USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 14
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In 1898 Mr. Gilbert married Mrs. Alice Smith, widow of Levi Smith, and the daughter of Elisha and Selina Brewer, of New York and Connecticut, respectively. They came to Michigan in 1862, settling in Flint, where Mr. Brewer conducted a grocery for some time. They spent the latter years of their life with their daughter, Mrs. Gilbert.
Mrs. Gilbert before her marriage was a teacher in Genesee county for five years, and also acted in the capacity of a nurse for some time. She was
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first married to Levi Smith, a carpenter and painter, who lost his life in Long Lake. Besides his wife Mr. Smith was survived by two children, Charles : E. Smith, now of Detroit, and Bessie, the wife of Roy D. Brotherton, residents of New Liskeard, Ontario.
Besides his two children, Mr. Gilbert reared a young girl, Grace Tozier, from the tender age of eighteen months until the time of her marriage to Fayette Davis, at the age of nineteen years.
Mr. Gilbert, like his father, adheres to the Republican party, but has never aspired to a political career.
FRANK J. RUTHERFORD.
Mr. Frank J. Rutherford, real estate broker and general business man of Flint, has his home at 619 Clifford street. He was born in Flint, February 27, 1862. His parents, John J. and Sarah L. (Miller) Rutherford, were among the early settlers of Genesee county, Michigan, having emigrated hither from New York state. His father was an accountant by profession and was bookkeeper for the Genesee Iron Works. He was a man of action and one who did not hesitate when duty seemed to call. This trait, which so strongly characterized his life, proved also to be fatal to his welfare. In an effort to stop a runaway team he received severe injuries, and as a result he became an invalid for the last few years of his life. He died in Flint at the age of fifty years.
There were two children in the family, one of whom died in infancy, leaving Frank as the only survivor of the family. He was reared in the town of his birth, and has resided here all his life, with the exception of one and one-half years that were spent in California. He was educated in the Flint schools and applied himself diligently to his studies. He was well liked by his companions and teachers, but there was nothing unusual in his boy- hood experience.
After reaching maturity. he engaged in the grocery business, and for
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seven years applied himself to this work. Then for eight years he was with the Smith Bridgman Company. His business experience has been varied and extensive, inasmuch as he was constantly on the alert for opportunities to buy or dispose of interests according to prospects of favorable transactions. He has handled furniture on an extensive scale and has also conducted busi- ness as dealer in second-hand articles.
In recent years he has given considerable attention to real estate, and is one of the members of the Riverside Land Company, which has taken such an active part in promoting the growth and extension of the city's desirable residence areas.
This company has platted "Fairview," a tract of two hundred and thirty lots, consisting of about forty acres, and is a new addition directly north of the Flint Wheel Works.
Mr. Rutherford was married December 31, 1890, to Miss Mary Cole, a native of McComb county, Michigan, and a most estimable and helpful com- panion. She became the mother of three children-John W., Bessie M., and Frank G.
Mr. Rutherford is a man that takes an active part and interest in public affairs, and is a thorough champion of all measures that have for their pur- pose the promotion of the public welfare. His good judgment and business ability have resulted in the accumulation of considerable property, including also farming interests. He is a member of the Order of Foresters, Odd Fel- lows and the Royal Guard. He and his wife are active and loyal workers in the Court street Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Rutherford having for years been a valuable counselor on the board of trustees.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
EDWIN J. CURTS.
Mr. Edwin J. Curts, the subject of this biography, is a member of the firm of Curts & Page, dealers in clothing and men's furnishings, the organi- zation of which firm took place in 1906.
Mr. Curts was born in East Saginaw, Michigan, October 23, 1870. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Bell) Curts, were both emigrants to Michigan from Ontario. Jacob Curts was a cooper by trade and operated a shop in Saginaw, and also one in Flushing, Genesee county, continuing at this until about ten years ago, at which time he removed to Manistee, and is living in re- tirement there at the present time.
