USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 13
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Mr. and Mrs. Frawley are the parents of five children, as follows: Pat- rick, Leo, Donald, Kathleen and Margaret, who go to make up one of the attractive and wide-awake families of the town of Flushing.
The parents are adherents to the Catholic church, and both do as much as lies within their power to maintain a high standard of righteous living.
AUGUSTUS K. KENDRICK.
Prominent among the produce shippers of Flint is Mr. Kendrick, who was born in Dryden, Lapeer county, Michigan, July 11, 1842. His father, the Hon. Lucius Kendrick, was an able man and one who rendered considerable public service in his day. He was born at Dorien, New York, and was married to Eliza Look, also a native of New York, having been born at Ellery, in Chautauqua county. After coming to Lapeer county in 1836 Mr. Kendrick taught school in the county for fourteen years, and was the teacher of the first school taught in Almont, then known as Bristol. After this period of service as teacher he engaged in farming and prosecuted this occupation with vigor and success. In the meantime he had acquired quite a wide acquaintance in the county and was closely identified with the political life of the people, casting his influence with the Republican party. He was soon elected to the Michigan legislature from the first district, and served during the term of 1869-1870. Yet his activities were not confined to the political field alone, but he was also of a literary turn of mind. He had a knack for gathering up news and getting it up into good readable shape for the press. For a number of years he was a valued correspondent for the New York "Tribune," and later also for the Detroit "Tribune." He also became associated in the same capacity with the Lapeer "Clarion," retaining his con-
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nection for several years. Furthermore, his genuine integrity and indiscrimi- nate love for justice and fair play led to his selection as justice of the peace, which place he filled with eminent success and satisfaction to the people.
As a member of the school board he contributed abundant and excellent service. He died at Dryden, in Lapeer county, having reached the age of sixty-five years. His wife ended her days at Dryden also, having acquired the age of fifty-eight years.
Six children were born to this union, of which our subject was the eldest. He was reared at the place of his birth, and showed a good, teachable spirit when still a child, and extended his school career into the Lapeer high school.
After deciding to start out in life for himself he became engaged in the nursery stock business, and found it a delightful as well as a remunerative line. He followed this occupation for about twenty-three years. In 1876 he removed from Lapeer county and came to Flint, where he has since resided. In 1890 he took up with the produce business and has bought and shipped goods extensively for some time.
He was married in Lapeer county, Michigan, to Miss Ada Conley, who died later in New York state. Following this he was joined in wedlock to Miss Cornelia Hill and three children blessed this union, two of whom sur- vive. They are Carl A. and Lillian G. In 1890 Mrs. Cornelia Hill was taken to rest, leaving a host of friends to mourn her departure.
Mr. Kendrick was again married and chose for his companion Miss Effie Gorves, who was born in Oakland county, Michigan. Mr. Kendrick, like his paternal ancestor, is wide-awake in the political affairs of the county and state. He commands the respect and interest of his colleagues in politics and in busi- ness as well. In fact he takes a great interest in all public affairs. He has been closely identified for years with the Masonic fraternity and has been a loyal exponent of the principles of the organization to which he gives so much of his interest. He is a regular attendant of the Court street Methodist Episcopal church, and in this and in all other ways seeks to make himself useful to all with whom he may come in contact.
GEORGE F. BROWN.
"Not he who boasts of his country, but he who does something to make his country better, is the real patriot."
It has been said that when circumstances demand the man of a certain stamp and equipment, there will always be found some one who will rise to the occasion. This seems to have been the case in the experience of the sub- ject of our biography, Mr. George F. Brown, attorney and at one time county prosecutor. He was born at Lyon, Oakland county, Michigan, Octo- ber 4, 1855, and came to Gaines township in 1865. His parents were emi- grants from the "Empire state," coming to Michigan in 1839. His father, Hiram Brown, was of Scotch ancestry and had his home in Ontario county, New York, while his mother, Mary E. Plowman, was a native of Orange county. She departed this life eight years ago, but Mr. Brown still occupies the old homestead at the advanced age of eighty-seven years.
