USA > Michigan > Genesee County > Biographical history of Genesee County, Michigan > Part 7
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In 1875 Mr. Curtis was joined in wedlock to an able teacher of Lapeer county, Miss Alvira M. Harris, whose parents were also pioneers of the state. Her father, Alanson Harris, was a native of New York, and after set- tling in Michigan, assisted in locating the capital of the state at Lansing. Her mother was a native of Vermont. One of her brothers, Harrison, of Mata- mora, is eighty-one years old, and, according to the Detroit Free Press, has voted ninety-one times, and is one of the best preserved men in Lapeer county. Another brother, Byron, has his home at Mayville, in Tuscola county.
Mabella, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis, is well on her way to graduation in the Flint schools. The family are regular attendants of St. Paul's Episcopal church, and are alive to all matters that concern the welfare of the city.
GEORGE E. MCKINLEY.
George E. Mckinley, present mayor of Flint, like many another staunch American, traces his ancestry back to the "Emerald isle."
The subject of our biography was born in Flint on August 12, 1871. He grew up in the town of his birth, and was educated in the local schools. He was a boy of steady habits and applied himself closely to whatever he under- took to do. As he approached manhood he realized the necessity of taking up a definite occupation, and learned the cigar maker's trade as an apprentice with George T. Warren. After becoming proficient at his work and having obtained a thorough knowledge of the trade and its attendant problems, he decided to go into business, and in company with Patrick Ryan entered actively into the field. His business insight and energetic methods soon set on foot a large volume of trade. Patronage came on every side, and ere long a goodly force of employes was needed to supply the demand, although it had seemed at first that the opportunities were more or less restricted. In the business training thus afforded it became apparent that he possessed not only foresight, but ability to get along with and to mingle with men. He was quick in estimating obstacles as they would arise, and his genius enabled him to handle them carefully and intelligently.
His circle of acquaintances widened and his many friends in the first
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ward prevailed upon him to serve them as alderman from their ward. He consented and for six years rendered commendable and acceptable service in that capacity. This experience proved that he has a thorough understanding of the people. He revealed a broad grasp of municipal problems and awak- ened confidence in his executive as well as administrative ability. During these years his popularity was steadily increasing, and culminated finally in his nomination by the Democratic party for the office of mayor in 1906. After his election and entrance into the highest office of trust afforded by the city, he set himself about to advance the interests of the community in every possible way.
The problems of the city government are among the most perplexing of any to be met. The needs are great on every hand. On the one side there is always a progressive element who want advancement and up-to-date improve- ments in various lines. On the other hand there is the conservative element who advocate letting well enough alone. How to bring the two together, satisfy both, and yet get something accomplished forms the problem to face. To this task Mayor Mckinley resolutely addressed himself. How well he succeeded is told by the verdict of his re-election in 1907.
The mayor has manifested an aggressive spirit for improvement and advancement along all lines. His policy is that the best is none too good for the people. He has fearlessly grappled the street improvement problem, tak- ing the stand that clean, well-kept, and well-improved streets not only make a city more sanitary, but also make it more attractive as a place of residence ; hence the town as a whole will reap great benefit from this phase of civic policy. The new city hall, which is being built under his administration, will stand as a monument to his progressiveness.
"A wealthy and progressive community," says Mayor Mckinley, "should have city offices and business departments in quarters that are fully commen- surate with the dignity and the importance of the city's growing needs." This hall will probably cost in the aggregate a sum approaching $100,000.
The mayor has also taken an active interest in the city sewage question, viewing it mainly from the sanitary standpoint. This is a problem that has been vexatious to city authorities on every hand, the questions of cost and disposal calling forth an endless variety of propositions. The subject of good sidewalks has also received its share of attention, and improvements in that line have been pushed with vigor.
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The fire department is also an important factor in preserving the safety and welfare of life and property. The city of Flint now has four stations, employs seventeen men, and has up-to-date and well-equipped . apparatus. Good insurance rates are much more easily obtained when the facilities for combating fire are adequate. The tone of the police department is most excellent, reducing the number of law violations considerably, thus ren- dering the city both safe and attractive. The public parks are being made places of beauty and of artistic excellence. The best skill available is being employed to make the city "beautiful, complete, and clean."