Edwin J. has been living in Genesee county, therefore, since he was three years old. He received the regular common school education, after which he completed the high school course in Flushing. At the age of seven- teen he began active work by engaging as clerk, and was with the Brannan Brothers for four years. He then came to Flint in 1892, and for the next eight years was with W. C. Lewis & Company in business, and proved to be a success at his work. Later he became connected with A. M. Davison, dealer in clothing, and here he acquired a thorough insight into the intricacies of the clothing business.
Mr. Curts takes an active interest in political affairs, and his counsel and judgment have been of invaluable service to his party. In 1902 he was elected county treasurer and was re-elected to the same office in 1904, serving the people with great efficiency and integrity. He gave the office his personal attention and succeeded in discharging his duties in such a way as to win the confidence of everybody.
He started his present business in 1906 in company with his old asso- ciate. Mr. Page. The business has grown to a remarkable degree, and they now occupy a building thirty-three by seventy feet, having a tailoring depart- ment on the second floor. They now employ four assistants and their business is surpassing their most sanguine expectations.
Mr. Curts was joined in matrimony on May 6, 1896, to Miss Minnie E. Quirk, of Flint, daughter of Maurice Quirk, now deceased. Minnie was born at Chatham, Ontario, and before her marriage was employed by Homer A. Day & Company, makers of abstract books for Genesee county. She had
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become quite an experienced bookkeeper, and was of great value in the work in which she was then engaged.
The family life has been both congenial and happy, and has been bright- ened by the advent of two children, Maurice E. and Dorothy E. Socially the family has also been an estimable addition to the community, and their circle of friends is constantly widening.
FRANK T. HALL.
Another of Flint's most active business men is Mr. Frank T. Hall, dealer in agricultural implements. His place of business is located on the corner of Fifth avenue and Oak street. His father, Homer L. Hall, was a native of Genesee county, New York, and his mother, Henrietta (Cooley) Hall, was born in Pennsylvania. They were married in Genesee county, Michigan, and began their matrimonial career on a farm in Flint township. They lived at this location for a time and then removed to Louisa county, Iowa, settling on a farm. Mr. Hall cast about in various parts of Iowa and Missouri, engaging in such occupations as opened up for him. For a time he was engaged in the hotel business, and then also took up the work of printing. He returned to Genesee county, Michigan, about 1876, and has since resided here, with the exception of a few years when he lived in Petoskey and in Emmett county, Michigan. The family consisted of seven children, four sons and three daughters, Frank being the eldest child.
Frank was born in Louisa county, Iowa, August 22, 1859. He spent the greater part of his life up to the age of sixteen in Iowa, and then came to Flint, where he has since resided. He engaged in farming in Clayton town- ship, and for two and one-half years was busy at this occupation. He then disposed of this farm and bought another one in Mundy township, where he
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continued to live up to the time he removed to Flint, this being in the fall of 1901. He has been an industrious and economic manager, and now owns one hundred and fifteen acres of excellent and well improved farm land in Mundy and Flint townships.
On coming to Flint he became engaged in the sale of agricultural imple- ments and has thus continued since. He has made a good record as a dealer, having the full confidence of a large number of patrons. He handles an ex- tensive line of stock and devotes himself closely to business. He keeps well informed and up-to-date in his field, and cannot only tell his customers what is the best and most economical of the tools in the market, but wastes no time in furnishing the things wanted.
He was married in Flint township on September 29, 1878, to Miss Adora L. Torrey, who was born in Flint township and is the daughter of Jesse and Melissa Torrey, these being pioneer settlers in the community. They occupied the first farm operated in the county, this being in Flint township, and here they ended their days.
Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been the parents of three sons. Fenton A. is a farmer in Mundy township, as is also the next son, Anson F. The other son, Francis, is operating a farm in Burton township.
Mr. Hall held the office of justice of the peace in Mundy township for many years, and his decisions on the matters brought before him were always based on fairness and equity. He was elected alderman in Flint in 1907. He is a distinguished worker in the lodge of Odd Fellows and is also a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and the Red Men.
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JAY ADAMS.
