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and the father was
affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees and was a Republican in
politics.
Mr. Oscar Berg was reared in Muskegon, attended the public schools,
and after graduating from the high school in 1900 started out to earn his
way as an accountant in the office of Abner Alberts Coal & Wood Com-
pany. He remained with that firm for five years, and in that time thor-
oughly qualified himself for business. He then became city accountant
for Muskegon, and in 1910, was honored with election to the office of
register of deeds. By re-election in 1012. he is now serving his second
term. Mr. Berg gives all his time to his official duties. He has member-
ship in the Lutheran church, and belongs to the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, with which lodge he served for three years as treasurer.
Jltdgf. Henry A. Mandell. The record of Judge Mandell of the
Wayne County Circuit Court, has been one that affords satisfaction to
those who cherish the best ideals and the highest standards of the Ameri-
can judiciary. Judge Mandell has discharged his functions with a fine
degree of human and technical understanding, and his presence in the
circuit court has done much to strengthen that branch of the state's ju-
dicial system.
Henry Addison Mandell was born in the city of Detroit, on March
16, 1861, a son of Addison and Mary F. (Chittenden) Mandell. The
public schools of his native city afforded him the basis of his education,
and he subsequently attended the University of Michigan and was gradu-
ated with the degree Bachelor of Philosophy in 1883. Returning to
Detroit, he pursued his studies of the law with Moore & Canfield, and
was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1885. Thus for nearly thirty years,
Judge Mandell has been identified with the bench and bar of this state.
"For some years he gave his attention to general practice and admiralty
law, in Detroit, and in 1891 was appointed assistant city attorne\-. He
served until 1892, and from 1892 to 1901 was assistant prosecuting at-
torney of Wayne county. Governor Bliss in 1901 appointed him judge
of the Wayne Circuit Court to fill a vacancy, and in 1903 he was elected
for the unexpired term, and in 1906 was elected for the regular term of
six years. Judge Mandell is now on his second full term.
1406 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
He is a member of the Detroit Bar Association, tlie Michigan State
Bar Association, and the American Bar Association, is a Knights Temp-
lar Mason, and a member of the Detroit, the Yondotega, the Comitry and
University Clubs.
Raymond G. Olsox, M. D. A representative of one of the old fam-
ilies in western Michigan, Dr. Olson has practiced medicine at ^luskegon
Heights since 1900. His professional standing is of the very highest, and
he has utilized all his opportunities to make himself a valuable factor of
social service in a profession which concerns human well being more inti-
mately than any other.
Raymond G. Olson was born in Muskegon, June 24, 1871, a son of
Ole and Julia (Thorstenson) Olson. The grandfather was Ole Olson,
born February 24, 1810, in Norway, who moved later in life to Muskegon,
where he met death by drowning in 1868. The maternal grandfather,
Halverson Thorstenson, was born in Norway, in 1793, came to the United
States and died in Wisconsin in 1868. Ole Olson, the father was born at
Flekejorel, Norway, July 7, 1834, and died May 13, 1906. He came to the
United States in 1854, and some years later married Miss Thorstenson,
who was born in Norway, February 12, 1836, and died April 27, iqoi.
The occupation of the father was a sailor, and after coming to the United
States, his work was on the great lakes! For a time he followed the occu-
pation of fisherman, and then ran a. boat as captain for some time. The
last years of his life wgrg 'spefit as a lumber inspector, and he was re-
garded as the most expert in the inspection of lumber in the vicinity of
Lake Michigan. There were eleven children, of whom Dr. Olson was the
seventh, and the seven still Jiving are mentioned as follows: Ida, who
married A. T. Berg, who is,n«w deceased ; Sophia, who married A. Nelson,
a foundry-man of Chicago ; Hannah, who married Hogan Bee, and lives
in Muskegon; Otto, of Muskegon; Dr. Raymond; Emma, wife of Joseph
Stewart of Battle Creek ; and Clara, wife of Henry Thompson, of Mus-
kegon. The parents were both members of the Norwegian Lutheran
church, the father was affiliated with the Masonic Order and the Macca-
bees, and as a Republican took considerable interest in local politics.
Dr. Raymond G. Olson is a graduate of the Muskegon high school in
the class of 1888, and a number of years' were spent by him in practical
business pursuits, before he was ready to take tip the profession of med-
icine. Three years were spent as exchange clerk in the Lumbermen's
Bank of Muskegon, then, he was employed a time by the Taylor Spice
Company of Chicago, and worked as time-keeper with the McCormick
Harvester Works. In the meantime he had taken up the study of med-
icine, was a student of anatomy under Professor W. T. Eckley of Chicago,
and in 1900 was graduated in medicine from the Jenner Medical College
of Chicago. With a license from the state board of Illinois, he began
practice in Chicago in 1899, and was the first surgeon in the Emergency
hospital conducted at the plant of the McCormick Harvester Company.
In 1900 Dr. Olson returned to his home city of Muskegon, and in the
following year took up active practice. Four months were spent at Fruit-
port, Michigan, and since then his home and practice have been at
Muskegon Heights. He enjoys a large practice of the better class, and
has membership in the county and state medical societies, and the Amer-
ican Medical Association. For some time. Dr. Olson has served as
health officer at Muskegon Heights, but outside of this his interest in
public affairs is only nominal and all his time and energies are devoted to
his chosen profession.
Dr. Raymond Olson was married December 6, 1905, to Charlotte
Edna Burke, daughter of William Burke, a contractor of Muskegon. The
^ - <£ Ah^^^^
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1407
two children of their marriage are: Raymond G. Jr., born January 21,
1907, and now in school; and Sarah Isabel born February 28, 1913. The
fraternal associations of Dr. Olson are with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias, and his politics is Republican.
Frederick E. Driggs. One of Detroit's oldest and most prominent
citizens and honored members of the legal fraternity was the late Fred-
erick E. Driggs, who was born in New York City, New York, August 20,
1838, and died at his home in Detroit, June 16, 1913, after a continued
residence in this city of over a half a century, during which he was
actively identified with the law, business affairs and religious and philan-
thropic movements.
]Mr. Driggs was descended from an English ancestor who came to
America in 1716, settling in Connecticut, while his parents were S. Beach
and Adelaide (Desnouisej Driggs, natives of New York, to which state
the family had removed from Connecticut. Mr. Driggs received his lit-
erary education in private schools in New York, and his legal training
was procured under special preceptors and at the Poughkeepsie (New
York) Law School, where he received his degree of Bachelor of Law
in 1859. During that same year Mr. Driggs came to Michigan, locating
in Detroit, where he continued the prosecution of his legal studies in the
office of D. C. Holbrook, and in i860 was admitted to the Michigan
bar after an examination before the Supreme Court, and began the
practice of his profession at Detroit. A short time later Mr. Driggs
formed a partnership with E. W. Meddaugh, which firm, known as
that of Meddaugh & Driggs, was for many years one of the leading
legal combinations of Michigan. Subsequently Henry A. Harmon was
admitted to the firm, which then became Meddaugh, Driggs & Harmon.
As a legist, Mr. Driggs was known to be capable, well read, and a
reliable counselor. In his professional advice he was strictly honorable
and honest, consulting in every possible way the interests of his clients,
and being noted for the care and attention which he gave to every
detail. His connection with cases of an important character brought
him prominently before the people, but he was also widely known in
business and financial circles for many years, being identified with such
well-known financiers as the late U. S. Senator James McMillan, Francis
Palms, Hiram Walker, Allan Sheldon, Governor Baldwin and H. P.
Baldwin. He assisted and took a prominent part in the building of the
Detroit, ^Mackinac & Marquette Railroad, and for thirty years was
with Francis Palms and Senator IMcMillan a trustee in the management
of the land grant received by that road. He was also a director in the
Detroit Trust Company and in the Detroit Marine and Fire Insurance
Company, and held various important offices in Detroit corporations.
Mr. Driggs was much interested in church and philanthropic work
and gave freely of his time and means in that direction. For over thirty
years he was a member of the board of trustees and for many years
president of the board of St. Luke's Hospital and Church Home; he
was president of the board of trustees of the Mariners' Church, and a
vestryman of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Mr. Driggs was a member
of the American Bar Association, the Michigan State Bar Association
and the Detroit Bar Association, and retained his interest and promi-
nence at the bar to the last. He belonged also to the Detroit, Country
and Bankers Clubs. Mr. Driggs' life was spent in such a manner that
he won the respect and honor of all with whom he came in contact,
made and retained a host of warm and sincere friends, and will long
be remembered by the community as a man of strong character and much
legal and financial ability, and as one who bore his full share of labor
in the building up of Detroit and its institutions.
1408 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Matthew Beale Whittlesey. Engaged in the practice of law at the
^Michigan bar since 1900, Matthew Beale Whittlesey, of Detroit, has
achieved prominence and pojjularity, as well as the material rewards that
go with a large and rejjresentative practice, gaining his success through a
quick grasp of salient points, an impressive manner, inherent ability for
his profession and considerable oratorical gifts. Likewise, aside from his
activities in the ranks of his calling, he has interested himself in move-
ments that have made for civic betterment, and has done more than his
share in advancing morality, religion and good citizenship.
Mr. Whittlesey is a native of Michigan, born at Detroit, June 25,
1876, a son of John Jacob and Agnes (Martine) Whittlesey, lie lielongs
to an old and honored American family, the founder of whicli, John
Whittlesey, emigrated to this country as early as 1635, settling in Xew
England. The family has long been known there and has contriljuted
of its members to the various professions and to high places in military
and civic life. Matthew B. Whittlesey received his early education in
the public schools of Detroit, following which he went to the high school
at Green Bay, Wisconsin, and after some further preparation became a
student in the University of Michigan, graduating therefrom in 1899
with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. In 1899 and 1900 he attended
the law department of the same institution, and in the latter year cm-
liarked in practice at Detroit, although he subsequently attended the De-
troit College of Law, from which he was graduated in igoi with the
degree of Bachelor of Laws. When he first began practice Mr. \\'liit-
tlesey was associated with the firm of Bowen, Douglas & Whiting, but
since 1901 has been engaged in practice alone. He has been successful
in building up a practice typical of the best kind of work which may
be entrusted to the lawyer, and at no time has he failed to demonstrate
his complete ability in the handling of his legal business. The success
which he has won is a sufficient testimonial not only to the possession
of su|)erior natural abilities, liut also to the exemplary perseverance and
industry which has been shown in every stage of his career. He is a
firm believer in the doctrine that work will tell. Mr. Whittlesey has
sliown more than ordinary interest in enterprises calculated to make for
advancement and city welfare, and is a member and secretary of the board
of trustees of St. Luke's Hospital Church Home and Orphanage. He is
active in religious circles, being a vestryman of St. John's Episcopal
church. He also holds membership in the I'si Upsilon College fraternity,
the Detroit Board of Commerce and the University. Detroit Boat. De-
troit Club, Detroit Tennis, Detroit Athletic and Cluu'ch Clubs. He
maintains offices at Nos. 915-16 Hammond Building.
Mr. Whittlesey was married April 25, 1908, to Miss Ellen Ruth Har-
greaves, of Detroit, and three children have been born to them : Fred-
erick Driggs, George Hargreaves and Matthew Beale, Jr.
John Q. Ross. The present lieutenant governor of Michigan has not
only been an influential figure in the political activities of the state, as
one of the able and effective advocates of the principles and policies of
the Republican party, Init he is also widely and consistently recognized as
one of the representative members of the bar of his adopted common-
wealth, within the borders of which he has been engaged in the practice
of his profession since 1894. He has been largely dependent upon his
own resources in making his way in the world, and has shown that he is
possessed of those sterling qualities of character that justify and assure
success. In the work of his profession he is a member of the prominent
and representative law firm of Cross, Vanderwerp, Foote & Ross, in the
city of Muskegon, and he is serving his second term in the office of lieu-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1409
tenant governor of the state. Such precedence and distinction he has
gained through his possession of sterling attributes of character and
marked intellectual and professional talent, and he has fully measured up
to the demands of the discriminating public.
John O. Ross claims the old Buckeye state as the place of his nativity,
and this implies a certain degree of priority, if credance is placed in the
genial paraphrase once made by Hon. Chauncey M. Depew, who said :
"Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some are born in
the state of Ohio." It is needless to say, however, that Mr. Ross has not
depended upon the benignant auguries of such nativity for the winning
of success in life. He was born on a farm near Jamestown, Greene
county, Ohio, on the 28th of June, 1873, and is a son of William R. and
Ruhama C. (Moon) Ross, the former of whom was born in Monroe
county. West Virginia, on the 9th of June, 1829, and the latter of whom
was born in Greene county, Ohio, on the 30th of March, 1845. The father
was summoned to eternal rest in 1895, and his widow now maintains her
home in St. Petersburg, Florida, their marriage having been solemnized
on the 22d of February, 1864. William R. Ross was a successful agri-
culturist in Ohio, where he continued to reside until the year 1892, when
he came with his cherished and devoted wife to Muskegon, Michigan,
where he continued to live virtually retired until his death. He was a
Democrat in his political allegiance and was a Presbyterian in his religious
faith, his widow being a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Of their five children the eldest is Clement P., who is one of the
representative farmers of Muskegon county; Anna S. is the wife of
Orlando E. Shaner, who is in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul Railroad Company, and they reside in the city of Chicago ; Mary
E. is the wife of Asa C. Kline and they maintain their home at St. Peters-
burg, Florida, where Mr. Kline is a successful contractor; John Q., of
this review, was the next in order of birth ; and Miss Alena P. resides at
Clearwater, Florida. The paternal grandparents of John Q. Ross were
Robert and Susanna (Alexander) Ross, who were natives of Virginia
and who removed in an early day from that section of the Old Dominion
that now constitutes West Virginia to Ohio, where they passed the residue
of their lives and where Robert Ross was a farmer by vocation. The
maternal grandfather was Gideon Moon, who was born in the state of
New York and who was numbered among the pioneers of Ohio, where
he developed a productive farm and became a citizen of influence in his
•community. There he continued to reside until his death, as did also his
wife, whose maiden name was Turner.
The future lieutenant governor of Michigan was reared to the sturdy
discipline of the home farm and his early educational advantages were
those afforded in the public schools of his native county. He early
formulated definite plans for his future career and his ambition was not
one of futile or secondary nature. Under the effective preceptorship of
the firm of Jones & Clark, of Muskegon, Michigan, he pursued a through
course in the study of law, and he has continued a close and appreciative
student in later years, so tRat he is specially well fortified in the science
of jurisprudence, as is indicated by the admirable reputation he has gained
both as advocate and counselor, his resourcefulness and versatility having
been proved in connection with many important litigations. Mr. Ross
was admitted to the bar in 1894, and his initial work in his profession was
accomplished in a novitiate of one year at Shelby, Oceana county, Mich-
igan. He then transferred his professional headquarters to the city of
Muskegon, where he has had various partners in his practice and where
he has been, since 1910, a member of the representative law firm of Cross,
Vanderwerp, Foote & Ross, which controls a large and representative
1410 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
practice, each member of the firm .having a different and well defined
department of practice, so that the general prestige of the combination is
furthered.
Mr. Ross has been a valued and dominating factor in connection with
the manoeuvering of political forces in Michigan, as one of the repre-
sentative exponents of the principles and policies of the Republican party.
He has been most aggressive and influential as a campaign speaker, and
in 1910, he was made the nominee of his party for lieutenant governor of
the state, as the running mate of Hon. Chase Osborn. He made a
specially brilliant canvass and did much to make the ensuing victory in
the state election one of unequivocal order. He was elected by a gratify-
ing majority, proved a most progressive and efficient executive officer and
most popular as the presiding officer of the state senate. He was re-
elected in 1912. He was the first president of the West Michigan Devel-
opment Bureau ; is a member of and has been president of the Muskegon
Chamber of Commerce and has always been a worker for Muskegon and
has done much for this part of ]\Iichigan.
Mr. Ross, as may well be understood, is one of the progressive and
public-spirited citizens of Muskegon, and he has won to himself a very
wide circle of staunch friends in Michigan. In his home city he is an
interested principal in several business concerns, he is one of the success-
ful and representative members of the bar of this section of the state, and
his advancement stands as the direct result of his own efforts, which have
been marked by high ideals and by impregnable integrity of purpose. Mr.
Ross is affiliated with the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and the
Knights of Pythias, in the latter of which he has served as vice-chancellor
commander.
In the year 1900 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Ross to Miss
Katherine B. Schwedler, who was born in Germany and who was two
years of age when she accompanied her widowed mother to .America, her
father, William Schwedler having died in the Vaterland. j\Ir. and Mrs.
Ross have two children, Raymond F. and Florence A.
James Harvey Gregg. One of Detroit's leading business men is
James H. Gregg, secretary and general manager of the Gregg Hardware
Company, one of the large wholesale houses in that line in the state. Mr.
Gregg came from the farm when a boy, learned the hardware business
through wliolesale channels, and from the subordinate grades of service
where he was one among hundreds who rose to the heavy responsibilities
of management and finallv to independent action in his chosen field.
James Harvey Gregg was born at Browning, Lynn county, Missouri,
August 8, 1866. A brief account of his family and its important moves
in the world is as follows: His parents were George and Mary (Steel)
Gregg. The Gregg family was founded in the United States three gen-
erations ago by John Gregg, a native of Germany, who came over with
his wife and settled near the city of Philadelphia, but later moved to Ohio,
and there bought land in Carroll county and developed a fine farm. That
old homestead, now many times more valuable than when first. occupied,
is still in the possession of the Gregg family, and a brother of the Detroit
business man is its proprietor. George Gregg, the father, was born on
this old homestead in Carroll county and died there in 1899. His wife
was born in the same county and is now living in her seventy-sixth year.
Her father, James Steel, was of Irish descent. George Gregg and wife
were married in Carroll county in 1865, and during the same year
moved out to Missouri, locating in Lynn county, but at the end of some
five or six years, on account of repeated droughts in that section, condi-
tions were such as to discourage farming and he returned to Carroll
county at or in the vicinity of his birthplace.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1411
James H. Gregg was reared on the old farm, attended school through
the grades and the high school and was about eighteen years of age when
he exchanged a rural atmosphere for the environment of the wholesale
hardware house in Cleveland, Ohio. His home was in Cleveland until
1898, and in the meantime he had gained a thorough knowledge of the
hardware business and then came to Detroit to become manager of the
hardware department of Buhl Sons Company, the largest hardware con-
cern in the state. In 1906 Mr. Gregg left the Buhl company to engage
in business for himself, by organizing the Gregg Hardware Company,
which was incorporated under that name.
Outside of his immediate business he is known as a member of the
Detroit Builders & Traders Exchange and the Detroit Board of Com-
merce ; the Detroit Athletic Club ; the Rotary Club, and has taken most
of the degrees in Masonry, including membership in Ashlar Lodge, A. F.
& A. M., Peninsular Chapter R. A. M., Damascus Commandery, K. T.,
and Michigan Consistory of the Scottish Rite, and also Moslem Temple
of the Mystic Shrine.
yir. Gregg married Dora Gantz, who was born in Carrollton, Ohio,
daughter of John J. Gantz, a stock raiser of that state. To their mar-
riage a daugliter and two sons have been born, namely : ]\Iary, George
and Robert. Mr. Gregg is a Republican in politics, and the family belong
to the North Congregational church of Detroit.
Philip W. Kniskern. He whose name initiates this sketch may con-
sistently be designated as the dean of the legal profession in Muskegon
county, and he is one of the well known and highly honored citizens of
Muskegon, the fine city that is the judicial center of the county. Though
he has passed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten the years
rest lightly upon him and he is essentially alert, loyal and progressive in
his civic attitude. He is the incumbent of the office of circuit court com-
missioner for Muskegon county and has been a member of the bar of
Michigan for nearly forty years. His career has been marked by
definite and worthy achievement and to him a special tribute is due in
this history of the state that has long represented his home.
Mr. Kniskern was born in Schoharie county, New York, on the loth
of January, 1837, and he is a lineal representative of sterling jjioneer
families of the old Empire state, within whose gracious liorders his
parents were born and reared, their marriage having there l)een solem-
nized in the year 1819. He is a son of Philip and Hannah (Singerland)
Kniskern, the former of whom was born in 1800 and tlie latter in 1798.
In 1836 Philip Kniskern came with his family to the middle west and
established his residence in the state of Illinois, where he remained until
1868, when he removed to Barry county. Missouri, where he purchased
a farm and where both he and his wife passed the residue of their lives,
both having been summoned to eternal rest in the year 1873, so that in
death they were not long divided, their married life having been char-
acterized by the deepest of mutual devotion and solicitude. Of the ten
children the subject of this sketch is the only one now living, and he was
the eighth in order of birth. Philip Kniskern was a Democrat in his
political proclivities and he served in minor township offices, both he
and his wife having been zealous members of the Lutheran church, in
which he held official position for a number of years. He was a son of
Abraham and Elizabeth (Warner) Kniskern, who passed their entire
lives in the state of New York, the father having been a farmer Ijy voca-
tion. The father and six of the brothers of Mrs. Elizabeth (Warner)
Kniskern were valiant soldiers of the Continental line in the war of the
Revolution, and her father was with the command of General Gates when
1412 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
that officer effected the capture of General Cornwalhs. Abraham Kniskcrn
was a son of Nicholas Kniskern, who likewise was born in New York and
who was a son of Gottlieb Kniskern, The latter was the founrler of the
family in America, to which country he immigrated from the Palitinate
of Germany, in the year 1709, having left his native land to escape the
religious turlnilence which at that time was causing great unrest and
many persecutions in Germany. He passed the remainder of his life in
New York state and, like many of his descendants in the succeeding two
or more generations, he gave his attention mainly to the great basic in-
dustry of agfriculture. The maternal ancestors of him whose name
introduces this article came to America from Holland, but he has vir-
tually no authentic data concerning the family history on the distaff side.
Philip \\'. Kiskern was reared under the invigorating discipline of the
old homestead farm in Schoharie county, New York, and there he ac-
quired his early education in the common schools, a training that he soon
amplified and effectually rounded out through self-application and asso-
ciation with the practical affairs of life. As a young man he went to the
state of Mississippi, prior to the Civil war, and at Lexington, that state,
he was admitted to the bar, after having admirably fortified himself in
the basic principles of the science of jurisprudence, \\'hen it became evi-
dent that the nation was to be involved in Civil war Mr. Kiskern re-
turned to the north, and from 1861 to iSfiS he was engaged in teaching
in the common schools in Illinois and Michigan. He then turned his at-
tention to the profession of journalism, as a representative of which he
was editor and publisher of a weekly paper at Middleville, Barrv county,
until 1876, when he engaged in the practice of law at Hastings, Michi-
gan. He has maintained his home in Muskegon since 1892, has here been
a successful and representative member of the bar of the county for
many years, and he still gives his attention to the general practice of his
profession, with a substantial clientage. His close study of the law in
the earlier years gave him facility in its application in a practical way,
and his broad and varied experience has made him one of tlie circum-
spect and well fortified members of the bar.
In politics Mr. Kiskern has been found aligned as an uncompromising
and effective advocate of the principles and policies for which the Re-
pulilican party has stood .sponsor and he has been an active worker in
behalf of the cause. He has voted for every Republican president from
the time of the second election of Lincoln, and he has been an effective
worker in virtually every national campaign during all these years, with
excellent reputation as an able and convincing stump speaker. He has
served as circtiit court commissioner of Muskegon countv since 1004.
He is the owner of a considerable amount of valuable realty in Muskegon
and other points in the county, and is one of the substantial, public-spir-
ited and distinctively popular men of this favored section of the Wol-
verine state.
The year i860 recorded the marriage of Mr. Kniskern to Miss Cor-
nelia Goodenow, who was born in Painesville, Ohio, and whose father,
Jacob Goodenow, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Michigan in 1865,
where he and his wife continued to reside until their death, Mr, and
Mrs. Kniskern have three children, concerning whom the following brief
data are entered : Albert is a lieutenant colonel of the United States
army ; Emory, who is a physician and surgeon by profession, resides at
Centralia, Washington, and Russell is engaged in the automobile busi-
ness at Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Cii.\RLF.s F. A'Iellish. One of the loyal citizens and representative
business men of Detroit is Mr. Mellish. He is a director and secretary
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1413
of the Hargreaves Manufacturing Company, which represents one of the
important industrial enterprises of the Michigan metropolis, where he is
also a member of the directorate of the Federal Motor Truck Company,
the enterprise of which has made distinctive contribution to the pre-
eminence of Detroit as a center of the automobile industry.
Charles Fillmore Mellish was born in the city of Buffalo, New York,
on the 7th of December, 1859, and is a son of Captain James William
Willoughby-Mellish and Lavina (Suthers) Alellish, the former of whom
was born in the city of London, England, and the latter of whom was a
native of Ipswich, England. Captain Willoughby-Mellish was reared
and educated in his native city and as a youth he entered the English
army, in which he eventually attained the rank of captain. He finally
resigned his commission and came to the United States, where he be-
came prominently identified with manufacturing enterprise. He first
located in the city of New York, later resided for some time in the city
of BufTalo, and finally took up his abode in Lockport, New York, where
he became one of the interested principals in the Hydraulic Manufactur-
ing Company, of which he was a director. He was a prominent and
influential citizen of Lockport for many years, was active in both the
civic and business aifairs of the community and was known as a man of
fine intellectuality and inviolable integrity. Both he and his wife con-
tinued to maintain their home at Lockport until their death.
The early educational advantages afforded to Charles F. Mellish were
those of the public schools of Lockport, New York, and the inception of
his business career was through his connection with the local art store
of R. W. & E. Beck. He entered the employ of this firm in 1878 and re-
mained with the same, as a salesman, until 18S3, when he came to
Detroit and accepted a position as traveling salesman for the Hargreaves
Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of picture frames, mouldings,
etc., and dealers in all kinds of pictures. With this extensive concern he
has continued to be identified during the long intervening period of thirty
years, and he has risen to a position of authoritative interest in the busi-
ness, which is one of the largest of the kind in the United States. Mr.
Mellish became one of the most successful traveling representatives of
the house and remained "on the road" until i()00, when the company was
reorganized and he became its secretary. At that time also he assumed
the functions of assistant manager and he has also had the personal
direction of the sales department. His services have been most potent
in forwarding the success of this representative Detroit concern and the
expansion of its business into new territory, so that his is secure vantage-
ground as one of the able and valued executives and stockholders of the
company.
Mr. Mellish has been one of the representative figures in the local
cohorts of the Republican party and has done effective service in behalf
of its cause. He is a member of the Detroit Board of Commerce, and
has been active and influential in connection with the affairs of the De-
troit Club, of the governing board of which representative organization
he has been a member for six years, besides which he served as president
of the club in 1912-13. He also holds membership in the Detroit Coun-
try Club, the L^nion League Club of Chicago, and tiie Tuscarora Club of
Lockport, New York. Germane to his business activities he is identified
with the Picture Frame Manufacturers' Association of America, and both
he and his wife are communicants of Christ church, Protestant Episcopal,
besides being popular factors in the social life of their home city.
On the 2d of July, 1884, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Mel-
lish to Miss Sarah Estelle Butler, daughter of the late Titus S. Butler, a
prominent merchant of Lockport, New York, and they have one daugh-
ter, Marjorie Butler Mellish.
1414 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
William Brinen. The lumber industry of Michigan produced many
able and splendid men of affairs. Conspicuous among these was the late
William Brinen of Muskegon. He came to that city about fifty years
ago, a young man with all his clothes tied up in a bandana handker-
chief. Hard manual labor was the beginning of his career. It is said
that a man is worth a dollar and a half a day from his neck down, but
when he has brains in his head to work in conjunction with his body,
there is no limit to his efficiency and earning capacity. William Brinen
was the type of a man who used his intelligence as well as his hands.
For a number of years before his death he was regarded as one of the
well to do and ablest business leaders in western Michigan. On May
7, 1913, following a stroke of appoplexy William Brinen was taken from
the ranks of the living and his death marked the passing of one of Mich-
igan's resourceful and valuable characters who not only acquired much
but gave even more in return to the state with which he was so long
identified.
The career of William Brinen began on a farm in Franklin, Mil-
waukee county, Wisconsin, January 8, 1845. His father was Patrick
Brinen. a native of Ireland, and one of the settlers of Wisconsin. The
early training of the late Mr. Brinen chiefly consisted in the rugged ex-
perience of a farm, and of schooling he had very little. His father had
come to the wilderness, had cleared off a space among the forest trees
upon which to erect his log cabin, and it was in the midst of pioneer sur-
roundings that William Brinen spent his vouth. In 1862, when he was
seventeen years of age, he went to Joliet, Illinois, where ten months were
spent as a farm hand. Taking passage on a boat, he crossed Lake Mich-
igan to Grand Haven, and then walked to Aluskegon, it being his in-
tention to earn enough money to buy forty acres of land in his native
state. His first employment was with L. G. Mason & Company, big lum-
bermen of that time. Driving a yoke of cattle and helping build a mill he
occupied himself in various other ways, and at one time acted as night
watch on the boom. During the winter he went into the woods, and
finally got a job of scaling logs. In the lumber camp was a man of con-
sideralile education who assisted him in figuring and Mr. Brinen was
always a man keenly alert to the opportunities about him, and really edu-
cated himself. Eventually he became foreman of the mill operated by
L. G. Mason & Company, and later known as the Mason Lumber Com-
pany. In 1878, the Thayer Lumber Company bought the Mason mill, and
Mr. Brinen continued with that concern until the mill was closed in 1910.
That was a period of forty-five years of continuous employment with
one of the largest lumber concerns in western Michigan.
Many years ago, Mr. Brinen became an independent and energetic
figure in l)usiness enterprise at Muskegon and vicinity. In 1885 he
formed a co-partnership with Thomas Munroe, under the name of Mun-
roe & Brinen. They were in the general lumber business until 1905. the
operations of the company being conducted by William Munroe since
both Thomas Munroe and Mr. Brinen were active in the affairs of the
Thayer Lumber Company. That co-partnership has never been dis-
solved although the company was not active after 1905. Mr. Brinen
was also a meiiiber of the W. J. Brinen Company, composed of William
Brinen, William ]. P.rinen, William Munroe, and George M. Gotshall, a
concern which succeeded to the local business of the Thayer Company.