At the age of twenty-three George left the farm and engaged in teaching, having made a broad preparation for his work. He filled the duties of the profession with commendable skill, and later was made a member of the county school board, which consisted of three persons. One of his associates on this board was E. D. Black, a classmate of his at Ann Arbor. At the
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latter institution Mr. Brown was a student in the law department, being a member of the class of 1887. Since that time he has practiced law in the county, and has been singularly successful in his chosen profession. He is a born fighter and puts into his work not only legal skill and general knowl- edge, but also an unusual quantity of energy and aggressiveness.
He served the county for four years as prosecuting attorney, and it was during this period that he rose to the demands of the times. It seemed to be a time when the tide of law-breaking and criminality was on the increase. This called for vigorous and fearless activity on the part of the authorities, and Mr. Brown had at one time to deal with nineteen inmates of the county jail, all charged with felonies, and all of them were convicted. This won for him the unstinted praise from the better element of the community, while the law breakers began to deliberate on the best methods of "taking to the woods." After a period of untiring activity and fearless investigation on the part of the authorities the famous "robber's roost gang," so long the terror of the community, was broken and totally annihilated. During this term, also, three murder cases were on the docket. In one of these conviction was brought about.
Mr. Brown has been associated for six years with Mr. John H. Farley under the name of Brown & Farley, and during this time they have had a large and lucrative business. Mr. Brown has been an active politician, taking a firm and vigorous stand in matters political, as much so as in matters legal. He has been asked time and again to go on duty to the state conventions and has entered heart and soul into the activities of these organizations.
He has taken part also in a number of suits at law that have been of more than usual interest, notably one damage suit of $6,500 against the city, another railroad case of $6,600 and another instance in which a judgment for damages was allowed, involving the amount of $1, 166, the highest award of that character ever allowed in the county. This was against the Grand Trunk Railway. Another notable case in which Mr. Brown has figured quite promi- nently was that of the Stockdale will case, involving an estate of $320,000. He appeared in the case for the heirs. It has been fought in all the local courts and is now before the supreme tribunal of the state. He stands high among the members of the bar and commands the utmost regard from the bench. He has extensive farming interests and takes great pride in well improved land.
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His wife, Etta E. Wood, at one time a teacher in Flint, departed this life in May, 1902, leaving one daughter, Etta E. Mr. Brown takes quite an. interest as a pastime in fishing, and always carries with him a warm social atmosphere.
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GEORGE W. COOK.
As a community grows and municipal and civic problems become more and more complex need is felt for guiding hands and energetic organizers. One of these citizens of Flint that has filled the needs as felt by his fellow townsmen is Mr. George W. Cook, attorney at law. Mr. Cook's ancestry traces back to the "Empire state," from which so many of Genesee county's pioneer settlers hailed. His father, Joseph P., and his mother, whose maiden name was Julia H. Slaght, came to Grand Blanc as early as 1836, later tak- ing up their abode on the farm which is still considered the family home- stead. Mr. Joseph Cook was a moving spirit in the growth of Grand Blanc, operating a flour mill for many years, and serving also for some time as postmaster. The parental hearth was blessed with four children. One of these, John G., occupies a farm near Grand Blanc; another, Edwin H., is a skilled mechanic, having his home in Flint; the third son is George W., the subject of our sketch ; while the fourth is Willis G., a graduate of the State University, formerly a high school teacher of Flint, and who is now a prac- titioner and medical professor of Ft. Worth, Texas.
George W. was born in Grand Blanc October 24, 1862. He was educated in the schools of Flint and taught for eight years in the Michigan school for the deaf. Being interested, however, in public affairs, he soon found himself in close touch with the general activities of the county, and as a result . was made county clerk in 1893. While serving in this capacity he not only felt the need of a thorough knowledge of law, but he took advantage of the opportunity to gratify his desire for a thorough study of the subject, having abundant opportunity for first-hand observation in this connection. We are not surprised, consequently, to find him reading law diligently at this time, and his being admitted to the bar in June, 1897. After his admission to the bar he began to practice law and. associated himself with Mr. Fred W. Brennan under the title of Brennan & Cook.