Mr. Jay Adams, of 302 West Third avenue, Flint, was born in Fenner, Madison county, New York. August 27, 1825. His parents were Colonel James Adams, of Jefferson county, New York, and Sarah (Parks) Adams, of the Mohawk river district. James Adams was a colonel in the New York Cavalry and at the close of the war of 1812 was in the service at Sacket's Harbor. In 1831 the family removed to Livingston county, New York, but in 1836 came on to Michigan, taking up their quarters in Grand Blanc town- ship, Genesee county. It was thought at that time the village of Grand Blanc would become the county seat, and Mr. Adams procured land within two miles of the town. He cleared up quite a large farm and there he passed the remainder of his days, dying at the age of seventy-four years. He was a Democrat and an active worker, but did not aspire to public office. In 1837 he brought to the Flint mills the first grist raised west of Grand Blanc, as his was one of the first farms in that section to be improved. There was no settle- ment in the vicinity at that time, but one and one-half miles north of Grand Blanc stood a large building, built in 1832, called Whigville, it being ex- pected to become the county seat. Flint at that time was only an Indian trading post.
Ten children were born to these parents, all but one of whom reached
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maturity. Three of these were still living in 1907. These are Jay, our sub- ject ; Charles, of Grand Blanc, and Laura, wife of Smith Hardy, now living in Ohio. Others of the children were John, who was a farmer, living on the old homestead; he died in the winter of 1906, aged sixty years. Dorr died in 1857 when still a young man. Adelia was married to Adson Beach. After Mr. Beach's death she went to California, was married there and later passed to rest in that locality. Charlotte married Rev. Orrin Whitmore, a Methodist minister, and died in Grand Blanc. Melissa was married to Albert Torrey, of the Torrey settlement in Flint township. She died near Flint, also.
Jay remained at home on the farm, assuming charge of the place until his father's death, having in the meantime built upon it a new home. In the division of the farm he received two hundred and forty acres, including the old homestead. He remained on the farm until about 1872, at which time he removed to Holly and engaged in the handling of stock. In 1881 he removed to Flint, continuing in the stock business, and for three years conducted a meat market.
On November 12, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Ann Hardy, daughter of Francis and Dorcus (Smith) Hardy, of Howell, New York. She was born in New York state and came to Michigan at the age of six years. She grew to maturity near Howell. She is a sister of Smith Hardy, who became the husband of Mr. Adams' sister.
Mr. . and Mrs. Adams have become the parents of eight children, five of whom died in childhood, and one, Frank H., was called hence at the age of seventeen.
James B. Allen, the third child, lives at home. Sarah D. is living at home also. She has been for twelve years bookkeeper for the Randall Lumber Company.
Mr. Adams is a Democrat, but has never aspired to public office. He has devoted his time largely to the business of handling stock, and has made many interesting ventures. During the war time he bought four hundred head of horses at one purchase for the cavalry service. He enjoys fishing and endeavors to throw a ray of sunshine across the pathway of his friends, making life all the happier for those whose fortune it is to know him.
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LA FOREST BURNHAM.
Mr. La Forest Burnham, like many another of our worthy citizens, is descended from hardy New England stock. He is a native of New Hamp- shire, the "Granite state," and was born at Walpole, Cheshire county, on the banks of the Connecticut, or the "Long river." His father, Jacob B., was a physician, and his mother, Betsy Dickey, was the daughter of the estimable Matthew Dickey.
Mr. Burnham came to Saginaw, Michigan, about the spring of 1868. He was familiar with the hardships of the lumber camp life and knew per- fectly well what it mean to brave the winter blasts in cutting down the timber, and then assuming the responsibility for the still more perilous work of run- ning the "log drive" down stream.
He has had many exciting experiences in preventing log jams, often be- ing drenched from head to foot, hopping from log to log like a squirrel, but eventually coming out without mishap.
His skill in judging good timber and his knowledge of the lumber busi- ness soon put him at the head of a gang of men for getting out square timber and ship masts for a ship building firm at Saginaw. While engaged in this line of work he was united in marriage to Miss Viola Crane. Miss Crane was born in Washtenaw county. Happy in their new relationship they sailed smoothly on their journey of life, but shoals and rocks are often hidden where least expected. The panic of 1873 proved to be a waterloo for them, and all the savings of years were swept away. Mr. Burnham had deposited his accumulations in a Saginaw bank which went under in the crash. Nothing daunted, however, and he and his brave wife started out anew, renting a home and beginning again practically at the bottom of the hill. Mrs. Burn- ham raised poultry and kept cows, so that by dint of hard work, coupled with grit, pluck and perseverance, they slowly climbed the hill again.
