Biographical history of northern Michigan containing biographies of prominent citizens, Part 104

Author:
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Indianapolis : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 966

USA > Michigan > Biographical history of northern Michigan containing biographies of prominent citizens > Part 104

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

FRANK MCINTYRE.

An enumeration of the representative . citizens of Hersey, the thriving capital city of Osceola county, must needs include in a prominent way the name which introduces this paragraph. Not only has Mr. McIn- tyre won recognition and definite success for himself but he has also contributed to the industrial prestige and civic service of the community, being distinctively a man of affairs and wielding marked influence in local affairs of a public and business nature. He is postmaster of Hersey at the time of this writing and is also proprietor of the Hersey roller mills, representing one of the most important industrial and commercial enterprises in the county.

Mr. McIntyre is a native son of the Wolverine state, having been born in Alle- gan county, Michigan, on the 22d of June, 1865, and being a son of Alanson and Olive

(Harvey) McIntyre, both natives of the state of New York. The father of our sub- ject continued to be identified with agricul- tural pursuits in Allegan county until 1880, when he came with his family to Osceola county and settled on a farm in Rose Lake township, where he has developed one of the best places in this section of the state and where he still resides. Mrs. McIntyre died in March, 1891. He is one of the in- fluential citizens of the county and one who commands the most unequivocal confidence and esteem. Our subject secured his early educational training in the district schools of his native county and was about thirteen years of age at the time of the family re- moval to Osceola county, where he contin- ued to attend the public schools as oppor- tunity afforded, in the meanwhile assisting his father in the work of the home farm. He was thus associated with his father until he had attained his legal majority, and he initi- ated his independent career by locating in Marion, this county, where he engaged in the mercantile business on a modest scale, remaining there located for five years and building up a profitable enterprise in the line. In 1896, as candidate on the Republican ticket, Mr. McIntyre was elected sheriff of the county, and this implied his removal to the county-seat, Hersey, where he has ever since resided. He gave a most able and dis- criminating administration of the affairs of the county shrievalty and was chosen as his own successor in 1898, thus serving four consecutive years as sheriff and making an admirable record. He has been identified with public affairs of a local nature from practically his boyhood days, and has held a number of minor township offices, while he also served as a member of the village

801

NORTHERN MICHIGAN.

council of Marion and as village clerk. He screenings from his mill in the feeding of has been an ardent worker in the local ranks stock. The leading brand of flour manu- factured is the "Snow Flake," and the prod- uct is one which has gained a high reputa- tion for superior excellence, shipments hav- ing been made to points outside the state. In addition to the handling of the large quantities of wheat, the rye product is also one of importance in the connection, Mr. McIntyre having handled fifty thousand bushels in 1902. of the "grand old party" and is one of the Republican wheelhorses in his county. In 1902 he was appointed postmaster at Her- sey, and is giving most acceptable service in this position, having made many improve- ments in the office equipment and done much to promote the general efficiency of the serv- ice. From the Hersey office mail is deliv- ered over two different rural routes, and this free service is greatly appreciated by the farmers of this section. In a fraternal way Mr. McIntyre is identified with the Knights of the Maccabees, the Knights of Pythias and the local lodge of Free and Ac- cepted Masons.

At the expiration of his term as sheriff Mr. McIntyre purchased from J. S. Ed- wards the Hersey roller mills, which he has since successfully operated. The build- ing utilized was erected by Hon. Delos A. Blodgett, of Grand Rapids, more than thirty years ago, being one of the first flouring mills in this section, and during the owner- ship of Mr. Edwards the full roller equip- ment was installed, the mill having the best and most modern facilities and having an output capacity of seventy-five barrels a day. December 26, 1903, the mill was destroyed by fire. This was at once rebuilt and is con- structed of cement block, a modern and up- to-date mill, considered one of the best in the state. Both a merchant and exchange milling business is conducted, and Mr. Mc- Intyre also buys and ships grain in connec- tion with his milling enterprise. He raises a considerable amount of live stock, having a farm near the town, and each year places sheep and hogs on the market, finding it profitable to utilize much of the waste and

In the city of Saginaw, Michigan, on the 28th of June, 1894, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. McIntyre to Miss Grace Snyder, and they have three children, Jessie, Cassius and Asenath. Mr. McIntyre is a member of the Congregational church, while Mrs. McIntyre affiliated with the Presbyter- ian. Mrs. McIntyre died April 1, 1903.