Mr. Mckinley was married on November 26, 1891, to Miss Henrietta E. Lane, of Detroit, who has proved to be a most charming helpmeet to her husband, and has won for herself an enviable host of friends. The mayor has also found time, though comparatively young in years, to identify him- self with many of the best lodges of the day, being a member of the Masons, Eagles, Elks, Knights of Pythias, and the Modern Woodmen.
Though all Mckinleys cannot be Presidents of the United States, as Major William McKinley was, yet George E. Mckinley has demonstrated that they may, in their own part of the commonwealth, live up to their ideals as nobly as did the noble and beloved martyred President of our nation.
DANIEL D. PRATT.
Mr. Daniel D. Pratt, another of Flint's able and respected citizens, is a descendant from New York ancestry. His parents, Uri and Mary ( Estes) Pratt, both came from Broome county. New York, to Genesee county, Michigan, in 1850 and settled in what is now Burton township. They took up the usual task of clearing and putting into better shape a tract of land, and for many years occupied themselves very completely at this work. They formed congenial relationships with their neighbors and soon became a much valued and highly esteemed addition to the community. Mr. Pratt spent al- most all of his days in Burton township, barring about four years. These four years were taken up with a sojourn in the state of Washington. Not finding his affairs there such that he could remain longer, he returned to Genesee county and finished his life's course in the state of his adoption. Mrs. Pratt passed away on April 23. 1885, at the age of sixty years, while Mr. Pratt attained the age of seventy years, departing this life in July, 1895. They were active workers and highly esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The family was made up of two other children besides Daniel, namely. Hannah and Eugene, but Daniel is now the only surviving member. He was born in the county of Broome, New York, on July 18. 1845. According to the previous statement, he was but five years old when coming
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to this county with his parents. He was a wide-awake and industrious boy, and one that mingled well with his playmates and friends. He was brought up on the farm, getting rugged experience in the struggle with nature, but in all this he profited both in knowledge and its application. He received a good common school education, such as was afforded by the district schools of the time. He remained with his parents on the farm until he reached his years of maturity, and was of invaluable aid to his parents during these years, rendering them valuable assistance both by hard work and good counsel.
On May 27, 1868, he was married to Miss Anna E. Meyers, who was the daughter of George L. and Nancy (Sommers) Myers. (Their family history is given in this work in the sketch headed George Myers, of Burton township. ) Miss Myers was the eldest of a family of eight children and was born in Otsego county, New York, on July 5, 1849. She came with her parents to Genesee county about 1867. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Pratt engaged for about ten years in operating his father's farm in Burton township. His knowledge of general affairs and his business experi- ence led him, however, to abandon active farm work, and he became engaged in the mercantile trade at Atlas, Genesee county. Here he put in a busy twelve years, at the conclusion of which he made a venture out to the state of Washington. While there under the alternately balmy and cloudy skies he grappled with fortune by devoting his attention to ranching, continuing at this for a period of four years. At the expiration of this time he came back to Genesee county. He located in Flint and opened up a first-class grocery. He has had a very commendable trade, commands a wide patronage, and is still actively engaged in the work. He has been the supervisor of the sixth ward since 1902, and had previously held township offices of various kinds. He is an active worker in the Masonic order. The family's activities in church lines have been liberal and varied, and this, coupled with a genial social spirit, has made them the most desirable of citizens.
GEORGE HENRY TURNER.
There is probably no city of its size in the state, other than Flint, that has more people of state-wide reputation and so many whose prominence reaches even beyond the state borders. Among others of more than local fame is George Henry Turner, county agent of the state board of corrections and charities. The record of Mr. Turner's career makes up an interesting chroni- cle. He was born in Stockbridge. Berkshire county, Massachusetts, on Sep- tember 28, 1840, removing to Waterbury, Connecticut, the town of time-piece fame, when twelve years old. His father, Cornelius W. Turner, together with his mother, Eliza A. (Young) Turner, emigrated later with their family to Michigan, and both spent their remaining days in Genesee county, his father attaining the age of eighty-two years.
