USA > Michigan > A history of northern Michigan and its people, Volume II > Part 9
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Though never a seeker after politieal honors of any deseription Mr. Kihnke has ever shown a deep interest in all matters tending to pro- mote the general good and in polities he maintains an independent at- titude, preferring to give his support to men and measures meeting with the approval of his judgment. Fraternally he is a valued and apprecia- tive member of the Masonie order and he is also affiliated with the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Romans, the United ('ommereial Travelers and the Royal Areanum. His religious faith is in harmony with the tenets of the German Lutheran church, in which he was reared.
Mr. Kihnke married Miss Lydia Goodreau of Manistee, and they have two daughters and a son.
HOWARD D. BRADFORD .- Enterprise and determination are strong ele- ments in prosperity and they are found among the salient characteristics of Howard D. Bradford, of Manistee, one of the city's most progressive
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and capable business men. Ifis advancement in the industrial world has been the direct result of his own individual efforts and to-day he is en- joying a richly merited success. Mr. Bradford was born in Fredonia, Wisconsin, on the 27th of July, 1854, his parents being Joshua and Mar- garet (MeGlouthlin) Bradford, both of whom are now deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Bradford were natives of the province of New Bruns- wick, Canada, whence they removed to Wisconsin in the early pioneer days. The father was engaged in farming in Wiseonsin and in 1865 he removed with his family to Michigan, locating on a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres near Areadia. For a number of years he was identified with the huuber industry on the Manistee river and he helped cut the first road from Bear Lake to Lake Michigan. He was sum- moned to eternal rest in the year 1904 and his cherished and devoted wife passed away in 1903. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom are now living.
Howard D. Bradford received his preliminary educational training in the public schools of Fredonia, Wisconsin, and he was eleven years of age at the time of the family removal to Michigan, where he began to assist his father in his lumber operations. After his marriage, in 1877, Mr. Bradford became interested in the lumber business on his own account, also looking up land for various companies. In 1892 he eame to Manistee, where he was identified with the lumbering business until 1901, when he purchased the undertaking and furniture business in which he is now engaged. He has large land interests in Louisiana and Florida and he is a man whose various business ventures have been of a distinctively successful order. He is Republican in his political pro- elivities and is ever alert and enthusiastically in sympathy with all measures and enterprises advanced for the general welfare of the eom- munity. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Romans and the Knights of the Maccabees, and he and his family are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the various departments of whose work they have been most active faetors.
In the year 1877 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bradford to Miss Aurilla Chapin, of Arcadia. Her parents were Hiram and Cynthia (Arnold) Chapin, both of whom were born and reared in the state of New York, whence they came to Michigan in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Brad- ford had three children,-Ray C., Leota and Lucile, the second of whom was summoned to the life eternal at the age of three years. Lucile re- mains at home and is just about to enter high school. She has taken up the study of music with the intention of thoroughly perfecting herself in that art. Ray is associated in business with his father. He was mar- ried, in 1900, to Miss Rose Keel, of Manistee, and they have one child, Douglass lloward, who was born on the 2nd of August, 1902. Ray C. Bradford is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Romans and he is one of the most progressive citizens of the younger generation in Manistee.