LEMUEL D. BARTHOLOMEW.

One of the distinctively representative business men and highly regarded citizens of Charlevoix is the subject of this sketch, who has been identified with local interests in a prominent way for the past score of years and who has proven himself a public-spir- ited and progressive citizen and reliable and enterprising business man, so that he has naturally gained and retained the implicit confidence and esteem of the people of the community in which he has so long made his home. Mr. Bartholomew is engaged in the hardware and plumbing business and his establishment is one of the leading concerns of the sort in this section of the state. He handles full lines of heavy and shelf hard- ware, stoves, ranges, paints, oils, glass, etc.,

802

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF

and has well-equipped tinning, plumbing and roofing departments. The prosperous enterprise dates its inception back to 1884, when the business was instituted on a modest scale, while it has kept pace with the devel- opment of the town and surrounding country and is now an important and thriving mer- cantile concern. Mr. Bartholomew's well- appointed and centrally located building is a substantial brick structure of two stories and basement, the same having been erected by him and being one of the attractive busi- ness blocks of Charlevoix.

Like many other residents of Michigan, Mr. Bartholomew can claim the old Buck- eye state as the place of his nativity, since he was born at Geneva, Ashtabula county, Ohio, on the 25th of February, 1836. The name which he bears has been long identified with the annals of American history, the family having been founded on American soil in the colonial epoch, while the first rep- resentatives in Ohio removed to that state from Connecticut, having been pioneers of the celebrated Connecticut Western Re- serve, in which section of Ohio was inaugur- ated the work of developing one of the greatest of our commonwealths. The Bar- tholomews were numbered among the first four families to locate in Ashtabula county in 1800, and the father of the subject con- tinued to be identified with agricultural pur- suits in that section of Ohio until his death, having been the owner of a fine landed es- tate in Ashtabula county and having suc- cessfully carried forward the work inaugur- ated by his father, who was one of the ster- ling pioneers of that section.

Lemuel D. Bartholomew passed his boy- hood days on the old homestead farm and secured his early educational training in the

common schools, and also at Kingsville Academy, in his native state. At the age of seventeen years he went to Wisconsin, where he remained one year, then locating in Monee, Illinois, where he secured em- ployment as clerk in a mercantile establish- ment. He continued to reside in Illinois for six years and has ever since been concerned in some capacity with mercantile business, save for an interval of about six years, dur- ing which time he was engaged in the nur- sery and fruit business, for a portion of the time at Albion, Calhoun county, Michigan, and later at Spring Lake, Ottawa county, in which latter locality he gave his attention specially to the handling of peach stock, practically initiating the enterprise of peach- growing in that section, now widely cele- brated as one of the best portions of Michi- gan's famous "peach belt." Finally the sub- ject's health became so impaired as to lead him to seek a change of climate and occupa- tion. In the spring of 1872 he disposed of his interests at Spring Lake and set forth to seek a favorable location and one free from the menace of malaria, from which he had suffered much. He first made a trip to Kan- sas, where he remained a few weeks, and within this time a physician there advised him to locate at least temporarily in the northern part of the state of Michigan, con- vincing him that the conditions here were such as to insure to him recuperation of his physical energies, while his wife also was in ill health and in need of a change of climate. They accordingly came up the lake by boat to Antrim county, landing on the dock in the little village of Norwood. While still stand- ing on the dock he chanced to hear a citizen of the place remark 'to another, "There comes another man for us to bury," so that

803

NORTHERN MICHIGAN.