His other business interests were extensive. A few months before
his death he was elected president of the L^nion National r>ank of Muske-
gon, in which he had long been a director. He was a director in the
Lumbermen's National Bank ; had been a director of the Aluskcgon Sav-
ings Bank ; was a stockholder in the Hackley National Bank ; a director
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1415
of the Muskegon Traction and Lighting Company ; a director in the
Muskegon Valley Furniture Company, a member of the firm of Brinen,
Roach & Company, dealers in coal and wood ; a director and vice presi-
dent of the Occidental Hotel Company ; president and one of the prin-
cipal stockholders in the Ouinn Manufacturing Company of Detroit,
manufacturers of plumbing and steam-fitting supplies. Mr. Brinen was
one of the owners in the Schooner Lyman Davis, and also in the Steamer
George C. ^larkham. An interesting fact is that the former boat was
sold only a short time before the death of Mr. Brinen, and cleared from
the Muskegon Harbor for its last voyage from that port just about the
time Mr. Brinen was stricken with his fatal illness.
In July, 1872, Mr. Brinen married Miss Margaret Kavanaugh, of
Milwaukee county, Wisconsin, a daughter of John Kavanaugh, a native
of Ireland and an early settler in the latter state. Mrs. Brinen died
June 12, 1892, and was the mother of Mr. Brinen's three children, namely:
William J., who succeeded his father in business; Mary E., wife of W.
G. Wieden, of Lansford, Pennsylvania, in the coal mining business; and
Frances who marj-ied Charles G. Ximes, of Raymond, Wisconsin, a
civil engineer. On Jin^e 15, 1900, Mr. Brinen married Miss Margaret
Quinlan, of Muskegon. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church
of Muskegon, with which church he was long identified.
A business associate of the late Mr. Brinen said at the time of his
death: "No one man, living or dead in Muskegon, ever gave more to
the worthy poor of the city than Mr. Brinen, in fact, his one fault was
that he gave too freely, being frequently imposed upon. In matters of
business he was frequently consulted, and his advice valued very highly.
As a judge of human character, I believe lie had no superior." Besides
his conspicuous place in business aflfairs. and his private charity, Mr.
Brinen was long a factor in civic and public affairs. A Democrat, he
was never a strict partisan, at least in Icical politics. For four years
he served as an alderman, and was a member of the building c(jmmittee
at the time the city hall was constructed. While in the council he was
also instrumental in getting the city to buy the Oakwood cemetery. He
was at one time a member of the old board of public works, and during
his service the water works were built. Altogether, his was a life of
long and varied accomplishment, uniting great energy and business ef-
ficiency with a board capacity for charity, and that social service which
makes the memory of men loved long after they have passed away.
Jacob S. F.arrand. The name of the Farrand family is fixed in the
recorded annals of Detroit, it is also part of the history of the State of
Michigan and figures on the pages of national history from the early
colonial era. Strong men and true, and gentle and gracious women have
represented the name as one generation has followed another upon the
stage of life, and loyalty and patriotism have been equally notable charac-
teristics among many distinguished citizens of the family, one of the
most conspicuous of whom was the late Jacob S. Farrand of Detroit.
A distinguished type of the world's productive worker, he made his work
a part of the civic and business history of Michigan and its chief city.
His life was characterized by signal purity of purpose and a high sense
of personal stewardship. More than a decade before the territory of
Michigan entered the Union, the Farrand family was founded within
its borders, and during nearly ninety years this commonwealth has been
dignified and honored by their character and services.
Jacob Shaw Farrand was born at Mentz, Cayuga county. New York,
on the 7th of May, 1815, and passed away at five o'clock in the afternoon
of April 3, 1891, at his home in Detroit. He was in the seventh genera-
1416 HISTORY OF MlCHIGAi^ •
■ '. *■
tion of the Farrand family in America and was a son of Bethuel and
Marilla (Shaw) Farrand, his father having been a farmer and black-
smith in New York state. The lineage is traced back to staunch French-
Huguenot stock, and the Huguenot ancestors in France were compelled
to flee their native land to escape the religious persecutions of the six-
teenth and early part of the seventeenth centuries. Some of the members
of the family seem to have settled in England, on the border of Wales,
and others went to the north of Ireland, family tradition indicating that
from the latter source is traced the genealogy of the American branch of
the family. The original French orthography was Ferrand.
In America the original ancestor was probably Nathaniel Farrand,
who was a resident of Alilford, Connecticut, in 1645, his son, Nathaniel
II, having likewise maintained a home at Milford. Of the latter's three
sons the ancestor of the Michigan branch of the family was Samuel Far-
rand, and the next in direct line of descent, in the fourth generation, was
Samuel's son, Ebenezer, who was born in 1707 and died in 1777, the
maiden name of the wife having been Rebecca Ward. Bethuel Farrand,
son of Ebenezer and Rebecca (Ward) Farrand, cominanded a company
of New Jersey troops in the war of the Revolution. His wife, whose
Christian name was Rhoda, bore him six sons and five daughters, of
whom the sixth was Bethuel, father of Jacob S.
Rhoda Farrand was one of the noble women of Revolutionary times,
and in order that this article may become as complete a record of the
family as possible, and also for the intrinsic interest of the incident, the
following poem written on the title "Rhoda Farrand," by Eleanor A.
Hunter in 1876. is herewith inserted:
In the last of these Centennial days,
Let me sing a song to a woman's praise ;
How she proved herself in that time of strife,
Worthy of being a patriot's wife.
A little woman she was — not young.
But ready of wit and quiet of tongue ;
One of the kind of which Solomon told;
Setting their price above rubies and gold.
A memory brave clings around her name;
'Twas Rhoda Farrand, and worthy of fame.
Though scarce she dreamed 'twould be woven in rhymes,
In these — her granddaughter's daughter's times.
Just out of the clamor of war's alarms,
Lay in tran(|uil c|uiet the Jersey farms ;
And all of the produce in barn and shed
By the lads and girls was harvested.
For the winds of winter with storm and chill
Swei)t bitterly over each field and hill.
Her husband was with the army, and she
Was left on the farm at Parsippany.
When she heard the sound of a horse's feet.
And Marshall Doty rode up the street ;
He paused but a moment and handed down
A letter for Rhoda from Morristown,
In her husband's hand — how she seized the sheet;
The children came running with eager feet :
There were Nate and Betty, Hannah and Dan,
To list to the letter, and thus it ran.
.- 'k
fflSTORY OF MICHIGAN 1417
After best greeting to children and wife :
"Heart of his heart, and the life of his life,"
I read from the paper wrinkled and brown :
"We are here for the winter in Alorristown,
And a sorry sight are our men today.
In tatters and rags with no signs of pay.
As we marched to camp, if a man looked back.
By the dropping blood he could trace our track;
For scarcely a man has a decent shoe.
And there's not a stocking the army through ;
So send us stockings as quick as you can,
My company needs them, every man,
And every man is a neighbor's lad ;
Tell this to their mothers ; Tlicy need tliciii bad."
Then, if never before, beat Rhoda's heart,
'Twas time to be doing a woman's part.
She turned to her daughters, Hannah and Bet,
"Girls, each on your needles a stocking set,
Get my cloak and hood ; as for you, son Dan,
Yoke up the steers just as quick as you can;
Put a chair in the wagon, as you're alive;
I will sit and knit, while you go and drive."
They started at once on Whippany road.
She knitting away while he held the goad.
At Whippany village she stopped to call
On the sisters Prudence and Mary Ball.
She would not go in, she sat in her chair.
And read to the girls her letter from there.
That was enough, for their brothers three
Were in T^ieutenant Farrand's company.
Then on Rhoda went, stopping here and there
To rouse the neighbors from her old chair.
Still while she was riding her fingers flew,
And minute by minute the stocking grew.
Across the country, so withered and brown.
They drove till they came to Hanover town.
There, mellow and rich, lay the Smith's broad lands.
With them she took dinner and warmed her hands.
Next toward Hanover Neck Dan turned the steers.
Where her cousins, the Kitchels. had lived for years.
With the Kitchels she supped, then homeward turned.
While above her the stars like lanterns burned.
And she stepped from her chair, helped by her son,
With her first day's work and her stockings done.
On Rockaway river, so bright and clear.
The brown leaf skims in the fall of the year.
Around through the hills it curves like an arm.
And holds in its clasp more than one bright farm.
Through Rockaway valley next day drove Dan,
Boy though he was, yet he worked like a man.
His mother behind him sat in her chair,
Still knitting, hut knitting another pair.
They roused the valley, then drove through the gorge,
And stopped for a minute at Compton's forge.
^
1418 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Then on to Boonton, and there they were fed,
While the letter was passed around and read.
"Knit," said Rhoda to all, "as fast as you can;
Send tlie stockings to me, and my son Dan
The first of next week will drive me down.
And I'll take the stockings to Morristown."
Then from Boonton home, and at set of sun
She entered iier house icitli her stockini/s done.
On Thursday they knit from the morn till night,
She and the girls, with all their might.
When the yarn gave out they carded and spun.
And every day more stockings were done.
When the wool was gone, then they killed a sheep —
A cosset — but nobody stopped to weep.
They pulled the fleece, and they carded away.
And spun and knitted from night until day.
In all the country no woman could rest,
But they knitted on like peiiple "'possessed" ;
And Parson Condit expounded his views
On the Sabbath day unto empty pews,
Except for a few stray lads who came
And sat in the gallery, to save the name.
On Monday morn at an early hour
The stockings came in a perfect shower —
A shower that lasted until the night ;
Black, brown and gray ones and mixed blue and white.
There were pairs one hundred and thirty-three,
Long ones, remember, up to the knee ;
And the next day Rhoda carried them down
In the old ox-wagon to Morristown.
I hear like an echo the soldiers' cheers
For Rhoda and Dan, the wagon and steers.
Growing wilder yet, for the chief in command,
While up at "salute" to the brow flies each hand
As Washington passes, desiring then
To thank Mistress Farrand in the name of his men.
But the words that her husband's lips let fall,
"I knew you would do it!" were best of all.
And I think in these Centennial days
That she should be given her meed of praise;
And while we are singing of "Auld Lang Syne,"
Her name with the others deserves to shine.
Bethuel Farrand, founder of the family in Michigan, married Marilla
Shaw, and after her death married Deborah Osborne. The children of
the first marriage were Lucius S., Jacob Shaw, Caroline E., Clinton
Bethuel, and Anna Marilla. Those of the second union were Sarah,
Aaron Kitchel, James B. and David Osborne. Bethuel Farrand, who
had become skilled as a civil and mechanical engineer, came with his
family from New York state to the territory of Michigan in 1825. He
had secured a contract for the installing of a primitive system of water-
works in the little frontier town of Detroit. The family arrived in De-
troit in May, 1825, and in the following autumn removed to Ann Arbor,
and there, in 1837, when Michigan became a state, he was the first to be
elected to the office of probate judge of Washtenaw county. He was one
of the honored and influential citizens of Ann Arbor until his death.
While this sterling pioneer constructed the first waterworks system in
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1419
Detroit, and later his son Jacob S. served with distinction as a member
of the Detroit board of water commissioners.
Jacob S. Farrand gained his rudimentary education in his native state
and was a lad of ten years at the time of the family removal to Michi-
gan. At Ann Arbor he continued to attend school when opportunity
offered, and there first became identified with that line of enterprise
along which he was destined to achieve prominence and distinctive suc-
cess. When but twelve years of age he was employed in a drug store in
the little village of Ann Arbor, but the next year was given the appoint-
ment to carry the mail between Ann Arbor and Detroit, the trips being
made on horseback and the roads usually in an execrable condition. In
1830 Mr. Farrand established his permanent residence in Detroit, and
became a clerk in the retail drug store of Rice & Bingham. Five years
later, when but twenty years of age, he formed a partnership with Ed-
ward Bingham of that firm, and thus began his independent career as a
druggist. Within a short time came his appointment as deputy revenue
collector for the port and district of Detroit, which district then included
all of the United States shores of Lakes Huron and Michigan. During
184 1 Mr. Farrand served as military secretary to the governor of Michi-
gan, with the rank of major.
In 1845 Mr. Farrand engaged in the drug business at 80 Woodward
avenue, and in 1859 Alanson Sheley became associated in the business.
In the following year, upon the admission of William C. Williams to
partnership, the title of the firm was changed to Farrand, Sheley & Com-
pany, and the enterprise was expanded to both wholesale and retail. In
1871 Harvey C. Clark became a member of the firm and the title was
then changed to Farrand. Williams & Company. The business was de-
veloped until it became the largest of the kind in Michigan and one of
the most important in the middle west. The annual volume of business
grew to exceed one million dollars, and Mr. Farrand continued a strong
directing force, under various changes in partnership, until attacked with
the illness that resulted in his death, at whicli time he was senior member
of Farrand, Williams & Clark.
His great business sagacity brought him other important interests in
Detroit. He was a director and for fifteen years president of the First
National Bank of Detroit; was one of the incorporators of the Wayne
County Savings Bank, and became its vice-president ; for nearly a score
of years was president of the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company ;
was a director of the Detroit Fire & Marine Insurance Company; was
treasurer of the Detroit Gas Light Company; and held other important
capitalistic interests. For six years Mr. Farrand served as a member of
the Detroit board of education, and from i860 to 1864 he was a valued
member of the city council, having been its president for one year and
for a short time acting mayor of the city. For fully a quarter of a cen-
tury he was a member of the city board of water commissioners, and its
president for a long period, besides which he served eight years as presi-
dent of the board of police commissioners. His relations with religious,
educational and charitable organizations were equally useful. He served
as president of Harper Hospital Board of Trustees, and as president of
the governing board of the Detroit Home & Day School ; was president
of the Wayne County Bible Society and the Detroit Society for Sabbath
Observance, and was a trustee of the Eastern Asylum for the Insane, a
state institution. For thirty-five years an elder of the First Presbyterian
church of Detroit, Mr. Farrand was a commissioner of the Presbyterian
general assemblies of 1863, 1869 and 1873, and in the last mentioned
year was likewise a commissioner to the Canadian assembly. In 1877
he was a delegate to the Pan-Presbyterian council, in Edinburgh, Scot-
1420 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
land, and for many years was receiving agent in Detroit of the American
board of commissioners for foreign missions. These connections indi-
cate the manifold and varied activities of Mr. Farrand, whose life was one
of consecration to high ideals and good works. The generosity of a great
heart animated him, and yet he was eminently practical in both his general
and personal benevolence and charities.
At the time of Mr. Farrand's death the Detroit Journal said editori-
ally: "His name, prominent in a score of illustrious ways, was, in con-
sequence of his long, upright and eminent business career, a household
word in the state. In usefulness to the community he surpassed many
another who has filled loftier stations. Measured by the good he has ac-
complished, the evil he himself has foreborne to do and has prevented
others from doing, his life has been one of far more value than have the
lives of men who have sought and obtained more prominent places and
conspi'^uous honors. The lives of such men are public benefactions ; their
deaths public calamities. He deserves a public memorial whose useful-
ness rather than whose ostentation shall preserve his deeds as an example
and incentive to his fellow men."
On the I2th of August, 1841, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Farrand to Miss Olive Maria Coe, of Hudson, Ohio, and he died only a
few months prior to the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. Mrs.
Farrand was born at Vernon, Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 12th of
April, 1 82 1, and, surviving her honored husband by nearly a decade, was
summoned to rest on the 30th of March, 1910. Upon coming to Detroit
Mrs. Farrand, with her husband, united with the' First Presbyterian
church, to which she gave the loving services of her best years and of
which she was the oldest member at the time of her death. Identified
with all of the many social, charitable and religious societies of the church
for so long a period, and with the Protestant Orphan Asylum and other
philanthropic institutions of the city, and holding a secure and positive
place as the central figure of an ideally happy home, Mrs. Farrand won
and retained the admiration and confidence of all who knew her.
Mrs. Farrand was a daughter of Rev. Harvey and Deborah (Eddy)
Coe, and in the maternal line was a descendant of Samuel Eddy, a son
of Rev. William Eddy, of Cranbrook, in Kent, England. Samuel Eddy
was the founder of the American branch of the family and his descend-
ants figured prominently in colonial history. One of these was Law-
rence Eddy, who served through the Revolution and was with the forces
under General Washington at Valley Forge. .Samuel Coe, great-great-
grandfather of Mrs. Farrand on the paternal side, was a soldier in the
Seventeenth Regiment, Continental Line, and took part in the battles of
Ro.xbury and Bunker Hill. He was promoted to a sergeancy in the Third
Connecticut Regiment and with this command participated in the cap-
ture of West Point, in the battle of White Plains and in the storming
of Stony Point. After serving three years in the great war of inde-
pendence he was honorably discharged August 18, 177S. Mrs. Deborah
(Eddy) Coe was a daughter of Leveus and Deborah (Doane) Eddy, and
her mother was a direct descendant of Deacon John Doane, who was
born in England in the early part of the last decade of the sixteenth
century and who died at Eastham, Alassachusetts, February 21, 1686.
Deacon John Doane was a member of Captain Miles Standish's military
company at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1643, ^^d was military com-
missioner from Eastham, Massachusetts, to the colonial military coun-
cils. He was one of the prominent anrV influential men of the colony, was
one of the founders of Eastham, and through his military services his
descendants are eligible for membership in the American Society of
Colonial Wars. .Authentic data cnnrerning Deacon John Doane and his
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1421
descendants are found in various colonial archives and records in Massa-
chusetts.
Rev. Harvey Coe, father of Mrs. Farrand, was a graduate of Williams
College and was the second home missionary sent from Connecticut to
the Western Reserve, in Ohio. He was one of the founders of Western
Reserve College, of which he was a trustee until his death. He was an
important factor in the religious, educational and social development of
the Buckeye state. He was born at Granville, Massachusetts, October
6, 1783, and died at Hudson, Ohio, in March, i860. His wife was bom
at Haddam, Connecticut, March 24, 1790, and died at Hudson, Ohio,
May 4, i860.
William R. Farrand and Jacob S. Farrand, Jr., the sons of Jacob' S.
and Olive M. (Coe) Farrand, are individually mentioned in paragraphs
that follow. Mary C, the eldest daughter, became the wife of Rev.
James Lewis, a Presbyterian clergyman, and she died at Joliet, Illinois,
December 3, 1889. Olive C, the surviving daughter, is the wife of
Richard P. Williams, a representative business man of Detroit.
William Reynolds Farrand, who has well upheld the prestige of
the family name, and is one of the representative business men and pro-
gressive citizens of Detroit, was born in that city September 9, 1853.
Educated in the public schools, in 1870, at the age of seventeen years.
he found employment in the wholesale drug house of Farrand, Williams
& Company, with which he continued for a number of years and had
charge of one of the departments. In 1884 Mr. Farrand became actively
interested in the Whitney Organ Company, and was elected treasurer.
In 1887 when the business was reorganized, under the title of the Far-
rand Organ Company, he continued as treasurer of the new corporation,
and when the Farrand Company succeeded the Farrand Organ Company
he became president. In this office he has been successful in upbuild-
ing one of the substantial and important manufacturing industries of
his native city.
A civic worker as well as successful business man, he served as a
member of the Detroit Board of Estimate in 1890-91, and in 1893 was
president of the board. In 1893 Mayor Pingree appointed him a member
of the public lighting commission, of which he was president in 1897.
Mr. Farrand is a member of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution,
the Detroit Club, the Country Club, the Lake St. Clair Shooting and
Fishing Club, commonly known as the Old Club, and of the Board of
Commerce. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Harper
Hospital, and as a member and elder of the First Presbyterian church has
succeeded his honored father as one of the prominent laymen in Michi-
gan. He was a delegate to the Presbyterian general assembly at Pitts-
burgh, Pennsylvania, in 1895, and at Denver, Colorado, in May, 1909,
and was named as a delegate to the Pan-Presbyterian council held in
Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1913, but was unable to attend. He is specially
active in church work and has served as president of the Wayne County
Sunday School Association. Mr. Farrand in 1892 organized a company
of young men who are now known as the Farrand Guards, a military
and social organization, which has been kept together for more than
twenty years, and the influence of the guards has helped to mould the
lives of many young men of Detroit, some of whom are now prominent
in business affairs.
At Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1876, Mr. Farrand mar-
ried Miss Cora B. Wallace, a daughter of Dr. Perkins Wallace of Can-
ton, Ohio. They had one son, Wallace Reynolds Farrand, who died at
the age of six years; and one daughter, Rebekah Olive, who is the wife
1422 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
of Lieutenant George C. Keleher, of the Twenty-sixth United States
Infantry, and they have a daughter, Catherine Wallace, bom November
24. 1913-
Jacob S. Farrand, Jr. Identified with the \\holesaIe drug trade in
Detroit since his youth, Jacob S. Farrand, Jr., virtually the successor of
his father in a business which stands as a memorial to the splendid com-
mercial enterprise of the elder Farrand.
Jacob Shaw Farrand, Jr.. was born at Detroit June 11, 1857, and
finished the course of the high school when that school was conducted in
the old building that had formerly been the capitol of the state. In 1876
he became a subordinate in the wholesale drug establishment of Farrand,
Williams & Company, and familiarized himself with all the practical
and executive details of the business. In 1884 he became a member of
the firm of Farrand, Williams & Clark, and as secretary and treasurer,
has since had an active part in maintaining the high standard so long
upheld by the business. ^Ir. Farrand is a director of the First National
Bank of Detroit, and an active member of the Detroit Board of Com-
merce. Through his lineage he has membership in the Society of the
Sons of tjie American Revolution, and in the American Society of
Colonial Wars. His social relations are with the Detroit Club, the
Coimtry Club, the Detroit Bankers Club, the Detroit Athletic Club, the
Old Club, and the Detroit Curling Club. He is a member of the board of
elders of the First Presbyterian Church of Detroit, with which his
family has been identified for more than seventy years.
Philip P. SriiNORp.Acn. The estimate placed upon Mr. .Schnorbach
in his native city of IMuskegon is definitely indicated when it is stated
that he is here serving in the office of postmaster. He is one of the rep-
resentative and popular citizens of the fine metropolis of Aluskegon
county, has served in other local offices of public trust and has been closely
identified with civic and business interests in his home city, where he
stands exemplar of progressiveness and distinctive public spirit. He is
giving a most efficient and acceptable administration as postmaster of the
city and has brought the service up to truly metropolitan standard. Fur-
ther interest attaches to his career by reason of the fact that he is a
representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of Muskegon county.
Mr. Schnorbach was born in Muskegon on the 24th of February,
1870, and is a son of Philip and Martha Elizabeth (Mohr) Schnorbach,
both natives of Germany, whence they came to America more than half
a century ago, the father having established his residence in Muskegon
in 1857 and the mother having here located in 1853. Their marriage
was solemnized in this city, which was then little more than a lumtiering
town of no metropolitan pretentions, and here they continued to reside
until their death, iionored liv all who knew them. Philip Schnorbach be-
came one of tlie representative merchants of Muskegon, where he con-
ducted a grocery business for a term of years and was a man of ability
and of impregnable integrity of character, so that he ever maintained in-
violable place in popular confidence and respect. His business place was
destroyed in the memorable fire that swept the city in 1874, but he forth-
width resumed operations, and built uj) a large and prosperous business,
with which lie continued to be identified until his death, in 1887. His
devoted wife survived him by a decade and was summoned to the life
eternal in the year 1897, she having been a devout comnuniicant of the
German Evangelical cjiurcb and his religious faith having been that of
the Catholic church, under the benignant influence of which he had been
reared. Mr. Schnorbacli was lilieral and loval as a citizen, was a staunch
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1423
supporter of the cause of the Republican party, but he had no ambition
for pubHc office. His parents, as well as those of his wife, passed their
entire lives in Germany, and the place of his nativity was on the shore
of the river Rhine. Of the tive children of Philip and Martha Elizabeth
(Mohr) Schnorbach, three are now living — Emma, who is the wife of
George Rost, employed in the Muskegon postoftice ; Philip P., who is the
immediate subject of this review; and Louis E., who is identified with
the iron lousiness in this city.
The public schools of Aluskegon afforded to Philip P. Schnorbach
his early educational advantages, and he early became concerned with
practical responsibilities, as he assumed charge of the grocery business
of his father after the hitter's death, his age at the time having been
about seventeen years. He successfully continued the enterprise for a
considerable period of time and then retired from this line of business.
In 1894 he was elected city recorder, a position of which he continued the
incumbent for four years. He then engaged in the contracting business,
doing a general dredging work in connection with the improvement of
rivers and harbors on the Great Lakes system and completing a num-
ber of contracts in this line for the government. He was successful in
his operations and continued to give his attention to his contracting busi-
ness until 1907, when he was appointed postmaster of Muskegon, of which
important office he has continued the valued and able incumbent during
the intervening years. Under the recent change in the national adminis-
tration he will retire from office at the close of his present term, in Feb-
ruary, 191 5. Pie has been a zealous worker in the ranks of the Re-
publican party and has been influential in its councils in his native county.
He has achieved definite success through his own ability and well ordered
endeavors, and is one of the honored and representative men of Muske-
gon, where he has ever stood ready to lend his cooperation in the fur-
therance of measures and enterprises tending to advance the general good
of the community. He is a director of the Union National Bank of
Muskegon and is the owner of valuable real estate in his native county.
Mr. Schnorbach is affiliated with the local organizations of the Masonic
fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and he served two and one-half years as secretary of the
Muskegon lodge of the last mentioned fraternal order. Both he and his
wife are communicants of St. Paul's church, Protestant Episcopal, and
they are popular figures in the representative social activities of their
home city.
In the year 1897 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Schnorbach to
Miss Florence E. Weir, daughter of Robert Weir, who was a native of
Scotland and who maintained his home in Muskegon for a number of
years, his profession having been that of draftsman and mechanical en-
gineer. Mr. and Mrs. Schnorbach have two children — Philip \V. and
Elizabeth P., aged respectively fourteen and twelve years.
J. F. Densi-OW, M. D. Formerly vice president of the Michigan State
Medical Society, Dr. J. F. Denslow of Muskegon, is probably one of the
best known physicians and surgeons not only of Michigan, but among
the profession throughout the country. Dr. Denslow as a result of a
long career in his profession and in business affairs is the possessor of
ample means and has used his fortune liberally not only for the promo-
tion of philanthropic enterprise, but also for social entertainment, and
at his beautiful home in ]\Iuskegon has entertained a great number of
the most notable figures in American medical profession and in public
affairs.
1424 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Dr. J. F. Denslow was born in Canandaigua, New York, September 4,
1856, a son of George and Jane ( Hoonan ) Denslow. His father was a
native of old Devonshire, England, where he was born in 1825, and died
April 29, 1912. The mother was born in Ireland in 1832, and is still
living at Hastings, Michigan. The paternal grandfather never left his
native England, but the maternal grandfather, Patrick Hoonan, a native
of Ireland, crossed the ocean early in life, landed in New York, and
for many years was a prosperous farmer near Hastings, Michigan. He
reared twelve children, of whom nine are yet living. George and lane
Denslow were married in 1854. George Denslow had come to America
about 1853, when a young man, settling first in New York, then coming
to Detroit, where he had his home during the war, subsequently moving
to Jackson county, and then to Hastings, where he lived until his death.
He was a well knov\-n manufacturer, and a very prosperous business
man and highly esteemed citizen. He was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, while his wife was a Catholic. His politics was Demo-
cratic.
Dr. Denslow, an only child, was given all the advantages he desired
for education and preparation for his life work. After graduating from
the academy at Grass Lake, in 1876, he spent a year in Europe, both
for study and pleasure. He then returned home, and entered the State
University at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in medicine and sur-
gery in 1881. In the same year he established his office and began his
long career as a physician at Muskegon. Dr. Denslow is a member of
the staff of the Hackley hospital. He has been surgeon major of the
.State Troops of Michigan for three years, being first captain and later
major. He has membership in the county and state medical societies,
and the American Medical Association, having served as president of the
County Society, and was vice president of the State Society. Dr. Dens-
low is first vice president of the Muskegon Savings Bank. A well known
institution at Muskegon is the Century Club, of which Dr. Denslow has
been president for eight years. This club was a temperance association,
and the doctor bought it from Hackley, Mann & Hills, and has since con-
ducted it. Nearly all the prominent men in the last decade or so who
had visited Muskegon had been entertained by Dr. Denslow either at his
beautiful home or at the clul). Among other professional connections he
is surgeon for the Interurban and Electric Light Companies, and other
industrial plants.
In 1881 Dr. Denslow married Cora G. Clark, a daughter of George
Clark, who came from Michigan to the east and was a farmer by occupa-
tion. Mrs. Denslow is a member of the Congregational church, while
the doctor is afifiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
and in politics is a Democrat.
WiLLi..\M W. H.\XN'.\x. .As a recognized authority on real estate,
W'illiam W. Hannan, President of the Detroit Realty Company, and head
of the widely known Hannan Real Estate Exchange, is known in many
sections of the United States. Though educated for the law, and for some
time engaged in its practice, Mr. Hannan soon realized that his forte
was in business affairs, and in his particular sphere no one has made a
more notable success. The Detroit Realty Company owns and controls
a number of the largest and most modern apartment buildings in Detroit —
notably the Lenox, the Madison and the Pasadena. During the past
tiiirty-one years there has Ijeen hardly any event of importance in the
civic and iiulustrial history of Detroit with which Mr. Hannan's name has
not been connected in some public spirited manner.
Mfff^
'.^Z--^'^^^ ^^^^"
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1425
William W. Hannan was born in the city of Rochester, New York,
July 4, 1854. When he was about two years old his parents came West
and settled at Dowagiac, Cass county, Michigan, where his boyhood and
early youth were spent. After graduating from the Dowagiac High
School in 1873, he was a student at Oberlin College in the preparatory
school in Ohio, till 1876, then entered the University of Michigan, and
graduated from the classical department in 1880. His university career
was continued in the study of law until 1883, when he graduated LL. B.
from the State University. While at the university, Mr. Hannan made
a good record in scholarship and in athletic and social circles, and his
fellow students esteemed him all the more for the fact that he had to
pay most of his expenses, which he did chiefly through organizing excur-
sions to summer resorts during the vacation. In the old sporting records
of the university his name is found as a winner in track events. While
pursuing his law studies in 1881-83, he was engrossing and enrolling
clerk in the lower house of the State Legislature, and his qualifications
and experience were such that he was admitted to the bar, on examina-
tion before the circuit court of Washtenaw county in 1882, before gradu-
ating from the university.
Since 1883 Mr. Hannan has made his home in Detroit. His first
practice as a lawyer was as an associate of Judge William L. Carpenter,
but at the end of one year the firm of Carpenter & Hannan was dissolved,
and the younger member has since practicallij; neglected hi-s -profession in
favor of real estate. With the late Herbert ,,M.,, Snow ,:'Ke' engaged in that
business under the name of Hannan & Snow C (?nif)any''^E«r- a few months,
and then founded the Hannan Real Estate Exchange. The Exchange
was the business intermediary for the handling of many large central
business and subdivision properties in -©«.^i;f)it',*d(i_ring> ^..number of years
following its founding. It grew and prospered" as a' business, and its
operations were extended to the general" fire insurance and loan fields.