At the age of seventeen George began to learn the carriage making trade. His brother. Clark, two years his senior, worked on the "Wolverine Citizen," in Pontiac, Michigan, after coming west. Later he bought the "Pontiac Gazette" and continued as its editor for thirty years, and still makes his home in that city.
George completed his apprenticeship in about three years, coming out at the end of that time with only his trade as capital. Shortly after this, the muterings of the thunder of war began to be heard, and ere long the storm
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broke over the country in full fury. George's patriotic blood began to boil at once, and he enlisted in the Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Com- pany A, which was rendezvousing at Camp Blair, Detroit. The three months' quota being filled, this regiment was put on the three-year list. George did not get into the first call, so he accepted his discharge and returned to Flint, where he began to work at his trade. This lasted for a short time only, as he could not content himself at this work while the conflict for the preserva- tion of the Union was still waging. Consequently he enlisted again, this time in the Fenton Guards, with Colonel Fenton as captain. Later he was sent to Ft. Wayne, where the Seventh Regiment was under drill, and was mustered in. After some shifting they went out to service, and were sent to Washington. They made the ocean voyage to Hilton Head, South Carolina, and landed later at Beauford, same state. To trace the experiences of this company would make a volume in itself. Battle after battle, long and exhausting marches, hasty campaigns with their attendant vicissitudes, make up the chapters of this epoch-making era. South Mountain, Antietam, Hampton Roads, Peninsular Campaign, McClellan's marches, and Burnside's expeditions, these are all names that carry with them a meaning familiar to almost every American. After the action at James Island the loss of officers was such that Mr. Turner was put in charge of Company B and led that company at South Mountain and also at Antietam. Later he was made first lieutenant of Company K, and afterward was mustered out of the service, having broken down in health to such an extent as to unfit him for further duties in the cause. It may be of interest to mention that while stationed at Beauford, South Carolina, he was sent home to aid in mustering up recruits, and was instrumental in sending to the front twenty-five or thiry men who entered various companies throughout the territory.
Upon returning home after being mustered out, he assumed direction of a photograph gallery at Pontiac, where his brother, as above mentioned, pub- lished the "Gazette." Later he bought the old shop in Flint in which he had learned his trade. For the next year he continued business at this location, which was on Saginaw street, opposite the present city hall. Close attention to business and conscientious workmanship soon drew a substantial trade, making it necessary for him to employ a goodly number of men. It is said that he put up in his shop more wagons than any other manufacturer of the kind in this region. He continued at this location until 1887. He became
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the patentee of what was known as the truss rod. This rod is one that is placed under the axle in such a way as to greatly re-enforce the strength of the axle itself. Later John Algo became a partner in the patent, and it finally was turned over to the Jackson Wagon Works, remaining in their possession until its expiration. Mr. Turner's business always received his undivided personal attention.
But, while engrossed with the numerous duties of his vocation, Mr. Turner was not indifferent to his obligations as a citizen, and consented to serve on the board of aldermen. Further, while in the council he was instru- mental in securing the paving of Saginaw street with cedar blocks from Fifth street to the bridge, and was at all times a champion of improvements.
Under Governor Alger he was appointed oil inspector and served in this capacity a total time of about five and one-half years. In this work he cov- ered the entire thirteenth oil district, embracing the counties of Genesee, Lapeer, Shiawassee and Livingston. For twenty-two years he has been county agent for the state board of corrections and charities. His long term of service at this post is but a compliment to his devotion and interest in the prosecution of the incumbent duties. Perhaps it is in this work that some of his strongest characteristics have become evident. Such an agent is ap- pointed in each state, and his duties consist largely in placing children from the state institutions into suitable homes throughout the state. The institu- tions just mentioned are such as the state school at Coldwater, the in- dustrial school at Adrian, and also the one at Lansing. Mr. Turner has made an enviable record, having to his credit more children placed in homes than any other agent. In doing this it has not been his aim at all to excel any one else, but the results have come from his deep love for the work and his active interest in the lives and destinies of those who lack the hallowed influence of a good, clean, wholesome, uplifting home atmosphere. In shaping and molding the tender characters of these children the fruits of his labors are becoming more and more apparent as the wings of time swing steadily on. He keeps constantly in touch with the children, and in this way has seen many a boy de- velop into a sturdy and manly citizen. The cash remuneration for this work is extremely small, but his pleasure is not measured by dollars and cents, but rather by a feeling of joy that comes from following the example of Him, who, while on earth, "went about doing good."