JAMES W. MILLIKEN .- Richly endowed with those attributes that make for true nobility of character, James W. Milliken, of Traverse City, lived a life that was eumulative in its influence for good in all its Vol. II-8
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relations, and the angle of this benignant influence continues to widen now that he has passed to the "land of the leal." Buoyant optimism and mature judgment were combined in his makeup; sincerity and un- wavering loyalty were his; and his nature was one that set aside the grosser materialism to keep aflame the lamp of luminous spirituality. He gained large and definite success in connection with the temporal affairs of life, and yet his labors along practical lines did not deflect him from the course along which the higher ideals find representation. Tolerance and abiding human sympathy were his constant guests and he did all in his power to aid and comfort those who were in affliction or distress. Of him it may well be said that he "kept himself unspotted of the world," and that "his works do follow him." He played a large and generous part in connection with the civic and business life of Traverse City, was an influential factor in public affairs, served as a member of the state senate, and was essentially one of the representa- tive business men of northern Michigan, of which section he could justly be termed a pioneer, as he maintained his home in Traverse City for more than thirty years. In offering in this publication a brief tribute to his memory it is deemed but consonant to incorporate, with but slight paraphrase and elimination, the memoir published in the Church Helper of Traverse City in July, 1908, the month after his death, which occurred while he was on a New York Central train, near the national metropolis, on the morning of June 19, 1908, he and his wife being at the time en route to attend the commencement exercises at Yale Uni- versity, in which their only son was graduating.
IIon. James W. Milliken was born in Denmark, Oxford county, Maine, on the 20th of May, 1848, and was a son of Joseph and Mary Ann (Buck) Milliken, both of whom were likewise born and reared in the old Pine Tree state, where the respective families were founded in the pioneer days. The father, who was prominently identified with the lumbering industry in his native state, died on the 27th of October, 1885, and the devoted wife and mother was summoned to the life eternal in August, 1893, both having been devout members of the Congrega- tional church. He was one of their four children, and the others are: Samuel K., engaged in the carriage business at Worcester, Massa- chusetts; Henrietta, the wife of Homer B. Jennison, of the same city ; and Charles O., who died at his home in Biddeford, York county, Maine, in the year 1896.
Mr. Milliken was a man who never let pass without improving it any opportunity for bettering himself, and ambition and sturdy self-reliance were early manifested in his career. His boyhood and youth were passed at Saco, York county, Maine, and very little chance was given him to secure an education. For three years he was employed as clerk in a dry-goods store at Saco. These three years, in which he received a fund of valuable information concerning the mercantile business, influenced his entire career, filling him with a desire eventually to own a business of his own. When eighteen years of age he determined to set out to see some of the world, and, in company with a boyhood companion and schoolmate, Frank Hamilton, he started west, the two having previously made arrangements for employment in Traverse City, Michigan, where
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they arrived in June, 1868, and where they forthwith assumed clerical positions in the general store of the Hannah & Lay Mercantile Com- pany, with which concern they continued to be identified for nearly six years. Further data concerning the early experiences of the two young men and also concerning their long and grateful association in business appear in the sketch of the career of Mr. Hamilton, on other pages of this volume.
In 1874, feeling that they had acquired sufficient knowledge and ex- perience to justify an independent business enterprise, Messrs. Hamilton and Milliken formed a partnership and engaged in the dry-goods and clothing business in the old Hulburd store on East Front street, and the firm name of Hamilton, Milliken & Company was adopted at this time. Mr. Milliken had entire charge of the dry-goods department, while the clothing department was under the supervision of Mr. Hamilton.
After building up a large and appreciative trade, and finding that they were fast outgrowing their original quarters, in which they had passed sixteen years, in 1889 they built the brick block in which the stores have since been located, at 204-6 East Front street. Here the two friends and coadjutors worked together, the firm name at this time being changed to Hamilton & Milliken, after the purchase of the inter- ests previously held by others. The west half of the building was de- voted exclusively to dry goods, under Mr. Milliken's care, and in the east half Mr. Hamilton conducted the clothing department. Through all the years of their business association Messrs. Milliken and Hamil- ton continued the comradeship initiated in their boyhood days, but eventually their business became so heavy that it was deemed expedient for them to dissolve the partnership and for each to conduct an indi- vidual enterprise, by retaining each the department which he had built up during the years of their partnership. Accordingly, in February, 1893, the partnership was thus dissolved, but the relations that had ex- isted for so many years were continued. The interior arrangement of the stores remained unchanged; the communication between the stores to-day is the same that it was on the day of opening, and even as Mr. Milliken was beloved by liis own clerks, so also was he held in the high- est esteem by those employed in the adjoining store.