Mr. Hannan continued at the head of the Hannan Real Estate Exchange
and thirty-one years of active experience have given him a close and
and intimate knowledge of realty values in Detroit that make him a
convincing authority on the subject. His operations have also extended
into the State, and the Hannan Exchange has done business of a large
and varied order. Besides opening and improving many subdivisions,
it has erected several apartment buildings and still retains the ownership
and management of a number of them. More than a million dollars were
invested in five of these apartment Imildings, and besides them Mr.
Hannan has built a large number of private residences for sale on the
installment plan. Some brief outline of the more notable deals handled
by Mr. Hannan is afi:'orded by the following statements : He was instru-
mental in effecting the deal whereby the Ford interests of Toledo bought
the land at the corner of Griswold and Congress streets, where now
stands the eighteen-story Ford building, one of the finest office struc-
tures in the city ; the sale of the Hammond building and the Hodges
building; the erection and management of the Pasadena, the Lenox and
the Madison apartment buildings, three of the finest apartment houses
in the middle West ; the handling of a score of subdivision properties
in the North, the Northwestern and Northeastern sections of the city,
embracing Park Hill, Medbury, Baldwin Park and Dailey Park sub-
divisions ; and an even greater distinction attained by Mr. Hannan is the
fact that more industries and home builders of moderate means have
been able to secure a home through his agency than through any other
source. Mr. Hannan has a special reputation as a leader in the con-
struction of apartment buildings West of New York City. Through all
these varied business ex])eriences and enterprises he has been guided
1426 HISTORY OF .MICHIGAN
by a fine sense of community values, and his public spirit is as note-
worthy as his private enterprise.
In a public and social capacity he has been active and for eight years
gave invaluable service as a member of the Detroit Board of Estimates,
of which he served as president for one term. In politics he is a Re-
publican, is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, is a member of the
Detroit Club, the Detroit Country Club, and the Detroit Board of Com-
merce, and other social and civic organizations.
Mr. Hannan's activities in the real estate field have by no means been
confined to his own city or his own personal interests. Very early in his
business life he realized the necessity for and the great benefits to be de-
rived from co-operation between men of like interests. Following out
this idea, Mr. Hannan was instrumental in organizing not only the real
estate operators in Detroit into a local Real Estate Board, of which he
was a charter member, but he was also one of the originators and second
president of the National Association of Real Es.tate Exchanges.
For years jMr. Hannan has spent much time and energy visiting the
various cities trying to promote the interests of the National Association.
He ttjok the initiative in publishing the "National Real Estate Journal,''
and was its financial sponsor during the experimental stage.
Mr. Hannan has always been a valued contributor to the columns of
the "National Real Estate Journal," and a popular speaker at the meet-
ings and banquets of Real Estate Organizations in all the leading cities
of the United States.
BuRTO.v P.\F<KER. If those who claim that fortune has favored cer-
tain individuals above others but will investigate the cause of success
and failure, it will be found that the former is largely due to the im-
provement of opportunity, the latter to the neglect of it. Fortunate en-
vironments encompass nearly every man at some stage of his career,
but the strong man and the successful man is he who realizes that the
proper moment has come, that the present and not the future holds his
opportunity. The man who makes use of the Now and not the To Be
is the one who passes on the highway of life others who started out
ahead of him, and reaches the goal of prosperity in advance of them.
It is this (luality in Burton Parker that has won him an enviable name
in legal and political circles in Monroe county, Michigan, where he has
resided during the greater part of his lifetime thus far. At the present
time, in 1914, he is special agent of the United States treasury depart-
ment in charge of the fourteenth special agency district, with headquar-
ters at Detroit. His home, however, is in Monroe.
In the township of Dundee, ]\Ionroe county, Michigan, April 24, 1844,
occurred the birth of Burton Parker, who is a son of Morgan and
Rosetta C. ( Breningstall) Parker, both of whom were born in Batavia,
New York, the former on the ist of January, 1820, and the latter on the
27th of September, 1824. Morgan Parker was a son of Joshua Parker,
whose birth occurred in Connecticut on the 7th of November, 1770, and
the latter was the son of another Joshua Parker who was a soldier in the
Revolution. Joshua Parker II moved from Connecticut to Oneida county.
New York, where he resided for a number of years. In 1825 he emi-
grated to the western part of Monroe county, ]\Iichigan, locating eight-
een miles west of Monroe City, where he entered a tract of 160 acres
of Government land which he cleared and cultivated. Morgan Parker
was a farmer up to 1855, at which time he engaged in the lumber, milling
and manufacturing business at Petersburg, Monroe county.
The paternal grandmother of Burton Parker was Dr. Sina Parker,
of Holland descent. She was the only practicing physician in Western
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1427
Monroe county for a number of years. Early settlers here remember
her kindly as administering to the sick, traveling through swamps and
over corduroy roads to reach their new homes in the wilderness. His
maternal grandparents were likewise of Dutch descent and they emi-
grated from New York to Dundee township, Monroe county, Michigan,
in 1S40.
Burton Parker received his preliminary educational training in the
district schools of Dundee township and in the village of Petersburg.
Before and after school he worked in his father's lumber mill during the
summers, also during vacations. At times he w^as employed in the lum-
ber woods, driving teams and running logs down the river. He was
the eldest in a family of five children. As his parents had both been
school teachers in their younger days they kept their children at their
school books during all of their spare moments. In October, 1861, Bur-
ton and his father enlisted for service in the Union ranks of the Civil
war. They became members of Company F, First Regiment of En-
gineers and Mechanics, the father being first sergeant of the company.
They were in the campaign of 1861 and 1862 in Kentucky, with Gener-
als Buell and Thomas, and participated in the battle of Mill Springs,
Kentucky, on the 19th of January, 1862, when the Confederate general,
Zollicoffer, who was in command of the Confederate forces, was killed.
Burton's father died while in service in Kentucky, his demise occurring
on the 4th of April, 1862, as the result of typhoid fever. One year
later. Burton was discharged on account of long and continued sickness.
He immediately returned home and after recovering from his sick spell
became a clerk in a dry goods store. Before he had reached his twenty-
second year he was elected justice of the peace and began the study of
law. He attended the University of Michigan, in the law department of
which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1870, duly receiv-
ing his degree of Bachelor of Laws.
Air. Parker initiated the active practice of his profession at IMonroe,
where he gradually built up a large and lucrative law clientage. Pie has
always been a Republican in political matters, and in 1868 he cast his
first vote for General Grant. In 1872 he was elected circuit court com-
missioner for Monroe county ; in 1881 he was elected mayor of Monroe
by a majority of 246 and re-elected the following spring by a majority
of 318. About the same time he was elected president of the school
board of Monroe, the city at that time being over two hundred Demo-
cratic. In 1882 he was elected a memlier of the legislature in the Mon-
roe city district by a majority of 240, the district at that time being like-
wise strongly Democratic. As a member of the legislature he was chair-
man of the committee on municipal corporations and assisted in the
election of Thomas W. Palmer as United States senator. He was ap-
pointed Indian agent by President Arthur in the fall of 1884, at the
Fort Peck agency, Montana, at which place his wife did valiant mission-
ary work. He was removed by President Cleveland in the winter of
1885-86. In 1890 he was appointed special agent of the United States
treasury department and was removed twenty days after the inaugura-
tion of President Cleveland, but reinstated four years later under Presi-
dent McKinley. In March, 1894, he was appointed deputy land com-
missioner by Land Commissioner William A. French, and after perform-
ing those duties for three years he resigned to accept reinstatement un-
der President McKinley as special agent of the treasury department.
On the first of October, 1903, he was appointed supervising special
agent, in which position he served four years, during President's Roose-
velt's administration, being in charge of all special officers in the United
States and foreign countries. At the present time, in 1914, he is special
1428 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
agent in charge of the Fourteenth Special Agency district, with head-
quarters at Detroit. For more than twenty-five years Mr. Parker has
been active in poHtical matters and during the course of various cam-
paigns has made a tour of the state under the direction of the state cen-
tral committee, addressing the people upon the political issues of the
day. During his career as a lawyer he has been admitted to practice in
all the courts in Michigan, Texas, Arizona, California and in the su-
preme court of the United States. Mr. Parker believes thoroughly in
the principles of brotherhood as set forth in the creed of the Masonic
Order and is a member of the Commandery in Monroe as well as of the
Chapter and Blue Lodge.
Inasmuch as the splendid success achieved by Mr. Parker has been
entire! V the outcome of his own unaided efforts, it is the more gratify-
ing to contemplate. As a young man, after the death of his father, he
had to work hard in order to help support his mother and the younger
children. When he decided to study law, he not only had to earn his
own way through college but had a wife and two small children to sup-
port besides. During his vacation he was employed as a clerk in a dry
goods store and he did various odd jobs in order to earn the money
needed to supply the family with food and himself with tuition and
books. He claims his success in life is largely due to the cheerful and
encouraging words of a devoted and loving wife, who was ever ready
with cheering words when the way looked dark and dreary. The fore-
going summary of Mr. Parker's public service is ample proof of his
deep and sincere interest in community afifairs. He ever supported
measures and enterprises projected for the good of the general public
and has always been willing to lend a helping hand to those less for-
tunately situated in life than himself. He is a citizen of whom any
community might well be proud and he is accorded the unalloyed confi-
dence anci esteem of his fellow citizens of Monroe.
On the 8th of September, 1863, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Parker and Miss Frances C. Reynolds, of South Amherst, Lorain county,
Ohio. Mrs. Parker died August 22, 191 3. Five children were born
to them, and three of these are now living, all being practicing physicians
and successful men in their profession. Dr. Hal M. Parker is located
at Monroe, Michigan ; Dr. Thadd N. Parker is in the practice of medi-
cine at Pueblo, Colorado ; and Dr. Dayton L. Parker is located in the
city of Detroit. Dr. Dayton Parker, former police surgeon of Detroit,
is Burton Parker's brother.
D.W'TON Parker, M. D. A physician and surgeon of Detroit whose
character and services have entitled him to the prominence he has long
enjoyed in that city and elsewhere in the state. Dr. Dayton Parker pos-
sesses and exercises the qualities of mind and manhood which are among
the best assets of any community. While his work as a private practi
tioner has been important, he will probably be best remembered for his
unselfish labors in connection with the establishment of an emergency
Hospital in Detroit at a time when such an institution had not yet been
provided by public means, and also as one of the founders of the Michi-
gan College of Medicine and Surgery.
Born January 17, 1846, in Dundee township, Monroe county, Michi-
gan. Dr. Parker attended the public schools of Monroe county until
he was seventeen years of age. In the meantime his father had died in
the service of the L^nion army, and the son on January 4, 1864, enlisted
in Company K of the Sixth Michigan Heavy Artillery. This regiment
was sent south and attached to the Army of the Gulf, and Dr. Parker
saw most of his service in Mobile Bay, and was stationed on Dolphin
/(yW^ZL 64^-^£s^i<^
l„is:';s.----i
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1429
Island when Admiral Farragut sailed into that bay and gave battle to
the force guarding its entrance. For ten months he was stationed at Fort
Morgan on the Bay. As one of the memorials of war times, stands in
one of the public places of the city of Mobile a cannon, which at one
time was used in the defenses of the city. This gun did a great deal
of damage to the Union fortifications until one day one of its trunnions
was knocked off by a shell from the Union side, a ten inch mortar, and
the gunner who pulled the lanyard of the gun that dismounted the Con-
federate cannon was Dayton Parker.
On his return from the war. Dr. Parker found it necessary to apply
himself industriously and help provide for his own livelihood and the
support of the family, and at night time carried on his study of medicine.
After getting sufficient funds, he entered the medical department of the
University of Michigan, and after one term transferred to the old De-
troit Medical College, where he was graduated. M. D. in the class of
1S76. His first practice was at Blissfield, Michigan, in association with
Dr. Hal C. W'ynian. Dr. Parker has been acti\ely identified with his
profession in the city of Detroit since 1887. During recent years he has
confined his practice to consultation work and as a specialist on internal
medicine. Soon after beginning practice in this city, Drs. Parker and
Wyman organized an emergency hospital. It did excellent service for
several years, and it was the plan of its founders that, it should become
the clinical department for a new medical colkge. It is pgteworthy thai
Dr. Parker had built and brought to Detroit the first irpe ambulance
ever used in the city. The emergency hospital, while established in a
sense as an adjunct to the private practice of Drs. Parker and Wyman,
was always conducted for the benefit of the -public., and no patient was
ever refused admittance and treatment for want-AO/f-^eail^, although this
practice necessarily w'as a heavy burden upon the proprietors.
I-ater, largely as a result of the work and the influence of Drs.
Parker and Wyman, the Michigan College of Medicine and Surgery was
organized at Detroit, and Dr. Parker became first vice-president and
succeeded to the presidency on the death of Dr. Wyman. Pie held that
office until the college went out of existence. It was an institution con-
ducted liberally, with a fine staff of instructors, with good equipment, and
up to the best standards of medical colleges in this country, and con-
tinued this work of training for young physicians and surgeons for eight-
een vears. Dr. Parker first held the chair of practice of medicine, later
that of gynecologv and finally the chair of mental neurology. During its
its existence the Michigan College graduated more than six hundred phy-
sicians and surgeons, many of whom are now in active practice and are
to be found in nearly all the states of the Union and in Canada. Dr.
Parker is a member of the Wayne County Medical Society, the Michi-
gan State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, and the
Michigan Surgical and Pathological Society. From 1907 to 1914, on
the appointment of Governor Warner, Dr. Parker served and did much
important work as a member of the Michigan State Board of Correction
and Charity. In 1900 he was appointed police surgeon for the city of
Detroit, and gave five years to that office.
The family history of Dr. Parker is of interest, since he bears one
of the pioneer names of Monroe county. His grandfather Joshua
Parker, a native of Vermont and of English family, moved when a
young man to New York, and after his marriage to Sina A. Smith and
the birth of their four children, came west to Michigan territory in 1825.
The better part of the journey to the present city of Monroe was made
in canoes, and from Monroe a French cart was hired to transport the
family and their goods to the township of Dundee. Joshua Parker
1430 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
spent a number of years in clearing up the government land which he
had acquired in that locaHty, and eventually had one of the best farms
of its kind in the county. His death occurred there in 1854, when
eighty-four years of age. His wife, Sina (Smith) Parker, who was of
I lolland stock, was a remarkable woman, and her name should always
have a high place in the history of Michigan medicine as she was one
of the pioneer women physicians, and was the first doctor of either sex
in the country west of Monroe. For a long time she practiced medicine
with unusual skill and success, and even took surgical cases, and often
set bones and reduced minor fractures in her community. Her record
as a pioneer woman physician is to be found in the annals of the Pioneer
Society of Alonroe County. She died in 1850 at the age of sixty-six
years. Dr. Parker's father was Morgan Parker, who was born in
Oneida county. New York, in 1820, and was five years old when the
family located in Michigan. He married Rosetta C. Brimingstool, who
was born in Oneida county. New York, in 1824, and died in 1881.
Morgan Parker in 1854 established his home at Petersburg in Monroe
county, and became a successful manufacturer, having acquired the own-
ership of a large timber tract with water power, he established and oper-
ated a mill for the manufacture of woodenware. In public affairs he
was not less prominent. In 1854 he was a member of the convention
held at Jackson to organize the Republican party, and during the early
years, as an ardent abolitionist had made his home a station on the
famous underground railway, where the fugitive slaves from the south
were sheltered until they could be safely conveyed across the interna-
tional boundary to Canada. When the Civil war broke out Morgan
Parker enlisted in the First Michigan Regiment of Fngineers and
Mechanics, and died while in service on April 4, 1862, at Louisville,
Kentucky.
In addition to his real public service as a physician and surgeon at
Detroit, Dr. Parker has in many other ways shown his public spirit.
During his residence at Blissfield he was president of the village two
terms. Outside of his profession he is interested in mineral lands and
development, and is president of the American Silica Company and of
the Flat Rock Manufacturing Company, two corporations engaged in
the production and manufacture of silica products. Dr. Parker was the
first commander of Scott Post, G. A. R., at Blissfield, and affiliates with
the Grand Army organization in Detroit. He is also a member of the
Masonic order.
Frederick Swirskv. One of Detroit's most successful architects,
one who has planned and built nearly two hundred and fifty buildings
of different types, ranging from a private residence to a theater, during
the last four years is Frederick Swirsky, who though one of the younger
members of his profession has demonstrated pronounced ability and his
success has been proportionate to the energy and skill with which he has
pushed his business. Flis offices are in the Broadway Market building.
Frederick Swirsky is a native of Russia, born in 1883, and a son of
Max and Edna Swirsky, who were also born in that country and still
live there. After a common school education, he learned architecture
in a practical way in the city of Kursk. He came to America with ex-
ceptional talents for his work and also experience that enabled him to
slip into the business in a practical way. In 1907 he arrived in this coun-
try, spent several months in New York city, and then for two years was
engaged in the work of his profession in the west, chiefly in Canada
and the far northwestern states. In 1908 he established himself in busi-
ness at Detroit, beginning in a small way and patiently and carefully
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1431
demonstrating his ability, his business grew rapidly from year to year,
and he already has a record of construction and designing which few
older architects in the city can surpass.
Among the business blocks which he has drawn plans for and di-
rected are the following: A large brick block on Hastings and Brewster
streets ; a brick block at Illinois and Brush streets ; one at Superior and
Brush streets ; another on Theodore and Hastings street ; a brick block
at Erskine and Russell streets : a brick store near Michigan and Twen-
tieth streets ; a brick building at \'ermont and Ash streets ; a brick store
at St. Aubin and Farnsworth streets ; a block on Watson and Hastings
streets ; and one on Wilkins and Hastings streets. Mr. Swirsky built
a handsome brick eight-family apartment house in Belleview avenue
between Kircheval and St. Paul streets ; another apartment and business
block on Brooklyn and Canfield streets : and has built several handsome
residences on Kirby avenue. Among buildings which are under con-
struction during 191 3, at the time of this writing, are two theater build-
ings, one on Erskine and Hastings streets and the other at Medbury and
Hastings streets. Mr. Swirsky is married and has one son, Sidney Swirsky.
Paul A. Quick, M. D. A career of honorable and useful activity,
largely devoted to the service of his fellow men has been that of Dr.
Paul A. Quick of Muskegon. Dr. Quick has been engaged in practice
at Muskegon for more than twenty years, and has been identified with the
active work of his profession for nearly forty years. As a private prac-
titioner he has always enjoyed the better rewards of his profession, and
at the same time has devoted much of his energy to the broader inter-
ests of his profession in relation to the general welfare of the community.
Paul A. Quick comes from an old Pennsylvania family, and was him-
self born in liradford county, Pennsylvania. June 13, 1853. His parents
were Paul and Mary C. (Miller) Quick. Grandfather James Quick was
born in Holland, came across the ocean at an early day, and was one of
the first settlers in Bradford county, Pennsylvania. He moved from
near Milford, in Minnisink county to Tunkhannock in Wyoming
county, Pennsylvania, where he lived a short time and then located on
what was known as the Painter Farm in 1791, in Bradford county. The
first three or four years of his residence there wzre spent in a small log
house, after which he built a large and commodious residence, though also
of logs, and in that home he passed his remaining years. The maternal
grandfather was Fowler ]\Iiller, an Englishman by birth, though com-
ing to America early in life, and spending the years of his active career
in Pennsylvania. Both Paul and ^lary Quick, the parents of Dr. Quick,
were born in E^)radford county, Pennsylvania. The father was born
there in 1799, and died in 1873, while the mother was born in 1809, and
died in 1896. Paul Quick, the senior, was a minister of the Methodist
Protestant Church, a man of splendid character, whose influence was
exerted in many ways for the betterment of humanity. He belonged to
the class of ministers long celebrated in the history of our country as
circuit riders, and on many occasions during his active ministry, rode
fifteen miles horseback to preach the gospel to a remote community. He
was known all over Bradford county as "Uncle Paul Quick." He and
his wife had seven sons, six of whom grew to manhood, and are mentioned
as follows: i. Erastus C. now deceased, was a Baptist minister. 2. John
served in Company C of the'One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Regi-
ment, and was killed after his return home from the war. 3. Thomas E.
entered the service of the Union army in i86l, was discharged in 1865,
and during his military service contracted the measles, a disease which
brought about his death a year or so after the war. 4. Daniel Miller
1432 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Quick, was a farmer by occupation, and died a few years ago. 5. Paul
A. 6. Wallace lives in Southern Missouri in Ripley county, where he is
engaged in the operation of a flour mill. Rev. Paul Quick was in politics
a Republican, and served for a number of years as justice of the peace in
his community, dispensing justice as well as the gospel among his
neighbors.
Dr. Quick grew up in liradford county, Pennsylvania, where he at-
tended the country schools, and also the high school at Laceyville in
Wyoming county. (Graduating in 1870 from his literary course he spent
one year of study in medicine under Dr. Horton, then entered the Uni-
versity of Buffalo in 1871, and was graduated M. D. in 1874. His first
practice was at Sugar Run in Pennsylvania, where he remained for
fifteen years. During that time he had all he could attend to in the way
of professional duties, and the cause of his leaving there was that so
much of his practice was in the country that it involved almost constant
riding in all sorts of weather, and over all kinds of road, and proved too
great a strain upon his physical recourses. In 1891, Dr. Quick moved
west and settled at Muskegon, Michigan, wdiere he has since occupied
a place as one of the leading physicians.
In 1875 Dr. Quick married Rebecca E. P.irney, a daughter of Harry
Birney, a Pennsylvania farmer. 'To their marriage were born three chil-
dren : The two sons were soldiers in the Spanish-American war. John
Newton Quick, died in the Detroit hospitaJ, September 5, 1898, while
on his way home from Cuba ; Rodney A., also a veteran of the Spanish
war now lives at LesterShire, New. York, where he is connected with a
shoe factory. In 1890 Dr' 'Quick married Mrs. Stella Harder.
Fraternally Dr. Quick has passed all the chairs in his Masonic Lodge,
has taken the Chapter and Knight Templar degrees, and is well known in
Masonic circles at Muskegon. His professional services in the public be-
half have been chiefly as city physician and health officer, a place in which
he served for three years, was one year county physician, and has been
on the staff of the Hackley Hospital since its opening. He has member-
ship in the Muskegon Medical Society, the State Society, and the Amer-
ican Medical Association. His politics is Republican, but outside of his
profession he has little time for otlier pursuits or activities.
Frank Holt. Most people believe that modern industrialism and
capital are synonymous, and that every large establishment necessarily
had capital as its chief foundation stone. However, this is by no means
true of many of the most substantial concerns now doing business, and
a more important factor in many of them has been the skill and enter-
prise and initiative of the proprietors, than was the money which they
were alile to command and invest. In this class of flourishing concerns
to be found in Michigan, the Enterprise Brass Works at Muskegon
Pleights illustrates the fact that brains are more important than money
in building uj) a business. Frank Holt who is the sole proprietor, and
was the founder of the business, had an excellent knowledge of his
trade as brass founder, but the only capital he had when he started a few
years ago was that accumulated by the slow process of saving his earnings.
Frank Ilolt is an Englishman by birth, born in the industrial city of
Birmingham, on December 17, 1866, a son of Thomas and Rebecca (Ad-
kins) Holt. .'\t the age of fourteen, with only a common school educa-
tion he left home, and the following four 'years were spent in working
and learning his trade as brass founder in different localities in Eng-
land. At the age of eighteen he came to America and found employment
awaiting him at his trade in Massachusetts, later in Chicago, and finally
in Grand Rapids. Since 1892 Mr. Ilolt has been identified with Muske-
^//^,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1433
gon. In that city he followed his trade until 1895, ^"d in that year the
Enterprise Brass Works was started as a very small establishment, in
limited quarters and its importance would probably have been entirely
overlooked by any one at that time investigating the industrial resources
of Muskegon. Mr. Holt has directed all his energies toward building up
a big business, and as president, general manager and sole proprietor,
now has a business of which he may be proud, and of which the city is
likewise proud. All the facilities of the plant have been greatly in-
creased in successive years, and the output is now confined to the manu-
facture of brass castings, plumbers' supplies, and recently the manu-
facture of aluminum castings. The annual value of the product amoimts
to about two hundred thousand dollars, and the business has been ex-
tended over a wide territory.
On November 16, 1889, Mr. Holt married Miss Anna Sheldon, of
Grand Rapids. Their two children, are : Jessie and William, who are
both at home. Mrs. Holt is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Holt
has taken thirty-two degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry, is also a Knight
Templar Mason, belongs to the Shrine, and also to the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks. His politics is Republican.
Dr. Edwin Ch.vpin T.vylor comes of a well established American
family of New York state, and was himself born in Elmira, New York, on
January 4, 1859. He is a son of George H. Taylor, a teacher, who died in
i860, when his youngest son, Edwin Chapin, was only a year old.
The family is one to which considerable interest attaches, and it should
be stated here that the paternal grandsire of Dr. Taylor came from Scot-
land, his native land, to the United States when he was a young man, and
he became the first Methodist preacher in Elmira, New York. He was the
father of six sons, and all of them, with the single exception of the father
of the subject, gave his life to the ministry of the Methodist church.
George H. Taylor was likewise educated for the ministry, and he, too,
would in all likelihood have devoted himself to that calling but for the
fact that he became associated closel}- with Dr. Edwin Chapin, then world
famous as a pulpit orator of the Universalist faith, and this association
resulted in a conversion of Mr. Taylor to the church of the Universalists.
So great was the influence of Dr. Chapin on Mr. Taylor, and so deep his
reverence for the man, that he named his son. Dr. Taylor of this review,
for the renowned preacher. The mother of Dr. Taylor was Nancy R.
Breese, whose grandfather, Silas Breese, was the first settler in Chemung
county. New York. Sarah Breese, an aunt of Mrs. Taylor, was the first
white child born in that county.
Dr. Taylor had his early education in the old Horse Head Academy at
Elmira, New York, and in 1879, when he was twenty years old, he was
graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Buffalo.
He has been engaged in the active practice of his profession continuously
since that time, with the exception of two years.
I'Vom 1879 to 1886 Dr. Taylor was engaged in his profession in Elmira.
From the latter year to 1899 he conducted a thriving practice at Kalamazoo,
Michigan. Since iqoo he has devoted a good deal of time to post graduate
work, carrying on his studies in the best known clinics of Baltimore, New
York and Chicago, with some attendance at the famous Mayo Hospital
at Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Taylor has given especial attention to
surgery and is now on the staff of the Jackson City Hospital. He is a
member of the Board of United States Pension Examiners and has a wide
and lucrative private practice in Jackson, in addition to his many other
duties in line with his profession.
Dr. Taylor is a member of the American Medical Association; he is
1434 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
vice president of the Michigan State Medical Society ami is also a member
of the Jackson County Medical Society. F"raternally, Dr. Taylor is a
Mason, and he has membership in the Jackson City Club and the Meadow
Heights Country Club.
The doctor has been twice married. His present wife was Miss Annie
Dodge, of Imlay City, Michigan, a sister of Dr. William T. Ddoge, of Big
Rapids, Michigan. They were married on June 23, 1898, and two children
have been born to them. Nancy x^nn, born September 22, 1899, is gen-
erally known as "Nana" and is a junior in the Jackson high school. Wil-
liam Dodge Taylor was born January 6, 1902, and is now a student in the
freshman class.
WI^.LI.^M H. Ed\v.\rds. Treasurer and general manager of the Ed-
wards Lumber Company, William H. Edwards at the age of thirty-five
has attained a position in Muskegon's business circles, such as many older
men might well envy, and his present position of independence has not
been attained as a result of family wealth or influential connections, but
by his own industry and ability. Mr. Edwards began his career in a
clerical capacity, and demonstrated what he could do for others before
he started out for himself.
William H. Edwards is a native of Muskegon, born December 7, 1878,
and a son of C. W. and Lovina (LeRoy) Edwards. Grandfather Wil-
liam Edwards was born in England, went from there to South Australia,
and finally settled in America in 1 85 1, locating in the state of Wisconsin,
where he died, and where he was one of the pioneer settlers and farm-
ers. C. W. Edwards, a well known citizen of Muskegon, died January 8,
1914. He was born at Fort Adelaide in South Australia in 1843, h^d ^
common school education, was eight years old when his parents came to
America, and in 1863 moved from Wisconsin to Muskegon. His wife
was born in Canada, April 12, 1850, and they were married in Michigan.
C. W. Edwards followed the occupation of saw tiler until the big mills
left Muskegon. He prospered, was a man of retiring disposition, has
never sought public position, is a loyal Republican in politics and is af-
filiated with the Knights of the Maccabees. He and his wife became the
parents of five children : J. E. Edwards, who is a traveling man living
in Minneapolis, Minnesota ; William H. ; A. S. whose home is with his
parents, and is employed by the Central Paper Company ; Lillie and Elsie,
twins, and unmarried.
William II. Edwards is a graduate of the Muskegon high school in the
class of 1896. He was eighteen years old when his career began with a
position in the offices of the Crescent Manufacturing Company. Two
years service as shipping clerk were followed by six months employment
with the Muskegon Manufacturing Company, after which he was night
clerk for six months in the Occidental Hotel, and then for four years
was with the American Rolling Mills in Muskegon and in Fort Wayne,
IndiaiKi. Returning to Muskegon from Fort Wayne, he accepted the
place of chief clerk with the big lumber firm of Mann, Watson & Com-
pany. Two years experience with that firm gave him the equipment he
needed for his individual enterprise, and he then assisted in the organiza-
tion of the Edwards Lumber Company. That firm began business in
July, 1909, with a capital stock of twenty-four thousand dollars, and its
prosperity has been steadily on the increase since its yards were first
opened. As treasurer and general manager, Mr. Edwards has had the
responsible part in the management of the business, and its success may
be entirely credited to his efl^orts. The company handle all classes of
building material. Among other interests, Mr. Edwards is a director in
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1435
the Muskegon Building & Loan Association, Init practically all his time
and attention are devoted to the lumber business.
On April 6, 1903, Mr. Edwards married Ruby Adeline Tipson, a
daughter of Daniel Tipson of Muskegon. Her father was for many years
a retail meat dealer in Muskegon. The two children born to their mar-
riage are : \''ivian, who is attending school ; and Douglas, who is about
four years of age. Fraternally Mr. Fdwards is a Mason, and is Esteemed
Lecturing Knight for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His
politics is Republican.
R.\LPii Stone. The active career of Ralph Stone, covering a little
more than twenty years, includes several years of successful private prac-
tice as a lawyer, some important service in the public affairs of the state,
and for the last fourteen years in active relationship with the Detroit
Trust Company, of which he is vice-president.