it may be inferred that the subject did not present a very robust appearance at the time. He soon began to improve in health and in a few months came to Charlevoix, having not yet determined upon making a perma- nent home in this section. He was much im- pressed with the location of the embryonic village, whose only mercantile concern at the time was the general store conducted by the firm of Fox, Rose & Buttars. Mr. Bartholo- mew passed the summer of 1873 in Califor- nia, but in the Golden state did not find re- lease from malarial conditions, so decided to make a permanent location in northern Michigan. That year he entered into a part- nership with Egbert Carpenter in the estab- lishment of a general mercantile business here, their store being the second in the town. Mr. Bartholomew, seeing the possi- ble advantage and profit in handling wood in its various forms and products, purchased a vessel and bought and shipped wood, bark, ties and posts to Milwaukee and Chicago. He also owned a small passenger steamer plying from Charlevoix to East Jordan and Boyne City. He was identified with the general store for ten years, and in the mean- while he had also engaged in handling agri- cultural implements and machinery, begin- ning operations in this line in 1883, while about a year later he erected his present commodious and substantial business block and also expanded his scope of enterprise by installing a complete stock of hardware. After continuing the business about two years, he sold a half interest in his hardware stock to Forrest S. Blanchard, who has been a partner in the business ever since. Mr. Bartholomew identified himself enthusias- tically with the business, industrial and civic affairs of this section and has been signally

loyal and public-spirited, while he has aided materially in the development and substan- tial upbuilding of local interests. He has handled a large amount of village, farm and timber lands, having improved several farms and being still the owner of several tracts of land near his home town. He has also im- proved several properties in the village, erecting good houses, and his investments in such realty have proved profitable in nearly every case. Mr. Bartholomew was also one of those prominently identified with the exploitation of Charlevoix and neigh- boring districts for summer-resort purposes, and he was a member of the committee who secured a tract of twenty-five acres and initi- ated the so-called Charlevoix summer home. The property was purchased by local busi- ness men and donated to a number of influ- ential Kalamazoo citizens for resort pur- poses, the result being the erection of a num- ber of summer cottages on the tract by these Kalamazoo citizens, who formed a summer colony which adequately advertised the Char- levoix district as a resort of the most at- tractive order, the present notable prestige of the locality being primarily due to the ef- forts put forth as noted.

In politics Mr. Bartholomew gives a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, of whose basic principles and policies he is an unwavering advocate, and while he has been essentially enterprising and public-spir- ited as a citizen he has had no ambition for official preferment. He refused to become a candidate for village president, but for four years was incumbent of the office of jus- tice of the peace, while for an equal length of time he was a valued member of the local board of education, having been chairman of the building committee which had in

804

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF

charge the erection of the present fine school building, at a cost of sixteen thousand dol- lars. He is now a member of the board of public works in the city of Charlevoix. Our subject was the fourth Democrat to locate in Charlevoix and he has been one of the local party leaders from that time, when there were practically none to lead, to the present, when the party organization is vigorous and loyal. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a charter member of the lodge at this place. Mr. Bartholomew spends his winters in a southern climate, and prefers southern Flor- ida to any place he has ever wintered at.

At Albion, Calhoun county, this state, on December 14, 1869, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Bartholomew to Miss Mary L. Blanchard, who was born and reared in that county, and they have three children, V. Blanche, who is the wife of Thomas A. Robinson, of Atlanta, Georgia; Winifred M., who is a talented musician, and Forest L., who is an architect by profession and en- gaged in the city of Chicago in connection with the board of education.

RUDOLPH DUELTGEN.

The name of Rudolph Dueltgen, the sub- ject of this sketch, suggests one of the best known citizens of Presque Isle county, Mich- igan. He was born at Flint, Michigan, in 1863, and when only a boy of eight years re- moved with his parents to Crawford's Quar- ry, then a hustling but rude village on the shore of Lake Huron, but which has now fallen into decay. Here he grew to young manhood, with a rather meager chance to

obtain an education so far as the school-room was concerned, but, actively engaged in a great variety of the industries by which he was surrounded, he unconsciously acquired a wide and accurate knowledge of the real things about him which have been of prac- tical value to him, fitting him for the career which was opening before him. He became an expert woodsman, and having exception- ally good judgment in the estimation of land and timber values he recognized the oppor- tunities around him for profitable investment in such properties and early invested therein his savings, a moderate sum, which has dem- onstrated the good judgment of the investor. In a very marked degree Mr. Dueltgen has enjoyed the confidence of the people of his county, and while he is as far as possible from being a self-seeking politician, he has been called upon to assume many important trusts and hold a variety of official positions which have rather sought the man than been sought by him. In 1886, when he had only just attained his majority, he was chosen to the important office of sheriff; succeeding himself, he was retained in that position un- til 1890, when he became register of deeds. Retiring from that office after a single term, he gave his attention wholly to his lumber- ing interests for a period of four years. when he was elected, in 1896, to the office of judge of probate, which he still holds, having been elected for the third time to that position in 1904. In politics an earnest Re- publican, he has always been elected by such majorities as evidence his popularity with all parties.