Early in life Mr. Milliken espoused the cause of the Republican party, and he ever afterward continued a staunch advocate of its prin- cipals and policies. During the exciting campaign of 1888 he was chair- man of the Republican county committee of Grand Traverse county, and he so admirably directed the affairs of his party that the Republi- can majority in the county was considerably increased. He had pre- viously served as chairman of the county committee, and he retained the incumbency for several years after the campaign noted.
In 1897 Mr. Milliken was elected to fill a vacancy in the office of state senator from the Seventh district, and in the following year he received the regular nomination for this office, on the Republican ticket. the district comprising the counties of Antrim, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Benzie, Leelanau and Wexford. His opponent was Herman B. Sturtevant, who was supported by the Democratic, Populist
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and Free-silver parties. Prentice W. Whitman also was a candidate. The official count disclosed the vote to be: Whitman, 316; Sturtevant. 3,256; and Milliken, 7,906. Mr. Milliken completed a very successful term as state senator, and although amply qualified and splendidly equipped for a political career nothing could induce him to accept an- other political office. He was thoroughly wedded to the calling of his choice, and the halls of legislation could not long allure him from his business.
Although Mr. Milliken's chief business was that of his mercantile establishment, he was also an interested principal in the Traverse City Potato Implement Company and was a large real-estate and resort- property owner. He was one of the organizers of the Ne-ah-ta-wanta Resort Association. In any enterprise that stood for the betterment of Traverse City he was always counted upon for support. When the Grand Traverse Fair Association was organized Mr. Milliken was chosen chairman of several important committees, and in everything projected in a public way he was ever instant with co-operation and generous support.
Mr. Milliken was a thorough business man. There were no "loose ends" in his affairs and his store was a model in every way. But not only that,-he was interested in the welfare of his employes. In the store he provided a circulating library, a rest room and other conven- iences for making the work of the day easier to perform. Out at East Bay there is a cottage made possible through his generosity, and the same is given over to the use of the employes of the store. Considera- tion and kindliness marked the relation of Mr. Milliken to all in his employ and there were few resignations in his store, where positions were much sought. All of this is a more eloquent tribute than words to the life and character of James W. Milliken.
At the time of his death Mr. Milliken was serving his third consecu- tive term as president of the Michigan State Sunday School Association, and he was also superintendent of the Sunday-school of the Congrega- tional church in his home city when he was summoned from the scene of life's mortal endeavors. His religious faith was an integral part of his character and was of the type that makes for faithfulness in all things. He remembered those who were forgotten and those who sat in darkness. His sympathy was all-pervading and his helpfulness kindly and practical. He was active in all departments of church work and was one of the veritable pillars of the Congregational church in Traverse City, his cherished and devoted wife being his earnest co-adjutor in church work. He was one of the influential members of the Traverse City Board of Trade and did much to foster and further the high civic ideals for which that body stands sponsor. He was a member of its directorate and chairman of its committe on public improvements.
James W. Milliken was a successful man, not only in accumulating money but also in attaining the respect of his fellow men and being honored by the city of his choice. His character was above reproach, his intellect of the keenest. and his foresight most remarkable, yet, withal, he was willing to help whenever and wherever he could. How many he aided in his home city, how many of the poor will miss him,
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will never be,known, but the number is large. He was signally demo- cratic in bearing, ready with a kind word and cheerful greeting for all, and his generous nature gained to him friends among all classes and conditions of men. He kept the needle of his life true to the pole-star of faith and hope and loyalty, and his career offers both lesson and incentive.
