A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan, Part 98

Author: Coolidge, Orville W
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1314

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occurred near Dover, Delaware. His widow long survived him, dying in Niles, Michigan, in 1852, aged seventy-two years. Their son, James Alexander Collins, father of our subject, was born in Milford, Delaware, on the Ioth of January, 1820, and is now living in St. Joseph, Michigan, having passed the eighty-sixth milestone on life's journey. He was reared in the place of his nativity until twelve years of age and then came with his mother to Michigan, his father having died when the son was a little lad of four years. He attended school in Niles and afterward learned the trade of shoemaking from his brother, who was a practical shoemaker. He later worked at the bench for several years and in 1840 went to Massachusetts with a view of learning the business of manufacturing fine shoes. He remained for a year and a half in New England and then returned to Niles, Michigan, in the fall of 1.842. In the spring of the following year he came to St. Joseph and entered business life in this place as a shoemaker, being the first really expert shoemaker of the city. He located on water street below the bluff and conducted his shop there until the spring of 1848, when ill health forced him to re- tire from the business of shoemaking. He afterward engaged in general trade on the same street which was then the principal business thoroughfare of St. Joseph. He handled dry goods and other commodities on the present site of the St. Joseph Iron Works, where he continued until 1849, when, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he joined a party en route for the Pacific coast, making the overland trip, which a long and tedious one, the party traveling slowly over the long stretches of hot sand and through the mountain passes. Eventually, however, their eyes were glad- dened by the sight of the green valleys of California and Mr. Collins made his way to the mining regions, where he spent two years in search of the precious metal or in following other business pursuits. On the expiration of that period he returned to Michigan and again settled in Niles. In 1852 he purchased a farm about three miles northeast of that place, known as the

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

Kirk farm, comprising one hundred and present wife having borne the maiden name twenty acres, a portion of which had been of Anna McManus. cleared. It was one of the first farms that Eben D. Collins acquired his education in the schools of Niles, Michigan, and in early manhood went upon the road as trav- eling salesman, representing the house of J. H. Lee & Company of Boston, Massa- chusetts. He was at that time nineteen years of age and he continued to travel for the firm for about twenty years or until 1901. He was one of the most trusted representatives of the house, building up a large trade for the firm which he represented and winning many friends for himself among his patrons by reason of his genial disposition, his unfailing courtesy and his straightforward business methods. While still upon the road he established in 1891 a shoe store in St. Joseph, Michigan, and in 1901 he retired altogether from the road and has since given his undivided attention to the control of his store in this city. He has been very successful and enjoys a large patronage, so that his annual sales have reached a gratifying figure. The business is conducted under the firm name of E. D. Collins & Company but the subject of this review is the sole proprietor. was settled in the neighborhood and he re- mained there for two years, after which he returned to Niles and resumed work at the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until 1857. In the great financial panic which swept over the country in that year, he like many thousands of others was forced to sus- pend business. In 1859 he removed to a farm at the northeast corner of Berrien Lake in Howard township, Cass county, Michigan, about four miles from Niles, a place which is now quite famous as a sum- mer resort. There he remained until 1866, when he came to St. Joseph and engaged in the manufacture of brick, his yard being lo- cated about two miles south of the city, There he continued in business for three years, after which he removed to a fruit farm about five miles south of St. Joseph and for twenty-five years he was a resident of that neighborhood. He had a fruit or- chard of fifty acres, raising and shipping all kinds of fruit and the assiduous care and at- tention which he gave to the business ena- bled him to raise fruit of fine size and qual- ity and secure for it a ready sale on the market. His life has been one of earnest and unremitting industry until within re- cent years. In 1890 he took up his abode in St. Joseph and in 1891 his wife died at the age of sixty-seven years, since which time he has lived retired. His early political al- legiance was given to the Democracy but he afterward joined the ranks of the Repub- lican party and is now one of its stanch ad- vocates.

