USA > Michigan > American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-made Men.: Michigan Volume > Part 15
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ESS, JULIUS, Architect, of Detroit, Michigan, was born in Zurich, Switzerland, in the year 1841. He received a thorough education in the schools of his native country; and, having a peculiar talent for drawing, and a love of mathematical studies, he decided to fit himself for the profession of a mechanical engineer. To further that purpose, he emi- grated to the United States, thinking that he might find a wider field for the practical training and experience necessary to success. He soon, however, discovered how difficult it would be for a young man without capital to work himself above the level of an ordinary journeyman, and chose the study of architecture, as a business requiring no moneyed capital. About a year previous to the civil war, he entered the office of J. P. Huber, architect, of Newark, New Jersey, but left his employment to enter the Federal army, as Second Lieutenant of Engineers, in a New York regiment. | drugs, and medicines. They also established a store at
AYES, JOSIAH DIXON, Detroit, Michigan, was born in the township of Clayton, Jefferson County, New York, January 16, 1825. His father, Daniel Hayes, was a native of Salem, Massachusetts, and one of the pioneers of Jefferson County, New York. The family is descended from the Pilgrim Fathers who emigrated from Scotland to Salem, Massachusetts, among the first settlers of that State. In 1835 Mr. Hayes removed with his father to Pittsford, Monroe County, New York, where he received his edu- cation in the district and select schools. When thirteen years of age, he entered the mercantile establishment of Hopkins & Hewitt, and remained three years. The firm then dissolved, the senior member removing to Roches- ter, and forming a partnership under the firm name of Hopkins & Robbins, which was afterwards dissolved by an order from the Court of Chancery, Mr. Hayes having been appointed by the receiver to close their affairs. He found it necessary to go to Canada to collect debts, and, after closing the business, settled in Coburg, Ontario. He then made a business engagement with John M. Grover, a prominent man of Colborne, with whom he remained until 1847. He then removed to New York City, and formed a partnership with George E. Shaw and George W. Comstock, wholesale dealers in woolens,
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Toronto, Canada. In the spring of 1849, he purchased . the largest flour-mills in the State. He was made Presi- the interests of his partners; after which, he sold the dent of the company, and continued as such until he entire business and removed to Colborne, Canada, where, had purchased the interests of all who were connected in partnership with W. HI. Colton, he entered upon the with it, becoming the sole proprietor. Mr. Hayes has mercantile trade. He soon after purchased Mr. Colton's made a thorough study of the matter of transportation. share, and conducted the business until 1852. Upon the He has written a number of articles and addressed completion of the Grand Trunk Railway, he was offered various commercial bodies throughout the country upon his choice of various positions in the company, and this subject. In 1873 he was the first person examined accepted the agency at Coburg in order to settle his by the Senate Committee on Transportation Routes, and business affairs. On the completion of the same road to his testimony was published in the reports of that com- Detroit, in 1859. he was appointed General Agent of mittee. He was a delegate to the first General Conven- the Grand Trunk Railway, and Treasurer of the Chicago, I tion of the Board of Trade, which was held in Detroit Detroit and Canada Grand Trunk Railway. In ISot in July, 1865, and which resulted in the formation of a he went into the office of the Superintendent of the National Board of Trade. Mr. Hayes took strong Michigan Central Railroad Company, under Mr. R. N. ground- against the building by the General Government Rice. Soon after the death of Mr. Seymour, of Buffalo, of the contemplated Niagara Ship Canal, although the Mr. Hayes was appointed General Eastern Freight convention was almost united in its favor. His argument Agent of the Michigan Central Railroad, and removed was published in pamphlet form by the Buffalo Board of to Buffalo, New York. In 1565. upon the re-ignation Trade, and circulated extensively; soon after which, of C. A. Hurd, Mr. Hayes was appointed Assistant the agitation in regard to the construction of the canal Superintendent of the Michigan Central Kathoad, have