Mr. Milliken was a lover of his home, and within its precints all his interests centered, the while his noble characteristics there shone most brightly, so that to his wife and son there remains a measure of consolation and compensation in having thus closely touched a life of so great purity and nobility. Mr. Milliken was a member of the board of trustees of Olivet College at the time of his death and deeply inter- ested in the work of this institution, maintained under the auspices of Congregational church. From an editorial appearing iu the Church Helper at the time of his death are taken the following significant state- ments: "Mr. Milliken was the highest type of the Christian business man. No man ever doubted his sincerity, no man ever questioned his business integrity ; all men respected him; those who knew him loved him. His influence was always for good. He was a cheerful liver, a cheerful doer, a cheerful giver. His greatest happiness was found in the happiness of others. His whole living was a splendid example of Chris- tian activity and usefulness.'
On the 8th of June, 1881, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Milli- ken to Miss Callie Thacker, who was born at Defiance, Defiance county, Ohio, on the 20th of January, 1858, and who survives him. She was seven years of age at the time of the family removal to Traverse City, where she was reared and educated and where she was graduated in the high school as a member of the class of 1878. She is a daughter of William and Mary (Mickey) Thacker, who passed the closing years of their lives in Traverse City. Mrs. Milliken has been a popular and valned factor in the best social and religious activities of the city which has represented her home from her childhood, and which is endeared to her by the gracious associations of the past. Mr. and Mrs. Milliken had bnt one child. James Thacker Milliken, who was born on the 20th of August, 1882, and who now has the active supervision of the exten- sive mercantile business so long conducted by his honored father. He is one of the able and popular young business men of his native city and is well np-holding the prestige of the honored name which he bears. After completing the curriculum of the public schools of Traverse City he continued his studies for four years in Olivet College, at Olivet, this state, and was then matriculated in historic old Yale University, in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1908, with the de- gree of Bachelor of Arts. The death of his father caused him to aban- don his plans for completing the prescribed course in the law depart- ment of the same institution. He is a stanch supporter of the cause of the Republican party, is a member of the Congregational church, and is identified with representative fraternal and social organizations in his home city, as well as with the Traverse City Board of Trade.
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DELOS L. FILER .- Of the late Delos L. Filer it may well be said that he coveted success but scorned to attain it except through industry and honest means. He acquired wealth without fraud or deceit and the results of his life are prolific in incentive and inspiration. He was a dominating factor in connection with the material and civic develop- ment of northern Michigan and his broad views and great business capacity made his influence especially potent in connection with the upbuilding of the cities of Manistee and Ludington, of the former of which he was the virtual founder. No shadow rests upon any portion of his career, now that he has been called from the scenes and labors of this mortal life, and it is incumbent that every publication purport- ing to take cognizance of those whose efforts have conserved the de- velopment of northern Michigan should give special tribute and con- sideration to the honored pioneer whose name initiates this memoir. His snecess was great, and was largely gained through his intimate as- sociation with the great lumbering industry, and he was essentially the architect of his own fortunes. He was one of the strong and re- sourceful men who came to northern Michigan in the pioneer days and his identification with lumbering enterprises in this favored section of the state was one of broad scope and importance. It is safe to say that no one has done more to further the progress of this part of Michigan than did he and that the memory of none is here clothed with higher popular honor.
Delos L. Filer was of Seotch parentage and had the sterling traits of the sturdy race from which he sprung. He was born in the state of New York, on the 17th of September, 1817, and his death occurred at his home in the city of Ludington, Michigan, on the 26th of July, 1879. He was reared to adult age in his native state and his early experiences were those gained in connection with the work of the home farm, the while he duly availed himself of the advantages of the common schools of the locality and period. That he made good use of such scholastic opportunities is evidenced by the fact that when a young man he proved himself eligible for pedagogic honors and that he was a successful and popular teacher in the district schools of New York, at intervals, for several years. He there became identified also with lumbering and mer- cantile enterprises, and thus early he showed forth energy and resource- fulness, sturdy rectitude and that capacity for productive application which ever designates the true Scotch type. From his boyhood he knew fellowship with toil, and during the entire course of his long and use- ful life he never lacked in appreciation of its dignity and value, as he realized that skilled hands and industry constitute the master key of sneeess and progress.