In early manhood James A. Collins was married to Miss Susan Greenleaf, a native of St. Joseph, Michigan, and a daughter of John G. and Sarah (Tillotson) Greenleaf, the former born in Haverhill, Massachu- setts, and the latter in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Collins were married in 1843 and they be- came the parents of three children, of whom two sons are now living, the elder being James G., who was born in St. Joseph in 1844 and has been three times married, his

Mr. Collins was married in 1885 to Miss Ida E. Fitzsimmons, of Coloma, Berrien county, and they now have one son, Andrew D. Collins, who was born in Lincoln town- ship, this county, and is now a student in Oberlin College at Oberlin, Ohio. Mr. Collins is a valued representative of the Masonic, Woodmen and the Knights of Pythias fraternities. In politics he is in- dependent but is never remiss in the du- ties of citizenship and his aid and co- operation can be counted upon to further any measure for the general good. He is public-spirited in an eminent degree and in- terested in the growth and progress of his city and yet is broad minded enough to recognize and appreciate what is being ac- complished in other sections of the country. Through travel he has gained broad cul- ure and experience and wide general in- formation and he is justly classed with the prominent and popular residents of St. Joseph.

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

REUBEN D. PARKER, M. D., de- ceased, who through many years of an active professional career was engaged in the practice of medicine, but in 1880 retired from that calling, his supervision being thereafter given to his invested interests, maintained his residence in St. Joseph from an early day. He passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey, having been born in Lima township, Livingston county, New York, on the 3Ist of August, 1821, and was descended from English ancestry, his paternal grandfather being Joseph Parker. He served as a soldier of the Revolutionary war, as did the maternal grandfather of Dr. Parker. His parents were Elisha B. and Alice (Davis) Parker, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of New York. In his youth the father learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner and for some years was identified with building operations. In 1829 he came with his wife and family to Michigan, settling in Washtenaw county, about twelve miles from Ann Arbor, where as a pioneer he aided in the early develop- ment and improvement of that portion of the state. He was widely recognized as an influential citizen there and one whose labors proved a factor in shaping the his- tory of the county during its formative period. His death occurred in 1839, after which his widow removed to Niles.

In a family of five children, three sons and two daughters, Dr. Parker was the sec- ond in order of birth. He was reared to farm life and attended a district and after- ward a select school. His literary course completed he took up the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Markham, and subsequently continued his reading with Dr. Olds as his preceptor. Having gained com- prehensive knowledge of the principles of medical science at that day, he then opened an office for practice in Washtenaw. His collegiate course was pursued in the West- ern Medical University at Cleveland, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1845. On forming a partnership with Dr. Mathews. he conducted a general practice. in the vil- lage of Redford. Michigan, from 1846 until 1852. From Redford, Wayne county, Mich-

igan, he removed to St. Joseph in January, 1852, and as a physician and surgeon be- came well known here, being accorded a liberal practice, which increased year by year as he demonstrated his worth in his profession. He always kept abreast with the advancement made in the science of medicine and was an able and learned prac- titioner until 1880, when he retired from active connection with the profession and afterward devoted his time to the super- vision of his extensive invested interests. As the years passed he judiciously placed his surplus capital in real-estate and busi- ness enterprises and he became the owner of considerable valuable property, which re- turned him an income that supplied him with all life's comforts and many of its luxuries.

Dr. Parker was married on the 23d of December, 1869, to Miss Clarinda Searles, who was born in Wales, Erie county, New York, August 10, 1833, a daughter of Stephen and Mary (Cobb) Searles, and they have an adopted daughter, Effie May. In his political affiliation Dr. Parker was long a stalwart advocate of Republican prin- ciples. He served for two years as trustee of St. Joseph and was chosen to fill import- ant official positions, and whether in office or out of it he stood for all that was pro- gressive in citizenship. . He belonged to that class of men who wield a power which is all the more potent from the fact that it is moral rather than political and is exerted for the public weal rather than for personal ends. A resident of Michigan throughout al- most his entire life, or for a

period of seventy-seven years, few

men within its borders were more familiar with its history and the events which shaped its course and find record upon its annals. At the time of his death he was one of the most venerable and honored resi- dents of Berrien county and its history would be incomplete without record of his life. He passed away at his home in St. Joseph, April 13, 1900.