Later Mr. Burnham decided to go into farming, and hence removed to a farm in Genesee county. Here he spent seven years of successful effort, having no difficulty in adapting himself to his new occupation, taking hold of the business like an expert, making things swing as readily as he swung the ax when getting out ship timber up among the pines. He kept his eyes open, however, for opportunities for betterment, and later removed to a farm in Shiawassee county, which farm he occupied for several years.
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He afterward removed to Gaines, still keeping in touch with his farm. He bought a small tract, a part of which now lies within the corporation limits. This he takes care of himself, for, although he has practically retired, he can not content himself by becoming inactive, but is satisfied only when keeping alert and seeing things accomplished.
+ He has taken quite an interest in breeding shorthorn cattle, realizing that in this day and age special attention must be given the subject of good stock breeding if the results in this line are to keep pace with those in other lines. He also enjoys good, well-bred horses, both on the road and on the farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Burnham are both members of the Episcopal church and find great enjoyment in this relationship. One child graced this union, Blanche, who was called by the death angel in her twentieth year.
A niece, Ethel Palmer, and Miss Rose Cod, both have enjoyed the hos- pitality of the Burnham home, having spent their early years under its care and training.
Mr. Burnham is a member of the Masonic order; in politics, a Democrat, but is, first of all, a loyal, well esteemed and progressive citizen.
ABRAHAM M. LYONS.
Mr. Abraham M. Lyons is a retired business man of Flint. He was born in Antrim township, Shiawassee county, Michigan. His parents were * among the worthy pioneers of Michigan, coming west in an early day and making for themselves a home in the primitive areas open to settlement. His father, Guy Lyons, was a native of Livingston county, New York, and his mother, Maria (Dunn) Lyons, was born in Groveland, Tompkins county, same state.
On leaving the Empire state after their marriage they came to Detroit, remaining there for a short time. In 1836 they came on to Flint, and remained there for about one year. Mr. Lyons was a farmer by occupation and soon cast about for a good location. He finally decided upon a tract of government land in Shiawassee county, Antrim township, and this became the family homestead. Here the parents lived out their allotted days, working indus- triously and happily at the duties that came to hand. Mr. Lyons was gath- ered to his fathers when well advanced in years, and Mrs. Lyons attained well into the seventies. She became the mother of a large family, consisting of almost an even division of sons and daughters.
Abraham was one of the youngest of the family and was reared on the old homestead, getting his training and experience by wrestling with the
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problems incident to life on the farm. While still under the parental roof he was married to Miss Eva S. Henry, who was born at Perry, Shiawassee county. She was a daughter of William Henry, a pioneer of the county. The new couple remained on the old farm for about one year after their marriage, after which they removed to Flint. Here Mr. Lyons became engaged in the music business, later coupling with this the handling of real estate. He soon obtained the confidence of friends and business asso- ciates, and his relations to the city's life and interests became not only profitable but pleasant as well. He has been a notary public for eight years, and while still living in Shiawassee county he was chosen deputy sheriff, serving as such for a term of two years. He is a man who has done his part in the improve- ment of the city, taking a firm stand at all times for a clean city and a fair and upright policy in the administration of the city's affairs. Since 1904 he has retired from active participation in business life, but his interest in the general welfare has not abated.
His wife, Mrs. Eva S., died at an early age. She was the mother of one daughter, Lena B., who is the wife of E. C. Mathuson, of Flint. The home- stead and farm is owned by A. M. Lyons, our subject, and his brother.
Many more items of interest connected with the life of Mr. Lyons could be given, but the events here recorded are sufficient to draw before our readers a general picture revealing the traits and events pertinent to the pur- pose of the present chronicle.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
ARCHIBALD McGILLIVRAY.