Mr. Turner is an active Mason also, and is a loyal member of the Grand
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Army of the Republic. He is active in church work, having been a member in some official capacity for thirty-five years.
On June 12, 1867, at Pontiac, Michigan, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Scott, of that city. She, too, is an active worker in the Meth- odist Episcopal church. Their family consisted of William L., who died in Flint, at the age of twenty-seven; Margaret, wife of James Buchanan, of Chicago; Augusta, a graduate of the Chicago Art Institute, class of 1907; and Frank S., assistant cashier and teller in the Flint National Bank.
This brings us to the close of the summary of a well rounded character. Mr. Turner's varied interests and activities have revealed a many-sided nature. As a patriot he left home and friends and faced death on the field of battle. In following his trade he placed himself in line and in harmony with the industrial masses of the country. As an inventor he has shown his leadership; as a citizen, both progressive and conservative; as a philanthropist, far- sighted, self-sacrificing and altruistic; as a member of the church militant, always abounding in good works; as a father, with "children, like olive plants, roundabout his table."
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
JOHN C. ZIMMERMAN.
Another descendant of sturdy German ancestry is the fearless sheriff of Genesee county, Mr. John C. Zimmerman. His parents were John and Eliza- beth (Dietz) Zimmerman, both natives of Germany. They came to Genesee county in 1853, and Mr. Zimmerman was engaged for a great many years in the manufacture of brick. Their family consisted of seven children, of whom John C. was the second. He was born in Flint on October 15, 1863. He was reared in that city and received his education in the city schools. As a boy he was industrious and obedient, and his school life was active and vigorous. He was always a good mixer and as he grew to manhood these traits mani- fested themselves in his manifold public activities. He worked for his father in the brick business, and was for seventeen years engaged in brick manu- facturing for himself.
.He was married in Flint on April 30, 1891, to Miss Mary Grant, who was also born in Genesee county. She was the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Haight) Grant. Mr. Grant emigrated to the United States from his native state in Canada.
Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman are the parents of a healthy and robust family. They are: May, John W., Bernice, and Dorothy. They take great pride
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in their children, and have spared no pains in bringing them up to make them reliable and intelligent members of the community.
John C. Zimmerman's courageous and impartial attitude has won for him the confidence of the people, and this resulted in his election to the office of county sheriff in 1904. That his services met with the endorsement of the people is verified by the fact that he was re-elected to the place in 1906. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has the hearty good will of a host of friends. Mr. Zimmerman has impressed himself upon the people as a man of firm convictions and courageous temperament. He has shown a knack for executive and administrative affairs, and a glance at the record of Flint's public men reveals to us the fact that Mr. Zimmerman has served the people well and faithfully. Mr. John Zimmerman, father of our subject, was mayor of Flint for two terms and transacted the business affairs of the city with a marked degree of efficiency. He discharged the duties of his office without fear or favor. In addition to the above he was asked repeatedly by his constitu- ents to act as alderman, and for seven years he carried on the duties of this place of trust. He was an energetic and efficient party worker in the Re- publican ranks, and rendered unlimited service, which was at all times fair and honest.
LAFAYETTE THOMPSON.