ceased. Mr. Hayes was chosen a member of the Exec- ing his head-quarters at Detroit. On the destruction of five Council of the National Board of Trade, at the the Michigan Central Freight Depot by fire, all claims ; met meeting he attended, and has been re-elected to for freight destroyed were satisfactorily settled by him. such office at every subsequent meeting. At the June During his connection with this company, Mr. Haye, meeting of the National Board of Trade, in 1875, he established the system of through traffic from points in presented an argument in favor of the establishment, the West to European ports, add New York, so that one, by the General Government, of a Department of Com- bill of lading covered both land and ocean transporta- | merce, and the appointment of a Cabinet officer over tion. At first, no railroad company would assume such this department. The National Board ordered the print- a responsibility, nor would the steamship lines agree to ing of the argument in pamphlet form, for circulation accept such bill of lading in Europe. He then made among the various Board- of Trade in the United States. arrangements with the Black Star I ine of sailing pack- | Under an act of Congress establishing the bureau of ets from New York to Liverpool to accept his personal I statistics on transportation and transportation routes, he bills of lading, thus founding the " European Express was appointed one of the Government Special Com- Freight Line." Upon the organization of the National ; missioner-, which office he still holds. On the formation Steamship Company, they also accepted his bills. From of the Millers' Association of the State of Michigan, he this beginning has grown the system of through ship- I was chosen President, and still retains that office. In ments in nearly all the American seaport cities, in con- { 1871. 72 the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Bank of nection with all through lines of transportation. The | Detroit increased it> capital; Mr. Hayes purchased stock system of transporting fresh beef in refrigerator cars in the bank, and was appointed Vice-President, which from the West to the Last was also established under ; position he still holds. In 1873 he established the Ex- the management of Mr. Hayes. It was commenced in |change Bank of Grand Ledge, to facilitate business a single refrigerator car, --- a Detroit invention, -built ; there, where he had large farming interests. At the by the Michigan Central Railroad Company. The first convention of bankers at Saratoga, in 1874, he took shipment proved a financial failure. The railroad com- ; strong grounds against the double taxation of bank capi- pany refused to build any more such car-, whereupon tal, and urged the formation of a National Bankers' Mr. Hayes, then General Manager of the Blue Line. Association. He was made a member of the Executive procured the cars. After meeting with considerable Committee and Secretary for the organization of such an opposition, both from the railroads and the butcher, in the Association, which was completed at Philadelphia in large Eastern cities, they built up an immense busines, , 1575. A bill having been brought before Congress for not only in this country, but abo in Europe. In No- the removal of its taxes by the General Government, vember, 1866, upon the organization of the Blue Line, Mr. Hayes was unanimously chosen to present the first Mr. Hayes was appointed General Manager, and served'argument on the subject to the Ways and Means Com- in this capacity eight years. During this period, he mittee, which he did February 7. 1877. Mr. Hayes was united with others in building the Detroit Central Mills, I trained in the Presbyterian faith, and is an attendant
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upon that church, although not a member. He is a Re- | has worn it for many years; and is to-day a silent but publican in his political views, but has never held or sought |most eloquent example of a permanently reformed man. any political office. In the spring of 1849, he married Miss Elura Mary Wood, only daughter of Colonel Wood. They have three children,-one son and two daughters ; the former of whom, Frederick W. Hayes, is Cashier of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Bank. Mr. Hayes is a gentleman of kind and courteous manners; a keen observer of men and things; and energetic and persever- ing in all his enterprises, never failing in any undertak- ing where success is possible. He is an able and efficient writer and speaker on subjects to which he has given thought and study; and, upon matters pertaining to transportation, he has a national reputation.