Mr. Archibald McGillivray, general contractor of Flint, was born in Montrose township, Genesee county, Michigan, August 9, 1865. His father, Duncan McGillivray, was a native of Scotland. His mother, Marion (Street) er) McGillivray, was a descendant of pioneers from New York state. Her parents came to Genesee county, Michigan, when the wilderness still reigned. There was only one trail into this district, and over this trail trade was carried overland to Pontiac and other points. Flint consisted of but a few shanties at this time. Mr. Streeter attained the age of ninety years. Mrs. Streeter, whose maiden name was Catherine Marion, was a sister of Francis Marion, of revolutionary fame. Mr. Duncan McGillivray became a lumberman in Genesee and Saginaw counties, and engaged in exporting pine, square oak timber. etc., for vessel building. He is still living on his farm in Montrose township.
Archibald remained at home until twenty-seven years of age. He be- came interested in lumbering when still a boy, and as soon as practicable he devoted himself to the business. He handled export trade almost exclu- sively. He would purchase a tract of timber land and then get out the material for vessel building, etc. For two years he was connected with the Flatt Bradley Company, of Hamilton, Ontario, looking after that firm's lumber in- terests at Saginaw. He was also employed for a time by the state to guard the timber interests on the state lands.
He next started a sawmill and the crating works in Flint. He has not had all smooth sailing, however, for at one time his plant was completely burned out. He set resolutely to work and in a short time was again doing a good business. His energy and pluck found expression in many enterprises with which he later became connected, one of these being the Flint Sleigh Company. At the present time he is doing general contracting business.
He was married at Vienna to Miss Anna Colton, who died seven years after their union. Three children were born to them. They are: Archie Lee. Glen Gary, and Marguerite. Mr. McGillivray's second marriage took place in Flint in 1902 to Miss Winifred Williams, of Genesee township, daughter of Samuel Williams.
Mr. McGillivray is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His standing
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among his friends and business associates is excellent, all of whom sustain the highest confidence in his integrity and sound business judgment.
FREDRICK L. TUPPER, M. D.
Fredrick L. Tupper, M. D., of Flint, was born in Michigan in the '50S. His father, the Rev. Alexander Tupper, was born in Monroe county, New York, and his mother, Mary (Gamble) Tupper, was a native of Vermont. Rev. Tupper came to Michigan in an early day and assumed pastorates in various parts of the state. He preached his first sermon in a log school at Grand Blanc. He had charge of Baptist congregations in Pontiac, Milford, Clarkston, and also at Toledo, Ohio. For two years he had charge of the First Baptist church of Flint. He was a man of rare talent and of wide edu- cation. He spoke seven different languages and was a fluent pulpit orator. He possessed considerable business ability and mechanical genius, and was enabled to carry out other projects while still discharging his duties as pastor. He built the first gas works in Pontiac, Michigan, his talent and fitness being at once recognized by the citizens. His inventive turn of mind found expres- sion in several patents that have proved valuable additions in their respective fields. He was of a benevolent turn, but took heed not to parade his gifts before men. He departed this life while living in Ohio. Mrs. Tupper died in Michigan. This union resulted in the birth of a large family, all of whom are now deceased except Fredrick, the subject of our sketch, and one sister, Mary L., wife of J. F. Becker.
Fredrick's boyhod days were spent chiefly on Michigan soil. On reaching maturity he engaged in business in Clark county, remaining there for about ten years. He then discontinued his interests there and removed to West Bay City. Later he came to Flushing and then took up the study of medicine. He entered the Michigan College of Medicine at Detroit and graduated in due time. He began the practice of his profession in West Bay City, where he continued to practice for several years, when, on account of ill health, he gave up active practice for a time in order to recuperate.
Following this he removed to Flint, and as his health became restored he entered again actively into the practice of his profession. He soon estab-
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lished a good business and was immediately recognized as an able addition to the medical fraternity of the city. He is not only progressive, but aggressive as well, and has been identified with leading local and national medical organ- izations. He is a member of the North American National Association, the State Medical Society and also the Genesee County Medical Association.
He was married in 1902 to Miss Jennie Reed, who was born in Huron county, Michigan, and their union has resulted in the birth of two children.
Dr. Tupper has been active in public life wherever he has been stationed, having been health officer for several years while at Bay City, and while at Meredith performed efficient service for the general welfare.
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