Lafayette Thompson was born in Schuyler county, New York, Septem- ber 3, 1824. After the death of his father, Bradley Thompson, which oc- curred when Lafayette was about six years of age, the boy went to live with an older brother in Pennsylvania. Later, in 1839, he, with his mother and a brother-in-law, Mr. Henry W. Cooper, came to Michigan, arriving at Detroit by steamer from Buffalo. From Detroit they drove to Fenton, reaching this point early in June of that year. Other members of the Thompson family were intimately connected with the pioneer industries of this vicinity. Henry Thompson came to Fenton and erected his own home there in 1836. Earlier he and his brother built the first frame house in Grand Blanc (in 1835). They, with another associate, also established a good saw and grist mill at Linden. Henry died at Fenton later. The other brother, Claudius, was elected sheriff of Genesee county in 1860, and was in many ways a useful citizen in the community. He died in April, 1889, at the age of seventy- five years. Lydia Thompson, a sister, was married to James Ball, a mill- wright, who had also built the first saw mill in Linden. While building a mill in Shiawassee county in 1836 he met there his untimely death. Owing to an insecure foothold he slipped and fell to the ground, sustaining a broken neck. His remains were the first to be buried in Linden cemetery.
Lafayette, after his arrival. began farm work, plowing with yoke cattle, and making himself useful, receiving about ten dollars per month as wages. In 1852 he bought an unimproved piece of land on the Livingston county line, five miles west of Fenton. Here he applied himself diligently to his work, remaining on the place till 1890. Mr. Thompson knows by his own
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experience on this farm what it means to dig his own way. He went into debt for a part of the farm at the start, worked for the neighbors to get seed for the fields, built the needed improvements, and by dint of hard effort turned it into a first-class farm in every particular, finally selling it at a good price. After selling the farm he retired to his present home in the eastern part of Fenton. Though not a politician Mr. Thompson has decided con- victions on the questions of the day, and has affiliated with the Republican party in the past. He has also been alive to his obligations to the religious needs of himself and community, having been an active class leader in the Methodist church at Linden for over thirty years.
Mr. Thompson was married one mile north of Fenton to Miss Mary Lathrop Chipman, who, with her parents, came west from Vermont and set- tled here in 1841. Later, in 1849, her father was attacked with typhoid fever, and, as the doctors of that day were not so skilled in combating this disease, he succumbed to his fate. Her mother lived till 1897, having reached the age of eighty-eight years.
Mrs. Thompson departed this life on April 30, 1907, having been married sixty-two years. She was born on March 30, 1828, and through- out her days was a great lover of flowers. Her home was brightened all the year round with sweet-scented, beautifully colored flowers of almost every variety. She was also a highly esteemed member of the Methodist church.
The son, Rev. Fayette L., is the only child now living, three others hav- ing died. He was educated at the Northwestern University, having made up his mind early in life to become a minister of the "glad tidings."
He belonged at one time to the Michigan Methodist Episcopal conference, has been noted as a popular lecturer, was for three years in Minneapolis, and is now pastor of one of the prosperous Methodist churches of St. Louis.
His career affords considerable pleasure to his father, who is now living in quiet retirement at his home in Fenton.
LEONARD E. KNAPP, M. D.
In nearly every community there are some citizens that take the lead and make their "footprints on the sands of time." This has been the case with Dr. L. E. Knapp, of Fenton. Mr. Knapp was born in Salem, Washtenaw county, Michigan, November 24, 1842. His father, Mr. Miron E. Knapp, cooper and farmer, came west with an elder brother when thir- teen years old. Later he was united in marriage to Miss Amanda M. Hall, who died at the age of fifty-four, while Mr. Knapp reached the age of seventy- seven years.
Leonard attended the seminary at Ypsilanti, began to read medicine at twenty-four with a cousin, Dr. A. S. Knapp, having previously graduated from Eastman's National Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York. Desiring to lay as broad a foundation as possible, he extended his preparations at the Homeopathic Hospital College at Cleveland, and graduated there. He also took a course in the medical department of the State University in Michigan. He then began to practice at Linden, coming to Fenton eight years later. Although his grounding in the profession was already broader than is usual, Mr. Knapp took a post-graduate course in a distinguished medical college in New York, devoting special study to the eye, ear, nose and throat, and to the diseases of women, and has had abundant practice since as a
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