ARMON, JOHN H., of Detroit, was born in Portage County, Ohio, June 21, 1819. He is a son of John Harmon, a native of Connecticut, who emigrated to Ohio in 1800, and was for many years the publisher of a newspaper. At an early age, he entered his father's office, at Ravenna, Ohio, to learn printing, for which he manifested a strong taste; and, under the instruction of his father, became an accurate and skillful printer. In 1838 he went to Detroit, and became connected with the Detroit Free Press, then owned by three brothers,-John S. Bagg, Silas Bagg, and Ashael Bagg. He remained there, as journeyman printer, upon the editorial staff, and as partner, for many years; retiring therefrom with a handsome for- tune, which was subsequently lost. On his arrival in Detroit, he found the northern frontier in a blaze of excitement, created by the Patriot War, in Canada; and, being full of zeal and devotion to a Democratic Government, he joined an expedition that crossed into Canada, at Windsor, in the winter of 1838. The expe- dition was not successful; and, being attacked by a superior force of Canadian troops, retreated to the American side, with a loss of two or three of the party killed. In his career as publisher and as journalist,
He was appointed, by President Pierce, in 1853, Col- lector of the Port of Detroit, the duties of which he performed with fidelity, meeting the approbation of all parties in his official conduct. Since his retirement from this office, he has spent much of his time in Washington City, having passed thirty winters at the national capital during the sessions of Congress. In politics, he has always been a Democrat; and, pro- bably, to-day, has a wider personal acquaintance with the prominent and public men of the nation than any other one man. The writer of this sketch, who has always been his opponent in political matters, says, unhesitatingly, that there is no one who commands the confidence and good will of all public men to a greater extent than does Mr. Harmon. In personal appear- ance, being over six feet in height, slender, with the complexion and eyes of an Indian, long black hair, combed back from his forehead and falling on his col- lar. Mr. Harmon looks very like the old pen-picture of John Randolph, of Tuckahoe; and so youthful is his countenance, that, to those who knew him a generation ago, he seems almost unchanged. Born of a Presby- terian family, he has always paid due respect to re- ligion, but is too sincere and independent to pretend to be what he is not; and so may be ranked as a man of broad, liberal, and well-settled views of religion. In 1841 he married Miss Sara S. Rood, and to her, above all others, is he indebted for his success and triumphs in life. In his darkest hours, she clung to him, encouraged and upheld him; drawing him upward, and yet upward, above temptation, and made him what he is,-a true gentleman.
EAMES, HENRY, Mechanical Engineer and Builder, Detroit, was born in the city of Taun- ton, Somerset County, England, on the 26th of June, 1823. He is the sixth child of William Mr. Harmon was very prosperous, and exerted an in- and Jane Heames. The early history of his father's fluence in political matters throughout the State and family dates back to the defenders of religious liberty in England. His mother's death occurred when he was but two years old; and, his father's health not permitting personal attention to business, their means were soon exhausted. In consequence of this, and being the youngest child, he was prevented from receiving the educational advantages which he might otherwise have enjoyed. Mr. Heames early manifested a special apt- ness in mechanics, which developed and matured in after years. Leaving school when quite young, he lived with a farmer for three years, and, at the end of that the North-west. He was honored, in 1852, by being chosen Mayor of the city of Detroit, and was re-elected in the following year, having previously held the office of Alderman for two terms. He was then one of the most popular men in the city,-generous, kind to the poor, a genial companion, and a hospitable friend ; but, in time, he became a victim to the bad habits created by the customs of hospitality then existing in Detroit. With a firmness of will and a tenacity of purpose absolutely amazing, he conquered that habit, however, and, practically putting on the red ribbon of reform, he time, went to live in Devonshire with a Mr. Sibthrop,
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who always took the greatest interest in his welfare. | struction of the copper works at Ontonagon; putting up When fifteen years of age, he engaged with a builder the first machinery for the Woodville Coal Company ; building the first oil refinery at Rochester, New York; at Erie, Pennsylvania; and at Detroit, Michigan. He did the furnace and bench work for the Detroit, Jack- son, Kalamazoo, Adrian, Monroe, East Saginaw, Mich- igan; and Joliet, Illinois, gas companies; and built the Ypsilanti and Coldwater gas-works, besides superintend- ing the building of the Follett House, at Ypsilanti. In May, 1864, Mr. Heames was appointed agent for the Hudson, Sharon, and Derby copper-mine companies, with power of attorney to close up the affairs of the ('arp Lake and Lafayette copper-mines, in the Porcupine to learn the mason's trade. At the same time, he at- tended evening schools, and made a special study of mechanical drawing, in order that he might advance more rapidly in the profession he had chosen. In 1842, in company with two other young men, he went to France, and was employed on public works until the death of his father, when he returned to England, and engaged in the same work there. After a short time, he received an offer from his former employer in France, and returned to that country, where he took charge of the construction of the engine-house and other build- ings for the Paris and Rouen Railroad Company, at ! Mountain district, Lake Superior. This. business having Lapeer station. From this time until 1848, he was en- | been satisfactorily accomplished, he received an offer gaged by the same company in constructing railroad