Judge Dueltgen was married while still a young man to Theresa Hoeft, a daughter of Herman Hoeft, a prominent citizen of Presque Isle county for many years, but

805

NORTHERN MICHIGAN.

now a resident of San Jose, California, and his domestic relations have ever been most happy.

Taken all in all, his career affords the rare spectacle of an unusually modest and retiring man, whose merits have found the recognition and reward which they so richly (leserve, and forced him into positions of prominence, which he has accepted with a certain modesty of manner which, united with his kindness of heart and inflexible honesty of purpose, have so fortified him in the regard and esteem of the people of his chosen county that, in the expressive language of one of the opposition papers dur- ing a recent campaign : "He couldn't be pried loose with a crow bar," an unconscious admission of his popularity, which his friends made good at the polls.

The Judge is an active member and worker in several fraternal organizations and prominent in all public measures for the advancement of his home town. He has for many years occupied a seat in the council hall and has been recognized as a conserva- tive and yet progressive member of that body of village solons. Of simple tastes and hab- its, fond of such rural sports as forest and stream afford, devoted to his family and sur- rounded by his friends, he lives the ideal life of the contented country gentleman. His residence, situated in the midst of spacious grounds in which the beauties of nature are carefully preserved, is one of the pleasantest homes in the village. Of a rather retiring dis- position, Judge Dueltgen is slow to assume positions of prominence, but has grown to be recognized as a man who succeeds, whose judgment is rarely at fault, and who can al- ways be relied upon to act with fidelity to the trust confided to him.

Others may, have a greater number of friends, but not more devoted, and none can have fewer enemies; and without being him- self aware of it, he has made and is still making himself a potent factor for good in his community.

F. E. MARTIN.

Among those enterprising and progres- sive citizens of northern Michigan who have in direct way contributed to the development of this section, none have played a more im- portant part than he whose name appears above. Mr. Martin came to what is now In- dian River village, Cheboygan county, in 1873. one of the very first permanent set- tlers here. and in 1879 started a general store, located on the site of his present es- tablishment. the building in which the post- office is located. In 1880 he reecived the ap- pointment as postmaster of Indian River. holding this position up to the present time, excepting the eight years of Grover Cleve- land's administration. On October 16, 1880, Mr. Martin platted the village site, compris- ing about sixty acres of the one hundred and sixty then owned by him, and has not only disposed of all these lots but has made sev- eral other additions, making about two hun- dred platted in all, the majority of which have been sold. The village of Indian River has enjoyed a steady and substantial growth from the beginning. being now about five hundred, which during the summer months is augmented by about one thousand resort- ers. Since 1880 land hereabouts has in- creased in value from four hundred to five hundred per cent. Mr. Martin has recently

806

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF

spent about six thousand dollars in filling in and draining a lot of otherwise worthless land, much piling being required in the op- eration, while intersecting this he has con- structed canals so that all the adjoining land- owners will have a water front. This sec- tion has been named Constance Park and is considered one of the choice residence sections, being located at the entrance to Burt lake. Mr. Martin is proud of his suc- cess since locating here, as he has just reason to be, and is considered as the actual founder and promoter of the village. One of the most notable features of Indian River vil- lage is the fact that at an average depth of one hundred and sixty feet flowing water may be obtained, at a temperature of forty- four degrees, cool enough to keep butter, milk, vegetables, etc., in as good condition as could be done with ice, thus avoiding large expense and reducing trouble to the mini- nrum. About fifty of these welts have been sunk at Indian River village and their avail- ability certainly adds largely to the desira- bility of the place as a residence location. The force of the water is sufficient to an- swer all local needs, such as home and store interior hydrants, bath, lawn sprinkling, park fountains, etc., and the flow is as con- stant and steady as could be secured from an artificial system. The only actual ex- pense connected with the water works is the original cost of sinking the wells, approxi- mating probably about fifty dollars. an in- significant sum when compared with results and subsequent cheapness and exemption from any form of municipal taxation.