Mr. Cook managed to make himself thoroughly familiar with all the phases of his profession and served for four years as assistant prosecuting attorney. In this capacity he soon demonstrated his able grasp. of the work and his keen insight into the problems of jurisprudence and conducting his office so effectively that he was appointed by the court to complete the unex- pired term of Prosecutor George Williams.
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His general practice soon became quite large and he was soon recog- nized as one of the community's ablest counselors.
It has been demonstrated time and again that proficiency in any one line does not necessarily prove that one's abilities are narrowed or confined to that field of activity. Mr. Cook has been an efficient director of the Union Trust Bank, and has for eight years proven an interested and progressive member of the school board. His service has also been of great value in municipal affairs. Municipal ownership of public utilities is a problem of no small import confronting American cities of today. When the proposition that the city of Flint purchase and operate the water works, a board of arbi- tration, to determine its value was provided for, Mr. Cook was counsel for the city, perfecting these plans, and the purchase was made for a considera- tion of $262,500. He has since served as one of the three members of the board of water commissioners, which has complete control of the water system. As is to be expected, Mr. Cook has been frequently called upon to serve on political committees and to participate in the party organization, notably as a member of the Republican state central committee.
On August 1, 1888, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Emma Zimmerman, a young lady of splendid education and high social standing, having been a teacher in the local school for the deaf. Three children make up his family, consisting of Lawrence L., George L., and Wendell J.
The brief summary thus given is, of course, inadequate to do full justice to a successful and busy career, but sufficient evidence has already been ad- vanced to justify the verdict that our subject must be a believer in the rule of life, so well expressed by our immortal Lincoln, viz .: "Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us dare to do our duty as we un- derstand it."
MARVIN L. SEELEY.
Mr. Marvin L. Seeley was born in Flint, April 15, 1840. He is the son of Daniel H. and Julia A. (Taylor) Seeley, who were natives of Connecticut. After their marriage they came, in 1836, to Pontiac, Michigan, and the next year to Flint. When Marvin was one year old his parents took possession of a new farm in Genesee township, and here they lived out their remaining days. Mr. Seeley died in 1892, aged eighty-seven, having lived for fifty years upon this farm. His widow survived him one and one-half years, having attained the age of eighty-four. They were active, energetic people and live church workers. Mr. Seeley was a political leader and an expert farmer, having been awarded many premiums by the Agricultural Society of the county. Six chil- dren of the family reached maturity, four of whom are still surviving. Bertha, wife of Alexander R. Bray, died in middle life, being the mother of four chil- dren. Louis D. died at the age of twenty-nine. Frances M. was married to Ste- phen S. Burroughs and lives in the state of Washington. The next child in the order of birth was our subject, Marvin L. Frank T. is a practicing physician at Alongo, Iowa, having practiced a few years in Genesee county before going west. Theron V. is a farmer in Thetford township, Genesee county.
Marvin read law in the office of Colonel William M. Fenton and in due time was admitted to the bar. He then took a course in the law depart-
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ment of the State University, and in 1867 began to practice in Flint, continuing this for ten years. He was justice of the peace for eight years and for four years was supervisor of Genesee township. His efforts resulted in the build- ing of the new town hall in Genesee township, and also in the erection of a fine brick school building. For a while Mr. Seeley went back to the farm, remaining there until his father's death, whereupon, in company with his brother, Frank, he became administrator for the estate. In 1893 he returned to Flint and at this time was made chairman of the auxiliary committee of the state board of managers of the world's fair. In 1891 he was elected to the state legislature on the Democratic ticket. His district included the city of Flint and seven other townships, making up a district that had yielded nor- mally a strong Republican majority. This incident proclaimed loudly the merits of the man. In the legislature he devoted his attention largely to school matters, being made chairman of the committee on education. He drew up the bill to change the school supervision from the old secretary sys- tem to the county commissioner plan. It provided for a county school commis- sioner, to give a head to the school system in the counties and to get the school matters before the people, and hard work was necessary before the measure was piloted through, heavy opposition arising from the secretaries over the state.