of the agency of the Norwich mines, but declined the work-shops and gas-works at the city of Tours, in the , position. In May, 1866, he commenced the construction south of France; in the cities of Rouen and llavre de ! of the new works of the Detroit Gas-light Company ; Grace, in Normandy; and also in the construction of in 1868, he was appointed resident superintendent of this company, and held the office until 1872, when, having formed a partnership with his eldest son, Will- iam E. Heames, he tendered his resignation, and com- menced the manufacture of lime, dealing in stone, etc., under the firm name of HI. Heames & Son. He is also tunnels and bridges on the Paris and Rouen, and Rouen and Havre de Grace railroads. February 22, 1848, he married, in the city of Paris, France, Hannah M. N. Carpenter, of Wroxton, near Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. Seven children are the issue of this mar- riage, of whom four sons and two daughters are living : one of the well-known firm of W. E. Heames & Co., at the present time. In the month following his mar- wholesale flour merchants, Detroit, Michigan. In 1873 he was appointed engineer, to furnish plans for and to erect the East Saginaw Gas-works, which have been pro- nounced, by competent judges, the model works of the riage, Mr. Heames and his wife sailed for the United States, and arrived in New York after a stormy voyage of twenty-nine days. He remained there a short time. after which he visited Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and State. In November, 1873, he was elected, on the Detroit, settling in the latter city in the fall of the same | Democratic ticket, First Alderman of the Twelfth Ward, year. Mr. Heames worked as a journeyman mason for a term of two years. In 1875, when the question until 1850, when he accepted a situation from the Mar- of law and order, and a proper observance of the Sab- quette Iron Company, taking charge of the construction of the first iron furnace erected at Marquette, Lake
bath, excited the public mind to a considerable extent, Mr. Heames took a bold and decided stand in its de- Superior. In the latter portion of the year 1851, he | fense, and was re-elected Alderman, for two years more, by a large majority. Upon the reorganization of the Council, in January, 1877, he was chosen President, and was also unanimously elected Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. During the contest of the preceding year, for the Presidency of the Council, as well as in regard to the caucus appointments, Mr. Heames had the approval of hi- constituents, having the independence to follow his own convictions of public duty regardless of private
resigned this position and returned to Detroit. He at once formed a partnership with Mr. C. Stange, in the building business. They did the mason work of the bridges and culverts on the Windsor end of the Great Western Railroad; built the Reed Block, the Fulton Iron Works, and other buildings in Detroit. This part- nership being dissolved in 1853, Mr. Hleames was ap- pointed by the Sault Ste. Marie Canal Company, as superintendent of quarries at Malden, Canada, and at jor personal interests. This was manifested in the reso- lutions passed by the Mayor and Alderman upon the expiration of his term of office, January 1, 1878. These resolutions were elegantly engrossed, and presented to Mr. Heames by the Mayor and Aldermen. Mr. Heames was an old -line Whig until the dissolution of that party, and has since been a conservative Democrat. On the organization of St. George's Society, he was elected President, and was re-elected for three successive terms. Mr. Heames takes an active part in church and Sabbath-
Marblehead, Ohio. In the fall of 1854, he was ap- pointed superintendent of excavation on the canal, and remained in that capacity until it was finished; he was then appointed road-master of the Michigan Central Railroad, on the division between Lake Station, Indiana, and Joliet, Illinois. In 1856 he resigned this position to become superintendent of the construction of a har- bor at Ontonagon, Lake Superior. At the completion of this work, in 1858, Mr. Heames returned to Detroit. During the next eight years, he was engaged in the con- |school work; he is a member of the Episcopal Church,
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and a firm adherent to its teachings. He holds the | "The Abandoned," a marine sketch, being the only one office of trustee of the Fort Street Methodist Episcopal Church. This record of the life of Mr. Heames shows what may be accomplished by patient, untiring indus- try and a determined will, even under adverse circum- stances. To such men, the State of Michigan owes her rapid advancement in all that pertains to commercial growth and prosperity.