Ralph Stone was born at Wilmington, Delaware, November 20, 1868,
and first became identified with Michigan during his student days in the
University of the state. The Stone family was founded in America in
colonial times, and Mr. Stone has some interesting and prominent ances-
tors. One of them was William Bradford, one of the original Plymouth
colonists, and who for thirty-one years, between 1621 and 1657, was
governor of the Massachusetts Bay colony. Another ancestor was Rev.
Peter Hobart, whose consecrated service in the ministry covered a period
of nearly fifty-three years, and who, as the first pastor of the church at
Hingham, Massachusetts, remained at the head of that congregation
forty-four years. One line of ancestry goes directly to Henry Adams,
wdio was the great-great-grandfather of John Adams, and second presi-
dent of the United States, and of Samuel Adams, colonial governor of
Massachusetts. Great-grandfather Thomas Stone married Mary Webb,
and her ancestor. Christian Webb, Sr., founded another early family in
this country. J. Thompson Stone, grandfather of Ralph, married Mary
Bennett, and both were pioneer citizens of New York state.
George W. and Catherine C. (Graupner) Stone, parents of Ralph
Stone, now live at Santa Cruz, California. George W. Stone, who was
born at Homer, Cortland county, New York, February 29, 1840, and
reared and educated in that state, after some experience in merchandis-
ing, became a clergyman of the Unitarian church, was for a number of
years pastor at Wilmington, Delaware, and subsequently moved to Santa
Cruz, California, where his services as a minister continued until his re-
tirement. In 1913 he was mayor of the city of Santa Cruz, and member
of the California State Board of Education.
Ralph Stone is an example of the college man in business. His public
school training was followed by a college career at Swarthmore College
in Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1S80 Bachelor of Arts, and then
took up the study of law under Hon. Anthony Higgins, United States
senator from Delaware. After one year Mr. Stone came west and en-
tered the law department of the University of Michigan, which graduated
him in 1892 LL. B. Many university men remember him for his service
while at Ann Arbor as managing editor of the University of Michigan
Daily, as editor in chief of the Michigan Law Journal, and as president
of the Western College Press Association. He was also prominent in
athletics, and manager of the university baseball team.
After being admitted to the bar. Mr. Stone began practice at Grand
Rapids, and for one year was associated with General Byron M. Cutch-
eon, a prominent lawyer of that city. For three years Mr. Stone was
secretary of the Michigan State Bar Association, and was elected an
honorary member of the New York State Bar Association. His best serv-
1436 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
ice, however, has been rendered in the field of finance rather than in the
law. In the summer of 1893 The Michigan Trust Company of Grand
Rapids made him trust officer, and that was his position until he resigned
in 1899 to become private and military secretary to the late Hon. Hazen S.
Pingree, then governor of Michigan. His confidential relations with the
governor continued until the end of the administration, and in the course
of his duties he was able to render the state especially valuable service.
He was appointed to investigate and take measures to collect from the
United States Government the Michigan Spanish war claim, which was
finally settled satisfactorily. While in the government offices at Wash-
ington investigating accounts and documents pertaining to the Spanish
war, Mr. Stone discovered the data pertaining to Michigan's Civil war
interest claims, amounting to a large sum, and in the settlement of which,
together with the Spanish war claim, more than seven hundred and fifty
thousand dollars was turned over from the United States into the Michi-
gan treasury. This latter claim was represented by coupons from bonds
issued by Michigan to provide funds for the equipment of its troops in
the Civil war. The claim had been presented at Washington some time
after the war, but had lain dormant all these intervening years. Mr.
Stone was autliorized in behalf of his state to prepare and present the
claim afresh, and as the result of his efifectual presentation of proof
prosecuted the matter to final settlement.
On resigning his position as secretary to Governor Pingree on Janu-
ary I, 1901, Mr. Stone began his duties as state bank examiner. His
service in the latter position was brief, since in May of the same year
he resigned to become assistant secretary of the Detroit Trust Company.
On January 15, 1903, the company made him secretary and a director,
and some years later an additional vice-presidency of the company was
created, a position he has continued to fill until the present time. It is
said that with one exception Mr. Stone has had a longer continuous
service as a trust company official than any other man in Michigan. He
is first vice president of the Detroit Board of Commerce, and also a di-
rector and member of the executive committee of the Chamber of Com-
merce of the United States.
In politics a Republican, Mr. Stone has been active as a citizen as well
as a business man. He is a trustee of the Unitarian church of Detroit,
has membership in the Society of the Sons of the Revolution, in the
Michigan Society of Mayflower Descendants, which he has served as
governor, and belongs to the Detroit, University, the Detroit Boat, the
Detroit Athletic, and the Tennis, Racquet and Curling Clubs.
January i, 1895, occurred his marriage to Miss Alary G. Jeffords, of
Grand Rapids. Their two children are Ralph Jr. and Ruth Waldo.
Braton S. CuA.sii. A half century ago, Milo J. Chase started in a
small way the manufacture of pianos in Ohio. Tie had a small shop,
had very little capital, but he was master of his art, and had courage,
abilitv and determination of the thorough business builder. He was not
onlv a manufacturer, but a cajiable salesman, took infinite pains and
pride in his work, and his early success in X'ermont was sul)se(|uently ex-
panded in the establishment and organization of large piano manufactur-
ing business in Michigan, and the industry as it now exists in Muskegon
is one of the largest of the kind in the country in a matter of great pride
to all Muskegon people.
Milo T. Chase was born in \'ermont in 183 1 and died at his home in
Muskegon in 1894. ^'^^ married Olive .Stacey, who was also a native
of Vermont, and whose death occurred in 1859. In 1884 the family
came to Michigan, settling in Grand Rapids, where Milo J. Chase estab-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1437
lished a plant for the manufacture of pianos. His start in the industry
in Vermont was in 1863, and with more than twenty years of experience,
he made his business in Grand Rapids a prosperous concern and in 1S90
moved it to Muskegon. There a stock company was organized, and un-
der the name of the Chase-Hackley Piano Company, a large plant was
erected and a flourishing industry established. Its capital stock is two
hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, and its branch houses are in
Chicago and in Richmond, \'irginia. The annual output is thirty-tive
hundred pianos, and the manufacturer's name is a guarantee of the cjual-
ity. Milo J. Chase and wife had six children, three of whom are living.
Arthur is living retired in Colorado; the second is Llraton S. Chase; and
Olive, is the wife of Chas. B. Branner, who represents the house in Rich-
mond, Virginia. The father and wife were active members of the Pres-
byterian Church, and he was a thirty-second degree Mason and a Demo-
crat in politics. Joseph Chase, the father of Milo J. Chase, was born
in \^ermont, of an old New England family. His occupation in the Green
Mountain State was lumbering, and from that industry he made enough
to retire and spent his last years in comfort.
Braton S. Chase was born in Pennsylvania, June 5, 1857, a son of
Milo J. Chase, and received his collegiate training in the Augusta Col-
lege at Kentucky, where he was graduated in 1880. His early training
experiences were in his father's piano factory, and Mr. Chase knows both
the business and manufacturing details. He is now vice president and
general manager of the Chase-Hackley Piano Company, gives all of his
time to the manufacturing and general business administration of the
concern, and is one of the enterprising business men of Muskegon.
Mr. Chase was married to Irene Evans, who died in 1895. Indiana
was her native state. Mr. Chase for his second wife married Mrs.
Nichols, whose father was John Wetzel, a native of Ohio. Mr. Chase is
Independent in politics.
Charles F. Bielman. The city of Detroit must ever continue to
have precedence as one of the most important ports on the Great Lakes
and here have been developed many enterprises in connection with pas-
senger and freight traffic on the great inland seas. One of the most im-
portant of the navigation companies maintaining headquarters in the
Michigan metropolis is the White Star Line, and with the evolution of
the admirable service and large and substantial business of this corpora-
tion Mr. Bielman has been most closely and influentially identified. He
is at the present time secretary and general manager of the White Star
Line and secretary and treasurer of the Stewart Transportation Com-
pany. Mr. Bielman is known as one of the progressive and public-spir-
ited citizens and representative business men of Detroit, has a wide
acquaintance in marine circles, and is one of the loyal and valued
members of the Detroit Board of Commerce, of which he has served as
president.
Charles Frederick Bielman was born in-Detroit on the 20th of April,
185Q, and is a son of Frederick and Ellen C. (Daley) Bielman, who were
well known and highly esteemed citizens of Michigan, and who established
their home in Detroit more than half a century ago. Charles F. Bielman
was afforded the advantages of the public schools of his native city and
while still a boy he initiated his association with the line of enterprise
along which he has achieved marked success. At the age of fourteen
years he went to Marine City, where he entered the employ of John J.
Spinks, postmaster, merchant and local agent of the Star Line steamers,
which operated between Detroit and Port Huron and of which the pres-
ent White Star Line is the successor.
1438 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Bielman was thus engaged for a period of six years, within which
he gained a thorough and discriminating knowledge of the details of
lake-marine traffic. In 1881 he became clerk of the steamer "Evening
Star," owned and operated by the Detroit & Cleveland Steam Navigation
Company, and in the following year he was transferred to the "City of
Mackinac," of the same line. In 1886 was effected a merging of the
operating interests of the Star and the Cole lines of steamers, which had
previously been in competition in the passenger and freight traffic, and
the interested principals in the new combination requested David Carter,
then general manager of the Detroit & Cleveland Steam Navigation Com-
pany, to select for them a competent manager for the business of the
Star-Cole Line, representing the consolidated interests. Mr. Carter's
appreciation of the services and ability of Mr. Bielman was at this time
shown in a most significant way, for he warmly recommended the latter
as a most eligible candidate for the position in question. Mr. Bielman
had been in the employ of the Detroit & Cleveland Company for a period
of six years, and had amply demonstrated his executive and technical
ability, as evidenced by the selection thus made by Mr. Carter.
In March, 1886, Mr. Bielman entered upon the duties of his new
office, and in the following year he returned to the employ of the Detroit
& Cleveland Steam Navigation Company, in service on the steamer "City
of Alpena." Soon afterward, however, in July, 1887, he became associ-
ated with the late Darius Cole in securing control of the Star Line, Mr.
Cole already owning the line which bore his name, and the two gentle-
men continued the operation of what was designated as the Star-Cole
Line, one of the most important of those having virtual headquarters in
Detroit. Mr. Bielman became secretary and treasurer of the company,
and from that time to the present has been identified with the passenger
and freight traffic of the lake system. In 1893 '^^ became associated with
Aaron A. Parker, Captain James W. Millen and John Pridgeon, Jr., in
the purchase of the Red Star Line, of which he was made secretary and
traffic manager. In 1896 the White Star Line was incorporated under
the laws of Michigan and assimilated the interests of the Red and the
White Star Lines. Mr. Bielman was chosen secretary and traffic man-
ager of the new corporation and has since continued to serve in this
dual office.
The White Star Line is one of the most important in the realm of
lake-marine activities and the upbuilding of its large and substantial
business has been largely due to the energy and marked administrative
ability of Mr. Bielman. The company now owns and operates five steel
passenger steamers of the best type, on the route between Toledo, Detroit,
St. Clair Flats and all points on the St. Clair river to Port Huron,
besides which it owns and controls two attractive picnic or excursion
parks and its various terminal wharves.
From 1889 to 1896 the Red Star, Star Cole and White Star Lines
were operated conjunctively, under a pooling arrangement, and Mr.
Bielman had charge of the traffic interests of the combination. Since
1892 he has been secretary and treasurer of the Stewart Transportation
Company, engaged in the freight-traffic business. In 1895 Mr. Bielman
leased the steamer "Florence B." to the United States government for
use in the collection and delivery of mail to passing traffic on the Detroit
river. Since 1896 he has held the contract for the operation of this
service, which is the onlv one of the kind in the entire LTnited States. In
1907 he built for this service the excellent steel steamer "C. F. Bielman,
Jr.," at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars. His interests in a business
way are confined essentially to lake-marine traffic. Mr. Bielman holds
membership in the American Association of General Passenger & Ticket
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1439
Agents, the International Water Lines Association, the Great Lakes &
St. Lawrence River Association, and the Central Passenger Association.
Mr. Bielman has been found aligned as a staunch supporter of the
cause of the Republican party but has never sought public office, though
his name has several times been suggested in connection with nomination
for mayor of Detroit. He was the third to be elected president of the
Detroit Board of Commerce, a position to which he was called in 1906,
and he gave a most effective administration, marked by civic loyalty and
progressiveness and by full accord with the high ideals of the representa-
tive organization of which he was thus the executive head. He holds
membership in the Detroit Club, the Detroit Athletic Club, the Harmonie
Society, and the Michigan Whist Association, of which he was elected
president in 1907. Both he and his wife are ardent devotees of whist and
are leading members of the Detroit Whist Club. Mr. Bielman is also
affiliated with tlie Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protec-
tive Order of Elks, and he and his family are communicants of the
Catholic church, as member of the local parish of Our Lady of the
Rosary.
On the 22d of January, 1890, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Bielman to Miss Katherine Barium, daughter of Thomas Barium, long
one of the representative business men and influential citizens of Detroit.
Mr. and Airs. Bielman have two children, — Florence C, and Charles
Frederick, Jr.
Louis C. Walker. Few of the larger industries of Michigan have
been characterized by more remarkable progress than the Shaw-Walker
Company at Muskegon. This company is already pretty well known all
over the United States as manufacturers of high-class office equipment
and filing devices. The company have been liberal advertisers, have
shown great enterprise in extending their business, and having kept the
quality of their products fully up to all their claims, their success has
been entirely justified and a foundation has been laid for a business likely
to grow and go on in increasing importance for years. The beginning of
this concern was only about fourteen years ago, when Louis C. Walker
and A. W. Shaw, with about one hundred and fifty dollars in capital
between them, started in business together at Aluskegon, and were at
first chiefly manufacturers agents, getting all their goods manufactured
for them, and' giving all their energies to the sale and distribution of their
special lines. They pushed the business with such energy, that in about
two years they were justified in the erection of a large plant of their own,
and the Shaw-Walker factory, is now one of the largest in the city of
Muskegon.
Louis C. Walker is a member of a family long identified with indus-
trial enterprise in Michigan, and his father is a well known manufacturer
in Alpena. Louis C. Walker was born in Farmington, Michigan, January
8, 1875. a son of James C. and Caroline (Wilcox) Walker.^ Botli parents
were born in Michigan, the father in 1845, and the mother in 1847. Louis
is the oldest of their three children, his brother Lawrence being an asso-
ciate in the Shaw-Walker Company, while Harry is employed by the
father. Tames C. Walker started out in life as a lumber inspector, and
in 1903 "established a veneering business at Alpena, and the Walker
Veneer Works has become a large and flourishing concern. The parents
are active members of the Congregational church, and the father has
taken the degrees in both the York and Scottish Rite of Masonry, belong-
ing to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery in the York, and having
taken thirty-two degrees in the Scottish Rite. His politics is Republican,
and his public senMce includes membership on the school board, and in
the city council of Alpena.
1440 - HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Louis C. Walker was liberally educated, and from the public schools
entered the University of Michigan, where he was graduated in 1896.
During liis college career he was a member of the Delta Upsilon fra-
ternity. His first occupation after leaving college was as lumber in-
spector, and that experience continued through several years, and gave
him a close and detailed knowledge of timber and many branches of the
lumbering industry. His ne.xt position for advancement towards inde-
pendence was at Grand Rapids, where he was employed by the Fred
Macey Company, a well known mail order furniture house. While there
he had charge of the desk department for one year. With that experience,
Mr. Walker came to Muskegon in 1899, and with Mr. A. W. Shaw
organized the Shaw-Walker Company. They started with two small
stores, and as already stated their goods were manufactured in outside
plants. In 1901 their successful operations enabled them to build a large
plant for the manufacturing of filing devices and such equipment, and
this has been steadily increased in capacity, until the business is one of
the largest of its kind. The capital stock of the company is four hundred
thousand dollars. Its branches are in London, Chicago, New York, and
XN'asliington, and their goods are sent to all portions of the world. They
manufacture both wood and steel devices.
Mr. Walker married in 1900, Miss Margaret Mercer, a daughter of
J. C. Mercer, a clothing merchant of Saginaw. To this marriage were
born three children, Jane, Peggie and Louis C. Jr. Mr. and Airs. Walker
are members of the Congregational church, and his fraternal affiliations
are with the Masonic Lodge, including the Knight Templars and Shriners,
and also the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a Repub-
lican in politics. Mr. Walker is president of the Shaw-Walker Company,
and his success in his enterprise has been largely due to his active manage-
ment and control.
Sanford Webi! L.vdd. Probably no meiuber of the Detroit bar has a
higher standing for ability and success in connection with public utility
and corporation law than Sanford Webb Ladd, who has in recent years
confined practically all his practice to that class of work. He belongs to
one of Micliigan's old families, the name having been established in the
territory nearly eighty years ago, and having been prominently associated
with jjusiness and the professions.
Sanford Wel)b Ladd, who is a niemjjcr of the law firm of Warren, Cady
& l-add, of Detroit, was born at Milford, in Oakland county, Michigan,
December 2, 1877. His father, Frank Montgomery Ladd, was born at
Milford, Oakland county, in y\pril, 1849, a son of David Montgomery and
Martha (Hartwell) Ladd. David Montgomery Ladd was born just out-
side of Concord, New Hampshire, in 1S14, and came to Michigan in 1835,
at the age of twenty-one. This was two years before Michigan became a
state of the Union. His first settlement was at Northville, in Wayne
countv, but soon afterward he moved to Milford, in Oakland county, and
there established himself in business as a pioneer merchant. For many
years he continued as one of the leading busmess men at Milford. He and
his wife both died there, he in 1909, at tlie great age of ninety-three years,
while his wife passed away in 1881. A few years after he moved to
Michigan he was followed by his ]iarents, who settled at Dearborn, in
Wayne county, where they lived until death.
Frank Montgomery Ladd, father of the Detroit lawyer, was reared at
Milford, where he attended the public schools. Becoming associated with
his father in merchandising, he later succeeded to the business, which was
carried on under father and son for a period of more than seventy years.
Mr. Ladd is now retired from active affairs, and still lives at Milford. He
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1441
was married to Mary Elizabeth Webb, who was born at West Liberty,
Ohio, in 1857, a daughter of Jacob Webb. Mrs. Ladd is also living.
At Milford, where he spent his boyhood and youth, Sanford Webb
Ladd attended the public schools and completed his early education by
graduation from the Ann Arbor high school in 1897. Entering the literary
department of the University of Michigan, he was graduated with the
degree of A. B., in the class of 1901. tie then studied law in the University
of Michigan Law School, and in the year 1902 was admitted to practice
in Michigan. He lirst had his office at Port Huron, where he became junior
member of the firm of Moore, Brown, Miller & Ladd. From Port Huron
he moved to Detroit in 1908, and was for several years a member of the
firm of Merriam, Yerkes, Sinons & Ladd. In 191 1, upon the death of Mr.
Shaw, the firm of Shaw, Warren, Cady & Oakes was reorganized under
the present firm of Warren, Cady & Ladd. For the past eight years Mr.
Ladd has been counsel for what is now the Michigan United Traction
Company, and he has looked after that corporation's interests throughout
the state.
He is well known in club life at Detroit and elsewhere. He has mem-
bership in the Detroit Board of Commerce, the Detroit Club, the Detroit
Athletic Club, the University Club of Detroit, the University Club of Chi-
cago, the University of Michigan Club, and belongs tothe Detroit, the
Michigan and the American Bar Associations.' ■.Hc'' is a trustee of the
North Woodward Avenue Congregational church. ■^(<i.'v
Mrs. Ladd before her marriage .was Miss Nina Axtell Trucsdell,
daughter of Philo and Helen (Axtell) Truesdell, of Port Huron. They
are the parents of three children : Helen Elizat)(^h La.dd, Virginia Mary
Ladd and Elizabeth Ladd. ■',-'i-'-,'^;f^ '-' ■^ .
William Dixon. A resident of Mu'Skef&n 'stnce 1879, Mr. Dixon
has had a varied career of public service and individual enterprise, was
connected with the city water system for a number of years, has been
honored with different posts in the local government, and is now a suc-
cessful contractor. Mr. Dixon has attaiiic<l the ripe age of threescore and
ten, and is still active, notwithstanding the fact that for four years he
bore arms as a Union soldier, and has had a life of almost unremitting
activity since he was a boy.
William Dixon was born in Oswego county, New York, December 9,
1843, a son of George W. and Mary (O'Shaughnessy) Dixon. His
father, who was born in England in 1822, and died at Muskegon, Febru-
ary 12, 1906, came to New York in 1842, and in the same year, Miss
O'Shaughnessy came across the ocean from Ireland, where she was born
in 1823, making the emigration with her brother. In the following Jan-
uary of 1843, those young people were married, and their first child, born
at the end of the same year was the Muskegon citizen and contractor
first named. In i860 they moved to Michigan, settling in Ottawa county,
where the elder Dixon was employed by the Ottawa Iron Works. That
was his home until 1881, at which time he took up his residence in Mus-
kegon. His career was one of considerable success, and he was an in-
ventor and machinist of more than ordinary ability. He served as an
engineer on the great lakes for several years, and was a patentee of the
Wolverine Steam Pump and other mechanical devices, which were placed
on the market, and which brought him considerable revenue in the way
of royalties. George W. Dixon was a member of the Masonic Order, a
Republican in politics, and his wife was a Catholic. There were six chil-
dren, four of whom are hving, of whom William is the eldest. Mary
Miller, is a widow ; Fred is an engineer living in Arkansas ; and Helena
married a Air. Pearson, who is a boat manufacturer in Duluth, Minnesota.
1442 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
William Dixon had a public school education at Lafayette, and began
his career in the iron works in Ottawa county. He was only eighteen
years old when the war broke out, and enlisting in Company F of the
I'ourteentJi Michigan Infantry, he saw almost four years of active serv-
ice, carrying a musket as a private, and showing the invincible and grace-
ful qualities of the soldier from start to end. The first campaign in which
he saw active service was the siege of Corinth, and from there he went
through all the campaigns up to the concluding one at Nashville, in the
fall and winter of 1864. At Atlanta, on July 5, 1864, he was taken pris-
oner, and was one of the few men still living, who can recount from per-
sonal recollection the horrors of the notorious Andersonville prison.
From Anderson he was transferred to Charleston, South Carolina, and
from that city made his escape on the morning of September 5, 1864.
He remained in hiding in and about that city until November 17, and then
with several private citizens and a union officer reached Edisto Bay, and
was taken on board the cruiser St. Louis, and was from that boat trans-
ferred to Admiral Delgren's flag ship, and from there went to New York
City. General Dix gave him a furlough, and after a few days spent at
home he returned and saw some of the final campaigning, especially in
the coast service including a numlier of en.Ljagements with the Ijush-
whackers. He rejoined his old regiment near Goldsboro, North Carolina,
accompanied it to Washington, where he participated in the Grand Re-
view, and was honorably discharged.
For five years, Mr. Dixon served as an engineer on the great lakes,
and in 1879 located in Muskegon, where a number of years were spent as
engineer in different sawmills. In 1887 occurred his first appointment as
superintendent of the Muskegon Water Works, and in that capacity he
gave nine years of effective service. In 1897 Mr. Dixon engaged in the
laundry business at Muskegon, and seven years in that line brought him
consideral^le prosperity. In 1904, on his reappointment to the superin-
tendency of the water works, he held that position until 1910. Since
then he has been engaged in the contracting business, his present associate
being John Campljell. This fimi has just completed a large contract in
the installation of a distributing system of water mains in the city of
Muskegon.
In January, 1872, Mr. Dixon married Miss Mary McElroy, a daughter
of Barney IMcElroy, who was born in Ireland. To their marriage have
been born two children, George W., who lives at home, and Charles, who
is farming a claim in Benewah Vallev, in Idaho. Mr. Dixon is affiliated
with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Grand Army
of the Republic, and is an active Progressive Republican in political
affairs. For two years he held the post in the city council as alderman,
and gave two years of service as fire chief. He is the owner of one of the
beautiful homes in Muskegon, has considerable farm property, and his
prosperity, considering the fact that it has come entirely through his own
efforts is large and commendable.
Cn.^RLES Lamartinf, Clark has been identified with business affairs
in Detroit, chiefly along the lines of real estate. He is one of the suc-
cessful business men and likewise has a prominent position in the public
life of the city, being a member of the Detroit Board of Estimates.
Charles L. Clark was born at Rochester, New York, April 9, 185 1,
and comes from an old and distinguished American family. He had
direct ancestors both in the Revolution and in the War of 1812. The
founder of the name in America was George Clark, who was born in
Coleraine, Ireland, and who crossed the ocean and settled in America
in 1715. His first settlement was at Deerfield, in Masachusetts, but
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1443
subsequently he secured a charter and founded the town of Colerain,
Massachusetts, which he named in honor of his native place in Ireland.
Subsequently the family moved into Vermont, where Seth Clark, son
of George, was born. Seth Clark served as a soldier in the war of the
Revolution, enlisting when a boy of fifteen years, and several times
re-enlisting until the colonies had finally won their independence. Noah
Clark, son of Seth, and grandfather of the Detroit business man, was
born in Vermont, and fought as a soldier on the American side during
the war of 1812. His business was that of contractor and builder, and
towards the close of his life he was awarded several building contracts in
the Province of Ontario, Canada, and took up his temporary residence in
that country. While there he met an accidental death.
George Washington Clark, son of Noah, was born at Bangor, Maine,
July 5, 181 2. When his father moved to Canada he went along and at
Woodstock in Ontario was married. He was living in Canada at the
time of the rebellion of 1837, and was arrested on the ground of being
a rebel sympathizer. He was thrown into jail by the Canadian authori-
ties, but managed to effect his escape, and fled from the Dominion and
located at Ann Arbor, Michigan. In Ann Arbor George W. Clark soon
rose to prominence. He first gained attention by establishing the pioneer
temperance newspaper in the state. Later he moved to Jackson, and
while living there assisted in the founding of the Republican party at the
famous meeting "under the oaks." From Jackson he moved to Rochester,
New York, but in 1877 returned to Michigan and settled in Detroit,
where he lived until his death in 1893. George W. Clark married Louise
Elliott, who was born in Hayes, Middlesex, England, in 181 7. Her
family came to Canada in 1829, and she died at Detroit in 1904, when
eighty-seven years of age.
Mr. Clark was always an active and prominent worker in the temper-
ance and anti-slavery cause before and during the war. He was an asso-
ciate worker with Garrison, Phillips, Gerrit Smith, Fred Douglas and all
other anti-slavery agitators. He was known from one end of the United
States and Canada to the other as the "silver-voiced (singer) abolition-
ist" and as the author of several well known and popular song books of
the day, including the Liberty Minstrel, Harp of Freedom, and others.
Charles L. Clark was reared in Rochester, New York, attended the
public schools of that city, and was also a student in the Walworth
Academy near Rochester. In 1868, when seventeen years of age, he came
to Detroit and found his first employment as clerk in the jewelry house
of M. S. Smith and Company. In 187 1 he entered a jewelry establish-
ment in Chicago, but returned to Detroit in 1873 and got his first ex-
perience in the insurance and real estate business in the firm of Clark
and Crawford, the senior member of which was his older brother. A
few years later he engaged in the same business independently, and he has
been in close touch with the general realty situation in Detroit for over
forty years. At the present time he is regarded as one of the best in-
formed judges of property values, and has had a very successful career
in his particular line.
Mr. Clark is a member of the Detroit F)Oard of Commerce, the Detroit
Real Estate Board, the Detroit Boat Club, and belonged to the old
Detroit Light Guards. He has been a member of the Board of Estimates
for the city from the Fourth Ward during the last six years. He has
always taken great interest in art and was the organizer of Hopkin Club
and also a member of New York Society, .State of Michigan.
Mr. Clark married Georgiana Frazer, daughter of Thomas Frazer,
and a member of the old and honored Frazer family of Detroit. They
are the parents of three children : Cecilia Louise, Georgiana M. and
Charles Elliot Frazer.
UU HISTORY OF :\IICHIGAN
William T. Evans. Success in railway service is notably a result of
alert efficiency, and faithful performance of duty day in and day out. A
Michigan railroad man, who started in at the bottom, and now has one of
the responsible places in his community is William T. Evans, freight agent
of the Pere Marquette Railroad at Muskegon, having perhaps a hundred
men under his management, and in one of the most exacting positions on
the system.
William T. Evans is a native of Missouri, born in Schuyler county,
July 27, 1865, a son of James S. and Martha M. (Maize) Evans. Grand-
father Thomas Evans was born in Indiana, was a farmer, moved later to
Davis county, Iowa, where he died, having seen service as a Union soldier
during the Civil war. The Evans family was of Welsh decent. The
maternal grandfather was Robert J. ]\Iaize. a native of Missouri, where
all his life was spent. During the war he was captain of volunteers in the
Union army. The Maize family is of Scotch Irish descent. James S.
Evans was born in the state of Indiana, in 1842, and was married in 1863
to Miss Maize, who was a native of Missouri. The parents received their
education respectively in their native state. The senior Evans was a
practical farmer, until his retirement in 1890, and on selling his Iowa
farm, where he had taken up his residence in 1873, he moved to the town
of Bedford, and lived there in quiet retirement. He and his wife are
memljers of the Baptist church, having taken a very active part in church
affairs, and his fraternal affiliations are with the Woodmen of America,
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A Democrat in politics, he
served several times as alderman in Bedford. His start in life was as a
poor boy, and a number of years ago he acquired a competency. There
were six children in the family, of whom the Muskegon railroad man was
the oldest, the others being: Robert J., who is a city salesman for the
Standard Oil Company, in Chicago ; Ollie, wife of Ben Maulding, a music
dealer in Marysville, Missouri ; Etta M., wife of Mark DeWitt, a very
successful farmer at Lyons, Kansas, his degree of success being judged
by the fact that in the last year his revenues from his farm amounted to
seven thous'and dollars; Alice, who is married and lives in Toledo, Ohio;
and Eunice, who is married and lives in St. Joseph, Missouri.
William T. Evans is a graduate of the Bedford high school in Iowa,
and got his first practical experiences in railroading in a local office of
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, where he learned telegraphy. His
first regular station was at Creston, Iowa, was transferred to Lincoln,
Nebraska, and spent eight years in employment at various posts, follow-
ing the custom of railway men and leading a somewhat nomadic life. In
1892, he came into Michigan, had charge of the office at Thompsonville,
then at Big Rapids, then at Howell, at LaPorte, Indiana, and Michigan
City, Indiana, was then moved to Traverse City, and in 1905 came to
Muskegon.