JAMES W. ISBELL, proprietor of the Twin City Boiler Works at St. Joseph, was

yours Vory amely RD. Parker M. 2.

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

born in White Pigeon, St. Joseph county, Michigan, in 1857. His father, James M. Isbell, is a native of Pennsylvania and now resides in Muskegon, Michigan. He is a carpenter, who, having mastered his trade, has become a contractor and builder and is thus identified with business interests in the city where he makes his home. He married Miss Caroline Weaver, a native of Ger- many, who, when twelve years of age, came to America, settling first in Pennsylvania. She is also living, and of the seven children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Isbell, three now survive, namely : James W., Edmund and Ella.

James W. Isbell was reared in Muske- gon, to which place his parents removed when he was a little lad of six years. When he had mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools he began learn- ing the more difficult lessons of experience, being apprenticed to a boiler maker and after mastering the business he followed it as a journeyman until 1896, when he came to St. Joseph. The following year he estab- lished the Twin City Boiler Works, of which he is sole proprietor. This is one of the important industrial concerns of the city and he manufactures all kinds of boilers, smoke stacks and other iron devices. From the beginning of his residence here his suc- cess has been uniform and rapid. He has ever been a hard-working and frugal man and has earned what he possesses through his own labors and capable management, showing that prosperity is not a matter of genius but is the outcome of clear judg- ment, experience and indefatigable labor. As the years have gone by he has found op- portunity possible to place a part of his capital elsewhere than in his business and has erected a nice two-story brick residence on State street. He built this two years ago and it is now his home.

In 1878 in Muskegon, Michigan, Mr. Isbell was united in marriage to Miss Jen- nie Essenburg, a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and unto them have been born three children, Nellie, Carrie and Helen, all natives of Muskegon. Mr. Isbell and his family attend the Baptist church and his

political faith is indicated by the ballot which at every election he deposits in sup- port of the men and measures of the Repub- lican party. He is a Mason and Elk and he also holds membership relations with the Knights of the Maccabees. He early real- ized the fact that this is a work-a-day world and that there is no royal road to wealth, that success if it be honorably attained must come out of close, earnest and self-denying effort, therefore he has worked persistently and energetically and his position in indus- trial circles is now a creditable one.

NATHANIEL H. BACON is a repre- sentative in the third generation of the Bacon family in law practice at Niles and the name has ever been an honored one in the profession. His paternal grandfather, Judge Nathaniel Bacon, was a native of Ballston Springs, New York, born in July, 1802. He was a graduate of Union College of the class of 1824 and subsequently was ad- mitted to the New York bar in his native state. He practiced law in Rochester, New York, for several years and then came to Michigan, settling near Niles in the fall of 1833. Berrien county was then a pioneer district, which was just being opened up for agricultural interests with as yet little commercial, industrial or professional im- portance. It was the intention of Judge Bacon to devote his time and energies to agricultural pursuits and for' that reason he purchased land a short distance east of the city of Niles. Locating upon that property he continued to own it and make it his home untl his demise, which occurred in Septem- ber, 1869. However, the continual calls which were made upon him for his profes- sional services induced him to open an office in Niles in the fall of 1834, and he con- tinued in the active practice of law in Ber- rien county up to the time of his death, with the exception of the period which he spent upon the bench. In 1837 he became pro- bate judge of the county and in 1855 he was elected circuit judge of Berrien county, which at that time covered a large district. He served upon the circuit bench for eight- een years and was ex-officio judge of the su-