Mr. Seeley is still engaged in general practice of law, and, in conjunction with this, handles considerable real estate. He has kept actively in touch with the political affairs of the community and has been of inestimable service to his party. He has often been delegated to local and state conventions, and is a hard campaign worker. He is a staunch adherent to the Jeffersonian prin- ciples of the Democratic party.
Mr. Seeley was married at the age of thirty-two to Miss Jean I. Brown, daughter of William Brown, of Thetford. She was born in England, lived for a time at Niagara, and came to Flint when still a young lady. The family consists of three children. Burton E. graduated from the Michigan College of Mines at the age of twenty-one. He became a mining engineer for an English syndicate operating in Mexico, and while stationed at Zacataces, Mexico, was seized with pneumonia and died there at the age of twenty-six. Burns L., another son, is now at Colorado Springs and is engaged in mer- cantile life. Thyra B. remains at home. He is a graduate from the Flint
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high school and is bookkeeper for the Durant Dort Carriage Company. The members of the family are active in social, religious and educational affairs. They have hosts of friends and are among the most agreeable and affable of the city's splendid people.
JAMES K. CORRIGALL.
James K. Corrigall was born of Scotch ancestry in Hastings county, Ontario, on March 25, 1837. His father came to Canada from Kirkwald, Scotland, when twenty-five years of age, and pre-empted one hundred acres of wild, uncultivated land. James remained at home until after twenty-six years of age, and came over to eastern Michigan in the spring of 1865.
Here he took up work in a saw mill, but soon came on to Bay City. While working in a lumber mill here, he, in an unguarded moment, sustained the loss of two fingers of his right hand. After making a return visit to Ontario he came back to Michigan, taking up his quarters this time in Genesee county. He bought a forty-acre tract, one and one-half miles north of Gaines, for $550. He began clearing this, and by selling four-foot wood and staves, he succeeded in making the land pay for itself. His hard industry enabled him to convert uncleared and stump lands into good farm land. He thus not only acquired more acreage, but made improvements as he went along, building barns and remodeling the old buildings. Having bought a residence in Flint he removed thither about 1890, but in 1895 came to Gaines, making his home in one of the best houses in the town.
Mr. Corrigall was interested, however, in more things than one, and de- voted some attention to the breeding of good general purpose horses, generally
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keeping on hand ten to fifteen head. He succeeded also in producing some good roadsters, some of which not only made good speed, but good money as well.
Although he has never sought office Mr. Corrigall has served as land and drainage commissioner and has also been connected with the school board. He has always affiliated with the Republican party, but stands first of all for square and honest service.
His son, John W., for some time followed the teaching profession in Genesee county. He received an injury in a fall from a barn frame, which, although not fatal at the time, resulted ultimately in his death at the age of forty-two at Placerville, California, whither he had removed. After reaching California, he continued to work as a teacher, having done similar work in Genesee county. At the time of his death he held the office of deputy sheriff. He was noted as a public speaker and was quite in demand for his Fourth of July addresses.
Mrs. Corrigall, formerly Bertha Smith, comes from Wyandotte, Wayne county, Michigan. A son, born December 13, 1904, was named James Wil- lard Corrigall, thus giving fair prospects that the family tree will be kept growing.
MELVIN C. BOWMAN.
Mr. Melvin C. Bowman, present city treasurer of Flint, was born at War- saw, Wyoming county, New York, December 28, 1846. He came to Michi- gan with his parents in 1853. They settled on a farm in Oakland county on the road running from Flint to Pontiac, which was then a stage line. He was brought up on the farm and received such education as the community afforded, and later attended the Fenton high school. When the Civil war had been in progress for some time, young Melvin could not suppress the patriotic fires burning within his breast, and he ran away from home in order to enlist in the service. He joined Company. C of the Eighth Michigan Cavalry in 1864, and was engaged in the struggle in Tennessee and Alabama. After the close of the war he returned to the farm, which was later sold. After living in Holly till 1870, he removed to the city of Flint. .