Mr. Filer continued his residence in the old Empire state until 1849, when he came with his family to the west and located at Racine, Wis- consin. For the ensuing four years he gave his attention to the selling of tobacco, through Wisconsin and Illinois, and he then, in the autumn of 1853, came to Michigan and established his home in Manistee, where he became bookkeeper for the pioneer lumber firm of E. & J. Canfield. at a salary of four hundred dollars a year. In order to better provide for the needs of his family he supplemented his income through service
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in a far different direction. He had no inconsiderable knowledge of medicine and the simpler forms of surgery, and as he was the only man thus equipped within the confines of several counties in his locality his services as a physician were much in requisition, frequently entailing his being ealled to points far distant from his home to minister to those who were ill or injured. A natural leader in thought and action, Mr. Filer soon became one of the influential citizens of the pioneer com- munity, which has since developed into the attractive city of Manistee. He was early elected to the office of clerk in Manistee county, and with discrimination and judgment he invested his surplus earnings in the pur- chase of government land in this section within five years of his associa- tion with the Canfields. In 1858 he purchased a half interest in what was known as the Batehelder mill property, which included a saw mill, a portion of the land on which is now situated the city of Manistee, and some outlying pine lands. He thus initiated his independent operations in connection with the lumber industry and success attended his ef- forts from the start. He afterward purchased the interest of his part- ner, L. G. Smith, and thus became sole owner of the property men- tioned. To this he later added two hundred and forty acres, known as the MeViekar property, now constituting the heart of the city of Man- istee. This purchase was made in the early '60s. This and his pre- viously acquired lands cover nearly two-thirds of the territory now included within the corporate limits of the city. Mr. Filer's well di- reeted enterprise in the development of the lumber resources at his eom- mand, combined with the rapid appreciation in the value of his real- estate holdings, made his success one of substantial order,-a success that was not a spectacular order but one that rested on the firmn founda- tion of energy, integrity and work. His mill, which was located on the dock and near the site of the present Dunham hotel. was destroyed by fire in July, 1864, together with a large quantity of lumber. This fire entailed to him a loss of about one hundred thousand dollars, with $11,000 insurance indemity. He then erected a new mill, at the upper end of the eity and on the shore of Manistee lake, and he platted a large portion of the land near the site of the former mill into village lots. At this time he admitted to partnership in his business, M. S. Tyson, of Milwaukee, and the main lumber manufacturing enterprise was con- dueted under the firm name of Filer & Tyson. At the time of platting his land, as just noted, Mr. Filer donated to the city, the grounds on which stand the court house and the Union school building, and he also virtually gave the site of the present Temperance Hall. It should be noted that during the years of his residence both in Manistee and Lud- ington, Mr. Filer manifested the utmost civie liberality and loyalty, as he contributed generously to the furtherance of all public enterprises and improvements, as well as to the building and support of churches and other institutions for the general good of the community.
In 1866 Mr. Filer sold nearly all of his large property in Manistee to the firm of M. S. Tyson & Company, and formed a partnership with his sons, E. Golden and Delos W. The firm purchased about two thou- sand acres of land at a point about three miles south of Manistee and extending from the month of the Little Manistee river along the shores
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of Lake Michigan. His sons, E. Golden and Delos W. Filer were ad- mitted to partnership and thus was formed the firm of D. L. Filer & Sons. On the shore of Manistee lake, at a point a short distance north of the mouth of the Little Manistee river, the firm erected a saw mill. This was equipped with two circular saws and had a capacity for the output of fifty thousand feet of lumber in each day of twelve hours,- then the recognized day of labor. This enterprise was the virtual initia- tion of the great lumbering business with which the name of Filer has been so prominently associated aud which is still continued by the two sons mentioned. Mr. Filer brought to bear his mature judgment and great executive ability in the development of the splendid industries with which he was so long identified and through which he gained large and worthy success.
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