He came to Muskegon to take charge of the local freight department
as freight agent, and has held this responsible position ever since. He
has charge of the yards and the entire freight department, with fifty-five
men under him, and indirectly one hundred men get their orders through
him.
Mr. Evans was married in 1896 to Bertha Morgan, who was born in
Howell, Michigan. Their two children are: Aleowyn C, who is four-
teen years old; and Doris M., aged nine. The family attend the Pres-
l:)yterian church, Air. Evans is a Knight Templar Mason and Shriner,
belongs to tlie Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights
of Pythias, is High Priest in his Royal Arch Chapter, is also exalted
ruler of the Elks, and has gone through all the chairs in the Elks organiza-
tion at Muskegon. His politics is Democratic.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1445
John S. Haggerty. During a business career that has lasted over
a period of more than a quarter of a century, John S. Haggerty has
developed one of the largest brick manufacturing industries in the state
of Michigan. In his various business relations he has done much to
promote public progress and to establish that commercial and industrial
activity whereon the growth and development of a community always
depend. He has disjilayed excellent al)ility as a manager, togetlier with
keen business discernment and unfaltering energy, and whatever he has
undertaken he has carried forward to successful completion, while his
methods have been such as will bear the closest scrutiny and most rigid
examination.
Mr. Haggerty, like many of his successful associates in Detroit's busi-
ness world, is a product of the farm, having been born on his father's
homestead in Springwells township, Wayne county, Michigan, August
22, 1866, a son of the late Lorenzo Dow and Elizabeth (Strong) Hag-
gerty. The Haggerty family was founded in the Badger state by Hugh
Haggerty, the grandfather of John S. Haggerty, who was a native of
County Derry, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1830. Landing
at New York City, he was married there to Fanny Otis, in 1831, and in
that same year came to Michigan, which was then a territory, and took
up a tract of land from the government in Springwells township, Wayne
county. There he continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits during
the remainder of his life, winning position and independence through
his industry and persistent effort. He passed away in 1853, honored and
respected by all, while his widow survived him fof many years, her
death occurring in 1803. Lorenzo Dow Haggerty was born on the pioneer
homestead place in Wayne county, April 30, 1838, and grew up amid
pioneer surroundings, securing his education in the primitive schools of
his locality and passing the greater part of his boyhood and youth in
assisting his father to develop a home from the timber. He continued
to follow agricultural pursuits in Wayne county until 1856, in which
year he removed to Kansas, where he contemplated establishing a perma-
nent home. However, he found that state in the throes of the great
slavery controversy, and although he was an ardent pro-slavery man, and
in Kansas became acquainted with old John Brown and Jim Lane, the
leaders of the pro-slavery forces, the turmoil and excitement of the
times in that section were too strenuous for him, and so after a short
stay in the Sunflower state Mr. Haggerty returned to Michigan and
again engaged in farming on the old home place in Springwells township.
Subsequently he added to farming the buying and pressing of hay, an
industry in which he did a large business for many years, but in 1881
disposed of his other interests to engage in the manufacture of brick.
In 1897 he became a partner with his son, John .S. Haggerty, in the same
line of industry, this business having been established in 1888 by John S.
and his brother, Clifton Floyd Haggerty. Father and son continued
to be associated in this line with mutual success until the death of the
elder man. July 2, 1903. Mr. Haggerty was widely known as a citizen
whose labors were of the utmost value in laying broad and deep the
foundations upon which has since been builded the superstructure of
the present progress and prosperity of this section. He was possessed of
industry, integrity and perseverance in whatever occupation he found
himself, and had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, drawn about
him by his many sterling traits of mind and heart. On December 27,
i860, Mr. Haggerty was married to Miss Elizabeth Strong, who was
born on a farm in Greenville township, Wayne county, Michigan, in 1837,
and died in i8g6. She was the daughter of John Strong, a native of
England, who settled in Greenfield township in 1826 and was for many
years engaged in farming.
1446 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
John S. Haggert}' was reared on his father's farm, and received his
education in the district schools of Wayne county. As a youth he adopted
farming as his vocation in life, and continued to be so engaged until the
spring of 1888, when he engaged in the manufacture of brick on the old
home place, in partnership with his brother. Subsequently, his father
became associated with him, and since the elder man's death, in 1903, he
has carried on the business alone, under his own name. Beginning in a
small way, this industry has been developed into one of the largest in its
line in Michigan, and at the present time has a yearly output of 40,000,000
common building brick. Mr. Haggerty is a man of excellent business
ability, whose well-directed labors have brought him a measure of suc-
cess whereby he is justly accounted one of the substantial citizens of
Detroit. His offices are located at No. 181 5 Dime Building. Mr. Hag-
gerty in 1913 was elected a director of the Detroit Builders and Traders
Exchange, and belongs likewise to the Detroit Board of Commerce. He
is a member of the Detroit Athletic Club, the Rushmere Club, the Detroit
Yacht Club and the Detroit Golf Club, and is a Mason of high degree,
being a member of the Michigan Consistory (thirty-second degree),
Damascus Commandery, Knights Templar, and Moslem Temple, A. A.
O. N. M. S. His political affiliation is with the Republican party and
he has been prominently active in the affairs of the party, although never
an office-seeker.
Adam Pyle. The Pyle Pattern & Manufacturing Company in the
past ten years has risen to among the largest industries of Muskegon.
The business was established by Adam Pyle who is president and gen-
eral manager of the company. The company manufacture iron castings,
moulding machines and plates, make patterns of every description, and
while their business is largely of a local nature, they also have extended
it to many parts of the country. Mr. Pyle is a man who started out as a
worker in the ranks, at daily or monthly wages, and by a certain proved
ability and skill as a pattern maker, and also a well seasoned business
judgment, he eventually got into business for himself and has steadily
prospered.
Adam Pyle is a native of England, and of family stock that has long
been identified with industrial activities. He was born October i, 1862,
a son of Richard and Mary (Keall) Pyle. Grandfather Adam Pyle. who
was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a very successful man, and did a
flourishing business as manager of a glass factory. He was born in
1803, and died in 1874 at Leith, Scotland. The maternal grandfather of
the Muskegon manufacturer, was a native of England, was a contractor,
and died early in his career. Richard Pyle, the father, was born in Eng-
land in 1837, and died in 1887. His wife, who was born in 1841, is still
living. The father was a glass blower in England, and though he
visited the United States three times, he never made this country his
permanent home. Of the four children, three are still living, Adam being
second in order of liirth. His sister Mary is the widow of Matthew Cow-
lev, while his brother, Richard, is a boiler maker in Muskegon. His
parents were memliers of the Church of England, and his father affiliated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
The school e(|uipment with which Adam Pyle was started in life was
supplied by the common schools of Sunderlanci. and when nineteen years
of age in 1881, he came to America. He served an apprenticeship in
carpenter work, and in 1S84 became a pattern maker in a foundry. He
served in various plants for a number of years, and in 1904 established
the present business, which manufactures patterns of all kinds, both in
wood and metal and the l)usiness is growing steadily every month. It is
I
^mb
^<s^*^
HISTORY OF AIICHIGAN 1447
a local stock company, capitalized at fifteen tlionsand dollars, and Mr.
Pyle is president and general manager.
In 1887 hs married Miss Mary Hewitt, of Muskegon. Mr. Pyle is
fortunate in the possession of two sons, Adam and Clyde E., both of
wdiom have come into the factory and have proved themselves capable
assistants to their father. Mr. Pyle is affiliated with the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and the Royal Arcanum, having held some
minor chairs in the latter order and is a Republican in politics. However,
all his time and attention are devoted to his business.
Henry AIartyn Leland. Though he recently turned over to his
son the general management of the great Cadillac Motor Company, the
name of Henry M. Leland is recognized as one of the best known in
motor manufacturing circles of the country. That Detroit is now the
"hub" of the automobile industry in America is perhaps due as much
to the enterprise of Mr. Leland as to any other single individual. His
life has been one of exceptional experience and achievement. During
the Civil War period, years before modern inventions, including the auto-
mobile, were dreamed of, Henry Martyn Leland was employed in one of
the government armories in making tools used in the manufacture of
army rifles. His mechanical genius in its development from that time
had many turnings, until twenty years ago he engaged at Detroit in the
manufacture of naphtha and other internal combustion engines, used
principally for the propulsion of motor boats. From that the transition
to manufacture of engines for automobiles was natural enough. These
facts show an interesting genesis in the career of a man who has been
one of the principal factors in the growth of the automobile business
at Detroit.
Henry Martyn Leland was born at Danville, Vermont, February 16,
1843. He is a direct descendant of Henry and Margaret Badcock Leland,
natives of England, who came to America in 1625, becoming the founders
of the Leland name on this side of the Atlantic. The original emigrant
died at Sherburne, Massachusetts, April 14, 1680. The parents of
Henry M. Leland were Leander and Zilpha (Tifft) Leland, and both
were natives of Rhode Island. Their death occurred at Worcester,
Massachusetts, the father in i88r, and the mother in 1896.
Reared in X'ermont and Massachusetts, Henry M. Leland was
educated in the public schools, and was about eighteen years old when
the war broke out among the states. Completing his apprenticeship
at that time, he contributed his services to his country by service in the
United States Armory at Springfield, ALissachusetts, and there became
actively attached to the mechanical work which has practically been his
profession ever since. At Springfield he assisted in making the tools
utilized in the manufacture of rifles for the army, and at the close of
the war entered the employ of the Colt's Fire Arms Company at Hart-
ford, Connecticut. After a short time there he returned to Worcester
and was variously employed as expert tool maker and machinist. At
Providence, Rhode Island, the Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Com-
pany had become known as leading manufacturers and there Mr. Leland
became employed as a tool maker, and with that Company he served
for 12 years as superintendent of the sewing machine department.
When Mr. Leland moved to Detroit in 1890 he established a machine
business for himself. A little later Mr. Robert C. Faulconer was taken
in as a partner, under the firm name of the Leland & Faulconer Manu-
facturing Company, makers of special machinery, and the firm soon
came to be regarded as a leading one in its department of special manu-
facture. About that time the naphtha launch came into vogue, and the
1448 _ HISTORY OF MICIIIGAN
Leland & Faulconer Company came to devote much of the operations of
its plant to the building of internal combustion engines. Their expe-
rience in that line paved the way for the next development in motor
vehicles, the automobile.
At the time of the birth of the automobile Mr. Leland had well
won a reputation as one of the most skillful engine builders in the
United States, and that reputation quickly extended into the field of auto-
mobile engine construction. In order to secure a larger market for
the engines produced in his plant, he assisted in the organization of the
Cadillac Automobile Company in 1902. In 1905 the Leland & Faul-
coner Manufacturing Company was consolidated with the Cadillac Au-
tomobile Com[)any under the name of the Cadillac Motor Car Company,
Mr: Leland becoming general manager. This was the position which
he recently relinquished in favor of his son, Wilfred C. Leland, who is
also vice-president of the company. However, Mr. Henry M. Leland
continues with the company as president and advisory manager, and is
now recognized, as he has been in the past, as a pioneer and leader of the
American motor industry. He is now president of the American So-
ciety of Automobile Engineers.
Mr. Leland is a charter member of the National Association of
Manufacturers, the National Metal Trades Association, the National
Founders Association, the United Order of the Golden Cross, and is
identified with innumerable trade, professional and social organizations.
During his residence in Detroit he has taken much interest in civic
and benevolent work, and is the founder and president of the Detroit
Citizens League. While living in the East he was a member of the
Pearl Street Baptist Church of Providence. Rhode Island, but since
moving to Detroit his membership has been in the Westminster Pres-
byterian Church, of which he is an official and active member.
On September 25, 1867, Mr. Leland married, at Alilllniry, ^Massa-
chusetts, Miss Ellen R. Hull, who died January 15, 1914. Their children
are: M. Gertrude, wife of Angus C, Woodbridge, of Detroit; Wilfred
Chester, general manager of the Cadillac Motor Car Company, who
married Blanche Mollineau Dewey, daughter of the late Judge Dewey,
of Detroit; and Miriam, deceased.
Hon. Fred M. Warner. Three times governor of Michigan, and
four years secretary of state, Fred M. Warner's career is so well known
in recent political history as to require no preface. As a business man
he has been equally successful, has built a splendid industry in the village
of Farmington in Oakland county, and is now vice president of the
Detroit United Bank. Oakland county has been the seat of the Warner
family for nearly ninety years, and in the pioneer times as in later eras,
few were able to accomplish so much in the sturdy work which promoted
civilization and in those movements which brought about the existence
of higher ideals of civilization.
The first of the family to appear in southern Michigan was Seth A. L.
Warner, who came in 1823 and belonged to what has been called the
"second influx of settlers to the southern section of Oakland county."
Seth Warner was himself a good, strong and able man, but in his son
appeared a still stronger character as a citizen and business man. This
son was the late P. Dean Warner, whose name has a distinctive place in
the history of Oakland county and of Michigan. With an excellent
ancestry, and a rugged environment which brought forth and developed
the best qualities of his nature, he became a man of note throughout the
state. P. Dean Warner was born in Schuyler county. New York, .August
12, 1822, and was less than three years of age when his parents, .Seth
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1449
A. L. and Sally Warner, removed in April, 1825, to Michigan. Their
journey from New York to Michigan was not unlike those of other
pioneer families of that period, and the time required for the trip from
Detroit to their home, two miles north of the present Farmington village,
was greater than that now required to make the trip from New York to
Lansing. At the age of fifteen it seemed clear to the boy that it was his
duty to leave the parental roof and commence his business career. Clerk-
ing in a country store was the beginning of a mercantile career that was
a long and honorable one. For six years he served in that capacity, in a
general store at Farmington, with the exception of two or three months
each year spent in attending school. Part of one year he attended the
Northville school. He spent one year in Detroit clerking, and with this
exception, his entire lifetime was spent in Farmington. In 1846 he was
able to purchase one-half interest in a small stock of goods, and estab-
lish a store in Farmington under the name of Botsford & Warner. He
was best known in business as a village storekeeper and banker, and
his interests were many, not only in local commerce, but in public affairs.
He was early called upon to serve his fellow townsmen in official
position, acting as justice of the peace, clerk and supervisor for many
years. In 1850 he was chosen as a Democratic member of the house of
representatives from Oakland county, and as such participated in the
election of Lewis Cass, as United States Senator from Michigan. He
served but one term of this time. He was always interested in national
affairs as well as state, and it was not long after his first legislative
experience that he believed it to be his duty to leave the party of caste,
with which he had been identified. On the other hand he could not
indorse the principles of the opposition. He was therefore ready to
accept membership in the new political organization born upon Michigan
soil. He was one of those who voted for John C. Fremont, and he
remained until his death a steadfast member of the party he helped to
organize. In 1864 he was again elected representative, for two terms in
the iiouse. He took a prominent part in the deliberations of the legisla-
ture, and was chosen speaker in his second term. He was deeply inter-
ested in the growth and development of his state, and his help and
influence could be counted upon for any measure that sought to add to
the educational resources of the state or the care for its dependents and
unfortunates. He was a friend of the University and the Agricultural
College, believing that money expended for education of our boys and
girls would be returned a hundred fold by their increasing usefulness.
Those enjoying the splendid opportunities of public schools and universi-
ties at this time owe a debt of gratitude to such men as P. D. Warner,
who in the face of strong opposition stood by them and started them on
their careers of usefulness. His services as a law maker ended with a
term in the state senate in 1869-70. He was an active member of the
constitutional convention of 1867, a body that numbered in its member-
ship many able and influential men.
P. D. Warner was a man of deep religious convictions and a member
of the Presbyterian church for many years. He was attentive to the
minor duties of the good citizen in the home community and was fore-
most in every movement for the improvement of the little village he
loved to call home. Its churches and its schools had in him a loyal
friend. He was a friend and counselor of three generations of Farm-
ington people, and there are many men in Oakland county, who are
today the better for having relied upon his judgment and acted upon his
advice. As old age brought infirmities he gave up one by one the busi-
ness cares, and while waiting for the final summons_ enjoyed the well-
earned freedom from the cares and activities of a business career, which
lasted nearly, if not quite, three score years and ten.
1450 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
P. D. Warner was married November 8, 1845, in Ann Arbor to Rhoda
Elizabeth Bosford. To them were given ahiiost sixty-six years of happy
married Hfe before his death, on August 28, 1910. The faithful wife
lived to the old age of eighty-seven, passing away August 11, 191 1, at
Farmington.
It was with the inspiration of such a sterling citizen as P. D. Warner
before him that Fred M. Warner was stirred to reach the full bent of
his powers and opportunities. Fred M. Warner was born at Hickling,
Nottinghamshire. England, July 21, 1865, and was brought to America
by his parents when only three months old. A few months later his
mother died, and he was adopted in the family of P. D. Warner. In
addition to the training which he received in the Warner home, he pos-
sessed the English traits, of perseverance and common sense, and has
combined great energy and enterprise with genial good fellowship. At
the age of fourteen he had completed the high school course at Farm-
ington, and after taking a term at the State Agricultural College he
became clerk in the Warner store at Farmington. Iia a few years the
older man retired in favor of the younger, and Fred M. Warner con-
tinued the business on a much broader scale and made it one of the
leading mercantile houses in southern Michigan. In 1889 he established
the iirst of a dozen or more cheese factories, which eventually brought
him fortune and national standing in that particular line of industry.
Oakland county and other adjoining counties have since been well covered
with the Warner factories, and in 1905 the business was incorporated
as the Fred M. Warner Cheese Company, which at the height of its out-
put manufactured two million pounds of cheese a year. In recent years
the company has concentrated its energies upon the production of milk,
with Farmington as headquarters for the large enterprise. Practically
all the supply is marketed in Detroit.
In 1897 Mr. Warner was one of the organizers of the Farmington
Exchange Bank, which had originally been established as the Warner
Exchange Bank, and in 1910 became a state institution. Mr. Warner has
been president of the Farmington Bank for three years, and as already
stated, is identified with financial affairs in Detroit.
Mr. Warner's official life began in 1890, when he was chosen a member
and president of the Village Board of Trustees of Farmington. That
office he held for nine years. From 1895 to 1898 he was a member of the
state senate, as representative from the Twelfth District. At the Repub-
lican state convention in Grand Rapids in 1900, he was nominated for
secretary of state by acclamation, was elected in November, and served
during 1901-02. In 1902 came his re-election by a vote of over a quarter
of a million. His service as secretary of the state of Michigan covers
the years 1901-04. With his growing popularity and influence in public
affairs, and his recognized ability, he was in 1904 nominated and elected
governor of the state, being the youngest incumbent to hold that office
from the adoption of the state constitution of 1850. Another unique
distinction in state politics that belongs to Mr. Warner is that he held
the chair of governor for three successive terms, from January, 1905, to
January, 191 1. During his terms of office such measures as the good road
"movement, the primary election law, popular nomination of United States
senators, two-cent railroad passenger law, and the uniform taxation
corporation were either inaugurated or pushed into practical operation,
and largely through the governor's initiative and advocacy.
In i8S<S, Mr. Warner married Miss Martha M. Davis, who was born
at Farmington in Oakland county, a daughter of Samuel and Susan
(Grofift) Davis, of an old Pennsylvania family. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Warner are: Susan Edcssa, born April 18, 1891; Howard Maltby,
HISTORY OF xMlCHlGAN 1451
born January 4, 1893; Harley Davis, born March 4, 1894; and Helen
Rhoda, born March 14, 1899.
Henry E. Morton. The eminence of Muskegon among the indus-
trial centers of Michigan has been due to the presence here of a group
of men possessed of remarkable genius as manufacturers and of tine
capabilities as organizers and business builders. Of those industries
which may be regarded as the direct product of inventive genius and the
personal ability of their founders, the Morton Manufacturing Company
at Muskegon Heights is probably the most conspicuous. The founder
of this industry was the late Matthew Morton, who started in life a
poor boy on a farm. Talent for mechanics and an original genius
started him in the line which brought him success and enabled him to
give to the world machinery which has lightened the burdens of men
throughout the civilized country. He had courage, ability and determina-
tion. He was not only a good manufacturer, but a remarkable salesman,
took great pride in his work, and as he prospered his business grew
until it became the nucleus of one of the important industries of the
state.
Henry E. ]\Iorton, a son of the founder of the Morton Manufactur-
ing Company, and now president of that concern, was born at Lapeer,
Michigan, September 16, 1863. His mother was Sarah T. Strong, who
was born in Lapeer, Michigan, April 27, 1841, and is still living. On
July 4, 1859, she married Matthew Morton, who was born near Ayr-
shire, Scotland, in 1837, and who died in 1909.
The late Matthew Morton came to America with his parents at the
age of eight years, settled on a farm at Romeo, Michigan, and lived in
the country until he was twenty-one years of age. While on the farm
he manufactured from his own tools a foot lathe, took this machine to
Armada, and started his career as a manufacturer. A number of years
later his enterprise was located at Lapeer. There his enterprise expanded
to the construction of steam engines and saw mill and grist mill ma-
chinery and he became head of the Lapeer Steam Engine Works, which
was conducted at Lapeer until 1870. Returning to Romeo, he then
founded the firm of Morton & Hamlin. This firm continued the manu-
facture of steam engines and other machinery until 1873. St. Clair was
the next center of operations and the business was continued there under
the name of the .St. Clair Iron Works, its output being stationary steam
engines and marine engines. Again returning to Romeo, Matthew Mor-
ton took up the manufacture of agricultural machinery.
In 1879 he invented the Morton check valve, a device which proved
its immediate usefulness in connection with all steam power plant install-
ation. In 1880 was organized the Morton Check & Pump Valve Com-
pany, a copartnership, for the manufacture of the valves in difl:erent
sizes, and as a side line agricultural machinery was made, chiefly
machines invented by the genius of Matthew Morton. In the manufac-
ture of this product a kdy seating machine was required, and as there
was nothing on the market available for the purpose, Matthew Morton
designed and built a machine that was so successful that all machine
shops in the country took steps to secure the device. In 1884 the first
patent for the machine was issued, and from that time its manufacture
was an important part of the Morton enterprise. The business was
kept at Romeo, until 1891, when the plant was transferred to Muskegon,
and established on Muskegon Heights. In the same year the Morton
Manufacturing Company was incorporated with Matthew Morton as
president, Henry E. Morton as vice-president and William Rowan as
secretary and treasurer. Its capital stock was one hundred thousand
dollars. Matthew IMorton continued as president of this large concern
1-152 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
until his death. After developing the largest line of key setting machines
in the world, his attention was given to the development of draw cut
shapers and traveling head planers. These machines were exhibited the
first time at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. The products of the
Morton Manufacturing Company have been sold and operated in nearly
every civilized country of the world. Many of the tools have come into
general use in some of the largest ship building industries in Scotland,
and after delivering a consignment of machinery in Scotland, Matthew
Morton superintended their installation and operation. The business
has grown to remarkable proportions and its agencies are now found
in foreign lands. The career of the late ^latthew Morton was remark-
able not only for its genius and ability in organization, but also from the
fact that he started out a poor boy without a dollar, and his success was
largely the direct result of his own efforts. He was a Republican in
politics and belonged to the Methodist Protestant church. There were
three children : Harriet is the wife of James Millikin, a farmer at
Cairo, Michigan, and county treasurer and member of the state legis-
lature; Mary E. ; and Mason B., vice-president of the Morton Manufac-
turing Company.
Flenry E. Morton after a common school education entered the shops
with his father at the age of fourteen, and has been identified with the
Morton enterprise ever since. By experience and long study he is
familiar with every detail of the industry, and in his position as presi-
dent of the company directs its affairs in such a way as to reap the
benefit of the originating genius of its founder. Much of Mr. Morton's
time is taken up with travel in connection with his business.
On April 6, 1887, Henry E. Alorton married Ora (jertrude Chriss-
man, daughter of Michael H. Chrissman, who was a farmer near Wash-
ington, Michigan. To their union have been born five children: Margaret
S., who finished a college education at Olivet: Henry E. Jr., who has
taken his first year of college work at Lansing ; Matthew EL, now in high
school; Ora in the seventh grade of the common schools; and Alice N.,
also in school. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church,
and Mr. Morton is a Republican in politics, and at one time was presi-
dent of the Muskegon Fleights Village.
William Tefft Barbour. President of the Detroit Stove Works,
Mr. Barbour is one of the younger men in business in Detroit, and
though still in his thirties is at the head of one of the most important
industrial establishments of the state.
William Tefft Barbour was born in Detroit April 4, 1877. His par-
ents were Edwin S. and Ella (Tefft) Barbour, his father having for many
years been one of Detroit's leading men of affairs. After his education
in the pul)lic schools of Detroit, William Barbour was sent east to the
Phillips-Andover Academy of Massachusetts, where he was a member
of the class of 1896. Returning home, his business career began as pur-
chasing agent for the Detroit Stove Works, and in a short time he was
made vice-president of the company, and since 1897 has directed its
management from the post of president. His enterprise has also con-
tributed to the preeminence of Detroit as a center of the automobile
industry and has a well-established place in local industries.
Mr. Barbour is a member of the Detroit Board of Commerce, and
belongs to the Detroit Club, the Detroit Boat Club, and the Detroit
Automobile Club. His church is the Protestant Episcopal. On June 10,
i<)02, occurred his marriage with Miss Margaret C. Chittenden. She
was born and reared in Detroit, a daughter of William J. Chittenden, a
Detroit citizen whose career is mentioned elsewhere in this publication.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1453
They have four children, Irene J., Ella C, William T., Jr., and
Alpheus W.
James J. Nufer. A vigorous young business man who since leav-
ing college has been a factor in the industrial activities of White Hall,
James J. Nufer is now treasurer of the Nufer Cedar Company, an impor-
tant industry established and built up by his father.
James J. Nufer was born in White Hall, April 7, 1879, a son of
Frederick and Helen ( McGrade ) Nufer. His grandfather was Charles
Nufer, a native of Columbus, Ohio, and a successful miller. The great-
grandfather was a soldier serving with the rank of colonel in the Revo-
lutionary war. The Nufer family had settled in Fredericksburg, Mary-
land, during the colonial period. The maternal grandfather, John T.
McGrade was born in Scotland, settled in New York City, moved west
to Illinois, where he died on his farm. Frederick Nufer, father of James
J. was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1847, a"d died in Whitehall in 191 1.
His wife was born in New York City, November 22, 1852, and was mar-
ried in White Hall in 1868. The late Frederick Nufer was one of the
early settlers in Muskegon county, and a man whose enterprise and
influence were highly beneficial to the village of White Hall. He located
there in 1858, started his career as a log scaler, worked hard and quickly
proved his ability, and in the early sixties joined Mark B. Covell in the
purchase of a small mill, where they began the manufacture of lumber
on a small scale. Frederick Nufer continued in business with Mr.
Covell a short time and then started on his own account. His enter-
prise was increased from time to time, all his surplus being reinvested in
extensions and improvements, and besides his general lumber mill he
conducted a shingle factory. His business was one of those that expanded
under the stimulus of his enterprise and his foresight and judgment,
and at the time of his death, he left an estate representing a considerable
fortune. In 1887 he incorporated a company, established a mill for the
manufacture of boxes from tin plate, and that industry was continued
up to the time of his death. The firm of Nufer Cedar Company now has
a large plant at White Hall and its annual volume of business during
1912 was four hundred and eighty-seven thousand dollars. A southern
plant, a branch of the same enterprise, located at Petersburg, Virginia,
produced last year's business to the aggregate value of half a million
dollars. The late Frederick Nufer, with his wife, was a communicant
of the Methodist Episcopal church at White Hall, was a Knight Templar
and Scottish Rite Mason, also a member of the Shrine, was a Republican
in politics, and was honored with the office of president of the village of
White Hall for several years. His children were seven in number, and
four are still living, the others besides James being: William L., who
is president of the Nufer Cedar Company at Petersburg, \'irginia :
F. W. also located at Petersburg; Nellie Nufer Devine, who is secre-
tary of the company, and her husband J. J. Devine is identified with
the southern plant at Petersburg; and James J., treasurer of the com-
pany.
James J. Nufer grew up in White Hall, attended the local schools,
and his first ambition was for a professional career. After graduating
from the University of Michigan in the regular course in 1903, he spent
one year in the ^Iedical Department of the University and following
that was for two years coach of the athletic team in Purdue University
at Lafayette, Indiana. Following that experience he returned to White
Hall and became identified with his father's business, and is now giving
all his attention to the further extension of the White Hall plant, being
treasurer of the Nufer Cedar Companv. Mr. Nufer belongs to the
Vol. ni— 16
1454 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
Methodist church, is affihated with the Masonic Order through the
Knights Templar degree, ami in politics is Republican. During his
university career he belonged to the Sigma Chi fraternity.
James Burritt Nettleton. By diversified gifts and various serv-
ices men contribute to the development of a great city. The foundations
of law and municipal order attract some ; others give themselves to the
founding of institutions of religion and learning, still others are instru-
mental in the opening up of the avenues of trade and commerce and in
furnishing the facilities for the transaction of business. In a thousand
different but diverging directions they bend their energies, according to
some mysterious law of organization to the common weal. Among all
the various occupations and professions, none is more promotive of the
reputation abroad of a growing city than that which has to do with its
architecture. Detroit for many years has been noted for the beauty of its
public buildings, its churches and schools, its business emporiums and its
private residences, and this is because of the work and superior gifts
of such men as James Burritt Nettleton, senior member of the well-
known firm of Nettleton & Weaver, architects.
Mr. Nettleton is a product of the farm, having been born on the
homestead of his par-ents in Medina county, Ohio, June 24, 1862, a son
of Noble and Mary Anna (Blakeslee) Nettleton. The father was born
in Connecticut in 1820, and was a son of Daniel Nettleton, also of that
state. The latter left N^w England in 1S32 with his family and removed
to Medina county, -Obio,- becoming a pioneer of that section of the West-
ern Reserve, whete he continued to pass the remainder of his life in tilling
the soil. Noble ISTettleton was twelve years of age when he accompanied
his parents overland to Ohio. He was reared to agricultural pursuits,
early adopted farming as his life work, and continued in pastoral pur-
suits throughout his life, passing away in 1893. He was an energetic,
industrious and thrifty farmer, and through energy and well-directed
effort became a substantial man, so that in his declining years he was
able to retire and enjoy the fruits of his early labors. Mary Anna
(Blakeslee) Nettleton was born in Medina county, Ohio, in 1825, the
daughter of Burritt Blakeslee, who was a New Euglander by birth and a
pioneer farmer of Medina county. She also passed her last years in
Ohio, and there died in 1899.