Mr. Bowman's musical abilities were now given active play, and his ability as a baritone soloist attracted the attention of Mr. Gardner, organizer and director of the famous Gardner's band of Flint. Mr. Bowman continued to be identified with this band for many years, and made trips with his com- rades to Philadelphia, Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland and many other points. At all of these places the band won hearty commendation and was recognized as one of the ablest and most deserving organizations of its kind in the
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country. Mr. Bowman continued with the band until Mr. Gardner left Flint, thus severing his connection with the company that he had so ably helped to make famous.
Mr. Bowman was engaged for some time in the insurance business and carried quite a large patronage. Following this he became associated with D. S. Fox in the cigar manufacturing business, achieving success in this field also. For one year he was transferred to Port Huron, and was placed in charge of the firm's interests at that place. Then for five years he was asso- ciated with the Clasen & Streat Company as a partner in the cigar manufactory. He then engaged in the same business for himself, and pushed his trade with considerable energy and vigor for six years. He then became employed with W. C. Wells of the Iroquois Cigar Company of Flint.
In 1906 he was singled out as a capable and popular candidate to place before the people in the race for the treasurership of the county, and the re- sults justified the choice. He was elected by the largest majority of any can- didate on the ticket, and at the close of the first term was re-elected without any opposition. This furnishes convincing evidence as to his efficiency and popularity, which are owing largely to the fact that he has given the office work his personal attention and has spared no time or work in giving the people honest and effective service. He has made the duties of the office his first concern, and all have learned to recognize his merit and integrity. Were it not for the fact that the city charter limits the time of service to two terms, there is no doubt as to what the verdict of the people would be regarding his future service in his present capacity. Under the circumstances his heavy bond, which totalizes about $300,000, is an indication of the responsibility that is resting upon him. His record has borne the close inspection of investiga- tors and not a single item has been found misplaced. He was married in Flint twenty-six years ago to Miss Mary Parsall. Their family consists of Ernest D., a high school graduate, now of Houston, Texas; Jennie, also a high school graduate, and at present a stenographer; the third child is a daughter, Elsa.
Mr. Bowman is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His resi- dence is a pleasant location at 317 West First street.
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ERASTUS DERWIN GILBERT.
Erastus Derwin Gilbert, one of the prosperous and successful farmers of Flint township, was born in the house in which he still resides, October 6, 1842. He was the son of Anson and Judith Ann (Garland) Gilbert, the former of Saratoga county, New York, and the latter a native of New Hampshire. They came to Michigan in 1835, coming to Flint township in 1838, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and by diligence and superior management succeeded in bringing one hundred acres up to a high state of cultivation. The house which he and his wife occupied at that time still stands, and is occupied by his son, it having been improved and added to from time to time. Mr. Gilbert was a staunch Republican and showed his loyalty to his party by taking an active interest in all the affairs of the community.
Mrs. Gilbert survived her husband twelve years, dying in 1888, at the age of ninety-two years. She was the mother of three children-George H., Ellen J., and Erastus D. George H. was a farmer of this township for a number of years, but later removed to Flint, where he died at the age of sixty-nine. Ellen J. is the wife of William D. Johnstone and lives on a part of the old homestead.
Erastus Derwin, our subject, has spent all of his life on the old home- stead. For awhile he and his brother worked in partnership on the farm, but at their father's death Erastus purchased the interests of the other heirs and now owns one hundred and thirty-eight of the original one hundred and sixty purchased by his father. He has made a number of improvements on the old farm, and capability and practical methods have resulted in marked success.
Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage in 1878 to Charlotte Hoskins, of Maple Grove, Saginaw, Michigan, who died in 1895. She left two sons, Louis A. and Irving E., who are both still at home with their father.
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