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preme court. He was re-elected in 1857 and in 1866 was elected to fill a va- cancy caused by the death of Judge Smith. Again in the spring of 1869 he was elected for the full term but he died in the following September. By the governor of Michigan he was appointed to the position of judge of the supreme bench to fill the vacancy oc- casioned by the death of Judge Whipple. His positions indicate strong mentality and careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of law and an unbiased judgment. The legal profession demands a high order of ability together with a rare combination of talent, learning, tact, patience and industry. The successful lawyer and the competent judge must be a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law and prac- tice, possessing keen analytical power and a self control that will enable him to dis- charge the duties of his office with impar- tiality and equity. That Judge Bacon was such a man is a generally acknowledged fact. Prior to his elevation to the bench he had practiced successfully in Berrien county for a number of years. He had a clear and comprehensive mind, displayed great influ- ence with the court as an advocate and was remarkably successful before a jury. When he appeared before a jury his manner seemed to say, "Gentlemen of the jury I expect by a calm and dispassionate statement of facts and the law to convince you that I am right in what I may say to you," and his calm and cool manner before the jury always told in his favor in the case. In addressing a jury he seemed to be unconscious that any other person was in the room. He gained a high place in his profession by hard work and by evincing his ability to fill the position with which he was entrusted.

Joseph S. Bacon, son of Judge Bacon, and father of our subject, was born at Balls- ton Springs, New York, near Rochester, and was brought to Michigan when about two years old by his parents. Determining to follow in the professional footsteps of his father he took up the study of law and practiced in Niles for twenty years or more, making a lasting impression upon the bar

by his legal ability and by the individuality of a personal character. He died in 1882 at the age of fifty years and is still survived by his widow, who bore the maiden name of Harriet Holley. She was born in Ver- mont and is now living in Niles at the age of seventy. In their family were five chil- dren, of whom four are yet living: Ger- trude E., now the wife of George H. Shel- don, a resident of Rock Island, Illinois; An- geline, the wife of Frederick Crosby, of

- Niles; Nathaniel H., of this review; and Florence, the wife of Adolph Panhurst, of Niles.

Nathaniel H. Bacon, th third in order of birth, was born in Niles, December 12, 1867, pursued his education in the schools of Niles and for three years attended the Shattuck Military School in Minnesota. He afterward entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was graduated from the law department with the class of 1891. He was admitted to the bar the same year and has since practiced successfully in Niles. Whether inherited tendency or en- vironment or natural predilection had most to do with his chosen profession cannot be definitely determined. Probably each ele- ment entered in but at all events it is a fact easily discernible that his choice of a life work was a wise one, for in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit he has made for himself a creditable name. He has manifested the same diligence and enterprise which are de- manded in every department of business life. His devotion to the interests entrusted to him is proverbial and he now has a large and distinctively representative clientele. He has held the positions of circuit court commissioner and justice of the peace. His political allegiance is given to the Republi- can party and he is a strong and able ad- vocate of its principles.

Mr. Bacon was married in 1904 in Niles to Miss Kate Gerberich, a daughter of Da- vid Gerberich of this city. They attend the Presbyterian church and are prominent so- cially, having an extensive circle of friends here.

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

W. IRVING BABCOCK has wielded wide influence on public thought and action in Berrien county. He makes his home in Niles, where he is now serving as justice of the peace. For a long period, however, he has been a prominent factor in political cir- cles and his opinions have carried weight in the councils of the Republican party. Born in New York, in the year 1833, he ac- quired his early education in Troy, that state, and later attended the Schoharie Col- legiate Institute. When he had completed his own literary education he taught school in the state of New York for several years and followed various other pursuits. He was thus engaged until after his marriage, which event was celebrated in the Empire state in 1858, Miss Ruth W. Hitchcock of Havana, New York, becoming his wife.

In the year of their marriage the young couple came to Michigan, settling first in Van Buren county, where Mr. Babcock en- gaged in farming and also in the purchase and sale of farm lands. He likewise estab- lished a lumber business and conducted a retail lumberyard in Niles for twenty-five years, his own connection therewith indi- cating his success and the creditable posi- tion which he occupied in trade circles. He also prospered in his farming operations and in his real estate dealing. On retiring from the lumber trade he gave his attention to the fire insurance business in Niles, which he conducted for some time but eventually sold out.