Mr. Martin is a native of this state, hav- ing been born in Branch county, where he was reared and secured his education. Upon attaining maturity he went to St. Louis,

where for a time he was engaged in the stave business, and then came to the site of what is now Indian River village, since which time his career is well known to all the residents of this section, who fully ap- preciate his efforts to make this an ideal spot. Politically Mr. Martin is a Republi- can and is the present chairman of the town- ship committee, while his is a familiar face at all county and state conventions of his party. He watches closely over the best interests of the community, doing every- thing in his power to advance the material, moral, social and educational welfare of the village, and is held in the highest regard by all who know him.

PAUL H. HOEFT.

Among the leaders in business and po- litical circles in Presque Isle county, Michi- gan, the subject of this sketch deserves men- tion. Mr. Hoeft is a member of the firm of Herman Hoeft & Son and is the active manager of the large interests controlled by them, his father, Herman Hoeft, having retired from business and now residing in California. The subject has been connected with the business as a partner since 1890 and has been closely identified with every advance and forward stride made by the concern. The firm operates a large stave, heading and saw-mill at Rogers City. They also own a large tract of hardwood and hem- lock timber, and in connection with their other enterprises operate a large general store at Rogers City. The mercantile busi- ness was inaugurated at Rogers City in 1873 by Herman Hoeft. Aside from his own

807

NORTHERN MICHIGAN.

business interests, the subject of this sketch has taken a deep interest in the welfare of the city of his residence, having been a sub- stantial and vital force in its upbuilding and development. He is exerting every effort and influence within his control to the end that the United States government may be induced to establish at Rogers City a harbor of refuge, for the safety of lake vessels in time of storm. Such an enterprise is greatly needed and its construction would mean the expenditure of considerable money in this community, besides the lasting benefit of the improvement. He is also interested with W. . F. Cowhan and his associates in the location at Rogers City of an immense cement plant. Three thousand acres of limestone and marl lands have been secured to this end, and the enterprise will undoubtedly prove a valuable acquisition to the industries of the county. Another enterprise conducted by Mr. Hoeft which has proven a public convenience is the freight steamer "Starke," which runs between this port and Chicago.

In politics Mr. Hoeft is a stanch Repub- lican and has been active in the interests of his party as a member of the county com- mittee, being frequently called into consul- tation on state political matters. All in all, Mr. Hoeft has amply demonstrated his dis- interested regard for the welfare of his community at large and has justly earned the respect and esteem of all who know of him and his works.

HON. JOHN J. MCCARTHY.

In many different official capacities, as well as 'in the regular routine of his private professional life, the subject of this sketch

has evinced abilities of a high order, and no citizen of his community is more deserv- ing the title "progressive." Born in Gratiot county, this state, Mr. McCarthy is, as his name indicates, of Irish blood, his father, Daniel McCarthy, being a native of Ireland, while his mother, whose maiden name was Melissa Dexter, was born in Vermont. The subject was educated in the common schools of Gratiot county and in the St. Louis high school. He read law in the office of Newell Leonard, at St. Louis, and in 1884 he was formally admitted to the bar. During the years from 1889 to 1896 he was a resident of Oscoda county, and in 1896 he located in Standish, where he has since resided, be- ing actively engaged in the practice of his profession, in which he has been eminently successful, having been connected with some of the most important cases tried in the courts of this and adjoining counties. Dur- ing the years of his residence in Gratiot county he served as clerk of Pine River township and circuit court commissioner. While in Oscoda county he was prosecuting attorney four years and member of the board of school examiners six years. In 1898 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Arenac county, serving one term. In 1902 he was elected on the Republican ticket to the leg- islature, representing the district composed of Alcona, Iosco, Arenac and Ogemaw. coun- ties and known as the Iosco district. He at once took a deep interest in the duties of his position and rendered such effective service that in 1904 he was re-elected. In the pres- ent legislature he is the chairman of the ju- diciary committee, a very important position, and is a member of the committees on ap- portionment, rules and joint rules and the Upper Peninsula prison. Among other

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Biographical history of northern Michigan containing biographies of prominent citizens, Part 104

Author: Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Indianapolis : B.F. Bowen Number of Pages: 966

Author:
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Indianapolis : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 966