rescued out of a large number. Another marine view from his brush, which has attracted much attention from connoisseurs, is " Towing Out;" and still another, "Sleeping-bear Point;" besides several minor produc- tions. He is at present engaged on a large picture, "The River Jordan," which bids fair to rank as a masterpiece. He married, December 21, 1851, Miss Eveline Godfrey, a native of Ithaca, New York. Of six children born to them, three sons and a daughter survive. While engaged in decorating the new Detroit OPKIN, ROBERT, Scenic Artist, of Detroit, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, January 3, 1832. He is the son of Robert and Janet (Millar) Hopkin, who, in 1842, settled in Detroit, where his father afterwards engaged in the grocery business. On his mother's side, he is descended from the old Scotch Covenanters. A brother of his mother fell at the side of Sir John Moore at the battle of Corunna ; and an uncle of his father served in the Peninsular War, under the Duke of Wellington. His father died in 1869, leaving little to his children but an unblem- ished name and an example of industry and persever- ance; the wife and mother had died two years before. From early childhood, Robert had shown rare artistic ability, having, at the age of five years, taken delight in sketching the vessels that lay at anchor off Glasgow. This gradually developed into the marked genius which has characterized his later productions. After his par- ents removed to Detroit, he was apprenticed to learn Opera-house, he met with an accident which seriously injured his spine and almost permanently disabled him. He has so far recovered, however, as to be able to again devote himself to his art; and it is to be hoped that his pencil may be employed many years in giving to the world the creations of his genius. As a repre- sentative of Michigan art, he well deserves a place among the self-made men. His brother, John Hopkin, is worthy of more than a passing mention. He also was born in Glasgow, December 21, 1839. After the emigration of the family to Detroit, he worked on a farm until he was fourteen years of age, having little or no opportunity for an education. By the most aston- ishing perseverance, he subsequently managed to over- come the difficulties in his way; and, by self culture, has acquired an education equal to the average. When fourteen years old, he was apprenticed to learn carriage- painting ; and, after mastering that trade, he engaged in carriage-making, completing his time as journeyman when about twenty years old. Ile immediately began carriage-painting, which he thoroughly mastered. He ! business in his present location, in company with his brother William. The latter was a prominent member of the old Fire Department, and this connection brought the firm a considerable amount of work in hose car- riages, hook and ladder trucks, etc. Starting with literally nothing but a reputation for honesty and in- dustry, they soon built up a fine business in the manu- facture of omnibuses, etc., making a specialty of circus wagons. William Hopkin died in 1869, and since then John has conducted the business alone. Unlike his brother Robert, John's tastes have been of a mechanical turn, His ambition to become a master in his line of work, he has long since satisfied. In 1863, while at-
afterwards worked at house and steamboat painting, meanwhile devoting many stolen hours to his more cherished artistic studies. His remarkable talent soon brought him into notice, and ornamental work became his principal occupation, his leisure hours being devoted to the higher walks of his profession. On the outbreak of the civil war, he was employed to paint nearly all the banners that went into the field from the city of Detroit. He has decorated the interiors of some of the finest public buildings and private residences in Detroit and Chicago, prominent among which may be mentioned the scenery and fresco of the new Opera-house, Detroit; the Cham- ber of Commerce and Hooley's Theatre, Chicago; and | tached to the old Fire Department, he distinguished many others. His forte has been landscape painting. himself by an act of bravery which gained for him well-merited praise,-rescuing a woman from a burning building at the peril of his own life, when even the boldest of the proverbially brave firemen flinched. Like his brother, he was brought up a Presbyterian, and still clings to his early religious convictions. In 1866 he and many of his works have attracted the most favorable attention of art critics. He was a worthy representa- tive of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition, his painting of "Loch Katrine" ranking among the highest efforts of American artists; his picture of the steamer "R. N. Rice" being the only one on exhibition in the married Miss Ellen Young, of Detroit. Her parents were old residents of that city, though natives of Can- ada, where they had been through the stirring scenes
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