James Burritt Nettleton was reared on the home farm in Ohio. He
received his early education in the country schools and graduated from
the Medina high school, following which he entered Cornell University,
where he took the architectural course, graduating with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts in architecture in the summer of 1886. Succeeding
this, he spent some time in the study of his chosen profession as a
draughtsman in different architects's offices at York, Pennsylvania, and
Zanesville and Cleveland, Ohio, and in the spring of 1887 came to Detroit
and became a draughtsman in the office of Donaldson & Meier, architects,
with whom he continued for ten years. In 1897 Mr. Nettleton established
himself in his profession in Toledo, Ohio, where he was in business for
five years, but in 1902 returned to Detroit to the offices of Donaldson &
Meier, where he passed the next three years. In 1905 he again entered
business on his own account, and in 1908, with Alfred E. Weaver,
formed the partnership of Nettleton & Weaver, an association which
has continued lo the present time. They maintain offices at No. 1405
Penobscot building.
As Mr. Nettleton is still in the prime of life, his originality and
enthusiasm in his chosen profession will bring him still greater eminence
than that which he now enjoys. He is a valued member of the Michigan
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1455
Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture and belongs to tlie
Detroit Board of Commerce. His rehgious connection is with St.
Joseph's Episcopal church.
Mr. Nettleton married, in 1889, Miss Kitty M. Wilder, who was born
at Medina, Ohio, daughter of James and Cornelia Eliza (Egbert)
Wilder, natives of New York state and pioneers of Medina county, Ohio.
Two daughters and a son have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nettleton,
namely: Frances Elizabeth, born in 1890; James Erls, in 1894; and
Dorothy May, in 1903.
Burt Russell Shurly, M. D. By his knowledge of medicine, medi-
cal judgment and skill, and by his prominent relations with hospital and
local and national medical organizations. Dr. Shurly is one of Michigan's
most prominent physicians. It is in the specialty of laryngology, otology
and clinical medicine that he has for several years concentrated his efforts,
and his qualifications and record entitle him to rank among the best known
specialists along those lines in the country.
Dr. .Shurly is dean and professor of rhinology, laryngology and otology
in the Detroit College of Medicine and Surgery : is laryngologist to Harper
Hospital and Providence Hospital and the Children's Free Hospital ; at-
tending laryngologist and otologist to the Woman's Hospital ; and is sec-
retary of the Detroit Post-Graduate School of Medicine.
Dr. Shurly was born in Chicago, Illinois, a son of Edmund R. P. and
Augusta (Godwin) Shurly. Dr. Shurly received most of his college edu-
cation in the Northwestern Military Academy and the University of
Wisconsin, and was graduated M. D. from the Detroit College of Medi-
cine in the Class of 1895. .Subsequently he took post-graduate work in
the University of Vienna. His practice began at Detroit in 1895, and the
succeeding years have brought a large and profitable practice together
with many honors in professional positions and relations. During the late
war with Spain Dr. Shurly served as assistant surgeon and apothecary in
the United States navy on board the U. S. S. Yosemite with the Michi-
gan Naval Reserves. The record of the Michigan Naval Reserve in that
war was such as to reflect credit upon every one of its members. It will
be recalled that the Reserve was assigned to duty on the Auxiliary Cruiser
Yosemite, and did a great deal of important duty in Cuban waters.
Among other achievements the Yosemite captured a Spanish vessel, and
some years later Congress voted a large bounty which was distributed
among the officers and crew. Dr. Shurly enjoys many pleasant relation-
ships with old comrades in the Reserve, and is a member of the Military
Order of Foreign Wars.
Dr. Shurly has membership in the American Laryngological, Otological
and Climatological Associations, the Michigan State Medical Society, the
American Medical Association, the American Academy of Medicine, the
American Association of Military Surgeons, the American Academy of
Ophthalmology and Oto-Uaryngology, the American Association of Rhi-
nology, Laryngology and Otology. He also belongs to the Military Order
of the Loyal Legion, is a Republican in politics, a member of the Episcopal
church, and identified with the Masonic order. His clubs are the Detroit,
the University, the Country, the Detroit Racquet and Curling. By his
marriage to Viola Palms, of the old Detroit family of that name. Dr.
Shurly has four children : Marie, Beatrice, Burt Russell, Jr., and Edmund.
H. J. M.^xwELL Grylls. An architect with a long and successful
experience in Detroit, Mr. Grylls is junior member of the well known
firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, who as architects probably stand in
the very first rank in their profession in Detroit at this time. Mr. Grylls
1456 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
possesses not only a long and thoroughly tested experience, but splendid
natural qualifications for his work, and whether in independent practice
or in association with other well known architects has had some of the
best honors and accomplished some of the finest results in his profession
in Detroit.
Humphrey John Maxwell Grylls was born in England, March 8,
1865, a son of llumphrey Millett and Henrietta Elizabeth (Fox) Grylls.
It was through private schools that he received his educational training,
while in England, and was a student in the Truro Grammar Schools and
the Crewkerne Grammar School. In 1881 he came to the United States
and in May, 1883, began employment with W. E. Brown, a Detroit archi-
tect. He was with Mr. Brown until 1885, following which a short time
was spent in the office of Donaldson & Meier, another firm of Detroit
architects and in the latter part of 1885 he became connected with
William Scott & Company. He was taken into the business in 1889, at
which time the firm name became John Scott & Company. In 1903 Mr.
Grylls set up practice independently at Detroit under his own name, and
in 1905 became senior member of the firm of Grylls & Gies. The organi-
zation of the present corporation of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, occurred
in February, 1907, and Mr. Grylls has since been vice president of the
company.
He has been devoted to his profession and most of his honors have
come through his professional work. Mr. Grylls served as president and
secretary of the Michigan Chapter of the American Institute of Archi-
tects, and is a member of the Detroit Architectural Club, the Detroit Club,
the Indian Village Club, the Detroit Athletic Club, and the Witena-
gemote Club. In 1893 at Detroit, he was married to Miss Mary Field.
They are the parents of the following children : Flumphrey Millett Kerche-
val, Richard Gerveys Field, Maxwell Miles and John Robert Jefiierson.
J. G. R. MANW.\RrNG, M. D. A surgeon at Flint, Dr. Joshua George
Ross Manwaring was born at Imlay City, Michigan, October 17, 1877,
a son of George R. and Amy (Kinnee) Manwaring, natives of Dryden,
Michigan, and Drayton Plains, Canada, respectively. His mother died
at Kansas City, Missouri, in 191 1, at the age of fifty-six, and the father
now lives and is a successful merchant at Sedgwick, Kansas. During
many years of residence at Imlay City, George R. Manwaring was
engaged in merchandising. The five children were : Vera Inez, wife of
Dr. George Lowes, of Lawton, Oklahoma ; Joshua George Ross ; Ethel
Irene, wife of Watson Conner, of Albany, New York; Edgar George
Ross, a graduate of the School of Mines at RoUa, Missouri, and now a
mining engineer of Lewiston, Alontana ; and one that died in infancy.
With an education acquired from the public schools of Inila\', Dr.
Manwaring graduated from the Lapeer high school, and from the med-
ical department of the University of Michigan with the degree M. D.
in iijdi. The two following years were spent as a member of the house
slafi' at the University Hospital. Dr. Manwaring's chief practice from
tlic beginning has been surgery, and since locating at Flint in 1903 he
has concentrated his energies on that branch of his profession.
Dr. ]\Ianwaring has membership in the Genesee Medical Society, the
.'\merican State Medical Society and the American Medical Association,
and was one of the surgeons who in 191 2 established at Washington,
D. C., the American College of .Surgeons, membership in which is dis-
tinctive of special attainment in the field of surgery. He is a member
of the I'liui Cnuiili)- Club, has taken thirty-two degrees of .Scottish Rite
Masonr\- and belongs to the Mystic Shrine, and is a member of the
Elks. 11 is home is at 317 E. 3rd street in Mint. On August 24, 1904,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1457
Dr. Manwaring was married at Rolla, Missouri, to Miss Fleda G.
Dowell, a native of Hickville, Ohio. Their three children are : Joshua,
born July 4, 1907; John Thomas, born in January, 191 1; and Frances
Amy, born in July, 1913.
Jay Robert McColl. Probably there is no city in the country where
the services of skilled and experienced consulting mechanical engineers
are in more active demand than in Detroit, where, owing to its rapid
and marvelous growth and development, municipal improvements and vast
private enterprises are conducted upon the most extensive scale. A lead-
ing and prominent representative devoted to this department of industrial
activity is Jay Robert McColl, a member of the firm of Ammerman &
McColl, and a man who has frequently been honored by appointment to
positions of an expert and advisory nature. Mr. McColl is a native son
of Michigan and is descended from one of the pioneer families of this
commonwealth.
The McColl family originated in Scotland, and Hugh iMcColl, the
grandfather of Jay Robert McColl, and who later founded the family in
the United States, was a cotton and silk manufacturer at Paisley, Scot-
land, in which city he was born in 1795. When he came to America
about 1820 he located in what is now a part of the city of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and it was there that his son, Hugh McColl, was born.
The senior McColl died at Delhi Mills, May 28, 1864, aged seventy years.
His wife, Jean Trotter McColl, born in County Cavan, Ireland, in
1790, died at Delhi Mills, February 23, 1856, aged si.xty-six years. In
1829 Hugh McColl, the son, came to Michigan, then a territory, and
settled at what is now Delhi Station, but which was then known as Delhi
Mills, five miles from Ann Arbor, in Washtenaw county, that settlement
during those days being regarded as quite a manufacturing point. He
was a pioneer mill operator of the state, he having established one of the
first woolen mills in Michigan. Farmers would bring to his mill their raw
wool from miles around, and he would manufacture it into cloth for
clothes, blankets, etc., and the subject of this review still retains in his
possession, and uses, a pair of blankets made by the old gentleman, their
excellent state of preservation testifying eloquently to the skill and work-
manship of this pioneer. Later, Hugh McColl took up one hundred and
sixty acres of land in the above locality, and the deed, signed by President
Andrew Jackson, is held by Jay Robert McColl, as is also the deed for
an adjoining tract, one hundred and sixty acres, taken up by this pioneer,
this latter document being signed by President John Quincy Adams.
Hugh McColl was the father of four sons, of whom two took charge of
the mill at their father's death, while the other two came into possession
of the farms. The grandfather passed away at Delhi, ripe in years, and
with the respect and warm regard of a wide circle of acquaintances and
friends, attracted to him by his integrity, his honorable dealing and his
fidelity to duty as he saw it in all the walks of life.
Robert McColl, father of Jay Robert McColl, was born at Holmes-
burg, Pennsylvania, now a part of Philadelphia, December 14, 1824. He
came to Michigan with his father in 1829, at the age of five years. He
was given such educational advantages as were afiforded by the pioneer
schools, and grew up to agricultural pursuits, spending much of his time
in clearing, grubbing and cultivating the land which his father had secured
from the government. As a young man he adopted the vocation of
farming, and at the time of his father's death he secured the second tract
of land, on which he continued to carry on operations during the remain-
der of his life. He was a man of industry and thrift, prospered in his
ventures because of his close application, and was respected and esteemed
1458 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
by his fellow-citizens. He married Sophia D. Latson, who was born on
an adjoining farm, the daughter of a pioneer who came to Michigan
from the state of New York. Mrs. ]\IcColl passed away in 1900.
Jay Robert McCoU was born on his father's farm in the vicinity
of Delhi, Washtenaw county, Michigan, March 24, 1867. He first
attended the district schools and subsequently the Ann Arbor high school,
following which he took up the study of mechanical engineering at the
Michigan Agricultural College, where he was graduated with his degree
in 1890. He next took special post-graduate work in engineering at his
alma mater, as well as at Cornell University. The year he graduated from
the ^Michigan Agricultural College, he declined an appointment to the
United States Geological Survey to accept an adjunct professorship of
mechanical engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a posi-
tion which he held for ten years and resigned to accept the position of
associate professor of thermodynamics, at Purdue University, Indiana,
which he continued to hold for one year. In 1903 he became associate
professor of steam engineering, in charge of the department of steam engi-
neering at the same university, continuing as such until 1905. In the
latter year he was appointed mechanical engineer for the American
Blower Company of Detroit, the biggest manufacturers in that line in
the country, which position he resigned in 1910, to become a member of
the engineering firm of Ammerman, McColl & Anderson. In the summer
of 191 1 Mr. McColl became a member of the faculty of the University
of Detroit, and at this time he is dean of engineering of that institution.
He is president of the Michigan Agricultural College Alumni Association,
to which he was elected in 1913, and is a member of the American Society
of Mechanical Engineers, and in December, 1913, read a paper before
that society (the first on the subject) on the "Test of Vacuum Clean-
ers," at the meeting held in New York City.
At -St. Johns, Michigan, January 3, 1900, Mr. AIcColl was married to
Miss Belle G. Baldwin, who was born at St. Johns, Michigan, a daughter
of Albert J. Baldwin, a descendant of one of our old American families
that lived in Old Hadley, Massachusetts, over a hundred years before the
Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. McColl have one daughter.
John Watson. The city of Grand Rapids cherishes and honors as
its oldest pioneer citizen the venerable John Watson, whose home has
been there since 1837, and who from boyhood to old age has witnessed
practically every phase of development, and all the remarkaljle trans-
formations which the years have brought about. It is no empty distinc-
tion to have lived in one locality upwards of eighty years, and that honor
is increased when those years have been filled with useful labors, with
kindly service as a neighbor and fellow citizen, and with substantial
accumulation and accomplishments.
John Watson was born in Hartford, Connecticut, September 17,
1826, and at this writing is in his eighty-eighth year. His father was
Isaac Watson, wdio was the pioneer harness maker of Grand Rapids,
and one of its first settlers. He was born in Hartford, a son of John
Watson, who was a contractor and builder and probably spent his entire
life in Connecticut. John Watson had two daughters and seven sons,
but Isaac was the only one of the nine to reach manhood. As a boy he
served an apprenticeship in the saddle and harness making trade, and
late in 1826, after the birth of his son John, he moved west to Erie, in
the extreme northwestern corner of Pennsylvania, and a short time later
crossed the line into the Western Reserve of Ohio, becoming one of the
early settlers in Hudson in Summit county. There he acquired a large
tract of land in Hudson, including the present site of the Union station.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1459
A few years enabled him to build up a considerable business, which he
sold, and then lived for a time at Prairie Ronde and Twinsburg in the
same county. Moving his home from there to Cleveland, h^ took a
contract to make horse collars at fifty cents apiece. His shop was in his
own house, and he was able to make ten dollars a day.
In 1837 occurred the further migration of the family to what was
then the western frontier. With his family and goods Isaac Watson
embarked on a schooner at Cleveland and after battling with wind and
wave for four weeks the vessel landed at the mouth of the Grand
River, on the west coast of Michigan. While the mouth of the Grand
river was at that time occupied by settlers, Isaac Watson was not satis-
fied with the location and was transported on the steamer Gov. Mason,
which was the first steamboat plying up and down Grand river, to Grand
Rapids. Grand Rapids was then a very small village, consisting of a
few log houses. There was not a house in the place which contained a
heating or cooking stove, all being heated by wide hearths and chimneys,
and all the cooking being done by the fireplace. For his family Isaac
Watson found a vacant log house without flooring or chimney, and these
he built of wood. It was owned by the Baptist Alission, and stood on the
spot where Bridge street crosses the river on the west side. Moving
his family into that rude home, he began a permanent residence in
Grand Rapids. Traveling was very expensive in those days, and it had
taken all his cash capital to reach Grand Rapids, and his only resources
consisted of a small stock of leather and some saddles which he had
brought along. At that time there was only one team of horses on the
west side of Grand Rapids, owned by Lovell Moore, and as the sur-
rounding country was very sparsely settled there was consequently lit-
tle demand for leather goods. However, this pioneer harness maker
traded a saddle to Jonathan Chubb for si.xteen bushels of wheat, which
insured a supply of flour for some weeks to come. The wheat was
stored in the loft of the log house, and a ladder led up from the main
room to that place of storage. Isaac Watson having practically no em-
ployment at his trade, but being an expert rifleman, spent a considerable
part of his time in procuring meat for his table, and as deer were plenti-
ful in that section found no difficulty in keeping the larder filled with
venison. About a hundred feet above the bridge stood a grist mill, and
whenever flour was needed he loaded a stock of wheat in a canoe and
took it up to the mill. As already mentioned Isaac Watson was the first
saddle and harness maker in Grand Rapids. Besides making saddles
and harness, he occasionally made a pair of boots to order, and also
manufactured several trunks, covered with horse hide. Isaac Watson
died at Grand Rapids in 1846 at the age of fifty years. The maiden
name of his wife was Olive Hawkins, who was born in Hartford, Con-
necticut, and who survived her first husband many years. She after-
wards married a Mr. Roberts, and died aged seventy-seven. There were
two children, and the daughter named Harriet, married Mindius Whit-
ney, and she died in her eighty-first year.
John Watson was eleven years old when the family made its long
journey from Cleveland, Ohio, to Grand Rapids, and has a keen recol-
lection of the many incidents in that voyage. Probably no man in west-
ern Michigan has a greater fund of worthy incidents and recollections
of pioneer life than Mr. Watson. Practically the entire west coast of
Michigan in 1837 was an unbroken wilderness, the land was owned by
the government, and could be had almost anywhere at a dollar and a
quarter an acre. Though the Indian tribes had ceded the greater por-
tion of the state to the government, they still remained in practical pos-
session of their old hunting grounds, and Indian boys were the play-
1460 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
mates and comrades of young John Watson when he was growing up.
He associated with them sufficiently to learn their language. He recalls
that one of his dusky playmates was named Sowpig and another one
was called Noconetwish. Of course no railroads were built into this
part of Michigan for years, and all supplies were drawn from Kala-
mazoo overland, or brought in by lake boats. A regular means of
passenger transportation was by stage coach, and the arrival of the big
stages with passengers and mail was an event which brought out prac-
tically the entire population of the village. On the present site of the
Morton House, at the northwest corner of Monroe street and Ionia
avenue, stood in the early days the National hotel, which was the head-
quarters for these stage coaches. While Mr. Watson had had some
schooling in Ohio, he was also one of the early pupils of Grand Rapids
schools, and attended a school taught in what was known as the Mission
House, and was the first school on the west side. That school was estab-
lished in 1840. Air. Watson had only limited opportunities to ac(|uire
an education, and managed to secure a good practical training which
has been sufficient for his business purposes.
When eighteen years old he hurt himself with an axe while cutting a
stump and was kept in the house si.x months. He was under the medical
care of Dr. Ellis, who charged five dollars for attending him during those
six months. When he was twenty years old he started out on his inde-
pendent career. liuying a horse and giving his note in payment, he took
up the business of teaming, and oftentimes brought supplies overland
from Kalamazoo, while at other times he offered his services in trans-
porting household goods from the boat to the homes of new settlers.
He was engaged in that work for about twenty years, and that was the
basis of his moderate fortune. Selling out his teaming interests, he
engaged in the buying of unimproved city property and in building
houses for sale or for renting purposes. In that way he did a good deal
to develop and improve new sections of the city, and carried on the
business as a prosperous venture for several years.
In 1883 Mr. Watson bought from H. G. Stone an estate on the hill
west of the river, at that time occupied b)' an uncompleted lirick house.
He finished the construction of the house, and it has been his home
ever since. The Watson residence is located far above the smoke and
din of the city, commands an extensive and inviting view not only of the
city and immediate valley, but also of the surrounding country, and it
is not surprising that Mr. and Mrs. Watson living in such a place, should
at their advanced age be still hale and hearty. They have enjoyed a
happv marriage companionship of 64 years. On March 17, 1850, Mr.
Watson married l^lizabeth Roberts. She was born in Plattsburg, New
York, March 17, 1832, a daughter of Nathaniel P. Roberts. To their
marriage have been born three sons : Otis X. Watson, who is engaged in the
hardware business in Grand Rapids, married Cora M. Wight, and their
four children are Grace, Elizabeth. Olive and Cora. The first son,
Lewis Cass, who was trained in the hardware business, moved to
Petoskey, and did a successful business as a general store man for some
time, later engaging in the general hardware business. He died at the
age of 32 years, leaving a wife and two children. These children were
reared in the home of their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Watson.
Another son, Thomas J., died when thirteen months old.
Stanford Tappan Crapo. For nearly sixty-five years, and through
three generations, the name Crapo has been prominently associated with
the business and public affairs of Michigan. A political history of the
state will always honor the name of Henry H. Crapo, who became gov-
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1461
ernor during the last year of the Civil war and held the office for two
successive terms. Governor Crapo was first active in the lumber busi-
ness, later with railroad construction, and for half a century the family
name has been particularly identified with the development of the
state's transportation system. The Pere Marquette Railroad through
its development and consolidation into the present system has owed
much to the capital and the business management of the Crapo family.
Representing the third generation of the name is Stanford Tappan
Crapo, who has been a resident of Detroit since 1900, has also been
identified with the Pere -Marquette system, with the coal and cement
industry, and with various financial and industrial corporations. Previous
to 1900 Mr. Crapo's home was in Saginaw.
Stanford Tappan Crapo was born at New Bedford, Massachusetts,
June 13, 1865, a grandson of Governor Crapo, and a son of William
Wallace and Sarah A. D. (Tappan) Crapo. Henry H. Crapo, who mar-
ried Mary A. Slocum, was a New England man who became interested
in the Michigan lumber resources at an early date, and in 1850 located
at Flint, where his activities as a lumberman were directed on a large
scale. He built the Flint and Holly Railroad, which afterwards became
a part of the Pere Marquette system, in which he was then an official.
His prominence as a business man and in public affairs and his splendid
and unwavering loyalty during the dark days of the Civil war brought
him into prominence in politics, and in 1864 he was elected Governor of
Michigan to succeed the war governor Blair, and carried into his admin-
istration the same high loyalty and ability which had been characteristic
of his predecessor. He was again elected in 1866, and served as gov-
ernor of the state from January 1865 until January 1869.
William Wallace Crapo, who was born at Dartmouth in Massa-
chusetts May 16, 1830, was graduated from Yale College in 1852, studied
law in the Harvard Law School, was prominent in politics in Massa-
chusetts before the war, and in 1869 assumed the chief responsibilities
in connection with the large lumber business which his father had built
up in the state. William W. Crapo still lives in New Bedford, Massa-
chusetts, and has never had his home in Michigan, although much of his
time has Ijeen s]jent in the state on account of his investments and varied
business affairs. From 1875 ^o 1883 he represented his district in
Massachusetts in Congress. He was prominent in building up and
operating the Pere JNIarquette railroad until 1903, and was then chair-
man of the executive board. At that time other interests succeeded in
getting control of the road, and it may be remarked that its prosperity
has been on th.e decline ever since. At his home in New Bedford, Massa-
chusetts, William W'. Crapo has been known as a banker, cotton manu-
facturer, and in connection with many other enterprises. He was married
January 22, 1857, to Miss Tappan, who is now deceased.
The education of Stanford T. Crapo was furnished by the Friends
Academy in New Bedford and by Yale University. Soon after leaving
college he came to Michigan to look after the family interests in the
Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad. From 1894 to 1900 he served as gen-
eral manager of that road, and from 1900 to 1903 was general manager
of the Pere Marquette Railroad of Michigan, that being a consolidation
of the Flint & Pere Marf|uette, the Detroit, Lansing & Northern Rail-
road, and the Chicago & \\'est Alichigan Railroad.
Since 1903 Mr. Crapo has been chiefly engaged in the productive
industries of coal and cement. He is president of the Wyandotte Port-
land Cement Company ; is also secretary of the Huron Portland Cement
Company of Michigan ; vice-president of the Berry Coal Company, a
member of the board of directors of the Old National Bank of Detroit,
1462 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
a director in the Fort Street Union Depot, and a director in the Second
National Bank of Saginaw. Mr. Crapo has membership in the Detroit
Club, the Country Club, the Boat Club, the Detroit Golf Club and the
University Club of Detroit.
John M. Root. From the Mohawk Valley of New York came a
number of the early settlers of Jackson, who were for years prominently
identified with the business interests, steady progress, and the uninter-
rupted growth of the city, and helped to make it one of the first cities in
population among the southern counties of Michigan. Among these were
Paul B. Ring, Walter Fish, Marvin Dorrill, Michael Shoemaker, Ira C.
Backus, Allen Bennett, Sr., with his sons, Allen and Alonzo Bennett, and
Amos and John M. Root. The last named was the youngest of the settlers
from that section, but he was one of the first to rise to high position, and
with tlie business men of tlie city for years held as intimate and confi-
dential relations as any other citizen, and his death, June 13, 1898, came
as a distinct shock to the city.
John M. Root was born at Fort Ann, Washington county. New York,
April 21, 1824, and a portion of his early life was spent at Mohawk, Her-
kimer county, where two of his older brothers were engaged in the mer-
cantile business. Desiring a better education than the country schools of
a half century ago aitorded, he attended the academy at Granville, New
York, and was graduated from the state normal school at Albany, in 1846.
Two years later he came to Jackson. Here he taught school for a time
and subsequently became clerk in the dry-goods store conducted by his
brother, Amos. As early as 1856 and 1858 he was elected register of
deeds for the county, later served as alderman in the city council for two
years, was deputy postmaster during about four years and in that time
had entire charge of the postoffice, and in April, 1865, when the People's
National Bank was organized, he was chosen its first cashier, serving in
that capacity for five years and then being elected president to succeed
Hon. H. A. liayden. For twenty-eight successive elections he was the
unanimous choice of the board of directors for that responsible position.
During this long service the confidence of officers and stockholders of the
bank, and also of the public generally, in Mr. Root's integrity and judg-
ment remained unimpaired. For nearly six years in addition to his own
business, Mr. Root had the care and management as executor and trustee
of the estate of the late Amos Root and in the performance of this trust
displayed rare judgment and fidelity. He succeded Amos Root as presi-
dent of the Grand River Yalley Railroad Company. Such are the meager
details of a public and business career covering a full half century in the
village and city of Jackson.
Those who knew Mr. Root best had the greatest confidence in him. In
his later years, especially, many people went to him for advice. He had
a remarkable intuitive perception, and above everything else he exalted
personal integrity, and made private or class interest subservient to general
welfare. As a banker, he stood almost alone among bankers in support-
ing the cause of silver. He conscientiously believed that the restoration
of silver to its old position in our coinage system would benefit the mass
of the people, result in greatest good to the greatest number, and his busi-
ness position and manifest sincerity made him influential in the cause he
advocated. Mistaken or not, he had the courage of his convictions.
One rarely meets the pleasing combination of business and financial
supremacy with aesthetic qualities as exemplified to such a high degree
in Mr. Root. His literary taste gave him an unusual familiarity with the
best authors in American literature. In educational matters his model and
"uide was the late Horace Mann of Massachusetts, and he could quote
flf SSW Wflkt
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1463
many of his typical utterances with verbal accuracy. Ralph Waldo Em-
erson was another favorite author, many of whose terse and Platonic
utterances he quoted with pleasure. He kept in touch with the foremost
writers of modern times who have discussed social and industrial ques-
tions from an altruistic point of view. He would cull from newspapers
striking passages, in which some noble sentiment was felicitously ex-
pressed, and take delight in calling the attention of others to them. Great
thoughts condensed into single sentences found in him a constant admirer,
as for example : "The only way to have a friend is to be one.'" — Emerson.
On April 25, 1S55, Mr. Root was united in marriage with Miss Eliza
P. Cole, who still survives. She resides at No. 719 West Main street,
Jackson, and for many years has lived in this city. Among her friends
she is admired for her charming manner, gracious character and kindly
disposition. She was born at Booneville, Oneida county. New York, July
15, 1833, and came with her parents in 1837 to Jackson, which city has
since been her home. There were three children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Root : Mary Louise, Mrs. W. L. Benham, of Portland, Oregon ; Ruth,
Mrs. John George, Jr., of Jackson, Michigan ; and Bertha, who has al-
ways resided with her mother.
In an article which appeared in a Jackson paper some time after Mr.
Root's death, the writer says: "Not, only to his own children, but to all
young people, his constant advice was : '•Be ^a%es|^'be true to yourselves,
and you will do no wrong to others,' •ay4.,Wsjcpn^<jiti enforced this wise
counsel by personal example.
"Doing well that portion of the world's work which came to him,
achieving success by honest effort, and making society better by what he
has said and done during an active Kfe_ of "^ lljlf century, his example is
worthy of emulation by the young men of our Umc. While not intolerant,
Mr. Root's integrity of character made him an honest hater of shams,
whether of a business, social, political or religious nature.
"While belonging to no church and accepting no creed, he believed in
the religion of right conduct. Of the unbroken sequence of cause and
effect, whereby men must reap as they have sown, he had no doubt. He
saw no way of escape from the moral and spiritual consequences of vio-
lated law. Integrity was his test of manhood. He believed in the religion
of free thought and right action — the religion of character, of honesty, of
upright endeavor, of the home made happy and the life made better — an
every-day religion for the world in which we live now, rather than for a
dim and distant future — the religion of liberty, love and truth. He was
sincere, and therefore made no profession of faith which he did not com-
prehend. * * * The measure of his years was full, the work of this
life finished, and in the evening of the day and of his earthly career he fell
asleep, but the awakening was in another morn than ours."
Daniel P. Markey. It is as supreme commander of the Knights of
the Maccabees of the World that Daniel P. Markey is best known not
only in Michigan but wherever that great and beneficent fraternal order
has its membersliip. A lawyer by profession, admitted to the Michigan
bar more than thirty years ago, Daniel P. Markey practiced law a num-
ber of years and also engaged in the insurance business with marked
ability and success. The opportunities and services of a political career
brought him into a practical relationship with insurance matters in Mich-
igan," and all his experiences finally combined to prepare him for the
responsibilities of handling a great fraternal insurance order.
Mr. Markey became interested in fraternal work in 1882, joining the
Maccabees in November of that year. He was great commander of the
Great Camp for Michigan now known as the Modern Maccabees, in
1464 HISTORY OF lAIICHIGAN
1888-89-yo, and became supreme commander of the Knights of the
Maccabees of the World in 1891, and has since continued in that office,
giving all his time to the order to the exclusion of his profession since
1892. In 1892, when he assumed his present office, the order had seven-
teen thousand memljers and four hundred tents. In the present year,
1914, it has over three hundred thousand members and above five
thousand tents. It was then doing business in nine jurisdictions, now in
fifty. It then had no accumulated funds, while now its reserve
resources amount to over twelve million dollars and the order is on a
splendid financial basis. Air. Markey is largely responsible for the con-
dition, and is therefore no mere figurehead in the great fraternity. .