In 1902 Mr. Babcock was elected to the office of justice of the peace, which position he is now filling. He has always been a stalwart Republican since the organization of the party and has been recognized as an able and earnest worker in its behalf. He has been alderman from the third ward in the city council of Niles for two terms and was also mayor of the city for two terms, giving a public-spirited, business-like administra- tion, characterized by reform and improve- ment. In 1887 he was chosen to represent his district in the state senate and was re- elected in 1889. While a member of that law-making body he was recognized as an active worker on the floor of the upper

house and was associated with considerable important constructive legislation. Mr. Babcock has always been active in the Ma- sonic fraternity, having been initiated into the order in Niles lodge a number of years ago. He has served as master of St. Joseph Lodge, No. 4, A. F. & A. M., has been high priest of St. Joseph Chapter, R. A. M., and eminent commander of Niles Commandery, No. 12, K. T. In fact he has filled various offices in different branches of the order and the highest Masonic orders awarded by the state were given to him, when, in 1890, he was chosen grand master of the grand lodge of Michigan. He has been identified with the school board of Niles and has been very active in its behalf and of affairs of the city, relating to its improvement, advancement and substantial upbuilding. In political thought and action he has always been inde- pendent, carrying out his honest views with- out fear or favor and yet doing much effect- ive work for his party and for the common- wealth at large.

RUDOLPH F. KOMPASS, well known in connection with manufacturing interests in Niles, is the senior partner in the Kompass & Stoll Company, furniture manufacturers. His life record began in 1860, the place of his nativity being the city of London, Ontario, Canada. He comes, however, of German lineage, his father, Frederick W. Kompass, having been born in Germany, but in 1854 crossed the At- lantic to America, settling first in Cleveland, Ohio. He afterward went to Ontario, Can- ada, where he was engaged in the manu- facture of furniture. He continued a resi- dent of Ontario to the time of his demise, which occurred when he was fifty-four years of age. It was following his removal to Canada that he was married to Miss Jo- hanna Schultz, also a native of Germany. She survived him for a number of years and died at the age of sixty-seven.

Rudolph F. Kompass is the eldest of a family of eight children and the only one living in the United States. He was edu- cated in the place of his nativity and in early manhood learned the cabinet-maker's

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HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY

trade, which he followed in Canada until 1885. In that year he crossed the border into the United States, hoping to enjoy its better trade conditions, resulting from its greater competition and advancement more quickly secured. He went to Grand Rapids and there worked in the furniture factory in which Mathew Stoll was also employed. They became acquainted and have since re- mained fast friends, while in more recent years they have been business associates. Mr. Kompass spent two years in Grand Rapids and then went to Buchanan at the same time Mr. Stoll did. They secured em- ployment in the same factory there and to- gether they went to Rochester, New York, where they were employed in a furniture factory for two years. They had also pre- viously spent two years in Buchanan. On returning from the Empire state to Michi- gan they again located in Buchanan and en- tered into partnership relations together with George Stone under the firm style of Kompass, Stone & Stoll. They opened a furniture manufacturing establishment which they conducted successfully for two years, at the end of which time Mr. Kom- pass and Mr. Stoll purchased Mr. Stone's interest and the firm of Kompass & Stoll was then organized and has since had a con- tinuous existence. They engaged in the manufacture of furniture in Buchanan un- til 1895, when they purchased land in Niles and erected their present factory. They liave a splendidly equipped plant supplied with all modern machinery and appliances for the conduct of their business. They con- tinued to manufacture furniture until 1900, since which they have concentrated their energies upon the manufacture and sale of kitchen cabinets made from their own de- signs. They have eighteen different styles of cabinets and sell only to the trade. These are made of select white maple finished in the natural color of the wood and for con- venience of arrangement and equality of workmanship are unsurpassed. This has become an important industrial concern of Niles, furnishing employment to over forty skilled workmen, while the house is also represented upon the road by a number of

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A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan, Part 98

Author: Coolidge, Orville W Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1314

Author: Coolidge, Orville W
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1314