On an old farm home in the township of Bunker Hill, Ingham
county, Michigan, June 27, 1857, Daniel P. Markey was born a son of
James and Catherine (Morgan) Markey. His father was born in County
Louth, Ireland, in 1833, ^ son of James Markey Sr., also a native of that
county, who brought his family to the United States in 1838, and took
up a tract of wild land in the township of Bunker Hill in Ingham county.
He was one of the pioneers in that vicinity, helped to cut down a portion
of the wilderness, and cleared up land which has ever since been culti-
vated fields. James Markey Jr., the father, was an Ingham county
farmer up to 1865, when he moved his family to Pinckney in Li\ingston
county, where he went into business. For a number of years he handled
agricultural implements, and had a large and prosperous trade. In 1890
he moved to Chicago, Illinois, but seven years later returned to Michigan
and located in Port Huron, where he died in 191 1. His wife Catherine,
who is still living at Port Huron, was born in Unadilla township of Liv-
ingston county, Michigan, in 1837, and is now one of the oldest surviv-
ing native daughters of that locality. Her father, Peter Morgan, a
native of Ireland, was a pioneer settler in Livingston county, having
located there about a year before the birth of his daughter.
When Daniel I'. Markey was a small boy his family located at
Pinckney in Livingston county, where he was reared. A common school
education was the preparation given him for his practical career, and
four seasons were spent as a school teacher. Leaving Pinckney in the
spring of 1879, when twenty-two years of age, he secured a clerkship
with E. J. Knowlton, an Ann Arbor manufacturer, and while perform-
ing his clerical duties during the day, he spent his evenings and all his
other leisure time in the study of law under Professor Knowlton of the
University of Michigan. Judge Morris of Monroe admitted him to the
bar in the spring of 1881. In September of the same year he moved to
West Branch in Ogemaw county, where he began the practice of law.
During the following fall and winter, in order to eke out his slender
resources and income from law practice he taught school, and in the
spring of 18S2 he and his brother bought the old established real estate
and insurance business of J. R. iMeyers & Company at West Branch. A
year later Mr. Markey bought his brother's interests, and conducted the
business alone. In the fall of 1883, he associated with himself DeX'ere
Hall, late of Bay City, and up to 1891 they conducted jointly a business
as law practitioners and in the real estate and insurance lines. Mr.
Hall then removed to Bay City, and Mr. Markey to Port Huron, where
he lived from the spring of 1891 until the fall of 1908, when he trans-
ferred his headquarters to Detroit.
While his chief work has been in the building up of a great fraternal
institution, Mr. Markey's activities in state and national politics during
the years from 1882 until 1907 should not be forgotten in a brief outline
biography of his career. During his residence at West Branch in the
fall of 1882, Mr. Markey was elected circuit court commissioner of
HISTORY OF MICHIGy\N 1465
Ogemaw county, and in the spring of 1883 the governor appointed him
to fill a vacancy as judge of the probate court in the same county. In
1884 he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, in 1886
was again chosen a member of the legislature, and was elected speaker
of the house during the 1887 session. During his second term in the
legislature one point is of particular interest. While serving as speaker
in 1887 he was one of the members who made a thorough study of the
insurance problem, and led a spirited struggle for reform in the interests
of sound insurance. .Some who were present at Lansing during that
time or who followed the legislative work of that period will recall the
successful fight made against the so-called "graveyard insurance com-
panies," and Mr. Markey had no small share in driving several notorious
examples of these companies from the state and in securing other prac-
tical reforms which have influenced insurance for the better down to
the present time. In 1887 Mr. Markey presided over the Republican
state conventions in the spring of that year, and again in the fall conven-
tion of 1892 which nominated Mr. Illiss for governor.
Mr. Markey has been a prominent member of the National Fraternal
Congress since 1891, and was chairman of the committee on statistics
from i8g6 to 1913. He was a member of the committee that prepared
the National Fraternal Congress Mortality Table, and has been for
sixteen years a persistent advocate of the doctrine that the promised
contributions of the members of fraternal orders must e(|ual their prom-
ised benefits. He has connections with other fraternities, is a Knight
Templar Mason, a Knight of Pythias, and an Independent Forester,
belongs to the Royal Arcanum, the Modern Woodmen of America, the
Modern Maccabees, the Fraternal Aid, the Woodmen of the World and
the Loyal Guards.
While his residence was at Pinckney Mr. Markey married Miss
Eva Gean, daughter of William E. Thompson of Putnam township,
Livingston county. Mrs. Markey died in March 1897, leaving two sons:
Dr. Clare C. Markey, a dentist of Chicago ; and Dr. Claude E. Markey, a
dentist at Pasadena, California. Mr. Markey was married in the fall
of 1898 to Mrs. Harriet E. Merriam, of Port Huron, a daughter of
Frank Goldie, one of Port Huron's pioneer citizens.
J.MiEs C, Wir.f.sox, M. D. The life work of the late James C. Will-
son had been finished in hea[)ing measiu"e years before his death, which
occurred when in his eightieth year, on August 29, 1912. Dr. Willson
began practice at Flint in 1857, and lived to enjoy the fruits of his
labors, and also to enjoy the proud distinction of practicing his no!>le
profession in this city for over fifty years. In him what is called the
"old school" had a shining exemplar. He soon became the "Family
Doctor"' throughout a wide circle of homes which he entered not only to
alleviate pain and suffering but to advise, counsel and cheer. To his
patients he became an ever-present help in time of trouble, often acting
as legal, moral and even political adviser. Endowed with a sunny nature
that fairly briiumed love for his fellowman. Dr. Willson exercised a sur-
passing influence for good upon this community. For over half a cen-
tury he was guide, philosopher and friend to all who sought his aid.
Dr. James C. Willson was born at Fitzroy, Ontario, Canada, April
28, 1833. His parents were John R. and Eliza (Riddell) Willson, who
came to Canada from the north of Ireland, their marriage in 1826 being
the first ceremony of that kind in the township of Fitzroy. Dr. Willson
grew up on an Ontario farm, where the requirements of hard worlc were
imposed from early boyhood, and his advantages in schooling were those
supplied by the village school at Pakenham, located three miles away
1466 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
from his father's log house. In 1849 he left home with an older
brother for the gold fields of California, but sickness overtook him and
he returned to Canada where he taught one term at the district school
that he had attended. In the following year he went to Olean, New
York, where chance led him into the art of daguerrotyping, a novel and
well paid profession at that time. He prospered at that occupation in
Olean, but his permanent ideals were centered in a more learned pro-
fession. Returning to Canada, he continued work as a teacher until
1855, when he entered the medical department of the University of
Michigan. After two courses of lectures and study under Detroit phy-
sicians, besides acting as interne at St. Mary's Hospital, he came to
Flint on May 14, 1857, and began practice in partnership with Dr. R. D.
Lamond. He had not yet completed his medical education, but returned
to the University of Michigan in 1858, and was graduated with honors
in 1859. Ten years later, in 1869, he attended a course of lectures in the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, receiving special
instruction in eye and ear practice from Drs. Agnew and Knapp.
When Dr. Willson began practice in Flint he w-as broken down in
health, with only slender chances of long continuation as an active
worker. Life in the open, however, combined with hard work acted as
a tonic. Riding long distances on horseback through mud and mire,
over corduroy roads, day and night both summer and winter, he devel-
oped a robust constitution, which carried him through long years of use-
fulness and helpfulness to mankind. Of the manv tributes paid to Dr.
Willson we quote from a letter written to him by a fonner student in his
office and now a professor at the University of Michigan : "I learned
much from your books : but I learned more from you. You gave me new
views of politics and religion and science and man's relation to his
felldws. Over a long and active life, in your profession, in civic affairs,
in state affairs, in public meetings, and in church gatherings, your voice
has always been heard in defense of right, in condemnation of wrong."
Dr. Willson, though a busy professional man, never neglected his
duty as a good citizen, and the first important interruj)tion of his pro-
fessional work came soon after the outbreak of the Civil war. In 1861
he was appointed surgeon with rank of major of the Tenth Michigan
Infantry, and in 1862 was transferred to the Eighth Michigan, called
the Flint Regiment, because most of its members came from that city.
After joining the regiment in Beaufort, South Carolina, Dr. Willson
was on the field in every battle fought by his command. The hardships
of army life told heavily upon him, and he was compelled to surrender
his commission and return home. In 1864 he was appointed by the
governor of the state as Michigan Militarv Representative at \\'ash-
ington.
Always a Republican in politics. Dr. Willson was a leader in party
affairs, and several times entered the field of practical politics, but
always in behalf of good government rather than for personal ambition.
In 1870 he was elected mayor of Flint, in an exciting campaign, in which
his defeated opponent was Josiah W. Begole, afterwards governor of
the state. In 1882 Governor Jerome appointed Dr. Willson a member
of the board of trustees of the Michigan School for the Deaf. Later
when Mr. Begole became governor, he attempted to remove Dr. Willson
from the board, Init the latter vigorously defended his position before
the supreme court, which ruled that a state officer could not be removed
by the governor without cause. Dr. Willson was nominated in 1884,
a candidate for congress from the sixth district, but encountered the
strong Democratic wave of that year, and was defeated.
As a citizen of Flint, he not only witnessed, but participated in,
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1467
many phases of its growth and development from a village to an impor-
tant city. In 1872 he was one of the organizers of the Genesee County
Savings Bank, became a director in 1878, was vice-president from 1896
to 1908, and then succeeded the late William Atwood as president. He
was a director and at one time president of the City of Flint Gas Light
Company. In the organized social and institutional affairs of Flint he
always bore a decided and important part. He was a charter member of
the Shakespeare Club, and for more than forty years was president of
the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian church. In line with his
profession he belonged to the Genesee County and the State Medical
Societies, also the American Medical Association. As a veteran of the
war, he held membership in Governor Crapo Post, G. A. R., and the
Michigan Commandery of the Loyal Legion. Perhaps his most impor-
tant activity and interest in later years was in connection with the tlurley
Hospital at Flint. With rare tact and ability he acted as chairman of the
commission which passed upon the admittance of indigent patients to
that institution. Dr. Willson so far as the onerous responsibilities of his
profession and citizenship allowed, was an eager traveler, having toured
the United States from the east to the west coast, and having also
enjoyed somewhat extended sojourns in old Mexico and in Europe.
On May 18, 1865, Dr. Willson married Miss Rhoda M. Crapo,
daughter of Henry H. Crapo, then governor of the state of Michigan
To their marriage was born only one child, George C. Willson, a promi-
nent business man of Flint. Mrs. Willson was born July 29, 1838, at
New Bedford, Massachusetts, and moved to Flint with her father's
family in 1856, where she died May 8, 1907. In 1877, Dr. and Mrs.
Willson moved with their family into the Crapo homestead, a fine old
colonial house surrounded by two acres of land beautifully laid out by
Governor Crapo and which forms a natural amphitheater, a beauty spot,
rare indeed in the heart of the city. Here the doctor resided for more
than thirty-five years. After his death the property was purchased by
the city of Flint and is now that part of their park system known as
the Willson Gardens, and reflects the calm and peaceful spirit of one of
Flint's most honored and respected citizens.
George C. Willson, a son of Dr. James C. and Rhoda (Crapo)
Willson, was born at Flint, March 28, 1871, and has since resided in
that city, being actively identified with its industrial and commercial
interests. He received his education in the public schools of Flint and
at the Phillips Exeter Academy of Exeter, New Hampshire, where he
graduated in 1890. On September 4, 1894, he married Miss Frances A.
Spencer, daughter of Charles and Mary Spencer, an old and respected
family of Saginaw, Michigan. They have been blessed with three chil-
dren : Frances Spencer Willson, born December 13, 1895; James Curtis
Willson, born November 2, 1900; and Roderick Crapo Willson, born
May 8, 1907.
Mr. Willson's business interests and activities are of a varied char-
acter. He has been actively associated with several of Flint's importance
industries, is a member of the Board of Commerce and a director of the
Genesee County Savings Bank and one of the organizers and directors
of the Industrial Savings Bank. Mr. Willson is a member and treasurer
of the Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church Society, a
Republican in politics, and resides in a large and attractive home at 442
East Kearsley street.
Alex.'KNder Rodgers. The Rodgers name has been prominently
identified with manufacturing in western Michigan for upwards of fifty
1468 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
years. It is one of the oldest and likewise one of the most prominent
in connection with industrial affairs in the state. Alexander Rodgers
probably did as much as any other individual citizen to establish on a
solid basis the industrial prosperity of Muskegon, and throughout his
career was one of the most public spirited citizens. His son, Lincoln
Rodgers, is likewise prominent in manufacturing circles, is secretary and
treasurer of the Rodgers Boiler and Burner Works at Muskegon, is a
former member of the state legislature, and is one of the best known
local citizens.
Alexander Rodgers was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1824, and
his death occurred in Muskegon in 1897. His father, also named
Alexander, was born in Scotland, was a farmer and owned a fine estate
near Edinburgh, and that homestead is still in the family possession.
The same year of his marriage, 1847, with his young bride, Alexander,
the son, set out for America, landing at Boston and from there going
to New York City. He was a mechanic, having served a thorough
apprenticeship in the Bolton Iron Works at Bolton, England, and on
landing at Boston secured employment as a machinist and followed that
line as a journeyman in various places. From New York City he came
west and located in Detroit in 185 1, worked at his trade there, and later
moved to Romeo, Michigan, and thence to Lamont, where the Thomas
Ferry Iron Works were located and where he served that enterprise until
he came to Muskegon in 1855. In this city Mr. Rodgers bought the iron
works previously owned by Ry'erson & Morris. That purchase was
effected in 1856. It was a very small industry at that time, and it was
due to the vigorous enterprise of Alexander Rodgers that it grew and
improved until the Rodgers Iron Manufacturing Company, incor[)orated
into a stock company with a capital of $yo,000, has for years been
one of the most substantial and prosperous of Muskegon's industries.
The chief articles manufactured by the company are the Rodgers edgers,
the Essau Torrent log turner, Alexander Rodgers being half owner of
that patent ; the Rodgers lathe mill and bolter, the machines being known
the world over wherever lumber is manufactured. In 1878, Mr. Rodgers
formed a partnership with John Bajitiste Lemaux for the manufacture
of lumber. Later he became associated with Adolph Lebeauf, and in
1886 the mill of the firm was moved to Tomahawk, Wisconsin, where
it was consolidated with the Wisconsin Land & Lumber Company. Two
years before the death of Mr. Rodgers the comi)any was dissolved and
was then known as the Somo Lumber Company, in which he was the
principal stockliolder. Alexander Rodgers was regarded as one of the
most public spirited men Muskegon ever had. At the time of his death
he left a large estate, owning a large amount of real estate in the city,
and his interests were of a very complex nature. He possessed business
ajjility which was exceptional, and his judgment and foresight were
regarded l)y many of his associates as almost infallible. He was a
Knight Templar Mason, a Republican in ]xjlitics, served as supervisor
from the h'ourth ward of Muskegon, and also acted as a member of the
Board of Public Works for some time.
In England, in 1847, Mr. Rodgers was married to Jennette Pyle, who
was bom in Sunderland, luigland, in 1S27, and whose death occurred
in 1871. She was a daughter of Richard Pyle, who was born in Scotland,
but moved to England, and there became a superintendent and general
manager of one of the largest glass blowing industries in that country.
In his time Mr. Pyle was the only glass maker who was uniformly suc-
cessful in the manufacturing and marketing of what is known as art
glass. He became very wealthy through his operations, and his name
is prominent in the history of glass manufacture in England during the
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1469
early half of the nineteenth century. Mr. and Mrs. Rodgcrs became
the parents of eleven children, of whom five are still living, named as
follows : Alexander Rodgers, who lives retired in Muskegon ; John,
also a retired resident of this city ; Hugh, whose home is in Detroit ;
Lincoln, mentioned in succeeding paragraphs; Jennie, the wife of Fred
H. Miller, and Margaret, the wife of Flarry Morris, their home being in
San Francisco, California.
Lincoln Rodgers was born in the City of Muskegon, June 2, 1866.
A common school education was the equipment so far as books were
concerned with which he started in life. His schooling came to an end
when he was fifteen years of age, and at that time he entered his father's
manufacturing plant and obtained a thorough practical training in the
business which he has made his life long vocation. He remained with
his father until 1897. In that year he engaged in the saw mill business
with his brother Hugh at Tomahawk, Wisconsin, and their enterprise
was a prosperous one until the mill burned in 1899. That caused
Mr. Rodgers' return to Muskegon, and he soon afterward became identi-
fied with the present industry, known as the Rodgers Boiler & Burner
Company. In 1905 this company was incorporated with a capital stock
of .$10,000. Mr. Edward Behrens is president and Lincoln Rodgers is
secretary and treasurer. Their output is a line of boilers and refuse
burners for saw mills, and their product is shipped all over the L'nited
States.
Lincoln Rodgers, in 1898, married Emma liehrens, a daughter of
Edward Behrens, who has long been one of the prominent manufacturers
and business men of Muskegon. They are the parents of two children :
Abigail, who is attending high school, and VVilliam Alexander, aged
four years. Mr. Rodgers is a past exalted ruler of the Muskegon Lodge,
No. 274, of the Benevolent and Protective Cjrder of Elks, and has taken
the Royal Arch degree of Masonry and belongs to the Inde])endent Order
of Foresters. A Republican in politics, his election to the State Legislature
came in 1901, and was followed by a re-election. In the lower house
he gave excellent service as a member of the Committee on the Home
of the Feeble Minded, the Committee on Rules, the Committee on Fish
and Fisheries, the Committee on Liquor and Taxation, and proved an
efficient representative of the Muskegon district. At the present his
entire time and attention are taken up by his business.
William R. Ro.\ch. Among the men who are responsililc for the
development of Michigan's splendid fruit and horticultural interests,
special credit must be given William R. Roach, head of the great packing
firm of W. R. Roach & Company, packers of vegetables and fruits to the
aggregate values of about two million dollars each year. The central
plant in the business headquarters is at Hart, Oceana county, but there
•are several other factories situated at eligible points in the Michigan
fruit and vegetable belt. Mr. Roach is a successful man, whose life
had its beginning on a farm in New York State, and wdio, through
sheer force of ability and individual character, has attained his present
successful position, where he is well known among business men all
over the state.
William R. Roach was born at Pierrepont Manor, in Jefferson county,
New York, September 5, 1862, a son of James and Mary Jane
(Armstrong) Roach. Both parents were born in the north of Ireland,
the father in 1828, and the mother in 1826. The father died in December,
191 1, and the mother in 1907. Grandfather William Roach was born in
Ireland, emigrated to America, and became a settler in Jefferson county.
New York, where he was living as a farmer at the time of his death.
T«L m— 17
1470 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
William Armstrong, the maternal graiulfathcr, spent all his life in Ireland,
where he was a land holder and in that way supplied the means for the
support of himself and family. James Roach, the father, came with his
family to the United States when he was young, and his wife visited
some of her relatives in America, and in that way they met and were
married. There were only two children, and the daughter, Elizabeth,
who died in 1892, was the wife of Eugene Martin. James Roach and
wife were members of the Episcopal Church, and he was a Rejjublican
in politics. He made every dollar he ever possessed as a result of his
own efforts, and for a number of years had the reputation in Jefferson
County, New York, of being one of the most successful farmers in that
part of the state. He had a fine estate of 200 acres, and managed it
with skill.
William R. Roach grew u]) in northern New York, was educated at
Hungerford's Collegiate Institute in Adams. After graduating from
this academic school, he returned to the farm and participated in its varied
industries until 1885. He was then twenty-three years of age, and ambi-
tious to make a career on his own account. Moving west he learned the
garden seed business, and near Brooklyn, Iowa, began the growing of
seed, an enterprise which he developed to fairly successful proportions.
The experience besides the profits it returned to its proprietor gave him
a thorough knowledge of the general business, and he finally sold out
and went on the road for the Jerome B. Rice Seed Company, of
Cambridge, New York, remaining with that concern eleven years. After
that Mr. Roach bought a small canning plant in 1902, and from a small
plant has developed his present large packing industry, comprising now
five complete canning plants located at Hart, Edmore, Kent City,
Scottsville, and Lexington. The output of these plants is valued at
$2,000,000 a year, and is sold to jobbers and large grocerymen all over
America, under a brand that is now a synonym for quality, known as
the Hart brand. These different plants consume and pack each year
the total crop of about fifteen thousand acres of vegetables, besides large
quantities of fruits. The W. R. Roach & Company is incorporated with
a capital of $300,000, and the home office and factory are at Hart, an
industry which in no small measure contributes to the business prosperity
of that city.
On June i, 1904, Mr. Roach married Olive L. Nott, a daughter of
Sylvester G. Nott, who was born in Adams, New York, and now lives
retired, in Michigan, after a career as a farmer and merchant. Mr. Roach
is a member of the Episcopal Church. Fraternally, he affiliates with
Wigton Lodge, No. 251, A. F. & A. M.; with Chapter No. 14S, R. A. M.,
and with the Knight Templar Commandery at Muskegon, and the Con-
sistory and Shrine at Grand Rapids. A Republican in jjolitics. Aside
from his other interests, Mr. Roach is a stock raiser, dividing his atten-
tion between cattle and horses, and has what is said to be the finest peacli*
orchard in the United States. Ele is a stockholder and director in other
leading financial institutions of Hart, Muskegon and other cities in
western Michigan.
Captain Stephen Rus.sell Kirby. As one of Michigan's pioneer
mechanical and construction engineers, whose name and work identified
him permanently with Saginaw and Detroit as well as other places around
the Great Lakes, the late Captain Stephen Russell Kirby deserves men-
tion in the list of Michigan's representative citizens of the past. His
son, Frank E. Kirby, of Detroit, is one of the ablest marine engineers in
America, and another son is Fitz A. Kirby, of Wyandotte, Michigan, a
retired ship builder.
-/^^^:^^f^
m jriw mi:
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1471
Captain Stephen R. Kirby was born at Spring Port, on the shore of
Lake Cayuga, New York, in 1824. When a boy he began saihng the
Great Lakes and by the age of twenty-one had risen to the command of
a sailing vesseL At the age of twelve, in 1836, he shipped on the
schooner "A. P. Starkey" and made his first voyage on Lake Erie. He
continued to sail on the lake until 1842, which year saw his entrance
into the service of the American Fur Company, sailing the brig "Ramsey
Crooks," trading between Detroit and the Soo. In 1843, when in the
"Brewster," he brought down the first copper (2,100-lb. chunk) from
Lake Superior. This specimen is now in the National Museum at Wash-
ington, D. C.
In 1845, when twenty-one years of age, he obtained his first captaincy
and learned the art of navigation by astronomical observations. In 1846,
he was placed in command of the steamer "Chicago," one of the three
first screw-steamers on the lake, her dimensions being 95x19 feet and 9
foot load draft. In 1848 he sailed the brig "Eureka," the largest vessel
on the lakes at that time, and too large to pay. She was sold and went
to California, arriving there after a voyage of five months.
In 1853 Captain Kirby went to Saginaw and entered the ship building
and general mercantile business, being associated with and financially
supported by the late Jesse Hoyt, of New York city. Under Mr. Kirby's
supervision a number of large vessels were built at Saginaw, both steam
and sailing. These included the barques "Jessie Hoyt" and "Sunshine,"
the latter a full rigged vessel having square sails on both fore and main
mast. He sailed her until 1856, when he bifilf- the side-wheel tug "Mag-
net," and sailed her one season, which^ eftcied his experience as a sailor.
He then became a citizen of East Sftg'iilaw*, fdbk an active part in local
afi^airs as a member of the city council, chief engineer of the fire depart-
ment and city civil engineer. While there he built the old Bancroft House
and several other buildings and mills^-also the ^steamboat "Reindeer,"
which afterwards was famous on' the Detrdit' river, and the schooner
"Newsboy," the "Wenona" and several other .vessels and tugs.
Captain Kirby had the distinction of fitting, out the first salt well
plant and works in the Saginaw valley, inaugurating an industry which
has been one of the largest in later years in that part of the state. During
the Civil war, in association with the late E. M. Peck, he built the
steamers "Fessenden" and "Sherman," ostensibly revenue cutters, but
actually gun boats, designed to overawe the rebel sympathizers then
residing in Canada. The field of his enterprise was by no means con-
fined to Michigan. In 1866 he crossed the plains to Montana, which
was then a new territory, only three or four years having elapsed since
the first discovery of precious metals in its hills and valleys. He engaged
in gold mining as chief engineer in charge of the Montana Land & Min-
ing Company. Returning in 1867, in 1868 he built a copper mill on Lake
Superior for Mr. Hoyt, and in 1870 purchased an interest in the ship-
yards at Detroit now owned by the Detroit Ship Building Company, and
in 1 87 1 became general superintendent of the Detroit Dry Docks. This
latter enterprise was originally conducted by Campbell, Owen & Company,
in which Air. Kirby held a large interest, and he continued as one of its
executives and held a large financial interest when it was organized as a
stock companv as the Detroit Dry Dock Company.
In 1872 Captain Kirbv went' to New York to build the great grani
elevator in New York Harbor for the Erie Railway Company. This
was for the time the largest and most complete elevator in the country,
and presented many difficulties in its construction to the contractors,
calling for special engineering skill. Captain Kirby successfully com-
pleted his task, and the elevator still stands as an evidence of his skill
both as an engineer and builder. He also built the elevator at Newport
l-i72 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
News, Virginia, for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company, which
work closed his actual business career. From that time until his death
on January 29, 1906, Captain Kirby made his home in New York City,
passing away at the age of eighty-three. He had traveled extensively
over the United States and Europe.
At Cleveland, Ohio, Captain Kirby met and married Martha Aim
Johnson, who was born and reared near Dover, Cuyahoga county, Ohio.
She died in New York City in November, 1913.
Fr.-xnk E. Kikh^'. Michigan can take proper pride in the fact that for
more than forty years it has been the home of one of the ablest marine
engineers and architects of the nation, Frank E. Kirby, of Detroit. Born
at Cleveland, Ohio, July i, 1849, ^ son of Captain Stephen R. Kirby,
whose career is described in preceding paragraphs, he is descended both
on the paternal and maternal side from the Puritans of the seventeenth
century, his father and his mother (Martha A. Johnson) being lineal
descendants of English families who emigrated to America about the
year 1670 and settled in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
His preliminary education, fitting him for the practical work which
he has so successfully performed and in which he has so distinguished
himself in later life, was gained in the public schools of Cleveland, Ohio,
and at Saginaw, Michigan, supplemented with a course at the Cooper
Institute in New York City. His first professional venture was made
when quite young by joining the engineering staff of the Allaire Works,
New York, then engaged in constructing machinery for shijjs of war.
After a brief connection with the Morgan Iron Works, in 1870 he came
to Detroit with his older brother,- Mr. F. A. Kirby, and superintended
the establishment of the iron ship yards at Wyandotte for the late Captain
E. B. Ward. With his brother he conducted an extensive business in
Detroit as consulting marine engineers until 1882, and then joined the
Detroit Dry Dock Company, which since the purchase of the Wyandotte
Yards in 1877, control the most complete and perfect establishment of its
kind on the lakes, employing hundreds of men to put into tangible form
the ideas conceived in the fertile brain of Mr. Kirby, who, as its
chief engineer and designer, has long contributed to this company's
unbounded success and commanding position. Over one hundred of
the largest crafts upon our rivers and lakes are of his architecture and
design ; marvels of their kind and monuments to his ingenuity and skill.
The floating palaces of the Detroit and Cleveland Steam Xavigation
Company ; those superb passenger vessels plying between Mackinaw
Island, Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland and Buffalo, the famous Hudson
River steamers, "Hendrick Hudson," "Robert Fulton" and "Washington
Irving," marvels of marine swiftness, comfort and elegance, with the
mammoth freighters flying the stars and stripes from their mastheads,
are examples in which the companies who own them, the designer who
designed them and the public who patronize them, have a just admiration
and pride. The great ice-crushing railroad ferry steamers, St. Ignace
and St. Marie, which ])ly between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace with
whole trains of loaded cars, are products of Mr. Kirby's inventive
genius and skill. The building of these vessels solved the enigma of
railroad connections with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, their peculiar
construction enabling them to work their way through the heavy packed
ice which forms in Straits of Mackinaw, and which oefore had consti-
tuted an unsurmountable barrier and defied the ingenuity of man. The
"Frank F. Kirby," known as the flyer of the lakes, and one of his earlier
designs, built for the Detroit and Sandusky route, was named in his
honor.
-^* «EW
"^lV^'S
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1473
Mr. Kirby has devoted much of his time to careful study and ex-
tensive travel in perfecting himself in his profession. In 1872 he visited
the great engineering and shipbuilding establishments of Europe, and
again in 1886, 1889, 1903 and 1913, and attended the Paris exhibition
and extended his trip to Italy and Switzerland. He spent the winter of
1893-94 in again visiting engineering works in Great Britain and Belgium,
and in 1895 toured Russia, Austria and Germany. During the Spanish-
American war Mr. Kirby served as consulting engineer for the United
States war department.
He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers,
the American Society of Naval Engineers, the American Society of Naval
Architects and Marine Engineers, the Naval Institute, the Institution
of Naval Architects of London, England, the Royal Society of Arts of
London, and a member of the Institution of Naval Architects and En-
gineers of Scotland, the Engineer Society at Detroit, and the Engineers
Club of New York. Mr. Kirby served as a member of the Detroit Board
of Water Commissioners from 1892 to 1896, but has no predilection for
political preferment, being ardently devoted to his profession — its calling
has bounded his ambition. In 1908 the degree of Doctor of Engineering
was conferred on Mr. Kirby by the University of Michigan.
Ch.\rles Godwin Jennings, M. D. A prominent Detroit physician,
Charles Godwin Jennings was born at Leroy, New York, in 1857, a son of
Thomas A. and Matilda (Godwin) Jennings, both of whom were natives
of New York State. Both the Jennings and Godwin families have lieen
identified with American life since colonial days, and were among the
early settlers of western New York. Members of the two families
served in the Continental army as soldiers during the Revolutionary war,
and the war of 1812, and in succeeding generations individual representa-
tives of the families have creditably identified themselves with those
activities that make history and contrilnite to the substantial welfare of
community, state and nation.
Dr. Jennings was reared in New York State, was graduated from
Mynderse Academy at Seneca Falls, New York, in 1875, immediately took
up the study of medicine, and was graduated from the Detroit College
of Medicine with the class of 1879 and the degree of M. D.
In 1880, after serving a year as hospital interne, Dr. Jennings entered
the practice of medicine in Detroit, has continued in that city ever since,
and long since reached a place among the prominent physicians of
Detroit and of Michigan. He has been physician to Harper Hospital
in Detroit for many years and is now chairman of the Medical Board.
Has also been physician to the Children's Free Hospital, the Woman's
Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital of Detroit. In succession he has occu-
pied the chairs of chemistry, physiology, diseases of children and practice
of medicine in the Detroit College of Medicine. He is now professor
of medicine and head of the department of medicine in the reorganized
Detroit College of Medicine and Surgery. He has been a member of
the Detroit City ISoard of Health, and president of the Detroit Clinical
Laboratory since its organization.
Dr. Jennings is a member of the Wayne County Medical Society,
the Michigan State Medical Society, the American Medical Association,
the American Climatological Association, and of the American Pediatric
Society, having served the latter as president in 1904. He is a first lieu-
tenant in the Medical Reserve Corps of the United States army, receiving
his commission from President Taft in 1911. His social affiliations con-
nect him with the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the
Detroit Club, the Country Club, the Yondotega Club, the Witenagemote
1474 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
and the Detroit Boat Club. Dr. Jennings was married at Ann Arbor,
Michigan, on March i6, 1884, to Miss Helen Louise Felch, daughter
of the late United States Senator Alpheus Felch.
Edwin O. Wood was born in (jenesee county, Michigan, where his
family were pioneers. At this writing he is serving his second term as
member of the Democratic National Committee for Michigan, and is a
member of the Board of Mackinac Island State Park Commissioners,
and also a member of the Michigan Historical Commission.
He was born at Goodrich, Genesee county, Michigan, October 29,
1861. His parents were Thomas Parmalee Wood and Paulina M.
(Hulbert) Wood. Thomas P. Wood was born at West Avon, Livingston
county. New York, June 5, 1822, and was a son of William Wood, Jr.,
who was born at Westboro, Massachusetts, and was the grandson of
William Wood, Sr., of Pomfret, Coimecticut. William Wood, both
senior and junior, were soldiers of the Revolutionary war, participating in
many of the battles and campaigns to the end. The senior Wood fought
at Lexington and Bunker Hill, while his son was with Washington at
Valley Forge and Brandywine and from that time until the surrender
of Cornwallis.
Thomas P. Wood moved from New York to Michigan Territory in
1832, and settled in Genesee county, over which wilderness was still
king. In 1841 he went back to New York state and entered the Genesee
Seminary at Lima, where he completed the course of study and taught
school at Smithstown, Bloomfield and .\rkwright, in Chautauqua county,
New York. Returning to Michigan, he spent the remainder of his life
in this state, his death occurring at Goodrich, December 28, 1907, at the
age of eighty-five years.
On August 19, 1846, Thomas P. Wood married Miss Paulina M.
Hulbert, of West Bloomfield, Ontario county. New York. She was born
October 15, 1822, and died January 12, 1908, having survived her husband
but a few days, their married life having been prolonged to a period of
more than sixty-one years.
Edwin O. Wood completed his education at Goodrich antl Saginaw,
Michigan ; was a clerk in a country store, then in a clothing store at Flint,
followed by five years as a commercial traveler for a Detroit wholesale
grocery house, and the succeeding five years as representative of a whole-
sale clothing manufacturing house of New York City. He had been
appointed a railway mail clerk in 1885, but immediately resigned, pre-
ferring commercial lines. In 1892 he was chairman of the Genesee County
Democratic Committee, and in March, 1893, one of President Cleveland's
first appointments was that of Mr. \\'ood as special agent of the United
States Treasury. He conducted a vigorous investigation and prosecution
of cases in the United States customs service, and his work in that con-
nection gave his name national prominence. He was sent to the Pacific
Coast by Secretary of the Treasury John G. Carlisle to investigate con-
ditions in the customs service on the Pacific Coast and the Northwest. In
May, 1893, before he liad Ijeen in the service three months, he seized
the merchant steamship "Haytien Republic" in Puget Sound, on evidence
that the vessel had been employed for the illegal importation (smuggling)
of opium and Ciiinese laborers. The vessel was confiscated and sold by
the Government after the case had been appealed to the United States
Circuit Court of Appeals, and finally to the United States Supreme Court,
the original decree having been confirmed jjy both courts. Finally a grand
jury was called, at Portland, Oregon, at Mr. Wood's request, before
which, and at the succeeding trials in the Federal Court, it was established
that over fifteen hundred Chinese laborers had been admitted into the
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1475
Puget Sound and Portland districts during the seven months previous
to Mr. Wood's assignment to the case, and during that same period the
Government had been defrauded out of over three hundred and forty
thousand doUars in customs duties upon opium which had Ijeen smuggled
from British Columbia. It was also established in court that the collector
of customs had received $50 per head for admitting Chinamen, or a total
of over seventy-five thousand dollars in less than one year.
It was also proved that several other customs officials had been on
the pay roll of the smugglers' ring. After the successful conclusion of
these investigations and prosecutions, President Cleveland and the Treas-
ury officials extended formal thanks to Mr. Wood for his efficient conduct
of the cases.
In 1895 he was one of the founders of the Knights of the Loyal
Guard, a fraternal beneficiary society, having an extensive membership.
In 1904 he was made chairman of the Democratic States Central Com-
mittee, and in 1908 was elected a member of the Democratic National
Committee for Michigan, being re-elected in 1912. He has served as
president of the Genesee County Pioneer and Historical Society, and on
the formation of the Michigan Historical Commission in May, 1913, he
was appointed a member by Governor Ferris. He is a member of the
Board of Trustees of the Masonic Temple Association, and belongs to all
of the Masonic bodies, having received in tlie Scottish Rite the thirty-
third degree.
He was a delegate to the Democratic national convention at Denver,
in 1908, and was a delegate-at-large to the Baltimore convention in 1912
and chairman of the Michigan delegation.
Mr. Wood was married to Miss Emily Crocker, daughter of Stephen
and Prudence Crocker, in Flint, in 1889. Four children have been born
to their marriage. The eldest son, Dwight Hulbert Wood, died on August
12, 1905. The other children are, Albert Crocker Wood, Leland Stanford
Wood, and Mary B. Wood. All of the family are members of the
Episcopal Church.
Mr. Wood is a life member of the American Historical Association,
and of the historical societies of Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Minnesota, and Michigan ; also of the Mississippi \'alley Historical Society,
the American Geographical Society, the National Geographical Society,
and of the American Museum of Natural History ; also the American-
Irish Historical Society. He is a student in historical research along the
lines of the old Northwest Territory, and has accumulated a special library
pertaining to this section of the United States. This necessarily embraces
an extensive collection of books connected with the French period and
the early history of New France, the Great Lakes country, Mackirnac,
Michigan, the Indians, and the states which made up the old Northwest
Territory.
Judge George S. Hosmer has been for more than a quarter of a
century one of the judges of the Wayne county circuit court. His record
of service classifies him as a fine type of the modern judge, and he has
long filled a place of distinction and done much important public service
in his home city of Detroit.
George Stedman Hosmer was born in Detroit, May 13, 1855, ^ son
of the late John and Lucy Jane (Buttrick) Hosmer. The Hosmer family
is of English descent, and the American lineage goes back to 1635, in
which year the first of the name settled in Massachusetts. Many dis-
tinguished men of that name have lived in New England and other parts
of the United States, in subsequent generations, and have been promi-
nent in almost all the important walks of life. John Hosmer, father
1476 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
of the judge, came to Michigan in 1849 from Concord, Massachusetts.
From that time until 1864, he was in the service of the Michigan Central
Railroad, and for a number of years was located at Detroit, as freight
agent.
Judge Hosmer was reared in his native city, acquired a public school
education and in the class of 1875 was graduated from the literary
department of the University of Michigan, with the degree A. B. He at
once took up the study of law in the offices of Griffin & Dickinson, and
three years later, in 1878, was admitted to the bar. For some years
Judge Hosmer was associated in practice with the firm of Griffin, Dickin-
son, Thurber & Hosmer, and later with Dickinson, Thurber & Hosmer.
His qualifications as a lawyer, rather than as a political worker, brought
him into prominence, and his fitness for judicial office was early recog-
nized. On January i, 1888, Judge Hosmer began his long and continuous
service as a member of the Wayne Circuit Court, and has been re-elected
and in 1912 was again confirmed in his present office.
Judge Hosmer is a member of the Detroit, the Yondotega, the Uni-
versity, the Country, the Fellowcraft, the Old, the Detroit Boat Clubs
and the Au Saljle Fishing Club. He is also a Mason and is a Unitarian in
religion. On October 30, 1889, Judge Hosmer married Margaret S.
Bagley of Detroit. She died in 1892 and in 1908 he married her sister,
Mrs. Frances Bagley Brown.
HIR.^M R. Thomas, M. D. The Oak Glenn Hospital and Sanitarium
at Flint is an institution which is a credit to the city, and also to the
professional activity of its proprietor, Dr. Thomas. The building was
erected especially lor 'it-s p.urposes, which is to furnish the best of facilities
for the treatment and c&re of its patients, and the standards maintained
at the Oak Glenn institution are of the very highest, measured from
every standpoint. Dr. Thomas is one of the best known physicians and
surgeons in Genesee counfy.
Hiram R. Thomas was Iioni in Davidson township, Genesee county,
Michigan, October 29, 1843, a son of William and Elizabeth ( Woolacott)
Thomas. Both father and mother were born in England, where they
were married, emigrated to New York State in 1836, anfl spent four
years there. The father during that time was engaged in the manufacture
of potash and saleratus. In 1840 he brought his family out to the wilds
of Michigan. They settled in the timber of Genesee county, moving
into a two-room log cabin without a roof. They bore the labors and
hardships of the real pioneers, had to clear up the land before he could
l)egin the cultivation of his fields, and for a numi^er of years lived a life
of the utmost simplicity and even of privation. As a farmer the father
continued his activities until his death. At one time he owned an estate
of 900 acres, and was one of the most prosjierous of the early settlers
of ( ienesee county. His death occurred in 1894, when at the good old
age of eighty-seven years. The mother died in Genesee county in 1889,
being then seventy-seven. There were eight children, four were bom in
England, and three in New York State, and Dr. Thomas and the only
one whose birth-place was the State of Michigan.
As a boy he attended district schools, and worked on his father's
farm. His earlier years were spent in various lines of activity, and he
finally followed out his ambition to take up a career as a physician. He
sjient in preparation one term in the Detroit Medical College, one term
in the University of Michigan, and then entered the Cincinnati College of
Medicine, where he graduated M. D. in 1893. Dr. Thomas practiced
the first five years at Maysville, in Tuscola County. .Since 1893 his home
has been in Mint, where he has enjoyed a large ])rivate practice. His
tJnJA(u.x^^iuv
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1477
success as a private practitioner, and in the treatment of cases leil liini in
August. 1909, to establish the Oak Glenn Hospital and Sanitarium. For
tliis purpose he secured ground at 2727 North street, where he erected a
building containing twenty-two private rooms, and ec|uipped with every
convenience and facility for the treatment of his patients. Dr. Thomas
has been specially interested in the treatment of women, and his hospital
is largely given up to that service.
Dr. Thomas has served three years as county physician for Genesee
county, was for two years in the office of township clerk of Tuscola
county, and has stood high in the business and civic community wherever
he has lived. He is medical examiner for two insurance societies and is
a member of the Michigan State Medical Society, the State Eclectic Med-
ical Society and the Genesee County Medical Society. In politics he is
independent. His church is the Seventh Day Adventist. In 1880, Dr.
Thomas married Miss Arabella Alfaretta Way. She died at Flint in
August, 1897. Fler father was Wesley Way, and her parents came from
New York State, her father being a well known railroad contractor. Dr.
Thomas has prospered in his various business affairs, and besides his hos-
pital and his residence, owns considerable real estate in Flint.
Judge William F. Connolly. As judge of the recorder's court of
Detroit, Judge Connolly has realized in an exceptional degree the fine
opportunities for public service through efficient administration of a pub-
lic office. Judge Connolly is one of the younger members of the Michi-
gan bar.
As a student he distinguished himself by completing his studies and
being ready for practice before he reached legal age, having to wait some
months before a license could be granted him to begin his vocation.
William F. Connolly was ijorn in the city of Detroit on February 25,
1876. His parents were Peter and Ellen (McGonnell) Connolly, both
natives of Ireland. The father was born in Queen's county in 1852,
and the mother in County Monaghan, in the same year. As children they
came to the United States in i860, their respective parents locating in
Detroit, where they grew up and were married. For many years the
father was employed by the Michigan Central Railroad Company at
Detroit, and died February 2^, 1899. The mother is still living in Detroit.
Judge Connolly attended the St. Vincent's parochial school, finished
his literary education in the University of Detroit, then known as Detroit
College, graduating doctor of arts with the class of 1893, and in 1895
receiving from the stame institution the degree master of arts. His law
course was pursued in the Detroit College of Law, where he graduated
with the class of 1896, and though possessing a diploma as Bachelor .of
Laws, he had to wait until 1897 before admitted to the bar. He at once
engaged in general practice, becoming junior member of the firm of
Devine & Connolly, a firm which acquired large prestige and attended
to a successful practice, until it was dissolved when Judge Connolly was
elected to the recorder's court.
Judge Connolly has been prominent in Democratic politics, and is
regarded as one of the party's most influential workers. He has mem-
bership in the Detroit Bar Association, the Lawyers Club of Detroit, and
the Alumni Association of the Detroit College. On May 5, 1905, he
married, in Detroit, Miss Mary Cameron, daughter of Lewis and Jane
Cameron. They are the parents of two sons, William Francis, Jr., and
John Walter.
ALEX.^NDLR McPiiF.R.snN. The hanking business of Michigan has no
more honored representative and perhaps none older than .Me.xander
1478 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
McPherson. president of the Old Detroit National Bank until its con-
solidation with the First National in 1914, making this one of the strong-
est banking institutions in the United States, and of which he is chair-
man of the board. His record as a banker covers practically half a cen-
tury, and began in the little city of Howell, where the private banking
concern of Alexander McPherson & Company, established in 1865, is
still in prosperous existence. Mr. McPherson was president of the Old
Detroit National Bank from January 10, 1901, when the institution was
incorporated under that title, and from 1891 has been president of the
Detroit National Bank, the name under the previous charter.
Alexander McPherson was born in the village of Aberchirder, County
of Banff, Scotland, June 7, 1836. The mental and physical traits of his
character well exemplify the sturdy race from which he sprung. Wil-
liam and Elizabeth (Riddle) McPherson, his parents, had eight chil-
dren, of which he was the third, and the others are mentioned briefly as
follows: William, a banker at Howell and a member of the State Rail-
road Commission of ^Michigan, while the late General Russell A. Alger
was governor; Alartin J. and Edward G., merchants at Howell, where
they continue the business founded by their father in 1843 ; Isabella,
who married Henry H. Mills, of Kalamazoo county : Elizabeth, who
married Edward P. Gregory of Howell; Mary L., who became the wife
of Henry T. Browning of Howell ; and Ella, who married Frederick A.
Smith of Howell.
Concerning the founder of the McPherson family in ^Michigan, it
has been said: "\\'illiam McPherson is remembered and described in
the pioneer annals of Michigan as a striking, rugged and thoroughly
manlv figure who came in the early days and gave the best part of his
life to the upbuilding, advancement and betterment of the community
in which he long held a commanding place." Born at Davoit, Scotland,
January 16. 1804. and dying at Howell, Michigan, March 16, 1891,
he lived in Scotland until 1836, when with his family he came to .America
and on the 17th of September in the same year arrived at what was
then known as Livingston Center, a little settlement in the forest and
the largest group of population then in Livingston county. , His log
house was the second dwelling to be constructed on the site of Howell,
which city was his home the rest of his life. At Livingston Center
he continued to work at the trade learned in Scotland, as blacksmith,
Init in 1841 acquired a half interest in a small general store, and for
many years was independently engaged in merchandising. The large
general store which has been conducted under the family name for more
than sixty years was founded by him. His intelligence, integrity and
energy brought success to his own business and made his services and
influence valuable in behalf of the general welfare of the community.
On the organization of the Detroit and Howell Railroad Company in
1864, William McPherson became a director and treasurer of the com-
pany, and it was largely due to his efforts that funds were raised suffi-
cient to complete the railroad between Howell and Detroit. That line,
which was of inestimable service to the people along its route during
the early days, is now a part of the Pere Marquette system. William
McPherson was a man of great local prominence and public spirit, though
not as a political office holder, and was a Republican from the organiza-
tion of that party until his death. Elizabeth Riddle, who became his
wife on April 17. 1S31. endured with him the trials of pioneer life in
Michigan, and passed away on September 7, 1874. Both were con-
stant and faithful members of the Presbyterian church, and were active
in the charter organization of the church at Howell in 1838.
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1479
Alexander McPherson was six weeks old when the family emigrated
Irom Scotland to the United States, and his early days were spent in
a pioneer environment, and his education came from the village school
of Livingston Center, as Howell was then known. His business career
began in his father's store when he was a boy. The early years of his
manhood were employed in looking after various business interests at
Howell, and in 1865 he founded and became the executive head of the
private banking firm of Alexander McPherson & Company. No change
of title has ever occurred in that old and honorable banking house, and
Mr. J\IcPherson is still at its head. His prominence as a banker made
him well known outside the limits of his home county, and in 1891 he
was called from Howell to become president of the Detroit National
Bank, where his services have been such as to maintain that institution
m the front ranks of Detroit financial establishments. Mr. McPherson
succeeded the late Christian H. Buhl as president of the Detroit National,
and when the first charter expired and a reorganization took place under
the present charter in 1902, Mr. McPherson continued as president of the
Old Detroit National Bank. Thus his service in this office has been
continuous for more than twenty years. As a successful financier few
Michigan bankers have had a more noteworthy record than Mr. Mc-
Pherson. Outside of banking his interests extend to the ownership of
large tracts of pine land in the upper peninsula of Michigan and in the
states of Mississippi and Louisiana. Near his old home in Livingston
county he maintains a fine stock farm, and it has been a matter of both
recreation and profit to keep this up as a model farm. Its equipment
comprises a number of substantial brick buildings, all the land is under
a high state of cultivation, and many fine thoroughbred draft and driving
horses have been raised on the McPherson farm.
Though a Republican since casting his first vote, Mr. McPherson has
steadfastly refused to enter politics or become a candidate for office.
The names of himself and wife are on the rolls of membership in the
First Presbyterian church of Detroit, and since 1S94 he has been a
trustee. Some of his social relations are with the Detroit Club, the
Country Club, the Michigan Club, and the Lake St. Clair Shooting and
Fishing Club, or the Old Club. His stock farm, his club, travel and
home furnish him the relaxation and recreation from his business re-
sponsibilities, and though he has reached a time in life when most men
are willing to retire, his judgment in financial matters is just as keen
and is as much trusted by his associates as it was twenty years ago.
In September, i860, Mr. McPherson married Miss Julia C. Ellsworth,
of Greenville, Montcalm county. Mrs. McPherson was born at Salina,
Wisconsin, in 1840, a daughter of Dr. William H. Ellsworth, who was
a pioneer of Greenville, Michigan.
BvRON E. BuRXELL, M. D. Each profession in business has its place
in the scheme of human existence, constituting a plan whereby life's
methods are pursued and man attains his ultimate destiny. The import-
ance of any occupation, however, depends upon its helpfulness and use-
fulness. So dependent is man upon his fellow men that the worth of the
individual is largely reckoned by what he has accomplished for humanity.
There is no vocation to which more honor is due than that of the doctor of
medicine, a calling which constantlv calls for denial and self-sacrifice, the
influence of which cannot be measured by any known standard, and the
helpfulness of which is as broad as the universe. A name that stands
conspicuously forth in connection with the medical profession of Mich-
igan is that of Byron E. Burnell. M. D., who since 1901 has been engaged
in practice at Flint. Dr. Burnell is a native of Genesee county, and was
1480 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
born January 17, 1867, a son of Anthony D. and Amanda (Taylor)
Burnell.
Anthony Burnell was ijorn in Germany, but left the l"'atherland in
young manhood and on coming to the United States settled in Genesee
county, Michigan, where he passed his life in mercantile pursuits, prin-
cipally in the village of Otisville. His death occurred in Genesee county,
Michigan, in 1907, aged sixty-seven years. Mrs. Burnell was born in New
York State, and was still a cliild when jjrought to Michigan by her parents,
who were engaged in agricultural pursuits in the vicinity of Pine Run.
Mrs. Burnell is still living, at the age of seventy-one years, and divides
her time between living in Flint and in Genesee county with her daugh-
ter. Four children have been born to her, of whom Dr. Burnell is the
second in order of birth.
Byron E. Burnell secured his early education in the schools of Genesee
county, in the meantime assisting his father in the work of the home
place. Succeeding this, he entered high school, and then adopted the
profession of educator, which he followed for some eleven years, advancing
in that calling until he was made principal of the schools at Flower Lake,
Columbiaville and other points. It had always been his ambition, however,
to enter the medical profession, and after these eleven years of earnest
endeavor he found himself in a position to enter the Detroit College of
Medicine, where he received his degree in 1901. He immediately engaged
in practice at Flint, and this city has continued to be his field of practice,
he now having offices at No. 518 -South Saginaw street. Doctor Burnell
is in full possession of the youth and vigor which act as a stimulus to
great and far-reaching accomplishments in the profession to which he is
devoted, and his energy, second only to his native ability, enables him to
find time to devote to study and research. He belongs to the American
Medical Association, the Michigan State Medical Society, and the Genesee
County Medical Society, and for two years was secretary of the county
organization. In political matters he is a Republican, but jniblic life has
played b^t little part in his career, which has Ijeen almost entirely devoted
to his calling. Hjs fraternal connection is with the Independent Order
of Odd I'^ellows and the Masons, and his religious belief that of the
Methodist Episcojial Church.
In 1891 Doctor Burnell was married at Columbiaville, Michigan, to
Miss Blanche Hollenbeck, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Manley Hollenljeck.
One son has been born to Doctor and Mrs. Burnell : Max, born at Meta-
mora, Michigan, in 1893, and now attending college at Albion.
John Lawson Miller. A Detroit architect who in ten years has
made a name and gained a successful position, John Lawson Miller
represents one of the pioneer families of southeastern Michigan, and as
a result of his individual career is well entitled to a place in the history
of the state's leading architects.
John Lawson Miller was born at Lake Orion in Oakland county,
Michigan, March 27, 1878. He is a son of Seymour B. and Hannah
(Woodley) Miller. His father was born in Michigan and his mother in
Ontario, Canada. Grandfather Nicholas B. Miller, who came to Oakland
county when that section was in the woods, was a blacksmith and a cabinet
maker by trade, and at Lake Orion established a pioneer shop for work
both in wood and iron, and performed a useful service to the early settlers
of the community. At the same time his business enterprise led him to
make acquisitions of land in the county, and for many years he was a
prosperous and influential citizen. Seymour B. INliller was born in the
old Miller home at Lake Orion in 1850. Early in his life he learned the
trade of miller, and subsequently for years operated what were known
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1481
as the Emmons ]\Iill at Lake Orion. At one time he was serving as head
miller for Hiram Walker, the well known Canadian miller, and while in
Ontario met and married his wife, who was a daughter of the late John
Woodley, a wealthy farmer and land owner of VVaterford, Ontario. Sey-
mour B. Miller was a member of the Congregational church. He died
in the house in which he was born, August 24, 1909. His widow survives,
and still lives in the village of Orion, Michigan.
J. Lawson Miller attended the Lake Orion grammar and high schools,
and just two months before the term set for his graduation he improved
an opportunity to take up the study of architecture, and accordingly left
school. On his eighteenth birthday, March 27, 1896, he entered the offices
of Baxter & Hill, Detroit architects. Subsequently he worked for a
number of well known men in that jirofession in Detroit, including S. C.
Falkinburg, Joseph E. Mills, Roger & McFarlin, and finally returned
to Mr. Falkinburg in the capacity of head draughtsman. In 1904, in
consequence of Mr. Falkinburg's illness, Mr. Miller was given a share
in the business, and the firm subse(|uently was Falkinburg & Miller. One
year later the senior partner died, and Mr. Miller then took over the
business of the firm and has since practiced alone, with offices in the
Goebel building at Detroit.
Mr. Miller's work has been chiefly along the lines of apartment houses,
terrace houses, flats and residences, stores and factories. While the firm
of Falkinburg & Miller was in existence it put up, among other buildings,
the Plaza Apartment House on John R. street and Madison avenue,
costing one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ; and also the Emory
Apartment in Salt Lake City, Utah, at a cost of one hundred and seventy-
five thousand dollars. Since engaging in independent practice Mr. Miller
has built the following notable apartments, though the list is by no means
complete : A terrace on Woodward avenue and Ferry street, costing forty
thousand dollars : a six-family flat next door to the last mentioned, at a
cost of twenty thousand dollars ; nine-house terrace on the corner of Sev-
enteenth and Ash streets, costing thirty-five thousand dollars ; a terrace on
the corner of Second and Stewart streets, costing twenty-four thousand
dollars ; a residence on East Boulevard and Kercheval avenue, costing
twenty thousand dollars : and among other buildings now in course of
erection is a residence at Bay City, Michigan, which will cost twenty-two
thousand dollars.
Mr. Miller was married in New York City to Miss Nellie Gooney.
Mrs. Miller was born in Ireland, the daughter of Michael Gooney. She
came to Detroit as a girl of sixteen years to join her sister, her par-
ents remaining behind in the old country. Later she went back to Ireland,
and her marriage to Mr. Miller was celebrated in New York City when
she returned from abroad, Mr. Miller meeting her when she landed from
the vessel at New York. Mr. Miller is prominent in Masonic circles,
having membership in Palestine Lodge, No. 357, A. F. & A. M. ; in the
Michigan Sovereign Consistory of the Thirty-second Degree Scottish
Rite, Valley of Detroit ; and in Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine.
Carl D. Cii.\pi£Ll, AI. D., began practice at Flint in 1907, and he now
ranks as one of the young men of ability and of growing success in the
citv. His previous experience in his profession was in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr. Chapell represents an old family of Michigan, and Flint has been his
home practically all his life.
Carl D. Chapell was born in Flint, March 3, 1878. His parents are
John A. and Annie (Rodgers) Chapell. Both were natives of Michigan,
and their respective parents were numbered among the pioneer settlers.
John A. Chapell will always be remembered in the history of the city
1482 HISTORY OF MICHIGAN
of Flint as an educator. For twenty-five years he was superintendent
of the city schools, and during the greater part of his active career was
identified with educational work. It was during the latter decade of the
nineteenth century that he did his most important service, and in that
time was a progressive in educational affairs, at a time when progress
was less popular in schools than at the present time. While at Flint he
introduced many of the methods which are still employed and have the
sanction of twentieth-century educators. Not only in pedagogy was he
a leader, but he did much to upbuild the material facilities and systems
of education in that city. After his resignation from his ofiice as school
superintendent, he became a traveling salesman in western territory, but
still makes Flint his home. He is now sixty-four years of age. and the
mother is fifty-eight. She was reared and educated in Flint. They had
only two children, the daughter is Mrs. Madge Holmes, of Flint.
Dr. Chapell, the older child, grew up in Flint, and was educated in
the public schools. For his medical education he entered the Michigan
College of Medicine at Detroit, where he was graduated M. D. in 1904.
Moving to Cleveland, he practiced there for several years, and since 1907
has been established at Flint. Dr. Chapell has membership in the Genesee
County and the Michigan State Medical Societies, and the American
Medical Association.
In politics he is independent, and is affiliated with the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and the Woodmen of the World. He was mar-
ried November 3, 1910, at Flint to Miss Elizabeth Carrol, a daughter of
Daniel and Jane Carrol, now deceased, and old settlers of this section of
Michigan.
Frank E. Thatcher. Progressive merchandising is synonymous with
progressive citizenship, and both are conspicuous qualities of Frank E.
Thatcher, who less than twenty years ago became a local merchant at
Ravenna, and has steadily prospered in his own circumstances, and at the
same time, has done everything within his power to help along the com-
munity in its material, intellectual and moral growth.
Born at Coudersport, Pennsylvania, January i, 1859, Frank E.
Thatcher is a son of Edwin and Catherine S. (Carpenter) Thatcher, the
former born in Pennsylvania in 1825, and the latter born the same year.
The parents were married in 1848, and after a long and active career as
a teacher and farmer the father passed away in 1903. The mother is
still living, her home being in Harrisburg, Michigan. The family came
to Michigan in 1866, settling in Ravenna. Edwin Thatcher taught school
the greater part of his life, served as superintendent of schools in Mus-
kegon county, during 1872, 1873-74 and continued the profession as an
active member until he was about sixty-five years of age. He also owned
a farm. In politics before the war he was a strong abolitionist, upheld
the Republican principles until the Hayes-Tilden contest, after which he
supported the Democratic interests. He served for a number of years as
supervisor of his township, and in Pennsylvania was elected to the office
of county commissioner. During the Civil war he went out as a private
in the fifty-second regiment, Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, and saw
a brief service in several campaigns. The first Thatcher to come to
America was Thomas Thatcher, whose arrival was in the year 1632. He
was the first preacher in the Old South Church of Boston. From that
famous divine the line of descent is direct to the present .family of
Thatcher. All of them were representative in the ministry, and many of
the name have been eloquent speakers and religious workers. Edwin
Thatcher was a son of John Thatcher, who was born in Massachusetts,
a son of John B., also a native of Massachusetts, and he in turn was a son
HISTORY OF MICHIGAN 1483
of Peter Thatcher. The maternal grandfather of Frank E. Thatcher
was Tyler Carpenter, who was born in Massachusetts, in earlv youtli
moved to Pennsylvania, and following the business of carpenter and
farmer spent the rest of his years in that state. Edwin Thatcher and
wife had six children, of whom the Ravenna merchant was fourth, the
family being described briefly as follows: Fred A., a merchant at
Fountain, Michigan ; Anna, widow of W. S. Averill, of Harrisbiirg,
Michigan; Amanda, wife of G. E. Rockwell a farmer in Ottawa county;
Frank E. ; Eldred, a horse dealer in Ravenna ; and Jennie, wife of James
Rockwell, a merchant of Harrisburg.
Frank E. Thatcher grew up and was educated in the local schools of
Ravenna, and later took a teacher's course in the University of Val-
paraiso, Indiana. His first regular work as an independent man of affairs
was in teaching, but he soon gave up that profession and became clerk
in a drug store, following that work in Muskegon and at Elk Rapids, for
a number of years. In 1894 his father was made postmaster at Ravenna,
and he came to Ravenna to become assistant. At the same time he brought
a stock of goods, and conducted a drug store in the same bui 
